Gerry opts for golden oldie

It may have been six decades since If I Had You To Have and to Hold reached number two in the American Bill Board charts for Benny Barnes, but Gerry Guthrie believes a good song has enduring appeal.

The Mayo man has just released the 1956 classic and his uptempo and energetic version of the old song is already proving a winner and picking up massive airplay around the country. The song was also recorded by iconic country legend, George Jones, on his 1962 album, George Jones Sings Country and Western Hits.

Gerry Guthrie has soared up the Irish country popularity charts in the last three years and is now regarded as a member of the top league. He also has one of the top country bands on the circuit and the public are endorsing them in a big way.

Bandleader with the legendary Mainliners, Henry McMahon from Castleblayney, has managed Gerry and the band and his knowledge of the business is top-class.

Between his regular dance dates, numerous guest spot appearances, and tours of England and Scotland, Gerry’s diary is up there with the best of them. Keep an ear out for his latest single which looks set to further enhance his ever growing reputation.

Back Axels for Moate show

The Back Axels and guests will perform in concert in the Túar Ard Theatre in Moate on Monday night, 26 November, at 8pm.

One of the most original and authentic country bands on the circuit, they have been delving with much success into the bluegrass genre and delivering an energetic, engaging and highly entertaining show wherever they play.

Stephen Rosney and the lads are based in Offaly and among their recent releases are Ticket to Belfast, The Wild Colonial Boy, Looking Out My Back Door, and Murphy’s Ass which gives its name to the current tour which opens in Moate.

Joining the Back Axels will be Colin Kenny as well as Donegal singer song-writer, Shunie Crampsey. The compere is Joe Cooney from Midlands Radio and tickets can be booked by calling the box office on 09064 82042.

Showband nostalgia for Adare show

Top showband stars will perform at the Woodlands House Hotel in Adare on Wednesday, 21 November. The show features Red Hurley, Shaun O’Dowd, Gina, Ronan Collins and the Conquerors.

The three-hour concert is set to revive memories of the dance hall days as the guests render a selection of favourites from over the years. The show starts at 8pm and tickets at €25 are now on sale at the Woodlands House Hotel on 061 605100.

Mainliners for Enniscrone show

It has been several years since The Mainliners played a gig in the small Sligo seaside town of Enniscrone. But that will change this weekend when the famous band, now fronted by John Glenn, will take to the stage in the Diamond Coast Hotel on Saturday 17 November for two hours of music and song and dance.

The band still features four of the original Mainliners with brothers Seamus and Henry McMahon, Ginger Morgan and Ronnie Duffy still providing the sounds that made the band such an institution on the circuit for five decades. Harry Conlon, who was a member of Big Tom’s other band, The Travellers, is now with The Mainliners as is Martin Campbell who replaced the late Cyril McKevitt.

John fronted The Mainliners for three years from 1975 to 1978 and was asked to lead the band again in the aftermath of the passing of the king of Irish country last April. They have played a number of dates around the country and have been attracting sizeable crowds to all their dance shows.

Gina.

A Thousand Years from Gina

A new release from Gina is always welcome and the Cork songstress has just issued her latest single, A Thousand Years.

Gina co-fronted the legendary Cork based band, The Champions, along with Dale Haze for many years and they enjoyed massive popularity all over the country.

They Champions continue to perform the occasional shows, mainly in the Munster region, where they still have a loyal support base.

Gina, who resides in Ballycotton, still enjoys studio work and also does guest spots on various concert shows. The new song was composed by David Hodges and Christina Perri and is published by Warner Chappell Music.