Irish January/February Tour dates 2012 announced for Jukebox Gypsy (More to follow)

Irish January/February Tour dates 2012 (More to follow)

Thu 12th Passionfruit Theatre, Athlone, Co. Westmeath
Fri 13th Spell`s Bar, Ballaghaderreen, Co. Roscommon
Sat 14th The Bridge Bar, Ramelton, Co. Donegal
Sun 15th Voodoo Bar, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal

Fri 20th The Greyhound Bar, Kilkee, Co. Clare
Sat 21st The Mariner, Bantry, Co. Cork
Sun 22nd The Eldon Bar, Skibbereen, Co. Cork
Mon 23rd Crane Lane Theatre, Cork City, Co. Cork

Wed 25th Brazils Cafe Bar, Irishtown, Clonmel, Co. Tipperary

Fri 27th Swan Lane Venue, Navan, Co. Meath
Sat 28th Skelly`s, Ballymahon, Co. Longford
Sun 29th Daly`s, Mullingar, Co. Westmeath

February (and the sea has changed)

Thu 2nd Maud Millars, Ballinasloe, Co. Galway
Fri 3rd McGings, Westport, Co. Mayo
Sat 4th House Concert, Galway, Co. Galway
Sun 5th Mannions, Balla, Co. Mayo

Hopefully we have another five or six dates to announce for this tour so keep checking this site

Short 10 date pre Xmas Irish Tour announced for Jukebox Gypsy

Jukebox Gypsy have just announced a very special pre Xmas tour to support the release of their brand new live album - Live at the Bog Lane Theatre, recorded last June at the beautiful theatre right here in Ballymahon. The tour takes the band back to some of the best venues in the country and places where the band have built a great following, a best of tour if you like. Copies of the new album as well as reissued copies of both of their studio albums will be on sale at each date on the tour. For more info on the band check out their website at www.jukeboxgypsymusic.com

'Live at the Bog Lane Theatre' album release tour -
* Gigs are free unless otherwise stated
** time 10pm each night unless otherwise stated

December 2011
Thu 8th - The Bog Lane Theatre, Ballymahon, Co. Longford  8:30pm
(E10 with Free live album on entry)
Fri 9th - McKenna's, The Brewery, Monaghan Town
Sat 10th - JJ Harlows, The Square, Roscommon Town
Sun 11th - The Snug, Athlone, Co. Westmeath
Mon 12th - Maud Millars, Ballinasloe, Co. Galway
Tue 13th - Boyles, Slane, Co. Meath
Wed 14th - Monroes, Galway E5
Thu 15th - The Greyhound Bar, Kilkee, Co. Clare
Fri 16th - DeBarras, Clonakilty, Co. Cork  www.tickets.ie  E5
Sat 17th - Connollys of Leap, Co. Cork – B.Y.O.B.    
Sun 18th - The Sky and the Ground, Wexford Town  E5 (tickets at the bar)

Jukebox Gypsy
Formed in 2007, Jukebox Gypsy started as a three-piece from Liverpool. Having toured
extensively through Britain and Ireland, they now consist of five members, have released two
studio albums and have become a household name in the Irish folk circuit. Having played at
numerous well-known venues and festivals, Jukebox Gypsy are repeatedly received with great
enthusiasm and have built a loyal following in the country. They have been featured on
BBC Radio 6 and Balcony TV in Dublin, amongst other shows, and have played at memorable
venues such as Roisin Dubh in Galway, Whelan's in Dublin and established festivals such as
Electric Picnic, Oxegen and the Body & Soul Festival.
Jukebox Gypsy are known for their eclectic songwriting and high-energy shows. With an
international line-up (English, Dutch, German and Irish), they are able to blend English and
American Folk, Country, Bluegrass and Celtic influences into a show of five-part harmonies
and simple, punching songs. With varied instrumentation, on Guitar, Banjo, Mandolin,
Tenor-Recorder, Harmonica, Ukelele, Double-Bass, and vocal harmonies, they are able to
interpret several styles of music, whether it be jazz, folk, country or rock, and make it their own.
The first album, released in 2009, introduced the audience to the songwriting of the three
founding members of the band. In the thirteen tracks, the band weaves through folk-rock,
ragtime and blues with three-piece harmonies providing the foundation of their work. Their
second album, entitled The Month (2010), showcases the songwriting skills of each member
of the band and in its 15 tracks presents a tightly woven display of harmonies, guitar work
and lyricism. In June of 2011, a live album was recorded to a sold-out theatre in the Irish
midlands. This live album was released in October and was followed by extensive touring in
mainland Europe. The band are set to support this release in Ireland with an upcoming 10 date
tour starting on Dec 8th with a return to the theatre where the album was conceived. The band's
aspirations for the next year are to break through to a wider, international audience and spread
their music into mainland Europe.
For a full listing of tour dates and to listen to the band's music,
please visit their website www.jukeboxgypsymusic.com.
To view videos please look Jukebox Gypsy up on youtube!

