BAG Gig - Casey Black (USA) - with Support from John Blek, and Mick Flannery - LIVE in Mick Murphy's, Monday Dec 8th, 2014

http://www.caseyblackmusic.com/

Casey Black makes his BAG debut in Mick Murphy's, Ballymore Eustace, Co. Kildare on Monday, December 8, 2014. 

Support on the night will be from John O'Connor - frontman with John Blek and The Rats, promoting his debut solo record 'Cutting Room Floor'.
http://johnblekandtherats.com/

Special guest appearance from Mick Flannery, fresh from a successful tour of Australia and New Zealand promoting his current record, 'By The Rule' http://www.mickflannery.com/

Casey Black is the Nashville-born, Columbia-University-educated, gravel-voiced, literary singer-songwriting son of Charlie Black, NSAI Hall of Fame songwriter of more than a dozen #1 country hits. Casey wrote his first song at twelve years old, released his first "record" three years later (a cassette of songs he recorded in his basement on his father's hand-me-down equipment), and signed with EMI Music Publishing Nashville at nineteen, making him one of the youngest staff songwriters on Music Row. 

Moving to Los Angeles, to find his own way, he released two records in the following five years. He then moved again - to New York, this time, where he hooked up with Niall Connolly, the Irish-born figurehead of Brooklyn's Big City Folk scene. Inspired by the literary and honest approach to songwriting of the scene's players, he threw himself back into music and made his third record, 'It Shapes Me As It Goes'.

Drawing a close to a circular decade, Casey returned to Tennessee last year, where he lives with his wife in a small country house outside of Nashville. His new record, 'Lay You In The Loam' was released earlier this year. Casey, who owns more books than he does records, writes a literary lyric in the conversational, storytelling style–songs about optimistic pessimists, about the battles between the brain and the guts–and his deep singing voice is tumbled with gravel. It's a unique and compelling combination, one which may, as KCRW's Tricia Halloran put it, restore one's "faith in the lost art of damn fine songwriting." 

In the past year Casey completed two successful tours in Ireland, the first with Mick Flannery; the second with Niall Connolly. This time he'll be headlining, and building on a growing following, this tour promises to raise his profile to where it deserves to be, and beyond.

Videos: 'The Sarge': https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cm5sex9ryfs

 'I've Spent My Whole Life': https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fWTPZK4f-WI

'Flowers': https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VSgwry105uA

PLEASE NOTE: This gig will certainly sell out on the night; capacity is 55, so do please come early. As the venue is an old building, there are sight line issues from some positions in the bar - from some positions you cannot see the performance area. Its not a problem with normal sized attendances, but on busy nights, it comes into play. Just letting you know!

Mary Coughlan with James Delaney - LIVE in Mick Murphy's, Monday Nov. 24, 2014

http://www.marycoughlanmusic.com

It's been some years since Mary Coughlan played Ballymore Eustace, but that's about to be put to rights. Mary makes her triumphant return to Mick Murphy's Bar, Ballymore Eustace on Monday, November 24th. Doors open, 8:30pm; Gig 9:30pm sharp. Admission: €15 at the door.

A lot has been written and a lot has been said, whispered, recounted, alleged, supposed and presumed. It’s all quite forgotten now and the songs remain the same, they remain a testament to Mary Coughlan’s seemingly timeless and endless talent. Her smoky, bluesy, boozy drawl has always been a seduction, no matter what the subject. The vocal marrying of sardonic wit, visceral rage, orgiastic between the sheets passion, the tenderest of sorrowful regrets; this is Mary’s talent. Regardless of the elements she chooses to manipulate with flawless ease, Mary’s voice has always been an unforeseen, sudden seduction. This is why she is so loved. Throughout the over 25 years of her quite extraordinary recording career Mary has drawn heavily from her legendary heroes; Billie Holiday’s grievous, teary outpourings, the husky flirtations of Peggy Lee, Van Morrison’s soulful wails, the defiant chanteusery of Edith Piaf. All are present and correct in her delivery. Even so, Mary, with her naked honesty makes every song her own; they belong to her and nobody else.

Mary will be joined, on piano, by James Delaney. Put simply, James is perhaps the finest keysman on the Irish music scene, and the perfect sideman for Mary Couglan's Jazz/Blues/Soul set list.

