BAG/USAC Octoberfest!

Great line-up of shows this month. Follow links to websites for videos and more artist info.

Monday 7th, Mick Murphy's, Ballymore Eustace - Ben Reel

Super Irish singer/songwriter in the contemporary folk vein. Inciteful lyrical ability, combined with abiding melodies and a fine vocal ability. Touring new CD 'Darkness and The Light'. Backed on the night by Ronnie O'Flynn.

www.benreel.com

Monday 14th, Mick Murphy's, Ballymore Eustace - Double Bill of Josh Harty (USA) and Amelia Curran (CAN).

Two great young singer/songwriters from over the big pond. Josh Harty has an rich and evocative Americana sound, while Amelia Curran writes, with a poet's pen, eloquent lyrics delivered with a stunning vocal.

www.joshharty.com www.ameliacurran.com

Thursday 17th, Upstairs at Cunningham's, Kildare Town - Double Bill of Amelia Curran (Canada) and Otis Gibbs (USA)

Amelia Curran, as mentioned above. Otis Gibbs is pure contemporary Americana: an honest voice with courage and conviction in a point of view that resonates with real folks in the real world - highly, highly recommended.

www.ameliacurran.com www.otisgibbs.com www.cunninghamskildare.com

Monday 21st, Mick Murphy's, Ballymore Eustace - Thomas Leeb (Austria/USA)

Instrumental fingerstyle guitar of the highest calibre. Referring to his music as "the bastard child of acoustic guitar", Leeb combines unusual techniques, ideas and harmonies with a frank, tongue-in-cheek attitude. Think: Michael Hedges, and then head off on a tangent! www.thomasleeb.com

Catfish Keith - Foot-stompin' Blues!

www.catfishkeith.com

Cutting-edge blues singer, songwriter and bottleneck slide guitarist Catfish Keith has established himself as one of the most exciting country blues performers of our time. Catfish's innovative style of foot-stomping, deep delta blues and American roots music has spellbound audiences the world over. He has reinvented the guitar with great power and artistry, and brings a rare beauty and vitality to his music. Handing down the tradition, Catfish continues his lifelong journey as one of the brightest lights in acoustic blues and roots music.

  "Pulling Blues Out of The Sky, Catfish lays down a foot-stomping groove. One of the most exciting guitarists of any genre."                                                                               -Acoustic Guitar

BAG is delighted to have Catfish Keith in for two shows next week:
Monday, Sept. 30 - Mick Murphy's Bar, Ballymore Eustace, Co. Kildare; Doors 8:30pm.
Tuesday, Oct. 1 - Upstairs at Cunninghams, Kildare Town; Doors 8pm. www.cunninghamskildare.com
Admission to both gigs is just €12 at the door.

Summer Break & Autumn Plans

As is usual for this time of year, BAG takes a summer break as you good folks think about holidays and long evenings outdoors.

But rest assured, I'm busy putting together a programme of shows for the autumn/winter months, to bring the very best of singer/songwriters from Ireland and overseas to listening audiences in the County Kildare area.

Full details will appear here and elsewhere (Facebook - www.facebook.com/BallymoreAcousticGigs & mailing list - ballymoregigs@gmail.com to get added) to let you know what's coming. In the meantime, here's some highlights to look forward to:

Monday Sept. 2 - Freddie White - Mick Murphy's, Ballymore Eustace.
Tuesday Sept. 3 - Freddie White - Upstairs at Cunninghams, Kildare Town 
Monday Sept 9 - Buddy Mondlock - Mick Murphy's, Ballymore.
Monday October 7 - Ben Reel - Mick Murphy's, Ballymore.
Monday October 14 - Double Bill - Josh Harty and Amelia Curran - Mick Murphy's, Ballymore
Thursday Oct 17 - Double Bill - Amelia Curran and Otis Gibbs - Upstairs at Cunningham's.

