All set for Blues bonanza as festival is about to get underway
Crow Black Chicken, The Business Blues Band, The Stone Cold Hobos, Blackbird & Crow.
Just some of the bands that are taking part in the first Meath Blues Festival which takes place this Saturday, 24th September at the Grove Gardens Fordstown.
In all 12 prominent Irish Blues acts will take part in the inaugural festival including the band that carries the name of the man who is the chief driving force behend the event - The Paddy Smith Blues Band.
'My personal mission for this festival is to promote Blues music in Ireland and give Blues bands a platform to perform their music - and promote the Blues throughout the world,' said Smith in an interview he did recently with an American magazine 'Denin Canary.'
In the interview Smith, a renowned harmonica player, outlined how getting the festival organised has proved to be a considerable challenge, yet he has taken it on.
The Navanman has been helped out in the massive task by music supporters, friends and family.
Among the difficulties Smith has had to grapple with is funding, insurance and finding the right venue.
Smith, and his colleagues, looked at the Grove Gardens in Fordstown as a suitable location and were clearly happy with the kind of quality facilities available.
He points to friends in the music business such as experienced event organiser Laura Leaf Gavin and others including Ben Dillon, James Behan and Philip Young and thanks them for the assistance and advice they have provided.
There are others who have helped out and he's grateful for all they have done.
Then there's the invaluable assistance provided by Paddy's mother who the man himself describes as 'My biggest fan, my mum Margaret Smith.'
He wanted to get the Festival on the road because of the frustration he felt at the lack of support for Blues musicians in Ireland who, he believes , needed 'a platform to perform and promote the beautiful music and culture that is the Blues.'
At the festival Smith and his band are likely to play tracks from his CD 'Let Those Blues In' and his newly released EP 'Ran Out of Road.' He is also working on a new CD.
'Smith’s music was described by the Texas-based Denim Canary as 'an infectious blend of Blues with a passionate percussive drive.'
Paddy Smith was the subject of an award-winning documentary 'Let Those Blues In.' The film was directed by Meath's Paul Webster while Shay Casserly produced.
Smith also outlined in a Meath Chronicle feature last year how he battled with alcoholism and the tragic passing of his daughter.
He has rebuilt his life and in doing so has proved to be a inspirational figure for those looking to overcome their demons and seeking to build a better tomorrow.
Log onto the http://www.smithysblues.com website for more information on the first Irish Blues Festival.