This will be a memorable show in the intimate surroundings of Mick Murphy's, so come early, bring a friend, and enjoy one of the greatest female singers that Ireland has to offer.

Videos: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x972cJY9I-c&list=RDHC6afAiWsWa-k

Cam Penner & Jon Wood - LIVE in Mick Murphy's, Monday Nov 17, 2014

http://www.campenner.com/

Making his BAG debut, accompanied on electric guitars by guitarist/producer Jon Wood, Canadian, Cam Penner plays Mick Murphy's, Ballymore Eustace, Co. Kildare on Monday, November 17. Doors 8:30pm; Gig 9:15pm. Admission: €12 at the door.

Most highly recommended.

Listen to this great singer/songwriter here:
http://www.campenner.com/listen.html

Also, check out a video of 'Driftwood' here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IXa_V_0fcIQ

Americana UK writer Mike Ritchie awarded Cam & Jon his Gig of The Year accolade last time they were over - ahead of Neil Young, Sam Baker, Steve Earle, etc. In his review of the show, he said it "never dipped below magical". That's a pretty serious endorsement.

'To Build a Fire' is an album of leaving and new beginnings- not because anything is so bad perhaps but because things can always be better. If there is a chance, you have to look. Cam had recently escaped the city to live in his new dwelling in the mountains with his sweetheart and new daughter- new start, new challenges. Ideas were trusted and built upon quickly, the unfamiliar was used as confidently as the familiar, pushing the conventions of what can still be called folk music back to where it should be- immediate and honest.
Cam Penner has carved his own path. Music born from the soil and sin of this world. His last album, WCMA Nominated "Gypsy Summer" debuted at number 16 on the FOLK BILLBOARD Charts. It was featured along with a full interview on NPR's 'All Music Considered' and toured the album through both Eastern & Western Canada, UK, Scotland, the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany and France.

"It’s Captain Beefheart experimenting with folk, David Crosby unleashed, Woody Guthrie reincarnated"
- Folk Words

"If music had a quota system, then the category of singer-songwriter would be closed due to overcrowding. Thankfully there isn't, because Cam Penner and his emotional songs of lives lived and experiences endured and enjoyed deserve to be heard in all their stoical splendour."
- Irish Times

Frankie Lane & Paul Kelly - LIVE in Mick Murphy's, November 10, 2014

Frankie Lane (http://www.frankielane.com/index.html) and Paul Kelly have been making music together, on and off for more years than they probably care to remember.

They have been a part of, or played with, the best of Irish music outfits since the early 1980's, most notably - The Fleadh Cowboys, and have shared stages, and studios with some of the greatest international performing and recording artists.

Singer/songwriter/guitarist/dobro playing Frankie, and multi-instrumentalist (fiddle/mandolin/banjo) Paul, play BAG at Mick Murphy's, Ballymore Eustace, Co. Kildare, Monday, November 10, 2014.

Doors open 8:30pm; Gig 9:15pm. Admission: €12 at the door.

Videos: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JwsCgFPJkcI
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=trQA_-3MFpU
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pdDH1GMc09c

Frankie Lane, with trademark red hat!

Paul Kelly, fiddling away to his heart's content.

The Lost Brothers - LIVE in Mick Murphy's, Monday Nov 3, 2014.

(c) Mark McNulty

http://thelostbrothersband.com/

The Lost Brothers - Mark McCausland (left in pic), and Oisin Leech - are delighted to announce tour dates for Ireland across October and November, including a headline show at Whelans, Dublin on 15th November in support of their new record, 'New Songs Of Dawn and Dust'.
I'm delighted to welcome back The Lost Brothers to play BAG at Mick Murphy's, Ballymore Eustace, Co. Kildare, on Monday, November 3rd. Doors open at 8:30pm; admission is €15 at the door.

'New Songs Of Dawn and Dust', is the start of something new for the Irish duo. Their previous release, 2012's The Passing Of The Night, was the closing chapter in a trilogy of records that started with their debut album 'Trails of the Lonely' in 2008.
The band describe musical influences that range from Ennio Morricone to Jack Nitzsche to Beck, from Chuck Berry to Harry Nilsson, from Sweeney's Men to Van Morrison, from Bob Dylan to Lou Reed and Nick Cave.
"This new album steps away from the strictly folk/americana thing and opens up a new door for us," says Oisin.
The first single from the album is Derridae, and you watch the video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DkU7SUKux9A

What Goes Around.....

