Roger Ryan's Country Cuts

Country Cuts April 2023

Country Cuts March 2023

Country & Covid by Roger Ryan. C.M.A. Ireland. [9 Oct. 2020]

Some of our popular country music artists are certainly being resourceful and keeping busy during this enforced lockdown caused by Covid 19, which has called a halt to live performing, by utilising their undoubted talent in other forms of the entertainment business. It has given them an opportunity and the time to develop their skills in other areas such as broadcasting etc.

Each week several of them can be seen and heard on radio and TV presenting their own programmes. Some of them have also utilised their time to record new material and do podcasts from their own homes on Facebook, which is now a very popular medium for artists to stay in touch with their loyal fans. Daniel O'Donnell and Stephen Rosney are just two who have recently posted some interesting podcasts, and I am sure there are lots more out there. Daniel can also be seen regularly presenting his own show on TG4 TV which features a host of Irish artists as well as some International. The show was originally screened over a year ago but has been repeated several times. Due to the current restrictions, very few new shows are being filmed. TG 4 TV has proved to be a great boon to Irish artists.

Trudi Lalor and Louise Morrissey are two ladies of country who can be heard each week presenting their own Radio show and of course Louise also presented a regular series on Spotlight TV.

Spotlight TV on Channel Sky 376, & FREESAT 516 has proved to be a real bonus for Irish artists and each week several of them can be seen presenting their own shows which mainly feature fellow Irish artists. The list is long but some of the names that come to mind are Sandy Kelly, Lisa Stanley, Lisa McHugh, Derek Ryan, Michael English, Trevor Loughrey, Big T Trevor Campbell, Gary Gamble, Michael Commins, Tommy Rosney, Janie Kirk, Brandon Mv Phee, Fran Curry & Muriel O'Connor, and I'm sure there are more.

Some of the radio presenters who are actively keeping the flag flying are Ronan Collins, RTE Radio 1; Eric Griffin, County Sound; Dermot Moriarty, Radio Kerry; Tommy Rosney, Highland Radio; Trevor Campbell, Downtown Radio; Pio Mc Cann, Highland; and Hugo Duncan, BBC. Sean Donlon of County Sound, who retired recently, was the man who pioneered country music radio in County Cork, and great credit is due to him for his valiant efforts over the years in promoting country music, particularly Irish artists.

Sandy Kelly and Susan McCann were early pioneers of the TV shows and had ventured into radio and TV presenting long before the lockdown came, as had Daniel O'Donnell. Considering his popularity and affable manner, it's amazing that somebody hasn't invited Paddy O'Brien to present his own programme. He would be a natural at it as would Gloria with her bubbling personality. The honour of being the first, the one who led the way, deservedly belongs to Hugh O'Brien of Hot Country TV who was the first to come up with the idea of a weekly show featuring Irish talent. Appearances on the Hot Country TV show have opened international markets for some of our Irish talent as the show is beamed all over Europe and is available on APP in the USA. Hugh's weekly show Hot Country on Mondays at 8pm is still one of the most popular programmes on Spotlight TV.

Ryan Tubridy's Late Late Shows spotlighting Irish country music artists have been excellent and afforded huge exposure to our Irish talent on a national scale. They certainly go a long way towards redressing the lack of exposure on out national TV channels. Hopefully there will be more of them when this current situation eases up and we get back to normal again.

Paschal Mooney of RTE Radio 1 & TV (now retired) was really one of the pioneers and one of the first to recognise the potential of Irish country artists and pioneered their efforts on both radio and TV. He was also the first to arrange country-wide package shows which toured extensively throughout Ireland. Many of these artists became household names thanks to Paschal's efforts.

Phil Mack is also a very popular host on Spotlight who presents several shows each week. All this exposure is very welcome to our many artists who are now struggling to survive due to their inability to get out there and perform live, which was their main source of income. Unfortunately, things are not improving and it could be quite some time before the entertainment scene returns to normal. Very little help is available at government level and it's good, if a little late, for the music industry itself to be sitting up, taking notice and taking action to remedy the situation.

In the meantime all is not lost, we can still tune in, switch on, and dig out the old vinyl, which is now very much in vogue again. Happy Listening and Viewing.

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BIB editor's note, 29 March 2020: From now on, the latest of Roger's newsletters to be received will appear at the top of this post. Previous newsletters, from October 2016 to October 2019, are shown in the reverse order.

Roger Ryan of the Country Music Association of Ireland sends the following country music news:

Country  Cuts  April 2020.

Official Publication of Country Music Association of Ireland.

The entertainment industry has certainly suffered as a result of the Covid 19 pandemic and all types of public performances are now at a standstill with  venues closed and really no indication of when they will re-open. Some of the major events which were cancelled have already announced new dates for next year. The annual C2C Fest at the 3Arena will now place on the weekend of March 12/13/14 2021. The three headline acts will be Eric Church, Darius Rucker and Luke Combs, with lots more to be announced later.

One of the major country music awards events in Ireland, the Annual Hot Country TV Awards Show has been postponed until Tuesday April 13th 2021. All the original acts announced will feature with special guest Mary Kennedy of RTE and will be staged at the Slieve Russell Hotel, Ballyconnell, Co.Cavan. Thankfully all the popular TV shows are continuing on Sky Channel 376 every day. The organisers issued the following statement: Due to the Covid -19 Pandemic, we regret to inform you that our 10th Annual Hot Country TV Awards Concert is now rescheduled to take place on Tuesday 13th April 2021. All tickets purchased will be valid for this new date. We and each of the artists and The Slieve Russell Hotel appreciate your support and won't take any chances that might put anyone's health at risk. This is just not the time to gather together. STAY SAFE. Should you require any further details call the Slieve Russell Hotel at 049 9526444 or Hot Country TV at 0876859895

The organising team of the Cahersiveen Mountain Roots Music festival in Co. Kerry, acting on advice received, have been obliged to cancel this year's event, which was scheduled to take place on the weekend 1-3 May. The Baltimore Fiddle Fair in Co. Cork has also announced on its website the cancellation of this year's event, scheduled for 7-10 May, coupling this with an announcement of next year's programme (featuring substantially the same lineup planned for this year), to be held on 6-9 May 2021. 

The following statement was issued by the organisers of the annual Omagh Bluegrass Fest: After careful consideration and monitoring of the ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) situation, we have made the difficult decision to cancel the upcoming Bluegrass Omagh music festival in May (22–24) as a precautionary measure to protect the health and well-being of our community. If you have already purchased tickets for Bluegrass Omagh 2020, please check your e-mail inbox for further instruction, as well as junk and spam folders (just in case).Rest assured plans for next year’s Bluegrass Omagh festival in May 2021 are already underway – and will be bigger and better than ever! For more information regarding purchased Bluegrass Omagh 2020 tickets, visit nmni.com/BluegrassOmagh.

Another victim of the virus was the tour by Nashville based artists Eric Brace & Thomm Jutz. They were due to perform at the White Horse, Ballincollig and at two house concerts in West Cork as well as several other venues. Last year, the same two artists together with Peter Cooper, had to cancel a similar tour because of severe weather conditions. Hopefully they will re-schedule and have better luck next time.

