BAG Gigs - October 2017

Four more great gigs in October. As usual, all gigs are in Mick Murphy's Bar, Ballymore Eustace, Co. Kildare. Doors open for all gigs at 8:30pm, and admission is €12, unless otherwise noted.

Josh Harty (USA) - Monday, October 2nd

www.joshharty.com

Josh Harty's unique blend of American music has become a must-hear for those who keep the tradition of country, blues and folk close to their hearts. Born and raised on the plains of North Dakota, Harty grew up playing shows across the Midwest with his father, a small-town police chief and preacher. The touring bug has never left Josh as he now continuously travels across Europe and North America. Harty is always looking for that balance between the rolling road and the people who inspire him, trading stories around kitchen tables and theatre stages. His live shows prove that good storytelling combined with journeyman musicianship is as American as music gets.

The Remedy Club - Monday, October 9th

www.theremedyclub.ie

The Remedy Club (previously B & The Honeyboy) are Aileen Mythen (vocals & percussion) & Kj McEvoy (guitar & vocals).  They’re Irish.  They live in Wexford. They’re married.  To each other. Brand new album, 'Lovers, Legends and Lost Causes', launches on October 7th.

They play what can only be described as American music, countryish mainly, a little bluesy here and there.  Renowned journalist Jackie Hayden has described their music as ‘a marriage of folk and country with a hint of the blues with delicious harmonies and nimble guitar playing’. Call it Americana, call it roots, call it country, it’s all on their new album ‘Lovers, Legends and Lost Causes’ – their first release under the new name The Remedy Club (they released two albums under the previous name).  It consists of 11 original songs and the title refers to the songs therein, some about love, some about legends and some about lost causes.  They recorded the album in Gorey, Co. Wexford and it was mixed by 5 time grammy award winning producer and engineer Ray Kennedy (Steve Earle, Lucinda Williams and Willie Nelson) and Mark Petaccia who has worked with the likes of Jason Isbell, Lindi Ortega and others. 

Video: 'I Miss You' - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2qimGvulmUA

John Spillane - Monday, October 16th

www.johnspillane.com

On November 4th, John Spillane, arguably Cork’s finest living troubadour, releases the first in a series of three very special albums of acoustic renditions of some of his famous songs, entitled 'All The Ways You Wander'. Ahead of that release, I'm delighted to welcome John back to Ballymore Eustace on Monday, October 16th for a very special nights of songs, stories, and craic!

Doors open at 8:30pm, and admission is €15 at the door.

In case you didn't already know: 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.

What makes John special is that he is an artist who knows how to deliver all that he has to offer to anyone of any age, male or female, no matter the musical preference. Place him in the genre of folk, acoustic, traditional, world or pop – that’s fine with John. He’s a man who is very comfortable in his skin. Whether performing solo with guitar, with gentle accompaniment or with full band before 10, 10,000 or 100,000, John entertains, charms, and mesmerizes.

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.

Catfish Keith (USA) - Monday, October 23rd

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 

Video: 'Uncle Ned, Don't You Lose Your Head' - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v3kerv1ok1c

The 4 Of Us - Opening the BAG for 2017/2018 Season

The 4 Of Us - Brendan and Declan Murphy - in Mick Murphy's, November 2016
Photo: Mj Smyth 

Website: www.the4ofus.com

Last November, Brendan and Declan Murphy, the backbone of Newry band, The 4 Of Us, played BAG, and it was - as promised - a night to remember.
I'm delighted to announce that The 4 of Us return to again play BAG @ Mick Murphy's, Ballymore Eustace, Co Kildare on Monday, September 4th. (In truth, the lads booked their return before leaving the venue last time - they loved playing for us, and were instantly keen to return.)
Doors 8:30pm. Admission is €15. No advance ticket sales, so do come early, and form an orderly queue!

Having released their debut album - 'Songs For The Tempted' - in 1989, the band went on to release four further studio albums over the years - 'Man Alive' - '92; 'Classified Personal' - '99; 'Heaven and Earth' - '03, and 'Fingerprints' - '06, which were all critically acclaimed. After a ten year recording hiatus, the brand new record - 'Sugar Island' was just released in October 2016. It's chock-full of fine songs, drawing on the Murphy brothers' experiences growing up in Newry. Brendan's trademark soulful vocal has aged well, and has lost none of its impact, while brother, Declan's intricate acoustic guitar work drives the sound.

“With twelve songs in all, ‘Sugar Island’ offers a little bit of everything that we have come to love and expect from the band – the soulful voice of Brendan against a backdrop of Declan’s stunning acoustic guitar playing.” – FOLK & TUMBLE album review.

A full Irish Tour in support of the new record has been ongoing since the release, with many of the shows in a stripped down acoustic format with just 'The 2 of Them'! - brothers, Brendan and Declan Murphy with two acoustic guitars. And it works; oh, boy, does it work!

So, here's your chance to once again catch the band in an intimate setting, re-live late-80's memories, and hear a set that showcases the depth of the band's back catalogue, and the excellent new songs from 'Sugar Island'.

This one will live long in the memory - don't miss it!