Winterking team up with Ian McFeron (Seattle) for Irish tour

Ian McFeron & Alisa Milner – Seattle, USA  (October / November 2011 Irish Tour)



Ian McFeron broke into the Seattle music scene when discovered by �The Mountain� in Seattle (AAA-formatted KMTT at 103.7 FM) shortly after releasing his debut album, Don�t Look Back (2003). Within months, the first single �Love Me Twice� edged out songs by Modest Mouse, Bob Schneider, The Bo Deans, and Ray LaMontagne in The Mountain�s �New Music Throwdown,� a weekly competition where listeners vote for their favorite of two new songs. Ian has shared the spotlight with international and national artists such as Patty Griffin, Nanci Griffith, Shawn Mullins, Brandi Carlile, Amos Lee, Sister Hazel, Mike Doughty, Hayes Carll, Missy Higgins, Julia Fordham, The Hothouse Flowers, and Jars of Clay.
A prolific songwriter whose lyrical prose and fervent work ethic has drawn comparison to Bob Dylan and Ryan Adams, Ian McFeron has released a steady stream of albums: Don�t Look Back (2003), A Long Way To Freedom (2005), Fistfight With Father Time (2006), Let It Ride (2007) and Love Me Blue (2009). His sixth, full-length album Summer Nights (2011) was recorded and mixed in just ten days at Studio G! in East Nashville, TN. Produced by Patty Griffin�s long-time guitarist and musical collaborator Doug Lancio, the album features musical performances by Lancio as well as Ryan Adams and the Cardinals� drummer Brad Pemberton, Ryan Adams� bassist Billy Mercer, keyboardist and Seattle-native Micah Hulscher, and Ian�s long-time musical partner Alisa Milner on fiddle and cello.
Summer Nights chronicles a summer of late night soul-searching, following a restless individual through a world of fevered dreams, ghostly visions, and late-night wanderings through the winding side streets of Cape Town, South Africa, Barcelona, Spain, and Seattle, WA. Initially an attempt to invoke the spirits of people and places lost to the past, the final message of the album is one of acceptance; about moving forward. The chorus of the twelfth song, Windchime sings, "it's too late to turn back now / There's nowhere left to go / It used to keep me lying awake / But right now I feel safe / Right now I feel safe."
Ian McFeron�s continues to operate as an independent artist, functioning as his own record label, management company, and booking agency, all while continuing to produce new music and expand nationally. In 2010, Ian performed over 200 shows and continues to tour nationally, with international dates scheduled for Fall of 2011.
http://www.ianmcferon.com/

Irish Tour dates 2011
October
Mon 31st - The Back Door Sessions, Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford
November
Tues 1st - The Pat Kenny Radio Show on RTE Radio 1
Wed 2nd - John Daly's, Mullingar
Thu 3rd - McKenna's, The Brewery, Monaghan Town
Fri 4th - The Widows, Belturbet, Co. Cavan with Winterking
Sat 5th - Crusoes Coffee Shop, Castlerock, Northern Ireland
Sun 6th - The Errigle Inn, Belfast, Northern Ireland with Winterking
Tue 8th - Shenanigans, Portstewart, Northern Ireland
Wed 9th - The Roisin Dubh, Galway with Winterking
Thu 10th - The Odessa Club, Dublin with Winterking
Fri 11th - Grellan Delaneys, Portlaoise with Winterking
Sat 12th - TBC

 Winterking

"WinterKing are a 3-piece from Cavan comprised of brothers: Lee, Michael and Ferdia O'Brien. Their music can best be described as uplifting! Embracing folk, indie, and reggae culminating on the borders of alternative rock with a dash of electronica thrown in for good measure! Their live shows swing from the quietest whisper to infectious foot stomping crescendos. What is most evident from their shows is their strong lyrical perspective that, everything is about perspective! And in these worrying times, a message of hope and positivity is very welcome...."

