The Mainliners return

The Mainliners, the famous band that backed Big Tom down through the years, are coming together for a few dates this summer. They will be fronted by John Glenn, who became the lead singer back in 1975 when Big Tom fronted The Travellers for a number of years. John came to national fame with his debut single Sunnyside of the Mountain, which soared up the charts. He released four albums during his three years with the band, before he left in 1978 to front The Wranglers.

It will be an emotional reunion for many loyal followers, who will no doubt be cherishing treasured memories of fabulous nights spent in the company of Big Tom and the band over the decades.

Four members of the original band will be on stage for the short tour. They are brothers Henry and Seamus McMahon, Ginger Moran and Ronnie Duffy. Martin Campbell, who replaced the late Cyril McKevitt some years ago, and Harry Conlon, who replaced John Beattie in more recent times, complete the lineup.

John Glenn, who hails from Crossmaglen, says they have been busy rehearsing in recent times: “The programme will consist of songs that were associated will The Mainliners down through the years. I will also be doing songs that were such a central part of Big Tom’s repertoire like Four Country Roads, Going Out The Same Way You Came In, BJ the DJ and many of the classics, including many of the songs I did with The Mainliners from 1975 to 1978 and others like Please Don’t Play A-11. All of us hope that the show will do justice to the great man himself. Tom was truly the king of Irish country music and no one will ever replace him.”

The Band with the Magic Beat is looking forward to the short tour that gets underway in The Mulroy Woods Hotel, Milford, Co Donegal, on Saturday, 14 July. They are at the Kilmore Hotel, Cavan, on Saturday, 21 July, Ardboyne Hotel, Navan, on Monday, 23 July, the McWilliam Park Hotel, Claremorris, on Friday, 27 July, The Rhu Glenn near Waterford city on Saturday, 28 July, and the West County Hotel in Ennis on Sunday, 5 August. Dancing each night is from 11pm to 1am, and admission on the door is €15.

Cliona set for a party

The new summer single from Cliona Hagan has an Irish American music-hall feel to it.

McCarthy’s Party conjures up images of times when tunes like McNamara’s Band, Leaving Tipperary, and Katie Daly were all the rage, especially when the Irish got together in parlours in New York, Chicago, Boston and Philadelphia. While the song might date from way back in time, Cliona brings her own party atmosphere to the number, which was produced by Jonathan Owens in Granard.

under Buck Owens’ spell

Buck Owens was the man who pioneered the famous Bakersfield sound in country music in the 1960s. Under Your Spell Again was one of his major songs of the era. All these years later Buck is still casting a spell on young singers. Monaghan-native Aidan Clerkin has just released one of Buck’s classics, Think Of Me When You Are Lonely, a song also covered by The Mavericks. The song was produced by Brian Kerrigan at his studios in Letterkenny.

Kilbane for Ballinameen

James Kilbane will present his Summer Irish Night Show in Ballinameen Community Centre in Co Roscommon on Monday, 6 August. The show features a nice blend of Irish ballads, folk, traditional and country music. The concert is being organised by the parish to help with fundraising efforts to carry out necessary repairs and painting of St Attracta’s church in Ballinameen. The church is now 115 years old and is in need of refurbishment work. Tickets are €15 and are available at local outlets in Boyle, Carrick-on-Shannon, Ballinameen, Elphin, Frenchpark and around the district. They can also be had from members of the organising committee, or by contacting Carmel on 086-6011866. The concert starts at 9pm.

Josephine back in the frame

Clare-based accordion player Josephine March has released her first solo album since 1996. The acclaimed musician, who was born in London to Irish parents, moved back home to her ancestral roots in the 1970s and lived for over two decades in Broadford, before moving to Ennis. Music in the Frame is the title of Josephine’s new album, which features some of her own compositions and tunes as well as some from such well-known composers as Liz Carroll, Eamon Flynn, Pat Costello and Bjarne Gregor Schmidt. Josephine’s acclaimed style has been described as free spirit, flowing and haunting, and patrons of traditional music will cherish the latest collection from her. CL