11th ANNIVERSARY -
FESTIVAL ARTISTS 2009
5 DAYS OF BLISTERING BLUES
90 EVENTS - 42 PERFORMERS!
GRÁINNE DUFFY BAND
Ireland
Headlining this year’s festival on board the Tall Ship Atlantis, Grainne Duffy is the only thing guaranteed to rock this boat! With knockout musical talent, which has captivated concertgoers throughout the UK and Ireland, she is now one of Ireland’s famous musical exports. 2008 and 2009 have been amazing years for Grainne as she headlined gigs at Glastonbury and in the beautifully restored Ulster Hall. Grainne has truly announced her arrival to the leading festival circuits. With excellent reviews in the leading music journals of her current debut album ‘Out of the dark’, seeing Grainne perform live takes you to a whole different place. Soon to release a 2nd sell-out Album, don’t miss this unique opportunity to see stunning Grainne Duffy in the amazing surroundings of the Carlingford Lough Delta
(Tall Ship Blues Cruise: 2 shows on Saturday 23rd May)
NEW ARRIVALS
MIRENDA ROSENBERG BAND
WASHINGTON DC
Mirenda Rosenberg, a powerhouse singer from Washington DC. By the age of four years old, she was singing gospel solos in her church, and by the age of fourteen, she was singing in venues throughout the United States with the Maranatha Touring Choir. Mirenda is fast becoming a national musical sensation. She now spends her nights performing in her trademark sexy and vivacious style. Her influences of jazz, blues funk and soul are reflected in the bands exciting repertoire that includes songs by Billie Holiday and Tom Waits in addition to their original material.
http://www.myspace.com/themirendarosenbergband
THE SWINGIN’ BLUECATS
Ireland
The band is firmly focused on delivering the finest in Jump, Jive & Swing. To date the band has played many prestigious events and venues such as The Guinness Jazz Festival, The Phoenix Festival, The Carlsberg Rhythm & Roots Festival, Blackstairs Blues Festival, The Sugar Club, The Button Factory, The Can Can Casino, Taste Of Cork, Taste Of Dublin, Boutique Burlesque, Moulin Rouge Christmas Special, The Firkin Crane and The Masquerade Ball. Each number in the set has been professionally arranged and scored for the band.
CARA ROBINSON & ‘THE BAD HABITS’
N.Ireland
Cara Robinson & her new band; THE BAD HABITS are three stellar music talents in bare feet or six-inch heels with some big girls’ blues to share. A seasoned performer, band leader Cara has built up a loyal fan base around Ireland with her soulful, sensuous voice, showcased widely in the past year with the promotion of her album, Keeper Lit. A gifted flautist with a love for the Cuban box drum and washboard and a knack for charming and disarming with her onstage antics, wherever Cara goes there’s a show. Cara has collaborated with Corinne Bailey Rae, Riki Ross, David Holmes and LTJ Bukem. www.myspace.com/caravox
NATTY WAILER
Jamaica
His music and message within it transcend the feelings and aspirations of all people. With his own band "The Reggae Vibes", he has recorded a CD album entitled "LIFTED" that will, he hopes, reflect his purpose, and that is to present the Reggae music and its message to the world's audience. This indigenous music known as Reggae has the ability to bring all cultures and people together in a common way. Look out for his new upcoming album - very soon to be released "Destiny", born to be free!
http://www.myspace.com/nattywailermusic
JACKIE FLAVELLE & ROD DEMICK
N.IRELAND
Featuring Northern Ireland's 'Mr Blues', Jackie has helped to ensure the Northern Ireland blues scene has been nurtured and evolved. Joining Jackie will be ex.’ Wheels’ front man Rod Demick.
Rod has been touring recently both as a solo artist promoting his latest album ‘Blues and Dues and still on tours with Paul Lamb and the King Snakes. Rod is a great rack harp player and has a guitar style reminiscent of old days in Clarksdale. This new duo will definitely be packing the Bay Blues Pub Trail over the festival weekend.
REALLY RUBBISH ORCHESTRA SLIDE GUITAR QUARTET
N.Ireland
Adding a new and exciting dimension to the festival, this is an environmentally friendly open mike slide guitar festival workshop. This will be a platform for spontaneous improvised music featuring low cost / no cost musical instruments made from everyday waste materials. It is open to all ages and abilities and an afternoon of fun in the town park is guaranteed. This very interactive session and great craic for festival fans and families.