There'll be much more announced in the coming weeks. Meantime, you could while away whole days checking out these fine artistes' websites!

www.benreel.com/
www.freddiewhite.com
www.buddymondlock.com/
www.otisgibbs.com
www.ameliacurran.com
www.joshharty.com

Gary Ferguson & Kathy Barwick - Live In Mick Murphy's

In what will be the last BAG gig before the summer break, Gary Ferguson and Kathy Barwick play Mick Murphy's, Ballymore Eustace, Co. Kildare on Monday July 8. These two superb musicians are well known in their own right as solo performers, and this coming together brings together the best of country, bluegrass, folk, Americana and more. Doors on the night open at 8:30pm. Showtime 9:15pm sharp.

http://gunnysacksongs.com/ferguson_and_barwick

Gary Ferguson & Kathy Barwick is an exciting new acoustic music duo that combines the talents of charismatic singer-songwriter Gary Ferguson and dazzling multi-instrumentalist Kathy Barwick. The team of Gary Ferguson & Kathy Barwick brings together two gifted musicians with decades of wide-ranging musical experience between them, gained from performing at the biggest venues in the USA. The two of them have crafted a distinctive and compelling duo sound that blends country, bluegrass, Celtic, folk, Americana and more. Gary Ferguson & Kathy Barwick will perform at select shows in the U.S. throughout 2012 and 2013 and will tour Ireland in July 2013. The duo is currently working on its first recording.

Gary Ferguson (guitar, lead vocals), a longtime resident of southeastern Pennsylvania, is a singer, songwriter, guitarist and bandleader who’s been a mainstay of the Eastern bluegrass and Americana scenes since the 1980s. In addition to his own Gary Ferguson Band, Gary has recorded or performed with such distinguished bluegrass musicians as Ronnie McCoury, Robbie McCoury, Mike Auldridge, Alan O’Bryant, Junior Barber, Ron Stewart and Jimmy Gaudreau. On his annual tours of Ireland, Ferguson has worked with musicians Mick Hanly, Charlie McGettigan, Frankie Lane, Janet Holmes and Colin Henry.

Kathy Barwick (lead guitar, resophonic guitar, Weissenborn guitar, harmony vocals), a native of Sacramento, California, has been widely hailed over the past 30 years as one of California’s most versatile acoustic musicians. Known for her work in bluegrass, Americana and traditional Irish music, Barwick is an award-winning multi-instrumentalist who’s adept on guitar, banjo, resophonic guitar (dobro), bass, lap steel guitar and mandolin. Barwick is a member of the Mike Justis Band, a folk-country-blues ensemble, and has played in such popular bands as the All Girl Boys, Nine-8ths Irish and Mountain Laurel.

Barwick’s first solo album, In My Life, was released in 2011 by FGM Music, the recording arm of Flatpicking Guitar Magazine. The genre-spanning gem has been exceptionally well received by critics and fans alike.

Matt Andersen - Live in Mick Murphy's

www.stubbyfingers.ca

Videos: http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Matt+Andersen&aq=f

Canadian Bluesman, Matt Andersen returns to BAG @ Mick Murphy's Bar in Ballymore Eustace, Co. Kildare on Monday June 24. Doors 8:30; Gig 9:15pm Sharp. Admission: €12 on the door.

Last year when Matt played BAG, he was a sensation. Powerful vocals backed by seriously accomplished guitar accompaniement, Matt Andersen is a mightily impressive performer. His current album 'Coal Mining Blues' has received much praise, and I can add mine to it: It's superb!  Here's a link to the Biography on Matt's website, where you can read about his background, and his music.

Still relatively unknown in Ireland, Matt Andersen is a big deal in his native Canada, playing larger theatres and auditoriums and selling them out.

So, come on out on Monday and witness a powerhouse of contemporary Blues at the height of his powers.

Cara Luft - Live in Mick Murphy's - June 10 2013

http://caraluft.com/

Videos: http://www.youtube.com/user/caraluft

Cara Luft plays her debut BAG show on Monday, June 10. Doors 8:30pm, Show 9pm. Admission: €12 on the door.

I often say this about acts (because I mean it!) but Cara Luft is quite simply sublime, if Country/Folk/Americana is your thing; if it isn't quite your thing, it might very well be after you hear Cara perform. Highly recommended.

 “Luft is a consummate performer. Unlike so many singer-songwriters, [her] music has an urgency that can’t be denied… as good as anything I’ve heard for a long time.” Americana UK

“Canadian singer-songwriter Cara Luft was one of the highlights of last year’s folk club programme, delighting fans with her unique blend of folk, country, blues and rock.”

Whitstable Folk Club Live Show Review Nov 2010

Cara Luft is a founding member of Canadian rocked out country folk outfit 'The Wailin' Jennys'

Cara Luft likes to laugh. She does it a lot. It’s one of the first things you notice when meeting her, that and her engaging smile. It’s endearing and infectious. Nothing pretentious about her, Cara’s the real deal. What you see is what you get from the former founding member of Juno award winning folk music trio The Wailin’ Jennys. And that sense of honesty, integrity, personality and spontaneity permeates and resonates throughout both her music and her live performances. After all, what other folk-based artist unabashedly cites Buddy Holly, prog-rockers Yes, and even Led Zeppelin among their inspirations and influences?

