6th Annual 'Vibe for Larry' - Friday, Dec. 9th

Photo by Mike Lindauer - bassist, friend, and former golf partner of Larry's!

The BAG year wraps up with the 6th Annual 'Vibe For Larry', which will take place in Mick Murphy's, Ballymore Eustace, Co. Kildare on Friday, December 9th at 8pm. No cover charge. All welcome.

The purpose of this night is to bring together friends and family of the late Larry Roddy, to honour his memory by doing some of the things that made him happiest - making music, singing songs, telling stories and raising a few glasses while doing so. The night takes the form of an open, fully acoustic session that any performer can join in, play a tune, sing, give a recitation, tell a story, raise a toast, etc.

So, for those who didn't know him: who was Larry Roddy?

Well, firstly, he was my friend. One of my dearest friends. He was a gentleman; a gentle man. A quiet, humble man; a man beloved and missed by so many since his death in 2010.

Those who didn't know him privately, probably best knew him as a music promoter. But that term does not adequately describe his contribution to the live music scene in Ireland. Since the mid-60s when the great Blues Revival began in the UK, Larry brought to Ireland some of the cream of the American Bluesmen, including Mississippi Fred McDowell. Later, he branched out into Folk and Roots music too, booking tours, and acting as Irish Agent for many overseas acts from the four corners of the globe. Names like Jeff Lang and Bruce Mathiske from Australia; Chris Smither and Geoff Muldaur from the US; Johnny Dickinson and Paul Lamb from the UK; John Spillane and Ger Wolfe from Ireland, and so many more. Names, and music, that many of us may never have heard, but for Larry's love of the music, and a desire to bring it to fans who shared that love. He continued to put on gigs, through loss and illness, right up until the end.

The gig in Ballymore Eustace was started by Larry nearly 25 years ago, and with any luck will continue for the same again! So, on Friday Dec. 9th, we'll come together to celebrate music, with music, and to fondly remember Larry, and the many, many, magic nights he gave us.

See ye in Mick's!