Olivia all set for launch night in Moate

Olivia Douglas takes the latest step on her musical journey, when she will be joined by a host of singers and musicians to celebrate the launch of her second album, Forever Country, in The Well in Moate on Tuesday night, 10 April.

Inclement weather conditions at the end of February led to the postponement of the launch, but all is now in place for a gala night at the popular midlands venue just a mile outside Moate.

These are busy times for Olivia, who is making major inroads into the circuit and is also much in demand for guest spots on concert shows. The Ferbane singer has also been honoured with a number of notable accolades over the last year.

During her teenage years she was a regular performer on the Fleadh scene and won numerous awards in the piano accordion category.

“I have always had a grá for the piano accordion and it is very much part of my stage shows. I find it blends in comfortably with a lot of the country music that I perform and it always goes down well with audiences. I believe you have to be dedicated to your chosen profession and work hard at it. Nothing comes easy and that’s the way it should be,” says Olivia.

The show in The Well in Moate on Tuesday night is a dance and it gets underway at 8.30pm. Her guests include Michael English, Robert Mizzell, Gerry Guthrie, Sandy Kelly, John Hogan, Simon Casey, Stuart Moyles, Matt Leavy, Carmel McLoughlin, Joe Rabbitte, Andy Feery and local Offaly band, Stephen Rosney and The Back Axles.

Susan for Follow Me Up to Carlow

The next show in the Follow Me Up to Carlow series will be staged in the Dolmen Hotel in Carlow Town on Friday, 20 April. The bill toppers on this occasion are Susan McCann and Ronan Collins.

The concert series attracts a loyal clientele from the midlands and southeast and the easy mix of stories and songs has proven a real winner with audiences. Susan and Ronan will be joined by Mia Carlin as well as a number of local entertainers from the region. The compere for the night is John Candy.

Tickets can be had from the hotel on 059-91420002, or John Candy at 087-2632324.

Dominic on the double

Rosette Records has just released a double-CD set of 36 Irish songs by Dominic Kirwan. The Essential Irish Collection comprises of many classic songs recorded by Dominic over the years, as well as eight new recordings including Galway Bay, Old Dungarvan Oak, My Irish Molly, Paddy, The Grass is Greener and others.

The Tyrone man completed a seven-night series of concert shows, with special guest Lisa Stanley, at venues in Scotland and England in recent days. He will undertake another seven-date tour in May with shows in Lisburn, Newtownabbey, Armagh, Enniskillen, Cookstown, Blanchardstown and Strabane.

John plans ahead for Donegal

John McNicholl will host his annual music weekend in the Clanree Hotel in Letterkenny on 16-18 November. The Derry man is delighted with the response to the venture and is looking forward to welcoming many friends to Donegal later in the year.

Joining him for the celebrations will be John Hogan, Trudi Lalor, Stephen Smyth, Gary Gamble, Louise Morrissey, Keelan Arbuckle and Gary Fitzpatrick.

Sheila Graham is looking after the bookings on 0044-1236725665, while details can also be had from the hotel reception.