Lurgan bands are Dublin bound

Local musicians Last Minute Earl, Gypsy’s Wish and Tony McCann head to Dublin on Saturday, April 28 to play along side multi-platinum selling and award winning Jerry Fish in ‘The Soulstir Sessions’ gig in aid of Parkinson’s.

Also in the line up are Vyvienne Long who after recording and touring with Damien Rice for years embarked on a successful solo-career; and New Orleans style band Toot Sweet and The Shadow Man. Toot Sweet is the creation of Cian Boylan one of Ireland’s hottest pianists, producers, arrangers and composers who has arranged productions in The National Concert Hall, Dublin, the National Theatre London and for RTE and has worked with Van Morrison, Jerry Fish, Duke Special, Sister Sledge, Westlife, Leann Rimes, Camille O’Sullivan, Imelda May and many more.

Last Minute Earl, Gypsy’s Wish and Tony McCann have all played locally as well as at venues in Belfast and this marks the first trip for these hugely talented musicians down to the Dublin scene.

The superb Last Minute Earl – Shawn Morrow, James McNeice, Criostoir McConville, Joseph Balmer, Christopher Mills - have been described as a blend of Snow Patrol, Paola Nutini and something extra.

They have recently played at the Lurgan Festival and have gigged widely in both Lurgan and Belfast.

They were selected among the final bands in the recent Guinness Arthur’s Day competition and - hotly tipped - are about to embark on a first full band recording session. Impressive guitar duo Gypsy’s Wish (Declan McKerr and Andrew Toman) have taken their deep veined blues, soul and gypsy jazz style to the local music scene as well as major Belfast venues such as Spring and Airbrake and Auntie Annies.

Gifted vocalist and guitar player, Tony McCann has played extensively with a number of successful local bands and has recently taken to the stage for a series of solo performances that show a real depth and breadth of musical scope.

The Soulstir Sessions gig takes place in the legendary Whelan’s of Wexford Street. Whelan’s reputation is universal. Tourists from all over the world regularly visit to photograph the venue that has played host to such legends as Jeff Buckley, Nick Cave, Christy Moore, and Peter Buck and Mike Mills from REM. In recent years Whelan’s has hosted concerts for important new stars such as Damien Rice, Artic Monkeys and the Magic Numbers. It is a venue that musicians from all over the world consistently request to perform in and return to.

Lurgan’s own Fa Joe’s pub, who determinedly and proudly helped develop the local music scene over many years, is supporting the Whelan’s gig. The Lurgan musicians heading to Dublin on 28th April have all played at Fa Joe’s now legendary Joe Fest music festivals as well as the regular Fa Joe’s gigs.

If you love music, this is a gig not to miss – it promises to be something special. Why not have a great night in Dublin, support a worthy cause and get behind Lurgan’s musicians as they play centre stage with big name acts.

Tickets are on sale one the Whelan’s website at www.whelanslive.com or via the Whelan’s boxoffice at +353-1-4780766. Tickets can also be arranged through Fa Joes at 38342335.

This is the first of The Soulstir Sessions gigs in aid of Parkinson’s. The Soulstir Sessions is a group of music lovers dedicated to helping fundamentally shift the awareness of Parkinson’s disease across the island through music. Working in association with Parkinson’s UK-N.Ireland Region and Parkinson’s Association of Ireland, the team are currently active with a number of follow-on gigs both North and South. The Soulstir Sessions aim to give up-and-coming musicians the opportunity to play alongside more established names. They can be contacted at [email protected]. Help raise awareness - Like The Soulstir Sessions on Facebook and follow them on twitter at @soulstirsession.