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Brian Hughes & Garry O'Briain

Dia dhaoibh go léir!

I hope this letter finds everyone well and happy. We're back again with another night of traditional music to help shorten the winter here in Carlow. Firstly, thanks to all who turned out for our first night a couple of weeks ago. Hopefully a few more can make it to our next gig.

How many of you, I wonder, tortured neighbouring ears with approximations of "Fáinne Geal an Lae" on your Feadóg Stáin in bygone days?? The humble whistle has been used by generations of children as weapon, ear-cleaner, back-scratcher and sometimes as a musical instrument! Our next gig features a man who has taken the feadóg stáin to the top level. He is Brian Hughes, he comes from Athy and has two cracking albums to his name to date. He has established himself as one of the finest tin whistle players in the tradition. Brian's earliest introduction to music was through his grandfather, Christy Bracken, a noted bagpiper who passed on his love of music to his grandson. Brian also has a great love for the pipes and the flute and as a youngster was a regular at the Piper's Club in Dublin. I think Brian has really mastered both technique and, more importantly, breath-control. He performed in Carlow recently and was superb on the night. Even those of you who were there that night might enjoy him in the more sedate surroundings of the club.

Garry O'Briain will play with Brian on the night. This is one occasion when I cannot use the word accompanist or 'backer' as this man's ability and reputation is sky-high. Just google his name and page after page of his accomplishments comes up! He is one of Ireland's foremost multi-instrumentalists (guitar, mandocello and piano), arrangers, songwriters and producers. He has written and produced music for theatre and television as well as recording with a whos who of musicians and singers. He has recorded a critically acclaimed album of O'Carolan music called "Fís". He now has an album called "Cats Won't Fly" where he shows himself a fairly handy singer-songwriter!! He also is an instructor at UL's Irish World Music Centre.

The gig takes place in the Carlovian, Tullow Street, Carlow at 9.30pm on Friday, November 2nd. The admission is €15 and €10 for students/unwaged. Please come along if you can. The atmosphere is so much better when there is a good attendance, not to mention financial status!! We have some brilliant line-ups put together for this run but once again, good turnout is essential for the continuance of the club.

Míle Buíochas,