Ger Thompson performing “Meet me under the Clock Gate” LIVE at Youghal Community Radio on 25th March 2011.
Written and Performed by Ger Thompson
Guitar/Vocals: Ger Thompson.
Lead Guitar: Alan Reid.
Interview by Shane Supple.
Camera: Peter Thompson and Genevieve Castonguay.

 

Singer/Songwriter Stephen Leeson, former lead singer with The Dublin City Ramblers is guest artist on the popular Shane Supple’s “Yawl ready for this” on Youghal local radio CRY this Friday (18th March 2011) at 12 noon. Shane will be talking about himself, his new album and the launch of his solo career which takes place in The Sirius Arts Centre, Cobh Co. Cork on Friday March 25th.
By Carol Noelle Rice.

Stephen Leeson former lead singer with the well renowned Irish folk group “The Dublin City Ramblers” will officially launch his solo career in The Sirius Arts Centre, Cobh Co. Cork on Friday March 25th.  Stephen will use the fabulous Dublin based group “Whiskey Still” as his backing band on the night to electrify the stage with a repertoire of folk, trad and a bit of bluegrass.

Support on the night will also be provided by Cork based contemporary singer, Darren Andrews who may be new to the Cork scene but is going down a storm in the last few months he has been performing here.  Tickets for the event are priced at €12 but with a superb line up, it guarantees to be a great night of Irish music and talent.

Stephen Leeson is a really talented singer/songwriter who was a former member of Dublin Folk Band “The Dublin City Ramblers”, whom have a lot of famous tunes to their credit, which includes the classic hit, “The Rare Auld Times”.  Joining the Dublin City Ramblers as their lead singer at the tender age of 21 years, Stephen played with the band for a number of years.

An enchanting young man who sings with great passion, heart and soul, Stephen Leeson, is best known for his unique voice, his impeccable stage presence and his versatility as a musician, with the capabilities of playing:  The Guitar, Five String Banjo, Bodhran, The Harmonica, Bones and Spoons.  Currently working on his second album, this Irish Folk Singer is back on the road once again, as, he returns home to the Emerald Isle to officially launch his solo career in The Sirius Arts Centre on the 25th, March 2011.  Stephen Leeson is currently gearing up for his Irish gigs which commenced in mid January and will see him travel to many parts of Ireland throughout the year and looks forward to releasing his second album in the forthcoming months.

Stephen Leeson was born and raised in Tallaght which is situated on the southside of Dublin.  With one older sister and a younger brother, Stephen was an active young child who was involved in various sports ranging from:  football, hurling, soccer, basketball, Thai boxing, Tae Quando, surfing amongst others.  However, with a family that is stepped in Traditional Irish music, it wouldn’t take long before the sounds of various musical instruments would encapsulate his heart.

“Since I found out that I could sing….all I ever wanted was to sing and play music and that is all I’ll ever what to do….that is, play music and entertain people”.

Stephen learnt the craft of his trade at a very young age, as his father is part of the long established Dublin Folk Band “Whiskey Still”.  Stating that his father and Paddy Sweeney of the band Barleycorn, are his biggest influences, Stephen has had the privilege of performing with many great artists himself in his young life so far.  He took on the role of lead front man and singer with Irish Bands “Dublin Legacy” and “Porter Black”, as well as, playing alongside the talents of:  Finbar Furey, Sean Og McKenna, Barney McKenny (Dubliners), Philip McCaffrey, Brian McCormac (Barleycorn), Paddy Sweeney (Barleycorn), Donal White, George Murphy (You’re a Star), Mike Hanrahan (Stockton’s Wing) and Maurice Lennon (Stocktons Wing), amongst other talented Irish musicians whilst sharing the stage with Tommy Flemming.

Stephen has performed in various venues both at home and abroad and spent three years playing numerous festivals throughout Ireland, other European countries, as well as, America and parts of Asia with the Dublin City Ramblers.

