MUSIC NEWS: The line-up for this year's Kilkenny Rhythm Roots is taking shape, with many bands from the US and UK making the trip to the Marble City for the 15th year of the folk and country-based festival.

From May 4-7, the city will be overtaken by bands such as rockabilly siblings Kitty, Daisy Lewis, Richmond Fontaine members Willy Vlautin and Dan Eccles and Americana violinist Amanda Shires. Rod Picott, Richard Buckner, Hiss Golden Messenger, Charlie Parr, Israel Nash Gripka and Danny the Champions of the World will also play, with further additions to be confirmed next week.

"Our audiences have kept the faith and have continued to make the trip to Kilkenny year after year," said festival director John Cleere. "We've given Irish debuts to acts such as Calexico, Ryan Adams and Ray Lamontagne over the years – let's hope it happens again this year." kilkennyroots.com