Yee ha a gogo

If you actually need a reason to go to Kilkenny next weekend, then the city's Rhythm 'n' Roots festival in association with Carlsberg has lined up many excellent excuses. Top of the list for most will probably be the Norfolk folk chanteuse Beth Orton - who plays on Sunday - but a more fascinating option will be the legendary Odetta (Saturday) who comes to Ireland hot on the heels of a Grammy nomination for her wonderful Blues Everywhere I Go, a celebration of the great early blues singers. Other must-see acts include the gospel-influenced Holmes Brothers, Howe Gelb's weird and wonderful Giant Sand, honky-tonk heroes The Derailers, Mercury Rev's Adam Snyder, Stacey Earle (yes, Steve's highly regarded sister), folk legend John Stewart, rockabilly wizard Boz Boorer and friends (last year's festival hit), the Tennessee Rhythm Riders and Guy Davis, a guitarist fast gaining a serious reputation as a traditional blues player. The weekend kicks off on Friday and winds down on Monday.