While there has been no announcement as such yet, the annual CMA Music Fest & Fan Fair in Nashville in June, looks doubtful at this stage when you consider the rate at which the virus is spreading. Several major festivals such as Merlefest have already been cancelled.

On a brighter note, many performers have turned to social media, Facebook in particular, to stay in touch with their fans and have been posting concerts from their homes. So far I have seen Trisha Yearwood, Garth Brooks, Lisa O'Kane, Mike Scott, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Robert Mizzell, The Kirwans, August Walk, Kevin & Geraldine Gill, the Grand Ole Opry, Sandy Kelly & Willie Kelly, and I'm sure there are lots more out there if you search for them. Many thanks to the artists who have taken the time to stay in touch with their fans.

Some more good news, this time from popular singer Mike Denver last week (20th.) My wife Liz gave birth to our beautiful baby girl Mia this morning at 12:51 Our hearts are exploding with love & gratitude. I have never known a feeling like this. In the middle of all the chaos at the moment, Mia is our shining light of hope that life can be truly magnificent.

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[October 2016]

The Annual Irish Steel Guitar Festival will take place at the Green Isle Hotel, Dublin, over the weekend of Sat Oct 15th and Sun Oct 16th. As usual it will feature the cream of Steel Guitar players from Ireland and all over Europe with U.S. Steel player Russ Hicks as the star attraction. The hotel is offering attractive weekend packages of accomodation etc for the festival.

Hank Wedel, who is a regular and very popular performer in Cork and surrounding areas, has released a fantastic new CD on the market called Living In The Land Of Love. All the 10 tracks on the album were written or co-written by Hank himself and the opening track 'Too Gone Too Young' is already receiving extensive airplay all over Ireland.

Barry & Holly Tashian & E-5 Band from Nashville, will begin a 2 weeks tour of Ireland on Oct. 19th. which includes the following dates in the Cork area;
Fri 21st. Recital @ City Library, Cork, @ 11.00am. Sat. 22nd. Rockies Club @ 9.30pm, Mon. 24th. The Village Arts Centre, Kilworth, Co. Cork, @ 8.15pm.
They will also perform at St.John's Theatre, Listowel, on Thursday Oct 20th, and the Library, Kilmacthomas, Co.Waterford, on Friday Oct. 21st. and the Bunratty Music Fest on Sun. Oct. 23rd.

On Friday Oct. 14th. @ 11.00am Peter Harrington will present a country music programme on the Life & Music of Cowboy Jack Clement, Singer, Songwriter, Producer, and Nashville Legend. This programme is part of a regular series on Country Music which takes place on the second Friday of every month at the Rory Gallagher section of the City Library, Grand Parade, and is open to the general public, with free admission.

Rattlesnake County run a weekly session called The Sundown Sessions at The Raven Bar, 100 South Main St, Cork. We play a broad mix of bluegrass, country, folk, Americana etc. We're there every Wednesday night at 9:30pm and the session is open to anybody to join in. If anyone around Cork wants to sit in on the session or listen, they're more than welcome! Here is a clip of us playing Caleb Meyer at the session - http://youtu.be/tDgNo2KWuiU Please visit our page - https://www.facebook.com/TheSundownSessionsAtTheRavenBar for more info This is a weekly jam (session) for all in the Cork area to get out and play, learn, teach and share.

On Sunday 9th October, @ 8pm the Cork Opera House will present 'Rolling Back The Years with Legends of the Showband Era'. Memories of famous dance hall nights will come flooding back on the night, from the Arcadia Cork to Redbarn in Youghal to the Lilac in Enniskeane to the Majorca in Crosshaven and the Stardust on the Grand Parade. It is a historic occasion on Sunday October 9th, not to be missed with the legendary Art Supple of the Victors, Joe Mac from the Dixies, a tribute to the late great Cork stars such as Brendan O’Brien and Glenn Curtin. Terry McCarthy with his beautiful voice from the Dixies and the famous Tony Stevens with such classics as ‘When We Were Young’. The wonderful East Cork trio Crystal Swing – Derek, Dervla and Mary - will be performing along with Cork comedy legends Noel Barrett and Pat Sullivan as Joint MCs.

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Country Cuts OCT. 2017.

Official Publication of Country Music Association of Ireland.

Grammy award-winning superstars Faith Hill and Tim McGraw have been announced as the first headliners for Country to Country 2018 and will be bringing their highly acclaimed and record setting Soul2Soul tour to this year’s event which will be stage at 3Arena Dublin on 9/10/11th March 2018. Faith Hill and Tim McGraw have been dominating the music charts since the early ‘90s. They began touring together in 1996 on McGraw’s Spontaneous Combustion tour. In 2000 they created the Soul2Soul franchise with their record-breaking 'Soul2Soul' tour, becoming that year’s top grossing and most successful U.S. tour. Their success continued in 2006-2007 when 'Soul2Soul II' returned to the road, which was the most attended tour of the year in any musical genre and remains the highest grossing multi-year North American tour in country music history. Faith Hill and Tim McGraw will be joined by a whole host of multi-platinum and acclaimed artists across the weekend. 2C is Europe’s biggest Country Music Festival. It brings three days of the best country music and programming with performances from the world’s best country stars as well as emerging talent from Nashville, Ireland & UK. Europe. Country to Country is now entering its sixth year with ever increasing popularity, and for the first time and due to popular demand, C2C Glasgow will take place at the SSE Hydro having outgrown the Clyde Auditorium.

Eamon McCann has released a new self penned single called 'Nobody Fillin' Their Shoes'. A contemplative question set in music challenging the modern shift away from the basic traditions of the genre in today's Country music. It is easy for radio listeners to recognise Eamon McCann’s unique 'easy' style of singing and in the opinion of his many fans and industry admirers alike he more than adequately fills the shoes of the greats and is rated as one of Ireland's top singers/ songwriters. Eamon is a member of the prestigious International Songwriters Guild.

Shania Twain will play one concert at the 3Arena Dublin on Wed Oct. 26th as part of her 2018 NOW tour. Willie Nelson's latest album,  'Willie Nelson And The Boys', features Willie and sons Micah and Lucas and will be released October 20th.

On Friday next Oct. 13th, John Nyhan will be the featured presenter at the monthly Country Music Circle in the City Library, Grand Parade, Cork, at 11 a.m. The title of John's presentation is 'Bill Monroe, The Father of Bluegrass Music, His Life & Music'.

Singer-songwriter Derek Ryan is set to become the first Irish country artist in over 30 years to release an album on vinyl, and it’s a move which is already striking a chord with fans from all generations. ‘Perfect Days’, which was released on 29th September 2017, features twelve of the singer’s self-penned songs, all specially remastered for vinyl release. And while music fans would be forgiven for associating vinyl records with the heyday of artists like Big Tom and Philomena Begley, according to Derek, vinyl is back in business.

