If blues, rock, folk and roots are part of your musical diet, then a season of live music lined up by JonnoPromotions should prove a feast. Over the last few years, Jonno Gollow, a key player in the Laxey Blues Festival, has established his pedigree as a promoter by bringing ‘musicians’ musicians’ to the Island, among them Jon Gomm, Clive Carroll, PJ Wright and Albert Lee. Last year also saw the inaugural Guitarfest, which drew many more great acts together under one banner.
Now, he is set to redouble his success with a packed schedule of live music from March to September...
Rev Hammer and The Ballaghs
Contemporary folk legend, tireless tourer and sometime cohort of The Levellers, Rev Hammer (pictured) visited the Isle of Man fifteen years ago and subsequently recorded a track called ‘Ellan Vannin’. His live shows have been described as “a heady brew of magnificent songwriting, surreal storytelling and outrageous humour”. For this gig, he will be ably supported by local folk-rockers The Ballaghs.
When: Sunday 29th March
Where: South Douglas Old Friends’ Association, Finch Road, Douglas
How: Tickets ?12.00
Jeff Lang and Grant Cummerford
A return visit to the Isle of Man for Australian roots songwriter Lang, as part of his ‘Half Seas Over’ tour. Dry and darkly humorous, Lang last visited the Island in August 2008, where he held the Villa Marina audience spellbound. Local support from Clara Barker and dazzling collective Rhysical Pheck.
When: Saturday 23rd May
Where: Centenary Centre, Atholl Street, Peel
How: Tickets ?14.00
The Steve Gibbons Band – TT Tour 2009
On his first TT tour since 2005, stalwart rocker Gibbons will be joined by his full band: Phil Bond, John Caswell, Howard Gregory and Howard Smith. This is Gibbons ‘up close and personal’, with a series of intimate gigs around the Island.
Where and When: South Douglas Old Friends’ Association (June 4th, 7th and 11th)), Riverside Pavilion, Laxey (June 5th and 9th), Centenary Centre, Peel (June 6th and 10th).
How: Tickets ?15.00
The Gathering
As the name suggests, The Gathering is a unique coming-together of world-class folk-rock musicians, comprising current and former members of Pentangle, The Albion Band, Jethro Tull, Lindisfarne, Steeleye Span and Fairport Convention. With special guest vocalist Kristina Donahue (who performed with Robert Plant at Cropredy 2008), this will be a night to remember. Support from the unmissable folk/roots powerhouse Derrin Nauendorf (his third visit to the Island) and local duo Strengyn (Paul Rogers and Matt Kelly).
When: Saturday June 27th
Where: Gaiety Theatre
How: Tickets ?22.00 (concessions ?18.00), with early bird prices (?20.00 and ?16.00) available before 15th May. Group tickets also available.
Guitarfest 2009 – ‘Classic Bikes – Classic Music’ – September 3rd – 6th
Full details of the festival, in association with Manx Radio, are to be confirmed but the headliners and support acts have been confirmed as follows:
Thursday 3rd:
Blues-rock night with Angelo Palladino & The Skeleton Crew, plus Walter Ego
Friday September 4th:
Modern classical guitar recital by Gary Ryan, with support from Pete Smith and Roger Inniss (jazz/folk/roots)
Saturday 5th:
World, folk and contemporary acoustic guitar from Gordon Giltrap and Pierre Bensusan, supported by solo instrumentalist Michael Berk.
Sunday 6th:
Acoustic and slide guitar from Rod Clements, with world musician Amrit Sond supporting.
Visit the JonnoPromotions website for more information and keep an eye on the isleofman.com events calendar for more details as they come.
