So the second night of the St Brígíds Music & Arts Festival came around and it was back to Billy Byrnes Gastro Bar & Venue for the first of two shows that were to finish out the live music side of the festival.
The second show being Paul Noonan (Bell X1) with support from Sinéad White.
Aoife Nessa Frances has two album behind her and the audience were treated to mostly songs from her second ”Protector” which filled the room with some beautiful soundscapes, as a review of the album states ”Protector builds pastoral landscapes through light flourishes and open spaces. Songs float effortlessly, remaining anchored by Frances deep voice” and thats what it was, standing there listening one was couldn’t help but drift away on a cloud of peacefulness.
Joining her on stage were two band members, one on bass guitar and another switching between Saxophone/Flute and keys. Only fault with the night was it wasn’t long enough, you need more than an hour once you get caught up in the music.
Aoife Nessa Frances photos:
9pm swung round and it was off to The Set theatre for Paul Noonan better known as the frontman of the Irish band Bell X1 and opening for Paul was Sinéad White whom has been sighted as on the borderline of stardom and has worked with numerous Irish artist as-well as now release her own solo work.
Sinéad braved the stage just armed with an acoustic guitar and got swiftly into playing, at one point putting away the guitar to sing a cappella, to which a magical hush fall over the room
A brief break between acts before Paul walked out to a now nice full venue, Paul took up position on a chair centre stage ( Which Sinéad had commented about during her set and that was how much Paul like the chair) picked up the guitar and started playing as smoke surrounded his feet and red light ingulfed him, which I have to say looked pretty impressive (not a fan of red stage light lol) also on stage with Paul was a single snare drum with Paul used through looping while he played guitar. Throughout the night and between songs we got some stories and insight in to certain songs.
Sinéad White photos:
Paul Noonan photos:
So to end all I can say is for its first year the St Brígíds Music & Arts Festival was a roaring success which brought some beautiful and enchanted sounds to the city and there could be no better way to welcome in the Spring ( no arguing over if springs starts in February or March please lol. We are in Ireland and its February.
Heres to next years festival!