Let me share with you this little tale....

It's 1991. I'm 21, just out of college, with an ever-deepening interest in music, and, in particular, in singer/songwriters with a story to tell, a message to pass on.

I've just been to a Dublin record store to buy Billy Bragg's new release - 'Don't Try This At Home' - and we're driving home; I'm in the back seat listening to my purchase on my Sony Walkman cassette player. I'm reading the liner notes and lyrics while listening.

On comes track #3 - 'Everywhere'. It's tells the story of two American kids who grew up together in pre-WWII America. One kid is All-American; the other, Japanese American. America's entry into the war led to different experiences for both, though both lose their lives; the former dies in uniform, serving his country on some island, somewhere in The Phillipines; the latter dies by his own hand, broken by the racially motivated treatment he receives as a falsely suspected spy in his own country.

The song is a little different in style to Bragg's previous material, so I check the credits: he didn't write it; it's a cover written by someone I've never heard of. Great song, though, and I make a mental note to check out the writer, and carry on with my listening, to the echoes of the chorus: "Over here, over there; its the same everywhere - a boy cries out for his mother, before he dies for his home". Years go by, and I never do check him out.

This was all pre-internet, you understand, so researching new artists was more difficult than nowadays. 

Now, fast forward to 2005. I'm now the sound guy for the regular Monday night gig in Ballymore Eustace - run, at the time, by my late, great friend, Larry Roddy. I'm awaiting the arrival of tonight's act; I haven't met, or worked with him before, but Larry assures me I'll like his stuff. His name is Greg Trooper. The name vaguely rings a bell, but I can't place it.
He arrives, we do the introductions, chat for while; I soundcheck him, and he goes off to eat. Later he plays a great show full of fine, fine songs. Nice guy; great songwriter. 
We hit it off from the start; he compliments my efforts on sound, and he invites me to his Dublin show at the weekend, when he'll open for Sid Griffin's band ' The Long Ryders' in Whelan's of Wexford Street. I tell him I'll try to make it, but I'm unsure if I can.

That Saturday, I manage to make it to the gig, and we meet up just before Greg's set. He takes the stage and he's playing a blinder, when he starts into a song; I recognise the opening bars. And then, that first line: "Dig in boys for an extended stay; those were the final orders to come down today". 

Holy smokes! That's 'Everywhere'; Greg is the guy that wrote it - that's where I know his name from: the name in the credits, all those years ago...

When his set is done, I tell Greg the story, and he delights in my little tale.

So, 2014, and I haven't seen Greg for a few years. But I'll be very happy to welcome him back to Ballymore Eustace - where I now run that gig - next Monday, October 20th.

Come on out, and meet this great singer/songwriter/human being. Greg's work has been covered by so many great singers, that maybe there's a song recorded by one of them that you've loved for half your life without ever having had the opportunity to connect with its writer. Monday night could be your chance. You never know...

Greg Trooper

After all that, here's the song: 'Everywhere' - 
Greg Trooper: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NJppom5Nzgo
and, a version by Billy Bragg: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VYNhyziSFWY

Greg Trooper plays Mick Murphy's Bar, Ballymore Eustace, Monday Oct 20. Doors 8:30pm; Admission: €12 at the door. www.gregtrooper.com

Greg Trooper - LIVE in Mick Murphy's, Monday October 20, 2014

Greg Trooper returns to Ireland mid-October for his first tour in several years. He plays Mick Murphy's, Ballymore Eustace, Co. Kildare, Monday Oct 20. Doors 8:30pm; Admission: €12

www.gregtrooper.com

Here's a video of Greg's recent appearance on the legendary Nashville TV Show, Music City Roots: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EeWxtV4UI7w

Greg Trooper is a singer/songwriter who has released 12 albums since 1986. Raised in the shore town of Little Silver, NJ he became enthralled by the greater New York area’s rich music scene. He discovered a sort of holy musical trinity in the work of Otis Redding, Bob Dylan, and Hank Williams, with their guiding lights of passion, literary dexterity and plainspoken honesty. It’s one reason Trooper’s music feels equally informed by Memphis soul, Greenwich Village folk and Nashville twang.