Singer/songwriter/guitarist extraordinaire Cara Luft is that rare artist steeped in folk and traditional roots music almost from birth yet willing to alter that fabric, stretch the boundaries, not afraid to bend genres, styles and integrate what others might regard as a disparate set of influences. Her music has been described as “a rich roots travelogue whose traditional heart beats with a wholly contemporary pulse spanning the distance between the mists of English folk balladry and Middle East mysticism, through to the Mississippi Delta and the rustic wonders of the Appalachian Hills, with a certain fearless reverence and no small amount of soul.” (Ottawa Xpress) Americana UK declares her “a consummate performer. Unlike so many singer-songwriters, Luft’s music has an urgency that can’t be denied.” Critics have drawn comparisons to Julie Miller, June Tabor, Gillian Welch, Linda Thompson and even Brit folk-rockers Pentangle.

The Lost Brothers - Upstairs At Cunningham's, Tuesday May 14

The Lost Brothers play their debut show at Upstairs at Cunningham's, Kildare Town on Tuesday May 14. Doors 8pm; Showtime: 9pm sharp. Tickets can be reserved from the venue at 045 521780

For videos, etc. check the website:
www.thelostbrothersband.com

The Irish Times described this Irish duo thus: "Sounds like the ghost of Hank Williams whispering a secret to The Everly Brothers" - I'd say that's pretty spot on. 
I simply use the word "superb" to describe the sounds these two young guys produce with the aid of just two guitars and two beautiful vocals. Accomplished musicianship, and tight vocal harmonies... yes, superb.

Here's some background:

The Lost Brothers first met in an old dusty library in Liverpool, England in 2007. From their first encounter, they noticed they had a lot in common. They’re both Irish (Oisin Leech from Navan, Mark McCausland from Omagh), and having both come from musical families, they had both played in various bands since a young age and had now come to Liverpool to seek a brighter future. The pair shared the same love of music (from the Carter Family to Sam Cooke, Mississippi John Hurt to Dion and the Bellmonts, Phil Spector to the Louvin Brothers, the Impressions to Van Morrison), and before long, were jamming together in the dive bars of Liverpool when not on the road with their bands. The pair were regular faces on the Liverpool music scene and when together, people began to call them, The Lost Brothers…

Feeling the pull from across the sea, however, the twosome decided to leave the bands they were in at the time and de-camp to Portland, Oregon. There they hooked up with producer Mike Coykendall (M Ward, Bright Eyes), and recorded in his attic, what would become their folk tinged debut album, TRAILS OF THE LONELY.

Returning to the UK, the duo headed for London where they started their own label, ‘BIRD DOG RECORDINGS’, and released TRAILS OF THE LONELY in November 2008. The Lost Brothers spent the next two years touring and writing, honing their craft both as a live act and a songwriting partnership, while building a steady fan base along the way. In 2010, they were off to Sheffield, England with a new batch of songs. These recordings turned out to be their second album, SO LONG JOHN FANTE, released in 2011 on Bird Dog/ Ace records.

More recently, the Losties caught the ear of Raconteur, Brendan Benson, who invited them to record their third album in his Nashville studio. The album is their best yet. It is called THE PASSING OF THE NIGHT and was released on Brendan’s READYMADE RECORDS in the US and on LOJINX RECORDS in the UK and  Ireland,  under a blue moon in September 2012.

Well alright!

Tokyo Rosenthal - Live in Mick Murphy's - Monday May 13

http://www.tokyorosenthal.com/tokyo_rosenthal/home.html

Tokyo Rosenthal plays his debut BAG show at Mick Murphy's Bar, Ballymore Eustace, Co. Kildare on Monday May 13. Doors 8:15pm; Gig 9pm sharp. Admission is €12 on the door.

 

"This is Americana with real teeth in the lyrics"

... "Take Jackson Browne’s personal confessions and wrap them in Kris Kristofferson’s world weary tales of broken relationships and you have an idea of what to expect from Tokyo Rosenthal."
"Rosenthal can draw you into his lyrics much the same way that James Taylor and Don Henley can".

High praise, indeed- but well warranted; I've been listening to the new CD - 'Tokyo's Fifth' - and I can honestly say that I'm really looking forward to seeing Tokyo Rosenthal live and in person. Great songs filled with love, hope and compassion.

