The music industry is littered with false hopes and shattered dreams of wannabe stars seeking that elusive break as they bid to become the new crowd pullers on an overcrowded music scene.
The Davis Brothers, featuring the musical and vocal talents of Adam and Craig, are the latest names to hit the highways and byways of Ireland with their newly launched Davis Brothers Band. Hot on the heels of their debut single "Let the Wind Blow", the new follow up promotions release "Hello Mr Blue" is a good upbeat song also penned by Craig Davis, a number likely to win the lads favourable airplay from the dee-jays on both local and national radio stations. The brothers, former bricklayers hail from Castleblayney, inherited their unique vocal ability from their famed grand uncle Big Tom McBride.
Manager Kevin McCooey is confident that Adam and Craig are ideal to front the band, with good vocals and the ability to compose their own original recording material. While live on stage the duo have the looks, charm, personalities and backing band to succeed.
The Davis Brothers Band have spent many weeks rehearsing and recording their debut album of original materia, which is due on the CD stands within a matter of weeks.
BONO HONOURED AGAIN
U2's front man, Bono, will be honoured in America next September, for his work to relieve suffering in Africa. The Liberty Medal is awarded by the US National Constitution Centre for those who have "demonstrated leadership and vision in the pursuit of liberty". Bono will donate the prize fund of $100,000 to the Debt Aids Trade Africa
A MOTHER'S STORY
One of Donegal's best known showbiz mums, Julia O'Donnell, has spent the past few years writing her autobiography "A Mother's Story", with a little help from journalist Eddie Rowley. Published by Ebury Press, the 87-year-old Julia looks back to her childhood days on Owey Island, recalling her harrowing early life of hardship, heartache and poverty of the 1920's, her teenage years spent in Scotland potato picking and gutting fish in all kinds of weather in the Shetlands. Meeting her husband Francie, sadly widowed at the age of forty with five young children to support, enjoying a glitzy career when her famed daughter Margo, and son Daniel became household names on the recording front. Over the past three decades, thousands of country music fans have visited her home in Kincasslagh, and over the years, she has met the who's who of showbiz. Julia's story is one of triumph over adversity "The Mother's Story" is well illustrated and a most enjoyable read from start to finish.
MARY'S 40TH ANNIVERSARY
From Saturday July 28 until Monday August 6, the Mary from Dungloe International Festival will celebrate its 40th anniversary. A programme filled with outdoor activities, events and nightly entertainment with Mary's from both sides of the Atlantic arriving in the town of sweet Dungloe to be welcomed by the current "Mary" Jennifer Halton. This Sunday night, both the 2007 Dungloe Mary and the Donegal Mary will be selected at a dance in Ostan na Rossan.
SOUND BYTES
Northern Ireland trio Ash seeking revived fame on the recording front with the release of their new single "Polaris". After a two year absence, singer Kieran McGilligan also hopes to kick start his recording career singing "Because You Believed in Me", a good recording which should boost his popularity. Country singer James Kilbane returns to the CD stands with his new single "The Richest Man on Earth", from his excellent new album "Life's Miracle". The Duets are looking for that elusive break singing "Let's Go All the Way", a track from Kathleen and Tommy's forthcoming album "Precious Memories". Newcomer Carmel McLoughlin, has released the title track of her debut album "Harvest Wind" as her new single.
NEWSROUND
Sad to note the death of the Louth All-Ireland Football Champion, television host and popular singer Dermot O'Brien, he hit the number one spot with "Merry Ploughboy" back in 1966 with his band the Clubmen.
Following our dismal performance in this year's 52nd Eurovision Song Contest, lets hope for better success in the Eurovision Dance Contest to be staged by the BBC in London on September 1, dancers Mick Donegan and Nicola Byrne will fly the flag for Ireland.
With her political career in tatters, our former Eurovision winner Dana was forced to cancel her comeback tour.
