American visitor impressed with local band at Bush Tavern

I was fortunate enough to be visiting the North Coast area and was spending an evening with distant family relatives in Ballymoney on Saturday 20/3/2010 in a local "pub" known as The Bush.

A concert had been organised by local students and the purpose was to raise funds to assist in rebuilding following the disaster in Haiti. This is itself was an extremely honourable endeavour but the disaster had only just begun for the unfortunate students.

It transpired that when the premises had been booked the proprietor was not aware that it was a youth event resulting in the large group of young people who had gathered being asked to leave due to licensing law regulations. A proper decision in the circumstances.

They complied with the request in good spirits and at no point was there a hint or indication of trouble from them which impressed me.

This situation would have normally have been enough in my opinion for any established music act to throw in the towel but the band who were to play at the event doggedly made their way to the stage and let go with both barrels.

The band were called Three Trick Horse (or pony) and I have to say it has been a long time since I have come across such a dynamic set up for what I have been told is a newly formed band.

The lead singer was a feisty young woman who took to the stage with attitude in abundance. To play to such a small crowd after what had been a good gathering must have taken extreme courage and more than a dash of talent thrown in.

The band played a mixture of covers and some original material and was highly impressive.

The lead guitarist played in a style and to a standard way beyond what his young age should have allowed. Although he did his best to blend into the background (teens the world over eh) this was simply not possible due to an exceptional level of talent on what looked to be a genuine Fender Stratocaster! Both the drummer and the bassist impressed me as well.

I find it hard to believe that four such talented individuals can have come from such a small town and also end up attending the same college.

I look forward to hearing more from this band in the future - Northern Ireland has impressed me immensely and although I will tell all my friends about my trip to the Giant's Causeway etc I will also take time to say I was one of the first to hear Three Trick Horse (or pony sorry) play live.

On a final note - I have attempted to look the band up on the internet with no success - if you have not got a website or a manager please do so quickly as my friends will not believe me otherwise.

Good luck to you all and thanks for providing such fond memories of the town of Ballymoney.

Jake Monteith,

Ohio, USA.