Brendan Grace

http://brendangrace.com

The greatest family comedian of our generation proudly presents 40 years in the Comedy business and most of this time at the very top of his profession.

Brendan’s latest show features some brand new material and some ‘Old Favourites’ from his vast repertoire over the last 40 years. His sense of timing and ability to read an audience is without equal. A brilliant character actor, his ‘Bottler’ character is legendary and is now featured at every performance. Apart from his obvious ‘star quality’ in all aspects of his performance Brendan’s drawing power is
enormous and the ‘House Full’ sign is the norm rather than the exception at his concerts.

 

 

“Voice of the Glen” 

Starts on Sat. night 01 Feb. 2014.

The Glen Theatre “Voice of the Glen” singing competition starts this Sat. The competition which is kindly sponsored by main sponsors O Keeffe Enterprises, Electrical and Renewable Energy Installations Banteer and other sponsors Twohigs Supervalu will involve over 60 singers from Cork City and County and outside. A cash prize of €1000 is available to the winner and €500 to the nominator. All Contestants must be 18 years and over to enter the competition. The Voice of the Glen is an open, individual competition. Michael Dennehy C103 launched the competition last Fri night. The 6 first round heats are scheduled for Feb. 1^st, 9^th, 16th, 21^st, 23rd, 28th Feb

The 3 semi-finals will be held at later dates to be confirmed with the final at the end March /early April.

Three contestants will be selected for qualification at each round by the judging panel, with 1 additional contestant qualifying by audience vote. The exception to this will be the final, where winners and runners-up will be decided by adjudicators only.

List of contestants as follows for Sat 1^st Feb

1. Alanna Barry: Millstreet Camogie Club

2. Pat Cranitch: Laharn Heritage Centre

3. Shane O’Riordan: Centre Stage Theatre

4. Nigel Herlihy: Anvil Bar, Rylane

5. Caroline O’Shea: Mallow Animal Rescue

6. Edel Shine: Banteer Camogie Club

7. Evelyn Curtain: Quinlan’s Bar Meelin

8. Tim Ring: Moll’s Bar, Beeing

9. Tom Goggin: Millstreet Community Singers

10. Marie Bradley: Kathy’s Bar, Knocknagree

11. Una Marie Cremin: Jeff’s Bar, Castlemagner

 

DON BAKER

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Don Baker was born in Whitehall, Dublin in 1950, but by the time he was in his early teens he was already showing his natural talent on the harmonica and guitar.

Living in the Corporation Buildings in inner-city Dublin he was attracted to blues music, and by 1973 he was playing all over Germany, Austria, Holland and France, earning a living from the music he not only loved, but was supremely proficient at. He spent a decade on the road, paying his dues, travelling on trains, and sleeping on floors.

 

Don became a significant Irish musical figure in 1979 when he was invited by the Late Late Show to compose a song about inner city Dublin. ‘Dublin’s Inner City’ was the outcome, and the version by The Jolly Beggarmen reached No. 2 in the Irish charts.

Over the years since then, Baker has built a solid reputation as a singer, guitarist, harmonica player and songwriter. Many of his own compositions offer disarmingly honest reflections on aspects of his own life and personality, and he has openly spoken of his deeply spiritual approach to life and people.

He has recorded several acclaimed albums, including Almost Illegal, Born With the Blues, Duckin’ & Divin’, Miss You, No Regrets Live in Concert, Born With the Blues, Just Don Baker, No Nonsense and Rain On The Wind. His DVD/video releases include Don Baker Live and Don Baker In Profile.

Mark Feltham (who has played with Oasis, Joe Cocker and Rory Gallagher) rates him as the greatest acoustic harmonica player in the world, and similar acclaim has come his way from both Nashville session musician Charlie McCoy and U2’s Bono. He has written several instruction books for harmonica players, and several tutor videos. The esteem with he is viewed on the international circuit is shown by the fact that he is a regular adjudicator for the World Harmonica Championships (blues section).

Baker’s harmonica influences include blues legends Sonny Boy Williamson and Sonny Terry, as well as the afore-mentioned McCoy who recorded Baker’s composition, ‘Jordanna’. His guitar playing was, by his own admission, inspired by Mississippi John Hurt, Blind Blake and Robert Johnson, but others also see the influence of more modern players of the calibre of JJ Cale and Mark Knopfler.