During Stephen’s time with the Ramblers, this well renowned Irish folk band were presented with a gold album from “Dolphin Records”, for sales of their CD’s and continued to play in many venues throughout the world, with Stephen loving every minute of it.  Stephen learnt quite a bit when he was touring with “The Dublin City Ramblers” and it clearly shows in his professionalism, mannerism and his on stage presence.  The way he can captivate his audience and carries them away with his angelic voice that is deepened with emotion throughout each and every song he performs.  With an ability to work the stage and engage with his fans, his performance leaves an impressionable impact that is not only memorable but special for everyone that has had the opportunity to experience his live shows, leaving him in huge demand both at home and abroad.

Looking forward to officially launching his solo career in The Sirius Arts Centre Cobh on March 25th, Stephen Leeson will have the fabulous Dublin Group “Whiskey Still” as his backing band on the night and you will hear him perform numerous well loved Irish Ballads ranging from “The Ferryman, Carrickfergus, The Contender, Freemantle Bay, Hard Times, 19 Arches, Galway Girl”, the list is endless.  Stephen also plans on incorporating some of his own new material from his forthcoming album on which he is currently putting the final touches too.

One of Stephen’s main ambitions is to keep recording both his own tunes, as well as, a few cover versions of classic Irish traditional songs and to keep entertaining with live shows as much as possible. An incredible young man with an extraordinary voice, with big achievable goals within reach, Stephen Leeson no doubt has a long and prosperous career ahead of him.

For more information on Stephen Leeson:

Please contact Carol Rice @ (+353) 089 4384175

c.ricemanagement@gmail.com

www.stephenleeson.com

www.shanesupple.com

Capri Bay – “A taste of Italy” 55 South Main Street,Youghal, Co. Cork
Opening hours: Mon – Sun: 11:00 – 15:00 and 17:00 – 23:00
Telephone: 024 90262

Lucinda O’Sullivan is Ireland’s most widely read Food and Hospitality Critic. She is also the longest-standing Food Critic with any one newspaper for, as readers of her weekly column in the Sunday Independent know, Lucinda tells it as it is . . . warts and all.
This is what Lucinda says about her visit to Capri Bay – Italian Restaurant, Youghal, Co. Cork.

The Italians have a gift for creating atmosphere, sometimes it may be a bit kitsch but always confident. We were sitting in the Capri Bay Trattoria in Youghal, but it felt like we could have been in a side street in Sicily or the eponymous Capri. Cheery flower baskets abound outside along with Italian, Irish and E.U. flags. We entered through a continental style string curtain ‘door ‘ that affords both privacy and fresh air in hot climes. Italian newspapers, 1950’s style wallshelves with a few bottles and bric a brac, artificial flowers, paper place mats, and a big TV showing Italian programmes with no sound, opposite the music system belting out Italian music, greeted us. How could we be in Youghal – when would I wake up?

Starters €7.90 – €13.50 included a selection of salami and cheeses from Lazio; Fritto Misto of crispy squid and black tiger prawns; sauteed mussels with fresh tomatoes, garlic, chilli and basil; and Carpaccio di Bresaola. There was a genorosity of spirit here as we first received a selection of bruschetta, and later, glasses of Limencello. We were lucky ‘walk-ins’ for the place was rapidly packed with families and couples.

Brendan had a Caprese salad (€10.50) which consisted of a whopping ‘snowball’ of fresh milky Buffalo Mozzarella from Campania with sliced tomatoes and rocket – delicious – he wondered would he get through it all – he did! I had cracking grilled baby calamari (€13.50), charred and tasty, tentacles and all, with chilli and rocket salad.

Pastas of all shapes and varieties €13 – €19.50 include homemade ravioli stuffed with ricotta and spinach with a Gorgonzola and radicchio sauce, whilst cannelloni is filled with chicken fillet, mushrooms and a cheese sauce. Tagliatelle is with a spinach sauce, fresh cream and chicken breast, whilst Spaghetti No. 7 has sauteed tiger prawns and roast Picaddilly tomatoes. Rissotos feature also, including ‘Pescatora’ with Carnaroli rice and seafood in a tomato sauce.

