MUSIC Country night in Westport

Country kings and queens head to the Castle


Michael Commins

The Castlecourt Hotel will host one of the best music nights of the year in Westport this Saturday, July 31, right at the start of the August Bank Holiday weekend. The Country Jamboree brings together a host of top country and folk performers for an event that is sure to add some great flavour to one of the town’s busiest weekends.
The big dance and cabaret show will feature the ever-popular Matt Keane and his band from Galway. Matt is a brother of the legendary Dolores and Sean Keane and comes from one of the most respected musical families in the country. Matt is equally at home performing country, trad and folk.
Country legend Gene Stuart from Tyrone has long been regarded as one of Ireland’s foremost country singers. He has performed all over Ireland, the UK and parts of the USA. The word ‘legend’ rests easily on his broad shoulders. This will be Gene’s first performance in Westport for many years.
Lisa Stanley is a rising star on the Irish country scene. She is daughter of renowned accordion player Fintan Stanley and the late Maisie McDaniel, regarded by many as one of the great pioneers of country music in Ireland. Maisie performed shows with Jim Reeves and Cliff Richard during her heyday. This will be Lisa’s first time to perform in Westport. She recently stole the show at the Fleadh Ibiza on the Mediterranean island and patrons are in for a real treat when she takes to the stage on Saturday night.
Also on the show is Orlaith Keane, daughter of Matt, who will shortly release her first folk album. Mayo’s own Country and Irish singer, Kevin Prendergast, a big favourite with dancers, is also on the bill.
Kevin resided in Manchester for many years where he made many friends. There is never a show that he plays that people don’t come up to him and reminisce about their times over in England.
The jamboree provides locals and visitors to the area with a very special night of quality entertainment in the company of artists who know how to provide it.
The show is from 10pm to around 1am and is expected to attract a full house. Admission is €15 and tickets will be available on the door on the night.