Music
Pat McManus Band – 22 February: Former Mama’s Boys and Celtus guitarist Pat McManus, along with band members Paul Faloon and Marty McDermott, will kick off 2019 with a gig in the Purty Kitchen, Dun Laoghaire, as part of their 12th European tour. The set will be, as always, packed full of their own special brand of blues rock infused with a touch of the Celtic, with old favourites and new. Tickets on www.ticketweb.ie
The Ultimate Big Band Show – 23 February: Enjoy a night of entertainment that brings back to life the golden age of big band music in the Garage theatre, Monaghan, on 23 February. Directed by saxophonist Daire O’Reilly, The Ultimate Big Band Show presents an electric 20-piece jazz orchestra which brings amazing music and great fun to the stage. Boasting some jazz legends such as Pat Glynn, Gene Bannon, Dag Carroll, Daire O’Reilly and Paul Cox this act never disappoints. For tickets visit www.garagetheatre.com, or call box office 047-39777.
Musical
The Sound Of Music – 26-28 February: Killarney Musical Society presents The Sound of Music. This eagerly awaited musical will be held in the INEC on 26-28 February and the new production team at the helm includes award-winning director and choreographer Peter Kennedy and musical director Noel Lennon. The 1965 American musical drama, based on the von Trapp family with music by Rodgers and Hammerstein, is a real crowd-pleaser, with classic numbers such as Climb Every Mountain, My Favourite Things and Maria. Tickets at www.ticketmaster.ie
Comedy
Keith Barry - Deception – 22-23 February: As the world’s leading TV hypnotist, mentalist and brain hacker, Keith Barry has been blazing a trail across the globe for many years. His new Deception show is designed to astound and amaze the assembled audience and also have them laughing until their faces hurt. During the show he will implant thoughts, extract thoughts and influence the behaviour of the unsuspecting audience. Keith Barry performs in the Black Box, Galway, this Friday and Saturday and tickets are available from ticketmaster.ie
Film
The Hole in the Ground – 1 March: The Hole in the Ground is a thrilling horror film directed by Dublin’s Lee Cronin. The story is set on the outskirts of a rural town and follows a single mother Sarah (played by Seána Kerslake). One night, Sarah’s son vanishes causing panic, but returns unexplained. Although he looks the same, his personality has changed and his behaviour grows increasingly disturbing. Soon, Sarah realises that the boy who returned may not be her son at all. This film features a host of talented Irish actors and is set for release on 1 March.
Dancing diary
Connacht
Galway: Ballinasloe, Shearwater Hotel, 24th February, (5-8) Pat McKenna & Glenshane Country (9.30pm) Andy Feery (10.30) John Glenn & The Mainliners
Leitrim: Carrick-on-Shannon, The Landmark, 16th March, Derek Ryan
Mayo: Claremorris, McWilliam Park,
Social Dancing – 24th February - 27th February: Social Dancing Festival, 24th, Thomas Maguire & Fhiona Ennis, Liam Mannering, 25th Dermot Mc Connell, 26th, Pat McKenna, 27th, Limelite
Big Band Dancing: 23rd February, Mike Denver
Leinster
Carlow: Carlow, The Dolmen Hotel, 3rd March, Mike Denver
Dublin: Dublin, Red Cow Inn, 21st February, Declan Nerney
Kilkenny: Slievrue, Rhu Glenn, 23rd February, Liam Mannering & Maria
Kilkenny: Piltown, Piltown Gaa Complex, 24th February, The Images
Munster
Clare: Ennis, West County Hotel, 24th March, Ciaran Rosney
Cork: Mallow, The Hazel Tree, 22nd February, Jim Devine
Cork: Glanmire, Vienna Woods, 27th February, PJ Murrihy
Cork: Macroom, Riverside Park Hotel, 25th February, Dermot Lyons
Kerry: Tralee, Kerin’s O’Rahillys Clubhouse, 27th February, Mike Condon Band, 6th March, Dermot Lyons
Limerick: Kilmallock, Bullgaden Castle, 27th February, Dave Lawlor
Limerick: Newcastlewest, Longcourt House Hotel, 21st February, Nellie O’Connor Band 28th February, Peter Burke Band, 7th March, Mike Condon Band
Tipperary: Roscrea, Racket Hall, 9th March, Michael English
Tipperary: Newport, Ballymackeogh, Aherns, 23rd February, Dermot Lyons
Ulster
Cavan: Cavan, Hotel Kilmore, 23rd February, Gerry Guthrie Derry, Coleraine, The Bushtown House, 25th February, Liam Kelly
Donegal: Bundoran, Allingham Arms, 23rd February, Jimmy Buckley
Down: Newry, Mourne Country, 23rd February, Matthew O’Donnell
Monaghan: Monaghan, Hillgrove Hotel, 24th February, Robert Mizzell
Monaghan: Castleblayney, The Glencarn, 22nd February, Eamon Jackson, 27th February, Kenny Paul
Tyrone: Omagh, Silverbirch Hotel, 22nd February, Johnny Brady
Tyrone: Moy, The Ryandale, 23rd February, Ciaran Rosney