The organisers of the Kilkenny Rhythm and Roots festival have announced the first acts confirmed for the 2010 event, running from April 30 to May 3.
 
Jason Ringenberg will be giving an outing to the most rocking of his multiple incarnations, visiting Kilkenny as lead singer of Jason and the Scorchers. The band, who have been performing together since the early 1980s, were given a Lifetime Achievement in Performance Award by the Americana Music Association in 2008.
 
Newer to the scene, but making an immediate impact on the country rock scene, is the Band of Heathens. The four-piece Austin band made its first appearances in the UK last year, to rave reviews and big crowds.
 
It’s 40 years since bluesman Chris Smither’s first album, but he continues to attract a devoted following, with a spellbinding live show.
 
Western swing trio Hot Club of Cowtown are also playing in Kilkenny, prior to a wider tour of Ireland and the UK.
 
The Kilkenny festival takes place in venues through the town, with many free events in pubs as well as individually ticketed gigs.
 
http://www.kilkennyroots.com