Website	http://www.myspace.com/winterkingmusic

Upcoming events at Suede Bar and Venue in assoc. with no ego promotions

Upcoming events at Suede Bar and Venue, Irishtown, Athlone, Co. Westmeath
in assoc. with no ego promotions

Skinny Machines (London, UK)
Suede Bar and Venue, Athlone
Saturday November 5th at 10pm 
Free Entry

In eleven short months London-based indie craftsmen 'Skinny Machines' have written, recorded and produced the album 'Wrong Side Of The River' and toured extensively in the UK and Europe. Reminiscent of The Cure if they had been crossbred with dirty guitars 'The Skinny Machines' echo the night life of South London, producing a shimmering blend of poignant lyrics, heavy riffs and catchy melodies. Having supported the likes of The Kooks, The Zutons and The Maccabees, the trajectory of this band seems like a foregone conclusion..... Truly international, 'Skinny Machines' comprise of Manchester-born vocalist, Jay Marsh, South London's Croydon-born bassist, Mike Woodouse, Cape Town's Rikki Glover on guitar and Swiss drummer, Dan Roth. .... Come to a gig – they are a force to be reckoned with.

After a year and a half of writing and gigging without a break across the UK, Ireland and mainland Europe, Skinny Machines finally felt like they had found their sound. They moved quickly and recorded an EP at David Gray’s studio in North London. The first single, Stop that Girl, will be released on the 31st October 2011 in the UK and Ireland on BAF records.

Reminiscent of The Cure if they had been crossbred with Biffy Clyro’s dirty guitars, Skinny Machines echo the night life of their native South London producing a shimmering blend of poignant lyrics, heavy riffs and catchy melodies.

STOP THAT GIRL SINGLE REVIEWS:
“Nice slice of uplifting rock from the Skinny Machines Genes - your toes will be tapping to this one”
Shona Ryan, Music Director, SPIN 1038
“…strong 80s in!uences to the fore, this hook-laden melodic pop rock thunders through a tale of lost love and money – sure to fill airwaves this autumn…”
Tom Hardy, Today FM


Thunderstruck (The Ultimate tribute to AC/DC)
Suede Bar and Venue, Athlone
Saturday November 12th at 10pm 
Tickets E7 from the bar or on the door on the night



"...Ireland's greatest AC/DC Tribute Band..."  Offaly Independant

"...Thunderstruck are the without doubt the most accurate tribute on the market today - both in the reproduction of the sound of AC/DC and awsome stage show. [...], from Angus's schoolboy outfit to a singer who sounds so much like Brian Johnson and Bon Scott that you'd swear it was them! [...] A variety of talented musicians, together they promote their abilities and successfully execute the works of the famous Australian rock band. Thunderstruck play the most popular AC/DC tunes with heart wrenching charisma and commitment, truly a tribute to one of rock'n'roll's pioneer bands..."  The Strabane Chronicle

"The ultimate AC/DC Tribute band return to the Stables for another full blown take on the Classics of the DC. From the schoolboy uniforms to the trademark vocals and guitar licks they have it all in abundance. Always a welcome treat and they always go down a storm. If you haven't checked them out up to now do yourself a favour and get down to see them this time."   IrishUnsigned.com

"Thunderstruck – a mesmerising AC/DC tribute band, embodying the original look and sound.
An AC/DC experience unlike no other."   Scrap Metal Documentaries

"Ireland's best AC/DC tribute act are back. With an arsenal of hits to call on and one of the most energetic front men around this show is always fantastic. With the bands local connections this is always a good night."
The Stables

"[...] thunder shaking performance!"  Amber Niteclub

Jim Rooney, Arty McGlynn and Mick Daly The Bog Lane Theatre Sunday 6th November 2011

Jim Rooney, Arty McGlynn and Mick Daly

The Bog Lane Theatre, Ballymahon, Co. Longford
Sunday 6th November 2011  Doors 8pm
Tickets on sale from Skellys Bar, Ballymahon

JIM ROONEY, ARTY MCGLYNN & MICK DALY

Three music veterans will join forces for an evening of country, bluegrass and traditional music not to be missed at, The Bog Lane Theatre, Ballymahon, Co, Longford, Sunday 6^th November 2011, at 8pm.

Jim Rooney has been producing records in Nashville for the past 25 years. Many of his recordings with Nanci Griffith, John Prine, Iris DeMent, Peter Rowan and Tom Paxton have been nominated for Grammys, with Nanci Griffith's, Other Voices, Other Rooms winning a Grammy in 1996. Jim was recently honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award by the Americana Music Association in Nashville. In Ireland Jim is best known for his work with Sean Keane, The Lee Valley String Band, and Chris Meehan & His Redneck Friends.

Arty McGlynn is in demand as a top guitarist and record producer. He has played with everyone from Van Morrison to Liam O'Flynn and produced hits for Frances Black and Sean Keane. He and his wife Nollaig Casey are acknowledged as two of Ireland's best traditional musicians.

