THE Ardhowen Theatre presents three nights of first class live music with veteran Jazz player Gay McIntyre on Saturday 6th September, the popular Eagles tribute ‘Talon’ on Friday 12th and local blues outfit Sidewalk Boogie and guests in the Gallery Bar on Saturday 13th September.
GAY MCINTYRE – REMINISCING
A veteran of jazz in Ireland and Europe, Derry alto saxophonist and clarinettist, Gay McIntyre, has maintained a successful career as a musician for six decades.
Known across Europe as one of the finest exponents of jazz music ever and now in his 70s, he is still a regular star of festivals and concerts the length and breadth of the country.
It was Gay’s father, respected bandleader Willy McIntyre, who introduced him to music playing him a Benny Goodman record.
Upon hearing the record Gay was moved to tears and his parents subsequently bought him a clarinet.
His first professional gig was at the age of fourteen, at a club in Bundoran, Co. Donegal.
He went on to mix with some of the biggest names in the jazz world, including Acker Bilk, Kenny Ball, Louis Stewart and Nat King Cole among many others and has received countless plaudits and rave reviews.
At eighteen he was invited to tour the US with the legendary Nat King Cole, but Gay turned him down due to his fear of flying and his father’s concern that he would start using drugs.
He continued to perform throughout the following six decades and has been firmly established in Derry since the 1960s.
Gay was honoured by the mayor of Derry for his services to music in 2009.
In this outing he will perform tracks from years gone by that bring back fond memories from throughout his extensive career.
Timeless classics such as ‘Strangers on the Shore’ and ‘Moon River’ will feature as well as ‘Danny Boy’ and ‘The Day’s of Wine and Roses’.
The musicians joining him on stage are John Leighton, piano; David Lyttle, drums; and Rohan Armstrong, double bass.
Vocalist Victoria Geelan will also feature, performing some wartime classics from Doris Day and Vera Lynn.
The combination of a respected master and some leading lights of the future of jazz make for a very special night of music on Saturday 6th September at 8pm.
TALON – THE BEST OF EAGLES
Now in their seventeenth year together Talon have been recognised by the ‘Agents Association of Great Britain’ at the ‘National Tribute Awards’ as the ‘Official UK No. 1 Eagles tribute show.
Their latest production will feature all the classic Eagles hits from the timeless back catalogue including ‘Hotel California’, ‘Lyin’ Eyes’, ‘Take It Easy’, ‘Desperado’, ‘Take It To The Limit’, ‘Life In The Fast Lane’, ‘The Last Resort’ and many more. Huge Eagles fans themselves, Talon interpret and perform these songs with reverence and remarkable talent.
They are all absolutely first rate musicians but it is the immensely powerful vocal harmony and exact musical production on which Talon have built their reputation.
Their ability to evolve and go from strength to strength in delivering bigger and better shows year on year continues once again on Friday 12th September at 8pm with what promises to be another great concert.
SIDEWALK BOOGIE
Local blues band Sidewalk Boogie will be playing rhythm and blues in the Gallery Bar on Saturday 13th September at 9pm, along with special guests Jeanne Monroe on piano and Geoff Ward on saxophone and mandolin.
Sidewalk Boogie perform a discerning repertoire of classic Chicago blues and rhythm and blues, as well as blending the blues with related genres such as jazz, rock, ska and New Orleans funk to great effect.
Formed in Fermanagh five years ago when Ronan McManus, vocals and bass; joined Des Campbell, drums; and Cris Gill, guitar; both formerly with Fermanagh blues band ‘Crossfire’. Sidewalk Boogie now also includes Maurice Collins on guitar and vocals.
Ronan, Des and Maurice have all performed locally (and beyond) for several decades with a rich diversity of genres; Cris Gill now resides in Fermanagh after many years in London performing with a range of artists including the ska band Selecter, legendary Jamaican trombone player Rico Rodriguez and the Blues musician John Mayall.
FUTURE EVENTS
An Grianán Theatre presents ‘Frank Pig Says Hello’ by Patrick McCabe (based on the acclaimed novel ‘The Butcher Boy’) on Thursday 18th September,
The Modfathers celebrate 50 years of Mod Culture on Friday 19th and young Irish folk sensation George Murphy performs on Saturday 20th September.
Due to phenomenal demand Nathan Carter will perform an extra night at Ardhowen on Thursday 16th October.
Book tickets for your favourite shows by calling the Box Office or visit the theatre website at www.ardhowentheatre.com.
You can keep up to date with all the latest news on Facebook or sign up for the theatre e-Newsletter.