A Genuine Guitar Wizard

Albert Lee and his superb backing band, Hogan's Heroes play a rescheduled concert date at Waterford's Forum on Wednesday, December 9th. Grammy Award winner and by common consent one of the world's finest guitar-players, Lee's contribution to the world of popular music - incorporating many different genres - is simply immeasurable and so for any discerning guitar fan this gig is a must.

Albert Lee was born December 21, 1943 in Leominster, Herefordshire, England. His father, also a musician, encouraged Albert to study piano at an early age. Albert took up guitar in 1958, and left school at age16 to play full-time the following year. Lee worked with a variety of bands from 1959 onwards, playing R&B, country music and rock 'n' roll. Lee first experienced commercial success as the lead guitarist with Chris Farlowe and The Thunderbirds. During his time playing with Hea...
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The Forum in Waterford has "kept the best wine til last" for local music fans, with 2 of the biggest shows of the year scheduled for the final 2 Saturdays before Christmas. Bell X1 will play on 12th December and the date is the final show added to their hugely successful Irish Tour, which includes 3 sell-out nights at Dublin's Olympia Theatre. Imelda May visits on 19th December and this will be the final gig of a phenomenally sucessful year for the rock & roll singer, other than a "small little" date at the 14,000 capacity O2 in Dublin a few days later ! Tickets for both shows are on sale now at BPM Records and The Forum (051 871133).

Their "very special" December shows top off a phenomenally successful year for the band both home and abroad. Bell X1 released Blue Lights On The Runway in February this year, it went to No. 1 in Ireland and has since achieved double Platinum sales. The first single The Great Defector ...
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Keith Barry's last shows in his hometown proved such a success, that the world renowned magician has decided to return to Forum Waterford on January 15th & 16th 2010 with his brand new show "Asylum". 

Ticket demand for his previous show proved so popular that getting tickets early for these new shows is highly recommended. As Keith continues to break new ground with his live and television work, the International

Magicians Society rewarded his hard work and innovation with a 'Merlin Award', the Oscar of the magic world, for "Mentalist of the Year 2009".

Since winning the coveted Merlin Award for 'Mentalist of the Year 2009', demand for Keith's performances has gone through the roof, The Merlin Award is to magic what the Oscar is to the movies and is judged by the members of the International Magicians Society. Previous winners include Penn & Teller, Paul Daniels, and David Copperfield. ...
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Two of Electric Avenue's favourite acts return this weekend to play intimate acoustic shows at the John Street music venue. Damien Dempsey (Friday 27 November) and Gemma Hayes (Saturday 28th November), will be previewing some songs from upcoming 2010 albums, as well as pulling out all the fan favourites from their respective back catalogues. Damien's gig will be followed by a late night show by Floyd Soul & The Wolf (who have just recorded their debut album in Nashville), and Gemma will be followed by a late night show by Waterford legends, The Butterfly Band. 

All in all, a great weekend of quality live music and tickets are available in advance for both shows at BPM Records and ticketmaster.

Damien Dempsey first made an impact on the national mus...
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Traffik, the cities top Indie Club based at Forum Waterford will go live again on Saturday November 28th with Dublin based up and coming four piece "Codes" ably supported by local act Trousersnake. Codes are an alternative/electronic quartet from Dublin. Expansive, yet melodic, powerful yet delicate, CODES music colours the void between the ambience and longevity of soundtrack music and the energy and immediacy of live music. Their new single 'You Are Here' is taken from the winter inspired debut album "Trees Dream In Algebra", which was recorded with acclaimed producer Greg Haver (Manics, SFA) mastered by Greg Calbi (U2, Interpol, Kings of Leon) and was released on September 18th nationwide. 

Trousersnake who play support on the night describe themselves as a backlash against the pompous art rock of the modern day; breathing vintage, thuggish rock and roll back into its polluted airwaves.

