Michael Del Punta is the latest singing sensation to come out of Youghal. The talented 19 year old crooner wows the diners with his singing in the popular Capri Bay Italian restaurant in Youghal, where he works as a part time waiter. The diners have discovered that Michael is not only good at serving tables, he displays his fine talents singing his favourite songs by artists such as Sinatra, Crosby, Tony Bennett, etc., much to their delight and surprise.Report/Photo: Michael Hussey & Tony Irwin for YoughalOnline.com

The UCC student found he could not afford to bring his girlfriend to fancy restaurants so he decided to work as a part-time waiter in town. After meeting the proprietor of Capri Bay, Gerald Esposito, he immediately got the job and has been working there part-time for the past seven months. While working, Michael would often break out in song in the kitchen, when Gerald and his father Rocco asked him, with such a magnificent voice, to go out and sing to the customers. This has proved to be so popular that he has been affably called ‘the singing waiter’ by the customers and now Michael sings regularly to the packed restaurant. Now, customers come from far and wide to hear Michael serenade them at the tables as ‘the singing waiter’.

A recent Youtube videoclip of Michael singing in the restaurant, made by YoughalOnline.com, is rapidly climbing in the rankings of the entertainment section and is just one of many to be uploaded by YoughalOnline.com in the near future. Michael was also interviewed by Shane Supple on Youghal’s local radio station, C.R.Y.

His debut self-titled EP, recorded at Claycastle Studios in Youghal, has exceeded all expectations, so much so that he had to order a second pressing, such is the demand for the singing waiter. Michael says his goal one day is to sing at Madison Square Gardens in New York City, sell twenty five million albums and appear on the Late Late Show!

Michael and his family, who have been living in Youghal for the past seven years, originate from Verona, Italy. Since he was a young boy, when his older siblings were listening to the likes of Depeche Mode, Michael Jackson, Madonna or Kylie, Michael’s first contact with music was through his mother’s record collection consisting of works by Bing Crosby, Dean Martin and Frank Sinatra. He has continued this love of that ‘big band’ genre ever since. He has trained his voice with the help of well-known music conductor, Mary Peadar-Daly where she taught him to study his breathing technique so much so that Michael and his mature voice have been likened to Michael Bublé, although his favourite artist of all time and greatest influence is undoubtedly Ol’ Blue Eyes himself, Frank Sinatra.

After moving to Youghal from Italy and studying at the old Youghal CBS school (he was the last person to do the Italian Junior Certificate exam in that school), he completed his fifth and sixth year studies in Pobalscoil na Tríonóide and now currently studies Arts at UCC, Cork City.

Michael has proved to be so popular, he is asked to sing regularly by friends at parties and weddings and is growing in confidence all the time. Speaking exclusively to YoughalOnline.com, he said “I am amazed by the reaction of the Youtube video and would like to thank YoughalOnline.com and everyone involved for their support” and confidently added “the way I see it, you should be able to do whatever it takes to make it to the top.”

So on your next trip to Capri Bay Italian restaurant to hear the singing waiter, when ordering your “big-a pizza pie”, you’ll get “Amoré” than you bargained for!

For the latest updates on Michael Del Punta go to his fanpage on Facebook or click here to view his Youtube videos.

Music Technology 101 in association with Claycastle Studios and Stoneybucket Media held a successful “Expert Training in a State of the Art Setting” course over the Summer months at the recording studios in Youghal. Photo: Michael Hussey www.youghalonline.com Email: news@youghalonline.com

The course acts as an  introduction to Music Technology and covers areas such as Intro to digital audio, microphones techniques 101, production techniques such as EQ and Compression, and, Recording Procedures and Techniques. It aims to give students with little or no prior experience an introduction into the art of Music Technology.

The course administrator, Tony Irwin from Stoneybucket Media and Course Coordinator, Warren Tivy, Claycastle Studios, were delighted in this new venture which compliments the other actitivies held there and is now surely becoming the hub for all artistic performers in the East Cork region and well beyond.The studios reputation is now known all over Ireland with its impressive 2300 sqft of Studio, the largest in the south of Ireland.