The quotes above, and more, is what the critics are saying about Tokyo Rosenthal. But it wasn’t an overnight trip. Hardly, as "Toke" has spanned the music scene for three decades. But it was in 2007 when recognition finally reached him through the recording of his CD, "One Score And Ten".
In a career that started with the country rock boom, Rosenthal has honed his craft and "Rootsy/ Americana with a little blues thrown in" sound to perfection.
2012 was busy both on the touring front and recording. Tokyo headlined at The Bitter End for the third time while extensively performing all over the East Coast including The Avalon Theater in Easton, Maryland. He also returned to Austin, Texas to perform at SXSW and was web cast live from Threadgill's on Music Fog. But the highlight of the year was his Ireland tour where Toke covered the land from County Clare up to Belfast getting rave reviews everywhere he gigged.

Finally he returned to the studio to record "Tokyo's Fifth". The early released single and video, "What Did I Used To Be?" went "mini-viral" as Toke once again took on sensitive political and social topics. "Tokyo's Fifth" is scheduled for release in January of 2013. Toke is joined on the record by Chris Stamey, John Teer, Charlie Chamberlain, Allyn Love, and Andrea Connolly, among others.

Always writing and always gigging, his musical journey continues, and now brings him to Ballymore; come and join him on his road.

RT.

Maria Doyle Kennedy - Upstairs at Cunningham's - April 23, 2013

Take from my front row seat in Kilkenny, 2012.

Maria Doyle Kennedy plays Upstairs at Cunningham's,  Kildare Town on Tuesday April 23. Doors 8pm. Tickets, available at the venue, are €15. To reserve tickets, phone 045 521780.

http://www.mariadk.com/

From The Black Velvet Band and early performances with Hothouse Flowers, to starring in Alan Parker's movie, 'The Committments', and more recently in 'The Tudors', MDK is one of Ireland's most multi-faceted and talented performers.
Together with her husband and guitarist, Kieran Kennedy, MDK is recongnised as one of this country's finest singers and songwriters.

MDK live is a joy to behold, so I recommend you don't miss this one-off intimate show 

Dan Walsh Banjo - Live in Mick Murphy's

Dan Walsh plays BAG at Mick Murphy's, Ballymore Eustace, Co. Kildare, Monday April 29. Doors 8:30pm. Adm: €12 on the door.

Quite how a kid from the English midlands so thoroughly gets the whole vibe of American banjo music is in itself a wonder, but that wonder is eclipsed by the musicianship of this kid. Quite simply: stunning - as you will see from the videos below.

http://www.danwalshbanjo.co.uk/

Touted as one of the finest banjo players in the UK as well as being a superb singer, songwriter and guitarist, Dan Walsh is described as 'the real deal' (Uncut) and 'taking the banjo into the stratosphere' (Froots) with a unique and eclectic style taking in folk, funk, bluegrass, jazz, rock and even Arabic. Having toured the UK many times, Dan is also taking his innovative sound further afield with appearances in Germany, Canada and New Zealand to come as well as recently performing in India as part of a groundbreaking collaboration project.

 As well as his solo work, Dan is fronting the Dan Walsh Band and performing with the legendary Alistair Anderson. He's also recently been on the stage or in the studio with Seth Lakeman and the Levellers as well as receiving fantastic reviews and radio airplay on both sides of the Atlantic for new album 'The Same But Different'. He also retains a passion for outreach work and through the prestigious Live Music Now scheme has performed throughout the UK in hospices, hospitals, special schools and care homes. He also teaches banjo both in person and over skype.

'The real deal, a demon picker' - UNCUT

'Eclectically inspired and consistently brilliant' - FROOTS

'Incredible, you must see him' - JANICE LONG, BBC RADIO 2

Videos: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rh7xFLQNh_0

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wYKlYKXz1ZY

Ken Perlman - Live in Mick Murphy's

Ken Perlman plays BAG at Mick Murphy's, Ballymore Eustace, Co. Kildare on Monday, April 15. Doors 8:30pm; Adm: €12 on the door.