Baker made his screen debut in 1993 in the film In The Name of The Father directed by Jim Sheridan, and starring Daniel Day-Lewis and Emma Thompson. He also appeared in Mia, Liebe Meines Lebens in 1998 with Claudia Cardinale, and in 2001’s On The Nose with Dan Ackroyd and Robbie Coltrane. Don recently picked Best Supporting Actor at the 14th Melbourne Underground Film Festival, which premiered his “apocalyptic crime thriller” The Late Men, from director Van Poynton.  The film’s title sequence – featuring Don’s electrifying harmonica – was nominated for Excellence in Title Design in SXSW, Texas, 2013.

 

 

His 2013 album, My Songs, My Friends, features a selection of his own songs sung and played by a star-studded line-up of guests including Liam O Maonlai, Brian Kennedy, Gemma Hayes, Finbar Furey, Sinead O’Connor, Eleanor McEvoy, John Spillane, Mick Pyro, Clara Rose, Rob Strong, Pat Collins, Martin Furey, Paddy Casey and Declan O’Rourke. It also contains three live bonus tracks recorded by Baker at The Olympia.

My Songs, My Friends releases Friday 18th October, 2013

 

 

 

 

 

 

Frankie Gavin & De Dannan

“The De Dannan of the 21st century” (Frankie Gavin)“Frankie Gavin and De Dannan are the jewel in the crown, and as the musicians hit top gear some of the fast reels in particular are mesmerizing”(Carl Dixon, The Irish Examiner, August 2009)

Biography

For many years traditional super group De Dannan were the forerunners in the Irish traditional music world but after 33 years, 14 albums and a number of changes in the line up, the group disbanded in 2003. During August this year original founding member and world famous fiddle player Frankie Gavin unleashed a new De Dannan which in his own words “will reflect a De Dannan of the 21st century”.

 

 

 

 

Beatle Mal

Nik Wood-Jones performing in his play, ‘Beatle Mal’s Legendary Band’,

James Kilbane

James Kilbane’s latest album release is ‘Veritas Presents, The Songs of Faith Collection’.  James and his label Gold Eagle Music are delighted to be releasing this latest album in association with Veritas Publications, Ireland’s leading Christian publishers in media and retail of religious gifts.  The Songs of Faith Collection has been released to mark this special year of the Year of Faith. For the Year of Faith James is the voice of Veritas with this release and for this special church year.

You Tube video: http://youtu.be/-elHstHpH-0 

 

 

 

Tommy Fleming

Tommy Fleming was born in 1971 in Aclare, County Sligo, the youngest of six children to Anne and Paddy Fleming. His natural singing ability was evident at a young age whilst participating in local talent competitions and concerts and his performances always delivered something quite special. While still at school his first band was born  – a rock band (!) called “The Face of February” and thus began the a lifeof ”gigging” in local clubs and pubs. After leaving school (in 1990) Tommy started to establish himself as part of a Castlebar quartet known as “Jarog” performing in pubs and clubs around the country and regularly packing in the fans wherever they appeared. Their flame haired vocalist was also attracting attention at their many festival appearances across the country. However, despite this success in many venues through the early 1990’s, record companies didn’t appear to be too interested in his work. Then a chance encounter with renowned producer and composer Phil Coulter changed all that. In July 1993, Phil overheard Tommy performing at a charity event in Westport, County Mayo and within days he was ‘guesting’ with Philand his Orchestra at the Opera House (Cork), the National Concert Hall (Dublin) and The University Concert Hall (Limerick).  Four months later he was touring North America, playing to huge audiences all across the USA and Canada, culminating in two shows in the Boston Symphony Hall and the legendary Carnegie Hall, New York.