Indeed, such is quality of the musicians and artists that have emerged from there, at least three of the regular singer/songwriter/bands who use the  facilities there have been asked to perform at the forthcoming Electric Picnic in Laois, which is now the fourth biggest music festival in Europe!

YoughalOnline.com have also collaborated with the studio in innovative broadcasts from the studios in the recent past.

Speaking to Youghalonline.com, Course Administrator, Tony Irwin, said, “We had a real mix of students on this first course which was great, ranging from backgrounds in radio to performing artists”, “I decided to keep the syllabus broad at the start and then tailored it to the interests of the students involved”. It seemed to work quiet well because they will be running another Music Technology 101 in the coming months.

There are also other great courses available at the studio including Abelton Live and DJ skill and much more.
See the Website for details on all courses including dates for the next Music Technology installment.Introduction to making and recording your own music…

Five week Music Technology Course – One Hour a week

Enrollment Fee – 100euros

Basics of Digital Audio
Microphone techniques 101
Free open source music softwares
Making music on your Laptop
Production techniques 101
Audio formats and convertion
Sequencers and Sampling 101
Development of Music Technology 101

Expert Training In A State Of The Art Setting

ENROLLMENT : musictech@claycastlerecording.ie This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it / 024 90885

Established in 2007, Claycastle Recoding Studio is owned and run John Burke & Warren Tivy.

Who We Are

John Burke – Audio Engineer, Producer & Professional Musician.

“I have been engineering, producing, performing and promoting music in Ireland since 1989. At Claycastle Studio my main role has been working as an Engineer & Producer since the opening in 2007. Prior to that I produced music from my home studio and then went on to assist Warren at his studio for a few years before opening Claycastle Recording Studio together.

Live performance is where it all started for me and I still manage to have a life as a songwriter and to perform live regularly with my band deBurca. I also love to work with different genres of music including rock, R&B, dance music, traditional and so on. I believe that if you’re not open to all kinds of music you are missing out, greatly!”

Warren Tivy – Audio Engineer, Producer & Professional Musician.

“I have been in the game playing and writing music from the age of 14. I was fortunate to have worked side by side with a BBC engineer and a live audio engineer from the age of 17 on weekends and whenever I could I would get stuck in.

Having completed 4 years in pulse & poppy hill recording collage and various advancement courses I freelanced and set up a small production studio where I could hone my skills and record, play music and have loads of cool audio toys at my disposals.I was also very fortunate to work as a engineer and P.a rigger on my world travels to America,china and Austrilia. When the time came I joined forces with John and we set up a new state of the art studio from the ground. The aim for us is to deliver the best quality recording in a relaxed and creative environment that will make the artist feel satisfied and eager to continue with the professional recording process.”

Claycastle Recording Studio, a state of the art recording facility boasting an impressive 2300 sqft of Studio (largest in the south of Ireland), Large Live Room, Isolation Booths, a Vocal Booth and a spacious Control Room.

All of our rooms are professionally treated for acoustics, each with its own unique sound characteristics designed to help you bring out the best in your performance. We only use the best studio recording and production equipment from leading brands such as Neve, Apogee, Manley, Neumann, AKG, Audient, Rode, Apple, Sennheiser, Shure, Roland, Yamaha, Korg etc.

Located in the historic and picturesque town of Youghal Co. Cork, Ireland and only 45 minutes from Cork Airport and 55 minutes from Waterford city and just over 2 hours from Rosslare harbor. Situated on the coastline of East County Cork, the bustling and picturesque town of Youghal is regarded as one of the most popular tourist destinations in Ireland. The historic walled seaport town of Youghal has many historic buildings and monuments within its ancient town walls, has been designated as an Irish Heritage Port by the Irish Tourist Board. Youghal also offers the best beaches, restaurants, coffee shops, bars & clubs, family entertainment and accommodation in the south of Ireland.