Irish singer Claudine Day has released a new self penned single titled 'Flipside'. Some of you might already know that Claudine is the daughter of Irish 60s showband legend Eileen Reid (of The Cadets) and the adage regarding apples and trees is certainly evident here as well as a talent honed from a lifetime growing up in a talented family. Although no stranger to threading the boards herself with successful tours of Europe in various theatrical shows Claudine has turned her hand to Country music and recorded this track under the skilful production work of Stuart Grey at his wonderful Jealoustown studios just north of Dublin.

Two pioneer maestros of bluegrass music in Ireland bring it all back home with an Irish tour in November which includes a date at the Rockies Club on Saturday Nov. 4th and the beautifully appointed Kilworth Arts Centre, Kilworth, Co.Cork, on Monday Nov. 6th. Gerry Madigan and George Kaye made their separate marks on Ireland’s live music scene in two phenomenally successful bands of the late 1960s and 1970s, and both of them did it by opening the ears of ballroom audiences to the sounds of authentic Americana. The vibrant dancehall circuit, dominated by big showbands, was already changing under the influence of new bands with ‘Country & Irish’ instrumentation and repertoire. George Kaye, in the Smokey Mountain Ramblers, and Gerry Madigan in the Cotton Mill Boys pushed the envelope further, changed the way audiences viewed country music, and set new standards of excellence. Both are now domiciled abroad and are looking forward to bringing it all back home again later this year. Confirmed dates so far are, Rockies Club, Cork on Sat. Nov. 4th and Kilworth Arts Centre, Kilworth, Co.Cork, on Monday Nov 6th.

Almost 50 years since Johnny Cash introduced Folsom – and its prison – into the pop culture lexicon, the city is nearing the completion of an extensive outdoor tribute to the singer. The full Johnny Cash Trail is set to be unveiled Oct. 14. Spanning 2.5 miles, it links a series of existing trails and marks the route of a planned public art walk that will be lined with works commemorating the Man in Black. The first section of the trail, including the Johnny Cash Bridge designed after the East Gate guard tower of Folsom Prison, opened in 2014. The new 1.25-mile section joins with existing trails in Rodeo Park to provide cyclists, runners and pedestrians a route to Folsom’s historic district and the American Parkway Trail. 'First and foremost, the trail is a transportation and recreation facility in the city,' said Robert Goss, Folsom’s parks and recreations director. 'Secondarily, it’s a celebration of the guy that probably made Folsom more famous than anybody else. The song "Folsom Prison Blues" – everybody knows that song.'

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Country Cuts January 2018.

Official Publication of Country Music Association of Ireland.

If you are planning your holidays for 2018 and fancy a trip to Nashville, Memphis etc, then I suggest that you contact 087-685-9895 for details of a tour departing on Oct. 30th for 8 nights in Nashville, with the option of a bus trip to Memphis to visit Graceland and Sun Studios. The hotel is within walking distance of Lower Broadway in Nashville with its many attractions including the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, The Ryman Auditorium, home of the famous Grand Ole Opry, The Musicians Hall of Fame & Museum, the Johnny Cash, Patsy Cline and George Jones Museums, plus lots of popular venues offering free music all day long until the early hours of the morning. Other popular venues within easy reach are 3rd & Lyndsley on 3rd Avenue South and the Station Inn on 12th Avenue South. Both of these venues are noted for featuring authentic country music. The combined package of a tour of the Hall of Fame and Studio B is a must for any visitor to Nashville. The tour begins at the Hall of Fame and transport is then provided to Studio B on Music Row. The Opryland complex which includes the Grand Ole Opry House and a huge shopping area Opry Mills, is only a 20 minute drive away. Also in that area is Music Valley, home of many attractions including the Willie Nelson Museum. Full details of cost etc are available from 087-685-9895.

The monthly series of Country Music recitals continue at the Rory Gallagher section of the Cork City Library, Grand Parade, Cork, on Friday Jan. 12th.@ 11.00am.

The first Irish Old Time Appalachian Gathering is taking place in Lisdoonvarna, Co. Clare from 16-18 Feb 2018. The idea is to bring together the various OT musicians and enthusiasts scattered across Ireland – just as happens at Gainsborough and Clifftop. We also expect some musicians from the US and UK, including the celebrated Dan Levenson. (Note that we have chosen the weekend after Gainsborough in case any overseas visitors fancy a trip to one of the most scenic area of Ireland, near the iconic Cliffs of Moher.) It takes place at a great venue – winning awards for its food and craft ales – with excellent low-price accommodation nearby, good transport links, and of course wonderful people getting together for tunes, song and dance. All for less than the price of 2 Dublin pints! All the details are at www.irisholdtime.com and there is also a facebook page- https://www.facebook.com/irisholdtime.

Derek Ryan may sing about it in his new single, but the golden boy of Irish country is far from being ‘Down On His Uppers’. The phrase, originally used to describe people who had badly worn shoes, has been turned into a catchy song by the Carlow songwriter and lifted from his current number one album The Fire. Derek, who has had one of his best years yet, fulfilling many career highs from The Rose of Tralee performance, to a sold out arena show at the Farmers Bash, continues to stay at the cutting edge of Irish country with his unique sound and song writing skills. As well as recording his own songs he has also written the title track for Philomena Begley’s latest release amongst a host of other artists who have picked up on his material. Following Christmas and new year shows, and a new concert tour kicking off in Mid-January in his hometown of Carlow, it looks like business as usual for Derek in 2018 and another full year.

Following their special appearance at the CMA Awards last November, Sugarland is confirmed to perform at Country to Country 2018. This will be the multi CMA Award and Grammy Award winner’s first full-band live performance together in 5 years. Friends of C2C, Jennifer Nettles and Kristian Bush have sold in excess of 15 million records worldwide and have had incredible solo careers since their hiatus in 2012. Known for such hits as "Stuck Like Glue”, “Baby Girl," "Stay" and "All I Want to Do," Sugarland's last album was 2010's The Incredible Machine. The duo is currently back in the studio; for more information visit www.sugarlandmusic.com.

Country to Country Festival will take place on 9-11th March 2018 at The O2 in London, The SSE Hydro Glasgow and the 3Arena in Dublin. Sugarland join what is already an outstanding line up including Faith Hill, Tim McGraw, Little Big Town, Kacey Musgraves, Emmylou Harris, Kip Moore, Kelsea Ballerini, Ashley Campbell, Brett Young, Luke Combs, Old Dominion, Margo Price and Midland. The festival brings three days of the best in country music and programming that fans have come to love and expect with performances from the world’s best country stars as well as emerging talent from Nashville, UK and Europe.
C 2 C @ 3ARENA, DUBLIN

Friday 9th March 2018
Kacey Musgraves
Sugarland
Kip Moore Luke Combs

Saturday 10th March 2018
Little Big Town
Emmylou Harris
Margo Price
Midland

Sunday 11th March 2018
Faith Hill & Tim McGraw
Kelsea Ballerini
Old Dominion
Brett Young

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Country Cuts January 2019.

Official Publication of Country Music Association of Ireland.

Country singer Cliona Hagan is currently in strict training for her appearance on the new season of RTE’s Dancing With The Stars. The gorgeous Tyrone native says that while she's probably the worst dancer of the whole bunch she would dearly love to win the Glitterball when the popular RTE series returns to our screen's in January.

