OMAGH'S international balladeer Tom Sweeney will present a celebration of Irish song, music, dance and laughter in St Joseph's Hall on the evening of St Patrick's Day on March 17.
This will be Tom's first performance on St Patrick's night in Ireland for nearly 30 years.
"I've spent every St Patrick's Day for 28 years playing in concerts all across the United States and Canada and I'm delighted to be playing our national feast day in my native town," said Tom before heading off for a ten-concert tour of the USA in early March.
Tom will be joined by an array of local talent and old musical friends for this wonderful presentation of all that is best in Irish culture and entertainment. These include veteran performers like musical maestro Ray Moore and highly experienced comic and MC Joe McDonald, both of whom featured in the recent musical success, The Good Old Days. As always Tom is keen to present the cream of up and coming young talent as well and to this end John Kelly will sing a selection of old Irish favourites. John recently gave truly superb performances in Hazel Wand's West Side Story and sang a lovely selection of Stephen Foster melodies in The Good Old Days. A stunning voice from an up and coming star.
Carrying on the tradition of Irish singing that Tom inherited from his maternal grandmother, Sarah Makem, comes his own children, Fionnuala and Kevin. Steeped in the wealth of Irish ballads since they were knee high, the brother and sister act will draw on an extensive repetoire of songs and ballads. They have been making waves lately with their own brand of fold/country/blues music. Both sing beautifully and Kevin is a consummate instrumentalist.
No Irish evening would be complete without a demonstration of our national dance and the Baxter School of Irish Dance will delight the eye and ear with their exhilarating rhythm and intricate steps.
Tom himself will serve up his usual blend of Irish songs, ballads, stories and laughter.
"There hasn't been a St Patrick's night concert in Omagh for years," said Tom. "And as the feast day is celebrated in every part of the world it's great that our townspeople have the chance to celebrate their culture and heritage on this special day for all Irish people."
Tickets are available at Top News (Georges Street), News at Six (John Street), Route 66 (Market Street) and from St Joseph's Hall, Omagh.
Starting time is 8pm and admission is £8. There will be drinks available at the bar.