 

 

Dominic Kirwan

Dominic Kirwan’s latest Album, My Kinda Country reflects his love of the music he’s had all his life. It’s 14 songs reflect a wide variety of influences within the genre ranging from Garth Brooks to Kenny Rogers via Tom Jones. Released in October 2009, it has been received enthusiastically by critics and fans alike. It’s just the latest chapter in a success story which began with his first album “Try A Little Kindness” with Ritz Records in 1989. But Dominic has been involved with music for much longer than that…… He began Irish Dancing in his home town of Omagh at the age of 4 joining the well respected Seamus Kerrigan school of Irish Dancing. Not long after, one of his primary school teachers approached his mother after a singing competition and informed her that her son had a very good voice. During the next few years, Dominic competed in all manner of singing and dancing competitions throughout Ireland and further afield, giving him valuable experience for the career that lay ahead. Dominic’s first band, The Melody Boys, was formed in early 1979. The group played all over the North West of Ireland, learning their craft in local bars, Clubs, Dancehalls, Weddings and many other functions. He first went solo at the end of 1984, recording his first single called, “Alice Is in Wonderland,” now a collectors item amongst fans. All the while, he was entering talent contests the length and breadth of Ireland from U.T.V.’s Entertainer of The Year to Search for a Star on R.T.E. and even B.B.C.’s Opportunity Knocks. He finally managed to break through in 1988, winning two local radio talent shows, which led directly to his signing to Ritz Records soon after. Many of Dominic’s hits originate from this time, such as Noreen Bawn.  Thus began Dominic’s hectic touring schedule which would take him all over the globe, giving him the opportunity to work with such great music stars as Charlie Pride, Tammy Wynette, Kenny Rodgers, Don Williams and many others. More recently Dominic has been joined on stage with two of his sons Colm and Barry, both individual talents in their own right. Amongst his peers and fans alike, Dominic’s live shows are regarded as some of the most vibrant and exciting in today’s music scene. With his rich voice and wide repertoire, there is always something to please even the most ardent music critic. At present, Dominic has recorded over 14 studio albums and has also six live shows recorded on DVD, many of which, like his latest offering, “My Kinda Country,” have reached top positions in both British Album and DVD charts.  For this new album, Dominic has put together a selection of country songs that reflect both his love of the music and his respect for material, old and new.

Story of the Clancy Brothers and Tommy Makem

Sean Keane

Seán Keane from County Galway is decribed as the `greatest musical find of the 90`s` by `The London Independent`.  Traditional Irish, folk and even country and blues songs all lend themselves to his unique style and unforgettable voice.  Growing up in a family of singers and musicians, Seán learned the sean-nós style of singing from his mother and his aunts. Singing was his life, even in early childhood; by the time Seán reached his teens, he had collected thirteen All-Ireland medals in Fleadh Ceoil competitions. He was by then an accomplished whistle and flute player as well  and had taken up the uilleann pipes and bodhraun.

Website: http://www.seankeane.com

A Glorious reunion for Cork’s Finnegan’s Wake.

Written by Carol Noelle Rice.

