Dj Set
Fri 2nd: The Apple Market @ 6 – 8pm
Cool teatime grooves to launch your Apple Market Spraoi Weekend.
KiBoDaiko Taiko Drummers
Fri 2nd: O’Connell St. @ 7.30pm
The group have played together for fifteen years. Ki means bundle of energy, Bo means the stick, and Daiko means this type of Japanese drumming. All the players in the group are students at the Taiko Dojo Monika Volmer school in Hemer, Germany. Their debut performance at Spraoi Festival arose from the twinning between Waterford City & County Council and Märkischer Kreis, and a visit by delegates from their region to Waterford’s Cultural Quarter in 2023.
Babel Brass
Fri 2nd: The Apple Market @ 8:30pm
Babel Brass is one of UK’s most dynamic and award-winning brass ensembles. With electrifying performances that blend pop, drum & bass, funk, hip-hop, and jazz, Babel Brass brings a unique energy to every stage. Their vibrant shows have ignited festivals and events across Europe, captivating audiences with original arrangements and stunning solos.
Ashley Sheehan and Laura Fan
Fri 2nd: O’Connell St. @ 8:45pm
Two class musicians with a eclectic collection of quality songs headline Friday evening’s opening of Spraoi in the Cultural Quarter. Ashley and Laura create a big musical punch thanks to their experimentation with, and incorporation of, multi-layered sonics in their set. They infuse loved songs with cutting edge energy.
Two Time Polka
Sat 3rd: O’Connell St. @ 4.30pm
Firm Spraoi Festival favourites Two Time Polka seamlessly blend electric and acoustic musical strands to create toe-tapping moments of sheer joy. Interweaving bluegrass, Cajun, and country influences with rock n roll riffs the band is an ideal companion for an afternoon spent in sunshine with friends and a cold beer.
Son Solar
Sat3rd: The Apple Market @ 5.00 p.m.
Dynamic Latin band Son Solar brings the rhythms of Latin America to The Apple Market for Spraoi. With 10 talented members from Colombia, Cuba, Chile, France, Portugal, Venezuela, and Ireland, they’re a melting pot of Latin rhythms. Son Solar’s lineup boasts a colourful array of instruments, from the sultry melodies of the trumpet to the pulsating rhythms of the bongos and tumbadoras, ensuring a captivating performance every time. One gig only at Spraoi. The Apple Market hosts their one and only gig at Spraoi ’24. Catch this must see Saturday street party band.
Kelly’s Lot
Sat 3rd: Mall Lane (Katty Barry’s) @ 5.30pm
All the way from California and featuring at Spraoi is the superb blues and roots duo Kelly’s Lot. Kelly Z and Perry Robinson are joined on this tour by Harmonica player Paddy Smith. “Kelly Z is one of the most unique artists in all of contemporary blues, continually challenging herself to greater heights,” says the Nashville Roots and Blues Alliance. A rare Waterford opportunity to sample the best of contemporary blues.
The Jam Tarts
Sat 3rd: Bailey’s New St. @ 5.30pm
Original members of The Jam Tarts reassemble for a Saturday afternoon gig at Spraoi. The band’s music shaped a soundscape for Waterford party goers, especially in sadly demised venues like The Forum. The venues may be gone, their vibrant music lives, sample these fantastic musicians with flawless taste in the music they play.
Dj Set
Fri 2nd: Bank Lane (Itty Bittys) @ 6 – 10pm
Top sounds from top spinners outdoors @ Bank Lane, off The Mall.
Hightown Crows
Sat 3rd: O’Connell Street @ 6.30pm
A powerhouse of original Rockabilly grooves with pulsing bass, drums, guitar, harmonica and vocals. The band’s feel-good energy has entertained audiences at an array of major internationally renowned festivals including Glastonbury. Hightown Crows play Spraoi for the first time this year . The band play three shows only, and are a must see act on every music lover’s list of festival highlights.
Oracle Villa
Sat 3rd: The Apple Market @ 7.15pm
Oracle Villa is a rock and roll band drawing inspiration from the timeless sounds of the Rolling Stones, the poetic genius of Bob Dylan, the experimentalism of Sonic Youth, and the Britpop stylings of Blur. With their unique blend of classic and contemporary influences, Oracle Villa’s sound is characterized by raw energy, catchy hooks, and powerful guitar-driven melodies. Definitely worth seeing at Spraoi.
Kelly’s Lot
Sat 3rd: Bailey’s New St. @ 7.45pm
All the way from California and featuring at Spraoi is the superb blues and roots duo Kelly’s Lot. Kelly Z and Perry Robinson are joined on this tour by Harmonica player Paddy Smith. “Kelly Z is one of the most unique artists in all of contemporary blues, continually challenging herself to greater heights,” Nashville Roots and Blues Alliance. A rare Waterford opportunity to sample the best of contemporary blues.
