MEDIA OBSERVERS Noel O’Neill (CRC) and Michael Commins of The Mayo News at the launch of ‘Hucklebuck Time – a celebration of the generation that danced their way into history’.
The Hucklebuck comes to Castlebar Michael Commins SHOWBAND aficionados can take a trip down memory lane when they visit the Hucklebuck Time exhibition at the National Museum of Ireland - Country Life at Turlough Park, Castlebar. Launched last week, it runs through until June 10 and is expected to attract considerable visitor interest throughout its ‘stay’ in Mayo.
The west of Ireland was synonymous with the Showband dancing era. With the possible exception of Monday night, you could find a dance venue in Co Mayo on all other week nights. It was a phenomenal time, with thousands attending the big showbands week after week and year after year. Marquees were also springing up all over the country. Each village and town had their annual carnivals as a generation danced the nights away.
They say the Clipper Carlton from Strabane started it all, and perhaps they did. Their neighbours, the Melody Aces from just over the road in Newtownstewart, were also hugely popular. And then, from the other end of the country, came the Royal Showband.
Brendan Bowyer, Tom Dunphy and The Royal, were to become the ultimate symbol of the entire era. If ever a single song was to represent the entire genre, it was ‘The Hucklebuck’. Brendan’s version of the famous song topped the Irish charts in 1965.
Many of the big names from that era resonate strongly in the hearts of many to this day. Brendan Bowyer and The Royal, Brendan O’Brien and The Dixies, Butch Moore and The Capitol, Joe Dolan and The Drifters, Doc Carroll and the Royal Blues, Larry Cunningham and The Mighty Avons, Dickie Rock and The Miami, Sonny Knowles and The Pacific, Eileen Reid and The Cadets. Then came the big stars of country music like Big Tom and The Mainliners, Brian Coll, Gene Stuart, Ray Lynam, the Cotton Mill Boys, Brendan Shine, and so many more.
Clodagh Doyle, curator of the Irish Folklife Division of the National Museum of Ireland, says they are delighted with the early reaction to the show. “This is a must-see exhibition for all those who enjoyed the excitement of the Showband era. The dance halls encapsulated much of the social and economic change of the 1960s and 1970s in Ireland. An exhibition like this one brings a lot of new people to the Museum. It is very much a living exhibition and one which people can readily identify with. Many of the big names from the era are still performing and retain great popularity to this day.”
The new exhibition is on loan from Waterford Treasures Museum and there is a strong Munster ‘feel’ with a major emphasis on many of the bands that came out of that region. The Royal Showband commands centre-stage and the pride of Waterford people in the achievements of their musical ambassadors is very obvious to all.
Among the memorabilia are Tom Dunphy’s guitar, Jim Conlon’s Royal Showband jacket, letters from the BBC and Radio Luxembourg, and a host of intriguing memorabilia from the era.
Of course, there are lots of photos of other showbands from all over the country, coupled with newspaper and magazine clippings, as well as some original recordings.
There was a fine gathering present for the official launch and among those present were Eddie O’Sullivan from the original Royal Showband and ballroom promoter George Murphy from Tramore, both of whom made the long journey from Waterford.
Michael O’Connor from Parke was engrossed in much of the memorabilia and, as one of the leading experts on that era in the region, was dispensing much wisdom and knowledge in relation to many of the exhibits.
Ensuring that all present got into the mood of the evening were Vin Brogan and San Antones who certainly had the folks dancing the night away with a terrific selection of favourites from back the years. Vin was in mighty form and he was joined by Eamon Mangan, Noel Kilcullen, Frank Brogan, Gerry Duffy and Ivan Gibson. It was clear from the outset that they were among their own kin on this special evening. The dancers were on the floor as the Museum reverberated to a whole new beat.
Mattie and Margaret Murphy were down from Shrule and were joined by Margaret’s sister, Breda Geraghty. This was a lovely evening for Mattie who was busy recalling memories of some of the big dance halls in Mayo and Galway where all the top bands gave some wonderful entertainment to the thousands of dancers.
We met Joe and Kathleen Holmes from Castlebar, Seamus and Florrie Duffy from Manulla, Eamon and Martina Flynn who journeyed from Enniscrone, Bernie and Gwen Tansey from Manulla, Paddy Mahon from Ballina and Maureen, Ollie Brennan from Claremorris, and Tommy and Hilary Butler from Castlebar. Pat Jennings from TF Royal Hotel was there too, many of the exhibits and photos rekindling fond memories of the bands that played in the Royal Ballroom in former times.
