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All set for the Galway Sessions
The countdown is on for the annual Michael Commins Galway Sessions in the Clayton Hotel on Sunday and Monday 4-5 November. Both shows, which are expected to attract capacity crowds, are incorporating special tributes to Big Tom who was a regular performer at the Galway Sessions over the last few years.
The line-up for the Sunday night concert features Margo, John Hogan, Simon Casey, Olivia Douglas, The Liberties, Billy McFarland, Eddie Lee, Mick Mulhern, Pat Keane, Deirdre Bonner, Seamus Delaney, Tomas Langan and Joe Garvey, Caroline Cresham and Kealan Arbuckle.
Margo will also headline the Monday night show which also features John Glenn, Gerry Guthrie, Pat McKenna, Matt Keane, PJ Murrihy, Stephen Rosney and the Back Axels, Matthew O’Donnell, Seamus Dooley, Catriona Canavan, Carmel McLoughlin, Frank Nelson, Michael Mawhinney and Aoife Leonard. There will be music sessions in the hotel lounge on both afternoons from 3pm to 5.30pm and again after the shows each night. Guest singers are always welcome to take part. Tickets can be purchased from the Clayton Hotel (091-721900), the usual outlets in Mayo and Galway, Ticketmaster and direct from Patsy Browne on 086-1551841.
Frank on the country trail
The Menlo Park Hotel in Galway will host the launch of Memories, a 12 track album by Frank Gaughan, on Friday night, 2 November.
Frank, who has resided in Claregalway for many years, is a native of Binghamstown near Belmullet.
He recorded a country album several years ago and has now bridged the gap with his latest venture.
“This one has been a long time coming,” says Frank. “I have always had a great fondness for country music and Irish ballads and I always enjoy stepping up on a stage and singing a few.
“I recorded this down in Causeway in Kerry and it was produced by Pat Donegan.”
Among the songs featured are Lights of Rosslare Harbour, Gypsy Woman, Deportees, Lady Jane, Let’s Go Back to County Mayo, Better Times I Can’t Remember and Flower of Scotland.
Frank will be joined by some local guests for the launch at the Menlo Park Hotel on Friday night.
Fly Me West says Margo
A surge of interest in a song recorded on an album by Margo about three years ago has seen her release Fly Me West as her new radio single.
The song was played on Mid West Radio and evoked a major response from listeners. It soon took on a life of its own.
“It was written by a man named Patrick who was a native of Donegal and who emigrated to Scotland many years ago. So many families can identify with the sentiments of the song.
It was played at a funeral in Mayo three weeks ago for a man who spent most of his life in Manchester,” says Margo.
Also included on the two track radio play single is a tribute to Jean Shepard called In The Grand Ole Opry.
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