Smith to sing the blues - and all for a good cause
In what promises to be real treat for blues fans in particular, and music buffs in general, Paddy Smith and his band will stage a gig in Kells Theatre on Saturday 18th May with proceeds from the show going to SOSAD Ireland.
Smith, who is originally from Navan, and his accomplished Blues Band will unveil a repertoire of songs as part of a tribute to the blues greats. Also part of the evening's entertainment will be special guests, John Grant, Kathleen McGovern and Seamus Ennis singing Grant's original songs.
Smith (who is a recovering alcoholic) is widely renowned as one of the most accomplished blues harmonica players in the country - if not the world. He also writes his own material.
The well-crafted, original songs are often based on episodes in his own life such as the memorable ‘Ran out of Road’ about the days when he lived on the streets in Chicago where he also performed in the famous House of Blues.
In 2008, Smith was involved in a bar brawl during the All-Ireland football final and was imprisoned for two weeks in the notorious Cook County Jail. He returned home and rebuilt his life.
In 2013 Smith released a 12-track album called ‘Let Those Blues In.’ Songs from the album were played on various radio shows all over Ireland. In 2016, a short documentary by the same name aired on Irish national television won high praise and global awards for telling Paddy’s life story about the blues and his life in recovery. In 2016, Paddy also released a four-song EP, ‘Ran Out of Road.’ Two years ago Smith released his second studio album, 'The Devils Backyard', a nine-track original work, featuring Jason Duffy of The Corrs fame on drums, James Delaney who regularly plays with Van Morrison, on keyboards, John Kearns, bass guitar who has played with Bella Fleck, and accomplished guitar man, Danny Tobin.
Smith was subsequently signed to American label, MoMojo Records, a deal that included a worldwide digital release of 'The Devil's Backyard.' Smith also released a brilliant live album - 'Live in New York' a number of years ago.
Paddy Smith's music has been described as "a distinctive fusion of traditional Irish influences mingled in with the unadulterated emotion of the Blues, with roots firmly planted in the rich musical legacy of Ireland."
The music that is produced from this heady mix will be there to be heard in Kells - and all for a good cause.
Doors in the Kells Theatre open at the 7pm on 18th May with the show kicking off at 7.30pm and the MC for the night will be the talented Anthony Wayne Lynagh from Athboy.
Tickets €20 from Kells Theatre phone (087) 7101671 or email kellstheatre@gmail.com and they will ring you back and book you in with allocated seating. €2 charge per booking.
Tickets can also be collected at booking office on Mondays, 1pm to 2pm, and Wednesdays, 4pm to 6pm. Group rates available and are also available from Jacksie Kiernan's footwear shop on Trimgate St, Navan and from The SOSAD Meath office on Trimgate St Navan.