Codes supported b...
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Directed by Ben Barnes, the Theatre Royal has brought together a first class cast to present a highly informative and interactive review of Shakespeare's King Lear.

As Leaving Cert students begin their revision on the countdown to their exams, this 80 minute production will explore the characters and themes of Shakespeare's play. Key selected scenes will be presented with an experienced facilitator to moderate a focused discussion on the issues thrown up by each scene.

The format is uniquely designed to allow for the participation of the students as well as dealing with the kind of questions that are likely to be part of the examination. The discussion with actors and facilitator will offer insights into the problems and challenges associated with bringing Shakespeare's great play to life on the stage. The students will also receive a worksheet based on the themes of the review to take back to class for fur...
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Brendan is standing up again…Yes, the hilarious Brendan O'Carroll is returning to play Forum Waterford on Wednesday December 2nd with his outrageously funny stand-up show "How's Your Wobbly Bits" (over 18's)

While Brendan's show is full of new material it will of course include a cameo appearance by "Mrs Brown" from the stream of hit plays Brendan has performed and the cranky old "Charlie Smart" who has an opinion of everything (and every one) Be prepared to have your spirits lifted, your sides hurt, and your sensibilities offended (no one is safe) when the master of stand up comedy, Mr. Brendan O'Carroll, takes to the comedy stage once again.

Now author, actor/director script-writer, playwright, video star as well as stand-up comic, the Brendan O'Carroll story begins very modestly. The youngest of eleven children Brendan O'Carroll was born in Dublin's inner-city in 1955. His mother, Maureen was a Lab...
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The world-famous Harlem Gospel Choir returns to Forum Waterford on Saturday, December 5th for an extraordinary evening of foot-stomping and hand-clapping blues, jazz and gospel spirituals. From the heart of Harlem in New York City, the Harlem Gospel Choir travels the world as the ambassadors for African-American culture, and is loved for its joyous music.

The reason people might think they're entertainers first is because of the areas the choir has been known to perform: backing Irish pop stars U2 on the song "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For," touring with Irish folk stars The Chieftains, and at the B.B. King Blues Club in Manhattan, where they've appeared on Sundays since the tourist spot opened three years ago.

Irish crowds give them an exceptionally warm welcome, and not just because of U2 and the Chieftains. Maybe it's the Irish love of music that makes them so popular or maybe it's the enthus...
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Christmas Voices is a candlelit evening of songs, music and spoken word with a Christmas theme which will take place in Christ Church Cathedral on Saturday 5th December at 8pm. Featuring some well known and well loved Waterford voices, the evening is intended to provide a moment of calm and reflection in the midst of the pre-Christmas frenzy. Among those taking part in Christmas Voices are writer Jim Nolan, Caroline Reid O'Brien (soprano), Eoin Power (baritone), Lynn Saoirse (harp). They will be joined in concert by the choir of Christ Church Cathedral, led by Eric Sweeney. The programme includes many Christmas favourites such as O Holy Night, Alleluia, Wexford Carol and Have yourself a Merry Little Christmas. Don't miss this very s...
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The Laughter Lounge Downstairs at Forum Waterford has very quickly established its-self as the South East's premier comedy venue hosting the best Irish and International comedians every Friday and Saturday night. Based in the elegant Downstairs venue, there is always something for everyone at the Laughter Lounge, with plenty of comedy, craic and drink to keep you partying into the small hours. Ideal for groups, the Laughter Lounge provides an alternative Christmas Party night for the very affordable price of €15 per person. 

Music for late bar VIVA is supplied by resident Dj Paul, who will keep you on the floor till late with a mix of commercial chart and the best from the 90's.

For more information on party nights or general booking contact Denise on 051-871122

As always at the Laughter Lounge this week's line up will have you crying with laughter!!

Aida...
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Coming to the Garter Lane Arts Centre on 2nd December 

A great opportunity to join Aisling Ghéar Theatre Co. as it celebrates the Irish inspiration for Monty Python, with Donncha Crowley from 'The Tudors' in a starring role!!

