Welsh singer songwriter Gwenno brought her Celtic Futurism Tour to Cleere’s Bar & Theatre in Kilkenny, delivering a captivating performance that proved less about spectacle and more about atmosphere. As the third date of her seven night Irish tour, the evening showcased an artist completely at ease in her own creative world.
Performing without a support act, Gwenno took to the stage alone, armed only with her keyboards. The stripped back setup placed the focus squarely on her distinctive voice, evocative songwriting. In the intimate, seated surroundings of Cleere’s, the performance felt almost conversational, drawing the audience into every note.
There were moments throughout the evening when it felt as though the audience had stepped back in time. The warm lighting, close proximity to the stage, and hushed attention of the crowd combined to create the atmosphere of a 1950s speakeasy, where every song was delivered with quiet confidence and genuine connection. Rather than relying on elaborate production, Gwenno allowed the music to speak for itself.
A significant portion of the set was performed in Cornish, the Celtic language that has become a defining feature of her solo work. For those unfamiliar with the language, its lyrical quality added another dimension to the performance. At times, the flowing melodies and ancient words evoked a distinctly medieval atmosphere, while the electronic textures of the keyboards simultaneously looked towards the future. It was this unique blend of old and new that perfectly embodied the spirit of the Celtic Futurism Tour.
Gwenno’s ability to fuse heritage, language, and contemporary music into something entirely her own remains one of her greatest strengths. Her performance in Kilkenny was understated yet deeply absorbing, proving that an artist needs little more than a voice, a keyboard, and a room willing to listen.
For those fortunate enough to experience this intimate stop on her Irish tour, it was an evening that lingered long after the final note had faded, a reminder that some of the most memorable concerts are also the most personal.
Gwenno photos:
Photos & words – Ian Mc Donnell @mcgigmusic