Gene of showband ‘Gene and the Gents’ returns to Enniskillen on Sunday
Tomorrow evening, a showband with a twist will take to the stage at Crowe’s Nest in Enniskillen. The AllStars Big Band – encompassing a selection of well-known local musicians – will be joined by Gene Chetty, of ‘Gene and the Gents’, for the night.
The band itself includes: Peter Watson on drums, Paddy McDermott on altosax, Steve Magee and Leo Rice on the trumpets, Don Swain on tenor sax, David Baxter on keyboards and ‘Bilko’ Markey on bass.
The band describes themselves as ‘professional’ and ‘dedicated’, and play a range of jive, old time waltz, tango, charleston and slow foxtrot.
Gene performed as part of ‘Gene and the Gents’ with Peter and Paddy, and will join them on-stage once more this weekend.
“During six wonderful years on the show band scene, I lived in the Enniskillen area and still have very fond memories of that time,” Gene told Music Focus.
“The Fermanagh dancers always supported Gene and the Gents and it is wonderful to be back since my last appearance two years ago.”
Gene and the Gents made its debut on St Patrick’s night in 1964 and within two years were rated in the top 20 bands in all Ireland and top five in Northern Ireland, according to Gene, who now lives in Cambridgeshire, and is a part-time lecturer and consultant.
He added: “I’m looking forward to seeing his ‘old’ band mates Paddy McDermott and Peter Watson and fans young are promised an action packed night.”
The event starts at 7pm on Sunday September 15 at the Crowe’s Nest in Enniskillen.
