The legends of the fall

Editorial Department • Published 29 Oct 2009 09:00 0 Comments

See also:

It's a varied and popular programme of events that takes place at Ardhowen Theatre over the next few weeks. Tonight, Thursday 29th October, the popular European Ballet from London bring their colourful production of 'Cinderella' to the stage. As we go to press, the ballet has very few tickets left, so hurry.

American Legend

A very special treat is in store for patrons next Monday 2nd November, when the legendary Dennis Locorriere, lead singer of the 70's and 80's supergroup, Dr Hook makes his very first visit to Ardhowen for what will be a wonderful concert. The writer and singer of all their very many hit records has the most wonderful gravelly voice as we all know from listening to Dr Hook's superb songs including 'When You're In Love With A Beautiful Woman', 'Sylvia's Mother', A Little Bit More'.

Now living in Nashville, Tennessee, Dennis tours all over the world and as well as performing with artists such as Stevie Winwood, Gary Moore, Pete Townsend, Paul Weller, Bill Wyman etc etc, he has written songs for such luminaries as Willie Nelson, Crystal Gayle, Bob Dylan, Waylon Jennings, Olivia Newton John, Helen Reddy etc etc. He is currently recording a new CD which will be in the shops for Christmas. One of the last true legends of the American music scene, Dennis Locorriere's contribution to popular music is up there with all the other greats. Do yourself a favour and don't miss one of the main high points of Ardhowen's Autumn season. The concert starts at 8pm.

Amazing Vocal Talent

On Thursday 5th November, one of the finest female voices in Ireland, that of the excellent Cara Dillon comes to the Ardhowen stage. Cara Dillon has one of those rare talents you only come across a handful of times in your whole life. Her staggeringly beautiful voice has the ability to reach inside the soul of a song and imbue material with not only profound sweetness but also poignancy and depth.

Born in Dungiven in 1975, she was brought up in a close musical family immersed in the rich cultural heritage of her native County Derry. Having won the All Ireland Traditional Singing Trophy aged only 14 she went on to sing with Oige, De Dannan and then Equation. It was in this band that she met her husband and musical collaborator Sam Lakeman. The combination of Cara's expressive vocals and Lakeman's rippling piano and fresh production squeezed new life into ancient material. Their original songs sit happily alongside the traditional, reinforcing the debt they owe, whilst pointing to a distinct and distinguished musical identity all of their own.

It's Cara's unrivalled vocal talent and Sam's musical and arranging skills that have seen them signed to major record labels since they were 19. First, Blanco Y Negro (Warners) and then the enviably hip Rough Trade Records who released her three solo albums to date, earning astonishing critical success and showering her with countless awards and accolades.

Whether she's singing her native traditional songs of lost love and emigration, or their original compositions, you will be hard pressed to find a more emotive and captivating performer. Cara Dillon is at the very top of her field and one has the feeling she'll be there for a very long time.

In 2008 Cara Dillon released her debut DVD 'The Redcastle Sessions'. Filmed on location in Counties Donegal and Derry in the North Of Ireland, the release was a joint venture between Cara, Sam Lakeman, award-winning producer Robin Bexter (Eric Clapton, Mick Jagger, Paul McCartney, 10cc, The Feeling) and Proper Music Distribution.

Talon - Best Of Eagles

Probably the most popular band ever to take to the Ardhowen Stage, 'Talon' are back with two fabulous concerts on Friday 6th and Saturday 7th November at 8pm. The No. 1 Eagles tribute band in the world stunningly recreates the sounds and music of the legendary Eagles in a wonderful evening of music, five part harmonies and superb staging.

Now in their twelfth year together, Talon is set to bring you their most exciting Eagles music show to date. Featuring all the Eagles classics we grew up with, through the decades, to include material from the long awaited new album which is sure to spawn a list of hits over the coming years. The last time the Eagles released an original album, most musicians on today's Top 40 list weren't even born. The fact that the band could take a 28-year break before releasing their seventh studio album, 'Long Road Out Of Eden', is simply a tribute to how enduring their music is. In what promises to be Talon's biggest and best show ever, Talon have repeatedly year after year, taken their stunning recreation of the complex melodies and superb vocal harmonies of the Eagles to deliver a concert to remember.

Who can ever forget some of the finest songs ever written and recorded, such as 'Take It Easy', 'Desperado', 'Best Of My Love', 'Lyin Eyes', 'Take It To The Limit', 'Life In The Fast Lane', 'New Kid In Town', 'Hotel California', 'Heartache Tonight', 'How Long, 'Long Road Out Of Eden' and many more The hits go on and on. It's a fabulous concert as those who have seen it will testify. If you haven't seen them perform you have an absolute treat in store. If you have, you probably have already booked to see them again.

Other Shows

The Jimmy Buckley country music Show on Thursday 12th November is another popular date on the Autumn calendar, as indeed is William Caulfield's 'A Quare Night's Craic' on Friday November 13th, when this uniquely talented comedian will leave your sides sore from laughing. Phil Coulter is back with a super concert on Saturday 14th November and The Gerry Anderson Christmas Show on Wednesday 18th is also proving popular. The two big seasonal productions, 'The Pirates Of Penzance by Enniskillen Light Operatic and the panto 'Ali Baba' by the Lakeland Players are both booking up very quickly and patrons intending to go to either or both should not delay in securing their seats.

This article appeared in Impartial Reporter 29 Oct 09

Return to the main index, get more from this section or browse our What's On archives.