Mississippi rolling on

Forty years on from topping the charts, the song Mississippi has been revived here at home by Shaun Loughrey. It is estimated that the original hit sold in the region of five million copies for the Dutch group Pussy Cat. The song was inspired by the success of the 1969 Bee Gees’ classic, Massachusetts. Shaun Loughrey is pleased with the response to his version of the classic.

“A lot of stations are playing Mississippi. It is very much in the crossover appeal category and fits in easily on many shows. I have always loved the song and I am delighted that so many others are enjoying its revival again.”

Cowboy Larry for Portadown launch

Tyrone singer Cowboy Larry will launch his new cd and dvd at a gala night in the Seagoe Hotel in Portadown on Thursday 31 March. Larry will be joined by a host of guests on the night, including Billy McFarland, John Glenn, Gloria, Trevor Dixon, and many more. The show starts at 9pm and Big Bernie from Ocean FM is compere.

Country Fest 2016

The small Co Monaghan village of Inniskeen, birthplace of the famous poet Paddy Kavanagh, is all ready to host its annual Country Fest on the May bank holiday weekend. The three-night event is expected to attract major crowds. The action gets underway on 29 April with Declan Nerney, Patrick Feeney and Marty Mone. Nathan Carter tops the bill on Saturday 30 April with Jim Devine and Cliona Hagan also on stage. Mike Denver and Johnny Brady and their bands are on stage on 1 May. See countryfest.ie for further info.

Brian Coll celebrates birthday

Brian Coll, one of Ireland’s enduring legends of country music, celebrated his 75th birthday in recent days. A new book about the Tyrone man, From Gallows Hill To Nashville, will be published in May.

A Horse of a Man

Noel Keegan, who hails from Raheen in Co Laois, has just released his new album, A Horse of a Man. The 13-track collection features some well-known and popular ballads such as The Leaving of Liverpool and Slievenamon.

Brose Walsh Band for Sligo show

The Brose Walsh Band from Mayo will provide the music for a night of nostalgia at Carraroe Social Centre, Sligo, on 2 April. From 9pm to midnight, the venture is in support of the Carraroe and District Regeneration Association. Tickets cost €10 and are available locally and on the night.