The really rubbish orchestra is the community music outreach programme of not-for-profit environmental designer/artists. – Sponsored by WBR Credit Union.
LUDWIG & BUSH RADIO
N.Ireland
At the tender age of 6, Davy O'Neill wasn't allowed to play with his older brother’s guitar, so he stole moments with it when he could, adding the craft of guitar to his growing passion for the harmonica. In earlier times, they'd have said this was a child ‘kissed by the muses’. Ludwig (with Bush Radio) has played the local music scene for the last 15 years in various bands, with some measure of success, the most notable of these outfits being The Bush Turkeys in the early to mid nineties.
THE JACKSON ROX ‘MONDAY CLUB’ SESSION
N.Ireland
Although they are the new kids on the block as far as this program is concerned, Paul and Martina have been hosting an annual acoustic blues session. This has grown from strength to strength each year on ‘Festival Monday’. These guys represent the true sprit of the Blues on the Bay festival. Join in the festival fun for this ‘no plugs attached’ session.
THE PONTIAX BLUES BAND
N.Ireland
Hailing from the North Down Delta, The Pontiax play their brand of Chicago Blues with an amazing authenticity. Hosts of the hugely popular Bangor Blues Jam, Ciaran Gorman (guitar/vocals), Matt Martin(keys), Laurence Duggan(bass) and Hal Gordon(drums) do exactly what it says on the tin. Ciaran's guitar playing is heavily influenced by Buddy Guy and Albert King.The Pontiax are a must see at this years' Bay Blues Festival"
http://www.myspace.com/thepontiaxbluesband
MARIA FLYNN TRIO
N.Ireland
Making a debut appearance this year Maria Flynn accompanied by Dermot McQuaid and Jim Uprichard shall captivate you with this most enjoyable blend of eclectic blend of blues and easy listening jazz. They have shared line-ups with well known names like, Brian Kennedy, Mary Black, The Dubliners and many more and between them they have over 50 years experience within the music business. Individually, each of the trio are outstanding performers in their own right. Promises to be a cool n easy Sunday evening groove.
THE SOUTH ULSTER YOUTH BAND ECLECTIC COLLECTIVE
N.Ireland
Lead by Darren Canmore, this band consists of the cream of Northern Ireland musicianship.
Creating a platform for young musicians, the Southern Board showcase their students throughout Irelands finest concert halls and theatres. The Band is excited and are looking forward to presenting their music in the beautiful Victorian Park in Warrenpoint. The band is also hoping to raise much-needed funds in order to maintain the excellence, which they deliver with every magnificent performance. Their set list is very contemporary and, yes they do know how to rock!
ANNUAL FESTIVAL FAVOURITES
THE PAT McMANUS BAND
Ireland
Pat McManus is no stranger to the blues music fraternity. Fans of Pat’s are already familiar with the host of classic albums both with Mama’s boys and with his many other projects including his ‘Hi-Voltage’ Band. Get along to his gigs this festival weekend to hear Pat rock out hits from his latest album ‘In my own time’. Pat will be filling the big room with gutsy attitude and breath taking guitar licks, the stuff that even ‘Rory’ would be proud of. Excellent!
ROBIN BIBI BAND
England
Robin Bibi is one of the UK’s top blues/rock guitarists and having paid his dues working with such names as Robert Plant, Jimmy Page, Ben.E.King, The Pretty Things and Helen Shapiro, launched the Robin Bibi Band in 1996. The Band’s debut album ‘Blue Thrash Therapy’ was released a year later and quickly sold out leading to a recent re-release. Five albums on, Robin’s acoustic album ‘Fast Life Songs’ has also received critical acclaim. Blues, funk, soul, rock, reggae and jazz are all rolled together in The Robin Bibi Band's own feel-good concoction.
http://www.robinbibiband.co.uk/
RAB MCCULLOUGH
N.IRELAND
Rab is an outstanding and highly acclaimed international performer. Rab’s personal brand of blues quickly projected him onto the main stage performing alongside Rory Gallagher, Gary Moore, John Mayall and Jimi Hendrix. Don’t miss ‘Cool hand’ as he drives this fiery blues message right through Chicago’s South-side! Don’t miss his afternoon acoustic session with Belfast’s finest; Gordon McAllister.
