THOMAS Bonner will shake the dust from Lifford Old Courthouse shortly with the first live gig there since the pandemic.
The Ballybofey musician, who performs under the pseudonym ‘StrawMan’, will rock the historic venue on April 1.
The concert marks the latest milestone on what has been a particularly busy time for Thomas.
Just before Christmas he launched his latest album ‘Fearless’ in front of a packed house at the Balor Theatre.
Over the festive period he released ‘Kindness of Strangers’, a charity single with all proceeds going to help children of families caught up in the mica crisis.
More recently he unveiled the immensely moving song ‘The Benefit of Hindsight’, a song dedicated to his children.
All these and more are likely to be aired when he steps on to the Lifford Old Courthouse stage.
“No it’s not an April fool, it’s actually happening and I’m very excited about it,” said the singer and songwriter.
“The set is going to be bigger than the Balor because I’ll be doing a few numbers from the Fearless album, three old songs and a couple of new songs.
“I’ve been working hard with the band and the older songs sound amazing. In fact I’d forgotten how decent they are until the band sprinkled their magic on them and now I can’t wait to perform them live.”
Supporting Thomas will be local musician Lynn Campbell.
“I’ve known Lynn quite a few years and she is such a talented musician. She was more than happy to come on board and we’re both really looking forward to what should be a great night.
Thomas has kept himself busy during lockdown. Next month an audience at Lifford Old Courthouse will get to hear the fruits of his labour.
“Gillian and Patrick in the Courthouse have been hugely helpful and receptive too and I can’t thank them enough for what is a really beautiful venue.”
Fearless has received critical acclaim since being released with one reviewer describing it as a “triumph from its emotional honesty to the superbly crafted, poetic lyrics”.
Over the summer months Thomas plans to take it on the festival circuit. For now though all roads lead to Lifford on April 1.
“I would advise early booking otherwise people will be disappointed,” he said.
“The restaurant opens at 6pm so come along, have a few drinks before what is going to be a brilliant night in a uniquely cultural venue.”
Paul McClay of Donegal Bay Radio will be broadcasting from Lifford Old Courthouse on the night. For tickets go to http://www.liffordoldcourthouse.com/strawman/ or log on to Thomas’s website, http://www.strawman.ie