Sliabh An Iarainn Arts Festival

Posted on 25th Jul 07 by Liam Tyrrell | 0

Artist: Preview
Author: Liam Tyrell

Sliabh An Iarainn Arts Festival " Drumshanbo" Co. Leitrim. August 3"5
Those of you" who follow these pages with interest" or even with no interest" may remember that I returned a happy man from the depths of Leitrim last summer " Sliabh An Iarainn Arts Festival 2006".

This festival is where you absolutely must go if you are sick of the big promoters stealing 200 bucks off you so that you may have the privilege of camping in the midst of some terrifying pack of uncultured dogs whilst being charged eight times the going rate for everything from undercooked chips to sanitary towels. SAI festival is" for me at any rate" much more than a music festival. Nestled comfortably on the banks of Lough Allen" the site itself is a small" home"from"home type affair. The people are crazy" but friendly" and the entertainment isn"t bad either. There"s all kinds of workshops at which you can learn to dance like an Egyptian" mend your trusty rothar" bang on a drum like a tribal war chief" and paint your kids" faces for fun. That"s right folks" SAI is totally family friendly" and to be fair" at last year"s event it looked like the kids had a better time than most of the adults.

Musically speaking" or should that be singing" there"s some real gems on the bill this year. You can see Eurovision drop"outs Dervish" Munster nutters Los Langeros" ex"Kraftwerk robot Wolfgang Flur" trad"chanteuse Roisin Breathnach" reggae darlings Herbal Jahz "although with half the band on a J"1 they"ve rebranded as Frowned Upon" and even that may change by the time we"re halfway down". Electrophiles will love the Planet Mu connection" along with crowd pleasers 808State and DJ Qbert" while the more folky amongst us will be eagerly awaiting some old"fashioned sean"n"s and storytelling with Eddie Lenihan. There"s also a plethora of punky/rocky/funky/ska"ey"type bands playing on the Poo Promotions stage" including the likes of Social Lube" Easpa Measa" The Dubtones" Runnin" Riot" Captain Spaulding" Mr. Blueface" and my personal favorite name that I"ve picked off the list" Only Fumes and Corpses.

SAI is an education my friends. Come on down and see what it means to be free from all the turmoil associated with bigger festivals. It"s a real treat to go to an event where you" the customer" are treated with decency and respect" and where your enjoyment is paramount. SAI Festival is a steal at "75 for a pre"paid ticket" its 90 bucks if you show up on a whim on the day" and it comes with the highest of recommendations from a man who is dubious and doubtful about everything. I also endorse attending this festival.