Mick Daly has played an important part in many of Ireland's best known groups including 4 Men & A Dog (he was the dog), Any Old Time, and the Lee Valley String Band.

Doors Open: 8pm - Tickets - €15 available at Skelly’s Bar, Ballymahon, booking for this show is highly recommended.

Ham Sandwich and Breaking Circles for Helium 2012 fundraiser gig this Halloween

Two of the brightest stars of the 2011 Helium Fundraiser Festival line up make a welcome return to the Ballymahon area this Halloween Bank Holiday Weekend, when the Rustic Inn in Abbeyshrule plays host to headliners Ham Sandwich and Ballymahon’s own up-and-coming band Breaking Circles.

Maintaining its tradition of offering high quality Bank Holiday entertainment options, The Rustic Inn is also continuing its gold level support of the Helium Fundraiser Festival by hosting this gig on Sunday October 30th in association with no ego promotions - and all proceeds will go towards Helium 2012 in aid of Friedreichs Ataxia Society of Ireland (FASI).

Indeed, the cogs are already starting to turn for next year’s festival in Ballymahon – even though the dust has barely settled after the 2011 event. A total of twelve thousand euro was presented to FASI on August 19^th as a result of fundraising from the Flora Ladies Mini Marathon and the sold-out Helium Festival which featured the Coronas, KILA, Ham Sandwich and Jamie Lawson back in June.

In addition, Presented by no ego promotions and Helium Events, the Halloween Fancy Dress Party will also include “The Dead Disco” with local artist DJ Conlon until the eerie early hours!

Helium Festival fans have been rewarded for their loyal support over the past three years with bigger and better events occurring year on year and 2012 is expected to be no different with the process set to kick off in The Rustic this Halloween Bank Holiday weekend! With more acts still to be added to the line-up, Abbeyshrule is the place to be on the night of Sunday October 30^th. 

Tickets are available now online from www.tickets.ie and www.entertainment.ie/tickets or can be purchased physically from the Rustic Inn direct for only E10, no booking fees etc.

Helium is a summer micro music festival that takes place annually in Skelly’s Bar, Ballymahon Co. Longford with the generous support of local businesses and organisations from the local area. The event is heading into its fourth year and has gone from strength to strength since its inception in 2009. Helium is organised on a completely voluntary basis by over 100 people from near and far. The idea of the event is to raise awareness and funds for a very rare illness called Friedreichs Ataxia (www.ataxia.ie) with all profits going to FASI, the Irish society for the condition.

Since its debut the event has caught the imagination of people in the Ballymahon region which has ensured its continued success enjoyed to date. In its first year 2009, the event was organised quite informally and attracted over 400 on the night. As a result Helium 2010 needed much more organisation and subsequently attracted over 800 people. Finally, Helium 2011 sold out two days in advance and was a resounding success for both the worthy cause FASI and the town of Ballymahon.

The event is principally a music event with the intention being to embrace more arts and culture as it grows year on year. In line with continued demand, the music is mainly contemporary Irish rock along with acoustic and some trad music. By adopting this approach the event has become the most anticipated event in the South Longford/North Westmeath area, attracting hundreds of people from near and far to enjoy the ambient setting, top quality music and friendly laid back atmosphere.

WHAT IS FRIEDREICHS ATAXIA?

Friedreichs Ataxia is a genetic and progressive disorder of the central nervous system which usually manifests itself in children between the ages of six and sixteen years. However, in some instances the onset for Friedreichs and other Genetic Ataxias can be much later. Because of the genetic factor more than one person in a family may be affected. The general symptoms are clumsiness, difficulties with balance, lack of co-ordination and, in time, a slurring of speech.

Although there is no specific treatment for any of the known Ataxias, fundamental research into its pathogenesis is ongoing worldwide, and there are, in any case, various ways in which the burden on sufferers and their relatives can be lightened. In recent years the defective genes which cause several of the Genetic Ataxias have been identified and, therefore, clinical tests can be undertaken to identify the particular Ataxia and/or to establish if other siblings are carriers of the defective gene. Information and help in this regard can be obtained by contacting the Friedreichs Ataxia Society Ireland.

ADDITIONAL INFO:

HAMSANDWICH

Ham Sandwich is a Five piece Irish indie rock band, with members hailing from County Meath and Dublin. Charismatically fronted by Podge McNamee (vocals/guitar) and Niamh Farrell (vocals) the line-up is completed by, Brian Darcy (guitar) Ollie Murphy (drums) and David McEnroe (bass guitar). The band have been together since 2003 but first came to the attention of national radio stations in 2007 with their single ‘Click-click boom!’. The single laid the grounds for the release of the bands debut album entitled Carry the Meek. The album was released on the same day as the band received a Meteor award for Best hope of 2008.

