Michael E Thomas Band at the Retro

The Michael E. Thomas Band are a three piece rock and blues band with a big sound and their repertoire features well known rock classics and some lesser heard gems.

This Friday’s Classic Rock show at the Retro will features songs from Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, Mott The Hoople, Bowie, Deep Purple.

The August 26 Tribute show at the Retro will feature a 50’s set entitled Twenty Flight Rock with music from Eddie Cochran, Buddy Holly, Little Richard, Elvis, Fats Domino etc.

On the night there will also be a Psychedelic Beatles Tribute with songs from Revolver, Sgt. Pepper and most of Abbey Road with some solo works mixed in.

The band is headed by guitarist, singer-songwriter and producer Michael E. Thomas who had an obsession with blues at an early age when growing up and playing in New Jersey and New York.

Otis Rush dedicated his song “Homework” to Michael at a New York show after winning a Grammy award and Albert King invited Michael on his bus in Philadelphia to meet the great legend.

And Bruce Springsteen says of Thomas, “He’s loud, but he’s good, I like it.”

Michael Maitland began playing guitar in 1976 and switched to the bass two years later. The serious gigging began in 1979, and all these years later he says he is still learning.

Robert Cardwell has been playing drums since the early 80s with a wide variety of acts from singer-songwriters to show bandband and blues.

Check out the band on their website http://www.metband.com/ MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/rubydust

Brownstone Blues gig

THIS Saturday - July 30 -The Brownstone Blues Band will be playing at the Retro Bar in Portrush.

Brownstone Blues from Belfast and south of the Lagan are an energetic three piece with a big sound.

With James McGuiggan (lead guitar and vocals), Nick Brown (bass and vocals) and Stevie Glackin (drums) they have shared stages with Richie Havens, Henry McCullough and the late John Martyn to name but a few.

With bags of charisma they are a trio who stay true to their roots. With festival gigs throughout the summer they are not to be missed!

Doors 9.30pm admission £5. Drinks promotion: 4 pint jug of Harp Ice £9 and free T-shirt.