Busy Christmas season for Ardee Concert Band
Ardee Concert Band's 28th Annual Christmas Concert takes place on Tuesday next, 15th December in the Bohemian Centre, Ardee. This year's concert promises to be full of entertainment, variety and lots of Christmas cheer in a lovely cosy atmosphere. The compere for the night is band member Alan Kelly. The programme consists of a performance of the newly formed recorder group ably assisted by last year's recorder group. For some of these children it will be their first time to perform on a stage to a big audience. Band member Adam Byrne will conduct the recorder group. The Youth Band conducted by John Gaynor will also perform from their repertoire and include some Christmas music. There will be a short theatrical performance by a group of youth members, this sketch was produced by the two youth committee representatives Clodagh McLean and Sinead Nutley. The highlight of the night is the senior band. They are currently basking in the glory of their win in the Northern Ireland Band Championships, and the Turner Cup will be displayed on the stage. The senior band will be conducted by Harry Kelly and will also feature a very special Christmas number from John Kirk of the St Peter's Male Voice Choir in Drogheda. Santa is expected to pay his usual visit to the concert. Tickets for the concert are €10 for adults and €7 for children and are available from any band member and at the door on the night or call (086) 686 1647. The band is having a very busy Christmas season. Nicky Callan, John Gaynor, Dermot Murray, Peter McKeever, Jenny McKeever, Tony Flanagan, Vincent McArdle, Fiona Reilly, Oisin Clarke and Kevin Reilly performed Christmas music last week for the turning on of the lights in Ardee, a very successful venture for all concerned. The band will travel to Omeath to visit Fr Shevlin to perform at the carol service on Thursday 17th December. It will also perform at the Ardee Carol Service on Sunday 20th December. Band members will perform carols on the street and in Moorehall Lodge on Christmas Eve and at 12.30pm Mass on Christmas Day. Further information on the band is available on its new website www.ardeeconcertband.com.