7 Hills Blues Fest

7hillsblues.com

blistering summer blues: best served chilled

70+ FrEE gigs

10–13 August 2017 ArmAgh city | 028 3752 1800

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thE hEnry girls

Welcome to the 7th AnnuAl 7 hills blues Fest!

Once again it’s blues that’s on the agenda, this being the 7th year of the 7 Hills Blues Festival, doesn’t time fly when we’re having fun and fun is just part of our music filled program this year.

So save the dates and let’s get some blistering summer blues: best served chilled!

7 Hills Blues Fest Organising Team

Picnic in thE PArk

Picnic in the PArk the PAlAce PArk sAt 12 Aug 11.00Am – 3.00Pm

dAnA mAstErs

Fringe events entertAinment At the mArket PlAce theAtre

tbc @ the street Food mArket

This year The Market Place Theatre are hosting two fantastic shows, guaranteed to be popular. Get your tickets early to avoid disappointment.

dAnA mAsters thurs 10 Aug 8.00Pm tickets £12

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Officially opening this year’s festival is the soulful Dana Masters. Dana’s sound is influenced by her upbringing in the Deep South of the United States where she was surrounded with the sounds of soul, rhythm & blues and gospel music. Dana’s reputation as one of Ireland’s top vocalists makes this a show not to be missed.

-16

Under 16s must be accompanied by an adult

the henry girls Fri 11 Aug 8.00Pm tickets £12

shAmbles yArd Fri 11 Aug 12.00Pm 12

Donegal sisters Karen, Lorna and Joleen are collectively known as The Henry Girls; nurtured musically by their Celtic roots, their sound is not bound by them. The girls released their 6th studio album “Far Beyond the Stars” in spring 2017.

Tickets available online via www.marketplacearmagh.com or visit The Market Place Theatre & Arts Centre in Armagh.

music on thE BAnd stAnd

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Straight from the producer, shoppers can purchase some of Armagh’s finest grown ingredients in the historic Shambles Yard. With street food, ice cream and great blues music, where else would you want to be?

music on the bAnd stAnd mArket street sAt 12 Aug From 11.30Am

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Dine Al Fresco in one of the many cafes and restaurants in the Georgian heart of the city. With music by the Casino Jazz Band and Soul Truth, you can sit back, relax and inhale Armagh.

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Back by popular demand this fun filled blues family picnic in The Palace Park will welcome Villiers & the Villains and 2nd Drawer Down to set the scene with some foot tappin’ blues tunes. There’ll be fun and games for the family with light refreshments, but don’t forget to pack your picnic and a comfortable seat or blanket.

Foodie events Armagh and the surrounding area has been benchmarked as the Food Heartland of Northern Ireland due to the significance of food and drink production and high quality places to eat and drink in the area. Take this opportunity to taste some of our delicious produce at one of the bespoke food events hosted especially during the festival.

Allen’s oF ArmAgh B thurs 10 – sAt 12 Aug 9Am-5.30Pm Special 7 Hills Blues Festival themed menu with dishes inspired by the Deep South.

shAmbles sundAy bbQ n’blues the shAmbles yArd sun 13 Aug 1.00Pm – 5.00Pm

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ArmAgh city hotel sun 13 Aug From 3Pm

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the moody boAr sAt 12 Aug & sun 13 Aug 2-5Pm

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This family fun, BBQ & local Cider event will be filled with good food, great craic and blistering summer blues.

Music by Armagh’s own Preacher Casey’s and Cork’s finest One Horse Pony. For you budding blues stars, there’ll be an opportunity to pick up an instrument and play with the musicians at the blues jam session.

Enjoy the best craft beers & locally produced ciders, plus live BBQ demonstration by Head Chef, John Whyte. Small donation to charity for tasting dishes. Love Food? Love Armagh!

The Moody Blues, Tarts, Tapas & Choc Afternoon with a pop up dessert bar and an ice cream demo by Head Chef Sean Farnan.

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Where it’s At...

