The McBeth Sisters are appearing at the Goof’s Gaff Expo.
ON Saturday night, December 15, a host of well-known singers will take to the stage at the Greenroom Live in Letterkenny for the first ever Goof’s Gaff Expo.
Fifteen singers from around the county and neighbouring counties performing in what will be a showcase of some of the fantastic talent from around the North West.
The man behind the whole project is Letterkenny-based Alan ‘Goof’ McLaughlin, originally from Greencastle, who founded the YouTube station Goof’s Gaff.
Besides giving local artists a platform to play to the world on the Goof’s Gaff couch, Alan has already hosted Goof’s Gaff Live at the Regional Cultural Centre, Letterkenny, which will soon be available on DVD.
His latest project, Goof’s Gaff Expo, is simply away to get lots of talent a chance to showcase their music and, hopefully, sell a few albums.
Alan said: “It’s difficult to get to everyone’s gig through the year, God knows I try, I hate to miss a chance to hear something new.
“With this in mind we thought what better way than to bringing them under one roof for a night to showcase the strength of local music.
“With so many great artists in the area it is hard to keep the Expo to just 15 musicians, but we are already thinking of hosting another Expo sometime in the next year.”
With such a massive line up, the night will run in some ways like a stripped back version of a Later With…Jools Holland Show, Alan said.
“There will be no running order, no headline act, the artists will play at random finding themselves on stage at 3 different times playing just one song. This should make for an interesting varied night of music.”
After the live part of the show there will be a DJ playing songs recorded by local artists and towards the end I’m sure a few classics thrown into the mix.
Alan said there is another very important side to The Expo. “EP’s and albums from many local artists will be on sale, so if you’ve missed a gig or two through the year and have a few stray Euros, here’s your chance to get caught up with your collection.
“I would also like to ask if there are any musicians out there that wish to have their EP or album on sale at the Expo to contact us at www.facebook.com/GoofsGaffMusic. It’s all about getting your name out there.”
“I can’t begin to explain the standard of local music, only that I am simply blown away. The local music scene is very strong thanks in part to bands such as The Villagers, Mark Black and the Trips, The Heads of State, In Their Thousands and Mojo Gogo and countless more they have paved the way and inspired younger bands to make the big step to produce their own material insuring the future of music here.
“I have great faith in local music and feel very privileged to be involved in my own small way. The talent of the area truly deserves a national stage and I have no doubt in mind that it’s coming.”
The full line-up is of Goof’s Gaff Expo is Mark Black, Shauna McDaid, Brendan McGlynn, Tommy Bonner, Nigel Hegarty, Simon McCafferty, Declan McClafferty, Sean Feeny, Ruari Friel, Karen Kelly, John Muldowney, Finn O’Donnell, Alan McLaughlin, The McBeth Sisters, Aoife Foley and Darren Roddy.
Goof’s Gaff Expo takes place at The Greenroom, Lower Main Street, Letterkenny, on Friday, December 15. Doors Open: 9p.m – 2:30am. Admission only €5.
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