Finnegan’s Wake are an extraordinary, lively, energetic multi-talented Irish folk Ballad Group.  Hailing all the way from Cork City they will have you jumping out of your seats in anticipation with the urge to dancing a jig to their many lively tunes.  Best known for their unique voices, impeccable stage presence and versatility as musicians, with the ability of playing multiply Irish instruments such as:  The Guitar, Four String Banjo, Bodhran, Mandolin, Fiddle and Whistles.  Finnegans Wake have toured all over Ireland and parts of Europe.  Playing regularly in a venue called Finnegan’s Wake in Scotland back in the early days, the group felt that this title was the perfect fitting for their band name to symbolize that they were a Irish Ballad Group, their poster which portrays the image of a Irish Wake with one of the member lying in a coffin soon got them the recognition that they desired and has became a trade mark for them throughout Ireland and of course abroad. Consisting of band members, Willie, Gerry (Lead singers and guitar players), Jim who plays bass and new recruits Diarmuid on banjo, whistles and Joe on violin, Finnegan’s Wake have a repertoire even longer than the great wall of China singing some well love classics like “Finnegan’s Wake”, “Big Strong Man”, “Black is the Colour”.  Formed almost 35 years ago, when Ireland once again was in the height of the recession, Finnegan’s Wake travelled the length and breathe of the country with regular slots in many venues such as Delacy’s House in Cork, The Quays Galways, Achill Island to name but a few before deciding to call it a day.  After 10 years break and numerous requests to get back on the road, Finnegan’s Wake decided “sure why not” and for the last few years have been preparing themselves for the big reunion to the delight of their numerous supporters at home and abroad. With many albums under their belt, Finnegan’s Wake are currently working hard on new material and in the process of recording a new album to be released in the forthcoming future.  As the youngest and newest member of Finnegan’s Wake Diarmuid De Guide who plays banjo’s and whistles first caught a glimpse of Finnegan’s Wake when they played his local the “Muskerry Arms” in Blarney, they were a group who always influenced and inspired him so to receive the opportunity to be their fifth member has been an amazing opportunity which has allowed him grow and prosper as a musician and implement this learning curve into his own band “The Ferrymen”.  Whilst Finnegan’s Wake play a lot of gigs in Jersey, England, Sweden one memorable gig last year for them was when they returned to play two sold out gigs in Vasteras in Sweden.  For Diarmuid words could not describe the atmosphere of the venue and the appreciation from their audience who had returned to support Finnegan’s Wake after their ten year break. With many events planned for throughout the year, this May 24^th will see Finnegan’s Wake perform their big reunion gig in The Glen Theatre, Banteer with support on the night from an amazing upcoming artist Diarmuid De Guide who will then join the Wake on banjo’s and whistles.  Gig commences at 8pm and doors open at 7.30pm.  Tickets are just €12 and it promises to be a great night of Irish Folk at it’s best.  Tickets available from the theatre on 029 56239 – deniso18.sg-host.com or by contacting: c.ricemanagement@gmail.com / 089 4384175. With numerous projects in the pipeline before the year is out as all will be revealed in due course.  It is quite plain to see that Finnegan’s Wake live for the crack and the banter with people responding to their energy and love of Irish music.  With no venue too big or small for this charismatic group, with an ability to work the stage and engage with their many supporters, Finnegan’s Wake’s performance leaves an impressionable impact that is not only memorable but special for everyone that has been afforded the opportunity to experience their live shows. For more information on this group please contact Carol Rice at: c.ricemanagement@gmail.com and for regular updates make sure you like their Facebook band page. Phone: 089 438417

Crystal Swing

Crystal Swing comprises Mary Murray-Burke and her son and daughter, Derek and Dervla Burke.

Since the band’s video of the song, ‘He Drinks Tequila’ was posted on YouTube in January, 2010, the band has become an international hit – its website and YouTube videos attracting over a million hits, to date, from across the globe, while Twitter, Facebook and other social networking sites are all in animated discussion about the band.

The band has also been a hot topic on both Irish national and local radio and press, while its three appearances on Ireland’s flagship TV programme, RTÉ’s The Late Late Show, is the highlight of the band’s career to date in Ireland.

Official website: http://www.crystalswing.com

Annemarie ORiordan

Already establishing a truly distinctive and increasingly popular singing style in the world of traditional Irish music Annmarie O’Riordan hails from the wonderfully picturesque Rathcoole area some three miles east of Millstreet, Co. Cork in the renowned Barony of Duhallow. When encouraged by her inspiring Teacher, Mrs. Sheila Healy at Rathcoole N.S. to participate in the mid 1990s at Millstreet Féile Cheoil her rendition of “Teid? Beag Álainn” was enthusiastically received. As a seven year old Annmarie joined the Millstreet branch of Comhaltas Ceoltóir? Éireann and took part in many Feiseanna winning her first County Medal at Freemount. While she enjoyed participating in the various cultural competitions her heartfelt desire to sing just for the love of singing led her away from competitions focusing more on exploring the songs she enjoyed most and loved to share these with appreciative listeners. Annmarie is also a dedicated member of Dromagh Church Choir. Official website: http://www.annmarie.ie

Neil Delamere

When audience banter goes right, the real test for a comic is not whether they can make that section funny, but if they can recover from the impromptu hilarity and regain control of the set. Neil Delamere copes admirably after one audience member encourages another to wank on stage (don’t ask), weaving in references to the incident throughout the remainder of his solidly funny set. A comic of real skill, Delamere’s reflections on growing old are sharp, silly and just the right side of offensive while his material races along, rarely lagging and delivering laugh after laugh. Not every show will have masturbating audience members, but with Delamere at the microphone, all the sets will be funny. Official website: http://www.neildelamere.com