5.00pm

the blues trek

8.00pm 12

dAnA mAstErs Market Place Theatre & Arts Centre

9.30pm 10

crow BlAck chickEn Kelly's Bar

10.00pm 11

PAt mcmAnus Market Place Theatre Bar

FridAy 11 August 2017 12.00pm 29

lukE & thE PAinkillErs The Shambles Yard

7.00pm 19

ludwig & co Rumour Espresso Bar

12

clArE sAnds Market Place Theatre & Arts Centre

8.00pm 12 2

thE hEnry girls Market Place Theatre & Arts Centre Alison mcgrAth duo Spires Bar @ Armagh City Hotel

8.30pm 8

sArAh And thE sAndcAstlEs Hole in the Wall Bar

20

villiErs & thE villAins Station Bar

14

thE soundBitEs Pearse Og Social Club

25

clArA rosE Turners Bar

28

P7

6.00pm 6

10.00pm 9

ruBBEr PlAnts Keegan's Bar & Restaurant

7

roy Fulton Devlin's Bar

10

rilEy & thE moonrockErs Kelly's Bar

6.30pm 20

18

ronniE grEEr BluEs BAnd Red Neds

1

22

BlAckwood The Northern Bar

26

PrEAchEr cAsEy’s Uluru Bar & Grill

24

PrEAchin' BluEs Trainors Bar

9.30pm 13

nitE hAwks McKenna's Bar

10.30pm 16

sAturdAy 12 August 11am 30

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2nd drAwEr down Picnic in the Palace Park

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thE cAsino JAzz BAnd Band Stand @ Market Square

15

cold PortEr Rafferty’s-Cuchulainn Bar

27

soulshinE BluE Victoria Bar

21

2

BAckBonE BluEs Callan Lounge @ Armagh City Hotel

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rusty JAcks Viva Bar

villiErs & thE villAins Picnic in the Palace Park

11.30am

10.00pm

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short FusE BluEs Railway Bar

2.00pm PAuric wAlsh The Moody Boar Restaurant soul truth Band Stand @ Market Square

clivE BArnEs Station Bar

8.00pm

2 9.00pm

clArE sAnds County Armagh Golf Club

15

thE mighty Quinn Abbey Lane Theatre shAdEs oF BluEs Spires Bar @ Armagh City Hotel rusty JAcks Rafferty's-Cuchulainn Bar

9.00pm 22

thE BlAckstuFF The Northern Bar

18

mikE BrookFiEld Red Neds

23

Allison mcgrAth And soulAntics The Toby Jug

9.30pm 26

AmAndA st John Uluru Bar & Grill

lEE hEdlEy E Victoria Bar VENU A Y E L JAckiEAmcAulEy SH Viva Bar

20

thE wAtEry hill Boys Station Bar

23

JAckiE mcAulEy The Toby Jug

13

thE Brown notEs McKenna’s Bar

28

oBsidiAn Viva Bar

5

grAinnE duFFy Charlemont Arms Hotel

10.30pm 16

onE horsE Pony Railway Bar

10

dAvE mchugh BAnd Kelly’s Bar

7

soul truth Devlin's Bar

sundAy 13 August 12.00pm 17

2 9

BluEs kAtz Keegan's Bar & Restaurant

clArA rosE Rainbow Restaurant

1.00pm 29

PrEAchEr cAsEy’s onE horsE Pony The Shambles Yard

2.00pm 21

Andy whittAkEr The Moody Boar Restaurant

3.00pm 2

clArE sAnds Callan Lounge @ Armagh City Hotel

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short FusE BluEs Trainors Bar

10.00pm stonE cold hoBo Callan Lounge @ Armagh City Hotel

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PrEAchin’ BluEs Hole in the Wall Bar

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10–13 August 2017

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5.00pm

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10.00pm

4.00pm 8

clivE BArnEs Hole in the Wall Bar

6.00pm 25

thE stonE cold hoBo Turners Bar

2

BEn rEEl BAnd Callan Lounge @ Armagh City Hotel

6

mArk BrAidnEr County Armagh Golf Club

16

lEE hEdlEy Railway Bar

18

littlE wilgAr & thE crAckPot PrEAchErs Red Neds

3

crowBAr BluEs Armagh Harps Club

15

PAul shErry Rafferty’s-Cuchulainn Bar

7.00pm 7

AlAn mckElvEy Devlin's Bar

22

thin As lizzy The Northern Bar

9.00pm 9

dAvE mchugh Keegan’s Bar & Restaurant

10.00pm 13

BluEs kAtz McKenna's Bar

10.30pm 10

mirEndA rosEnBErg Kelly's Bar

the Bands... clara rose

Unforgettable powerful vocals, carefully crafted songs and water-tight band. Authentic roots n’ blues with a pinch of folk. With acoustic guitar in hand Clara Rose has been on the road with The Clara Rose Band and with The Don Baker Band playing shows & festivals nationwide, across Europe and the USA. 2017 sees Clara Rose embark on recording her second solo album with her band.

