PPRUA of monumental cultural champions of the music industry Venue | Waterways Ireland | 6 September to October 8

FLive welcomes Julian Friers, internationally renowned Past President of The Royal Ulster Academy with his 23 monumental Portraits of Cultural Champions associated with the Music industry, including three very special additional portraits of broadcaster and writer John Kelly, Internationally renowned singer songwriter Neil Hannon and acclaimed traditional musician Gaby McArdle. All three are being exhibited for the first time.

Also included are Mary Black, Paul Brady, Soak, Andy Irvine, DJs Annie Mac and Dave Fanning, Bronagh Gallagher and her fellow Derry native Andrew Ferris, front man of legendary cult band Jetplane Landing, guitar maker George Lowden and festival founder Paddy Glasgow.

All these subjects are, very specifically, associated with Ireland. Most are from here, others moved here, but all have contributed to our rich musical heritage. Some are instantly recognizable; others are less familiar champions but, says Julian, “They all have a story to tell.”

The exhibition will also provide a unique setting for a very special evening with John Kelly and friends as he shares his recently launched collection of Poems Notions, followed by a brief Q and A with friend and author Séamas MacAnnaidh and a musical performance by Gaby McArdle.

Collapse The Box: Julian Friers from Northern Visions NvTv on Vimeo.