Rising star Eddie is Donegal-bound

Donegal country music followers can look forward to a special night in the Clanree Hotel in Letterkenny when Eddie Carey and the EC Band from Limerick play their northern launch night at the popular venue. Eddie’s special guests for the show are Frank McCaffrey and Martin Cuffe.

The 23-year-old from Newcastlewest was the recipient of the Rising Star accolade at the recent Hot Country Awards night in The Hazel in Monasterevin. The energetic young Limerick singer lists Brad Paisley, Buck Owens, George Jones, Gene Watson and Tammy Wynette as some of his main influences.

Susan White at Diamond Promotions is taking charge of the diary at 087-3948701. We extend best wishes to Eddie ahead of his big night in Letterkenny.

Gerry Guthrie for Dublin show

Mayo country singer Gerry Guthrie is among the headline acts at a special All Kinds of Everything variety show. The show will be staged in the Louis Fitzgerald Hotel, Naas Road, Dublin, on Tuesday, November 19.

South Dublin Mayor, Dermot Looney, and a host of stars will come together at 7pm to help raise funds for the non-profit organisation, Citywise Education. The variety show looks set to attract substantial support. Gerry and his band are sure to go down a treat with their energetic show. The Ballina man was featured on Glór Tíre on TG4 last year and was also a guest on the RTÉ Up for the Match show on the eve of the All-Ireland football final back in September.

Also on the bill are RTE's The Voice contestant, Liam Geddes (also from Mayo), Kayleigh Cullinan, Kayleigh Noble, Leanne Moore, Frankly Buble and many more.

The Tallaght-based school provides vital services for 12- to 18-year-olds who have fallen out of the schooling system. The voluntary teachers act as mentors, guiding students to Junior Cert with their unique fast-track programmes, enabling these teens to progress to college.

Tickets are available from Citywise, Eventbrite and through Facebook, or by calling 01-4049736.

Tipperary not

so far away

Mike Denver and his band will take to the stage next Sunday at the Times Hotel in Tipperary. Week after week, the venue provides a fine outlet for dancers in the Munster region.

Jimmy Buckley and his band are there on Sunday, 24 November, and Shaun Loughrey will take to the stage on 1 December. Watch out for The Davitt Country Band, Seany Mac from Fermanagh (who launched his new band in Castleblayney last week) and Declan Nerney, who are all getting ready to make the trip to Tipperary in the coming months.

Anne Biddie does it her way in Donegal

Anne Biddie has been busy doing what is still a relatively rare occurrence – penning an all-original album. My Songs To You features 10 tracks, all composed by the talented lady from Fanad, Co Donegal.

Anne (McConigley) has always had a love for country music. In recent times she has reconnected to that part of her life and the well of inspiration has gushed forth with these quality songs. Maybe Not Today, the opening track on the album, has garnered a lot of airplay. It’s the kind of a song that comes almost directly from the Great American Country Songbook, and one which could, with a lucky break, be recorded by some well-known act in the States.

The album was recorded at Valley Music Studios in Ballybofey and produced by Terry McGinty. Other musicians featured are Al McQuilkin, Damien McGeehan, David McGarrigle and Fin Drum. As the year draws to a close, Anne is in high demand for guest spots across the north-west and the mid-Ulster region. She is looking forward to performing at many others shows in 2014. Booking enquiries to 086-0334327.

James Kilbane to play at Knock Shrine show

Knock Shrine, along with James Kilbane, will present an evening of music for the Year of Faith. Featuring special guest Una Nolan, the event takes place at the St John’s Rest Centre on Sunday, 17 November, at 8pm. There is no admission charge, however, an optional donation will be collected to help support the Cenacolo community that is based in the parish of Knock.

The evening will feature prayer, reflection, stories, and Christian country music, gospel and traditional music. For more details, contact Knock Shrine on 094-9388100, 087-6184154 or vist www.jameskilbane.net.