From the Grand Ole Opry to Carnegie Hall, Joni Harms is no stranger to the iconic stages of the US music scene. This weekend, she returns to Ireland and the town of Moate, which she has taken to her heart in a special way. This is heartland territory for country music and two wonderful concerts lie in store.

Back in July, Joni, whose close friendship with the Sheerin family from the midlands saw her invited over to Ireland, recorded a live album in Moate.

From Oregon to Ireland, featuring 24 tracks, will be officially released at concert night in the Tuar Ard Theatre in Moate on Sunday and Monday, 5 and 6 October.

Joni Harms is a country girl at heart. She lives with her family on a ranch in Oregon, that was homesteaded by her great-great-grandfather in 1872. This has been an inspiration for many of her songs. Her roots run deep in the soil of the country.

“Growing up, I learned to sing and write songs by listening to Emmylou Harris, Dolly Parton, Merle Haggard and George Strait. I remember seeing Emmylou when after playing a while with the famous Hot Band she returned to the stage with just her black Gibson guitar and proved that you don’t need all the electronic equipment to entertain your audience,” reflects Joni.

“I had been planning for years to record a live album with many of my hit songs and when I met the Sheerin Family Band I knew these were the guys to record with. This band is just a pleasure to work with and finer musicians you will not find anywhere. The album is a collection of my most requested songs and I feel sure you will be tappin’ your toes and singing along.”

Joni has enjoyed some great years in country music. She was honoured with the Entertainer of the Year in 2002 by the Academy of Western Artists and was named Female Vocalist of the Year in 2003. Numerous other accolades have come her way in more recent years. One of her albums, Let’s Put Western Back In Country, says a lot about her views on modern developments in country music.

Two special nights are in store, as Joni returns from America to join the seven-member Sheerin Family Band for the album launch concerts.

Tickets cost €15 and the shows start at 8pm each night. The number for the Tuar Ard Theatre is 090-648-2042.