Ballina Arts Centre supports local talent
Comedian Bob Hennigan will perform a hometown gig in Ballina Arts Centre later this month.
Ballina and it’s hinterland has always been a source of exceptional artistic talent. This part of Mayo can proudly point to a long list of local people who have gone on to make a name for themselves in the areas of music, comedy, and many other disciplines.
Over the coming weeks, Ballina Arts Centre will host the hometown gigs of two local artists who have done just that, and whose careers are in the ascendancy. In addition, the centre is calling out to new local musicians who would like an opportunity to play in front of a live audience as part of the centre's new Music at Lunchtime programme, which will run in June and July.
Ballina native Bob Hennigan returns to the Arts Centre on May 24th with his new show, 'So... any other craic?'
Described by the Vodafone Comedy Festival as “Mayo’s most charming ball of misery", Bob is a past winner of the prestigious TedFest Toilet Duck Award (where he saved the life of Wales’s top Elvis impersonator… true story) and the Galway Fringe Festival Comedy Award (where he didn’t realise he was in a competition… also a true story).
Bob has supported legends like Jimmy Carr, Kevin Bridges and Tommy Tiernan and, in 2023, toured with John Colleary and Reginald D. Hunter.
Following a diagnosis of ADHD in his forties, Bob started to speak about his experience with the condition and his show ‘It Doesn't ADhD Up,” sold out the Galway Comedy Festival. His new show, 'So… any other craic?' is the follow-up to this and it’s visit to Ballina promises to be a great night in front of his hometown crowd.
The following week, on Friday, May 31st, local singer-songwriter Cathal Connolly takes to the stage ahead of the release of his debut album. Cathal’s music is a heartfelt blend of folk and pop, with catchy melodies and honest, relatable lyrics. His acoustic guitar-driven sound creates an intimate atmosphere, inviting listeners to connect with his storytelling, and leaving them wanting more. The Knockmore singer-songwriter has shared stages with No Crows, Greenshine, and Cormac O’Caoimh in recent times, and has gained a reputation for fun and moving performances.
The talented Ballina singer-songwriter, Aisling Mullarkey, will be the support act for the night.
“Aisling is a top-class performer. She has supported Lisa Hannigan and Mundy and has a much larger social media following than me," says Cathal.
Tickets for both shows are available at the Box Office at 096-73593 or via the Arts Centre's website.
Meanwhile, the Music at Lunchtime series will take place during June and July. You are invited to to grab your sandwich and your coffee and come to the centre to hear local musicians play, free of charge. The programme will include local artists that have already gained a reputation at home and abroad, as well as up-and-coming new musicians from the community. There will be harpists, sopranos, Jazz musicians and guitarists.
The centre is asking local musicians who would like to get involved to contact Audrey Robinson via the centre e-mail at info@ballinaartscentre.com.
"We want to give local musicians a chance to play in front of a live audience, while at the same time giving the community a chance to have a wonderful experience at the Arts Centre free of charge," says Audrey.
So, if you are, or know of, a budding local talent, do contact the Arts Centre as soon as possible. Auditions will be held at the end of May.
In the meantime, mark Wednesday lunchtimes in June and July in your diary and do go along and experience these free gigs. You never know, you may well end up being among the first to see the newest ‘big thing’ from Ballina.