Aisling Ghéar Theatre Co presents 'The Poor Mouth' by Flann O'Brien aka Myles na Gopaleen – part-time journalist/ Civil Servant and full-time comic genius!! This is a brand new adaptation for the stage by Bríd Ó Gallchoir, Artistic Director of the Company with contributions from Gearóid Ó Cairáillean & Owen McCafferty.

The Poor Mouth/An Béal Bocht' - is a two-fingered salute to all things 'excessively, excessively and excessively ' Gaelic! It tells the story of one, Bonaparte O'Coonassa - 'son of Michealangelo, son of Patrick, son of Owen, son of Sarah, son of Thomas, son of Maire'!! Who was born in a cabin in a fictitious village called Corkadorag...
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Three Waterford couples are a step closer to winning their dream wedding valued at €20,000 thanks to Runaway Bride on Beat 102-103 with Lismore House Hotel, County Waterford.

Mondays' Runaway Bride couple saw Laura Finnegan and Padraig O'Halloran (below) who reside on the outskirts of Waterford City. Originally from Dundalk and Bansha respectively, they have been a couple for 6years.

Describing themselves as being completely devoted to each other, both share anadventurous streak from their love of travelling where they have even sampled the delights of climbing a volcano in Chile.

Tuesday saw the turn of Anita Kennedy and Ronan McDonagh right from Earls Court in Waterford City. Together for nine years, they have a four year old daughter.

Fitness and sport play a huge factor in their every day lives with Anita enjoying fitness classes and Ronan playing Gaelic football and soccer ...
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St. Mary's Irishtown will host a performance of Handel's Messiah on the 12th of December 2009 with all proceeds going to South Tipperary Hospice. The performance will be held in St. Mary's Church, Irishtown and it is one of two to be given by the renowned Limerick Choral Union and Orchestra; the second being in the Limerick Concert Hall on the 13th December.

The Limerick Choral Union and Orchestra will be under the baton of Malcolm Green. The four principals this year are local bass Derek Ryan, tenor Dean Short, soprano Edel O'Brien and Rosin O'Grady contralto.

Limerick Choral Union was established in 1964 so that Limerick would have a choir to accompany the Radio Eireann Orchestra on its visits to the city and with the aim of bringing the best of choral music to Limerick. This initiative emanated from the Limerick Symphony Concerts Society and Radio Eireann. Among those involved in the foundation of the ...
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Over 40 of Ireland's most talented emerging artists have lent their talents for Movember (the month formerly known as November) and produced hair-raisingly awesome, one-off works of art to be auctioned for Movember, the annual moustache growing charity event. The Mo inspired works of art are for sale on eBay.ie with all of the funds raised going to Action Prostate Cancer.

The collection includes art forms from prints, photography, paintings and jewellery and more facial hair than a Dubliners album cover. Established illustrators Oliver Jeffers and Redman created some hair-raising portraits of arguably the most famous and infamous 'Mo's' in history in the form of Adolf, Dali and a bubbly interpretation Magnum PI. Emerging artists Jon Burgerman, Keith Walsh and Paul McBride from Detail have gone further and really put themselves into their work by including their own facial hair within the art itself. The Mo art collec...
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Everlasting Moments (15A)

In a series of remarkable events inspired by a true story, Maria Heiskanen stars as Maria Larsson, a Finnish mother and housewife who devotes all of her attention, care and consideration to the well-being of her family - but, like many homemakers, does so at the expense of her own identity and self-awareness. Not that her dockworker husband Sigge (Mikael Persbrandt) particularly deserves such consideration; a brutish, alcoholic lout, his evenings consist of making life hell for Maria and their children with his tyrannical and abusive behaviour.

