Country Roads
Michael Commins
MAYO nurse Marie Kilcullen will launch her debut six-track CD at a big night in the McWilliam Park in Claremorris next Monday night, August 18. Headlining the show will be Offaly country singer John Hogan, a long-time friend of her family, and Damien Bowe from Laois. The proceeds from the album and the show are in support of the Jack and Jill Foundation.
Formerly Walsh from Drimaderra, Ballyhaunis (daughter of Sean and Patricia), Marie and her family have just moved from Castlerea to her home area. She recorded the songs in Hilltop Studios in Cloonfad, under the guidance of Kevin Maloney and John Murphy.
Also on the show along with John Hogan and Damien Bowe will be Dean Lane and Gracelands, John Haugh and Avalon, Small Tom, David Godfrey, John Murphy, Mary Kathleen Henry and her Line Dancers, and, of course, Marie herself. The dance and cabaret show gets under way at 10pm.
Marie became aware of the work being undertaken by the Jack and Jill Foundation through her own profession as a paediatric nurse in the children’s unit at Galway's University College Hospital. And she hopes the end result of her CD project will raise substantial funds for the Foundation.
Her parents have been good friends of John Hogan for many years and have followed him to many parts of the country. Now, John is delighted to return that goodwill by headlining the show for Marie’s big night. And news that Damien Bowe is also doing a guest spot has been warmly welcomed by Marie.
Her love of country music is reflected in her choice of material on the CD, which features ‘Lone Star State Of Mind’, ‘Let The Mystery Be’, ‘Twist and Shout’, and ‘Wish It Would Rain’. There’s also the traditional song, ‘Katie’, while her daughters Rachel (10) and Emma (8) sing one of their favourites, ‘Yohamba’.
Marie’s CD is widely available in shops and outlets around parts of Mayo and Roscommon and retails at €10. She is hoping that the launch night will attract a sizeable attendance to the McWilliam Park in Claremorris next Monday night.
Gary Gamble gig in Ayle
GARY Gamble and his band, featuring Elaine Boyle from Donegal, are now established as one of the best bands on the Irish country music scene and they are all set to enhance their reputation when they appear at the popular Digger Jay’s in Ayle on Friday night.
Always most at home on stage, Gary has established a fine reputation with plenty of showmanship to carry each performance with style and panache. He was featured in a special TV3 documentary some months ago and is also in demand for the overseas music promotion tours.
A good country singer, he enjoyed a lot of success with his Tribute to the Melody Aces single which was penned by Henry McMahon of The Mainliners.
The addition of Elaine Boyle to the band in recent months has given their show a whole new dimension. Elaine was a finalist in the Glór Tíre series on TG4 in recent years and herself and Gary combine superbly to deliver a class and versatile show.
“We like to keep people dancing and to generate a party atmosphere. We are constantly trying to broaden our horizons and we are delighted with the reaction we have been receiving to date,” says Gary.
It certainly promises to be a special night of entertainment at Digger Jay’s.
