Due to the tremendous response of ‘The Grip’s’ reunion gig at the Youghal Rugby Club last August, the band are delighted to inform Youghalonline.com that they will be performing live again this Saturday 2nd January 2010 in the same venue. Johnny Blue will again be special guest on the night in what is sure to be a crowd filler so come along early and support ”The Grip” supporting local live music!

The rock group ”The Grip” were one of the better known bands playing the circuit back in the ’80’s and had a huge following wherever they played but especially here in their home town of Youghal. They have their own unique style and play the best of music from that era covering classics like The Clash, Ian Dury & the blockheads, The Cars, Doors, etc. and of course their own numbers as well. So for a night of nostalgia and good sounds be sure to spread the word ”The Grip” are back in town!.

Youghal musician Shane Supple who has been writing songs for many years now was delighted to learn this week that his song and video “Lifetime Guarantee” is featured on the Hot Country Christmas Special which airs on Sky TV channel 279 every Monday at 4pm and 10pm and is repeated throughout the week on Tuesday at 4am & 10am. Saturday at 2pm & Sunday at 8pm.
By YoughalOnline.com music reporter     E Mail: news@youghalonline.com

This video was shot by local cameramen Kieran McCarthy and Maurice Supple, the video was edited by Maurice and Shane Supple. It’s great to see local artists involved in the music scene and it’s even better when there music is featured on Sky TV for the entire world to see.
Hot Country the program is gaining a great audience in Ireland as it features many Irish musicians from the world of country music as well as major artists like Alan Jackson, Willie Nelson, Kenny Rogers, Johnny Cash to name but a few. The song “Lifetime Guarantee” is taken from Shane’s new album “Country Style Blues” which has featured on many radio stations around Ireland and England and is proving quite popular.
At this stage Mick Flavin has recorded the song and there is talk of Kenny Rogers recording it on his next album during the summer. When contacted Shane was over the moon and wanted to thank everyone for the support and kind words he has received.
Shane said, “I knew it was going  be on TV as the producer of the show contacted me during the week to let me know it was going out, but I was sitting there and watching TV when the song came on.” ” It was a weird feeling but I felt great as it is one of my favourite songs”. He added “I just want to thank Kieran and my brother Maurice for the great work they did in making the video”.

Shane is son of the well know legendary Showband entertainer Art Supple who recently won the inaugeral CRY Showband ” Hall of fame award 2009″. Its great to see the music tradition being carried on from father to son and the people of Youghal and surrounding area are proud of their work and talents.

To contact Shane visit his website on www.shanesupple.com or email him at info@shanesupple.com

RIFLE RANGE RECORDS PRESENTS
DODGE & THE URBAN DRUIDS & DEBURCA

Live at The Marine Bar Youghal
Type:  Music/Arts – Performance
Start Time:  Saturday, December 19, 2009 at 10:00pm

Location: The Marine Bar youghal -doors close @ 11 so come early doors will be shut

Liam Clancy (1935-2009) the Irish ballad singer was buried today (Monday 7th Dec. 2009) in the new cemetery, An Ring, Co Waterford. Hundreds packed into St Mary’s Church in Dungarvan, Co Waterford, to raise a parting glass to the Irish balladeer, praised by Bob Dylan as the best ballad singer ever.
Photo: Michael Hussey E-Mail news@youghalonline.com

Fr. Conor Kelly PP said Liam Clancy had a joy of life driven by a belief that it was too wonderful and mysterious to just get through skimming the surface or living in the shallows.

The youngest and last to die of the Clancy brothers, who along with the late Tommy Makem were dubbed Ireland’s first pop stars, had rejoined his bandmates in eternity, mourners were told.

Musician Shay Healy said America had Elvis, Britain had The Beatles and Ireland had The Clancys and Tommy Makem.

Coming from Carrick-On-Suir in Tipperary, Liam emigrated to the US in 1956 and along with his brothers Paddy, Bobby and Tom, became involved in the theatrical scene in New York.

He first emerged as a star as part of The Clancy Brothers and Tommy Makem, who played the hugely influential Ed Sullivan Show in 1961 – and never looked back. They became a huge succcess in the US singing raucous Irish rebel songs and emotional ballads – and returned to Ireland as stars. On the Ed Sullivan Show they had worn bawneen jumpers – or Aran sweaters – which became their trademark stage gear for many years afterwards.
Liam was the youngest and last-surviving member of the group. All of the group died relatively young: Tom at 66, Paddy at 76, Bobby at 75 and Tommy Makem at 74.

