NOW in its third year, I.NY will again bring a diverse lineup to its Limerick base. The festival celebrates the links between Ireland and New York telling “one story at a time.”
Supported by Fáilte Ireland, University of Limerick, Shannon Heritage and Limerick City and County Council, this year features Dr. Jane O’Meara Sanders of The Sanders Institute; James O’Neil, appointed the 43rd New York City police commissioner in September 2016; Kevin Barry, Booker Prize nominee, and recording artist and fiddle player Martin Hayes.
The festival takes place this weekend from October 16 to 20 across the city.
‘Kevin Barry: In The New Yorker’ happens at St. John’s Church (Dance Limerick) on Friday October 18. The multi-award winning Limerick-born author will be in conversation with DJ and broadcaster Aoife Nic Canna discussing his work with the magazine and the influence of New York music and clubbing culture on both Kevin’s and Aoife’s work.
Founder of the I.NY festival, Limerick based Dave O’Donovan told Limerick Post that he was delighted to introduce St. John’s Church, John’s Square as a venue for this year’s festival. It is one of Dave’s favourite locations in the city; he promoted and ran very successful events in the church in his 20 years in event programming.
“We are delighted to return to St. John’s Church since running gigs with Villagers and Glen Hansard there.”
Author Kevin Barry is an exciting addition to the festival with strong links to New York. He is also originally from Limerick and indeed spent some of his early years as a journalist in The Limerick Post.
“We are really looking forward to have Kevin Barry here.
“We are just big fans of the work. The interesting thing about the project, almost everyone I speak to has a story about New York. And equally when we go to New York, everyone has a story about here.”
As does Aoife Nic Canna who will lead the interview. Her music is very much influenced by the New York house and disco scene. She tours and DJs continuously, her eight year residency in Dublin’s Rí- Rá a particular highlight.
Fiddle player Martin Hayes (The Gloaming) needs little introduction and his night of chat and music with RTÉ lyric fm’s John Kelly is an exciting prospect, happening at St. John’s Church on Sunday October 20.
Dave O’Donovan is rightly excited to hear what musician and broadcaster will conjure up when looking at a life’s work through the prism of New York’s influences.
The shows in the I.NY schedule are, of course, one-off experiences – the chance to be in the room with this sharing of stories and ideas comes once and once only.
“These shows are very specific and they happen once and they happen here. They don’t go on the road.”
Other music highlights during the festival: Mother DJ’s takeover on Friday 16 bringing Dublin’s legendary LGBTQ New York City disco influenced dance club to Dolan’s.
Donal Dineen vs Qool DJ Marv happens this Friday 16 at The Record Room.
Strictly Rhythm with Aoife NicCanna and Niall Colgan bring a night of New York house music to Dolan’s this Saturday October 19.
I.NY takes place in Limerick City from October 16 to 20. More at www.https://thisisiny.com