Stellar line-up of musicians set for a weekend of country music
FANS OF country music can look forward to a bonanza weekend of Irish talent when Paddy O’Brien hosts one of his Annual Get Together weekends in Clayton White’s Hotel at the beginning of March.
The event, which is in its 24th year, will be held on March 2, 3 and 4. It continues to be one of the biggest entertainment events in the Irish Country Music calendar. There will be five super dances over the weekend with a double-bill of bands each night.
On Friday, Lisa McHugh and her band will open proceedings, followed by Paddy O’Brien and his band. On Saturday, Robert Mizzell will take to the stage, followed again by Paddy O’Brien. Sunday will finish off with performances by Paddy O’Brien and Patrick Feeney. Doors open each night at 8.15 p.m. and the first band will play at 9.30 p.m. sharp.
On Saturday afternoon, Tony, Teresa and the Stars will entertain from 3 to 5 p.m. while on Sunday afternoon, Thomas Maguire and Wexford native Fhiona Ennis will perform at the same time.
Speaking about the event, Paddy explained that he had started the event 24 years ago and was one of the first people to organise such music week- ends. This is his ninth year bringing the event to Wexford and he said that Wexford was a prime location for it.
‘Wexford is a brilliant town for tourists because there is so much to see and do. It’s ideal for people coming from the UK because of the ferry and also has a good road network for anyone coming from other parts of Ireland. Clayton White’s is a top quality hotel as well and I’ve always got great feedback from people who stay in it for this event. They have everything they need at their fingertips.’
Country music, he said, had remained as popular as ever but, in recent times, had received more media attention due to the emergence of younger artists like Lisa McHugh and Nathan Carter.
‘ The public’s interest in country music has always been strong but there is more interest from the media now. There’s an amazing atmosphere at these events. Country music has changed and evolved over the years, younger artists and fans bring new vibrancy to it, such as the jive scene, which is huge now.’
Admission to the nights dances is €20 while admission to the afternoon gigs is €10. For further details contact Clayton White’s Hotel on 053 91 22311 or log on to www.paddyobriensinger.com.