Rolling back the years with the great Cork showband legends
STAR STUDDED LINE-UP WILL TAKE FANS ON A TRIP DOWN MEMORY LANE
FOR people of a certain vintage the halcyon days and nights of the showband era will always hold a special place in their hearts and memories.
As the dull and grey 1950’s drew to a close something of a musical revolution began to take hold in Ireland, with a new brand of brash musicians bringing a fresh style of music to dance halls across the country.
Venues such as the Majestic in Mallow, the Star Ballroom in Millstreet and the Arcadia in Cork City played host to the big names of the day such as the The Dixies, Clipper Carlton, The Royal, The Maimi and many more.
It was a period in Irish entertainment that gave the country its first musical ‘superstars’, with singers like Dickie Rock, Brendan Bowyer, Butch Moore and Brendan O’Brien becoming heroes to their adoring fans.
Some of the showband eras biggest names will once again take to the stage this coming Saturday night when ‘ The Legends of the Cork Showband Era’ show takes to the stage at the Commons Inn.
The show has already proved to be hugely popular with music fans, having sold out performances at the Cork Opera House and Killarney’s Gleneagle Ballroom.
Event Co-ordinator Sean O’Sullivan explained to the Corkman how the concept of the Shows came about.
“I happened to mention to Art Supple that it would be great to get the Showband personalities from Cork together in a concert. It developed from that, and the reaction from the public has been phenomenal,” said Sean.
One of those set to play the show will be the evergreen and effervescent Joe Mac of the Dixies, who said he was very much looking forward to the night.
“There is a huge market for nostalgia, and as well as that I won’t be lasting forever, so people should come and see me where ever I’m appearing,” Joe said with a twinkle in his eye.
He recalled playing at the Edel Quinn in Kanturk prior to the Dixies turning professional.
“The priest used to come up on the stage there and say the Rosary before the dance started, and of course the birth rate fell to almost below zero,” he joked.
Another seemingly ageless stalwart of the genre, the effervescent Art Supple of The Victors will play the show with his seven piece band
Joining them on the night will be Louise Morrissey and another former Dixie, Terry McCarthy.
Sean O’Sullivan urged people to book tickets in advance as the show is expected to be a sell out.
“This promises to be night to remember as these legends roll back the years and get audiences dancing in the aisles,” he said.
Tickets, including a fourcourse meal, are available from the venue on 021 421 0300 or Sean O’Sullivan on 086 860 9924, priced at €55.