There was a big Foxford representation on the night and there to see band member Eamon Mangan and the rest of the band were his wife Peggy and family members Caroline, Sandra, Adrian and Damien. We also met Nora Warde who hails from Tibohine near Ballaghaderreen and whose brother Michael is a long-time member of Mick Flavin’s band. Other Foxford folk we met included Margaret Coleman, Rosa Meehan and Oliver Murphy.
Noel O’Neill, Castlebar and Ballina, and John Murphy, Fermanagh and Mayo, are no strangers to the music business and both have featured with various bands over the years. Noel and John now host weekly shows on Castlebar Community Radio and this exhibition certainly brought back many memories for them.
Bernie Byron, marketing executive with the Museum of Country Life at Turlough Park, says they are delighted with the level of interest in the exhibition. “It is obvious that this is the kind of exhibition that a lot of people can relate to in a special way. There are many happy memories associated with the dance hall days. We are expecting the event to attract a lot of visitors over the coming weeks.”
Three special events to coincide with the exhibition will be held in April. A Reminiscence Workshop recalling the ballrooms and the showbands from 1958 to 1968 will be hosted by James Reddiough in the Museum on Wednesday, April 11 from 2.30 to 4pm.
RTÉ presenter Ronan Collins, a former drummer with Dickie Rock’s band, will introduce ‘The One Nighters’, a short documentary record of life on the road which was shot by Peter Collison and features the legendary Royal Showband. This event has been arranged for Saturday, April 14 and also runs from 2.30 to 4pm.
Stacey Gallagher from the Grafton Academy of Fashion and Dress Design will give an illustrated talk and workshop on 1960s style and glamour and this takes place on Sunday, April 22 from 2.30pm to 3.30pm.
Hucklebuck Time, in association with the TF Royal Hotel and Theatre, Castlebar, runs through until June 10. Opening times are 10am to 5pm, Tuesday to Saturday, and 2pm to 5pm on Sundays. The Museum is closed on Mondays. All the details can be had by contacting the Country Life Museum at 094 9031755.
Ballyglass trio launch CD THERE was a full house in the Squealing Pig in Ballyglass for the recent launch of Blue Kentucky Girl, a seven-track CD by three local ladies in support of Ballyglass Playground and Car Park.
Featured on the CD are Nora Conroy, Nuala Heneghan and Sarah Flannery and the venture was arranged and produced by Michael Roughneen in Balla.
Nora was formerly Gallagher from Currane, Achill and is a daughter of the late Denis Gallagher, Government Minister and TD. Her chosen songs for this collection are ‘Blue Eyes Crying In The Rain’ and ‘Working Man’.
Country music has always been the favourite style for Nuala Heneghan (nee Solan from Mayo Abbey) and here she sings three standards, ‘Coat of Many Colours’, ‘Lone Star State of Mind’ and ‘Blue Kentucky Girl’.
Sarah Flannery leans more towards the traditional and folk side of things and her contribution to the new CD features ‘Song for Ireland’ and ‘Bright Blue Rose’.
Breege Jennings, who is PRO of Ballyglass Community Council, tells us they are very thankful to Nora, Nuala and Sarah for undertaking this venture and they are confident that it will receive good public support.
Crystal Gayle blows into town AMERICAN country star Crystal Gayle will headline the Sligo Easter Festival Weekend from April 6 to 8. The event is a follow-up to last year’s very successful venture and further endorses the western seaboard region from Bundoran down to Castlebar as a leading region for such major festivals and weekend promotions.
Showtours are again coordinating the venture and among the big names who will be playing in Sligo this Easter are Jimmy Buckley, Mike Denver, Robert Mizzell, Patrick Feeney, Shaun Loughrey, Susan McCann, Mick Flavin, Trevor Moyles, Brendan Shine, Tony Stevens, Paddy O’Brien, Limelite and Tony Marren.
Packages are now available of three nights B&B plus three nights entertainment from €199/£139pps. Now booking at Showtours Ltd, 0818 300 888 or www.showtours.ie.
