BIG NIGHT… Anthony McBrien
In Country Focus this week, Ryan Smith, spoke to Anthony McBrien ahead of his big Christmas night on Monday…
A ‘TOTALLY one-off gig’ is how country musician Anthony McBrien described this week’s Christmas dance in the Westville Hotel.
The Derrylin-born musician, usually seen performing with Chris Kerrigan as a two-piece, will be backed by a full-band on Monday night.
The Glor Tire 2013 finalist has enlisted the help of ‘The Ryan Turner Band’, who he noted ‘have backed the best in Ireland’.
It is clear from speaking to Anthony that he knows what will excite people – and he is tailoring his setlist towards that.
“I’ve sat down and studied the programme, I’ve kept it very lively. It’s a dance programme, I know that when people come out they want to dance. It’ll be pure country with a wee bit of rock n roll thrown in,” he explained.
“People have been asking me to do a dance myself in the Westville following the music that has been happening in Enniskillen now – and I thought maybe at Christmas time I’ll do something.
“It’s a bit like baby-sitting – I don’t want a band full-time, after I want to give it back after the one night! But I want to get great enjoyment out of it, I love being backed by a band, I love the stage.”
Karl Kirkpatrick will perform a half hour slot prior to Anthony coming on-stage.
“We have bands coming from outside the country – but you need the people coming out to them. It’s there on your own front door. Fermanagh people from 15 to 80 love country music so I’d encourage them to get out to the gigs that we’re putting on.”
Doors open at 9.30pm, with dancing from 10.30pm.