this year’s festival will feature over 50 Bands. soMe of our reGular artists are BacK alonGside soMe Great new PerforMers.

2nd drawer down

Eclectic mix of rock, pop, blues, folk and country music: songs of acoustic guitars, mandolin and percussion accompaniment. Forgotten classics with a mature yet fresh twist.

aManda st John

A soul, blues, pop singer from Glenariffe, Co. Antrim. Amanda is a mainstay on the Northern Ireland radio, festival and gig circuit and has been described as “An incredible vocal performer and songwriter”

by BBC Radio Ulster’s Ralph McLean. Amanda launched her debut album ‘Grow’ in May 2016.

crowBar Blues

Crowbar Blues formed in May 2006, they have played all the major blues festivals in Ireland including, Belfast City Blues, Harvest Time Blues, Blues on the Bay & Blackstairs Blues Festival. Front man Simon Smith is the 7 Hills Blues Fest founder and is joined by his brother Jonny on drums.

Expect head down rockin blues!

BacKBone Blues

In the past Lee has toured and played alongside The Corrs, Westlife, The Commitments, and various Chicago Blues legends including John Primer and the late Phil Guy. Lee has recorded vocals for Rock god & Nazareth guitarist Manny Charlton (Texas). Rapidly becoming a world respected artist, this sought after Blues vocalist and frontman, appears at all the major festivals throughout Europe.

dana Masters clare sands

With a fiddle in one hand and a guitar in the other, Cork based Clare Sands is a 23 year old musician, songwriter and composer. She performs in a variety of genres, her own material being a unique amalgamation of Folk, Trad, Jazz & Blues. Clare released her debut album ‘Join Me At The Table’ to critical acclaim in late 2016.

Originally from the Deep South in the United States, Dana grew up with the sound of soul, rhythm and blues and gospel music all around her.

Her love for music developed as she grew up and lead her to studying music, majoring in vocal performance at university.

From live work with BBC Radio 4 and Proms in the Park to singing regularly with Van Morrison, Dana’s reputation as one of Ireland’s top vocalists continues to gain momentum.

little wilGar & the cracKPot Preachers

Born in ‘65 this hard working bluesman picked up the harmonica at nine years of age and has been blasting out tunes ever since. Well known on both the local and international scene Mike “Little” Wilgar and his band “Little Wilgar & The Crackpot Preachers” have received great praise from blues critics and fans.

BlacKwood

Blackwood blues, rock band is a dynamic power trio featuring the inimitable styles of Sam Davidson lead guitarist and vocals [ex Taste], Lyn Mc Mullan drums [ex Redhouse] and Laurence Dugan bassist [ex Pontiax].

Together they bring an exciting edge to classic blues, early Taste numbers and Sam’s own originals.

clive Barnes

Clive Barnes is a guitarist, singer and songwriter of rare quality. Clive has released four studio albums to date the latest of which, ‘The Ghost Country’ garnered rave four and five star reviews with his previous album, ‘Welcome To Farewell’ winning Album of the Year in US publication Acoustic Guitar.

dave MchuGh

Award winning Blues Guitarist Dave McHugh has led his own band for over 20 years now.

With his beloved Fender Strat and Marshall amp, Dave and his band are a mainstay on the Irish and European blues scene.

