Friday the 7th of September saw the return of Luka Bloom to the shores of Youghal to promote his new album ‘This New Morning’. The Sacred Roots concerts are held in the magnificent 12th century of St Marys Church in Youghal, a venue like no other and an unforgettable experience for both musician and listener.

The concert was opened by the very talented young singer guitarist Jordan Kenneally from Youghal who performed brilliantly capturing the essence of what the concerts are all about, giving voice to the youth through music.
The beautiful and angelic voice of Caroline Fraher from cobh http://www.carolinefraher.com followed on joined by maestro Steve Cooney on guitar , Richie Foley on Mandolin and bouzouki and Dominic Finn on Piano .
Caroline has been singing in churches since her youth and was right at home in St Marys . Her set consisted of songs from her wonderful upcoming 4 track E.P arranged and produced by Steve Cooney and recorded at http://www.claycastlerecording.ie here in Youghal by Warren Tivy.

The charismatic Luka took us by surprise as her emerged from the back of the church singing acapella song as he made way to the stage setting the mood for a fantastic and energetic show .
His set was filled with stories laughter and classics such City of Chicago , Black is the Colour , Man is Alive , Rescue Mission Heartman and many others from his vast catalog of records spanning many years.
A few songs in he was joined by Steve Cooney and the rest is history.
The show was great and the crack was 90 .
A night to remember and thank you to all who helped put it on and facilitated its happening
“Its all good”
Godbless
Bobby Lee

http://thesacredrootsproject’

Music Speaks Louder than Words ‘

Video below of Youghal native Jordan Kenneally who played support at the Luka Bloom concert – St Mary’s Collegiate Church, Youghal, Co Cork, Friday September 7th 2012

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.