Mad Uncle Harry in Westport, 19 Feb. 2011

L-r: Johnny Fitzpatrick, Noriana Kennedy, Noelie McDonnell

Uri Kohen of Electric Cave Production reports from Westport, Co. Mayo:

As I wrote many times before, I'm a big fan of the Galway-based band Mad Uncle Harry; so when Noriana Kennedy called me to say she is touring with Virginia-born banjo player Johnny Fitzpatrick, I was quick to book them for a gig in Geraghty's pub. My luck struck twice when I was told that they would be joined on stage by Tuam singer/ songwriter Noelie McDonnell.

They arrived in Westport last Saturday (19.2.2011) and gave us full value for money. They played some old-time classics and some of each of their own original numbers. The combination of banjo, guitar, mando-banjo, and beautiful harmonies was a superb success. They played to a full house, and the crowd couldn't have enough of this fantastic show. I will highly recommend anyone to catch Mad Uncle Harry's show.

Next week we will see the return of the excellent David Hope, this time with special guest Baum from Switzerland.

BIB editor's note: Banjos, of course, are a lot of trouble, even in the terminology attached to them; but to us it looks as if Noriana has a banjo-ukulele - unless it's a banjolin? We welcome any clarification.