Lisa Hannigan

We here at Moondance are so happy to have Lisa and her band at this years festival . Since the release of her first album, " Sea Sew", Lisa has been nominated for both the Choice Music Prize and for Meteor Best Irish Female and Meteor Best Irish Album. Lisa has recorded with the Frames, Mic Christopher and the legendary Herbie Hancock. A chance meeting with singer songwriter Damien Rice led to a period of collaboration and development that lasted seven years. Recently, Lisa has performed on Jools Holland, The Jay Leno Show and Stephen Colbert Report .

web links:
lisahannigan.ie
myspace.com/lisahannigan

video links:
I Don't Know
Lille

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Jerry Fish & the Mudbug Club was put together in 2002 by Jerry Whelan with a new style and musical presence. Jerry describes their music as swampadelic and smoozhy with it being noted for its use of brass instruments and jazzy style. Jerry Fish and gang cite Tom Waits, Dean Martin, Dr.John, Jacques Brel, Mink DeVille, and Ray Charles as some of their bigger influences, and this certainly comes across in their wondrous melodies. They released one album in 2002, 'Be Yourself' which included guests such as Mundy and Damien Rice, and was described as 'genius' by music magazines. They went on to win a Meteor Irish Music Award for Best Country/Roots Artist. They were also nominated for Album of the Year. Their new album 'The Beautiful Untrue' (2009) is the first he has released in five years and was Recorded by Dick Meaney (The Jesus & Mary Chain, My Bloody Valentine) and Mixed by Phil Hayes ( The Cake Sale, Bell X1). 'The Beautiful Untrue is one of those records that raises the cool in the room without breaking a sweat.' (Peter Murphy, Hot Press, Vol:33 Issue 7). It's hard to believe that Jerry Fish and the Mudbug Club have only been together since 2002 - their musical presence and professionalism suggests that they've been together for many more.

web links:
jerry-fish.com
myspace.com/themudbugclub

video links:
Back to Before
True Friends

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Jape are an Irish electronic-rock band from Dublin. Formed as a side project by Richie Egan whilst part of The Redneck Manifesto, they have released three albums to date; Cosmosphere (2003), The Monkeys in the Zoo Have More Fun Than Me (2004) and Ritual (2008). Jape's wider discography includes the EP, Jape is Grape (2007), as well as a number of singles, including "Floating" and "Phil Lynott". The band have performed at festivals and events such as Glastonbury, Electric Picnic, Lovebox and Hard Working Class Heroes and provided support for The Flaming Lips at Belsonic in Belfast in August 2008.

web links:
myspace.com/richiejape

video links:
Floating

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Kila

Celtic pop group Kila formed in Dublin in 1987, originally comprised of vocalist/bodhrán player Rónán Ó Snodaigh, his multi-instrumentalist brother Rossa, and uilleann piper Eoin Dillon. The schoolmates soon welcomed another Ó Snodaigh sibling, flutist Colm, and began busking throughout the Dublin area; a series of other members passed through Kila's ranks before the lineup finally solidified with the additions of fiddler Dee Armstrong, guitarist Lance Hogan, and his bassist brother, Brian. Debuting with Mind the Gap, the group returned in 1998 with Tóg É Go Bog É. Lemonade & Buns followed two years later. In 2001, the group released Monkey!, a collection of songs composed for a musical stage production based on a 16th century Chinese folk tale. It was followed by Luna Park (2003), Live in Dublin (2004), and the EP Tiománaí in 2005.

Village Voice November - 2003
"These Irish upstarts smash the concept that traditional Celtic music is not to be tampered with -- they fused techno, Afrobeat, and electric guitars to it." Perfect Band for the Mask Ball.

website links:
kila.ie

video links:
Glanfaidh Mé
Tog go Bog é

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A native of Galway, Noelie's debut self-titled album, released in Feb 2006 has slowly but surely been gaining him attention all over the world. With his powerful vocals and passionate lyrics, Noelie McDonnell has the ability to take the listener to a magical place. His rapport with his audiences is one that is immediately inviting and always memorable. So it is not surprising the McDonnell fans are quickly increasing in number and dedication!

2007 saw him go from the highlands of Scotland to Italy, America and Spain as well as continuing to delight audiences on a regular basis in the west of Ireland. At the beginning of 2008 he began work recording his second album "Beyond Hard Places". 'Nearly Four' was a great success of that album and reached the hearts of many throughout Ireland and abroad.   Armed with a whole family of new material and with gaining interest in his work, the coming year is set to be a good one for Irish song writing's best kept secret.

