Raised in the heart of Mayo, surrounded by her musical family Joanne Keegan was encouraged to develop her innate talent for singing, playing guitar and fiddle from the age of ten. Her father Tony sang American country and often rebel songs at bedtime and Marion her mother ensured she received a rich traditional upbringing. She discovered Etta James, BB King, Sippie Wallis, Janis Ian in her early teens and it was a natural progression for her to move towards studying Dramatic arts and music performance. Gaining confidence singing in musicals she joined a band in Galway as a backing vocalist but it was whilst busking around Europe in her late teens that she discovered her true voice. After many years of diarising her experiences she attended IMRO song writing workshops in Dublin and Killarney, writing with Kieran Mc Evoy which cemented her vocation.
Joanne now mentors mature students to enrich their repertoire and develop their confidence to be able to enjoy performing . ”Music is my constant companion” she says –“my stalwart medicine and I believe it is of essential benefit to our mental health whether you sing, play or listen.”
Joanne has recorded for Keith Donald (Moving Hearts ), toured with Peter Price whom she first met at the Castlebar blues festival in 2001, guested at the Rory Gallagher Blues festival and was the original vocalist for the popular song 'Tears of Clew Bay' subsequently recorded by Imelda May. Her passion for singing blues and soul has developed over her career but her flare for gospel was ignited when she joined the Castlebar Gospel choir under the direction of both Niamh O’Kelly and Kathy Fahey. She spent four years in total with the choir at different times which performed in all four corners of the country.
Joanne weaves her own melodic twists into songs we know so well, to entice us to focus on the lyrics, perhaps hearing them properly for the very first time. Her songs can both energise and comfort as she moves us seamlessly through a broad range of vocals with strength and sensitivity .
Joanne will play a special evening show at the Galway Roast in Castlebar, next Friday February 12 with doors opening at 8.30pm and admission costing €10 and you can bring you're own wine!
