Last month’s CluBeo special guest were Malin’s fabulous sister trio, The Henry Girls.
BY SEÁN P. FEENY
THE third monthly CluBeo hosted by Moya Brennan takes place at Leo’s Tavern in Meenaleck, Crolly, this Friday from 9pm.
Since its inception two months ago, Moya’s new singer’s club has attracted people from all around the county and much further afield.
The world famous singer started CluBeo to give singers a new regular platform in the West to showcase their talents, whether it’s singing covers or using the opportunity to perform original material.
CluBeo generates a wonderful atmosphere. Leo’s Tavern is renowned for its appreciative audience and you can’t wish for a nicer environment for the daunting task of performing original songs as a beginner, than in front of other musicians.
Although the night attracts some well-established names of the Donegal music scene, the stage at Leo’s has also seen some fantastic young talent taking to the stage to showcase their music, including Rann na Feirste girl Megan Nic Ruairí, a fine exmple of the talent out there.
You also never know what bigger names will pop in to play a few songs and give the young musicians a few tips.
Last month the fantastic Henry Girls called down to Leo’s in a rare treat for music fans in the West.
The Henrys have wanted to play in Meenaleck for a long time and when they did, they went down a real treat. They have worked with big names in the industry such as Donal Lunny and Mary Black and are currently recording a new album.
The regular event is aiming to be a regular meeting place to showcase new songs and music – a reflection of the rich cultural diversity in the area – that currently doesn’t exist.
The first two CluBeos were a sure sign that this event is here to stay and we can expect some very memorable nights to come out of it.
Moya said: “I think it was one night during Christmas 2011 that I witnessed all this young talent getting up and performing songs and was totally taken aback. I spoke to Dónall (Mac Ruairí) about it and we set the wheels in motion to set up an regular outlet for them.
“I grew up listening to great singers at Leo’s myself and that’s where we learned a lot of songs.
“This will be a chance for young and old musicians to play and perform with each other and try out different things.
“This is all still very new so we are looking forward to getting it up and running and see what we can develop CluBeo into,” she said.
If you can’t make tonight’s CluBeo, be sure not to miss the event in June as it will coincide with a very special weekend at Leo’s Tavern.
Moya’s third annual workshop weekend, Voices & Harps, takes place from June 21-23 and she is tying in CluBeo into the festival’s events on the Friday.
If that is not enough Moya and her friend, musical director and long-time collaborator Cormac de Barra will also be launching their new album Voices & Harps 2.
Jacqui Sharkey performs with Ian Smith at last month’s CluBeo.