HURRICANE TRIO
Sat 3rd: Mall Lane (Katty Barry’s) @ 8.30pm
Funk, rock, blues, soul, and reggae unleashed on Spraoi Weekend – what’s not to love about this pulsating gig at Mall Lane. The Hurricanes Trio are rhythmically driven masters of good time grooves – have this one on your hit list
Forge Hounds
Sat 3rd: O’Connell St. @ 8.45pm
Inspired by Classic Rock legends like Thin Lizzy and ZZ Top, with punky Undertones and Hanoi Rocks infusions, Forge Hounds rock ‘n roll large! Featuring Paul J Bolger (Vocals / Rhythm Guitar), Mick Wall (Vocals / Lead Guitar), Steve Roche (Bass), and Andy Kavanagh (Drums) the band’s debut single amassed 200,000+ streams on Spotify. Forge Hounds play Spraoi once and once only. Let your good times roll!
Monroe
Sat 3rd: The Apple Market @ 8.45pm
Monroe features four exceptional musicians playing rock, pop, and blues from artists as diverse as Aretha Franklin, Alanis Morrissette, Pretenders, Amy Winehouse, Janis Joplin, Queen, Doobie Brothers, AC/DC, Guns ‘n’ Roses. Fronted by powerhouse vocalist Ciara McCormack, with Ger Egerton on lead guitar and vocals, Eric Coates on bass and vocals, and Paul Flynn on drums. The band has featured at major Irish festivals.
Hightown Crows
Sat 3rd: Bailey’s New Street @ 9pm
A powerhouse of original Rockabilly grooves with pulsing bass, drums, guitar, harmonica and vocals. The band’s feel-good energy has entertained audiences at an array of major internationally renowned festivals including Glastonbury. Hightown Crows play Spraoi for the first time this year . The band play three shows only, and are a must see act on every music lover’s list of festival highlights.
The Unusual Suspects
Sun 4th: O’Connell St. @ 4pm
Oozing musical class from every pore The Usual Suspects weave eardrums’ magic with strumming strings, class brass, a percussion potion, and vocals that celebrate the power of great songs. The Usual Suspects have a catalogue of great songs that entertain audiences in venues throughout Ireland. For a once off special the band is home for Spraoi. If you’ve seen them, you’ll be there. If you haven’t, you must.
River Orchard Ukuleles
Sun 4th: Revolution @ 4.30pm
Classy community rooted River Orchard Ukuleles feature at Spraoi for the first time. The band’s tuneful rhythms and harmonies bring classic songs and tunes to our streets on Spraoi Sunday. You can catch them twice, and we recommend you do.
Tan and Sober Gentlemen
Sun 4th: Bailey’s New Street @ 5pm
Born and raised in North Carolina, the Tan and Sober Gentlemen marry Irish fiddle and African banjo to play Irish tunes, ballads, pub songs right next to the Appalachian fiddle tunes of their youth, melding styles into what they call “Irish-American Hillbilly music”. Tan and Sober Gentlemen have stormed worldwide festivals and venues with their high energy intoxicating musical mix and you can see them twice at Spraoi this year.
Dj Set
Fri 2nd: Bank Lane (Itty Bittys) @ 6 – 10pm
Top sounds from top spinners outdoors @ Bank Lane, off The Mall.
River Orchard Ukuleles
Sun 4th: Mall Lane (Katty Barry’s) @ 6pm
Classy community rooted River Orchard Ukuleles feature at Spraoi for the first time. The band’s tuneful rhythms and harmonies bring classic songs and tunes to our streets on Spraoi Sunday. You can catch them twice, and we recommend you do.
Brass & Co.
Sun 4th: The Apple Market @ 6.30pm
This legendary Waterford band has deep roots in the city’s tradition of superb brass playing. The band features top brass players blended with fantastic vocals to create a big sound that sends an energy charge through audiences of all ages. Brass & Co play one gig only at Spraoi and would love you to join their pre-parade Apple Market party.
Omega 5
Sun 4th: Mall Lane (Katty Barry’s) @ 7.30pm
Omega 3’s line-up grows to 5 for this one-off appearance at Spraoi. With distinctive vocals layered with guitar, bass, Sax. And harmonica the band is simply wonderful.
Knockadollys
Sun 4th, Bailey’s New Street @ 7.00 p.m.
Two excellent musicians play an eclectic set of traditional songs and tunes infusing them with contemporary riffs and energy.
Cry Before Dawn
Sun 4th: Bailey’s New Street @ 8.15pm
Cry Before Dawn’s music has been heard around the world. Their collection of finely crafted melodic songs have stood the test of time. They last played Spraoi Festival in 2016, attracting a capacity audience at John Robert’s Square. They return this year for a one-off show featuring songs of a generation and material from a new band album.
Tan and Sober Gentlemen
Sun 4th: O’Connell St. @ 8.30pm
Born and raised in North Carolina, the Tan and Sober Gentlemen marry Irish fiddle and African banjo to play Irish tunes, ballads, pub songs right next to the Appalachian fiddle tunes of their youth, melding styles into what they call “Irish-American Hillbilly music”. Tan and Sober Gentlemen have stormed worldwide festivals and venues with their high energy intoxicating musical mix and you can see them twice at Spraoi this year.
Hightown Crows
Sun 4th: The Apple Market @ 9pm
A powerhouse of original Rockabilly grooves with pulsing bass, drums, guitar, harmonica and vocals. The band’s feel-good energy has entertained audiences at an array of major internationally renowned festivals including Glastonbury. Hightown Crows play Spraoi for the first time this year . The band play three shows only, and are a must see act on every music lover’s list of festival highlights.