The new year has just begun and already we have received news of several major country events for the month of January alone. The Shannonside Winter Music Festival has been going from strength to strength over the last few years and this year's event marks another step forward for this eclectic festival of the best in acoustic music.Between Thursday and Monday January 17th to 21st almost 80 concerts, pub gigs, sessions, and shows will keep the villages of Sixmilebridge and Bunratty buzzing and bouncing with acts from far and wide, as well as the cream of local talent.

The Village Arts Centre, Kilworth, Co. Cork, which is now a must play venue for visiting country and bluegrass acts, has announced a very exciting lineup of top class performers for January. Thanks to the persuasive powers and entrepreneurial skills of John Nyhan we have seen some of the world's top class acts perform at this venue and the coming year promises to be better than ever. On Monday January 21st the star attraction will be The Petersons Bluegrass Band from Branson, Missouri. The Petersons are a six piece band who play regularly at the Little Opry in Branson and at the annual Bluegrass Festival in Dollar City on the outskirts of Branson. Daniel O'Donnell performs every year in Branson and on one of his rare night's off he went along to a Peterson Family concert and was loud in his praise for the talented band. The Kilworth concert will be a double bill with Cup O'Joe bluegrass band from Omagh also featuring. On Thursday January 24th both acts will also perform at the Schoolyard Theatre in Charleville, Co. Cork, with a starting time of 8pm.

On Sunday January 27th, Special Consensus Bluegrass Band, whose album Rivers and Roads was recently nominated for a Grammy Award, will perform at the Glen Theatre, Banteer, Co. Cork, and on the following night Monday January 28th, they will make a welcome return to the Village Arts Centre, Kilworth, Co. Cork.

The Ballincollig Winter Music Festival will take place from Wed 23rd to Sun 27th January and will feature the following well known country artists, Jerry Douglas on the 26th and Tim O'Brien on the 27th.

The COUNTRY MUSIC CIRCLE at the RORY GALLAGHER MUSIC LIBRARY on FRIDAY JANUARY 11th 2019 AT 11am will feature COUNTRY MUSIC SELECTION PRESENTED BY PETER HARRINGTON and on FRIDAY 8TH FEBUARY 2019 AT 11am " SADDLE UP COWBOY " PRESENTED BY PAT HORGAN.
ADMISSION FREE ALL WELCOME

Nathan Carter will make a very welcome return to play Live at The Marquee in Cork on Friday 14th June. Tickets for this date went on sale on Tuesday 18 December from Ticketmaster and usual outlets. Nathan has just returned from his second North American tour which saw him play 9 cities including Chicago, Boston, Sacramento and Philadelphia. Last month Nathan released his autobiography ‘Born For the Road’ and his new album of the same name which features 16 new recordings including the hit singles including `There You Are` ‘Give It To Me’ and ‘Winnie O’Neill’, is now available.

Country to Country, Europe's biggest country music festival, is back at The 3Arena Dublin for its seventh year from Friday 8 to Sunday 10 March 2019, with yet another incredible line up from the C2C team. With his first shows in Europe for over ten years, a major coup for C2C, the celebrated four time Grammy Award winner, chart record breaker and international superstar Keith Urban will play C2C for the first time ever, while one of Nashville’s most revered and hugely acclaimed musician’s Chris Stapleton makes his much-anticipated return to the festival in a headline spot. Superstar trio and award winning fan favourites Lady Antebellum also return as headliners, following their hugely popular show last year. Keith Urban said: “I'm totally psyched to be getting back to play some shows. The last time we were there was a blast- and with the music I’ve made since then and the new album we’re gonna get to play to a lot of new people. Can’t wait!!!!!” Joining the headliners are more acclaimed artists, with many heading to the main stage for the very first time. Cam, Hunter Hayes, Ashley McBryde and Drake White & The Big Fire all return, while Brett Eldredge, Chase Rice, Dustin Lynch, Carly Pearce and Lyle Lovett make their C2C arena debuts.

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Country Cuts March 2019

Official Publication of Country Music Association of Ireland

HOT COUNTRY AWARDS 2019

The 9th Annual Hot Country TV Country Music Awards Concert will be staged on Monday 29th April 2019 at the Slieve Russell Hotel, Ballyconnell Co. Cavan in association with Galway Irish Crystal www.galwaycrystal.ie. Doors open 6.30 pm, Concert 8 pm sharp. It’s that time of year when across the world of entertainment artists, presenters, writers and producers are recognised for their art and dedication to the industry. One such event is Ireland’s prestigious Hot Country TV Awards a definite highlight on the calendar. This magnificent Co. Cavan setting will play host to a night of music glitz and glamour as the cream of Irish Country Music gather to celebrate. The line up is second to none with Nathan Carter, Derek Ryan, Mike Denver, Cliona Hagan, Margo, Michael English, Johnny Brady, Trudi Lalor, Sina Theil, Olivia Douglas, Gloria, Legends of American Country (Joe Moore, Anthony McBrien, Tracey McAuley) Mick Flavin, Declan Nerney, Gerry Guthrie, Ciaran Rosney, Brandon McPhee, Joe Davitt, Keelan,  Liam Kelly, Alex Roe, Colin Kenny. Opening artist is Larissa Tormey. Well known Personalities being honoured for Services to Irish Country Music, include Tom Gilmore, Shaunie Crampsie, Dave Sherriff, Paul Claffey, Henry McMahon, Jo Ní Cheíde, Billy Morrissey, Valerie Hughes, Johnny Barry, Liam Kett, Marisa D'Amato and Country Comes Together. A number of Nashville Artists will soon be announced to be added to this exceptional lineup. Last year's sell out audience was indeed treated to a night like no other for fans of Country Music. Don’t miss out tickets €25 are now on sale from the following outlets: Slieve Russell Hotel Reception Tel 049 9526444; Jeans Country Music Store Omagh, Tel 028 82252150;  Sharpe Music Dungannon Tel 028 8776 1045;  Multisound Cavan Tel 049 952 6444;  and Ticketmaster Nationwide. The Hot Country TV awards is Ireland's Country Music's Biggest Night. Further details from: Hugh O'Brien 087 6859895

SEARCH FOR A COUNTRY STAR.

Do you dream of a career like Daniel O’Donnell or Nathan Carter? Do you count yourself as the next Philomena Begley or Cliona Hagan? The Late Late Show is on the hunt for Ireland’s next big singing sensation, launching its "Search for a Country Star" competition. The winning act will have the chance to perform alongside one of Ireland’s leading country artists at the Late Late Country Special on Friday, May 3rd, following in the footsteps of legends such as Big Tom, Philomena Begley and Charlie Pride. The lucky act will also win a session in one of Ireland’s top recording studios. Groups, duets and solo singers are eligible to apply, and applicants must be over 16, and must submit a video clip of them performing. If you think you've got what it takes contact RTE.

