ROCK ‘n’ roll blues group, The Bootlegs Band, will kick off their Ireland and UK tour with a performance at Mahon’s Hotel, Irvinestown, on September 8.

When Gail Turner and Chris Exner moved to Hong Kong three years ago, they put together The Bootleg Band -- a lively five piece rock ’n’ roll band with members from Hong Kong, Ireland, England, the Philippines and New York.

The band plays some music that was originally created some 50 years ago. The enjoyment and energy from those listening, are proof that a well played, good quality song holds it’s own; no matter how much time has passed.

There are songs from the 40’s by Willie Dixon, Jimmy Reed, and Elmore James.

The 50’s era has offerings from Elvis, Fats Domino and Chuck Berry.

Tunes from the 60’s come form The Beatles, The Rolling Stones and The Everly Brothers, and well known numbers from The 70’s written by The Eagles, CCR. and Bowie, are played. Mississippi Delta Blues, to the rock ‘n’ roll revolution and then the domination of the British and Irish influence on music are all mixed together in a delightful hotpot of sound that people reminisce to, and then throw off any self consciousness and have a dance to a song they surprisingly know all the words to.

The Bootleg Band has opened for Chris Barron from The Spin Doctors and for Bobby Taylor of Motown fame.

Their playlist is unifying, contemporary and relevant.

Music kicks off around 10pm in Mahon’s on September 8.