Despite being compared to Irish Bluesmen Rory Gallagher and Gary Moore, Dave has his own unique style.

alan McKelvey

“A band not to be missed, Alan’s guitar skills are second to none, and his voice is the gem of the local scene”, Empire Music Hall. Alan has notched up a well-received series of gigs all over the country and the UK, leaving behind only satisfied music lovers. Whether it’s an intimate acoustic performance, soulful R&B experience, he’s got the tee shirt.

lee hedley

These lads have been playing together for over 35 years and are made up of the talented Karl Hughes on drums, Raymond McEvoy on vocals, Gareth Hughes on guitar and Ritchie McEvoy on bass. Many of the bands songs come from the pen of Ritchie with influences such as BB King, Muddy Waters, Rory Gallagher and Van Morrison.

Blues Katz

Ben reel Band

casino Jazz Band

Supporting Van Morrison and Larry Garner, The Katz have also opened for musics greats Peter Green, Paul Jones and The Yardbirds. They can find Muddy, Sonny Boy, Jimi and BB all in one groove! Bluez Katz front man Ian Sands is the founder of the International Blues on the Bay Festival Warrenpoint.

ludwiG & co

Ludwig & Co are a seasoned professional two piece equally comfortable in any genre.

Journeymen in the realms of folk, rock and blues, they litter their repertoire with songs that are a little different from other blues acts. For a duo with no backing tracks, hats or gimmicks these guys really ‘fillout’ the sound.

cold Porter

Featuring the voice of Eilish McCarthy, Cold Porter deliver a wide range of music spanning decades and genres. Expect anything from sixties soul to seventies funk blended with jazz and blues/rock classics. The band have been playing together for over a decade now and a have a strong local following.

Grainne duffy

Grainne Duffy is a contemporary blues based artist hailing from Castleblayney, Co. Monaghan.

Described by The Sunday Times as ‘a blues singer of real integrity’, she is a pioneer of her own style while also paying sincere homage to her roots, soul, blues and rock traditions.

She is a seasoned artist and has been spending the last number of years touring in Europe, Scandinavia, Canada and beyond.

luKe & the PainKillers

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allison McGrath and soulantics

Allison’s original songs bring influences from John Martyn, Sade and Etta James, a soulful blend of jazz, blues and folk.

Allison’s band ‘Soulantics’ features Karl Hughes, Dermot McQuaid, Gareth Hughes, Mervyan Crawford and Paul McMahon. With the vision to record and perform original songs, the band released their critically acclaimed album ‘Overboard’ in 2012 which received cracking reviews and a MRU award for Best Soul/Jazz/ Funk band.

Ben’s music has evolved into an honest earthy, soulful sound that has matured like a fine wine and he has very much his own sound today. Over the last 7 years Ben has enjoyed successful tours in Europe, UK & U.S.A receiving rave reviews and attracting a growing fan base.

The Fabulous Casino Jazz Band is a toe tapping dancing experience not to be missed. These guys bring you their unique sound and style of the New Orleans Dixieland Jazz, tunes from Burbon Street in the oldest quarter of New Orleans to standards like Midnight in Moscow.

crow BlacK chicKen

Crow Black Chicken have earned back-pats aplenty for their dirty southern blues sound. This power trio of Christy O Hanlon [Vocals, Guitar], Stephen McGrath [Bass] and Gev Barrett [Drums, Backing vocals] combine elements of folk, hard rock and the blues of bands like Gov’t Mule to create their greasy no messin blues rock sound.

MarK Braidner

JacKie Mcauley

Formerly of the famous ‘THEM’, alongside Van Morrison, Jackie’s musical career blossomed having performed with Lonnie Donegan, Fairport Convention and Rick Wakeman. This is an outstanding blues band of the highest calibre!

A competent slide and finger style guitarist influenced primarily by the pre-war blues of the 1920s and 1930s Mark Braidner along with his band offer a mix of everything from Ragtime and Houkum styles through to down home Delta blues. Their driving beats and infectious rhythms get toes tapping wherever they play.

MiKe BrooKfield

Mike, who has been getting rave reviews in Europe for his recent live shows and indie album ‘Love Breaks The Fall’, is thrilled to be part of this years festival. “Definitely in the category of the Champions League… world class.” Rock Times.“…a great album!”

Classic Rock/The Blues Magazine. Mike’s highly anticipated new album is soon to be released.

