Moyra steps into limelight

Moyra Fraser does not see the northern lights of old Aberdeen these days, like she did when she was growing up in the Scottish town. The quiet farmlands of Westmeath have been her home for over two decades.

One thing she will never lose is her Scottish accent.

“They tell me it is as strong now as the day I bid farewell to Aberdeen. I find when I am singing Scottish songs like Lough Lomond, Westerin’ Home and I Belong To Glasgow, that it’s like I never left it. All of the Scottish pronunciations instinctively come back and I relapse into the native lingo,” reflects Moyra.

The accordion and piano have always been her forte and she qualified with a doctorate in music. Moyra has been a member of the Foster and Allen Band for more than 20 years and has toured the world with them. Her guest spots on the show always go down a treat with audiences.

Apart from touring with Mick Foster and Tony Allen, Moyra has been closely associated with both the bluegrass and céilí music circuits in the midlands. Music has always been an integral part of her life.

Her latest album, I Wish You Joy, is a rich tapestry of her tastes in music and showcases her wonderful talent. Tracks include Come By The Hills, Let Him Go Let Him Tarry, Bel Viso, Beautiful Sunday Medley, From an Island to an Island, Martalette Polka, Down In The Glen, a Hornpipe Medley and The Wind On The Hill. The album was recorded in Slieverue, south Kilkenny, and was produced by Paul Grant and Moyra Fraser, and also features Gerry Madden on mandolin.

Showband exhibitions

Showband aficionados will be interested in memorabilia exhibitions which will be held in the northern regions in June.

Philip Darcy from Enniskillen will host his acclaimed Remembering the Showbands event at St Patrick’s Hall, Strabane, on 18 June from 11am until late. He will take the same show to The Station House Hotel in Letterkenny on 25-26 June, from 11am.

The exhibition is a trip down memory lane and features a vast array of photo handouts, posters, books, newspaper advertisements and clippings, records and original showband photographs. Philip has the photographic display in alphabetical order, so it is very easy for people to find their favourites. It has generated great interest at venues north and south and provides a fascinating insight into a unique era.

The knowledge Philip brings to the exhibition is phenomenal and he is extraordinarily helpful when it comes to assisting people with their queries. A warm welcome awaits all callers to the exhibitions in Strabane and Letterkenny.

Gerry opts for classic

Good songs retain their appeal over the years. Gerry Guthrie has dipped back into the songbook of Gordon Lightfoot and recorded one of the Canadian writer’s classic country songs, Did She Mention My Name?

This is the latest single from the Mayo singer and was covered with much success in America by both George Hamilton IV and Mac Wiseman.

Boogie on the Brava

Robert Mizzell and The Country Kings will be joined by friends from the Irish country circuit for their week-long Boogie on the Brava in Santa Susanna. It runs from 23 May until 30 May and promises to be a most enjoyable week for country enthusiasts.

The lineup for the week includes Jimmy Buckley, Gerry Guthrie, Patrick Feeney, Ciarán Rosney, Marc Roberts, Lisa McHugh, Gary Gamble, Barry Kirwan, Gráinne Gavigan, Kieran McAree, Slim Attraction, Stuart Moyles and Limelite.

Derek and Declan for Loughglynn

The annual Loughglynn Festival will be staged in the west Roscommon village on the June Bank Holiday Weekend. The opening dance on Friday, 1 June, will see Derek Ryan and his band on-stage for the big dance. Declan Nerney and band make the journey to Loughglynn on Saturday. Both dances are from 11pm to 1am.

The festival concludes on 3 June with the Queen of the Woodlands event which starts at 9pm – this will be followed by dancing to the Heebie Jeebies. CL