by Mickey Ferry

The popular Strabane Unplugged acoustic session returns on Monday for what is hoped to be the first of yet another series of monthly nights of quality acoustic music.

Coming into what will now be its fifth year, Strabane Unplugged had a fantastic 2008, with the cream of Strabane's musical community and beyond taking to the stage each month, making it a must-see event on many a music lover's monthly diary.

With many young artists taking to the Unplugged stage for the first time in 2008, it is hoped that this tradition will be maintained throughout 2009. Strabane has always had an endless flow of emerging musical talent and Strabane Unplugged welcomes new artists of any age to perform at the sessions.

It is hoped that a few special nights will also be held throughout the year, adding to the esteemed list that so far has included names like Henry McCullough, Peter O'Hanlon, Paul Brady, Brian Houston and Bap Kennedy.

The first Unplugged session of 2009 kicks off at 10.30pm on Monday night, as ever, at the All Stars Bar in Main Street.

Artists performing will also have the opportunity to play the specially made Avalon guitar, kindly donated to Strabane Unplugged by Avalon Guitars of Newtownards.

Most of the world's top guitarists own an Avalon, which is testament to their quality.

Eric Clapton, Van Morrison, The Corrs, David Gray, Shawn Colvin and The Edge can all testify to the exceptional qualities, both in sound and appearance of the Avalon Guitar.

The Strabane Unplugged Committee would like to thank Avalon guitars for their support, and would like to thank all who have attended and performed at the sessions a happy, peaceful and healthy 2009, where we look forward to seeing you all on the first Monday of every month.