Gerry Guthrie and friends in Carlow

The Gerry Guthrie and Friends Weekend of Dancing takes place in the Dolmen Hotel in Carlow from Friday 13 April to Sunday 15 April. This annual venture has become one of the highlights of the year on Gerry’s hectic schedule and has established a loyal and regular clientele from all over the country.

The action gets underway on Friday night with a double dance bill featuring Gerry and his band and Jimmy Buckley and his band, with late dancing in the lounge to Matt Leavy from Meath.

Patrick Feeney and his band double up with Gerry for a double-act show on Saturday night, while Stuart Moyles from Mayo will provide the late night music in the lounge. The nightly admission to the double band shows is just €15.

The weekend will wind down on Sunday afternoon between 2pm and 4pm when Sandy Kelly will be the guest along with Gerry and the band. Admission to this show is just €10.

Country night in Virginia

The Ramor Theatre in Virginia, Co Cavan, will play host to a night of country music on Thursday 19 April. Three of Ireland’s well-known entertainers, Mick Flavin, John Hogan and Paddy O’Brien, who are all celebrating their 30th year on the circuit, will perform on this special trip down memory lane.

The show entitled “The Three of Us” has been warmly received at other venues in recent months. Paddy, John and Mick will feature a wide selection of their best-known songs from over the last three decades.

The concert starts at 8pm and tickets are €20. For further details, contact the box office at 049-854 7074.

Cong shows the Gospel way

James Kilbane takes his Country Gospel concert to Cong and St Mary of the Roasary church on Friday 20 April at 8pm. This is a joint undertaking in support of the Catholic and Church of Ireland parishes.

Back in 2001, the close bonds between the communities on the Mayo-Galway border made national news when the Catholic church needed a home as restorations were needed to Saint Mary of the Rosary Church, so the Church of Ireland community in Cong opened their doors for seven months for all Catholic services. This is the same church that features prominently in The Quiet Man film.

Both continue to work closely together and they hope they will be joined on the night by a wider Christian family to raise much-needed funds for each parishes’ needs and upkeep.

The concert also ties in with the release of James Kilbane’s latest album, The Family Collection, released with Veritas Publications for the August Christian global family meeting in Dublin.

James will be joined by his guests Annette Griffin and John Staunton for this special concert. Tikcets are €15 and are available from Cong PO, the concert commitee, local shops or by calling 087-2898 229.

Glenamaddy goes country

All four roads lead to Glenamaddy next Monday night, 16 April, where Divilly’s is the venue for a major country music night in support of Cancer Care at Galway Hospital.

The annual fundraiser receives excellent support from over a wide region and the headline acts on this occasion are Jimmy Buckley, Gerry Guthrie and Mick Flavin.

The dance, which gets underway at 9pm, also features Mick Mulhern, Breakfree, Michael Regan, The Irish Knights, Caroline Cresham, Jenna Sloane, Shane Moore, Alanna Quinn and many more. Music on the night will be provided by Martin Cleary and The Ryan Turner band. Admission is just €10 at the door and all support for this special cause will be most welcome.

Small Tom tribute in Claremorris

Small Tom Hughes has been an institution on the local music scene around south Mayo and north Galway for many years. The man from Garrymore has performed at numerous shows going back around four decades.

A celebration dance in honour of Tom will be held in the Western Hotel in Claremorris on Thursday night, 19 April, starting at 9.30pm. Highlights of the show will be broadcast on the Henry McGlade show, The Irish At Home and Abroad, which will later go out on Sky 212.

Joining Small Tom for the party night will be Mick Mulhern and his band, Stuart Moyles, Chantelle Padden, Matthew O’Donnell, and local Claremorris man, Richie Carney. Admission is €10 at the door.