THE September line-up sets the bar high forxa0Down Arts Centre’s season of music.
Having got off to an energetic start with Irish Rock Night, thexa0tonexa0will change with upcoming performances by two highly acclaimed, much loved musicians.xa0xa0Gráinne Duffyxa0will play songs from her new albumxa0onxa0Friday 21xa0September, andxa0Bap Kennedyxa0will follow suit with songs from his new album onxa0Saturday 22 September.
Guitar player Gráinne Duffy, singer and songwriter, has an intense understanding of the blues,xa0butxa0she also brings a great deal of soul to her music. Her voice and her playing are inspired by the wellsprings of Memphisxa0andxa0Chicago, butxa0Duffyxa0also reflects the rich varieties of the Celtic experience. All of this was revealed in herxa0remarkable first album,xa0Out of the Dark, proof of a talent that was rising at an impressive rate.
Duffy’s new album, Test of Time,xa0shows the singer increasing her use of rock and soul in her songsxa0to enhance the blues sound. Described by Classic Rock Magazine as havingxa0“classic hooks, high cheekbones and a bad-girlxa0voice box”,xa0Gráinne Duffy is loyal to the blues and the blues have returned the love, big style!
Bap Kennedy’s new album, The Sailor’s Revenge,xa0is the outcome of a creative collaboration with Mark Knopfler,xa0best known as the lead guitarist, vocalist, and songwriter for the rock band Dire Straits,xa0and a long-standing fan of Bap’s song writing.xa0 The two musicians worked together closely over a twelve month period to develop a very clear vision for the album.xa0 Not only has Knopfler produced the album, he also plays guitar on 6 of the 11 tracks and contributes some backing vocals.
Bap and the Trio (completed by Gordon McAllister on guitar and Brenda Kennedy on bass and backing vocals) will play tracks from the new album as well as some familiar favourites.
If you love live music why not put a date in your diary forxa0our finalxa0September music event: Rath Celtair Folk Music Club present the legendary Tommy Sands on Friday 28 September.
To purchase tickets (Gráinne Duffyxa0£10 / £8; Bap Kennedy £8 / £6; Tommy Sands £10 / £8) and for further informationxa0on anyxa0ofxa0Down Arts Centrexa0events,xa0please contact the boxxa0office on 028 4461 0747.
The complete Down Arts Centrexa0Season Programme is availablexa0to downloadxa0atxa0www.downartscentre.com