Trooper has made an impact on the music scenes in all the places he’s lived since leaving home after high school: Austin, Texas, Lawrence, Kansas, Nashville and New York. Music critics praise his poetic feel, infectious melodies and insightful lyrics. Americana star Buddy Miller produced 1998’s ‘Popular Demons’ album, while soul legend Dan Penn steered 2005’s extraordinary ‘Make It Through This World’.

His songs have been recorded by numerous artists including: Vince Gill, Steve Earle, Billy Bragg, Robert Earl Keen, Maura O’Connell, Lucy Kaplanskyand Tom Russell.

Ger Wolfe - LIVE in Mick Murphy's, Monday October 13

www.gerwolfe.com

Ger Wolfe returns to Mick Murphy's in Ballymore Eustace, Co.Kildare, on Monday, October 13th. Doors open at 8:30pm. Admission is €12 at the door.

Ger Wolfe is one of the finest Irish singer/songwriters of his generation - and I don't say that lightly. 
A master lyricist and poet, Ger Wolfe captures the beauty and joy in ordinary scenes of human existence, and transforms them into the remarkable; a gentle tenderness, and sense of wonder underpin Ger Wolfe's writing - evocative images abound, throughout.
A folk musician of considerable depth and breadth of ability, Ger Wolfe, LIVE, is a memorable experience; weaving a tapestry of his words and melodies, the listener is drawn into the weave, there to reside, wrapped in golden yarn, until gently cast off back into the night air at show's end.
It can change you; it can uplift you, and reaffirm your hope that there is beauty to be found out there. 

You have been warned.....

Ger Wolfe official YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/onceiwasawoolyhead

Rod Picott - LIVE in Mick Murphy's, October 6, 2014

www.rodpicott.com

Rod Picott returns to play BAG at Mick Murphy's, Ballymore Eustace, Co. Kildare on Monday, October 6th. Doors open at 8:30pm, and admission is €12 at the door.

Rod Picott is the songs he sings. Since before Woody Guthrie songwriters have soaked their public image in the sepia tones of the working life but Picott bears the real life scars of living that life. 
Rod Picott's songs are inhabited by sheetrock hangers, drinkers, circus hands, boxers and working girls and he sings about his characters with intimacy. Listening to a Rod Picott album you can smell the gasoline on a mechanics hands and the perfume of lovers in dark corners; he fondly tells the stories of the often voiceless blue collar regular 'Joe', for he was, and still is that soldier.

The son of a welder and former Marine, Picott grew up in the small mill town of South Berwick, Maine, Rod Picott has released five solo cds and one cd with sometimes duo partner Amanda Shires-- all to excellent reviews and extensive touring. The very definition of a modern troubadour Picott tours the U.S. in a Jeep Cherokee with a current odometer reading of 276,300 miles. Picott also tours annually in Europe and the U.K. to the tune of 130 plus shows yearly. Picott is lauded for his narrative and melodic songwriting, passionate delivery and darkly humorous onstage storytelling. 

'Haunted Man' - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RCZtdQH6J2M

Highly recommended.

Matt Andersen - LIVE in Mick Murphy's, Monday September 29, 2014

Website: http://www.stubbyfingers.ca/

Canadian powerhouse acoustic folk/roots/Bluesman Matt Andersen returns for his third BAG appearance in Mick Murphy's Bar in Ballymore Eustace, Co. Kildare, on Monday Sept. 29th. This is the first of only three dates on the island of Ireland, and one of two in the Republic, so I'm delighted he's able to come play for us again.
Doors open 8:30pm. Showtime 9:15pm sharp. Admission is €12 on the door.

For more info on Matt, here's a link to Matt's promo Bio: 
http://www.sonicentertainmentgroup.com/mediatools/mattandersen/MattAndersen_Bio.pdf

I'll just say that his new record, 'Weightless' has everything you'd want from the man - power, subtlety, superb songwriting, and a storyteller's touch - all wrapped up in that distinctive rootsy, Blues sound of his that wins you over as soon as you hear it. Top notch - one of my favourite records of 2014.

