The second year of the Kilkenny Country Roots Weekend, which kicks off on Friday, is a textbook example of how to get events such as these right. While the supporting cast showcases some of the best of Irish roots and country (Mick Hanly, Great Western Squares, Niall Toner, et al), it's the visiting acts that really whet the appetite. Top of the list is Rodney Crowell (right), closely followed by Kinky Friedman. While the former is undoubtedly one of the best country songwriters of the past 20 years (his style is courageously frank and left-of-centre), the latter's irreverent view of country cliche hits the spot every time. The event also features ghostly dustbowl rockers Calexico; acoustic roots minimalists The Gourds; twangy rockabilly from Sonny George; and Travis T. Merle's perverse stage show of his Edinburgh Festival hit, The History of Sexual Deviancy In Country Music.