Videos: (Check 'em out!)
http://the4ofus.com/videos/

Coming next: 11/9 - Malcolm and Chris (U.S. Blues Duo); 18/9 - John Blek; 25/9 - Niall Connolly

Tim Grimm and The Family Band - Live @ BAG - Monday, May 22, 2017

www.timgrimm.com

Tim Grimm returns to Mick Murphy's, Ballymore Eustace, Co. Kildare on Monday, May 22nd. This time, though, he does so as 'Tim Grimm and The Family Band', supported ably by sons Jackson (guitars, banjo, octave, mandolin and backing vocals) and Connor (bass), and wife Jan Lucas (harmonica, and backing vocals).
Touring their new record, 'A Stranger In Time', they come to us at the end of a European Tour in support of the CD. Read a fine review of the record here:
http://getreadytorock.me.uk/blog/2017/03/album-review-tim-grimm-and-the-family-band-a-stranger-in-this-time/

First three tracks from the new album, 'A Stranger In Time', here:
https://soundcloud.com/cavalier-musicmanagement/sets/the-first-3-songs-from-tim

Those of you who caught Tim on his previous visits with us, will know that this will be a great night. The musicianship of his sons, Jackson and Connor; beautiful backing vocals by his wife, Jan, and Tim's trademark richly evocative songwriting, guarantee it.

Doors open at 8:30pm. Admission: €12

Krista Detor - Live @ BAG - Monday, May 15th, 2017

Krista Detor and David Weber will definitely float your boat!

Krista Detor returns to BAG at Mick Murphy's, Ballymore Eustace, Co. Kildare, on Monday, May 15th, 2017 for her third appearance. As ever, she will be accompanied by her husband, producer and guitarist, David Weber. On both of her previous visits, Krista has left her audience awe-struck after stunning, powerful, and utterly captivating performances. It is hard to over-recommend this show!
Doors open at 8:30pm. Admission is €12 at the door.

Here's a link to videos and sounds: http://kristadetor.com/index.php?page=video

"She is not just a songwriter, nor accomplished musician, nor poignant entertainer - I have been awed by the soul-punching talent of Krista Detor.." - WNC Magazine (Feb. 2015)

MusicDish magazine calls her work: "..like Richard Wright’s 'Manchild in the Promised Land' or the musical equivalent of Akira Kurosawa’s 'Dreams';" The Allmusic Guide calls her “An artist of rare ability with a deep poetic gift,” and Rolling Stone, "A small miracle."  Krista Detor’s solo albums have reached national and international prominence, including #1 on the Euro-Americana Chart, and placement within the top 10 of the U.S. Folk and Independent Music charts, but she is no ordinary songwriter: Detor has been involved in several award-winning collaborations, including the highly-acclaimed 'Wilderness Plots,' (PBS national), for which she and fellow writers, including American College of Arts & Letters inductee author Scott Russell Sanders, were recognized by the Indiana Legislature for contributions to the arts (2010), and which resulted in (2) Emmy nominations and a Golden Eagle award.

She was the only American woman invited to The BBC's Darwin Songhouse Project, Shrewsbury England (2009); Says Neil Pearson, Producer of the project: “Krista is one of the very finest modern songwriters at writing within character; and her ability to convey the emotions of the people that inhabit her songs is utterly convincing and believable.. The compelling way the narratives are delivered make one of the most flexible and empathetic writers. Her understanding of the human condition and her ability to express the motivation for her characters give her songs real impact and resonance with the listener.”

She has been commissioned to write musical theatre for The U.S. Dept. of State in New Delhi, India (2012); For the Indiana Arts Commission ('The Breeze Bends the Grass,' recipient of the Indiana Arts Commission's Masterpieces Grant - 2016); and has written commissioned choral pieces for several national and int'l choirs. In addition, she's been a returning presenter at Stanford University, wherein, her album, 'Chocolate Paper Suites' was a multi-year ‘required reading’ assignment for the literature course, "The 'isms of Modernism," in which students sought to explore modernism's impact on, and negotiation with, contemporary culture and art. Says Dr. Rod Taylor of the album, “This album provides an excellent example of how the most salient elements of modernist art and philosophy persist in postmodern culture. Its poetic and intertextual lyrics, captivating melodies, meaningful organization, and complex narrative thread will undoubtedly lead to rich discussions among my students.” She has conducted songwriting seminars, performances and presentations at universities and arts centers throughout the world, including Ireland's prestigious IMRO performing rights organization. In February, 2015, she was Artist-in-Residence at the renowned Hedgebrook foundation.

Krista will conduct the first of her signature cross-cultural collaborations, along with Dr. Rod C. Taylor, in Northern Ireland, May, 2017 - taking 20 songwriters on an immersive, 10-day songwriting retreat in the beautiful Mourne Mountains, County Down. In 2018, she hopes to host 12 Northern Irish writers for a similar experience in the U.S. She continues to tour the U.S., U.K., and Europe all the while. She's shared stages with Victor Wooten, Chuck Rainey, Loudon Wainwright, The Neville Bros. and Suzanne Vega, among many others.