The film The Yellow Bittern, directed by Alan Gilsenan, and released in 2009, is a fine tribute to one of the great legends of Irish music.

Led by wife Kim and children Eban, Donal, Sean, Andrew, Siubhan, Fiona and Aine as well as sisters Peg Power and Joan Butler, mourners spontaneously burst into song during the Mass as Donal played traditional airs, including ‘Mo Ghile Mere’ and ‘Oft In The Stilly Night’.

There was standing room only in the church as figures from Irish music and politics, including representatives of President Mary McAleese and Taoiseach Brian Cowen, jostled for space among the many who turned out for the send-off.

Singers Liam O Maonlai, Finbar Furey, Paddy Reilly and Arts Minister Martin Cullen were also in attendance.

The service was celebrated in both English and Irish, the first language of Clancy’s adopted Gaeltacht home in Ring, Co Waterford, and was marked by music, story-telling and humour. Liam Clancy was buried afterwards in the new cemetery, An Ring, Co. Waterford
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Youghal Choral Society is pleased to announce that they are holding their annual Christmas Choral Service on Sunday 13th. December at 7.30 pm in St. Mary’s  Parish Church Youghal.
Report: Michael Twomey Photo: Michael Hussey www.youghalonline.com
E-mail: news@youghalonline.com

For many, this festive celebration is the beginning of Christmas in Youghal. Its popularity is growing year by year offering a platform for aspiring artists and established musicians. The Carol service retains a traditional warmth and unique timelessness with an uplifting presentation of carols, music and Christmas readings.

Participating choirs will include the Cantairi Mhuscrai Ballincollig, conducted by Mary O Brien, Choir Cois Farrraige Ballycotton, conducted by Pem Stanley and the delightful Pobailscoil na Trionoide  School Choir, directed by Jack O Rourke. The youth choir and instrumental group comprising of youth from West Waterford and East Cork, formed in recent years and directed by Patricia Whyte, will also perform.

As in previous years the evening’s event will be varied. Solo artists will include two of Youghal most respected sopranos, Una Whyte and Geraldine Kelly, while the incomparable Tallow tenor, Frank Ryan, is set to delight the audience with his repertoire of song. Accompanist for the night is the very talented Tracey O’ Connell.

Host choir, Youghal Choral Society will also perform offering their sublime rendition of the ever popular, OH, Holy Night. So if you are looking for a taste of that old Christmas feeling away from the glare and noise of shops and television mark Sunday the 13th. Dec in your diaries as a date not to be missed

Blackwater Academy is proud to present ‘Blackwater Academy on show’ at the Walter Raleigh Hotel Youghal, 6th December, 7.30pm.

The show includes ballet, tap, hip hop and contemporary dance numbers. Musical theatre numbers will include a huge variety including numbers from the likes of ‘Peter Pan’ to ‘We will rock you’, including the popular ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’. Students range in age from 3 ½ – 17 years.

We are very proud of our 120 students who regularly perform locally. 2009 has been an amazing year for Blackwater Academy. 4 students have played main roles in shows in the Everyman Palace, Cork Arts theatre, and the Opera House, and at Feis Maitiu many students at Blackwater Academy were prizewinners.

Blackwater Academy’s main focus is building confidence, and giving each child the opportunity to shine in their own way, but above all else is having fun, fun and more fun!!

All staff and students are looking forward to our end of year show so we hope you will join us this Sunday and share in our wonderful performances.

Tickets cost €12 for adults and €10 for children. Discounts available for 5 or more.

Mick Flannery and Kate Walsh played to a capacity audience of music lovers last Thursay night ( Nov. 26th Nov. 2009) at St Mary’s Collegiate Church in Youghal. Sacred Root Productions promoted the event to raise funds for their excellent work with youth and community group.
Photo: Michael Hussey/Bromwen Howley www.youghalonline.com  Email: news@youghalonline.com

Local musicians Bobby Lee, Helen Murray and Steve Whelan played support and Bobby Whyte was MC. The concert is one of a series to be staged in the historic Church with Liam Ó Maonlaí (Hothouse flowers) to play next at the beginning of January 2010. Watch this space for more info.

