Au revoir Sharon Cort; welcome Gail Davies

Thanks to Roger Ryan for the news that the recent tour by the Sharon Cort Band went off very well, and the band (now in France) is likely to be back soon. Sean McKerr of the Tennessee Hennessees from Lurgan is playing bass for the SCB during the European tour, and for shows in Ireland his bandmate Mel Corry was on banjo, taking the place of the great French picker Jean-Marie Redon. Sharon adds: 'It was terrific!'

For lovers of country music with steel in it, Roger sends the news that Gail Davies is coming to Ireland for two dates in July: at Colfers Pub, Carrig-on-Bannow, Co. Wexford, on 5 July, and the Village Arts Centre, Kilworth, Co. Cork, on 6 July. Her band includes Dave Luke, Patty Mitchell, Chris Scruggs, Mike Whitty, and Gibson Davies. If you've heard Gail, it won't surprise you that the Blue Grass Boogiemen (NL) enjoy her music and have played with her on shows in the Netherlands. By the way, isn't it about time the Boogiemen came over here again?