Paraic walsh

Paraic got into blues via Blues Rock guitarists like Clapton, Hendrix and Gallagher which soon led him to earlier acoustic bluesmen like Robert Johnson and Big Bill Broonzy. His sole acoustic appearance at 7 Hills set is driven by his soulful playing and smooth baritone vocals and contrasts a range of blues styles with a Rock twist.

riley & the MoonrocKers

Riley & the Moonrockers are a 3 piece Rockabilly/Rock n Roll band from Co. Cavan. With an energetic live show that has been entertaining audiences all over Europe playing with legends such as, Jerry Lee Lewis and Chuck Berry, the bands enthusiasm for what they do shines through in every performance.

rusty JacKs

Rusty Jacks are a five piece gritty Irish ‘Southern Blues Band’ who take Southern Blues straight to your heart with a wide spectrum of the Blues genre, playing a healthy mix of the classics and their own material from their highly acclaimed three albums. “This is Blues With Bite” – Blues Matters Magazine.

soul truth

Soul Truth perform a wide range of music, including blues, soul, funk, and old style rhythm and blues. If you like to hear more soulful blues, these guys will have you grooving from the dock of the bay, til the midnight hour, all the way back to sweet home Chicago.

the soundBites

The “Soundbites” from way back in the Monaghan Delta, are a four piece “Electric Blues Band” Their passion for this music is obvious, with their lively guitar & biting harmonica sound. Their ever expanding repertoire of songs, including standards by Muddy Waters, B.B. King and maybe even a little Chuck Berry.

the BlacKstuff Pat McManus Mirenda rosenBerG

Some singers own the stage, but Mirenda Rosenberg is famous for owning the stage, the dance floor, and sometimes the audiences personal space when she performs. Mirenda shares her personal history of Black American Music through raw, viceral songs. Her musical expedition spans the decades, including the music of Bessie Smith, Ray Charles, & Curtis Mayfield as well as her vivacious original tunes.

Former Mama’s boys and Celtus guitarist and violin virtuoso Pat McManus, along with band members Paul Faloon and Marty McDermott are currently on their 10th year anniversary tour playing their own special brand of blues rock infused with a touch of the Celtic. This year will see the band record their 6th studio album and with a touring schedule packed to the max, they are always ready to rock.

ronnie Greer Blues Band

Blues guitar legend Ronnie Greer has been at the centre of the Irish blues scene for over 40 years now. His distinctive guitar playing has been critically acclaimed as world class. His powerhouse band, featuring some of the finest musicians in the country, operate on a level which must be heard to be appreciated. Expect a night of blues and roots music played with style and conviction by some of the best in the business.

sarah & the sandcastles

Bringing a youthful, unique blend of energetic rock and blues to the next generation.

Having performed at establishments such as Blues On The Bay, Crumlin Road Gaol and Titanic Quarter, they’ve been to the crossroads more times than seasoned players twice their age.

nite hawKs

The fabulous ‘Nitehawks’ are a tight, rockin’, brass-led sextet that will surprise and entertain any audience. The ‘Nitehawks’ return to Armagh for the 7th year with their original line up; playing a brand new, stonkin’ programme of classic blues, soul and R’n’B. Get steamy with the ‘Nitehawks’ at Mckenna’s Bar.

Paul Sherry’s up tempo blues rock shows are a mix of guitar driven licks, rust and dust sounding vocals from top to bottom. His new album Songstone has turned a new corner to a more songbased side with great melodies and a funky pop rock rhythm section.

roy fulton

A regular and favourite is internationally renowned guitarist Roy Fulton, who makes his return to the festival with a full band of equally superb musicians. Roy has been described as a blues virtuoso and his fiery and passionate playing style is balanced by a disciplined and complete command of the instrument.

Shades of Blue are a father and daughter duo from Armagh.

John has played saxophone and keyboards in many bands over the years. Courtnay is now following in his footsteps, singing and playing guitar. John owns ‘In The Shade Studios’, in Co. Armagh where they both work.

oBsidian

Obsidian are a 4 piece classic rock/blues band from Armagh, who do a mixture of covers and original songs. They offer a crowd pleasing, wide range of smouldering bluesy originals and cover bands such as Deep Purple, ZZ Top, Stevie Ray Vaughan and Fleetwood Mac.