 

Frankie Gavin

Frankie Gavin was born in County Galway in 1956 on the eastern side of Lough Corrib, in a place called “Corrandulla”. Frankie hailed from a very musical family, and is the youngest of four, with older brother Sean playing the accordion and sisters Marion and Noirin also heavily involved in Irish traditional music. Frankie’s father, J.J. Gavin played the fiddle, while his mother, Mary Crehan from Ballygar, and her brothers all played music on the accordion or fiddle. Frankie has been playing Irish traditional music since the age of four when he started on the tin whistle. At the age of seven he made his debut television appearance on Irish TV and had appeared on American television by the age of nine. Martin Rabbitt taught him to read music in Galway, but he is largely self-taught and has a remarkable ability for learning music by heart. In 1973, at the age of seventeen he was placed first in the All Ireland Under-18 Fiddle Competition and in the All Ireland Under-18 Flute Competition, both on the same day. Frankie Gavin was heavily influenced by the early 78 US recordings of Michael Coleman and James Morrison, which he listened to at home and has always had a high regard for the latter.

Eleanor Shanley

Working with De Danann was a huge life changing step for Eleanor and one she appreciates. “ I learned so much about music and the music business in the five years. It’s a time in my life I have very fond memories of and am eternally grateful for. I am happy also that I have remained friends with the band and have returned from time to time to play various gigs with them and also with Alec Finn and Frankie Gavin as solo artists.” ALBUMS •  “Eleanor Shanley” (Warners) produced by Donal Lunny. •  “Desert Heart” (Warners) produced by Neil McColl (son of Ewan McColl and Peggy  Seegar). •  “A Couple More Years” (Pinnorek) with Ronnie Drew. •  “Eleanor Shanley and Friends” (Celtic Note) produced by Alec Finn and featuring Sharon Shannon, Eddi Reader, Dolores Keane, Johnny Duhan, Dessie O’Halloran and Ray Lynam •  “Another Days Journey ” (Hummingbird) produced by John Dunford •  “El Amor De Mi Vida ” (Daisy Label) produced by Mike Hanrahan •  “A Place Of My Own ” (Own Place Records) She also guested on •   Tommy Flemings “Restless Spirit” album. •   De Dananns “How the West was Won”. •   Dubliners “30 Years a Greying ” (The only female singer ever to record with the Dubliners!) Eleanor has  been touring with Frankie Lane and Paul Kelly for the past 3 years in Austria, Switzerland, Italy, Denmark and, of course Ireland. She has toured Germany and Ireland with Ronnie Drew and has re-united with DeDanann for various gigs in China and the U.S.  She also gigs with Alec Finn and John Carty most  recently at Kinnity Festival which included names such as John Martyn, Damien Dempsey, Sharon Shannon,  Mundy and the Saw Doctors.

 

 

 

 

 

Pakie and Frank

Funny Friday with Pakie O Callaghan and Frank Twomey Their shows have been seen by over 10,000 people in Cork and now thousands throughout the country have been won over by the comic talents of Pakie O’Callaghan and Frank Twomey. The stars of the hit comedy shows ‘Santa Ponsa or Bust’, ‘Surviving Santa Ponsa’ and ‘Life After Santa Ponsa’, bring their show to the Metropole Hotel this Friday for Women’s Christmas. According to Pakie the success of the show was something that surprised them. Originally from Glasheen but now living in Bishopstown, Pakie owns his own cleaning services business but acting and comedy have been a large part of his life. A member of the famous Cork Theatre Company, Pakie is a veteran on the airwaves and TV screens of Ireland. Bull Island, Funny Friday and Shortt Circuit are just some of the productions that Pakie has adorned but meeting comedy partner, Twomey is only a recent phenomenon.

