Loose Rooster
Loose Rooster promises steamy shuffles and lots of swing. Flossie Ferguson (vocals, guitar, and harmonica ) and Aido Curran (lead guitar, vocals, and mandolin ) have been in the music business for many years and have a wealth of gigging, recording, and touring experience under their belt. This, plus their prolific song-writing and musicianship, means a Loose Rooster gig is an experience you won’t soon forget. Acoustic blues, rock classics, and originals. This is their first visit to Castlebar in the popular Bar One this blues festival weekend.
Fran and Mike
Playing for more than 20 years, Fran McGillivray and Mike Burke are a duo with a history in roots. Fran’s relaxed yet expressive vocal style allows the songs to come alive, accompanied by Mike’s powerful intuitive guitar. Originals are complemented by soulful, dynamic, and powerful interpretation of blues and folk songs this weekend in Bosh. Fran on vocals, bass, flute. Mike on guitars, resonator and mandola. Mike will also conduct a guitar demonstration on Saturday for younger fans. Also playing TF Hotel Sunday at 4pm.
Grainne Duffy and Paul Sherry
Blues and country rock vocalist and guitarist Grainne Duffy had a hectic 2008 — countless gigs, including Glastonbury, and BBC/RTE radio and TV appearances, as well as working on a new album. Paul Sherry’s dazzling and edgy playing and fine song-writing and vocals give the band a unique sound. Back up comes from Ronnie O’Flynn on drums and Davy Watson on bass. The band made their debut Castlebar appearance last year, taking the Bungalow by storm and will do so again this year.
Hat Fitz and Cara Robinson
Cara Robinson (vocals, flute, and Cajun drum ) has been writing and recording with notable artists from a huge range of musical genres. She has toured world-wide and her track ‘No Love Child’ was recorded by Corinne Bailey Rae. Cara will conduct a vocal workshop on Saturday for younger fans.
On metal-bodied resonator guitar, Hat Fitz has almost got the freedom of Castlebar and of Byrnes pub! A frequent visitor, he plays early Delta blues classics and his own songs. The duo will play the TF Hotel Sunday 4pm and will also open for ‘The Mighty Diamonds’ (Royal Theatre ) on Monday at 9pm. See them live in Byrnes this weekend.
The Dizzy blues band
This band certainly know how to play the blues. These musicians, steeped in the blues tradition, are iconic figures in the Cork blues circuit and have played all over Europe. Together for 16 years they have gelled together to form a tight and skilled unit. Pat Horgan on vocals and guitar, Richie St John on vocals and guitar, Ger Horgan on vocals and bass, and Christy Healy on vocals and drums. The Dizzys are set to rock the Castle Inn yet again.
Braidner and Rooney
Mark Braidner sings and plays blues with an uncompromising nod to original 1920s and thirties sources. His playing of blues guitar is clean and authentic; and his mastery of styles, ranging from ragtime and hokum to slide guitar, speaks for his versatility. Slide guitarist Dermot Rooney was described by The Irish Times as “an astounding bottleneck blues guitarist”. The duo perform some of the finest original acoustic blues songs and some of their own compositions with classic musicianship and elegance.
Gentleman Tim and the Contenders
With influences deeply rooted in early fifties-style swing, west coast, and Chicago blues, this group are one of the hottest! Led by the inspirational harmonica player and vocalist Tim Corbett, they deliver a brand of high energy jumpin’ blues, guaranteed to put a smile on your face. The band bob and weave their way through great classic blues, this weekend they’ll be resident in the Half Cut bar.
Left, Right and Centre
Tributes to the music of the greats: Muddy Waters, Leadbelly, and all the kings, Freddie, Albert & BB. Ireland’s finest have played with Van Morrison, Paul Jones, Skid Row, Mary Black, Frankie Miller, The Business, Fleadh Cowboys, Jagger, The Rumboogies. Featuring Ed Deane on guitar and vocals, John Quearney on bass and vocals, and Noel Bridgeman on drums and vocals. Noel will also conduct a percussion workshop on Saturday in the Linenhall for younger folk. They’ll make their home in the Irish House this weekend.
Mark Black and the roots band
An alternative slice of rootsy blues with Celtic and Middle Eastern influences.
In addition to being an exceptional musician, Mark Black is a natural born performer, has just released his second album, and is billed for Glastonbury ‘09. This live show features a 3-piece power house dynamite explosion of rhythms, didgeridoos, amplified 12-string acoustic guitars and lap steels, drums and bass. With Seamus Devenny on drums/percussion and Martin Smyth on bass, both of whom also have a strong vocal presence. Mulroys on Main Street will be Mark and the roots band’s home this weekend.
Will Killeen
Ireland’s finest acoustic blues export since Rory Gallagher, Killeen is considered to be one of the foremost slide guitar players in Europe. Equally dazzling as a finger picker he also plays banjo and harmonica and sings with a voice steeped in early American blues. Born in Mayo, he taught himself guitar from an early age, influenced by Howlin' Wolf, Doc Watson, The ‘Stones, and Dylan and has performed world-wide from his London base — blues, country, Celtic, Eastern, and rock. He’ll be making him self feel right at home on his return to Mayo in Rays.