In October 2010 the band released the now critically acclaimed album WHITE FOX . Taking in just 10 tracks the album was received extremely well by National Newspapers and magazines alike. 'there isn’t a duff tune here, which makes it that very rare thing: an album you can listen to all the way through without being tempted to press fastforward'-The Irish times 4 out of 5 stars.

In February 2011 the band released the 3^rd single entitled ANTS off the album. The single was accompanied by an animated video of ant preparing a meal for a date. Within days the video had become a viral hit on the Internet. ‘Ants’ signalled a break through into daytime airplay for the band, resulting in Ray D’Arcy hailing it as his favourite song of the month. 

Well known for their live shows Ham Sandwich are now one of the most distinctive bands touring Ireland right now. Whether it be Podge encouraging an in-between banter with the crowd and band or Niamh’s memorising vocal range Ham Sandwich are a band not to be missed.

Sensing this was to be the most successful period of the bands career, Ham Sandwich decided to go further with their music and focused on expanding abroad. Already this year the band have played several high profile gigs including the SXSW festival in Texas, Forbidden Fruit Festival in Dublin (Headlined by The Flaming Lips), the Irish Feis in London's Finsbury Park (Headlined by Bob Dylan/Van Morrison), Leeds and Reading Festivals in the UK and more recently Popkomm in Berlin. The future has become decidedly bright for this Irish band that certainly stands out from the norm.   hamsandwichmusic.com

BREAKING CIRCLES

Our very own Breaking Circles from Ballymahon, began in early 2010 with a variety of different formations and members. The band did not find its feet until the present arrangement was formed with Richard Fay on vocals and rhythm guitar, Paddy Dunne on lead guitar, Paul Canavan on drums and Sean Byrne on bass. 

Focusing on the cover band scene primarily, the band played many gigs around the country and earned a reputation as a strong performing unit. However, over the last few months they have turned their focus towards writing original material. They played their first all original music gig in Nenagh in late 2010 and have been pushing forwards in leaps and bounds ever since. Their exciting mix of alternative and up-tempo music had everybody on their feet during their slot at Helium 2011 and they’re sure to continue that success throughout 2012.

breakingcircles.bandcamp.com

Songs for Iris & Mamas Sadness (Denmark) Irish tour this week

Songs for Iris is an acoustic folk-pop band from Denmark, who are well-known for their tight vocal harmonies and their groovy arrangements. The music covers a wide field of folk traditions but is at the same time very contemporary and innovative/original. It's grand and emotional but simultaneously humorous with tongue in cheek rhythms. Songs for Iris consists of Heidi Mattsson (vocal, guitar), Mads Nyland (vocal, guitar) and Jakob Vase (Vocal, Percussion). 

Songs For Iris

Heidi Mattsson - Guitar & Vocals, Jakob Vase/Vocals - Cajon, Mads Nyland – Guitar/Vocals

www.facebook.com/songsforiris

October

Fri 14^th – The Widows, Belturbet, Co. Cavan

Sat 15^th – JJ Harlows, Roscommon Town + Winterking

Sun 16^th – Grellan Delaneys, Portlaoise, Co. Laois  + Winterking

Mon 17^th – House Concert, Kilkenny 

Tue 18^th – The Sky and the Ground, Wexford Town

The Danish band Mama's Sadness captures the audience with a more raw and melancholic country music style than the traditional country music from the USA. There are elements of Irish folk ballads in some songs as well. In fact travels to Ireland have become a great inspiration for the lead singer in the band Heidi Mattsson who is now bringing her music back for the third time. The band brings stories to life in a wonderful contrast of dusty instrumentation and a clear fragile voice – This is definitely a band worth listening to.

Mamas Sadness

Heidi Mattsson - Guitar & Vocals, Mads Nyland - Guitar/Vocals, Jacob Miang el-guitar.

www.facebook.com/pages/Mamas-Sadness/57097796289

October

Wed 19^th – The Zodiac Sessions, Bruxelles, Dublin

Thu 20^th – John Daly's, Mullingar, Co. Westmeath  + Winterking + Shayne Byrne

Fri 21^st – The Widows, Belturbet, Co. Cavan

Sat 22^nd – Skellys, Ballymahon, Co. Longford

Sun 23^rd – Boyles, Slane, Co. Meath