 

 

 

Brendan Bowyer

Brendan Bowyer began his career with the Royal Showband in 1957. His ability to tailor American rock ‘n’ roll music to the tastes of Irish audiences, and his athletic, spirited on-stage performances made him a popular vocalist of the 1960s showband era. On 6 September 1963, Brendan Bowyer and the Royal Showband became the first Irish artists to top the Irish singles chart, with the hit “Kiss Me Quick,” which stayed at the number one position for seven weeks. They were to return to the top position later that year with “No More,” and repeated the feat in 1964 with “Bless You.” Brendan took part in the 1965 Irish National Song Contest for a chance to represent Ireland at the Eurovision Song Contest in Naples with the song “Suddenly in Love” but could only manage 5th place. Their greatest success was to come in 1965 with “The Hucklebuck,” which spent a further seven weeks at the top of the Irish Charts,but failed to chart in the United Kingdom.^[1] “Don’t Lose Your Hucklebuck Shoes” returned the band to the number one position later in 1965. In 1971 Bowyer left The Royal Showband, joining the Las Vegas circuit with his new band, The Big Eight. He has been based in Las Vegas since then, though he makes frequent trips back to Ireland. In 1977 he made a brief return to the Irish charts with his tribute “Thank You Elvis.” Having enjoyed a semi-retirement phase, Bowyer has returned to the spotlight, touring Ireland each year, some for months on end, with his daughter Aisling Bowyer, and a six piece band. They perform his showband era hits, dance numbers, nationalist songs, modern contemporary songs and concert hits. 2001 saw the release of Follow On, a covers album, where Bowyer performs some of the most popular Irish songs, such as “Summer in Dublin,” “What’s Another Year,” “Past the Point of Rescue,” and “I Don’t Like Mondays.” 2005 saw Brendan and Aisling headlining the entertainment list for the Tall Ships Festival in Waterford, performing in the open air to an estimated crowd of 12,000

Banteer Drama Group

Takes to the stage once again this Sun with the hilarious comedy Stop It Nurse by Sam Cree. The play tells the story of a Kerry supporter (Jimmy Noonan) who collides with a Cork GAA supporting road hog (Seamus O’Keeffe) on his way into Pairc Ui Chaoimh for the Munster Final. The show is set in the men’s surgical ward of a hospital which is run by the stern ward sister played by Joan Duggan who is aided by hard working nurse Holmes (Emily O’Callaghan) and the not so bright trainee Freda Ferguson (Anita Sherlock). Their hospitalization ends the peaceful stay of the agreeable Bert Cooper (Tadhg O’Keeffe) and Harry Smiley (Denny O’Connell) who has a strange sense of humour and likes to see pain inflicted on others. When the ever-cheery Miss Cherry (Denise Gallagher), distressed Phyllis (Eileen Cotter) and her tank-like brother Mad (Paul Creighton) together with cantankerous Martha Cooper (Noreen O’Connell) and Bert’s attractive young “niece” (Cathy Bailey) are added to the equation things take a hysterical turn! The helpful hospital porter is played by Tom Hartnett and Tim Stuart. The play will be performed at the Glen Theatre, Banteer Sunday at 8.30pm and with laugh out loud scenes it promises to be a great night’s entertainment. For bookings call 029-56239.

JOSEF LOCKE

A STAR STILL BLAZING AWAY!

Blaze Away! The Incredible Story of Josef Locke chronicling the scandalous life of the Derry-born singing legend is coming to The Glen Theatre, Banteer, on Friday April 5^th next at 8.30pm. Currently on national tour, the show features all Locke’s hits like his signature tune Hear My Song, Violetta, Come Back To Sorrento, I’ll Walk Beside You, Blaze Away, The Old Bog Road and My Heart and I. Blaze Away includes these and many more of the great songs of Josef Locke, plus the scandals that always had him in the headlines! Featuring TV and radio personality Kevin Hough , the show also features the beautiful voices of Frank Ryan and Linda Kenny, with actor Joe O Gorman playing the older Josef Locke. Musical Director is the brilliant Michael Casey.The show is produced by Gumbleton Productions, the team behind the hugely successful I Hear You Calling Me: The Story of Count John McCormack, which packed theatres the length and breadth of the country in 2012. JOSEF LOCKE was one of the most popular entertainers ever in Ireland and Britain in the 40s, 50s and 60s. His story was immortalised in the film Hear My Song which was a huge international success. Booking 029-56239