Triple header of great gigs at The Balor

THE Balor Theatre has a triple header of top gigs over the next week, kicking off on Thursday evening with The Ghostlight Sessions.

Barely has the Ballybofey venue settled following Paul Heaton’s storming performance than it is ready to rock again.

As well as The Ghostlight Sessions, The Balor has Horslips tribute band Swords of Light lined up followed by Americana artists John R Miller, JP Harris and Chloe Edmonstone next Tuesday.

Now in its sixth year, The Ghostlight Sessions has gained a reputation for championing the very best of emerging Irish talent. This Thursday’s gathering – the first of 2023 – will be no exception with Clare Island man Niall McCabe headlining the bill.

Niall enjoys a reputation as one of Ireland’s finest singers and songwriters. His folk-soul group The Niall McCabe Band has performed extensively over the last decade while more recently he has been lending his voice to Irish trad-fusion band Beoga touring Ireland, Europe and the USA while also playing support to Ed Sheeran, Foy Vance and Johnny Swim.

Also on the bill are Cork indie folk artist Sarah Buckley and Donegal duo Without Willow.

Sarah’s debut single ‘You’ve Got Me’ captured immediate audience and industry interest leading to a national television performance, festival appearances and 1.3 million radio plays worldwide.

Without Willow need little or no introduction to local music fans. One of Donegal’s most highly rated acts, Karen Kelly and Simon McCafferty blend haunting, heart felt vocals with beautiful, intricate guitar playing to create a distinctive sound that has established them as firm favourites on the Donegal music scene. They have also enjoyed success overseas playing sold out shows in Germany 2019 and Canada in 2022.

Simon McCafferty and Karen Kelly, collectively known as Without Willow. The duo will be centre stage on Thursday night.

Swords of Light (Friday March 3) are a musical tribute to Celtic rock legends Horslips. The band was launched at the 2022 Horslips Convention in front of a delighted audience of fans including two members of the band themselves who gave the group an immediate and hearty endorsement.

Last but most certainly not least, a great night awaits aficionados of Americana on Tuesday March 7 with John R Miller, JP Harris and Chloe Edmonstone.

John R Miller is probably best known to Irish audiences as co-founding member and songwriter for The Fox Hunt. He began playing and writing music growing up in the eastern panhandle of West Virginia and has since performed his songs across the US, Canada, Japan, Ireland, Europe and the UK.

Highly regarded honky-tonker JP Harris visits the Balor for a second time having played a terrific gig with his band JP Harris and The Tough Choices back in 2015. A memorable stage presence, JP spans the breath of American old-time repertoire veering effortlessly from banjo ditties into some punkish folk.

John R Miller will bring his tasty Americana stylings to The Balor on Tuesday, March 7.

Chloe Edmonstone is also a returning visitor having played The Balor as part of the Locust Honey String Band back in 2013. A second generation fiddle player and old time musician she’s spent the intervening decade touring, writing and recording.

This dual headliner show will feature JP Harris and John R Miller headlining separately with Chloe Edmonstone accompanying both sets, guaranteeing audiences three acclaimed Americana artists in one great evening of music.

Tickets for the shows are €15 each and available from The Balor Box Office on 0749131840 or online at http://www.balorartscentre.com

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