A master musician, Ken Pelman is considered, by those who know, to be the finest 'clawhammer' style banjo player in the world. Having watched him play, I'd find it very difficult to disagree! Take a look at the videos below, and you'll get a flavour of what I mean.

http://www.kenperlman.com/

About Ken Perlman

"the Heifetz of the Banjo"

The Chronicle Herald (Halifax, Nova Scotia)

Superb instrumentalist, acclaimed teacher of instrumental skills, gifted performer, award-winning folklorist, Ken Perlman is surely a welcome addition to any festival or concert-series lineup. Ken is both a pioneer of the 5-string banjo style known as "melodic clawhammer," and a master of fingerstyle guitar. He is considered one of the top clawhammer players in the world, known in particular for his skillful adaptations of Celtic tunes to the style. On guitar, Ken's sparkling finger-picked renditions of traditional Celtic and Southern fiddle tunes are simply not to be missed.

He draws his material from traditional sources -- the music of Scotland, Ireland, Cape Breton, Prince Edward Island and the American South. His approach to the music, however, is highly innovative. He has developed many new instrumental techniques, and much of his repertoire has never before been played on 5-string banjo or guitar.

Videos: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mevE4uiQkr4

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jt2oKHraHmc

Sarah McQuaid - Live in Mick Murphy's, Ballymore Eustace.

Photo: Colm Henry www.colmhenry.ie

Sarah McQuaid plays Mick Murphy's, Ballymore Eustace, Co. Kildare, Monday April 22. Doors 8:30pm; Admission €12 on the door.

Folks, we're in for a treat with this show - superb musicianship, beautiful voice, and a wide range of styles in her repertoire. Highly recommended.

http://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.”

For videos of Sarah performing live click on this link: http://www.youtube.com/sarahmcquaid

Paul Tiernan - Live in Mick Murphy's

http://www.paultiernan.com/

Paul Tiernan plays Mick Murphy's, Ballymore Eustace, Co. Kildare, Monday April 8th. Doors 8:30pm. Adm: €12 on the door.
The following review of Paul Tiernan's 2012 release gives a good insight into Paul, and his music, so I'm borrowing it!

Album Review for ‘Painkillers’(Hot Press)

Paul Tiernan has been around in various guises for almost three decades, including stints in outfits like Flex & The Fastweather and Interference, as well as performing with ‘60s legend, Donovan. With a following in Europe, particularly in Germany and France the sometime Cork resident does most of his playing outside the country. His style has, over the years, varied but Painkillers is a largely pastoral, almost elegiac affair, with sumptuous arrangements and more than enough well wrought songs to make it his best work in aeons.

With gently plucked banjo and Beach Boys (Smile-era) instrumentation and Tiernan’s voice barely rising above a whisper, ‘Driver’ is a breathtakingly beautiful tune with a gorgeous melody. ‘Boneseekers’ is carnival music, while ‘Flowers’ is another low-key gem. Elsewhere, the poignant, ‘Painkillers’ and evocative, ‘Shooting Fish’ are standouts, while ‘Boxcar Ballerinas’ with electric guitar and heavenly harmonies makes for yet another highlight. Powerful stuff.

Colm O'Hare

Hot Press, June 2012.

Videos:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b2mGefGQo2s&feature=player_embedded

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sxKzTNhe3OY&feature=player_embedded

JOHN SPILLANE - Upstairs At Cunningham's - Tuesday March 26.

John Spillane plays 'Upstairs At Cunningham's' in Cunningham's Bar on the Main Street, Kildare Town on Tuesday, March 26. Doors 8pm. Gig 8:30pm sharp. Admission is €15 on the door. Enquiries to: 086 3270780

This marks the beginning of an exciting new collaboration between BAG and Cunningham's, to bring quality musicians and singer/songwriters, from home and overseas, to this super venue.




http://www.johnspillane.com/

JOHN SPILLANE is a musician, songwriter, performer, recording artist, storyteller, poet, dreamer – a canvass filled with color and brilliance.  His music transports the listener; his live performance captivates the audience.  In a world filled with strife and upheaval, a time-out with John Spillane is enough to ease the load a bit on anyone lucky enough to bask in his light. The man and his music are pure magic.
Two-time Meteor award winner, John is one of the most accomplished songwriters in Ireland today.
John's performances shimmer with the magic realism that permeates many of his songs as he effortlessly flits between beautiful poetry tinged with melancholy to roguish, irreverent Cork humour. If you are looking for a night of good ‘craic’, a John Spillane show should not be missed.

What the Press have said:

“ … some of the most skillfully crafted, vividly realized songs anyone has written in Ireland over the past dozen years.” Earle Hitchner, premier writer/reviewer for Irish Echo and The Wall Street Journal.

“ … funny, quirky, massively entertaining. John is a story teller, a shanachie.” Dan Regan, Founder, Kansas City Irish Festival.