Mick Flannery

It’s hard to reconcile the nondescript character from interviews, with the husky voice, rich with charisma and charm, that emits from the speakers. But Mick Flannery is a bit of a paradox. The shy Corkonian – stonemason by day, troubadour by night – caused quite a stir with his 2005 debut ‘Evening Train’, an album that drew more comparisons with a young Tom Waits than any other artist in recent memory, Irish or otherwise.

The most astounding thing about Flannery, though, was that an album dripping with maturity, poise and potential was crafted when the Blarney man was just 21 years old.

Now at the ripe old age of 25, Flannery’s first major label-debut is equally as stimulating. The Waits comparisons are still apparent, although on ‘White Lies’, there’s a sense that Flannery is very much determined to shun any resemblances, and find his own sound. Undoubtedly influenced by classic songwriters, his gorgeous, textured voice – which sounds it’s lived through several lifetimes – is less imitative of his heroes, but no less affecting or understated.

There’s no doubt, either, that Flannery’s talent as a songwriter is exciting: aching piano and guitar ballads sit comfortably astride sultry, theatrical bar-room fables that groove and quietly holler, while the subtleties of his key changes, the gorgeous female backing vocals on many songs, and his proficiency with lyrics (Near or Far is particularly stirring) don’t go unnoticed, either.

A singer-songwriter in the truest sense of the word – perhaps ’storyteller’ would be more appropriate – ‘White Lies’ may not be a perfect album, but it’s certainly a promising step forward for a real talent. Watch this one grow. Review by Lauren Murphy

Kate Walsh

Kate Walsh is an English singer from Burnham-on-Crouch, Essex.

A graduate of the Brighton Institute of Modern Music, her first album was Clocktower Park (produced by Lee Russell), released in 2003 by Kitchenware Records. The album was named for a meeting place in her home town. In 2007, she released her second album, Tim’s House. It quickly became the No. 1 album on the UK iTunes Store. The album also features her most popular song, Your Song. Her big break came when she gained iTunes customers’ attention when her song Talk of the Town became the iTunes Free Single of the Week from the week beginning 20th March 2007.

Her third studio album, Light and Dark, was released in the UK on 31st August 2009. The lead single from the record, June Last Year, was released on 24th August. She is set to begin her UK tour at the end of September

Steve Whelan

Youghal singer/songwriter Steve Whelan has a very down to earth approach delivering his music with a spirit of honesty presence and grit. His smoky vocals married with his simple but poetic and addictive melodies produces a musical honesty and edge possessed by few writer composers. His influences range from Ben Harper, Cat Stevens, The Beatles to Gospel and Spiritual music.

Bobby Lee

Broadly deemed one of the finest guitarists of his generation, in 1996 Bobby was judged Fender’s “Irish guitarist of the future” by no less an intuitive opinion than that of Donal Gallagher, brother to the late Rory. (He received his award at Wembley Conference Centre, in the company of such as Hank Marvin of The Shadows and Peter Green of Fleetwood Mac).Interveining years has seen Bobby collaborate and support international luminaries like David Gray-Mercury Rev-The Kinks – Ronan O Snodaigh – Dee Armstrong- Liam Ó Maonlaí as well as long time friends and Irish stars Kila.

Bobby’s highlight in 2007 was funkin it up on the chill stage at Ireland’s prestigious Electric Picnic Festival 2007 and he has just come off a National tour with Dublin based band Kila to promote his new album “The Future History”. Bobby is a soulful, sensitive performer and songwriter, his highly spirited Funky Folk and Soul sound takes his music far beyond the realms of singer songwriter. His songs carry messages laden with spiritual and social imperative and are delivered with supreme musical and vocal dexterity.

He cites Jesus Christ as influential in his life and work but asked as to his religious preference, he replies, “I am who I am. Its not the branch that matters, it’s the ground its planted in, whether Christian, Buddhist, Hindu, Muslim. They’re all just labels. Its not important what I am, its important that I am.” Bobby was ably joined on stage by local singer Helen Murray who is a former winner of the Y Factor.
Click on image to enlarge

Tickets are on sale at Scott’s, 137 North Main St, Youghal [Tel: 024 90333] and the Tourist Office, Market Square. Price €18 / €20 at door.
mick-flannery-to-play-at-st-marys-collegiate-college-youghal

Kate Walsh is making a special appearence at Mick Flannery’s gig on Thursday 26th of November in St Mary’s Collegiate Church, Youghal. The Essex singer/songwriter will support Mick Flannery in what is sure to be an entertaining evening following  the recent success of the John Spillane gig.