Krista lives in Bloomington, Indiana.
You can find her on all social networking sites and at KristaDetor.com

Luan Parle, with Clive Barnes - LIVE @ BAG, Monday, April 10, 2017

Two of Ireland's finest songwriters and performers Luan Parle and Clive Barnes have for many years been gaining 

an international reputation as solo performers. For the past two years they have been performing together to sold 

out audiences across Ireland, US & Europe. It's a real pleasure to welcome them back to BAG at Mick Murphy's,

Ballymore Eustace, Co. Kildare, on Monday, April 10th. Doors open at 8:30pm. Admission is €12

Meteor & Tatler Award winner Luan Parle has had numerous hits & accolades. Her top 10 hit single 'Ghost' spent 

three months in the Irish Charts and was the most played Irish single of that year. 

Parle signed her first record deal at just 12 years of age and has written and recorded with some of the worlds most 

successful songwriters & producers including Grammy award winning Bill Bottrell (Sheryl Crowe, Michael Jackson, 

Prince, Travelling Wilburys, Elton John) & Billy Steinberg (Madonna, Roy Orbison, Cyndi Lauper, The Pretenders, 

Whitney Houston, The Bangles, Celine Dion). 

Parle signed with Elton Johns Management Company Twenty First Artists and opened for Elton three nights at the 

London Hammersmith Apollo. Signing to Sony Records, Parle released her critically acclaimed album 'Free' in 2007. 

To date she has released 3 studio albums and is currently working on her latest material due for release in 2017. 

Clive Barnes is highly regarded as one of the finest performers on the roots circuit and has been gaining a worldwide 

reputation as one of the finest songwriters and guitarists on today's scene. 

Having released four critically acclaimed albums of his own, he has played and recorded with some of the finest 

musicians on the world stage including Joe Cocker, Taj Mahal and Eric Bibb and also shared stages with Dr John, 

Jeff Beck, Solomon Burke, The Blind Boys of Alabama, & Gary Clark Jr to name but a few. 

Barnes has played numerous US, UK and European Tours and taken various awards, Including Album of the Year 

for “Welcome to Farewell” in the US magazine ‘Acoustic Guitar'. His new album 'Get Low' is due for release early 

2017.

EVENING HERALD 

“Luan Parle is quite simply one of the most exciting singers to emerge from Ireland, or any other country for that 

matter! She is a superb song smith as well”

Harry Guiren RTE Television 

"Clive is a guitarist who can make one guitar sound like six. Barnes transported the entire, hushed venue across the 

Atlantic to where the paths taken by the Delta Blues, Tom Waits and Bruce Springsteen all led to his own special 

territory. Balancing intensity with between song banter that would challenge any stand-up, Barnes' songs were a 

revelation."

Videos:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6X1Oom9DQVo

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XyeKykXuxn8&feature=youtu.be

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C0uwgFsK_Nw

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=spbTADWtjCI

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f9RR6cpJL2Q

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8gJix03hO2k

Brooksie Wells & Round Hill - Live at BAG, Monday, April 3rd 2017.

Wally Hughes, Brooksie Wells, and Lisa Kay Howard

Singer/songwriter and Americana artist, Brooksie Wells makes her BAG debut on Monday, April 3rd, on the second date of her Irish Tour, which sees he travelling with her backing band for the trip, Round Hill - Lisa Kay Howard on Mandolin, and her husband Wally Hughes on fiddle and resonator guitar.

Lisa Kay hosts 'The Old Home Place' radio show on WAMU's Bluegrass Country. She and Wally both perform with Valerie Smith & Liberty Pike (featuring Bluegrass Hall of Fame member Tom Gray on bass) and with the band East of Monroe. Lisa Kay also leads her own Lisa Kay Band; Wally plays fiddle and Dobro with Randy Cook & Commonwealth.

'BUT for this tour,' Lisa Kay says,

... it will just be Brooksie, Wally, and myself performing Brooksie's wonderful original music as Brooksie Wells & Round Hill. You can hear entire songs here or find out more about Brooksie at www.brooksiewells.com

So, get along to Mick Murphy's Bar, Ballymore Eustace, Co. Kildare, on Monday, April 3rd. Doors open at 8:30pm. Admission is €12

Peter Byrne & Conor Mahony - Monday, March 13, 2017

The remarkable pairing of Peter Byrne and Conor Mahony play their debut BAG show at Mick Murphy's, Ballymore Eustace, Co. Kildare, on Monday, March 13th. Doors open at 8:30pm, for a 9pm show. Admission is €12

www.facebook.com/peterbyrneconormahony

Together for just two years, singer Peter Byrne and guitarist Conor Mahony have worked steadily to gain their growing recognition on the Irish folk scene.
From Drimnagh in Dublin, Peter Byrne had been floating around the Dublin Folk scene since the early seventies, frequenting various music clubs, such as the Meeting Place, and Mother redcaps Tavern, where he, along with his wife Eilish Moore, ran a Folk Club every Saturday night for over ten years. Peter’s demeanor is that of a quiet, modest man who just loved listening to music and song, and would sing the odd song, when asked. However, the reaction to his voice and delivery of the song always enthralled the listeners. It was in later years, after his early retirement from CIE (where he worked for over forty years), that he met acclaimed Newbridge musician Conor Mahony, that something just clicked. Rehearsing every week on a regular basis, both of them realised there was something truly special.

