The Poetry Stroll Poetry set to music, original songs and storytelling

Based in Ireland

Gorey, Leinster
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Location
Gorey, Leinster, Ireland
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Travel
up to 200 miles
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Price Guide

Available to book from POA. For an accurate quote please make an enquiry.

About / Biography

My name is Remco Jacobs. I'm a singer-songwriter specialising in musical settings of poetry, original songs and traditional parlour songs.

Whether it's a celebration of life's happy moments, such as weddings and anniversaries, or a more reflective occasion where we gather to remember and say goodbye to someone we love, poetry and music can add something deeply personal and meaningful. That's what I do.

I'm the founder of The Poetry Stroll, a Dublin literary walking tour guided by song, where I bring the lives and works of Ireland's literary greats to life through live music, poetry and storytelling.

I bring this same approach to private events, tailoring performances and experiences to suit the occasion. Whether you'd like me to set a favourite poem to music, perform a selection of songs and poetry, provide live music for a wedding or memorial, or create a bespoke Poetry Stroll experience for your guests, I'd love to hear from you.

Every occasion has its own story. Let's bring yours to life through music and poetry.

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Location

Based in Ireland

Gorey, Leinster
Travels up to 200 miles
green circle = areas covered (up to 200 miles)
pink circle = free travel (up to 80 miles)
Travel areas on the map are approximate (distances may vary) free quote

Song list

Love's Old Sweet Song (J.J. Molloy)

Oft in the Stilly Night (Thomas Moore)

The Last Rose of Summer (Thomas Moore)

The Lass of Aughrim (Traditional)

The Parting Glass (Traditional)

Believe Me If All Those Endearing Young Charms (Thomas Moore)

Silent O Moyle (Thomas Moore)

Finnegan's Wake (Traditional)

Strings in the Earth & Air (James Joyce/music by Remco Jacobs)

The Twilight Turns from Amethyst (James Joyce/music by Remco Jacobs)

Requiescat (Oscar Wilde/music by Remco Jacobs)

The Fead Fia (Susan L. Mitchell/music by Remco Jacobs)

Affinity (Æ George Russell/music by Remco Jacobs)

Why? (Leon Redbone)

Ain't Misbehavin' (Fats Waller)

Hesitation Blues (Jelly Roll Morton)

Mama You've Been On My Mind (Bob Dylan)

Shoals of Herring (Ewan MacColl)

Phonograph Blues (Robert Johnson)

They're Red Hot (Robert Johnson)

After Hours (The Velvet Underground)

Raindrops in My Coffee (Sexsmith and Kerr)

Technical Info

What are your basic technical requirements?

I can perform acoustically or amplified, both indoors and outdoors.


What information do you require about a venue?

I'd appreciate a general description of the performance space. For example, will I be performing in a private room, a hall or an outdoor setting? For outdoor performances, please let me know whether there is adequate shelter, such as an awning or covered area.


Do you provide sound and lighting equipment?

I can provide my own sound equipment. Lighting equipment is not provided, so any special stage or ambient lighting would need to be arranged by the venue.


Can you provide a Spotify/DJ service before and between your sets?

No.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best gig you've ever done and the best venue you've ever worked at?

I've always loved the concerts I've performed at the James Joyce Centre in Dublin. It's a beautiful Georgian building with wooden floors, high ceilings and large windows, and the acoustics are fabulous. You can have a substantial audience there, yet the atmosphere somehow always retains a sense of intimacy. That's what I like best.


What's your favourite type of event?

Any occasion where a meaningful connection between people is at the heart of the event, whether it's something festive and celebratory or a more solemn occasion.


What's your previous experience and how did you start gigging?

I've been performing professionally for over 17 years, playing coffee houses, pubs, music venues, churches and libraries, to name just a few of the places I've found myself performing over the years.

I studied music at conservatory level, earning both Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Music Composition and Performance.


Which artists have you been most influenced by, who is your favourite artist and what is the greatest song of all time?

I'm a huge Bob Dylan fan. Through his music, I've explored life in all its facets. His songs have also opened up a portal to the past, leading me to discover the music that came before him, particularly early blues and jazz from the 1920s and '30s.

At the moment, I'm travelling even further back in time, exploring the works of Irish poet and songwriter Thomas Moore and his songs from the early 1800s. So, I'm a bit of a time traveller!

As for the greatest song of all time, I'd have to say Dido's Lament by Henry Purcell. Perhaps a slightly pretentious answer, but I genuinely think it's the most beautiful song I know.

Performance Info

What are your typical setup and performance times?

I usually need around 45 minutes to set up and complete a soundcheck. I can perform up to two hours of music, depending on the occasion and the client's requirements.


Are you happy to perform outside?

Absolutely! I'm happy to perform both indoors and outdoors.


Do the clients have a say in what you play or is it a set repertoire list only?

I'm happy to tailor my performances to the occasion and take on composition commissions. If there's a particular poem that holds special meaning for you, I'd love to set it to music and create something unique for your event. I don't typically take individual song requests, but I'm always open to discussing ideas and suggestions.


How do previous clients most commonly describe your performances?

People often describe my performances as deeply human, unique and passionate.


Can you set a poem that's meaningful to me to music?

Absolutely! Just send me the poem and I'll have a look at it before coming back to you with an estimate of the time involved and a proposed fee.

Once we've agreed on the details, I'll get to work composing the piece. When I have an initial version ready, I'll share it with you so we can discuss the direction and make sure it captures what you have in mind.

Once the composition is finished, I'll perform it at your event and make a professional recording for you to keep as a lasting memento.


Can you turn an idea, phrase or personal message into a song?

Absolutely! You don't need to have a finished poem or piece of writing. It could be a particular phrase, an idea, a personal message or even just a feeling you'd like to express. We can discuss what you have in mind and how you'd like it to feature in the song.

I'll then work with your ideas to create an original musical piece, tailored to your occasion and the story you'd like to tell.

Recent Clients

The Poetry Stroll has performed for these clients:

A beautifully human performance where music and Irish literature meet. Gentle and powerful. Lee

An excellent, engaging experience with poetry and songs. Remco brings old songs alive and performs his original settings of Irish poetry. John

Wonderful, unforgettable performance with a great storyteller and a great musician. Hampa

Venues

The Poetry Stroll has performed at these venues:

The James Joyce Centre, Dublin

Wexford Arts Centre, Wexford

Sheen Falls Lodge, Kenmare

Smock Alley Theatre, Dublin

International Literature Festival Dublin

Dunbrody House, Wexford

Oscar Wilde House, Dublin

United Arts Club, Dublin

Fennelly's of Callan, Callan

The Abbey, Kildare

Killashee Hotel, Kildare

Wynn's Hotel, Dublin

More Info

Event types

Wedding

Party

Private Event

Corporate Event

Hotel / Restaurant Event

Funeral / Memorial

Concert

Recording Session

Cruise

Theatre Show

Genres

Medieval / Early Music

1920s Music

1960s Music

Folk

Traditional English Folk

Traditional Irish Folk

Originals

Features

100% acoustic (no power)
PA / sound system included
Male vocalist
Will travel internationally

Contact

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