This Saturday 21st August 2010 brings a very special gig to Youghal. Manhattan Meets The Emerald Isle a double bill featuring New York City’s Harrison Roach & Ireland’s Nicole Maguire Live at The Gate, Youghal at 10:30pm Read more

The Mall Arts Centre, Youghal, Co Cork on Saturday, August 14th at 8pm (doors 7.30pm).
Tickets on sale at Cree’s Card Shop, Youghal (024 93899) for €15.
For further information or reservations call 083 360 6507.

Two gifted craftsmen at work. Hanly’s unique song-writing and story-telling skills, combined with McGlynn’s tasty virtuosity on guitar make for a very special coming together of two of the stalwarts of the Irish Music scene. Lately, rekindling a musical relationship that led to two of Hanly’s best albums, Warts and All, and Happy Like This, their show has all the hallmarks of a musical road well travelled.

Limerick man, Mick Hanly is best known for his big stateside hit Past The Point of Rescue. The song scooped two BMI awards; Most played song of 1993 and One Million Radio Plays. But, Hanly’s songs have been covered by all the major Irish artists, including, Christy Moore, Dolores Keane, Mary Black, etc, while Hal Ketchum and Delbert McClinton, among others have sung Mick’s song in the US. He recently released Collected.

“Hanly has the ability to write such good tunes as Past The Point of Rescue, Damaged Halo, that deliver a distinctive rugged honesty, and controlled grasp of sentiment” Joe Breen, Irish Times, Jan’10.

Omagh man Arty McGlynn began his professional musical career at the tender age of 15years. Following a ten-year stint on the Showband circuit, Arty turned his attention to Irish Traditional music. In 1979, he released the groundbreaking McGlynn’s Fancy, which was the first ever album of Traditional music played on guitar. Subsequently, he became one of the most sought after guitarist in the country, playing with such luminaries as Van Morrison, De Dannan, and Patrick Street. In 1989 Arty’s duet album, Lead The Knave, with his wife Nollaig Casey was critically acclaimed, as was their follow up album Causeway.  Arty’s production work is also wide-ranging. Artists such as Christy Hennessy, Francis Black, and Liam Flynn, have all benefited from Arty’s studio skills.
No one knows Mick Hanly’s music like Arty McGlynn. Bringing years of experience and formidable skill to the mix, his subtle accompaniment adds a new hue to this songwriter’s work.

Catch them at The Mall Arts Centre, Youghal, Co Cork on Saturday, August 14th at 8pm (doors 7.30pm).
Tickets on sale at Cree’s Card Shop, Youghal (024 93899) for €15.
For further information or reservations call 083 360 6507.

–
Oona Colin
Facilities Coordinator
The Mall Arts Centre/St. Mary’s Collegiate Church
Tel: 083 360 6507

The Family Fun Event at Youghal G.A.A held over the August weekend (Friday through to Sunday) was a great success.

Photos by Barry Lawlor Photography of Youghal. The photos may be purchased by contacting Barry Lawlor on 086 8595300 or visit his website www.lawlorimaging.com

Please click on image to enlarge.

Photo Captions: For high quality reprints contact Barry Lawlor Photography Youghal on 086 8595300
0030    Oisin Mullins
0034    Finian Mullins
0038    Ellie Budds
0133    Aine Forrest, Aoife Russell, Richella O’ Brien
0202    Nuala Lawor, Linda Foley
0203    Noreen Oliphant
0205    Finian Mullins, Oisin Mullins, Ellie Budds
0207    Jordan Hennessy, Martin O’ Shea, Stephen McIlroy, James Ryan
0210    Niamh Coveney, Ruben Coveney
0212    Katelynn White, Jamie White, Aisling White.

Youghal RFC in partnership with Youghal chamber of Tourism and the Youghal Vintners Association are set to host the “Tag to Youghal” Festival from 13th to 15th August 2010.
Photo: John Hennessy Photography Email: news@youghalonline.com

The festival kicks off on Friday evening with an open air concert with Rannach live on stage in the market square and afterwards, you can explore the lively bars in Youghal along the festival’s “Pubfest” music & pub trail.