"McDonnell is a natural at crafting catchy folk-rock songs with stories that linger as long as the hooks"
Cape Cod Times

web links:
noeliemcdonnell.com
myspace.com/noeliemcdonnell

video links:
Nearly Four
The Big Release

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Máirtín O'Connor and Band

Since about 2001 the current line up of the Máirtín O'Connor band has been steadily evolving into a cohesive musical entity. Along with Cathal Hayden and Seamie O'Dowd, the three musicians have built a formidable musical relationship over the last few years gigging together frequently as well as collaborating in the studio. The catalyst for this was Máirtín when he invited the others to play on his ground-breaking 'Road West' album and again later on the 'Rain of Light' album, much of which went down live such was the musical and personal rapport that had developed between them. Their new album, 'Crossroads' has been doing extremely well, as has their nationwide tour.

Máirtín O'Connor has played with many traditional music groups including, Midnight Well, De Dannan, The Boys of the Lough, and Skylark. Joining Mairtin, Cathal and Seamie at Moondance this year on percussion is Jimmy Higgins, with special guest Don Stiffe

web links:
myspace.com/mairtinoconnorband

video links:
Trip to Inishturk, Cregg's Pipes
Live in Killarney

Mary McPartlan

Mary McPartlan is one of the most talented singers to come out of the Irish scene in recent years. Born in Drumkeeran, Co. Leitrim and now living in Galway, she started singing in the early 70s but it wasn't until 2003 that she decided to make music her full time career.

She has been working for the last 12 years in the arts and entertainment industry, having been producer and director of many music and theatre projects. She developed the concept of the TG4 National Traditional Music Awards, and was co-producer of the award-winning music series FLOSC, also for TG4. She is founding member and the producer of the Galway-based theatre company Skehana. Mary, however, didn't come out of the shadows until January 2004 when she released the critically acclaimed album The Holland Handkerchief, which she followed with her equally highly acclaimed Petticoat Loose album in 2008.

Mary's album, The Holland Handkerchief was an eagerly awaited album and did not disappoint. The reviews were a tribute to the amount of work put into the making of the album.

web links:
marymcpartlan.com

video links:
Lovely Johnny
Rainy night in Soho

Over the past three years Mick Lynch and Kevin May of pop/folk act The Guggenheim Grotto have touched U.S. and U.K. audiences in a way the duo couldn't have imagined. From setting out as Dublin songwriter circuit regulars to building a devoted cult following in the U.S. with warm embraces from media and competitive iTunes charting, the band has captivated audiences and tastemakers on both sides of the pond with its mix of poetic, often literature-inspired lyrics set to timeless, soaring pop melodies. The band's debut album, ...Waltzing Alone, was self-released to immediate critical acclaim in Ireland on September 9, 2005, and its first promotional single "Told You So" rapidly became a firm favorite on Irish airwaves, reaching No. 12 on the Irish National Airplay Chart. In America, awareness of the band began to rise thanks to the support of DJs like David Dye at WXPN, Kate Bradley on XM50's The Loft and Nic Harcourt at KCRW, and in March 2006 the band traveled to Austin to perform a brace of gigs at SxSW. TGG released ...Waltzing Alone in the U.S. on United For Opportunity on September 26, 2006, and in November of that year embarked on its first U.S. national tour. Their latest album hits stores January 27, 2009 supported by a national tour.

web links:
guggenheimgrotto.com

video links:
Philosophia

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Emmett Scanlon and What the Good Thought

Emmet Scanlan & What the Good Thought are an Independent music act whose music veers away from the usual yet is embraced by the majority of those who hear it.

It was across the bar counter of Galways Tig Neactain that Emmet gathered his diverse line-up. He was and still is working there and the folk that are now make up 'What the Good Thought' frequented the spot from time to time. The band are all from different countries and the instrumentation is a tad unusual, but it seems to do the trick.

website links:
emmetscanlan.com
myspace.com/emmetscanlan

video links:
Under the Weather

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The Brad Pitt Light Orchestra

Practically all hailing from Limerick - save one token Galwegian - The Brad Pitt Light Orchestra's music is a blend of warm vocal harmonies, classy instrumentation and ear-catching melodies that is desperately hard to categorise yet strangely easy to love.