Heading Midfield way PATRONS at the regular Saturday night dancing series in Julian’s of Midfield can look forward to a very special night of entertainment on Saturday night week, April 7, when Michael O’Brien and Philomena McGovern play their first Mayo show in some years.
The Ennis-based couple were recent hosts of the Guest Suite programme on Mid West Radio and released their first album in quite some time a few weeks ago at a big night in the Auburn Lodge Hotel in Ennis.
“We are very much looking forward to playing in Mayo again,” says Michael. “When I fronted the big band a good many years ago, we had many a big night in the county. That was back in the days of ‘The Veil of White Lace’ and a few other songs which were very popular at the time. We hear that Julian’s has a very loyal Saturday night crowd and we are certainly hoping that they will enjoy our show.”
Farewell to Ciaran CIARAN Kelly, a well known member of the showbiz fraternity in the Midlands, died recently. He was a grandfather of Keith and Lorraine McDonald from Athlone. His daughter Mai is married to Frankie McDonald, long time trumpeter with the Joe Dolan Band.
For many years, Ciaran had his own band and many well-known musicians got their first break with Ciaran. Among them was Brendan Shine who launched his own showbiz career with the Ciaran Kelly Sound.
After Requiem Mass in Athlone, burial took place in Clonmacnoise Cemetery. He is survived by his wife Maureen, sons, daughters, in-laws, grandchildren, brothers, sisters, and many friends.
New album progressing
FOSTER and Allen are currently selecting material for their next album. Mick and Tony continue to shift a huge amount of albums, especially in the overseas markets in the UK, Australia and New Zealand.
The duo have a number of major overseas assignments over the coming months and are also doing two concerts at the Fleadh Ibiza towards the end of April.
Country dancing for Castlebar MID-week country social dancing is on its way to Castlebar. Kay and the Country Stars have been booked for the first night of the new bi-weekly promotions which will be staged in the lounge of the Welcome Inn Hotel, starting on Thursday, April 12.
Behind the venture are M and M Promotions, Melanie Joyce and Michael Keaveney, and a number of other acts have been booked for some of the follow-up dances, including Michael S Togher and John Joe Deeley. Dancing will be from 10pm to 12.30am and it is hoped that the venture will receive good support from the region.
Trevor’s new single
MAYO singer Trevor Moyles has settled on an old Johnny Cash song for his new single. The Ardagh man has recorded ‘There You Go’, an up-tempo number which is proving very popular with dancers.
Trevor and his band are among those heading to the Fleadh Ibiza in the Mediterranean next month. They are just back for a St Patrick’s Week music celebration with Enjoy Travel in Spain.
Marquee event for Loughlynn
AFTER a lapse of a few years, the marquee carnival is set to return to Loughglynn this summer. The committee in the west Roscommon village, which is just nine miles from Ballyhaunis, are finalising plans for their dancing festival which looks set to attract big support from over a wide region. Full details about the line-up will be announced over the next few weeks.
A young group to watch ATTITUDE is often a real treasure in the music business. And there are four young musicians from St Colman’s College in Claremorris who have it in abundance.
Some time ago, they formed a band called Silver Circus and last October they were among the final 35 selected in the country to audition for a slot on the Late Late Christmas Toy Show after being selected from a few thousand entries.
The members of the band are Niall Hughes, Jack Grimes, Rickie O’Neill and Dan Egan. Last Tuesday, Niall and Jack played some lovely music during the visit of GAA President, Nicky Brennan, to the college.
Speaking to them afterwards, they told me they have a big date coming up in Dublin, a major break for the four young lads who have a brilliant attitude to the business and who also have the goodwill of their fellow students. Watch out for Silver Circus.
Mike Denver on Glór Tíre THE Glór Tíre series of shows continue this Wednesday night when the featured performer is Mike Denver. The shows, which air between 10.30 and 11pm, are proving very popular all over the country. Next week will see the spotlight fall on Crossmolina’s Marc Roberts while Shawn Cuddy from Laois is the featured artist on Wednesday, April 11. The next live recording for the series will be held in The Quays lounge, Galway, on Wednesday, April 25.
Dolly comes to town DOLLY Parton is all set for her Irish shows in Dublin, Cork and Belfast. The country music legend has phenomenal appeal and all shows sold out quickly. She is in concert at The Point Theatre in Dublin next Monday night, April 2 and quite a number of supporters from this region are heading to the show.
