Loughcrew ready to roll
THE magical grounds of Oldcastle's Loughcrew House will see popular figures from the world of R&B performing for two nights on 6th/7th July.
For only e20 a night, music lovers can party away in two marquees to the sounds of Don Baker, Bagatelle, Brush Shiels and Band, Henry McCullough (ex-Wings) and Band, The Houseshakers, Dermot 'Blues' Byrne, Fiona Fitzpatrick, The Kambourines, Barry McCabe and Band and special guests.
There will be the added temptation of sushi, crêpes, barbecue and bars for Irish coffee, beer and fine wine - not to mention proper sanitation, clean footpaths for high heels and free parking for all comers. Gates will open 7:30pm on Friday and 4:30pm on Saturday.
One of the performers during the event is Don Baker, who has built a wide reputation as a harmonica player. Mark Feltham (who has played with Oasis, Joe Cocker and Rory Gallagher) rates him as the greatest acoustic harmonica player in the world, as does Charlie McCoy and U2's Bono.
Brush Shiels has enjoyed a lifetime as one of Ireland's best-loved entertainers. In the late 1960s, Brush launched the band Skid Row, a Dublin trio, who sang songs with strong blues guitar parts and folk lyrics. Brush was the bassist, singer and songwriter for most of the tracks, while one of the first lead vocalists was the late Phil Lynott, later to be replaced by great guitarist, Gary Moore.
Dermot Byrne is Ireland's foremost roots and blues performer and a prolific songwriter. He has taken his authentic style of blues to top festivals in Europe and the US. Playing fingerstyle, slide guitar and harmonica, he is a regular performer on the club and festival scene and his music has received critical acclaim.
The House Shakers (formed 1999) are a high energy, maximum entertainment value, sizzling six-string, blues/rock four-piece band.
Brian Meakin (main vocal and guitar) formerly fronted his own high octane three-piece band. Brian Harris (guitar) has played with Colm Wilkinson.
Mick Hanley, Fleadh Cowboys, Bree Harris, on bass, Martin Curry is a veteran of jazz, blues, dance and folk. He spent eight years playing double bass with renowned jazz guitarist Louis Stewart. Ace drummer Noel Bridgeman was an ex-Skid Row member, more recently with Mary Black, The Waterboys, Mick Hanley.
Bagatelle, who brought us such memorable hits throughout the years as 'Summer in Dublin', 'Second Violin', 'Love is the Reason' and 'Leeson Street Lady' are still playing to packed houses. 'Summer in Dublin' was a classic overnight success when it was first released almost three decades ago, and captured the heart of the nation.
Henry McCullough and Band, the former lead guitarist from Paul McCartney's Wings and Joe Cocker's 'Grease Band', has a pedigree that takes in just about every facet of rock and touches on some of its most glorious moments, including an appearance at Woodstock.
Now living back home in Northern Ireland, Henry continues to amaze audiences with his playing wherever he gigs.
The Kambourines, originally from Norway, have established a passionate following in Liverpool, London and Leeds.
Their sound has always leaned on tight harmonies and sweet catchy melodies, and they have worked up a solid reputation as a both energetic and soothing live act.
Fiona Fitzpatrick, modern blues and folk singer Oni, hails, from Belturbet, in Co Cavan. Better known as the “little lady with the big voice”, Oni first stormed onto the local music scene fronting rock'n'jazz group Jimmy Jazz and the Rainbow Lizzards.
Barry McCabe, the man known throughout Europe as the “Celtic Blues” guitarist from Ireland, returns home to play the Oldcastle blues festival.
Fresh form his successful collaboration with Mick Taylor (former Rolling Stone guitarist), Barry will be bringing his special mixture of power blues and Irish music to this year's festival.
Make sure to book your ticket early for what promises to be one id the highlights of this year's blues festival in Rockcrew, Old Castle. www.ticketlord.com or phone 24 Hrs
(0818) 22 00 50 24.