Louise hosts launch in Mitchelstown

Duets and Hits is the new 17-track album from Louise Morrissey. The Tipperary lady is joined by good friends and special guests as they duet on some old favourites.

Paddy O’Brien, Sam O’Doherty, Dominic Kirwan, Patrick O’Sullivan, Michael Collins, Martin Byrne and Nick McCarthy are all featured on this collection, as is American singer-songwriter Billy Yates and Louise’s brother, Norman Morrissey.

“I suppose it is an idea I had for some time and I am delighted that it has worked out so well. It is a privilege to have these people feature on my album and I am grateful to all of them for coming on board with the venture,” says Louise.

Alongside her duet numbers, she has included a wide selection of songs, such as September Sky, Glen Of Aherlow, Circles, Come Back Paddy Reilly To Ballyjamesduff, and Feels Like Home.

A new 14-track DVD, I Give You Music, has also gone on general release. This was shot at various locations around the country and includes stage clips.

A launch night for both the album and the DVD will be held at the Firgrove Hotel in Mitchelstown on 12 October. Joining Louise for the concert show will be Declan Nerney, Hugo Duncan, Bernie Heaney, Patrick and Conor O’Sullivan, Michael Collins, Martin Byrne, and young Donegal singer Keelan. The compere is Shay Byrne from RTE Radio One and the event gets under way at 8.30pm.

Joni Harms back in Moate

American songstress Joni Harms returns to the Túar Árd Theatre in Moate on 6 October, where she will perform in concert with The Sheerin Family Band. Joni, who resides on a ranch in Oregon, has taken a big shine to the Irish midlands and recorded a live album at the same venue last summer.

Joni has been a strong advocate for the promotion of traditional western music. Let’s Put Western Back In Country, the title track of one of her albums, has become a mission statement of her views about trends in American country over the last three decades. Joni is also a superb composer and her songs have been covered by many leading artists. Her chief influences over the years have been Emmylou Harris, Dolly Parton, Merle Haggard and George Strait.

The Joni Harms concert gets under way at 8pm. Tickets are €20 and can be bought from the box office by calling 090-648-2042.

Sligo concert for A good cause

A country concert to raise funds to purchase equipment for the Respiratory Department at Sligo General Hospital will be held in the Southern Hotel, Sligo, on 13 October. The event is being organised by the Benbulben COPD Support Group.

The show will feature Kathy Kane, Bernie Heaney, Jesse Conlon, Matt Leavy, Paul Kelly, Trevor Moyles, Farah Bogle, Anne Biddie, John Nelson, Michael Fox, Dominic Farrell and the Brian Kerrigan Band. Admission is €10 and the concert starts at 8.15pm.

Macra jiving in Monaghan

Monaghan Macra will host a jiving competition in the Four Seasons Hotel in Monaghan town on 30 October at 10pm. There are several prizes to be won on the night and music will be provided by Aidan Clerkin. This event is organised to promote Macra in the county.

Mary lends support to CF

Mary Duff has launched a new single, Breathe With Me. The proceeds are in aid of Cystic Fibrosis Ireland. The song can be downloaded from www.maryduffmusic.com/shop for €2, with all funds going to support the provision of services to help people with cystic fibrosis in Ireland.

The Meath singer has performed a series of shows along with Dominic Kirwan in recent months. She also does some of her own solo shows. Mary has been a featured guest on the Daniel O’Donnell concert tours for the past two decades.

Céilí in Cashel for Shaun

The Donal Ring Céilí Band from Cork will provide the music a dance in aid of Shaun Fogarty, Cahir, in Halla na Féile in Cashel on 2 October from 9pm until midnight. Shaun (21) suffered a spinal injury in a car accident two years ago and has spent the last two years in rehab. All support will be most welcome.