Here's one of my favourites from the record - 'So Easy' - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tNEC6NVDRd4&list=ALHTd1VmZQRNrGdmLrudt5B6Wz6iJKj8eJ 
And another: 'Alberta Gold' - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ek1-swOBYfY&list=ALHTd1VmZQRNrGdmLrudt5B6Wz6iJKj8eJ

Double Bill - Buddy Mondlock (USA) and Dan Walsh (UK) - LIVE in Mick Murphy's, Sept 22 2014

Monday Sept 22 sees a super Double bill for BAG. US singersongwriter Buddy Mondlock returns, with his lifelong friend and super fretless bass player Mike Lindauer; they will be joined on the bill by a young singer/songwriter, and banjo sensation from the UK, Dan Walsh. Both acts will play full sets. Doors 8:30pm, Gig 9:15pm. Admission is €15 at the door.

Buddy Mondlock & Mike Lindauer have toured Ireland most years for much of the past 20 years, and are amongst BAG's most favourite acts. Buddy Mondlock is one of the great songwriters of our time, and his work has been recorded by artists such as Janis Ian, Art Garfunkel, Garth Brooks, and many more. http://www.buddymondlock.com/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1jO9Plwt3qs 
www.buddymondlock.com

Dan Walsh is a super talented young Banjo/Guitar player, and singer/songwriter, from Staffordshire, UK. Returning for his second BAG appearance; if its like his first, he'll wow the crowd, for sure! http://www.danwalshbanjo.co.uk/ 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Czs-i7OZcyg

CANCELLED DUE TO ILLNESS - Ed Deane & Eamon Murray - LIVE in Mick Murphy's - Monday, Sept 15

Unfortunately, Ed Deane has come down with severe laryngitis and cannot perform tonight; we hope to reschedule for a future date.

Way back in the 60's a fantastic young band hit the scene with a bang, they we're called Blues House and two of its members were then school friends Ed Deane and Eamon Murray. Now all these years later these two talented musicians are playing together again as a very exciting duo. They play BAG at Mick Murphy's, Ballymore Eustace, Co. Kildare on Monday Sept. 15. Doors 8:30pm. Admission is €12 at the door.

Eamon Murray

Ed Deane

Ed Deane one of Irelands leading guitarist who is a renowned blues musician, specializing in Slide and the Lap steel guitar and a fine singer.
The list of who he played with in London is endless; Granny’s Intentions and then with the Woods Band, Bees Make Honey who cut an album produced by Nick Lowe. The very popular Juice on the Loose with Ron Kavana and Geraint Watkins. He recorded and toured with Frankie Miller.
For much of the 90's Ed worked with the blues diva Dana Gillespie, then with Chris Jagger, Paul Jones, Shane McGowan and later with Bap Kennedy and Nick Lowe.
Ed appeared in the Mike Figgis movie ‘Stormy Sunday’. He contributed substantially to the soundtrack and was the only featured guitarist apart from B.B. King.
Ed has also played on the soundtracks of the films ‘Leaving Las Vegas’ and ‘Serendipity’.
Ed returned to Ireland 10 years ago and has recored his first solo, instrumental CD 'Slideshow' to critical acclaim on the Blue Navigator label in 2006., with his band 'The Ed Deane Band'.

Eamon Murray is one of Ireland's top harmonica players, an excellent tenor sax player, who is also a good singer.

He has worked with too many line ups to mention including Emotional Fish, Luka Bloom, Rocky de Valera and The Rhythm Kings, The Cajun Kings, Chris Meehan and his Redneck Friends, and his own band Fattenin' Frogs for Snakes.

In the last few years Eamon has recorded with Jimmy McCarthy, Luka Bloom, Nigel Mooney and Clannad and of course with Ed as a member of The Ed Deane band.

He has worked on a number of film sound tracks including the award winning ' Kings'.


With outstanding guitar, sax and harmonica, solo and harmony vocalists – they tackle an intriguing selection of some of their own material and songs from such tunesmiths as Skip James,Buddy Guy,Bobby Charles and Little Walter Jacobs.