Peter doesn’t just sing his songs; he inhabits them. With his charming ways he can set an audience alight as he appears to capture effortlessly the essence of each song. No one can sing the story of a song quite like Peter Byrne and few can capture with such honesty and humanity a songs melody, humour or poignancy.
Conor Mahony has been playing classical guitar since childhood but is also equally fond of playing Traditional and Roots music. A singer and songwriter himself, his intricate delicate guitar arrangements are quite impressionistic and are tailored to perfectly enhance each song. Their first album contains mostly traditional songs from Land and Sea. Beautifully produced and engineered by Frankie Lane, the music is a rich blend of tradition and innovation, both delicate and raw.

(Looking for) The Heart of Saturday Night - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7QGR_ISa2uY
Lord Franklin - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u1Vitlp_SOA
The Charladies' Ball - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TKr8RU9n76I

BAG Gigs for March 2017

Terrific BAG lineup for March - See below. Please follow artist website links for music samples, etc.

All gigs are on Monday nights in Mick Murphy's Bar, Ballymore Eustace, Co. Kildare. Doors open at 8:30pm for a 9pm show, in each case. Admission to each gig is €12.

March 6 - Ger Wolfe (IRL) - Folk - http://www.gerwolfe.com/

March 13 - Peter Byrne & Conor Mahony (IRL) - Folk/reinterpretation - https://www.facebook.com/peterbyrneconormahony/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7QGR_ISa2uY

March 20 - Susan Tomelty & Pat Farrell (IRL) - Blues/Roots - http://www.susantomelty.ie/

March 27 - Pat Coldrick (IRL) - Classical, and so much more - http://www.patcoldrick.com/

Ger Wolfe - Live at BAG - Monday, March 6th, 2017

Photo: Richie Tyndall

Thrilled to be welcoming Ger Wolfe back to Mick Murphy's, in Ballymore Eustace, Co. Kildare on Monday, March 6th, where he has been a regular visitor for almost 20 years. Doors open at 8:30pm. Admission is €12. www.gerwolfe.com

Ger Wolfe has released seven albums of original material over the last twenty years; his latest entitled “I Have Been Loved” ‘exquisitely performed, arranged and recorded’ ... sublime (Hotpress). Celebratory, reflective, independent in mind and nature, Ger continues to plough his own way through the Irish musical landscape, heedless of fad or fashion. True to the craft of songwriting, he tells his own story as only he could, in his own unique voice. Ger is a fine lyricist, poet and composer all rolled into one. He is a highly respected guitarist and singer. Later on this Spring (2017) Ger will release ‘The Lark of Mayfield’ a compilation celebrating his beautiful work to date.


What the critics say:

"Ger Wolfe..creating understated but carefully crafted vignettes, exquisitely performed, arranged and recorded....sublime"
Hot Press magazine.

“A rare and unique creative talent"
Paul Dromey writing in Irish Examiner

"’The Curra Road’ is a classic of grace and simplicity and should become a standard."
The Boston Globe

Mark Geary with Grainne Hunt - Monday, February 27, 2017

www.markgeary.com
www.grainnehunt.weebly.com

Now a regular visitor to BAG (he loves the vibe), Mark Geary returns to Mick Murphy's Bar, Ballymore Eustace, Co. Kildare, on Monday, Feb 27th. Doors open at 8:30pm, for a 9pm show. Admission is €12.

Joining Mark on the night is the really rather wonderful, and lovely, Ms. Grainne Hunt.
Grainne is a fine songwriter in her own right, and will perform some solo numbers, and provide backing vocals for Mark's set.
Check out how they sound together, here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oXSIbMIxqTg
and, here: https://youtu.be/hjVc3FJZbAA

With his 5th studio album  now mixed and mastered, 2017 sees Mark road-testing the songs from the new album which will be released later this year. So, you can be assured of a set that's chock-full of great new songs, and the best of his back catalogue. One of the most charismatic performers to grace BAG, a Mark Geary show is always a special thing to witness.

Mark is described as a “quintessential singer-songwriter” and his records of finely-crafted songs have been hailed as encapsulating both boisterous joy and gentle, delicate moments that endear themselves to the listener and evoke comparisons to artists such as Van Morrison, John Lennon, Elliot Smith and Richard Thompson.

His body of work includes 4 (soon to be 5) studio albums, 2 live recordings and collaborations with a number of artists including the release in 2013 of a charity version of his song ‘Christmas Biscuits’ with friend Glen Hansard in aid of St Vincent De Paul. Mark has also lent his talents to the visual arts scoring several films including Loggerheads (2005), Steel City (2006) and TriBeCa Film Festival favourite, Sons of Perdition (2010).

Touring and performing are still Mark’s lifeblood and passion. From the outset it is impossible not to be charmed by him, delivering as he does both his music and his stories in unassuming and singular style. His natural humour and ability to read the moment, give his shows a uniqueness, leaving his audiences with the feeling that they have just experienced something very special.

Over the last 20 years Mark has toured all over Europe, the US and Australia, and has shared the stage with performers such as The Swell Season, Glen Hansard, The Frames, Josh Ritter, Bell X1, Coldplay, Elvis Costello, The Pretenders and Joe Strummer.  In recent years, he has played shows and festivals in both the US and across Europe notably in Switzerland, Austria and Germany, including a headline spot on the critically acclaimed Songs from Ireland: Old and New tour. He also supported Glen Hansard on several of his European dates in 2015 and 2016.