Mains €16 – €27.50 include two interesting hearty grill plates – Mista di Carne and Mista di Pesce – meat and fish respectively. The meat platter includes a homemade sausage, pork chop, lamb chop and smoked Scamorza cheese, whilst the fish platter proffers the fish of the day, squid, prawns and a potato gateau. It was good to see they use Irish veal with the traditional Saltimbocca alla Romana. Chicken is every which way – “Pepperonato, Ubriaco, Pizzaiola, Limone, alla Fra Diavolo, Boscaiola – broadly a melange of – tomatoes, peppers, Chianti, wild mushroom, garlic, capers, black olives, oregano, lemon, chillis – all covered! In the event, I had lobster with linguine (€19.50), a big plate of perfectly al dente pasta tossed in a cherry tomato sauce with a decent half local lobster on top. It was really lovely and good value. Brendan’s 10 oz Angus fillet steak (€27.50) had me watering at the mouth! Succulent, tender, perfectly cooked rare, it was topped with porcini mushroom and Taleggio cheese sauce, and came with a raft of piped creamy mash. We were in a group of five so we had the benefit of seeing other dishes – all ace – spaghetti frutti di mare, penne chicken Carbonara, Pollo Ubriaco.

We finished off with sinful Caprese chocolate and pear syrup cake (€5.50) and Panna Cotta (€5.50) topped with berries and three ‘wafers’ set in a retro sundae dish straight out of the icecream parlours of my childhood. With a litre of Rosso Puglia (€21) our bill for two with optional service came to €113.

By the way they also do a big range of pizzas from €13 and I noticed two “Supper Pizzas” created by Italian language students Aaron O’Callaghan and Naomi Grahame from Bunscoil Mhuire in Youghal. At the end of 6th Class, teacher Sarah Brosnan took them to Capri Bay where she tells me owner Geraldo Esposito was very generous with the kids ordering in Italian and getting a real experience. What a great community spirit and encouragement to get kids cooking.

Did the waiter sing? – a local friend asked. He didn’t but I will have to go back for that!

Capri Bay,
55 Main Street,
Youghal,
Co. Cork.
Tel: (024) 90262

www.lucindaosullivan.com

This Review Was First Published In The Sunday Independent On October 10, 2010.

Capri Bay – “A taste of Italy”  55 South Main Street,Youghal, Co. Cork

Michael Del Punta, The Singing Waiter – Amoré than you bargained for!
Posted on Friday, August 27th, 2010

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 www. 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!

Fans of ‘the Man in Black’ will walk the line towards the Mall Arts Centre on Friday October 8th when American country singer John Schmid performs a “Tribute to Johnny Cash,” (from his album of the same name), concert in aid of Youghal Community Hospital and the Keith Phelan fund.

The concert marks the American’s return to a venue he last graced almost two years ago to the day. For those unimpressed by Johnny Cash (every community has its eccentrics) John Schmid seems an interesting kind of guy to share a room with anyway. He is the founder and director of Common Ground Ministries, a “singing ministry” based in Ohio, with a focus on prisons and the Ohio Corrections System. In a calling that would impress the late, San Quintin-phobe, Mr. Cash himself, he ministry provides free Bible teaching and correspondence courses to prisoners in the Ohio system.

John visits over 50 prisons annually, plus various churches, boot camps, banquets, embassies, schools, street fairs, seminars, concerts and “a fair amount of living rooms,” as he cheerfully testifies. The rest of the time he tours overseas, lest he get bored and fall asleep on the couch one supposes.

Don’t even ask…

It is worth recalling an observation connected with his last visit to these shores, when it was noted that a cardinal rule of prison ministry is never ask an inmate what he did to deserve prison. Once, in 19 years, John Schmid did so. Later he watched aghast from the stage as the inmate sang, prayed and laughed in the audience. John, unfortunately, now knew the awfulness of the man’s crimes and spent the evening “wanting to beat the daylights out of him.” While the incident reminded him that, “sin kills and causes suffering,” he had also “got a glimpse of the awesome power of the Gospel. But asking why a man is in prison doesn’t’t help at all,” he concludes ruefully.