PAUL SHERRY BAND
Ireland
Guitarist and vocalist Paul Sherry has just recorded his debut album ‘To The Bitter End’. The album is an in your face blues rock album which from start to finish consists of fine guitar solos with rust and dust sounding vocals backed by a driving rhythm section of drum and bass. Paul’s stage show will be nothing short of breathtaking. Paul shall also be rockin it out on the Guinness Blues Cruises on ‘Festival Saturday’. Definitely a festival favourite :) Float our blues boat Paul!
MIKE WHELLANS
Scotland
‘The One Man Blues Band’, Mike Whellans is an astounding guitar picker and amazing harp player too. You've just got to see and hear his vocal percussion. Added to this; he sings, is a drummer of no slight talent, writes songs, seems to have boundless energy, and you've got a great entertainment in prospect with the most dynamic one-man blues band any side of the Forth delta.
HAT FITZ
Australia
Scoring a festival Hat trick, the hard hittin blues stompers are back up from down under!
The essence of every Hat Fitz performance is control of mayhem. A single metal bodied resonator guitar hammers out modern tributes to masters long gone, all the while driven along relentlessly by the thunderous drumming ridin shotgun. This is a loud, feral stomp down a Queensland dirt road! Fitzy's manic blues, bare feet, big beard and passion for the blues has won him a legion of fans.
THE DEANS
Ireland
It is not only the audiences who have been wooed by The Deans, Thin Lizzy producer Kit Woolven and Pink Floyd legend David Gilmour turned up to see the band play. They were so impressed Woolven immediately offered to work with The Deans. Subsequently, four of Ireland’s biggest guitar and rock legends recorded sessions and played live with the band and instantly spotted the unmistakable genius that will almost certainly catapult them to global acclaim.
THE BLUEZ KATZ
N.Ireland
‘The Katz’ have taken classics by the blues Grand Daddies such as Muddy Waters, Sonny Boy Williamson and Slim Harpo and turned them around to face the ‘Nu Blues’/Rockabilly vibes. They have Van Morrison, Peter Green, Paul Jones, The Yardbirds, Robben Ford, Big Jack Johnson and Otis Grand, Appearances include Budapest harmonica festival, Buskfest, Cork and the Derry Jazz & Big Band Festival. So get down and shake your booty when Ian Sands and the boys (Neil, Buddy, Joe, Jarley & James) perform on the Tall Ship Atlantis Blues Cruise on the Sunday Evening.
BEN PREVO BAND
USA
Warrenpoint welcomes back Ben and his rockin blues powerhouse trio as they host the now famous festival ‘Blues Jam’ on Festival Sunday. Their flight case is packed full of hot n cool blues vibes. Twisting tones on a fender telecaster, his repertoire consists of a mix of covers and original tunes and songs. He has performed with such legends as Jaco Pastorius, Brian Downey and Pee Wee Ellis
REV.
DOC AND THE CONGREGATION
Scotland
Now considered an honorary citizen of Warrenpoint, The Reverend is a one-off blues original both in terms of musicianship and presence. The Rev and Co. who will be bringing their Glasgow ‘blues mission’ to town will no doubt be converting new members to his flock over the festival weekend. Those who heard Rev Doc and the Congregation, talk about their vitality, their uncompromising toughness and creative compositions. An original performer, the Rev. Doc!
CROWBAR BLUES BAND
N.Ireland
Crowbar Blues strive to recreate the dirty blues sound of such acts like ZZ Top, Rory Gallagher, Stevie Ray Vaughan and Jonny Winters. Their latest EP "Trouble set to music" it has been well received by hot press magazine with a quote from Jackie Haden "they do exactly what you would expect only far more subtlety than established Irish blues combo's". A new album is will be released at this years blues festival – autographs are free!
ANDY WHITTAKER & the SOUL BAND
N.IRELAND
Now an anniversary gig in its own right, this 6-piece soul band covers a wide range of material from Soul and Acid Jazz, to Seventies Rock and Chicago Blues. The band includes Andy Whittaker (Lead vocals) complete with the big blues brass. This late afternoon show in the Duke necessitates early attendance – if you want to get a seat! (Then again, just walk in a dance).
This is the ‘I feel good’ sound that’s sure gonna lay down that boogie. Play that funky music!
RONNIE GREER Band & ERROL WALSH BLUES DUO
N.IRELAND
Expect the usual searing, soulful blues guitar style from Ronnie, perfectly complimented by Errol's tastefully grizzled vocals and cleverly constructed songs, very much in the blues/roots tradition. Ronnie shall also be delivering Chicago blues club style songs along with his electric band (Colum Fitzpatrick and Alan Nibloc – Guest appearance by Linley Hamilton). With influences ranging from Robben Ford to Albert and Freddie King, be enthralled by the delivery of this blues revue!