Saturday 14th join in and enjoy the tag rugby Blitz, which takes places from 12noon – 6pm, with pitch side music, food, fun competitions and entertainment followed by prize giving.  With €1000 worth of prize money to be won, this is sure to attract a competitive entry from all over Munster which will provide an afternoon of first class sporting entertainment.

For those who need a break from the pubs and the rugby fest, enjoy a stroll around the Food & Craft Market in Barry’s Lane, Market Square on Saturday from 11am to 4pm, where you can sample some of the local culinary delights. A busking exposition will be held along the Main Street, this will be sure to create a wonderful buzz and add to the excitement of the festival atmosphere for the weekend.  For the younger visitors there will be face painting and a crab catching competition, so come along and try your luck.

Following the day long activities there will be a free live open air concert with deBurca live on stage from 7.30pm – 9.30pm in the centre of town for all to enjoy. Later, you can enjoy the craic in the bars in Youghal along the festival’s “Pubfest” music & pub trail

Sunday 15th take a trip to Summerfield bar from 1pm to 6pm to see a display of vintage machinery on show. From 6pm – 8pm you can enjoy live open air music with Planet Claire on stage in the town centre. After the concert follow the “Pubfest” Music and pub trail for some great entertainment.

Be part of the Craic and come to Youghal for a great weekend of rugby and entertainment

Kiltha River Trad Fest – Thursday 29th July – Sunday 1st August 2010

Comedian Pat Shortt called into the local radio station CRY here in Youghal yesterday (Tuesday 27th July 2010) to promote his own traditional music festival this weekend in Castlemartyr. The funny man was special guest on the Youghal @ 5 with Stanley Knott. Pat told YoughalOnline.com that he hopes to join the musicians on stage during the weekend and may even tell a joke or two!
Photo: Michael Hussey www.youghalonline.com Email: news@youghalonline.com

An accomplished musician with a particular grá for and interest in traditional Irish music, Pat Shortt has played, toured and recorded with many bands and loves nothing better than a good session. No better host, then, or venue for the inaugural Kiltha River Trad Festival than Pat Shortt’s Bar, in the pretty Cork village of Castlemartyr.

Kiltha River Trad Fest runs in the Marquee at Pat Shortt’s Bar, Castlemartyr, from Thursday 29th July to Sunday 1st August, in association with Guinness, and also sponsored by Castlemartyr Resort, GHQ Design, Ticketmaster, John & Geraldine McGrath and Host PR.

Pat’s pub has a long affiliation with some of very biggest names and best people in music, even up to and including the Rolling Stones, who appeared there back in 1965! The line-up for the Kiltha River Trad Fest is no less impressive, bringing together legendary traditional performers such as John Spillane, Frankie Gavin and the new De Dannan, Stockton’s Wing and the Abbey Céilí Band.

Kicking off proceedings on Thursday 29th July at 8 p.m. is John Spillane, twice winner of the Meteor Award in the best folk/trad category, who has toured the country and the world with his inimitable mix of melodic tunes, entertaining stories and poetic lyrics. His emotive tunes and dynamic, playful Cork wit mean John Spillane is not to be missed! Tickets, priced €18, are available through all Ticketmaster outlets (plus Ticketmaster booking fee where applicable) and directly from Pat Shortt’s Bar, as are tickets for all of the acts playing at the Kiltha River Trad Fest.

Legendary band Stockton’s Wing perform their exciting blend of traditional and contemporary Irish music and song on Friday 30th July at 8 p.m. Performing with power and precision, Stockton’s Wing from Ennis, Co. Clare, have enraptured audiences for decades and tickets cost just €20.00 for an unforgettable evening.