KIERAN GOSS & ANNIE KINSELLA

Long hailed as one of Ireland's leading songwriters and performers, Kieran Goss has collaborated with singer/songwriter Annie Kinsella on their debut duo album. Titled 'Oh, The Starlings', the record was released worldwide on iTunes and streaming services on Friday 1st March, 2019.Recorded in New York with eight-time Grammy winning engineer and mixer Kevin Killen at the helm (David Bowie, Peter Gabriel, U2, Elvis Costello), 'Oh, The Starlings' has been described by songwriter Rodney Crowell as: "So good, it’s heart-breaking... the record itself feels like an old friend.” Having already won the kinds of reviews that signal their elevation onto the international stage, Kieran Goss and Annie Kinsella's 'Oh, The Starlings’ is a work of art with poetry and melody at its heart. While at times reminiscent of the great music of the 70’s – Joan Baez, Joni Mitchell or Leonard Cohen – Goss and Kinsella have undeniably succeeded in creating something magnificently, uniquely theirs: an album that is both classic and modern, simple and multi-layered, quiet and dynamic. To celebrate the launch of ‘Oh, The Starlings’ in Ireland, Kieran Goss and Annie Kinsella return home following an extensive European tour to play four Irish shows in summer 2019: They are:

Friday 31st May 2019, NAUL, CO. DUBLIN / The Seamus Ennis Arts Centre. Box Office: +353 1 802 0898 www.tseac.ie Saturday 1st June 2019, CORK / Live At St. Luke’s. www.liveatstlukes.com www.uticket.ie,
Saturday 8th June 2019 DERRY / The Playhouse Box Office: +44 28 71 268027 www.derryplayhouse.co.uk
Sunday 9th June 2019 BELFAST / Lyric Theatre Box Office: +44 28 9038 1081 www.lyrictheatre.co.uk

DOLLY'S IMAGINATION LIBRARY FOR DUBLIN.

A charity founded by country singer Dolly Parton has launched a free book programme for young children in Tallaght in Dublin. Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library (DPIL) works with local partners to gift books to children across the world.The programme was launched at the South Dublin County Council Library in Tallaght recently and new books are now available free to all children aged up to five living in Dublin 24.Once signed up each child will receive a free book to keep every month until they are five. The books will be addressed to the child and posted directly to their home. It is available to all children in each household and siblings will get different age-appropriate books. It is the first time the Imagination Library has been offered in Ireland and the pilot scheme is being coordinated by the Tallaght-based Childhood Development Initiative (CDI), with the support of An Post, the Dublin Rotary Club and Shamrock Rovers Football club. Dolly started the organisation in 1995, inspired by her own father’s inability to read and write. Announcing the project, the legendary singer called on parents in Dublin 24 to take advantage of the opportunity to get their children reading. “You can never get enough books into the hands of young children,” Parton said. “I know there are children in Ireland with their own dreams – the dream of becoming a doctor, an inventor, or a teacher. Who knows, maybe a writer, or singer. The seeds of these dreams can often be found in books and the seeds planted in a community can grow across the world.”

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is already active in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada and Australia making Ireland the fifth country in which it is being delivered. More than 1.3 million free books are mailed each month and 112 million books have been posted to children since it started.

KRIS KRISTOFFERSON FOR IRELAND.

Originally scheduled to do two shows in Ireland, (Cork, Live at the Marquee.) June 23, and Dublin, June 24 ( The Helix), legendary singer-songwriter and actor Kris Kristofferson has confirmed an extra Dublin concert date on 25th June also at the Helix. His original concert date at The Helix, Dublin on 24th June is now sold-out. Tickets for the other concerts are on sale now from the usual outlets. Kris will be joined by Merle Haggard’s band The Strangers. After struggling in Music City for several years, Kristofferson achieved remarkable success as a country songwriter at the start of the 1970s. His songs "Me and Bobby McGee," "Help Me Make It Through the Night," "Sunday Morning Coming Down," and"For the Good Times," all chart-topping hits, helped redefine country songwriting. By 1987, it was estimated that more than 450 artists had recorded Kristofferson’s compositions.

His renown as a songwriter triggered Kristofferson’s successful career as a performer and that, in turn, brought him to the attention of Hollywood, leading to his flourishing career as a film actor. Kristofferson has acted in more than 70 films. In 1977 he won a Golden Globe for Best Actor in “A Star Is Born.” He’s appeared in cult favorites including the “Blade” trilogy, “Lone Star,” “A Soldier’s Daughter Never Cries,” “Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore,” “Blume In Love,” “Cisco Pike,” and “Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid.” Heralded as an artist’s artist, the three-time GRAMMY winner has recorded 30 albums, including three with pals Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash and Waylon Jennings as part of the Highwaymen.

COUNTRY MUSIC CIRCLE @ CORK CITY LIBRARY

The monthly Country Music Circle presentation will take place at the Cork City Library, Grand Parade, on Friday March 8th and will be presented by Denis Mc Sweeney.

CHARLIE LANDSBOROUGH TO RETIRE.

In 2019, UK Country Music legend Charlie Landsborough plans to retire from touring to concentrate on writing and recording music. Before his retirement Charlie will be embarking on an extended tour of Ireland. Known as the UK’s premier country music singer, country music is only one part of his live shows. Charlie’s gigs are a night of beautiful ballads, folk, blues, country, rock ‘n’ roll, pop, gospel and anthems. Winner of ‘Best Songwriter’, ‘Best Song’, ‘Best Male Vocalist’ and ‘International Country Album,’ Charlie’s talent and chart-topping records received the ultimate recognition in 2011 when he was inducted into the British Country Music Hall of Fame. Charlie said: “Now I thought that you, who have been so good to me, should be the first to know that I intend to hang up my guitar and retire this year. Hence, this next tour around England in spring will be my last.” “I will certainly miss you all but will never forget your great kindness and support and will always treasure the wonderful memories I have of the lovely times I have had with you.”

BRAD FOR IRELAND.

Brad Paisley has announced his plans for a 2019 World Tour including a date in Dublin, Ireland @ 3Arena on Oct. 13. The trek will take the country star to venues throughout North America and Europe. Paisley's 2019 World Tour will begin on May 30 in Albuquerque, N.M. Stops in Rogers, Ark.; and Cincinnati, Ohio, among other locations, are scheduled through September. Paisley will then head overseas in October for shows in Denmark, Sweden and elsewhere. Country up-and-comers Chris Lane and Riley Green will be joining Paisley on his 2019 World Tour in North America. Lane will also support Paisley in Europe. Visit BradPaisley.com for ticketing details.

COUNTRY FEST AT GOWRAN PARK.

Some of the big names already booked to perform at this year's super Festival in Gowran Park, Kilkenny, on Sunday 14th July are Mike Denver, Michael English, Cliona Hagan, Patrick Feeney, Trudi Lalor, Jimmy Buckley and more to be added!! Tickets only €20 now on Sale from eventbrite.ie and usual outlets.This truly unique festival is set in the idyllic grounds of Gowran Park with built in facilities, a giant dance floor, easy parking and 10 minutes from the motorway this venue has it all. Join us for a day of fun, music and dance with some of the best Country musicians in Ireland. There’s something for everyone with activities for the kids, state of the art facilities, dancing, onsite bars and restaurants and entertained by some of the best country musicians in Ireland this is the place to be on July 14th 2019 TICKETS CAN ALSO BE PURCHASED ON THE GATE ON THE DAY

JIMMY BUFFETT & CORAL REEF BAND.

