Jerry Lee for Nashville show

Jerry Lee Lewis, the last surviving member of the famous Sun Records Million Dollar Quartet which also featured Johnny Cash, Elvis Presley and Carl Perkins, is heading back to Nashville for the first time since 2014.

The 82-year-old wild-man of rock ‘n’ roll and country music will perform at a special show at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center on 10 December. One of the true legends of American music, his show is being billed as the highlight of the season at the Symphony Center.

Born in Ferriday, Louisiana, in September 1935, he journeyed to Memphis in 1956 where he signed up with Sam Phillips of Sun Records. His cross-over appeal from the early days of rock ‘n’ roll with songs like Whole Lot of Shakin’ and Great Balls of Fire to the timeless country classic, What Made Milwaukee Famous, as well as Crazy Arms and others, helped seal his iconic status. Being an accomplished pianist and songwriter added further to his reputation and mystique.

He has been honoured with numerous accolades, inducted into various halls of fame and still continues to play shows around America and further afield. His Nashville show in December will generate a lot of interest among devotees of the man nicknamed The Killer.

Old favourites from Mary and Pat

Mary O’Connor and Pat Kelly are winning plenty of plaudits on the regional dancing circuit. They teamed up some time ago to bring their brand of traditional country to the dancers and things have been going their way in style.

Mary is no stranger to the circuit having first made a name for herself when she joined Larry Cunningham to co-front his band in the late 1970s. Born in England, her parents hail from the Mayo-Galway border country and it is no surprise at all to see that she has recorded the Johnny McCauley song, Cottage on the Borderline of Galway and Mayo, on the new 10-track album, Could I Have This Dance, featuring songs from Mary and Pat. She has resided in Abbeylara, Co Longford for several years now.

Pat Kelly hails from the Trim area of Co Meath and has played with various bands over the years. He is steeped in the country music tradition and is delighted with the response to their dance dates.

Mary O'Connor and Pat Kelly.
“Our choice of music goes down a treat with the people we play for at our shows. They love the kind of songs that first attracted them to country music. Among the songs on our debut album are The Tennessee Waltz, You’re My Best Friend, Back In Love By Monday, I Would Like To See You Again, Walk On By, Your Wedding Day and Country I’m Coming Home. We are now doing shows in many parts of the country,” says the man from Meath.

Patsy Farrell is in charge of the booking diary for Mary O’Connor and Pat Kelly and he can be contacted at 086-8180076.

The New Apaches on the trail

The New Apaches are back on the dance trail again. Big Chief Rising Star is helping recreate the sound that was synonymous with bands like The Indians and The Apaches in former times with the release of their latest single, Song and Dance Band. All enquiries are welcome and the contact number for the band is 077-7693699 or by email at jan.apaches@gmail.com.

Paudie’s country music show

Tipperary singer Paudie Bourke is chanting the praises of country music radio. His new single, Country Music Show, composed by his father Derry, serenades the country shows on late night radio as well as through the day. It was produced by Fran Curry at Gaff Studios and is the latest in a line of singles from the man from Borrisoleigh.

Nigel’s one-man band

Nigel Livingstone has opted for an upbeat number for his new single. One Man Band has a bouncy summer feel and the Cavan man is pleased with the response to his latest release. Nigel is now doing shows around Ireland and can be contacted on 087-6263599.