Peter Doran - LIVE in Mick Murphy's - September 8th

http://peterdoran.bandcamp.com/

Mullingar native Peter Doran has been attracting much attention since arriving on the Irish music scene some years ago. His music, often described -  not inaccurately - as soulful folk-pop, bears witness to many influences, contemporary and old-school, but it has a voice all of it own.
Peter makes his BAG Debut in Mick Murphy's, Ballymore Eustace, on Monday, Sept 8th. Doors 8:30pm; Gig 9:15pm sharp. Admission is €12 at the door.



http://arbutusyarns.net/2014/08/21/a-day-well-spent-with-peter-doran/ - for a flavour of what this young man is all about.

Peter Doran is about to release his new record - 'Outlines' - and you can read the first review of the record here:  http://www.folkradio.co.uk/2014/09/peter-doran-outlines/

BAG Autumn Schedule

BAG - Ballymore Acoustic Gigs

LIVE Music in Mick Murphy's, Ballymore Eustace, Co. Kildare.

(All gigs are Monday nights - Doors 8:30pm; Gig 9:15pm; Adm: €12 - unless otherwise stated, or advertised)

SEPTEMBER

8th - PETER DORAN (IRL)

15th - ED DEANE & EAMON MURRAY (IRL)

22nd - DOUBLE BILL - DAN WALSH (UK) and BUDDY MONDLOCK & MIKE LINDAUER (USA) - €15

29th - MATT ANDERSEN (CAN)

OCTOBER

6th - ROD PICOTT (USA)

13th - GER WOLFE (IRL)

20th - GREG TROOPER (USA)

27th - NO GIG - BANK HOLIDAY

NOVEMBER

3rd - THE LOST BROTHERS (IRL) (€15)

10th - FRANKIE LANE & PAUL KELLY (IRL)

17th - CAM PENNER & JON WOOD (USA)

24th - MARY COUGHLAN with JAMES DELANEY (piano) - (IRL) (€15)

DECEMBER

1st - PETUNIA (CAN)

8th - CASEY BLACK (USA) with support from JOHN BLEK (IRL) + a very special guest.

12th (FRIDAY) 'VIBE FOR LARRY' - Annual BAG Christmas Bash of music, song and yarns - all welcome, no cover charge.

Ferguson and Ferguson (USA) - Live in Mick Murphy's, July 14

Gary Ferguson returns to BAG, in the company of a second Gary Ferguson, on Monday July 14, for what will be the last gig of the summer, Doors 8:30pm; Admission €12.

http://www.gunnysacksongs.com/ferguson_and_ferguson/

Irish audiences are known for their love of American folk, country and bluegrass music, a fact Gary Ferguson discovered on his first tour of Ireland and Northern Ireland in 2005. Ferguson has toured in Ireland every year since then, working with such Irish musicians as Mick Hanly, Charlie McGettigan, Frankie Lane, Janet Holmes and Colin Henry at folk clubs, pubs and arts centers throughout the land. His upcoming July 2014 Irish tour marks his tenth trip here, and to commemorate the milestone, he’s going to tour Ireland and Northern Ireland with none other than…Gary Ferguson. That’s Gary Alan Ferguson, a renowned bluegrass and country musician from the state of Virginia who’s worked with such artists as Donna Fargo and the Knoxville Grass. Ferguson & Ferguson are excited to perform together and bring their songs to new audiences this summer!

Gary Gene Ferguson (guitar, lead vocals), a longtime resident of southeastern Pennsylvania, is a singer, songwriter and guitarist who’s been a mainstay of the bluegrass and Americana scenes since the 1980s. In addition to the Gary Ferguson Band, Gary has recorded or performed with such distinguished bluegrass musicians as Ronnie McCoury, Robbie McCoury, Mike Auldridge, Alan O’Bryant, Ron Stewart and Jimmy Gaudreau.

www.gunnysacksongs.com

Gary Alan Ferguson (lead guitar, vocals), a nativeof Fredericksburg, Virginia, who now lives in the Washington, D.C. area, is an engaging singer, songwriter and versatile multi instrumentalist whose music blends influences from rock, soul and gospel to folk, jazz, country and bluegrass. He plays acoustic and electric guitar, mandolin, upright bass, electric bass, keyboards and percussion instruments. His performance and/or recording credits include the Knoxville Grass, Donna Fargo, Claire Lynch, John Starling, the Virginia Squires and many others.

www.eastofmonroe.com

- See more at: http://www.gunnysacksongs.com/ferguson_and_ferguson/#sthash.IICjWukD.dpuf

