LOCAL Country star Anthony McBrien was one of the headline performers at a popular dancing weekend which attracted hundreds of music fans to the Allingham Arms Hotel in Bundoran.
The Derrylin man, who has been on a constant on the music scene for three decades, earned rave reviews following his performances of some American songs during the three-day event.
Following a battle with illness, McBrien’s back on the music scene and ready for a busy period.
“It’s good to be alive and back in good health,” he previously told the ‘Herald
““I’ve had my struggles, but nobody can get you out of them but yourself. Thank God I’m strong now. Music has been a tonic for me. It has helped me and I’ve never needed it more than now.”
A star-studded lineup was confirmed for the ‘Country and Dancing Weekend’, with Ballybofey singer Kelan Browne one of the main performers, as well as Enniskillen man Sean Corrigan.
McBrien is involved with ‘The Legends of American Country’ roadshow which is touring around Ireland and the UK, performing a number of classic songs and tracks from renowned artists.
The tour is set to stop off at the Ardhowen Theatre in Enniskillen later this year, on September 11, where it will honour the likes of Dolly Parton, Charley Pride, Alan Jackson and Garth Brooks.
The Fermanagh singer feels that there’s a growing appetite locally for American Country music.
“Randy Travis was my hero. I listened to him morning, noon, and night. I got to support him on a short tour, and he even signed a guitar for me. That was a dream come true,” explained McBrien.
“I’ve been amazed to see young people at our shows, singing along to songs that are older than me. If you look out and see people tapping their feet and smiling, you know you’re doing your job.”
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