Keane brothers for Claregalway shows

The Keane brothers from Caherlistrane will host their now traditional Christmas shows in the Claregalway Hotel on Friday and Saturday, 2 and 3 January. Sean and Matt, who are well-known on the circuit, are joined for these concerts by Pat and Noel while a number of other guests will also feature on the shows.

The Claregalway shows are among the few occasions that all four perform on stage together and the atmosphere is always warm, relaxed and homely.

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The brothers will be joined by Matt’s daughter Orlaith Keane, singing songs from her album The Home Place, Pat Coyne, guitars and backing vocals, Colm Naughton, banjo, mandolin, guitar, and backing vocals, Maria Fahy on fiddle and Peter Gannon on keyboards.

The Hernon Family from Carna, Connemara, will join the Keane family as special guests. Marcus Hernon and his sons, Proinsias and Breandan, and cousin Labhras are known for their traditional music and dancing and will add a new dimension to the show.

David Connor from Claremorris will also make his Claregalway debut this year. The shows start at 9pm. Tickets cost €20 and are available from the Claregalway Hotel, by calling 091-738-300, and from other local outlets.

Dreaming of a White Christmas

Cathy McGovern, from Derrylin, Co Fermanagh, has been busy preparing for the festive season in recent weeks.

White Christmas is the title of her new 11-track album. It features many Christmas standards, such as Silent Night, Winter Wonderland, Merry Christmas Everyone, Oh Holy Night, Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree and Fairytale of New York. For more news visit Cathy’s Facebook page.

Shining light on Alzheimer’s

Glen Campbell, one of country music’s iconic legends, is in the final stages of Alzheimer’s. A new film, I’ll Be Me, showcases his struggles in recent years against a backdrop of his long career in music. The film has gone on release in America to enthusiastic reviews and massive endorsements from moviegoers. Directed and produced by James Keach, who also produced the award-winning Walk The Line (Johnny Cash) movie, it is a deeply moving and inspirational work that shines a light on the world of Alzheimer’s.

With the full support of the Campbell family, the film makers managed to capture and tell this remarkable story.

Campbell is a multi-million selling artist, with chart-topping songs such as Rhinestone Cowboy, Gentle On My Mind, Wichita Linesman, Galveston, The Everyday Housewife and By The Time I Get To Phoenix.

The new film includes the last song he recorded, I’m Not Gonna Miss You, written by Julian Redmond. This is a beautiful production, poignant in the extreme as we see before us what is being lost through life and time by the man who can’t remember. Among those who appear in the film to pay tribute to Glen are Bruce Springsteen, Bill Clinton, The Edge (from U2), Paul McCartney, Jay Leno, Vince Gill, Jimmy Webb (who wrote some of his classic No I hits), Taylor Swift, Blake Shelton, Sheryl Crow, Keith Urban and Brad Paisley.

Big Tom’s son IS a real Outlaw

Big Tom’s son is now an Outlaw. Dermot McBride has joined the well known Castleblayney-based country band, The Outlaws, making a return to the showbiz scene after a gap of some years.

Dermot was a member of his father’s band for a few years. When the opportunity arose to join the local band, fronted by Sean Hughes, Dermot was pleased to accept the offer.

Christmas Night on Irish TV

Irish TV on Sky 191 and Freesat 400 will feature a special show on Christmas night, with many well-known names from the Irish country and folk scene. The concert, recorded live in Claremorris Town Hall, will air between 10pm and midnight on 25 December.

Among the artists on the show are Johnny McEvoy, Dolores Keane, Gene Stuart, Sam O’Doherty, John Hogan, Na Fianna, Eleanor McEvoy, Ciarán Rosney, Annmarie O’Riordan, Susan McCann, Olwyn Murray, Noel V Ginnity and the Redmond Dancers. The main host is Henry McGlade, assisted by Michael Commins and Michael Fox.