EDISONS - Live in Mick Murphy's - June 30

EDISONS play Mick Murphy's, Ballymore Eustace, Co. Kildare, Monday June 30. Doors 8:30pm, Adm: €12

EDISONS is comprised of Pete Fagan, and Fran King -two superb Irish songwriters, and musicians.
Each having a long and credible musical pedigree, they came together to form this original outfit in 2013.
With a debut album, 'Little Bohemia' just released to critical acclaim, Edisons is a band with a contemporary Americana sound evocative of the landscape conjured up by album track 'Badlands'.
The album, I should point out, is a collection of songs inspired by the life, love, and death of notorious gangster John Dillinger at the Little Bohemia resort in Wisconsin, USA. Interesting inspiration; expertly realised, well crafted songs.

Highly recommended.



Videos:
'Evelyn' - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jik93TAEwJ4
'Badlands' - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LOwgdC-AHnA
'A Change' - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cs43u6upW3A
'When The Morning Comes' - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h02oq8on8X4

Clive Barnes - Live in Mick Murphy's

www.clivebarnesmusic.com

Clive Barnes plays Mick Murphy's, Ballymore Eustace, Co. Kildare, Monday June 23. Doors 8:30pm. Adm: €12 at the door.

Clive Barnes is one of Ireland's premier roots/blues/slide guitarist/songwriters. 
He has played all over the world and shared stages with Eric Bibb, Taj Mahal, The Blind Boys of Alabama, and many more.
His guitar work is super-accomplished, and, at times, dazzling; he is possessed of a deft songwriting ability, and his re-interpretations of old blues numbers, are faithful and progressive, in equal measure. 
Don't miss this great artiste at the height of his game.



Clive's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/CliveBarnesMusic

Pat Coldrick - Classical Guitarist - Live in Mick Murphy's

www.patcoldrick.com

Irish virtuoso Classical Guitarist, Pat Coldrick makes his welcome return to Mick Murphy's, Ballymore Eustace on Monday June 16.
Classical guitar as you probably haven't seen it before - engaging, absorbing, and thoroughly entertaining.
He has played to packed houses at home and abroad - filling the John Field Room in the National Concert Hall, and playing to large auditoriums across Europe, from Estonia, as far afield as St. Petersburg. He is highly regarded wherever he goes, and when you see and hear his performances, it'll be no surprise to you that he is.
You will be treated to a programme of classical pieces; re-interpretations of popular classics; and outstanding original compositions, one of which ('Lament') you can listen to below.
Highly recommended.

Videos:
'Lament' (original) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zBLSZqgmBBc
'Can'tHelp Falling in Love With You' - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q2aSpBHXvQY
'Passacaglia' - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qqrd5L0Tmp0
'Classical Gas' - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SLsuFk7XnHU

Sarah McQuaid - Live in Mick Murphy's - June 9 2014

Monday, June 9, sees the welcome return to Mick Murphy's Bar, Ballymore Eustace, of UK based folk-singer/songwriter Sarah McQuaid. 

Last time Sarah played BAG, a small but appreciative audience fell under her spell, and were treated to an eclectic set of folk music, from around the world. This time around, I'm hoping to see a much larger crowd come out to witness this great artiste at work, in this most intimate of venues. Doors 8:30pm. Admission: €12 on the door.

Website: www.sarahmcquaid.com 

Rising star Sarah McQuaid’s voice has been likened to malt whiskey, melted chocolate and “honey poured into wine” (Minor 7th). A captivating performer, she seduces her audience with cheeky banter and stories from the road, as well as with stunning musicianship; in her hands, the guitar becomes much more than merely an accompanying instrument.

Her musical output reflects her own eclectic background: Sarah was born in Spain, raised in Chicago, holds dual US and Irish citizenship, and now lives in rural England. Refusing to be pigeonholed, she spans the genres with both her beautifully crafted originals and her interpretations of material from around the globe and down the centuries.

Sarah’s third solo album The Plum Tree and the Rose has drawn critical acclaim on both sides of the Atlantic: “Impeccable,” wrote fRoots (UK), while Midwest Record (USA) called it “low key but glorious and incendiary” and Hot Press (Ireland) said it “should feature on many end-of-year best-ofs.”