“Why isn’t John Spillane a major star? [John] writes catchy, heartfelt folk-pop songs with the bonus of actually meaning something.” The Sunday Business Post (My Dark Rosaleen & The Island of Dreams).

“He’s carved a niche writing melodic, compelling, simple songs. Spillane is at his best when his delivery is unforced and lyrical.” Oliver P. Sweeney, The Ticket, Irish Times (“My Dark Rosaleen & The Island of Dreams).

 

Branching Out - Onwards and Upwards.

Well, it was maybe inevitable that BAG would grow and spread its wings. And that's just what's happened.

I am delighted to announce that I have teamed up with Nigel Flanagan and the team at Cunningham's Bar in Kildare Town, to bring live Roots Music gigs to their rather lovely new venue upstairs over the bar - 'Upstairs at Cunningham's'. Cunningham's Bar is a long established Bar and Restaurant in the centre of Kildare Town. It has a history of live music in the bar (indeed, yours truly played a Sunday evening residency there for a couple of years in the early 00's) featuring Irish Traditional sessions, acoustic singer/songwriter sessions, and covers bands. This new venture is an extension of that musical tradition.

A regular gig will take place on Tuesday nights, but there will be some gigs on other nights, too, in time. Our joint aim is to develop the room as a renowned venue, hosting the very best of Irish and overseas singersongwriters and musicians.
The room can be configured to seat up to 80+ paying patrons, in an intimate space with a warm and welcoming ambience, and is equipped with house P.A. and stage lighting.
I will be announcing details of upcoming gigs in the next while, but I can tell you today, that our first show will be on Tuesday March 26th. Full details will follow in a separate post - it'll be worth the wait, and the suspense!
For more details and info about Cunningham's Bar, search Facebook here: http://www.facebook.com/#!/cunninghams.bar?fref=ts
You can also find the BAG Facebook page at: http://www.facebook.com/#!/BallymoreAcousticGigs

Help spread the word about this exciting development for live music in Kildare Town by sharing this post to your social media pages, and befriending both our FB pages.

If you'd like to be added to the BAG mailing list, or you're interested in a booking, simply drop me an email to ballymoregigs@gmail.com

I look forward to meeting you some night soon, Upstairs at Cunningham's.

Roy Thompson

The Quicksand Band - Monday March 25

The Quicksand Band will play a stripped down acoustic gig in Mick Murphy's, Ballymore Eustace, Co. Kildare on Monday March 25. Doors 8:30pm. Gig 9:15pm sharp. Admission: €12 on the door.

http://www.thequicksandband.com/

The Quicksand Band were formed in 2008 in Dublin. Having played together in 

various forms over the years, the lads grouped together to record what was 

originally a solo project for lead singer Justin Corr. But the sounds and vibes that 

came from that session paved the way for the launch of a new band. With Phil Clarke joining Justin on lead vocals and 

guitars, Shay Cosgrave on drums and Eoin Melinn on Bass, The Quicksand Band was born.

Playing in venues across the country they have developed a unique style and approach to music with songs that bear the i

influence of country, folk and rock but with a very contemporary edge. Their live performances have gained them a large 

fan base, drawn to their compelling, exciting and honest delivery of material. 

The Quicksand Band have had the pleasure of being guests to Declan O'Rourke, Freddie White, Prison Love, Luan Parle, 

Mick Hanly and Eric Taylor amongst others.

The EP "Ten Gallon Drought" (the product of those early sessions) was launched in 2008 and has been well received by 

fans and critics. The follow up EP "Ten Gallon drought Part II" was launched the following year.

In 2011 the band, accompanied by producer Gavin Glass, entered the studio to record their debut Album, Approaching 

Rain. The first single 'Homesong', was released in sept 2011, and the album was release in feb 2012, followed by the launch 

of the singles 'That Voice' (sept 2012) and 'Learning' (feb 2013).

2013 sees the band reunite with producer Gavin Glass to enter the studio to start recording sessions for what will be an as 

yet untitled second album.

Frankie Lane - Monday March 11, 2013

Frankie Lane will play a solo show at Mick Murphy's, Ballymore Eustace, Co. Kildare, Monday March 11, 2013. Doors 8:30pm, Gig 9:15pm sharp. Admission: €12 on the door.

http://www.frankielane.com/

As one of Ireland's best-known performers and traditional musicians of international renown, Frankie Lane is the original front man of the legendary Fleadh Cowboys. During their sparkling career in the 1980s, Frankie's live performances were famed for being fun-filled as well as tremendous - he regularly scaled high balconies in his quest to drive the audience wild, and usually managed! In fact, the "Fleadhs" gathered a huge fan base at the Olympia Theatre (pioneering "Midnight At The Olympia")and went on to support legendary performers such as Bob Dylan, U2, The Pogues, Emmylou Harris and B.B.King.

