We had another wonderful night of original music and poetry in our venue, “Outer Space” at WAS, 71, North St., Skibbereen, Co.Cork to celebrate Imbolc, or the very welcome beginning of Spring. (Friday 3rd Feb.2012) What a line-up we had! In fact, we had so many wonderfully talented people there, that some didn’t even get up to perform, taking a well-earned night off!
Catherine Cunningham started us off with some of her witty, well-crafted and thought-provoking songs. (We’re delighted to say that Catherine will be headlining in March, more on that later!)
WAS neophytes, Steve and Dan were next, with some of Steve’s excellent songs, he on guitar and vocals and Dan on double bass. Liam Kenneally joined in on his magic fiddle. Next time we hope Ali will make it, too.
Poet, Afric McGlinchey read some of her poems, beautifully evoking the colours, sounds, smells and heat of Africa, where she’s spent a a lot of time.(see also, her book launch page)
Then, WAS regular and favourite, Breeda Murphy had her debut performance singing only her own songs. Beautiful. There’ll be no stopping her now!
After Breeda, Disappearing Shoes, a newly-formed trio, featuring the above-mentioned Liam Kenneally on fiddle, the wonderful Tim Abbott on guitar and the divinely handsome Paul Ó Colmáin on vocals, guitar and harmonica had their public debut with a hatfull of Paul’s songs.
Seamus Hogan was prevailed upon to read some of his immaculate poems.
Léigh Brían MacÁonInnéirghthe cúpla dá chuid dánta as Gaeilge ina dhiaidh sin. B’aobhinn an Ghaeilge bhreá, líofa a chloisint.
D’aithris Paul Ó Colmáin a dhán, Lá ‘le Bhríde in onóir don lá a bhí á chéiliúradh againn. Chun an dán a léamh cliceáil anseo. To read Paul’s poem, St.Brigid’s Day, recited in honour of the celebration, click here.
After that, the roof was brought down by The Tree Sleepers, the fabulous and superb group, fronted by Laura J Devlin, singing her great songs and backed by the coolest outfit to grow a beard or throw a shape since music began! Ron Stutchberry on guitar, Caleb Clark on bass, Rupert Housden on drums and Murchadh Ó Colmáin on banjo, percussion, sax and vocals. Rosa Roccaforte sat in and provided ethereal backing vocals, too. A thronged and ecstatic gallery refused to let them leave the stage! Catch them when you can, they’re oney brilliant!!
The inimitable Kevin Pendred regaled us with songs and ballads of his own composition in a traditional style, fantastic.
Rosa Roccaforte was returned by popular demand and enthralled us again.
We finished off this amazing night with Steve Housden of The Little River Band, dazzling us with his guitar-playing and singing some of his own, great songs.
What a night! Again!! Can’t wait for the next one!