Castlebar dance for Palliative Care Service

The Royal Theatre will host a fundraising dance in support of Mayo Roscommon Palliative Care Service on Monday, 28 May, starting at 9pm.

The new palliative care unit is well under construction in Castlebar, with work progressing apace. The new venture will be a major addition to the health infrastructure of the region when it comes into operation.

Marie Kerins from Castlebar, one of the organisers of the country music night in the Royal Theatre, says they are delighted with the response to the venture.

“We are very grateful to all the artists who have so willingly come on board to lend their talents to our special night in Castlebar.

“The lineup for the night includes Gerry Guthrie, John McNicholl, Pat McKenna, Olivia Douglas, Stuart and Jason Moyles, Andy Feery and others. There is a lot of good will for this project and we are looking forward to a special night in the Royal Theatre on Monday, 28 May.”

Tickets are €15 and are now on sale from Mayo Roscommon Hospice outlets, the Royal Theatre in Castlebar, and at the door on the night. Doors open at 8pm and the dance will get under way at 9pm.

Sky tribute to Big Tom

The Michael Commins Show on the Keep It Country channel on Sky 376 will feature a one-hour tribute to Big Tom next Tuesday night, 22 May, between 11pm and midnight. The show can also be viewed on Freesat 516, Freeview 87, and online anywhere by googling Keep It Country TV watch live.

The show will include snippets of interviews Michael recorded with Big Tom in recent years and some of his well-known songs, and will centre around Tom’s great love for his home county of Monaghan and its people. A repeat of the show will be broadcast on Saturday night, 26 May, between 10pm and 11pm.

Month’s Mind Mass for Big Tom

The month’s mind mass for country legend Big Tom McBride will be celebrated at Oran Chapel, three miles from Castleblayney, on Sunday afternoon, 20 May, at 4.30pm. All are welcome to attend this special mass in memory of Ireland’s iconic country singer.

The McBride family has extended grateful thanks to the thousands of people who have been in touch with them and all who have sent cards, messages of sympathy and contacted them from all over Ireland, the UK, and around the world.

Aidan keeps it country in Tyrone

Tyrone man Aidan Taaffe has launched his debut country album, Dim Lights, Thick Smoke.

Aidan is Cowboy Larry’s brother, who has released a number of albums in recent years and is a regular performer on shows around the Ulster region.

The 12-track album, recorded and produced at Starlight Studios, Dungannon, features songs straight from the traditional songbook of country music.

Among the numbers included are the title track, as well as Mama’s Hungry Eyes, The Roseville Fair, Never Grow Old, Wait a Little Longer and If the World Turned into Ashes.

Songs by Irish composers include Out to California and Run Around Angel (Johnny McEvoy), Picture of My World (Johnny McCauley), and I Cry Every Time I Leave Ireland (Michael Commins).

Further information in relation to Aidan can be had by calling 048-87759543.

Hank still in vogue

John Hogan steps back in time for his latest single. Why Should We Try Anymore comes from the golden era of country music and was penned by Hank Williams and Fred Rose.

The song was included on the seminal Johnny McEvoy Sings Hank Williams album in the mid-1970s and was also recorded by Galway singer Nan Tom on her second last album a few years ago.

John’s version was recorded and produced by Dessie Sheerin in Shed Studios, Athlone.

David tries a little kindness

Ballinasloe singer David Maguire has opted for a Glen Campbell classic as his new single. Try a Little Kindness was a chart topper for Glen in the USA back in the years and the Galway man believes the message is still as relevant today.

David recorded the song in Ballyrose Studios in Ballyforan, Co Roscommon, where it was produced by Wayne Thorose.