Maria's world is changed forever the day she tries to pawn an old camera she won in a lottery. The owner of the camera shop insists she try it out before she sells it. Maria takes his advice, and the effect is instantaneous: she is hooked on the power of the pictures. She begins to take portraits of the townspeople and the h...
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Joan Clancy Gallery in the County Waterford Gaeltacht area of Ring has some of the rising stars of the Irish art world including Ross Stewart, Kit French, Katarzyna Gajewska and work by Arthur Maderson and other established luminaries.

Ross Stewart has worked as Art Director on The Secret of Kells an animated film in the running for the 2010 Academy Awards.

Upon arrival in Dublin from Poland, Katarzyna Gajewska's talent was immediately spotted by Irish art doyenne Noelle Campbell Sharp and her work attracts viewers from all corners of Ireland and UK to Joan Clancy Gallery.Twenty-three-year-old Kit French, winner of the Niccolo Caracciolo Drawing Award at the RHA 2008 Annual Exhibition, exhibits a rare and outstanding talent far beyond his years. Described by The Irish Times as a great place to visit, Joan Clancy Gallery also boasts paintings from Dave West, and local artists Blawnin Clancy, Andrea Jameso...
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Flaggylane Productions are currently in the process of fundraising for their company and one of the main fundraisers to finish off the year is called X Factory.  

It is a Wii Tournament Olympics with all the Companies/Factories around Waterford . So get rid of the Winter blues, the talk about recession and have some company fun at the end of a tough year.

Here is the way it will work:
Each Factory/company will put forward 2 representatives to enter the Tournament. Each representative will come to the Forum on the selected nights and play the Wii and compete on big screens against other factories / companies around Waterford . There will be heats, Semi Finals and then of course 1 Final where the last two standing will compete against each other for the trophy.

The games which they will have to play are Boxing, Skiing, Bowling, Basketball and a lot more.

This...
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The recession blues were well and truly forgotten last week when the good people of Waterford came out in force to support two very fine shows.

Stags and Hens played to full houses all week at the Theatre Royal (extra night due to demand on Monday last) and was one of the funniest plays to come our way in a long time.

Producer/Director Gary Power (pictured) assembled a magnificent cast for the show which featured the cream of Waterford's present clutch of actors.

It was a tonic for the cruel weather and present economic slump and had the audience rolling the aisles with laughter. The gags came so fast that it was almost impossible to hear them all with the consistent sound laughter ringing around the theatre.

There were so many good performances here it would be unfair to single out any one in particular. Full credit to entire ensemble.

On Friday night last the Barrack ...
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Some Tickets Still Available

This week sees the Waterford Panto Society take to the stage once more with its annual production. Aladdin is the show this year, and promises to provide the usual assortment of fun,frolics and laughter for all the family.

As it stands there are still limited tickets available across most of the weeks performances, but these are sure to go very fast once the show opens - so don't delay - contact the Theatre Royal Box Office on 051-874402, as the show is certain to sell out once it opens.

Bryan Flynn once again returns as director along with Michelle Condon choreographer and Wayne Brown Musical Director. The magical set has been designed and constructed by Spraoi, complete with magic carpet that will actually fly. Aiden McGrath provides the lighting, and the Stage Management is in the capable hands of Brian 'The Hoff' Collins. Nomac provide the costumes and make-up is...
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The death has taken place of the noted artist and theatre director Tony Ryan. Tony, who was born in Sligo came to Waterford more than thirty years ago and is remembered as an inspiring teacher in the Art Department of WIT. An artist in his own right, Tony exhibited primarily in Sweden, where his work is held in both private and public collections. His first major Irish exhibition took place at Garter Lane Arts Centre in 2007 and was widely acclaimed. In addition to his work as an artist, Tony was an accomplished actor and theatre director. He was a founder member of the Everyman Theatre in Cork, as well as Red Kettle Theatre Company and Open Space in Waterford. Tony was married for twenty years to his Swedish wife, Lisa, who predeceased him in 1993 and the couple had two children, Kristina and Kalle. Kalle paid the following tribute to his father during the recent funeral Mass at the Dominican Church, Bridge Street, Waterford:  ...
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