On Saturday 31st July Frankie Gavin & the new De Dannan take to the stage at 8 p.m. One of the genuine legends of Irish music, Frankie Gavin established the new De Dannan in 2009, assembling a group of fiercely talented performers, possibly the best incarnation yet, and he is really looking forward to performing at the festival: “we’re very excited about performing at Kiltha River Trad Festival. This is the first time the new De Dannan line up will perform in the region and we are already looking forward to it. I know that Pat Shortt has gone to great lengths to ensure that the entertainment and facilities for the festival goer will be top calibre and you can be assured that when we get to the stage we will raise the ‘bar’ as high as we possibly can!”. Tickets for this show also cost €20.00.

The Abbey Céilí Band play at 8 p.m. on Sunday 1st August. From Co. Cork, the Abbey Céilí Band started out in 1995 and consists of Ger Murphy (box), Micheal Creedon (keyboard), Liam Forde (banjo) and Andrew O’Connell (fiddle). This popular band now play all over Ireland and have received high praise for energetic, enthusiastic and exciting renditions of polkas, slides and other dance music. This band makes an immediate and lasting impression on the minds (and feet) of everyone who hears them. Tickets are just €10.00 and like all the Kiltha River Trad Fest tickets, are available from Ticketmaster (plus Ticketmaster booking fee where applicable) and directly from Pat Shortt’s Bar.

Pat Shortt’s Bar is an extraordinarily intimate space in which to enjoy some of the most entertaining and exciting traditional Irish music around. The inaugural Kiltha River Trad Fest could be like an early Rolling Stones concert as an event – the first in a long, illustrious series, and you can tell your kids, yes, I was really there!

Click on image to enlarge, All photos www.youghalonline.com

Legendary Waterford-born entertainer Brendan Bowyer performed to a capacity crowd at the Walter Raleigh Hotel, Youghal, last weekend. Brendan was accompanied on stage by his daughter Aisling and his 5 piece backing band.
Photo: Michael Hussey www.youghalonline.com Email: news@youghalonline.com

Another legend of the showband era, local man Art Supple, performed prior to Brendan’s show, which went down a treat with the music loving audience. Both artists were happy to meet the crowds and to sign autographs after the show. Bowyer, has been bringing music lovers to their feet for over 50 years and Art Supple is the proud winner of the inaugural CRY Showband “Hall Of Fame Award 2009″ award, which was presented to his son Shane at the star studded ceremony last year.

Click on image to enlarge

Youghal, Co. Cork celebrated its designation by Failte Ireland as a ‘centre of excellence’ in family fun with its inaugural Family Fun Festival over the weekend (16th -18th July) with an action packed festival programme of free family entertainment.
Photo: Michael Hussey www.youghalonline.com and John Hennessy

In excess of 5,000 visitors over the course of the weekend took part in a whole host of events which kicked off in style on Friday evening, 16th July 2010 with a ‘Mardi Gras’ parade setting the seaside town ablaze with colour.  The official launch of the event was by this year’s Kerry Rose, Veronica Hunt – a Youghal native.  Highlights of the parade included the contestants in the ‘Queen of the Sea’ competition as they cruised through the town in a range of vintage cars, led out by the nationally renowned ‘Youghal Pipe Band’.  Music and dance were the order of the day as visitors and locals saw dance troupes and street performers take centre stage, but it was the ‘Graham McDermott School of Dancing’ which stole the show and claimed first prize in the parade; sponsored by T & M Fitzgerald.

Speaking to Youghalonline.com, Dance teacher, Graham McDermott said, ” The kids were thrilled to win 1st prize, everyone was in great form as they just had their end of year party and they didn’t care if rained or snowed!” – ” I would also like to thank Sal Tivy and the organising committee for their invaluable help and thanks also to the generous sponsors of the Mardi Gras Parade T&M Fitzgerald Builders.”

The dance troupe had previously won the ‘Best Group’ at the Youghal St. Patrick’s Day Parade 2010 and will have two groups participating in this year’s HIP HOP Championships in Dublin. The ‘Graham McDermott School of Dancing’ has 125 students and are looking forward to moving to their new premises in South Main St. Youghal next September.

