IRELAND'S number one box player Sharon Shannon has waited almost twenty years to hit the magic number one spot in the charts but, accompanied by her big band and a host of special guests on the DVD, 'Live at Dolan's' she has now done just that.
Joined by a plethora of guest artists such as Damien Dempsey, Declan O'Rourke, Jon Kenny, Mundy, Roesy and Dessie O'Halloran, Sharon and the Big Band fronted by Gerry O'Connor and her sister Mary embarked on a nationwide tour earlier this year. The audience response was incredible, the show received standing ovations everywhere and everyone was asking if a DVD of the show was available? So due to public demand Sharon, the band and guests headed for Dolan's Warehouse in Limerick last July where the show was filmed live. The result of this ultimate session is a two hours and twenty minutes of non-stop sounds from traditional to country and from bluegrass to roots reggae.
In January Sharon and her band will be joining country legend Willie Nelson, his family, Ronnie Drew, Eddi Reader and Damien Dempsey on The Fleadh Tour visiting Dublin's Point on the 19th, Belfast Odyssey of the 21st followed by gigs in Cardiff, London, Manchester and Glasgow.
Northern events FATE Magazine will fly Samantha Mumba back from LA to Belfast to host the FATE Entertainment Awards 2007, from the Waterfront Hall on March 2 next. International celebrities will be on hand to present the coveted accolades and readers will be invited to vote for their favourite idols, bands, media stars, and venues in thirteen categories. The awards are designed to recognize the outstanding achievements during the previous year and the voting system will be independently audited. The publishers of FATE Magazine are confident that the star-studded award show will be televised on the night.
THE CLASS OF '64
The classic hits of the 60's are revived live on stage at Letterkenny's Mount Errigal Hotel, on Wednesday night with the "Class of '64". Featuring the musical talents of former members of the Kinks, Mike Avory, Eric Hoydock of the Hollies and the Tremeloes vocalist and guitarist Chip Hawkes who are ably supported by Telecaster Ted Tomlin and Graham Pollock on the bandstand.
SOUND BYTES
Seeking fame as the up and coming rockers Humanzi are still looking for that potential chart-buster. "Out on a Wire" is the latest offering from the group, and deserves much media attention.
Singer and composer Jack L has enjoyed the rave reviews and the media hype, but never achieved the glory associated with it, now he returns with a new DVD entitled "Momento" and his long awaited single "Chocolate Eyes" as he embarks on a promotional tour nationwide.
Divine Comedy, a faded name of yesteryear fame are on the comeback trail with their new single "A Lady of an Uncertain Age".
COMING HOME
The best of country'n'Irish sounds are included on the new thirteen track album "I'm Coming Home" from country songbird Theresa Rogers. With her backing outfit Wildflower, Theresa has returned to the London-Irish circuit following a six month break to welcome the arrival of baby Dylan. The Arranmore born singer has selected her material well with titles from "Cottage on the Hill" to "Still the Only One I've Ever Loved" and from "Till This Ring Turns to Green" to "The Banks of Mulroy Bay" and the title track "Ireland I'm Coming Home" are just some of the gems on this entertaining album issued on the I&B Record label.