His regular musical companion, mandolin and fiddle player, Paul Kelly, toured extensively with Frankie throughout Europe in the mid 1990s following their highly acclaimed and diverse album Wahoo! Live at Hughes's.

In January 2004 Frankie was nominated for a prestigious Meteor Music Award in the Country/Roots category.

In 1993 he was nominated for the I.R.M.A. music awards for his much acclaimed album of the time "Dobro" released on the Gael Linn label

For the last number of years, as well as producing and directing some of Irelands leading artists, Frankie has toured extensively with ex- De Danann singer Eleanor Shanley in Ireland , Holland and Denmark to immense critical acclaim.

Sonny Condell - Monday March 4, 2013

Sonny Condell plays BAG at Mick Murphy's, Ballymore Eustace, Co. Kildare on Monday, March 4. Doors 8:30pm, Gig 9:15 sharp. Admission: €12 on the door.

For music, videos, news etc. visit Sonny's website:  

1. www.sonnycondell.com

   
   

An integral part of the Irish music scene since the early `70s, a musical career spanning 35 years, from the heady days with “Tír Na nÓg” which landed him on the biggest stages in the world, to the truly fantastic “Scullion”, numerous solo albums, perhaps one of Irelands greatest songwriters, Sonny Condell is the real McCoy.

Sonny Condell's songs are melodic and thoughtful, often with a breeze of jazz or a rhythmic hint of tradiitional music. “Down In The City”, “Teeside”, the Poptastic “Carol”, stunning lyrics, distinctive driving rhythm guitar. A prolific songwriter with 15 albums to his credit.

"Three decades equals a remarkable repertoire in Scullion's world, most of it drawn from the creative genius of Condell, whose subtle lyricism and matchless melody lines bear scant kinship to anyone else on the planet" Siobhán Long -- Irish Times June 2008

Pat Coldrick (IRL) Monday February 25 2013

Pat Coldrick returns to play BAG at Mick Murphy's, Ballymore Eustace, Co. Kildare on Monday, February 25. Doors 8:30pm. Admisson is €12 on the door.

http://www.patcoldrick.com/

Born in Navan and now living in Howth Co.
Dublin, Pat Coldrick has been playing and
studying classical guitar since he was 12 years old. Initially self taught, Pat went onto study music at the College of Music in Dublin and also had the opportunity to study under world renowned guitarists David Russell and Gabriel Esterellas. 
A guitarist with a classical and rock background, he writes and performs works for the guitar with a fresh, new and exciting approach. Not for Pat the 'stuffy' world of classical guitar recital; his performances are engaging and thoroughly entertaining.
His musical career includes playing guitar with hugely popular Irish band The Memories in the 1980’s. Through his session and classical work, he has achieved some of the highest honours in Feis Ceoil Awards and has made a number of appearances on national TV shows on RTE and TV3 and guested on a number of radio interviews and live performances on RTE Radio 1 and Lyric FM. He has also been invited to perform at festivals in the United States, Austria and Estonia.
Experiencing Pat Coldrick live, offers a unique opportunity to enjoy his varied repertoire and own material, in an informal, relaxed atmosphere. His album “Cayendo”, released in 2011, includes some original compositions and arrangements as well as some guitar masterpieces such as “Asturias” by Albenis and “Danza Paraguaya No.1” by Barrios. Modern day popular songs are also cleverly arranged by Pat for his live performances.

Highly recommended.

Videos:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zBLSZqgmBBc
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lG4k952QWAM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QLOzSMVGKqk

Luka Bloom (IRL) Monday, Feb. 18, 2013

Luka Bloom plays his first BAG show at Mick Murphy's, Ballymore Eustace, Co. Kildare, Monday Feb 18. Doors 9:00pm; Gig 9:30pm - Luka will play one set of 90mins duration. Admission: at the door, is just €12.

Luka Bloom needs little introduction; he is one of the most critically acclaimed singer/songwriters to have emerged from the Irish scene in the late 1960s/70s. With a unique and distinct guitar sound, and a rich, evocative vocal, Luka Bloom has accumulated a large and loyal following at home, and abroad. A prolific songwriter, he has numerous studio releases to his name.