Calling Kate Walsh a singer songwriter is like saying Van Gogh was a cartoonist. Kate is, er, different. A 26-year-old from a sailing town in Essex who’s been likened to Joni Mitchell, Kate Bush and Jane Austen, she’s ferociously independent…in every sense. She adores Debussy, studies cello, listens constantly to Classic FM (and little else), bemoans the demise of vinyl and CDs (she finally got an iPod when iTunes gave her one after her last album ‘Tim’s House’ knocked Take That off the top of the download chart but rarely uses it), is entertainingly scathing about the conventional music industry (”it’s fickle, selfish, impersonal and backstabbing”) – and has established her own cottage industry to do it her way. And when she sits down to write a song you’d better lock up your hearts for you instantly become Kate’s close personal confidante as she bares her soul with shocking candour.

You almost believe her. She’s currently single, lives in Brighton, though ’stupid men,’ do still run amok on her beautiful third album ‘Light and Dark’ (”yes, I do have a light and dark side – we all do, don’t we?”) The title track is particularly poignant, a guilt-ridden reverie on a love triangle that opens enticingly…’I left you for another man and he doesn’t deserve me…’

“It’s the saddest song I’ve ever written. It’s about two men and they both heard it independently and knew it was about them,” she grimaces. “There was a lot of trouble…it was awful going through it, but it’s a great song! I think it’s one of my best songs ever.” One of the first times she sang it in public – at London’s Union Chapel – it upset her so much she barely made it to the end. It happens. “When you’re singing it makes all the sentiments so real again. I sing mainly with my eyes shut and I feel every word. I try to make an instrument of my voice, like playing a wonderful, emotive piano piece, lilting on certain words and phrases…”

Listening to the very real pain and fragility of her music you imagine the author must be a quivering wreck permanently teetering on the edge of a nervous breakdown. Far from it – chattering away ten to the dozen like she’s known you all her life, Kate Walsh is warm, funny and likeably self-deprecating, fully recognising the self-indulgent nature of the confessional songwriter’s art. “Nooooo, I don’t think I’ve had a terrible life at all,” she giggles. “I just mope and wallow more than anyone else. Maybe a part of me deliberately creates havoc so I’ve got something to write about – we like a bit of mayhem us songwriters. But now I’m changing all that and other things are becoming more important to me than some man who’s done the dirty on me. I’m not giving stupid men the time of day any more.”

She insists she’s not ambitious for fame or glory, but is immensely proud of the bigger sounds that characterise ‘Light & Dark’. And, now writing songs on piano rather than guitar, insists that ’stupid men’ will no longer be tolerated in her songs… or personal life. “For the first time, I feel happy about myself. Do you know what? I think I’m growing up…”

Y Factor 3 Creative Poster Competition

The Youghal Youth Project is looking for young people to design a poster for the youth talent show, the Y Factor 3. The winning design will be used to advertise the final event which is due to take place on December 22nd at the Walter Raleigh Hotel.

Applicants must be aged 10-18 years. The poster must include the title “Y Factor 3”, and leave space to include the date and venue of the final event. (This will be included by the youth worker). Please forward completed posters to Nicola Lucey at the Youghal Youth Project, Nagle House, South Abbey, Youghal.

Closing date for entries is Friday 4th of December. For further info contact Nicola on 086 1702347. Get drawing!!!

The Hot Spot Youth Music Group is searching for fun, energetic, music passionate adults who would like to volunteer with their Youth Music Night.              Email news@youghalonline.com

The Music Night is run every Thursday evening from 7pm-9:30pm at the Hot Spot Youth Cafe, Nagle House, South Abbey. The Music Night which is organised by Bobby Lee and Steven Whelan encourages young people to learn different forms of music, compose their own songs and get involved in public performances.

If you are an adult musician who would be interested in getting involved in this hugely worthwhile project then please contact Nicola on 086 1702347 or call down to the music night have experience the buzz for yourself. Rock On!!