Probably the busiest night of all Open Mic Nights to date, Abbey Lane audience were entertained by top class artists,musicians and writers. Poetry, music and singing that could grace larger venues was on show throughout the evening. Stories,comedy, memoirs and sketches filled the night for three hours as up to 17 different contributors took to the stage. Well done every body, all of you amazing.
Those entertainers Tim Hanna (Donegal Campers or Autumn or Summer), new face Jim Doherty, Middletown sang (Belfast) Roy Uprichard from Holywood, Camino de Santiago writer...{find on Kindle} Theo Sinton (Blues singer/guitar) Cathy Carson Belfast writer/performer (Jammie Dodgers* provide for all) Eoin McLoughlin Benburb (Stand-up and very short poem) Thomas Healy (Tracy Chapman cover on guitar) Maria McGilly (poem Mr Fox).
We called a break then and set up for our guest artists Seonaid Murray(Sax) and Colin Hassard (poetry/guitar). This combo really worked along with individual pieces from both...Great hearing the Saxaphone played by such an accomplished musician and Mr Hassard the wordsmith supreme once again delighted us.
Further contributions were from Dymphna Ferran Dungannon, (jokes and poetry!)John Mc Allister (poems and prose), Frances Lavery,new face from Middletown sang (Tynan), Mark Brownlee, Portadown (poetry), Kieran Quigley singer ( Jonny Cash ) and Theo Sinton back with more bluey numbers before...
New group 'Orchard Ukes' comprising of Ryan Began, bass; Pauline McDonald and Elma Mc Eneaney on Ululele and vocals;Rocky on Ukulele and Shane McDonald on percussion performed their first public outing in Abbey lane after forming a few weeks ago. They had the crowd singing along from the start and made a great sound. 'Orchard Ukes' will be in the Golf Club (Armagh) rehearsing from 2nd Oct 8pm each fortnight if you wish to take up the Ukulele come along.
The competition for 2 people to see Japan v Ireland was won on a tie break question by Ryan Began from Orchard Ukes after a dispute over the shortest Anthem. Ryan and a friend were able to realise this great prize by tuning into RTE2/UTV at 7.30am on Sat.....No dispute over the result!
Next Open Mic is on October 25th but keep it quiet......it's our wee secret. Thanks to all the helpers on the night without youse where would we be.