Originally a group of college friends who parted ways due to emigration and the like, the band reformed when two members - Ann and David Blake featured on Ray D'Arcy's album "Even Better Than The Real Thing Volume 2" with a haunting version of Hole in The Head by the Sugababes.

They have since produced two successful EPs, 'Fireside Chat' and 'Small Contradictions' and have enjoyed radio airplay from Ryan Tubridy on Radio 1, Ray D'Arcy, Tom Dunne, Alison Curtis, Paul McLoone and Dave Couse on Today FM, The Blue of the Night on Lyric FM and Hot Press journalist's Alan Jacques's show Green and Live on Limerick's Live 95FM.

website links:
bplo.org
myspace.com/bplo

video links:
Talking to Yourself

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Joe Fury & The Hayride

Joe Fury & The Hayride are based on the Galway-Mayo border. The Hayride are a high energy live performance band who play a combination of styles that range from Rockabilly, Swamp, Blues, Bluegrass and Vintage Country.

Joe Fury, originally from the south of England, was born to Irish parents and moved to the West of Ireland in 2002. He would be no stranger to the stage, performing in front of live audiences since the age of 7, with appearances on international TV, open air festivals, theatre and even circus. Since his move to Ireland he has dedicated his time to creating "The Hayride", pulling together musicians from variuos eclectic backgrounds; Waterfords legendary Guitarist "Eddie Walsh", ex-Saw Doctor, Pearse Doherty on the "Big Bass Fiddle", New Zealand's, Geoffry Ward playing mandolin and sax, from the USA, and on drums, Jamie O'Neill.

website links:
myspace.com/joefuryandthehayride

video links:
Blue Moon of Kentucky

No Banjo

No Banjo are a five piece based in Galway City. They are heavily influenced by old blues, swing, bluegrass, rock n' roll, soul, gospel, jazz, and Zydeco. In their own words, it's 'mostly traditional music with a dirty feel'.

website links:
myspace.com/nobanjo

video links:
Live at the King's Head Pub in Galway

The Rye

The Rye are an extraordinary five-piece from the West Coast of Ireland. They present one of the freshest and most exciting approaches to Irish Music heard in recent times. Imagine The Pogues meeting Tom Waits in 2008. Mike Farragher of the Irish Voice puts it thus: "The Rye play, in their words, 'savage driven ceoil.' They throw together modern rock melodies into a stew of expert traditional playing, turn-on-a-dime chops rarely seen outside a lower Manhattan jazz club, and an irreverence that ties the whole package together in a rowdy, exuberant bow!" (Irish Voice, April 07) A gig with The Rye is high-spirited, full-blown entertainment. "Not only does the band have that really fantastic ability to make even a stone statue tap its feet, they also have this amazing stage energy and presence that makes it difficult to turn away once they start performing...this band has talent dripping from their ears. They are each fantastic at what they do, and most importantly, they seem to enjoy that fact.(John O'Hara, The Galway Music Scene Review) Some highlights of The Rye's busy gigging schedule-over one hundred in 2007-include The Life Festival, support slots to Mary Coughlan, Delorentos, The Pale, two Germany Tours, including an open air gig for the St. Patrick's Day Celebrations in Munich with an audience of some fifteen thousand and headlining NCAD's Oxjam and Christmas Ball.

website links:
myspace.com/theryeband

Youtube Links:
Hurt

Big Bag of Sticks

Big Bag of Sticks formed in the 1990 when they met in Galway. The bands members are Irish, English and Scottish, with varying musical influences. Although based on a traditional style, they are a hard band to pin down to one genre. They may be loosely described as a folk, rock, reggae band but other genres can also be found in their music.

With four part vocal harmonies, instrumental harmonies between fiddle and mandolin/electric guitar, the driving rhythm between the acoustic guitar, bass guitar and drums, they really know how to capture the attention of an audience. There is never an empty dance floor when Big Bag of Sticks play!

website links:
myspace.com/bigbagofsticks
Big Bag of Sticks on Facebook

The Timbertramps

If you're looking for some foot-stompin', finger-lickin', good-time music, then look no further than The Timbertramps!