'Volunteer' - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8W24GSOhbqQ

HATS - Monday, February 20, 2017

www.hatssongs.com

Another new act for BAG, HATS is a collective of three very individual performers who truly do become greater than the sum of their considerable parts. They play their BAG debut in Mick Murphy's Bar, Ballymore Eustace, Co. Kildare, on Monday, Feb 20. Doors open at 8:30pm for a 9pm show. Admission is €12

HATS….3 Songwriters, 3 Styles and 1 Name

Gerry Creen from Belfast is considered a folk legend with a finger picking’ style next to none. His voice and songs are full of great stories. Check out his albums including his latest ‘My Shoes’.

David Dee Moore also from Belfast but now in Westport has a background of songwriting and as a session Bass player around the world with many top names. His songs exude catchy pop licks and wonderful melodies. Check out his recordings including his latest album ‘The sun the moon and the stars…and other moving objects’.

Derek McGowan now living in Westport is a blues legend in Ireland.  He grew up with the Blues in Dublin and his guitar versatility and rockin’ songs can be heard on his latest album ‘Rainlight’.

These three gents have a fine, fine sound that's a perfect fit for BAG. Come along and catch their first visit with us.

'Burst' (David Dee Moore) - https://youtu.be/ieaeH7Ns2wo
'Watering Can' - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B6d4dFb0kg0&app=desktop

KERN - Monday, Feb 13, 2017

KERN is a contemporary folk band from County Louth, and they'll play their debut BAG gig in Mick Murphy's Bar, in Ballymore Eustace, Co. Kildare, on Monday, Feb 13th. Doors open at 8:30pm for a 9pm start.

www.kernmusic.com

An introduction to the music, here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9JbYaClJvck
'The Hard Wind' - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NU2jKLnVb2I

The Band: Brendan McCreanor is a thrilling uilleann piper who has worked extensively in both traditional music and in contemporary crossover projects. By contrast, SJ McArdle is a well-known rock and folk musician, a published songwriter and singer (songs from his three albums have featured in film, TV and radio and he has toured extensively - including playing BAG on several occasions). And Barry Kieran is a former Leinster champion fiddler, steeped in the raw, pure music of Oriel. All three men are from Louth, and this is reflected in their repertoire, which includes tunes and songs from all over the county as well as self-written new ones.

False Deceiver is their brand new debut album. It is a true blend, in terms of its mood, its styles and its musicians. Thunderous sets of traditional tunes vie with lyrical, atmospheric songs, all underpinned by the production of legendary Lúnasa and Waterboys bassist Trevor Hutchinson. As a result, False Deceiver manages to be emotional without being sentimental, traditional yet contemporary.

The band has been featured on RTE Lyric FM's, The Blue of the Night, RTE Radio 1's Ceilí House, numerous shows on Raidio na Gaeilge and are soon playing on Newstalk’s The Pat Kenny Show. Kern have already played a host of festivals and concerts, including Celtic Connections in Glasgow, Drogheda Arts Festival, Vantastival, Dingle Tradfest and Baltimore Fiddle Fair to name only a few.

Praise for False Deceiver:
"Quite lovely ... an intriguing release. Those interested in trad music that crosses over into singer/songwriter territory will find this album particularly attractive, but its accessibility will have easy appeal to general audiences. Thumbs up!" – Irish Echo

“The instrumental tracks on the album are absolutely superb. (In “The Hard Wind”) SJ McArdle has written a really fine and brave song ... really interesting, powerful and complex”– Mike Harding

“Gorgeous. It’s been a while since I heard something traditional this sweet and good.” – Susan McKeown

John Spillane - Monday, Feb 6, 2017

Perennial BAG favourite, John Spillane returns to kick off 2017's BAG gigs in Mick Murphy's, Ballymore Eustace, Co. Kildare, on Monday, February 6th. Unusually, John wasn't with us in 2016, so it's great to welcome him back - he's played Ballymore pretty much every year for the past 20 years. Doors open at 8:30pm for a 9pm show. Admission is €15.

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.

What makes John special is that he is an artist who knows how to deliver all that he has to offer to anyone of any age, male or female, no matter the musical preference.  Place him in the genre of folk, acoustic, traditional, world or pop – that’s fine with John.  He’s a man who is very comfortable in his skin. Whether performing solo with guitar, with gentle accompaniment or with full band before 10, 10,000 or 100,000, John entertains, charms, and mesmerizes.

John is a native of Cork, the County he lovingly describes as “the centre of the universe”, and it has been a huge creative influence on him. Vocally, he is quite unique with an almost sean nós-like element in his singing and he is said to have a voice “full of honesty, commitment and sensitivity”.

Two-time Meteor award winner, John is one of the most accomplished songwriters in Ireland today. Among those who have covered his songs are Christy Moore, Sharon Shannon, Sean Keane, to name a few from the home stage, and Blues/Roots artiste, Brooks Williams, from the USA. He performs to audiences large and small everywhere.