BACK
BONE BLUES BAND
N.IRELAND
Featuring Newry’s finest, these boys are back in town to deliver another highly entertaining rhythm and blues show. With influences from Mike Henderson, Roy Rogers, Van Morrison and Muddy Waters, there will be an exciting blend of classic and traditional Blues. The band includes Raymond McEvoy (L.voc. / Harp), Gareth Hughes (L.Guit.), Karl Hughes (Drums), and Richie McEvoy (Bass). A true dedication to the spirit of Chicago. Also look out for their acoustic set
COLD PORTER
N.IRELAND
Cold Porter have become a regular feature of the blues .Their set is influenced by everything from Sinatra and Aretha Franklin to Stevie Wonder and Tina Turner. Featuring Elish McCaffrey (Vocals), Pete Benson (Keys, Trumpet & Voc.), Mickey Murphy (Guitar & Voc.), Kenny Graham (Bass), Jarly Mulholland (Sax) and Sean Fegan (Drums & Voc.).
www.myspace.com/coldporter
THE RED HOT ROOSTERS
N.IRELAND
Rock n’ roll is the name of the game for this raunchy high-octane trio.
Formed in 1997 and featuring Davy Bates (drums), Ray Zor Van Haller (Bass) and Robert ‘Chicken’ Little (Guitar/vocals), the energy of this band thrives and feeds from an audience who are eventually left wet and worn out! From Eddy Cochran, Gene Vincent and Carl Perkins through to Elvis and Jerry Lee, do miss out on this leather lustre performance – C’mon everybody!
BEN REEL
Ben makes regular TV appearances and has supported Jools Holland, and The Cranberries'. Get down to the Copper Restaurant in Warrenpoint on Festival Thursday
to hear one of Ireland’s finest song masters
MARK BRAIDNER
N.Ireland
Featuring the finest in Blues with a bit of the 'Brother where art thou' feel to it, this is the rootsy blues outfit who stopped at the 'crossroads' and had no need to go any further. Another real-deal which features Doboro, guitar and harmonica. Join ‘Malted’ Mark Braidner and friends for some honest blues melodies. Mark will also feature on the Monday night Guinness Tall Ship Blues Cruise.
http://www.myspace.com/maltedmark
JAVA SHRINE
N. Ireland
They play a wide range of musical instruments, from guitars and mandolins, to brass and piano. They put their five part vocal harmonies to great use in order to set themselves apart from other acts and to produce that "Java Shrine" sound. An annual bay blues favourite.
DEVIL STONE BLUES BAND
N.Ireland
With influences ranging from Joe Bonamassa, Rory Gallagher, BB King, Buddy Guy and Gary Moore; Band members: Neil Cole (vocals), Keith Doran (guitar), Adrian Curran (guitar), Cairan Sherry (bass) and Mark Dinsmore (drums) all form together in a perfect mix to deliver a hot blues set.
www.myspace.com/devilstoneblues
MIKE WILGAR BAND
N.Ireland
Making their Festival debut, Mike Wilgar and his band will be setting out an energetic blues show down at Shenanigans on Fest Sunday. With beltin blues harp, Mike is joined by blues guitarist ‘DT’ (Davy Turley), Bassist Kev Brainnigan and ‘Skip’ Crawford on drums. Check out these bluesmen and see what they’re cookin!
www.myspace.com/mikewilgarblues
GP3
N.Ireland
GP3 is a 3 piece R n B, Blues, and Rock Band, formed in 2007.The band comprises Gary Price on lead guitar and vocals, Kieran Sherry on bass and vocals, and Declan Price on drums and percussion. The band includes the blue magic of BB King, Clapton, Hendrix, Rory Gallagher, with modern blues added to spice the mix.
St.PETER’S BRASS BAND
N.Ireland
Lead by Adrian Benson, the band has embraced our festival in a true creative spirit to make a showcase outdoor performance. They will be delivering a blues, jazz and soul set which breaks new boundaries in the world of brass band music. Bring your picnic blanket, stretch out and relax at this wonderful blues feast held in the heart of Warrenpoint.
Watch this page for more updates :
Hope you will enjoy this unique Blues Experience!
Wishing you a very enjoyable festival
With complements ;
Ian Sands :
Events Co Ordinator
Bay Blues Project
www.bluesonthebay.com for festival program updates and information.