Originating from a humble three-piece band busking on the streets of Galway, the Timbertramps have grown in both size and reputation. It is the combination of an eclectic mix of instrumentation, including fiddle, banjo, bouzouki, saxophone, mandolin, and tea-chest bass, alongside the presence of three diverse and soaring vocalists, that gives the Timbertramps their distinctive high-octane sound. They cheekily saunter across genre lines and explore musical boundaries with gusto...from folk to pop, blues to country, reggae to rock, dishwater to disco...all underscored with a pulsating rhythm that is infectious and uplifting.

website links:
myspace.com/thetimbertramps

Galway Gospel Choir

The Galway Gospel Choir is composed of at least 60 vocalists of varying occupation and background from in and around Galway, Ireland. The choir was formed in 2001 and has slowly grown to be recognized in Ireland and soon... the rest of the world.

Their Mission Statement says, 'To bring people together of different ages and cultures from Galway city and it's environs, through the medium of novel music and to allow people the opportunity to express themselves creatively in a warm and welcoming environement.

website links:
galwaygospelchoir.com

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Stephen James

Stephen James comes originally from Sligo and now lives in Galway where he has been playing in the local clubs for the last 6 months. During this time Stephen has quickly made a name for himself as an exceptionally gifted singer songwriter. His style is influenced by Van Morrison, Bob Dylan, Bob Marley, and Creedence Clearwater Revival. Stephen's performances should not be missed as his voice and lyrics will touch you in a way that few artists can.

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The Cubists

website links:
myspace.com/thecubistsgalway

The Coonics

The Coonics, whose music has been described as "devotional, inspirational and a small biteen naughty", are a new four-piece band from Tuam. Since their first gigs in August 2008 the band have continued to play around the West of Ireland and have gathered a loyal following along the way. A demo track of their song Skinny Jeans, which was uploaded onto their myspace went on to receive extensive airplay on local radio station i102-104 and February of this year saw them play support to The Sawdoctors on their Irish Colleges Tour. Summer 09 brings with it exciting times for The Coonics as they prepare to release their debut E.P. and gig around the country.

website links:
myspace.com/thecoonics

The Ralphs

The Ralphs are relatively new to the music scene but have already notched up an impressive run of gigs and are making a name for themselves in the West since forming in November 2008. From the music rich town of Tuam, Co.Galway, they are born out of the ashes of lead singer Jamie Ralph's solo project, 'Pogo Jamie'. He is now joined by brother Leigh on drums, and their cousin Conor on lead guitar. The recruitment of best friend Brian Ruane on bass has completed a foursome intent on writing energetic and catchy folk-pop songs. 'The Bus Song', which chronicles the ups and downs of trip on a Bus Eireann bus has received extensive airplay on i102104 radio, while they are set to release a full single at the end of the Summer. They're song 'Electricity' has also been labelled 'infectious' by the Connacht Tribune. The Ralphs have shared the stage the likes of Noelie McDonnell, Disconnect4, Funeral Suits, The Gandhis, and ex-Revs frontman Rory since their incarnation. With slots at the Galway Arts Festival, Tuam Arts Festival, Donegal Town Festival and Clifden Arts Week under their belt, the future looks bright for these four resiliant young men from Shamtown.

website links:
myspace.com/theralphsmusic

Keith Mullins

Mullins has been playing and writing songs since he was 16 years old after winning his first guitar in a raffle. He's come a long way since. His first release came in the form of "At Evensong", an album recorded with his then band Pier Nineteen. The album received much critical acclaim and the band played many high profile shows with such artists as Bell x1, Duke Special & The Stunning to name a few. He then took some time out from the band to complete a Masters in Music Technology at the University of Limerick. This allowed him to explore different styles of writing and is where he wrote most of the songs on the record.

website links:
keithmullinsmusic.com
myspace.com/keithmullinsmusic

Identity Parade

Identity Parade, the exciting Dublin five-piece, present an infectious blend of indie rock - powerful, upbeat and energetic music, creating a new refreshing sound and vibe. They came together in 2006 and spent two years playing building a strong reputation with their invigorating live performances; (playing alongside Republic Of Loose, The Coronas and The Blizzards to name a few, in Whelan's, The Button Factory, Vicar Street as well as Liverpool's Cavern Club.

