Brendan Shine is celebrating 50 years in showbiz and he is undertaking a series of concerts in June to tie in with the golden jubilee festivities. The Roscommon man and his band are playing shows in the Theatre Royal, Waterford; Lime Tree Theatre, Limerick; National Concert Hall, Dublin; Galway Town Hall Theatre; Glór, Ennis; and Cork Opera House. He will release a compilation cd of songs from over the years to coincide with the tour.

Lorraine McDonald of The Conquerors is pretty excited about her forthcoming single, due out in the coming weeks. The talented musician and singer is daughter of Frankie McDonald, formerly of Joe Dolan’s Band. Her brother Keith is also well-known on the showbiz circuit.

Wini Joyce (nee Moran) from Kilmaine, Co Mayo, who died last week following an illness, had a great love for country and folk songs. A teacher of German at the Presentation College in her former hometown of Headford, Wini (58) recorded a lovely album some years ago. She was a great admirer of the repertoire and style of Emmylou Harris, and her version of the John Prine song, Muhlenberg County, was top shelf. Condolences are tendered to her husband Josie and the family circle.

Washed In The River is the new single from Nigel Connell with the Dublin Gospel Choir and Margot Daly. The song was composed by Paul Ruske from New Zealand. Nigel, also an accomplished musician, started out as a teenager with the legendary Cotton Mill Boys and has toured many places with Daniel O’Donnell and his band.

Don’t Breathe is the new single from Kenneth Neely from Dungiven. The young Derry singer does a fine job on this American song, composed by Brad Paisley.