Full details of his long and distinguished career can be found here: http://www.lukabloom.com/biography/

Amelia Curan (CAN) Monday, Feb 11

Canadian songsmith, Amelia Curran, plays BAG at Mick Murphy's, Ballymore Eustace, Co. Kildare, Monday Feb 11.
This is Amelia's first visit to Ballymore, and BAG is delighted to be bringing you new music of such high calibre. Doors 8:30pm. Admission €12 at the door.

For more details, read on, and please check out the videos below; Amelia is a superb talent - I have described her as being like Suzanne Vega, Natalie Merchant, and fellow Canadian Leonard Cohen combined. A perfect blend of voice, musicality and lyricism. Quite simply: stunning.

www.ameliacurran.com

NEW ALBUM ‘SPECTATORS’ – REL: February 11th 2013

Intriguing, diverse, and brimming with passion **** Maverick magazine

The perfect recipe for late-night music for grown ups! Word magazine

Halifax songstress Amelia Curran is excited to be heading back to the UK and Ireland with the eagerly awaited release of her new album Spectators released on Feb 11th on Blue Rose Records.

  

Since the release of her first album in 2000, Curran has an impressive discography which each year have gained a number of East Coast Music Award nominations including ‘Folk Recording Of The Year’, ‘Female Recording Of The Year’, until her album triumphed over all and won the much desired Juno Award.

Amelia Curran was born to write music, a songwriter by trade, but a writer at heart, she believes language is everything.

Amelia’s acclaimed 2009 album Hunter, Hunter won her the much sought after Juno Award for Best Roots and Traditional Album. With her new album, Curran returns to the scene with ten tracks that raise the bar on her signature lyricism, but also push beyond the folk boundaries that have defined her previous releases.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2pPn7W4E5SI?width=640&height=480

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MNMtSwrlJEw?width=640&height=480

Clive Barnes (IRL) Monday, February 4, 2013

Clive Barnes plays BAG at Mick Murphy's, Ballymore Eustace, Co. Kildare on Monday Feb 4, 2013. Doors 8:30pm. Admission: €12 on the door.   http://www.clivebarnesmusic.com/ I'm delighted to welcome Clive Barnes back to BAG; Clive has been a Ballymore favourite over many years. Wexford born Clive Barnes is considered by many to be one of the best guitarists/singer songwriters to emerge from the Irish scene in many years. With four studio albums under his belt, and worldwide shows, including stages shared with such greats as The Blind Boys of Alabama, Eric Bibb, and Taj Mahal. amongst others, Clive has developed a reputation for his masterful guitar playing - particularly on the lap slide. With a rich gravelly voice, and a finely honed songwriting skill added to his great guitar playing, Clive Barnes may be as close as you'll get to an Irish artist perfecting a bluesy/roots/Americana sound. Highly recommended. Videos:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z0e1LOoU1M0 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8gJix03hO2k

The Special Consensus (USA) Monday, January 21, 2013

The Special Consensus play BAG at Mick Murphy's, Ballymore Eustace, Co. Kildare, Monday, January 21. Doors 8:30pm.

THE SPECIAL CONSENSUS is a superb four person acoustic bluegrass band that began performing in the Midwest in the spring of 1975.

Co-founded by tenor banjo player, Greg Cahill, the band has seen many changes in line-up over the years, but the musicianship and powerful performance have remained at the heart of this great Bluegrass band. 

‘Special C’, as the band are affectionately known, have toured the world over, including previous trips to Ireland; I’m delighted to welcome them back to Ballymore on this tour, where they will present their current CD, ‘Scratch Gravel Road’. 

Scratch Gravel Road is the 16th recording released by Special C. This is a “special” recording because most of the songs were given to the band by top Nashville songwriters, including Dixie and Tom T. Hall, Tim Stafford and Jon Weisberger, Brink Brinkman and Tony Rackley, Craig Market, Becky Buller and even Harley Allen and Herb Ford. The recording features the current band lineup of founder Greg Cahill, David Thomas, Rick Faris and Dustin Benson. The somewhat “epic” song about Bill Monroe, called “Monroe,” includes guest vocal appearances by Special C alums Josh Williams and Chris Jones along with the fabulous fiddling of Stuart Duncan.

Full Bios for all the band here: http://www.specialc.com/Bios.php

Videos:

‘Monroe’ - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xUulvCW8vHc

‘Presenting Scratch Gravel Road’ - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B4CvZHI4yyU