The minister might well have become, if not another ‘Man in Black’ at least an original ‘Guy in Grey’ had God not disrupted his concentration. He was singing in a C & W band in 1972 when he became converted, hence discovering that Nashville wasn’t the real heaven after all and set upon the road that would see him play guitar for God.

Physically, John Schmid’s stature resembles that of Johnny Cash, though his voice carries fewer pebbles, one might opinion. His singing style forms the blend of country/folk/gospel that once begat rock ‘n’ roll and his performances are sprinkled with stories and soft humour, while much flavoured with the Biblical message.

Worthy causes

The economic maelstrom means the Youghal Community Hospital needs financial assistance as never before, while the Keith Phelan fund brings a cause to more recent public attention. Keith, 11 and a pupil at Bun ScoilMhuire, suffered a bi-lateral Grade 4 Haemorrhage in premature birth, culminating in his being quadriplegic, epileptic and suffering Cerebral Palsy. His family hope to raise enough money to bring Keith to the XCell-Center in Dusseldorf, Germany, where stem cell treatment may improve his condition and prospects.  (See story on http://www.youghalonline.com/2010/09/21/keith-phelan-appeal-by-michael-twomey/ )

Tickets for John Schmid’s ‘A Tribute to Johnny Cash,’ are available from Cree’s Card Shop, @ €10/€5 (concessions). The evening is being organised by Youghal Baptist church in association with CRY’s ‘Reflections’ programme.

Congratulations to musician Grayson and all the sound technicans at Claycastle Recording Studios Youghal who were “instrumental” in helping Grayson reach No.1 in the Australian music physical charts with his single “Change”. The single which was recorded at the studios in Youghal made the No.1 spot last week.
Report: J. Burke | Video: K. McCarthy | Photo: Michael Hussey www.YoughalOnline.com

This is Graysons 2nd single from the album  recorded and produced  by Youghal’s Warren Tivy and Grayson. Warren told YoughalOnline.com that they were very excited by the news, although Claycastle Recording Studios Youghal produced several singles that have made the charts, this is the second time that one of their recordings have reached No.1. The video below is another one of  Grayson’s tracks called “Stand Clear” and was filmed in and around Youghal, as well as Cork and Waterford City with the help of Bus Eireann!. The video was shot & edited by Youghal man Kieran McCarthy and also recorded at Claycastle Recording Studios Youghal.

Singer songwriter Grayson launched his debut album on Halloween night (2009) with a special gig in the Gate Bar. Hailing from Australia, the tall likeable singer songwriter has made Youghal his home for the last couple of years. He’s recorded the album in the local Claycastle studio and used the town as a base for touring Ireland and Europe.

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.

Australian Singer/Songwriter Grayson along with with his full band will perform his last gig in Ireland to be held at The Gate Bar, Youghal on Friday the 15th of January 2010. Two support acts will also feature on the night from a very talented young lady from Poland and an up and coming songwriter from Cork City.

The night will also hold the first launch and screening for the music video of the single “Stand Clear” which was filmed, produced and edited in Youghal over the past few months by local Kieran McCarthy and co-produced with Grayson.

The single “Stand Clear” reached No. 1 in the Indie download charts in Ireland and also reached the top 40 commercial charts on release receiving major airplay. Come along and give Grayson a good send off before he heads back to the land of Oz to play the tail end of the Summer Festivals.

For more info visit:
www.grayson-music.com
www.myspace.com/graysonau

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…”

Singer songwriter Grayson launched his debut album on Halloween night with a special gig in the Gate Bar. Hailing from Australia, the tall likeable singer songwriter has made Youghal his home for the last couple of years. He’s recorded the album in the local Claycastle studio and used the town as a base for touring Ireland and Europe.
Photo: Michael Hussey Email: news@youghalonline.com

Hopes are high locally that “Stand Clear” will be all over the national airwaves and become a hit. The launch of the album at the Gate, South Main St. went dowm a treat where music lovers and Grayson’s fans turned out in large numbers to support the live gig.

http://www.myspace.com/graysonau

Stand Clear released on October 23 -

Text music 4078 to 57501 to download and help chart the song!!!!

Somewhere In The Night – available from online outlets and at the launch gig.

