Two of Ireland's finest traditional musicians perform together in Ardhowen Theatre's Gallery Bar on Friday 30th May at 9.00pm. Nollaig Casey's powerful presence has graced two of Ireland's most influential bands, the legendary 'Planxty' and the groundbreaking 'Coolfin'. Equally proficient with classical and traditional music, she inspired a number of composers to write pieces for her and in 2006 made her Carnegie Hall, New York debut as soloist in a concerto for traditional fiddle by Evan Chambers. She has performed at the Special Olympics opening ceremony in 2003 and has toured the world as the featured fiddle player with the International hit show 'Riverdance'. A featured soloist in over 20 films, she has played and recorded with Enya, Van Morrison, Sineád O'Connor, Nanci Griffith, Ricky Skaggs, Rod Stewart, Emmylou Harris, Steve Earle, Spandau Ballet, Elvis Costello, Christy Moore, the list is endless. She has recorded many exquisite albums, two of which are with her husband, Arty McGynn and which have been critically acclaimed.
Arty McGlynn is unquestionably one of the finest guitarists in Ireland. First influenced by Wes Montgomery and Thelonius Monk, he was playing and touring all over Ireland and Great Britain at the age of 15. Towards the end of the 1970's, he revived his interest in Irish Music when he recorded a solo album 'McGlynn's Fancy', the first recording of the guitar played in an authentic traditional style, and as such is hailed as a classic in the traditional world. He is one of the most sought after musicians in Ireland. Playing and recording with Christy Moore, Paul Brady, Donal Lunny, Liam O'Flynn and the Chieftains. He was a member of both Planxty and De Danann as well as playing lead guitar in the Van Morrison band for many years.
BAGATELLE ARE BACK
At the forefront of the Irish Music scene now for nearly 40 years, Liam Reilly and Bagatelle return to the Ardhowen Stage on Saturday 31st May at 8.00pm. With over 5 million record sales worldwide, they have over the years shared a stage with many icons of the music business such as Bob Marley, Van Morrison and Bob Dylan to name a few. The band are still in huge demand on the live touring circuit and continually tour the U.S.A., Europe and Asia. Their catalogue of hit songs include such classics as 'Summer In Dublin', 'Second Violin', 'Is It Raining In Paris' and 'The Streets Of New York'.
ANNUAL JAZZ AND BLUES FESTIVAL
For nearly 10 years, the Ardhowen Theatre Gallery Bar has staged a Jazz and Blues Festival weekend in June featuring some amazing bands and musicians from many parts of the world. This year is no different and a great weekend of music is promised. On Thursday 5th June at 9.00pm the young Irish Blues/rock outfit 'The Deans' opens the Festival in great fashion. Having impressed Thin Lizzy producer Kit Woolven and Pink Floyd legend, Dave Gilmore, when they turned up to hear the band play in London – and caused the legendary Henry McCullough from 'Wings' to say they were the best young band he has heard since the 1970's, the world is now their oyster. 'The Deans' also recorded and played with Horslips' legend Johnny Fean who was blown away by their talent. "Gavin Dean is the real deal, a true prodigy. This band has everything they need to take on the world, their album is in my car along with Hendrix, Clapton and Jeff Beck."
Henry McCullough who recorded with them recently said, "I loved every minute playing with them. I felt quite emotional watching Gavin Dean play the Gibson Les Paul that I used with Joe Cocker, the same guitar I used on 'My Love' with Paul McCartney." The amazing Gavin Dean will celebrate his 18th birthday on the night of the performance at Ardhowen. What a talent! Hurry and get your tickets.
On Friday 6th June at 9.00pm in the true International tradition of the Festival Ardhowen Theatre welcomes 'The Swedish Jazz Kings', one of the finest classic jazz bands around. Formed in 1985 as a studio band to record Clarence Williams compositions for U.S producer Bob Erdos, the band gradually developed a worldwide reputation, playing the Chicago/New Orleans music from the 1920's and early 30's. The instruments used include soprano sax, clarinet, cornet, trumpet, banjo, guitar, bass saxophone, sousaphone and piano and the music includes pieces from Jelly Roll Morton, Clarence Williams, Louis Armstrong, Fats Waller, Bix Beiderbeck and Duke Ellington. A special treat is in store as well, with the fantastic Roy Williams as guest on Trombone. A great night of Jazz is promised.
The final night of the Festival, Saturday 7th June features a band all the way from Melbourne in Australia. 'The Red Hot Rhythmakers' are an exciting young band that aim to bring to new life, the hot and sweet sounds of the 1920's and 1930's Jazz bands such as those led by King Oliver, Fletcher Henderson and Duke Ellington. Formed in early 2004, the band is led by multi- instrumentalist Michael McQuaid and features a combination of superb musicians in the band. One of the finest Australian bands by far on the jazz scene today, this nine piece outfit is sure to give the Ardhowen Jazz and Blues Festival a great send off.
SUMMER DRAMA SEASON
Ardhowen's Summer 2008 Drama Season starts off with a classic comedy set in the Co. Mayo of the early 1900's, when the talented 'Island Productions' company present J.M. Synge's classic 'The Playboy Of The Western World' for seven performances from Thursday 12th to Saturday 14th June and again the following week from Wednesday 18th to Saturday 21st June.
It's an early Autumn evening near a tiny hamlet on the West coast of Mayo when Christy Mahon stumbles into the local tavern claiming he is on the run because he has killed his father. More interested in enjoying his story than in condemning the morality of his murderous deed, the locals acclaim him as a hero, and in particular the daughter of the house, Pegeen, who becomes instantly attracted to him. However, as he revels in this new found adulation. Things are about to take an unexpected turn. The performances take place at 8pm.