“Likely to make the hairs stand up on the back of your neck.” — Aled Jones, BBC Radio 2

“A world class talent ... burns with a brilliant allure.” — Living Tradition

www.sarahmcquaid.com
www.facebook.com/sarahmcquaidmusic
www.twitter.com/sarahmcquaid

Mark Geary - Live in Mick Murphy's

Website: http://www.markgeary.com/

Mark Geary plays Mick Murphy's, Ballymore Eustace, Co. Kildare, Monday, May 26.
Doors open 8:30pm. Admission is €12 on the door.

Mark Geary is a Dublin born musician who has split his time between Ireland and New York City over the last 20 years. He spent his early years performing in NYC at the famed Sin-e Café alongside other up and coming musicians, including friend Jeff Buckley, garnering respect and attention from both audiences and fellow artists. Of Mark’s time in New York, Time Out NY magazine said “His delicate songs about love and defiance…recall Richard Thompson and John Lennon….one of the East Village’s favorite adopted sons.”

Touring and performing live is Mark’s lifeblood. He has been featured on bills with musicians as diverse as Joe Strummer, Elvis Costello, The Pretenders, Coldplay, The Frames and The Swell Season among others.

Since 2002, Mark has released 4 studio albums and 2 live recordings. His second album, the acclaimed Ghosts, was named 2005′s Album of the Year by the Irish Voice. Billboard Magazine said Ghosts “evokes Van Morrison, particularly his early-1970s era,” and called it “a collection of superb songs delivered with a quiet intensity that will endear itself to listeners.”

To capture Mark’s talents as a performer and storyteller, the 2009 live album Live, Love, Lost It NYC showcases some of his best songs performed in front of audiences at various venues around New York City. Mark’s second live recording, Songs: Vienna was just released in December 2013. It was recorded over one night at Casino Baumgarten in Vienna with Mark’s band Grainne Hunt and Mark Penny.

In addition to his own albums, Mark has composed the score to several films; 2005’s Loggerheads, 2006’s Steel City, and 2010’s Sons of Perdition, a Tribeca Film Festival favorite and one of the first documentaries featured in the Oprah Winfrey Network Documentary Club. His songs have also been featured on various television shows including One Tree Hill and Bones.

In 2013 Mark toured throughout Ireland, the UK, New York, the Czech Republic, Austria and Germany. In November of 2013, Mark collaborated with Glen Hansard on a new version of his song Christmas Biscuits as a charity single for St. Vincent DePaul of Ireland. The song hit the Top 40 and was made the song of the week on TodayFM Ireland’s largest commercial radio station.

In 2014 Mark will be touring in Ireland, the UK, Germany, Switzerland and the Czech Republic while also working on his 5th studio record.

Kevin Montgomery with Clive Barnes - Live Upstairs at Cunninghams

http://www.kevinmontgomery.com/

Kevin Montgomery plays Upstairs at Cunninghams, Kildare Town, Tuesday, May 20. Joining him on guitar, lap slide etc. will be Ireland's own Clive Barnes. Clive will also open the show.
Doors 8pm. Admission is €12 on the door.

Nashville singer/songwriter, Kevin Montgomery is steeped in a musical tradition - his Dad was a boyhood friend of Buddy Holly, and they wrote songs like 'Heartbeat', 'Wishing', 'Down The Line' etc. He later wrote songs like 'Misty Blue' and 'Baby's Arms'.
Kevin's mother sang on 'Suspicious Minds', 'In The Ghetto', and 'Kentucky Rain' by Elvis. She also sang on 'Everlasting Love', and many others.

That pedigree filters through, and Kevin's songwriting has been recognised and rewarded by major label artists such as Martina McBride, who recorded 'I Won't Close My Eyes' on the 3 million selling 'Evolution' CD. A further highlight is 'Wishing' - a duet with Mary Chapin Carpenter.

'Some Comfort' - https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=Ges_fGFaYTw

Clive Barnes is one of the finest guitarist/lap slide players to have come out of Ireland. He tours extensively at home and abroad, both solo, and as a sideman. He has played with Eric Bibb, Taj Mahal, the Blind Boys of Alabama, and many more. With four studio albums under his belt, and a live recording, Clive is going places.

'Crossroads Blues' - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O95Qd66QcaE