BAG Gig Schedule - February to May 2017

The BAG Spring 2017 gig schedule is now fully booked. All dates are Monday nights. All gigs are in Mick Murphy's Bar, Ballymore Eustace, Co. Kildare, and start at 9pm, with doors open at 8:30pm. Admission to each gig is €12, unless otherwise noted.

The descriptions included below are a guide to the type of music each artist plays. Descriptions are subjective, and can mean different things to different people, so for a real flavour of the music, follow the links to artist websites, where you'll find samples of what you can expect. Suffice to say: it's all good!

Feb. 6 - John Spillane (IRL) - Folk - http://www.johnspillane.com/ Admission: €15

Feb. 13 - Kern (IRL) - Folk/Trad - http://kernmusic.com/

Feb. 20 - HATS (IRL) - Folk/Blues/Roots - www.hatssongs.com

Feb. 27 - Mark Geary (IRL) - Indie/Folk - http://markgeary.com/

March 6 - Ger Wolfe (IRL) - Folk - http://www.gerwolfe.com/

March 13 - Peter Byrne & Conor Mahony (IRL) - Folk/reinterpretation - https://www.facebook.com/peterbyrneconormahony/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7QGR_ISa2uY

March 20 - Susan Tomelty & Pat Farrell (IRL) - Blues/Roots - http://www.susantomelty.ie/

March 27 - Pat Coldrick (IRL) - Classical, but so much more - http://www.patcoldrick.com/

April 3 - Brooksie Wells (USA) - Roots/Americana - http://www.brooksiewells.com/

April 10 - Luan Parle & Clive Barnes (IRL) - Folk/Country/Roots - http://www.luanparle.com/

April 24 - John Statz (USA) - Alt. Folk/Americana - http://johnstatz.com/

May 8 - Cormac O'Caoimh (IRL) - Indie/Folk/Pop - http://www.thecitadels.net/

May 15 - Krista Detor (USA) - Alt. Folk/Indie - http://kristadetor.com/

May 22 - Tim Grimm and The Family Band (USA) - Roots/Americana/Folk - http://timgrimm.com/

May 29 - Roy Thompson (IRL) - Folk/Roots/Country - https://www.facebook.com/roythompsonmusic/

I Draw Slow - Monday, December 5th, 2016 - ** 2016 Finale **

www.idrawslow.wordpress.com

I Draw Slow play BAG @ Mick Murphy's, Ballymore Eustace, Co. Kildare on Monday, December 5th. Doors open at 8:30pm. Admission is €15.

This is the last gig of 2016, so come along and let's finish this year with a flourish!

I Draw Slow fool many people at first listen - their alt-country/Bluegrass/Appalachian sound is so authentic, one could be excused for assuming this Irish band is actually from the U.S. But, there is no affectation in their sound; it is honest, respectful to the musical traditions that underpin it, and distinctly original.
At times, you hear an old time string band; at others, an Irish Trad session. Throughout it all, you hear superb musicianship, tied together with the vocal ribbon that is Louise Holden's rich voice, and to further embellish the package, lush harmonies abound.

With three albums under their belt - 'Downside' 2008; 'Redhills' 2011; 'White Wave Chapel' 2014, I Draw Slow, who are currently signed to U.S. Bluegrass label, Pinecastle Records, are in the process of recording their fourth album, 'Turn Your Face To The Sun', and there's a crowd-funding campaign where you can get involved. Details, here: http://www.pledgemusic.com/projects/idrawslow

Ten years of recording and touring the world have honed this band into one of the finest folk/roots/Americana acts this country - or any other, for that matter - has produced, and it is in live performance that they are at their best. So, here's your chance to catch them locally. Spread the word, come along, and be prepared to be blown away!

Videos:
'Valentine': https://idrawslow.wordpress.com/video/valentine-video/
'Goldmine': https://idrawslow.wordpress.com/video/goldmine-video/
'Swans': https://idrawslow.wordpress.com/video/swans-video/
'Cry Help': https://idrawslow.wordpress.com/video/cry-help-live-video/

John Blek (Solo) - Monday, November 28, 2016

John Blek returns to BAG @ Mick Murphy's, Ballymore Eustace, Co. Kildare, to play a solo show on Monday, November 28th. Doors open at 8:30pm. Admission is €12

John's previous BAG appearances have been very well received, and its a pleasure to welcome back this gentle giant (he's six foot five!) from Cork in support of his cracking second debut album. There's an old soul in the body of this young man, that manifests itself in a sound that could easily take root somewhere between the deep South, and the great mid-western plains of America. Known for some time now as a fine songwriter and singer, on 'Cut The Light' John Blek's guitar playing comes to the fore. His efforts to further develop his already considerable guitar talents have paid off, and the listener is treated to some fine, fine playing and instrumentation.

Watch/listen to 'Little Sparrow', here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NkuTP88qkq4

and 'Take Me Home', here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iygAM0b1xj4

www.johnblekandtherats.com

John Blek has announced the release of his highly anticipated second solo album entitled “Cut the Light”. This sophomore outing will be hitting shelves and online stores on the 30th  September 2016.