“The festival exceeded all our wildest expectations”, said Sal Tivy, Festival Chairperson. “On reflection however, I believe the secret of our success was that all the fun events were free and the simple, old fashioned ideas will always be enjoyed by kids of any era,” commented Sal.

The response from the public was uplifting as families of all ages enjoyed the various activities all day Saturday and Sunday. The relaxed and friendly atmosphere was truly evident throughout the day in the Family Food Festival in the Market Square, with local traders reaping the economic benefits of the influx of visitors to the town.

Local trader, Judy Ansbro of ‘The Coffee Pot’ described the Food Festival as “the best food market ever to be held in Youghal”.   Therese Donnelly of The Quality Hotel & Leisure Club, Youghal, also commended the festival organisers on the fact that over 90% of the events over the weekend were free.  “Our customers were thrilled with the fact that so much of this festival was free; everyone is so budget conscious at the moment, and this festival sends out a great signal that Youghal is giving visitors what they want.”

The highlight of the entire weekend however was the crowning of Youghal’s very own ‘Queen of the Sea’; Susie Fitzgibbon -  who represented Aherne’s Seafood Restaurant.  Susie was presented with a cheque for €500, along with a perpetual trophy which was generously sponsored by local businesses; Claycastle Recording Studios and The Seahunter Charter Boat.  Sal Tivy heaped praise on all of the 31 contestants commenting: “all the participants were absolutely magnificent.  I am proud to say Youghal holds a record in beautiful women!  They were stunning.  This competition was not solely about looks, it was about mind, body and soul and each contestant displayed this and represented their sponsors with great pride.  The really special surprise that came from this festival however, was the sponsor cards which each queen got for ISPCC Childline.  The astonishing amount of €5,000 was raised by the Queens” said Sal.

Despite the inclement weather on Sunday, the Walter Raleigh Hotel very generously stepped in to provide the venue for ‘Sunday is Funday’.  Hundreds of children were not to be disappointed as the ‘Fastest Daddy Competition’, ‘The Walter Raleigh Spud & Spoon Race’; ‘The Teddy Bear Hospital’ all took place on dry land!

The festival drew to a close with a ‘raft race’ in Youghal Bay.  A team of fearless ‘water babies’ calling themselves the ‘Water Rats’ clinched first place in a closely fought event, sponsored by Aquatrek Sea Skills. At the closing ceremony of the event, Sal Tivy paid tribute to the hard-working committee who worked behind the scenes to make the event possible.  “They were magnificent; a fantastic, hard working team of ladies and 3 gents.  I would personally like to express my thanks and say it was these people who made it such a successful event for Youghal.  I would like to say it was my privilege to have worked with them.”

The Youghal Family Fun Festival would like to thank its sponsors for their support in this inaugural event.

For further information contact:

Aileen Ahern

Youghal Family Fun Festival

Tel: 024-81814

E: tourism@youghal.ie

Amnesty International Cork would like to thank all those who took part and supported the music night which took place at The Gate Bar, Youghal, last May. Local bands as well as musicians and artists from Cork and Waterford gave their services free towards the successful fundraiser. The event raised €670 which will go towards the organisations ongoing campaigns.
Photo: Michael Hussey www.youghalonline.com | Email: news@youghalonlinecom

A special thanks to Ged and Margaret Mckay for hosting the night and special thanks also to all our local sponsors, Allure Beauty Salon, Cyberoom, Walter Raleigh Hotel, Youghal Sports and Leisure, YoughalOnline.com, Coachouse Restaurant, Healing Hands, Niland Hair Salon, Roma Grill, Supervalu, Team Bailey, Valerie’s Hair Salon, Extra Vision and the Malton Hotel, Killarney.

Some of the performers who played at the fundraiser event included, DeBurca, Dodge n’ The Urban Druids, Pot of Jam, The Birds, The Steve Whelan Band, Niall McCarthy n’ Friends and DJ Chris Rocks. Each band performed for 30 mins.
Many thanks to each person who came along to hear the bands.We expect to run the event every few months.