Syd Shine - renowned bandleader of the Crescent Ballroom from the 1930s onwards, will celebrate his 90th birthday, and will meet his friends from former days, on Sunday July 25 at 4.30pm in the Shamrock Lodge Hotel, Athlone.
This afternoon of nostalgia will be an opportunity for Syd’s friends and fellow musicians to mingle, and to celebrate the great Athlone man’s birthday.
“Friends and musicians from the old days will be welcome to turn up and send their congratulations to one of Athlone’s most famous sons, on this joyous and momentous occasion,” said Joe Flynn, who was lead singer and bass guitarist, in many of Syd’s bands.
“Syd, as we all know is a legend in his lifetime. He was also owner of the Crescent Ballroom throughout the halcyon big band music days of the 1940s to the showband days of the 1960s. Syd also built the Jolly Mariner marina and night spot in the late 1960s. Throughout those years, Syd as pianist was also bandleader of the Syd Shine Orchestra big band, and the Athlone showband, Syd and the Saints.”
Syd bought his first barge, the Chang Sha in 1942, and lived on the banks of the River Shannon near the promenade for many decades. In 1957, Syd bought another barge, The Fox, and has lived there since. He is a legend on the lakes of the river, and is an acknowledged authority on the water and its manoeuvrings.
Interestingly, Syd is the longest serving member of the Lough Ree Yacht Club, and last year, on his 89th birthday, Syd was honoured at the club in Coosan. However, now that the legendary bandleader has reached 90, he will again be honoured in fine fashion by those who have known him, and those who he gave great musical memories to for many decades.
“So Sunday July 25 at the Shamrock Lodge will be a nice opportunity for people to pop in for a minute and say happy birthday to the great man himself,” said Joe.