The album was recorded in Bantry, West Cork, Ireland over a period of four days in early spring. A collection of eleven original contemporary folk songs carefully crafted and documented with the help of Davie Ryan (Drums), Brian Hassett (Bass Guitar) and Brian Casey (Producer). With a sound that harks back to that of Bert Jansch and Liege & Lief era Fairport Convention, “Cut the Light” is likely to become a favourite amongst both new listeners and existing fans.

“Cut the Light is an album I have wanted to record for quite a while. I pushed myself to become a better instrumentalist and songwriter on these songs and really focused on creating a collection of pieces that could live together on a cohesive album. It’s something I’m very proud of...…. “ John Blek

Blek is constantly proving himself to be a prolific writer of some of the most beautiful folk music being created today, both solo and with his band John Blek & the Rats. It is less than 12 months since the band released their last record and already John is ready to share his latest work “Cut the Light”.

The album is being put out independently in Ireland on John Blek and the Rats own WARR label and through Tonetoaster Records in Germany. It will be available on CD, 180 gram Vinyl and MP3.

Jeff Finlin/Peter Bruntnell/Clive Barnes - Monday, November 21, 2016

On Monday, November 21st, an incredible lineup representing three corners of the globe will perform in Mick Murphy's, Ballymore Eustace, Co. Kildare. That lineup is: Jeff Finlin (USA), Peter Bruntnell(UK), and Clive Barnes(IRL). Doors open at 8:30pm. Admission is €12

Jeff Finlin and Peter Bruntnell are two songwriters at the very top of their game, and two of the best out there; Clive Barnes, as well as being a fine songwriter in his own right, has established himself as one of the most sought after guitar sidemen, and has toured the world in that capacity over recent years with many international acts, including both Finlin and Bruntnell.

Of Jeff Finlin, Peter Cooper of the Nashville Tennessean - “Some folks come to Nashville, amble over to Music Row and look for a cookie-cutter solution. Hand Jeff Finlin a cookie cutter, and he’s liable to melt it down and then forge it into something sharper and more dangerous.”

"Finlin writes with the minimalist grit of Sam Shepard and Raymond Carver. Tune in and you will hear an illusive magic!" - Dave Hoekstra-Chicogo Sun Times

Website: http://www.jefffinlin.com/

Video: 'I Killed Myself Last Night' - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SdP1hWDTAJ0

Of Peter Bruntnell, MOJO said: "Bruntnell has a remarkable knack for turning out big, dreamy, melodic, memorable songs".

"His songs should be taught in schools" - NME

Website: http://peterbruntnell.net/

Video: 'Mr. Sunshine' - https://youtu.be/BMo7ckUQInk

Of Clive Barnes, Harry Guiren, RTE, said: "Clive is a guitarist who can make one acoustic sound like six. Barnes transported the entire, hushed venue across the Atlantic to where the paths taken by the Delta Blues, Tom Waits and Bruce Springsteen all led to his own special territory."

Exuding a throat catching melancholy, and romantic and bleak in turns, it sounds like an album
made for all eternity. Hotpress **** 4/5 (Review of 'The Ghost Country')

Website: http://www.clivebarnesmusic.com/

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

The Remedy Club (Formerly B & The Honeyboy) - Monday, November 7th, 2016

http://www.theremedyclub.ie/home

Back in April of this year B & The Honeyboy played their BAG debut, and went down a storm! Now they're back, re-named as The Remedy Club, and with a hat-ful of new material, from their forthcoming third album. This high energy duo is not to be missed, and they return to play BAG at Mick Murphy's Bar, Ballymore Eustace, on Monday, November 7th. Doors open at 8:30pm. Admission is €12

The Remedy Club are a harmony-heavy alternative country folk duo from Wexford and Dublin, composed of Aileen Mythen and Kj McEvoy.  Formed in 2006 under the previous name of “B & The Honeyboy’ they released & toured their first two albums throughout Ireland & Europe playing festivals such as Electric Picnic, Westport, Longitude & Sligo Live.  Following a relaunch under the new name - The Remedy Club - they are soon to release their new album ‘Lovers, Legends and Lost Causes’.  This album sees them working with musician/producer Ian Doyle and a collection of other exceptional musicians including Lorcan and Cillian Byrne from Basciville.  Their new album combines threads of country, folk, soul and blues. The marriage of delicious harmonies, raw guitar sounds & honest, mature songwriting create a vintage Americana sound that is fresh and authentic.

The new material, as its' title suggests deals with themes of love, in the tracks, ‘Last Song’, ‘I miss you’ & ‘This is love’, legends in the songs ‘Django’ (inspired by Blues/Jazz musician – Django Rynhart), ‘Listening to Hank Williams’ – a homage to the country legend and ‘When Tom Waits up’ – a song inspired by Tom Waits, conjuring up an atmospheric, smokehouse feeling.  Other songs like ‘Get away with it’ and ‘Bottom of the hill’ relate to the final part of the title ‘Lost Causes’, where the material further amplifies the honest and raw nature of the album.

''The Remedy Club delivered a set that displayed their delicious harmonies, McEvoy's nimble guitar playing and a marriage of folk and country with a hint of the blues. As a devout sceptic I never realised that going to church would be so rewarding''.   ( Jackie Hayden)

Videos - and I recommend you watch 'em all!