Parrotheads in Ireland will get their chance to don a grass skirt and flamboyant headwear to party with Jimmy Buffett in 2019, as Jimmy & The Coral Reef Band heads to Dublin for a long-awaited concert date on Saturday Sept. 21st at the Olympia Theatre. Jimmy has become a legend of popular culture as the composer of such classic songs as "Margaritaville," "Come Monday" and "Cheeseburger In Paradise." When Jimmy plays his annual shows in Paris, an assemblage of Irish fans are there every time, country flag in hand, and Jimmy has said how much he looks forward to playing in the Emerald Isle. Jimmy released his famous Son of a Son of a Sailor LP in 1978. The title is a reference to his grandfather who was a huge influence on his life. In recognition of the 40th anniversary of the release, the 2018 tour was called Son of a Son of a Sailor and the celebration continues through 2019.

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Country Cuts April 2019.

Official Publication of Country Music Association of Ireland.

The monthly series of country music presentations will continue at the Cork City Library, Grand Parade, Cork, on Friday next April 12th. @ 11am. Maureen Murphy will be your host presenter and she will be featuring "Some Home Grown Country Music". Everybody is welcome and admission is free.

Greg Blake will embark on a major Irish tour in April. Greg Blake is known primarily from his work as guitarist and vocalist with Jeff Scroggins & Colorado, but the West Virginia native has been performing as well as a solo artist prior to and concurrent with his ongoing association with Colorado.When Blake heads to Ireland for a solo tour, his 5th in the past five years, it will just be Greg, his guitar, and his rich baritone voice entertaining the many fans he has developed over the course of previous visits.According to promoter John Nyhan, who’s been bringing bluegrass to Ireland for over 25 years and has put together the tour, he'll be performing in 9 counties, including County Tyrone in Northern Ireland at the epic Red Room in Cookstown. He'll be playing in libraries, churches, pubs, concert halls, and the Irish Trad Fest in Ardara, County Donegal, delivering his usual fare, bluegrass classics – traditional and progressive – as well as some trad country and some Gospel and will also throw in a surprise original or two that he's just written, and his own take on a couple of classic Irish ballads. Dates on the Irish tour include: 24/04 – Gleesons Bar, Sixmilebridge, Co. Clare, 25/04 – Merry’s Bar and Restaurant, Dungarvan, Co. Waterford, 26/04 – Colfers Bar, Carrig on Bannow, Co. Wexford, 27/04 – St. Senans Church of Ireland, Ardrum, Inniscarra, Co. Cork, 28/04 – Ballinvreena Community Hall, Ballinvreena, Kilmallock, Co. Limerick, 29/04 – The Village Arts Centre, Kilworth, Co. Cork, 30/04 – The Old Still, Clashmore, Co. Waterford, 02/05 – Mannions Bar, Balla, Co. Mayo, 03/ 05 – The Red Room, Cookstown, Co. Tyrone, 04/ 05 – Cup O Tae (Irish Trad Fest), Ardara, Co. Donegal, 06/05 – Spells Bar, Ballaghaderreen, Co. Roscommon, 07/05 – TBA, 08/05 – TBA, 09/05 – The Blackbird Bar, Ballycotton, Co. Cork, 10/05 – HOUSE CONCERT, 11/05 – HOUSE CONCERT .There will also be a number of educational presentations during the days at schools, libraries, and retirement centres.

A New Film based on the Life of George Jones & Tammy Wynette will be made Starring Hollywood A listers Josh Brolin & Jessica Chastain and financing by Stephen Speilberg. Josh Brolin and Andrew Lazar are producing. It is based on the Book by Georgette Jones Daughter of the Legendary Country Duo. The book is titled "The Three of Us".

Following her successful appearance at the recent C2C Festival at the 3Arena, Dublin, Ashley Mc Bride has announced a return visit for some UK and Ireland shows in September and October 2019 as follows: Friday 27 September, LONDON Shepherd’s Bush Empire, Sunday 29 September, MANCHESTER Academy 2, Monday 30 September, GLASGOW Queen Margaret Union, Tuesday 1 October, DUBLIN Academy. Tickets went on general sale on Friday 8 March @:: http://www.axs.com/uk/series/8378/ashley-mcbryde-tickets The UK dates are the biggest solo headline shows Ashley has played here and form part of a European tour which will also see her play in Switzerland, Germany, The Netherlands and Dublin. Her Grammy-nominated debut album Girl Going Nowhere (Atlantic/Warner Nashville), the biggest-selling debut by a female country artist in the US last year, is out now. In April, Ashley stars in a cameo role in the much-anticipated Wild Rose movie starring Jessie Buckley and Julie Walters. On her most recent UK visit in October 2018, McBryde supported Luke Combs on a sold-out run of dates and her own headline show had to be upgraded to a larger venue, Islington Assembly Hall, due to overwhelming demand. She also gave a stunning performance of her album’s title track ‘Girl Going Nowhere’ on BBC TV’s Later With Jools Holland. Watch here: https://youtu.be/U7H6Yoj7AOc

After another hugely successful festival this year with headliners; Keith Urban, Lady Antebellum and Chris Stapleton, C2C is delighted to announce that it will return for an eighth year on 13 thto 15 th March 2020. Early bird tickets for Dublin were available from Friday 15th March at 10am and can be purchased from www.ticketmaster.ie and all Ticketmaster outlets. The festival will bring three days of the best in country music and programming that fans have come to love and expect from the weekend, with performances from the world’s best country stars as well as emerging talent from Nashville, UK, Ireland and Europe. The full line-up will be announced later in the year along with further news from the festival. C2C 2019 welcomed over 70,000 fans, who enjoyed music from artists including; Brett Eldredge, Hunter Hayes, Lyle Lovett, Cam, Dustin Lynch, Ashley McBryde, Chase Rice, Carly Pearce, Drake White & The Big Fire and more.

Award-winning vocalist Trudi Lalor has just released a new single, her unique version of the iconic Somewhere Over The Rainbow. All proceeds from the sale or download of the song will go directly to Irish-based charity Feileacain. The song has been a favourite of Trudi's since she was a little girl. "I have had this song on my wish list for a while and I thought it would be great to do a big production on it. So I enlisted ace producer/arranger Peter Maher and John Byrne who arranged the strings and the orchestration for this special recording. I hope people will enjoy my version of this timeless classic." she says.Trudi thought it would be fitting to make this song available to raise funds for a suitable charity. After a little research it was decided to contact Feileacain, an Irish-based charity which offers help and support to anyone affected by the death of a baby during pregnancy or shortly after. This wonderful charity was founded by a group of bereaved parents who realised that there was a need for such an organisation. It is hoped to use Trudi's beautiful recording of Somewhere Over the Rainbow to raise awareness of Feileacain and also to raise much needed funds to allow the charity to continue to do their very important work. Trudi Lalor's beautiful rendition of Somewhere Over the Rainbow has brought comfort to so many bereaved parents - it is a song that is often sung at our Services of Remembrance. Trudi's voyage around the country to promote the song has also resulted in so many reaching out to us who would not otherwise have heard of us.

