Jonathan Smeaton (right) performing with Billy Robinson The Cottage Live Sessions on Friday night. Photos: AML Optics
BY SEÁN P. FEENY
ON Friday night The Cottage in Letterkenny, was packed out for its monthly Live Sessions. While many music revellers had left the Cathedral town bound for Mayo and the second annual Westport Festival of Music & Food, the popular Letterkenny pub was filled to capacity for a great night of music.
Headlining the event were local heroes of the music scene, singer/songwriter Jonathan Smeaton, who was backed up by renowned bassist, producer and sound engineer Billy Robinson.
Also performing on the night was Glow, a duo featuring Ballybofey singer/songwriter Tommy Bonner and Al Doherty on lead guitar.
Bonner and his outspoken lyrics, whether they are about his love/hate relationship to his hometown or other topcis, and his ‘punk’ style are always a joy to listen to.
One of the real treats of the night was visiting instrumentalist Gary Lutton, orginally from Belfast, who made his first appearance in Donegal.
In the spirit of Andy McKee and Thomas Leeb, Lutton is a real force to reckon with, so remember the name.
The monthly event is organised by music lovers Seamie Quinn and Alan McLaughlin who set up the event to offer another platform for original music to be showcased. Look out for press for the next date.
Ballybofey singer Tommy Bonner performs with guitarist Al.
If you want to see the great instrumental talent you missed on Friday night, check out this video of Belfast guitarist Gary Lutton courtesy of Goof’s Gaff.
A POWERFUL and original new song by Ballybofey band ‘Glow’ has racked up over 5,000 YouTube and Facebook views...
The 23-year-old was crowned the winner of Sky Arts show in July, seeing off hundreds of other guitarists...