28 March 2014

Remembering Vinny

Thanks to Danny Slevin of Mullingar, Co. Westmeath, for this news:

On Tuesday 24 June, friends and followers of the late Vinny Baker will gather in the Park Hotel, Mullingar, to pay tribute to Vinny and his life in music. Fellow musicians from his varied career will take part in a gala concert. It is intended to have people from all aspects of his musical journey take part on the night. This will include his showband days, his rock bands, his country bands, and of course, his beloved bluegrass bands.

The organising committee were thrilled to learn through Richard Hawkins that fiddle-playing legend George Kaye intends to be part of the occasion. Vinny played with George many years ago, and it was fortuitous that they got to play together shortly before Vinny's passing, bridging a gap of almost forty years.

It is only when you sit down to plan a tribute to Vinny that you appreciate the vast scale of his achievements. Just prior to his passing, he was playing with country band Tennessee Breakdown, Karen and the Dolans, My Brother Joe with Ben Dolan, and Bending the Strings bluegrass band, and he was actively rehearsing with another country band. Add to all of this his work in his recording studio, guitar lessons, and of course his songwriting, and you will begin to understand his absolute passion for music - he loved every minute of it.

Even though the planning is only at an early stage, the list of artists wanting to take part is growing by the day. The lineup will be announced in the near future. All proceeds from the night will be donated to the St Camillus Patient Care and Comfort Centre in Killucan, Co. Westmeath, where Vinny often gave performances for the residents.

Watch this space for further news.

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