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Country  Cuts  September 2019.

Official Publication of Country Music Association of Ireland.

This is a dream come true for every Johnny Cash, Rosanne Cash and Cash Family Music Fan! Attend the Johnny Cash Heritage Music Festival in Arkansas from October 17-19, 2019 with this exclusive access opportunity where you will meet Rosanne Cash at the headlining concert on Saturday and mingle with she and other family members at the Friday evening "Supper Station" during this family music celebration in Johnny Cash's hometown of Dyess, Arkansas  https://www.charitybuzz.com/catalog_items/meet-rosanne-cash-marty-stuart-more-at-johnny-cash-1844500

Aug. 5, 2019, is now officially Dolly Parton Day in Nashville! Music City Mayor David Briley announced the news after signing a proclamation in honor of Parton's contributions to both music and philanthropy throughout her decades-long career. "We give thanks for Dolly's unparalleled career as an entertainer and philanthropist and her ability to touch millions of lives everywhere, including so many right here in Music City, with her moving music and generous heart," the proclamation reads in part.

Scotty McCreeryis headed to Europe this fall for a series of tour dates in Germany and the United Kingdom. According to Nash Country Daily, McCreery will head to Berlin, Germany, for a show on Oct. 23, making stops in Cologne, Germany, and London, England, before concluding the four-show run in Manchester, England.

John Hiatt is the latest recipient of BMI's Troubadour Award. The honor, which recognizes the accomplishments of music's finest songwriters, will be presented to Hiatt at a private dinner at BMI's Nashville office on Sept. 9. Known for hits recorded by Iggy Pop, Emmylou Harris and Bonnie Raitt, Hiatt joins previous winners Robert Earl Keen and John Prine in the list of Troubadour Award recipients.

Dallas Smith and Billy Ray Cyrus will co-host the 2019 Canadian Country Music Awards. Set for Sept. 8 at Calgary, Alberta's Scotiabank Saddledome, the ceremony will recognize the achievements of Canada's biggest country stars (including Smith, who's nominated for three trophies, including Entertainer of the Year). The event will air live across Canada starting at 9PM ET, and will be broadcast on Twitter for fans who want to watch the action from the States.

Paddy O'Brien.

Hi Everybody,  Just letting you know that my brand new 12 track album entitled “SEEING IS BELIEVING” is now available.  As a bonus each new CD will come with a second free CD and DVD “THE BEST OF THE SUNNYSIDE YEARS” which will include a mix of songs from my past recordings. This new recording can be purchased through PayPal or by Post and you can check all details on MERCHANDISE page of this website where you will also see picture plus track listing of the new CD plus bonus CD and DVD. Many thanks and best wishes Paddy email address patkob@eircom.net

Following it's Summer break, the Country Music Circle  is back againON FRIDAY 13th SEPTEMBER AT 11am  IN the RORY GALLAGHER MUSIC LIBRARY,  PARADE CORK with a programme called  SOME OLD AND SOME NEW COUNTRY. PRESENTED BY DENIS McSWEENEY.   ALL WELCOME.and ADMISSION is FREE

Matt Leavy. Following an outstanding performance at last year's event, Matt Leavy makes a welcome return as guest artist to this year's Irish Steel Guitar Festival at the Green Isle Hotel, Dublin, from Sat Oct 12 to Sunday Oct 13. Matt is quite a busy man at the moment and is benefiting from the resurgence of interest and popularity of home based country music artists. Apart from performing regularly he is also busy promoting his new album release called Like I Used To Do. This new release is without doubt the best Matt has ever recorded and his rich country voice really does justice to the title track as well as some great country standards such as After All These Years, Ashes Of Love, Who Left The Door To Heaven Open, The Cowboy Rides Away, Wichita Lineman, The Fireman. He does a powerful job on the Vern Gosdin classic, Chiselled In Stone, and also includes two duets, The Fightin' Side Of Me with Gerry Guthrie and Streets Of Bakersfield with Tom Power. The 15 track album is on general release and hopefully will achieve the success it deserves.

Lead Me Home  is a new single by Randy Travis which recorded before he suffered a stroke in 2013.

JohnnyCash.comwebsite has been developed by The Johnny Cash estate and Sony's Legacy Recordings and contains everything Johnny Cash.

The latest addition to Nashville attractions will be The Glen Campbell Museum & Rhinestone Stage which will open at  Broadway and 2nd Avenue in Downtown Nashville, sometime next year. The facility will function as a museum during the day and a live music venue at night.

Rural Rhythm Records recording artist and master banjoist Mike Scott from Nashville  will be a featured artist on the upcoming 15 day tour with the popular Irish group Stephen Rosney & The Back Axels.  Nashville fiddler Travis Wetzel will also be a featured artist on the tour.  The tour dates will cover many key cities in Ireland and the United Kingdom commencing on September 12th.  Highlight of the tour include three days, September 17, 18 and 19, performing at the Irish National Ploughing Championship which will draw an estimated 320,000 audience. Throughout the tour Mike Scott will be performing music from his four Rural Rhythm albums. 

History of Country Music an 8 part series of 60 minutes each  by well known American Ken Burns, will be screened on PBS Channel (174.on Sky) on Sunday 15th September and will show 4 episodes,  and the following Sunday 22nd Sept a further episode and then 1 episode on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.Country Music is an eight-episode, 16-hour documentary giving viewers a deep look into country music history and the key artists and sub-genres that made it so diverse, from its humble beginnings through the mid-1990s. Much of the film centres on Nashville, its unique people, artists and venues – including at a significant level, Opry Entertainment venues. The film will intrigue, educate, entertain, and inspire viewers and is expected to have a growth impact on Nashville tourism for years to come.To celebrate the first evening and premiere to public television of the documentary, Opry Entertainment will hold a first episode live viewing and celebration event at the Opry House  Nashville, on Sunday, Sept. 15 from 5 to 9 p.m.

Generally recognised as one of the great story-tellers, Ralph McTell who is best known in these parts as the prolific and gifted songwriter of Streets of London, will be stage at The Everyman, Cork, on Sunday Oct, 6th @ 8pm.Ralph will perform tracks from his new album Hill of Beansproduced by the great Tony Visconti. 

Vince Gill’s much-anticipated and heralded new CD OKIE is on release now. "OKIE is about truth—my truth," comments Gill.  "I don’t say this with judgement leveled in any particular direction, but truth is something that I feel is sorely lacking in our world. We tend to treat the symptoms and not the actual problem. Some of the topics are things society sometimes shies away from, but probably shouldn’t.  I think that at age 62, the truth has taken on more vibrant colours for me said Gill. Vince Gill has certainly returned to his roots with his new album, not only in the title OKIE (his home state), but also in the selection of songs he has chosen. In this day and age with so much emphasis on young pop oriented country artists it is really refreshing to come across a release such as this. It reaffirms our belief that there is still some real genuine country music being recorded. Don't get me wrong, I have no problem with all these new artists on the scene and I appreciate the fact that they are attracting a whole new audience to the genre. But most people of my generation hanker for what is generally known as traditional country music. Thankfully there are still artists like Vince Gill willing to record it.