In 2008 Identity Parade were ready to record and took to the studio where they spent most of the year recording their debut album which will be released late 2009. The album was produced by John Turps and mixed by Liam Mulvaney ("Greys Anatomy Best of Soundtrack, 08") "OOH OOH" the first single from the album entered the IRMA Charts on May 29th at No 33 The single was also No 1 in the IRMA Download Charts available on downloadmusic.ie

website links:
identityparade.net
myspace.com/identityparade

video links:
select from 2 different video links for Identity Parade

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To Sing To Ghosts

To Sing To Ghosts is the recent alt/folk/psych-rock project of singer and main songwriter Kevin Ryan. Intent on expressing innovative, engaging and enjoyable music and giving energetic live performances, Kevin and his assorted musical companions are currently performing new material in preparation for the recording and release of there debut album. A unique voice with passionate , considered lyrics, Kevin has in the past played support to Lisa Hannigan, Garth Hudson and The Flying Burrito Brothers ( in Cambells Tavern), Roesy, Noelie Mcdonnell, Damien Rice, Kila and Fred and plays frequently in Spain and Germany. Bizarrely described recently as like " watching the sun go down on the last day of an amazing music festival", "a warm bath" or "a group hug"?!? One to watch out for.

website links:
myspace.com/kevinryanmusic

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Mr Williams Goodtime String Band

Mr Williams Goodtime String Band include singer song-writer Noelie mc Donnell, and Gert Nungesser, Eamonn Quinn, Glen Hardiman and Pete Smith on jug. Every thursday for the past ten years these regulars and guest singers, players and vagabonds have gathered in Campbell's Tavern (Cloughanover, Headford) to make a warm racket between the naturally curved wooden bar and the front window of the tavern.

Their recently launched new album "What Else Would You Do On a Thursday Night?" features some origanal songs from Noelie Mc Donnell as well as cover versions from across a wide specrtrum - country, folk, bluegrass, rock and a bit of jazz, says Sandra Joyce of Campbells, as "they don't want to tie themselves into any one genre".

video links:
What else would you do on a Thursday night?

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Oil & Blood

Oil & Blood are an americana band from Dublin's deep south. Their roots, entrenched in blues, folk and alt country, produce a sound of refreshing originality. With festivals such as Taste of Dublin under their belt alongside performances in Dublin venues such as The Globe, The Village, Whelans and an upcoming slot at the Dun Laoghaire Festival of World Cultures, this five - piece are one to watch...

website links:
myspace.com/oilandbloodmusic

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Pal Steelo

Paul started playing about 12 yrs ago. Met up with the uber talented Dave Molloy and after years of demos, door- knocking and other things beginning with D they attracted the interest of Vancouver Label " Maximum" who recorded the debut album " Scoredforlife" with some of Canada's finest Jazzers. 3 songs were picked up for American TV and syndicated worldwide( Czech Republic, 8 euros the my last letter from IMRO, come on people they have strings to buy) Any how at the moment things are good- just signed 3 songs to top publishing team in LA - BOK Music. Multi Platinum selling artist Tommy Flemming just recorded another song "Life Like Mine". It's the title track of his new album "A Life Like Mine". It reached No5 in Irish Charts. Pal Steelo's solo album almost done, gonna be great...

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Grushenka

Hailing from County Wicklow, Grushenka has been writing and performing for over fifteen years.

Following the independent release of her long awaited debut album "Waiting for something to happen" in 2008, Jackie Hayden of "Hotpress" mused...."Grushenka has a fetching voice"...."This Love" is well sung with intelligent lyrics"......."I Hope Nothing Goes Wrong" he describes as having an "Infectious rockabilly edge" which suggests he continues...that "inside the comely-maiden folksinger Grushenka there's a rocker Grushenka that deserves a better hearing". To coincide with the release of her album, the music video for "This Love" was also recorded in 2008.

In June of this year, Grushenka played support to "Anastacia" live at the Marquee, Cork, during the Cork midsummer fest. Other acts Grushenka has played support to have included the likes of Canadian band "The Cliks", and Irish bands such as "Hibrasil" and "Colm Heaney".

website links:
grushenka.com
myspace.com/grushenkaa

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El Hombre Jokes

El Hombre Jokes are a foot stomping, tune humming, hands clapping, smile inducing, 'feel good' jam band from Co.Dublin. Originally formed in 2007, the band recorded a short demo which was distributed to friends, family and some media - but never released commercially. After a year traveling around the world, the band reconvened in December 2008 - and have since started to make a major impact on the Dublin gigging scene - playing in Whelans, Crawdaddy, The Village, The Button Factory and Eamonn Dorans to name a few. Summer 2009 has been particularly busy for El Hombre Jokes, having just finished recording their debut EP - which will be launched in Whelan's towards the end of the summer. 2009 has been a good year for El Hombre Jokes - and the future's looking even brighter!

