The Willoughbys Christmas

The Willoughby Brothers Christmas is the brand new album from the six brothers from Co Wicklow.

The seasonal offering of 11 tracks features many of the classics associated with the season, ranging from such favourites as Silent Night and O Holy Night to Winter Wonderland, White Christmas and A Winter’s Tale. The album was produced by Martin Quinn. The brothers have just returned from a two-week tour of the USA, which saw them perform to enthusiastic audiences in various cities.

The Christmas Country Showtim

The Christmas Country Showtime series, now in its 10th year, will visit Armagh, Ballymena and Banbridge during the festive season. Sean Wallace is the host for this annual event which resonates well with audiences across the province.

The shows also provide a platform for new singer Michael Mawhinney from Ballymaguigan to launch his 12-track album, Take Me As I Am. Michael is thrilled to have the opportunity to showcase his talent while also promoting his debut album. Among those who are also featuring during the course of the three nights are Joe Moore, Boxcar Brian, Cliona Hagan, Gary Gamble, Farmer Dan, Eugene O’Dornan, Caitlin, Bill Conlon, Country Harmony, and the highly acclaimed steel guitar player, Sarah Jory.

Country Christmas Showtime plays in The Market Theatre, Armagh, on Monday, 28 December, the Braid Theatre, Ballymena, on Tuesday 29 December, and the Iveagh Theatre, Banbridge, on Wednesday 30 December.

Maeve supports

Belfast Cancer Unit

Down singer Maeve Farrell has recorded a gospel medley single in support of The Emily Wallace Fund for the Children’s Cancer Unit Charity in Belfast. Emily is the youngest daughter of Sean Wallace, the well known promoter of country acts and shows across the northern region. Maeve, who hails from the small village of Annaclone, says that by supporting this cause, they are supporting families on the same journey.

Mary’s kind of country

Mary O’Connor has been singing country and Irish music for many years. Born and raised in London, her father was from Co Mayo and her mother from Co Galway. From an early age, Mary was immersed in the music scene and later fronted her own band in the London region. Mary has just released a new 12-track album, My Country, featuring many well-known favourite

Seasonal releases

Take My Drunk Ass Home is the new Christmas song from Declan Nerney. The Longford man enjoys extra airplay at this time of the year as his Christmas Hooley song makes its regular comeback. Donegal singer and songwriter, Patsy Cavanagh, has a nice reflective number on release called Just For One Night. Santa and The Kids is the new single from Lisa McCrory. Her debut album was released back in October. Come on Santa marks the first Christmas song from Offaly-based Roslyn. The song is written and performed by Stephen Rosney.