Following on from success after his TG4 Glór Tíre Journey, Damian Davis has returned to the roots of his musical heritage teaming up with his brothers, working on creating both an organic sound and original material. ‘The Stoney Clay’ is a phrase descriptive of County Monaghan inspired by the works of one of the county’s best known poets, Patrick Kavanagh. This is an upbeat fresh song and a great insight of things to come from the young Monaghan man. 

2019 IRISH STEEL GUITAR FESTIVAL

The dates for the 2019 festival are now confirmed, Saturday 12th and Sunday 13th October at The Green Isle Hotel, Newland's Cross, Dublin.
(Tel: 00353 (0)1 4593 406)  As in previous years, a special accommodation rate will be available for those attending the show - details will be announced later. This year's headline artist is Tyler Hall. Tyler started playing steel guitar at the age of 15. Later he moved to Branson, Missouri where he met and studied with Terry Bethel for four years. He moved to Nashville, Tennessee and spent the next four years playing with Joe Nichols' band. From there he toured for two years with the late Daryle Singletary up to the artist's death and is currently touring with Aaron Lewis. He has recorded on the albums "Ryan Broshear" with Ryan Broadshear, "Guitar For Sale" with Ray Scott and "American Grandstand" with Daryle Singletary and Rhonda Vincent. In 2006 he was presented with the Alabama Steel Guitar Hall Of Fame "Horizon award".  Following is a list of players scheduled to play at this year's festival.  This list is still a "work in progress" and there may be changes to the final line up. 

Tyler Hall (USA) Mark Horn (Germany) Jani Sandvik (Finland) Lionel Wendling & Muriel Calmel (France) Benny Pedersen (Sweden) Paul Brennan (Ireland) Luke McHugh (Ireland) Ciara & Aoife Cunningham (Ireland) Richard Nelson (Ireland) M.Cs.     Tony McGrath Guest Vocalist

Sarah Jory (England) Willie Gamble (Scotland) Sez Adamson (South Africa) Jef Marinus (Belgium) Percy Robinson (Ireland) Al McQuilkin (Ireland) Paul Gallagher (Ireland) Jonathan Milligan (Ireland)  Pat Orpen Matt Leavy

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Country  Cuts  October 2019.

Official Publication of Country Music Association of Ireland.

Generally recognised as one of the great story-tellers, Ralph McTell who is best known in these parts as the prolific and gifted songwriter of Streets of London, will be on stage at The Everyman Theatre, Cork, on Sunday next Oct, 6th @ 8pm.Ralph will perform music from his vast repertoire as well as tracks from his new album Hill of Beans.

 Matt Leavy makes a welcome return as guest artist to this year's Irish Steel Guitar Festival at the Green Isle Hotel, Dublin, from Sat Oct 12 to Sunday Oct 13. Matt is quite a busy man at the moment and is benefiting from the resurgence of interest and popularity of home based country music artists. Apart from performing regularly he is also busy promoting his new album release called Like I Used To Do. This year's Steel Guitar Fest. will feature a host of top-class players and this year's headline artist isTyler Hall.Tyler started playing steel guitar at the age of 15. Later he moved to Branson, Missouri where he met and studied with Terry Bethel for four years. He moved to Nashville, Tennessee and spent the next four years playing with Joe Nichols' band. From there he toured for two years with the late Daryle Singletary up to the artist's death and is currently touring with Aaron Lewis. He has recorded on the albums "Ryan Broshear" with Ryan Broadshear, "Guitar For Sale" with Ray Scott and "American Grandstand" with Daryle Singletary and Rhonda Vincent. In 2006 he was presented with the Alabama Steel Guitar Hall Of Fame "Horizon award". 

The popular Hot Country TV showwhich is broadcast each week on Sky Channel 376, will celebrate it's 10th Birthday with a big live show bash at the Westlodge Hotel, Bantry, Co.Cork, on Nov. 24th. Starting at 8pm the lineup contains some of the biggest names on the Irish country music scene among them, Louise Morrissey, Paddy O'Brien, Mick Flavin, Liam Kelly, Clodagh Lawlor etc. As the forerunner to what is now a very popular series of country music shows on Sky 376, Hot Country is still going strong, and has proved to be a very popular medium for homegrown talent as well as International stars. It is available all over Europe and on app throughout the world.


On Monday 21 October the Cork Opera House will present a show entitled A Country Night in Nashville. A Country Night In Nashville promises to recreate the scenes of a buzzing Honky Tonk in downtown Nashville, perfectly capturing the energy and atmosphere of an evening in the home of country music.It will transport you on a musical journey through the history of Country featuring songs from its biggest stars, both past and present. Hits from Johnny Cash to Alan Jackson, Dolly to the Dixie Chicks, Willie Nelson to Little Big Town, are showcased by Dominic Halpin and the Hurricanes.With songs including Ring Of Fire, Crazy,  It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere, Need You Now, 9-5, and The Gambler to name just a few, this incredible celebration of country music is a night not to be missed.


Brad Paisley makes a welcome return for one show only to the 3Arena, Dublin, on Sunday Oct. 13th. 

Michael English returns to the Cork Opera House on Thursday, October 10th as part of a nationwide concert tour.With his Superband in tow, a brand new show lies in store and this year he will be joined by upcoming young Country Star Owen Mac as his special guest.Michael English is currently presenting his own weekly tv show on Sky 376 channel and packing out venues all over Ireland & The UK for both concerts & dances. Michael and his talented band are renowned for their energetic performances and Michael's superb piano playing. He is dedicated to giving his followers an unforgettable show each time they see him. With current accolades like "Entertainer of the Year" and "Songwriter of the Year "at The Sunday World Country Music Awards & “Irish Male Country Artist of the Year” at The Hot Country Awards, the future is very bright for Michael! Michael has enjoyed recent success with hit singles "Jesse James" and "Music in my Heart" and he is soon to star in his own musical which will tour Ireland and the UK. 

The Cork Folk Festival is currently celebrating it's 40th Birthday and apart from all the events throughout the City it will also present a  40 years of the Cork Folk Festival Show at the Cork Opera House on Sunday 6 October 2019 at 7.30pm featuring performances from Iarla Ó Lionáird & Steve Cooney, Nollaig Casey Arty McGlynn, ZoDoMo: Zoe Conway, Donal Lunny, Mairtín O’Connor, Jackie Daly, Matt Cranitch, Caoimhe Eimhear Flannery, Martin & Eliza Carthy.

After an impressive 82-show run on the North American leg of Nickelodeon's JoJo Siwa D.R.E.A.M. The Tour The mother & daughter Country duo The Belles, will continue on the Ireland/UK leg, kicking off on October 30 in Glasgow, and performing at Dublin's 3 Arena on Wed Nov 6th. The tour, which has twice been extended, has already been named one of StubHub’s Top U.S. Summer Tours alongside The Rolling Stones, Queen, Ariana Grande and more.