Bringing a new sound to the local music scene blues meets folk via a journey around the rootsy country of the Deep South and beyond! It’s good time music with an edge, with influences ranging from Rory Gallagher, Andy Irvine, Woody Guthrie and the Old Crow Medicine Show.

Preachin’ Blues one horse Pony

Cork band, One Horse Pony, have topped the iTunes Blues Chart with their single ‘Staring Blues’, played Electric Picnic and the Guinness Jazz Festival. They combine acoustic instruments, strong vocal harmonies and an uncompromising drive to deliver their stomping live shows. Their current album, ‘Blue When I Go’ is available on iTunes.

A blues duo based out of Co. Cork with a common passion for blues music that has influenced our style. A high energetic live performance combining acoustic guitar, lap slide, resonator and bass stomp box, performing both originals and covers.

ruBBer Plants

The Rubber Plants are Northern Ireland’s most established Led Zeppelin tribute band. This trio bring the authentic Zeppelin brand of exciting hard rock and lightness of touch for which the original masters were famous, to every gig. They have toured in England several times and have headlined the annual Led Zeppelin convention, where they were hailed as one of the best ever Zeppelin tribute bands.

If you’re looking for a tasty mix of blues guitar and soulful saxophone that will uplift anyone’s mood then check out The Brown Notes. The lads have spent the last year creating a mix of Blues, Rock and Reggae tunes of their own.

the henry Girls

short fuse Blues Preacher casey’s

the stone cold hoBo

The Stonecold Hobos are a Rhythm n Blues band from Drogheda, Co Louth, consisting of drums, bass, harmonica, slide guitar and vocals.

Zeppelin, Rory Gallagher and ZZ top with a dash of Muddy Waters best describes the band’s sound. Their energetic set comprises original material and a fresh look at old favourites.

the Brown notes

shades of Blue Paul sherry

The Blackstuff are from Donegal and Armagh. There are five members, the boys have a real live bounce with their own sound of rhythm and blues and have played all over Ireland and Scotland collecting fans wherever they go! Not to be missed.

For twenty years these guys have honed their skills playing gigs and festivals all around the country. From the word go, a powerful engine-room of bass and drums drives a blistering harmonica and guitar driven force, often leading to a battle of reeds and strings that stands out. Driven blues delivered with intent!

The Henry Girls are an Irish folk and roots music group consisting of three sisters, Karen, Lorna and Joleen McLaughlin. You’ll often see The Henry Girls on stage with a fiddle, ukulele, banjo, guitar, harp, mandolin, piano and accordion. Their new album “Far Beyond the Stars” was named are RTE Radio’s Album of the Week in March 2017, an incredible achievement.

the watery hill Boys

The Watery Hill Boys have earned a reputation for their live performances as one of the best in Old Time and Early Bluegrass Music. They continue to perform all over Ireland and Europe. For their visit to Armagh, Donal & Jim will present more Old Timey classic songs and tunes, including some selections from their forthcoming album ‘Old Time Duets’.

thin as lizzy

Thin As Lizzy, a tribute like nothing you have heard before, hallmarked for performing Thin Lizzy’s classic “Live and Dangerous” album with all the energy and enthusiasm of the original. The Sunday Independent described Johnny’s deep rasping voice “as close to the real thing” as any singer has come.

the MiGhty Quinn

soulshine Blue

This 6 piece soul/blues band consists of drums, bass, guitar, keyboard, saxophone and two female vocals. They include a number of genres such as blues, rock and soul from artists such as Imelda May, Rory Gallagher and Eric Clapton. This electric mix and fresh new take on soul, blues, rockabilly and swing makes for a groove and a melody that is infectious.

“The Mighty Quinn” was formed in 2005 in the back of an Irish bar in Dijon, France. Well known round the Manchester music scene, the band have travelled the continent from Dingle to Switzerland. Expect high energy blues and folk with slide guitar and cracking harmonies.

villiers & the villains

There’s a buzz everywhere this band play their heady original mishmash of 60’s blues, weird jazz and swamp country grooves. For reference think Creedence meets Dylan on a bus out of Woodstock driven by The Band. Not to be missed.

For Further inFormAtion: 028 3752 1800 vic@armaghbanbridgecraigavon.gov.uk

7hillsblues.com

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