'Now and Then' - https://youtu.be/3g2RV4Mqv2g
'Image on My Retina' - https://youtu.be/OUPQSpkiNeA
'Far Away From Love' - https://youtu.be/pmKONaIYZOg
'I Got You' - https://youtu.be/6sj654qp7IY

GREENSHINE - Monday, October 24th, 2016

"All things come to those who wait", they say. True enough, as it's taken a few years of trying for a gap in the BAG schedule to coincide with Greenshine's availability. So I'm delighted to present the band - for the first time in my tenure - in Mick Murphy's, Ballymore Eustace, Co. Kildare, on Monday, October 24th. Doors open at 8:30pm; showtime 9pm. Admission is €12.

Website: http://greenshinemusic.com/

GREENSHINE is currently touring in support of the brand new album - 'The Girl in The Lavender Dress', and you can listen to the title track here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5k8heQg-wVA

GREENSHINE is a family trio comprising Noel Shine, Mary Greene and their daughter Ellie. Their material straddles the boundaries of contemporary, folk and roots and includes many self-penned songs. Their fast picking and close harmonies are a treat to the ear. Noel is a multi-instrumentalist, turning his hand to guitar, bass, mandolin, bouzouki and traditional whistle and this musical dexterity had seen him much in demand as a session and band player by artists as diverse as The Clancy Brothers and Tommy Makem and funk and soul legends The Republic of Loose amongst many others. Mary brings rhythm guitar to the mix and her voice is a wonderfully versatile instrument. She is much in demand for her recording session work and has added her talents to the albums of Christy Moore, John Spillane, Mick Hanly and Frances Black as well as cult psychedelic outfit Dr. Strangely Strange. As a duo, Noel and Mary have released 3 critically acclaimed albums to date ~ The Land You Love the Best (placed no. 3 in The Irish Times Folk albums of the year of its release), Unspoken Lines (described as ‘The heart and soul of folk music, coming from a deeper well…,’ by John Spillane) while Mary’s solo, Sea of Hearts, earned an impressive 8 out of 10 in Hot Press.

Ellie Shine has grown up surrounded by music and has been performing in concerts and festivals since the age of 13 including an appearance with GREENSHINE for President Michael D. Higgins and his wife Sabina at The Abbey Theatre. Despite her tender years, Ellie has featured on 4 recordings to date. She has a huge interest in the songs of the Muskerry Gaeltacht and reached the All-Ireland final of Fleadh Cheoil na hEireann’s under 15 Sean-Nós Singing competition in her debut try-out. She enjoys singing songs of all genres and has a special place in her heart reserved for classic Beatles and country as well as good contemporary songwriting. She accompanies herself on the ukulele.

The music of Greenshine has been covered by several Irish music artists and has been used commercially by Follain Preserves in their ad campaigns, Carrie Crowley in her film Waterway and as signature tunes by several national radio station programmes.

Kelley McRae & Matt Castelein - Monday, October 17, 2016

Having become a true BAG favourite over the past few years, the (by now, annual) return of Kelley McRae and Matt Castelein is always hotly anticipated. That return happens on Monday, October 17th, and will see the pair present songs from their new release, 'The Wayside' (Spoiler alert: its a belter!!).

As usual, doors open at 8:30pm, and Admission is €12

www.kelleymcrae.com

Videos: http://kelleymcrae.com/videos/

Kelley McRae called New York City home for many years, cutting her teeth in the vaunted singer/songwriter scene and honing her craft at legendary clubs like The Living Room, The Rockwood Music Hall and the Bowery Ballroom. In 2011 McRae teamed up with guitarist Matt Castelein, and the duo traded in their Brooklyn apartment for a VW camper van and hit the road full time. Kelley and Matt traveled extensively across America those first few years, performing hundreds of shows and finding inspiration for new songs along the way.

The duo has since gone on to tour in eleven countries, including shows in London, Paris, Amsterdam, and Berlin. They’ve taken the stage at renowned venues such as The Bluebird Café in Nashville and The Green Note in London, and they’ve performed at festivals like Riverbend in Chattanooga,TN, Rhythm and Blooms in Knoxville, TN and the Kerrville Folk Festival where they were named New Folk Finalists.

Kelley McRae’s latest release, The Wayside, is a testament to the inspiration inherent in the American landscape, the grief intrinsic to change, and the hope that comes with stepping onto unknown soil. The Wayside, McRae says, “is the place along the side of the road where things get left behind, or where you go to rest awhile, or where you go find something you lost along the way.” McRae’s songs sip life from the tension between holding on and letting go, blooming in their rich search for truths.

Released in April, 2016, The Wayside debuted at #7 on the Euro-Americana charts and hit #4 on the Roots Music Reports Top 50 Contemporary Folk chart. It has continued to impress critics: Penguin Eggs Magazine calls Kelley’s voice ‘hauntingly beautiful, echoing the best of Gillian Welch’ and New York Music Daily calls the duo ‘the real deal.’ Folk Radio UK describes McRae as ‘evocative of the finest moments of Emmylou.’ Mike Penard of Radio France says, “With hundreds of new releases each year, there are maybe ten or twenty magical moments. The Wayside is one of those moments.”