website links:
elhombrejokes.com
myspace.com/elhombrejokes
facebook.com/elhombrejokes

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Ultan Conlon

Ultan Conlon is from the town of'Loughrea' in the Co.Galway. At the age of 28 he already has two solo projects under his belt - a live E.P. in 2002 and his self-titled E.P. in 2005. His last project saw him joining forces with a fellow Galwayman, John Conneely, for the interesting live act that was UltanJohn. His first studio album is almost complete and is entitled 'Bless Your Heart'.It is currently in the mixing stages and will be mastered in London on March 31st by the legendary engineer 'Ray Staff'.More info will follow shortly... Ultan's songs have garnered a lot of interest, with one of his tracks featuring in a British short film "The Beholder", which featured at the Cannes Film festival. Last year the legendary John Martyn featured on a recording of one of Ultan's songs "Really Gone". Ultan has played at the Electric Picnic, and he has supported John Martyn, Mark Geary, Roesy, Sabrina Dinan, David Kitt and The four of Us amongst others.

website links:
myspace.com/ultanjohn

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Skazz

Skazz, with members based in Galway and Clare, is the living embodiment of the ska movement, having started out in 2001 as a swing and jazz outfit and converting in early 2007 to pure ska vibes. In keeping with their jazz roots, Skazz have chosen the original Jamaican Ska of the 1960’s as their template - when Caribbean mento and calypso first met American jazz and rhythm and blues. Fans of the 2 Tone sound of the late 1970’s will feel at home on their dancefloor, with the added bonus of an education in pre-reggae/rocksteady tempos and cross rhythms. Having already shared stages with the likes of The Skatalites, Prince Buster, The Pioneers, Syramip, Dennis Alcapone, Winston Francis and Delroy Williams, and with dates this year including the Cork Jazz Festival, the Bray Jazz Festival, the Kippertronix Festival in Wales and Ska Splash 2009

website links:
myspace.com/skazzie

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Mad Uncle Harry

Mad Uncle Harry are a new young band that have sprung from the folk music melting pot of Galway. With a repertoire of self penned, old-time, bluegrass and blues songs, their music is performed with both feet on the ground, unassuming and with charm. From Dublin, Noriana Kennedy’s (vocals and banjo ukulele) voice has been dubbed as honest and unaffected. As lead vocalist with Nábac and a sweet stage presence she has performed throughout the European festival circuit since 2006. Holland born, Christof Van Der Ven is a gifted singer and guitar player, writing folk songs from an early age. Backed by band members on fiddle (Liz Coleman - Nábac, Sean nos dancing champion, sausage ball meat roller), guitar and vocals (Fergal Walsh, wine tasting expert), tea chest bass and triangle (Conor Nolan - Timber Tramp and Swamp Stomper) and percussion (Paddy Kennedy - wheeler dealer, odd shoes collector) these musicians have a clear respect and reverence to each other styles and together churn out an almighty hootenanny shindig.

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Agiven

Four years ago Agiven began playing in the venues / streets of Ireland , after numerous additions / subtractions to the band, they are now currently Niall Mc Grath ( Vocals , Acoustic Guitar ), Enda Ward ( Lead Guitar ) ,Kevin O Sullivan ( Bass ) , Michael Chang (Violin, Viola ) , and Louise O Neill ( Vocals )
The band have developed an archive of material with songs typically developed acoustically and then expanded to full band arrangements. This modus operandi has resulted in two almost distinct sets of the same songs - acoustic and electric - each having their own unique sound and feel. Experimentation with a multitude of instruments is continually ongoing (featuring violins, flute, guitar synths, samplers, piano, djembe, bongos and zyladrum) to create constant variations of the live set.

website links:
myspace.com/skazzie

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DJ Will Softly

DJ Swamp Stomp

Born out of a love of Cajun Zydeco, and old scratchy records, SWAMP STOMP is a mix of the best of downhome musicplus a few alternative new country sounds. VINYL ONLY.....Stomp it up!

John Donnellan

John Donnellan delivers the observational satire of the urban sophisticate with all the innocent charm of a country gobeen. His self-deprecatory tales of a life-long gift for snatching defeat from the jaws of victory give hope to us all. If we fail at absolutely everything we try, we can strap on our balls of steel and pursue a career in comedy.