Click on image to enlarge

HALLOWE’EN night in Youghal promises more treats than tricks this year when Grayson launches his debut album with a special gig in the Gate Bar. Hailing from Australia, the tall likeable singer songwriter has made Youghal his home for the last couple of years. He’s recorded an album in the local Claycastle studio and used the town as a base for touring Ireland and Europe. Report: Eanna Dowling Email: news@youghalonline.com

The debut single from the album “Stand Clear” was released on October 23. It’s a tribute to the legendary Bus Eireann announcement when the automatic doors open – “Stand Clear, luggage doors are operating”. Funny and catchy, “Stand Clear” has all the makings of a classic. Already it has received critical acclaim from the music industry and you will be hearing it on your radio. Grayson has been seen chasing buses all over the place making a video for the song.

Grayson has toured Ireland supporting Aslan and been all over Europe performing solo. He played in 14 different countries and made many radio appearances. One of the highlights came when Ray Heffernan, the man who wrote Robbie William’s Angel, invited him to open a show in Arona, Italy. Ray saw Grayson on Youtube singing an original song “Change” and immediately made contact and offered him the show.

No stranger to TV, Grayson has appeared on Balcony TV, the quirky hit internet phenomenon. It started in Dublin’s Dame Street with artists playing an acoustic song on a balcony overlooking the traffic. The idea caught on and spread to other cities and in December Grayson will become the first artist to play on all of the Balcony TVs in the world when he performs on London’s version.

Grayson’s debut album “Somewhere In The Night” features his pop/rock songs and is out now. He released an ep in Australia in 2007 which got a lot of radio play and led him to be nominated for Musician of the Year at the ABC Newcastle Music Awards. But this is his first album proper and he’s honed his songwriting and found the right production to highlight his powerful emotive vocals.

Grayson has thoroughly enjoyed his time in Youghal but early next year he will head home to Australia. Numerous festivals and media appearances await his return and he’s thrilled to be bringing his new songs on a well-produced album with him. He’ll be back this way in 2011.

Hopes are high locally in Youghal that “Stand Clear” will be all over the national airwaves and become a hit. You can witness the launch of the album at the Gate on Hallow’en night, Saturday October 31st 10:30, when Grayson plays with a full band.

http://www.myspace.com/graysonau

Stand Clear released on October 23 -
Text music 4078 to 57501 to download and help chart the song!!!!

Somewhere In The Night – available from online outlets and at the launch gig.

“Stand Clear” – Grayson’s track out now

Bus Eireann customers will be queuing up to download Youghal based Grayson’s debut single “Stand Clear”. This bright slice of pop rock perfection tells the story of the singer and a girl on a bus getting to know each other but having their moments interrupted every time the bus stops by the announcement of “Stand Clear – Luggage Doors are Operating”.

Grayson’s about as far from home as an Australian can get, but he’s recorded a gem of a track in Youghal and is optimistic about it doing well. He’s been chasing buses all over the place to make a video for “Stand Clear” which will soon be online.

“Stand Clear” is the first single off Grayson’s debut album, “Somewhere In The Night”. The album will be launched at a Hallowe’en night gig in The Gate, Youghal. He also plays Crane Lane in Cork City on Friday November 6.

http://www.myspace.com/graysonau

Stand Clear released on October 23
Text music 4078 to 57501 to download and help chart the song!!!!

A successful night of pub entertainment spun on a novel axis at the Gate in Youghal when the venue delivered an inaugural open mic night. Amongst a variety of performers who emerged to display their talents were singer/guitarists, a burgeoning stand-up comic and a young female san-nos singer. Not least innovative amongst the unexpected turns was a gentleman called Mohammed, who commandeered the jukebox and pool table to display his claim to be Michael Jackson’s natural successor! By Youghalonline.com reporter

Dungarvan Observer writer Christy Parker mc’d the occasion amidst contributions from his self-penned poetry and verse collection. Three members of Cork’s O’Bheal poetry group also flavoured the occasion, while local musician Dave Scully skilfully wove tunes to link the performances. Another open mic night is intended later this month.

Click on gallery