Catholic guilt exists comfortably beside unashamed perversity in the mind of Donnellan. His need to commit sin is thankfully accompanied by a greater need to confess those sins to a grateful and forgiving audience.

With a comedy career just a few years old, audiences throughout Ireland have fallen for this guy who's taken his parent's warning 'You're only fooling yourself' and somehow turned it into a way of life. What began as a bet has turned into an impressive series of gigs and won some serious plaudits.

Gerry Mallon

Founder of The Galway Comedy Festival, this affable West-of-Ireland hoodlum has performed at all the major Comedy/Arts festivals including the prestigious Kilkenny Cat Laughs, and the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

Probably best known in Ireland for his many collaborations with his best mate and fellow westie Tommy Tiernan, which includes support on Tommy's recent 52 date tour of the country and the RTE series Supertramp which saw the pair embark on a six week walking tour of Ireland in the summer of 2002.

Mallons style of Comedy lies somewhere between rabid street anger and cuddly warm self effacement, one recent caller to the Joe Duffy show (Radio1) described him as the "most foul mouthed comic he had ever seen" whilst the Irish Times said he is "deserving of his own TV show"?

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Danny Dowling

Danny Dowling is a misguided fellow of the highest order. Originating in New Zealand he made his way to Ireland in 2000 on a search for the elusive Celtic Tiger. After searching for six long years in the capital city Dublin he moved west of the Shannon to his now home Headford, County Galway. Being unsuccessful in most things in life he still managed to get married and have children. He still hasn't found a tiger in Ireland but regularly appears on stage with a duck.

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Jim Kavanagh was born in London to Irish parents. Jim moved to the west of Ireland in 2002 where he continues to paint and be inspired by the local landscape. He also runs a successful art school Stiúideo na Coiríbe.. He exhibits in Galway, Dublin and London, and his work is in corporate and private collections in Ireland, England, US, Hong Kong and Australia. He is also represented by the international online gallery - eyestorm. He paints haunting shifting sky and landscapes where light and colour are fundamental. Early on he was particularly influenced by the vibrant colours of Emile Nolde, as well as the traditions of the romantics such as Turner, combining the spiritual influence of Rothko and Kiefer using Old Master techniques.

web links:
jimkavanagh.com

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For the past ten years Vanessa has been working in community and carnival arts from volunteer to designing for art groups such as Macnas in Galway and St Patrick's Day Festival, Dublin. In 2006 she started to concentrate on her own visual art practice and has since had a number of successful exhibitions. Vanessa is presently working towards two solo exhibitions at the South Tipperary Arts Centre in November and The Ballina Arts Centre in December 2009.

Vanessa's work is an eclectic mix of painting, sculpture, drawing and recently exploring incorporating sound and animation into her sculptures. Vanessa's work allows the viewer to become an active participant as they discover aspects of the work that they can move or peer into, the anticipation of the unexpected. Vanessa is constantly inspired from daily swims in Lough Mask and water plays a prominent role in her art work.

web links:
vanessadaws.com

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Tim Redfern is a media artist, designer and educator presently researching mobile audio applications for a PhD in computer science at Trinity College, Dublin.

Using state of the art seismic monitoring techniques, Kosmoscope renders live scientific data impressionistically, making the worldwide network of ultra-sensitive seismic microphones audible and creating an imposing, visually fractured narrative evoking the frailty of humanity in the face of geological forces.

web links:
eclectronics.org

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Jodi Coyne has been an Anord Arts member since 1998. She graduated from Limerck School of Art and Design in 2007 with degree in product design.

Currently she is a self-employed ceramic hand-builder (2008-present).

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Born in a small town that was rife with stories, Clare grew up amongst the legends of Granuaile, the wandering White Woman of the Hill, the lore of Aideen's grave that led to stories of Fianna warriors and all the old sagas that are soaked into the ground all over Ireland. That and the meandering monologues of her father as he tried to learn lines for his next show predestined her for a life of telling stories. Meeting with people like Walter Kerley, Liz Weir, and John Moriarty further enlightened Clare to the power of stories and she embarked quite by accident into a full blown life as a storyteller.

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Sprig Productions will dedicate a whole area to the exploration of the chakras, using sound, colour, movement and workshops.

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