MUSICIANS RETURN TO OMAGH FOR FUNDRAISING CONCERT
Musicians return to Omagh for fundraising concert
THEY'RE bringing it all back home at a musical gala in Omagh tonight.
All over Ireland, many concerts have already been held to raise money for the Omagh bomb victims.
But tonight, a major fundraising concert is being held in the town itself.
And the line up for the evening, which is completely sold out, will consist entirely of local musicians and singers, some of whom are international names.
"It's often been said that if you threw a stone in Omagh you'd probably hit a musician," said the organiser Dai Waterson, owner of the Royal Arms Hotel, where the concert will be held.
"Our theme for the evening is Let The Healing Begin, and we are expecting a capacity audience for what should be a great night's entertainment.
"All the artistes are giving their time freely, and we are grateful to them for that."
Among the big names on the bill are singers like Brian Coll, Frankie McBride, Dominic Kirwan, Philomena Begley, Rock Stewart and Elvis impersonator Frank Chism.
And adding to the nostalgia will be the presence of ex-members of the town's most famous show band, the Plattermen - world acclaimed guitarist Artie McGlynn, singer Sean "Speedy" Hamilton, saxophonist Pat Chesters and keyboard player Ray Moore.
Also there will be the popular Omagh bluegrass outfit Knotty Pine, as well as St Eugene's Brass Band and Eden Pipe Band.
Singer Juliet Turner, whose singing at the "Act Of Reflection" memorial service in Omagh captivated thousands of TV viewers, is also appearing.
The compere for the evening is local musician and broadcaster Pio McCann, whose daughter was injured.
And Belfast Telegraph journalist Neil Johnston has been invited to read an article and poem he wrote about his home town after the bombing atrocity on August 15.
THEY'RE bringing it all back home at a musical gala in Omagh tonight.
All over Ireland, many concerts have already been held to raise money for the Omagh bomb victims.
But tonight, a major fundraising concert is being held in the town itself.
And the line up for the evening, which is completely sold out, will consist entirely of local musicians and singers, some of whom are international names.
"It's often been said that if you threw a stone in Omagh you'd probably hit a musician," said the organiser Dai Waterson, owner of the Royal Arms Hotel, where the concert will be held.
"Our theme for the evening is Let The Healing Begin, and we are expecting a capacity audience for what should be a great night's entertainment.
"All the artistes are giving their time freely, and we are grateful to them for that."
Among the big names on the bill are singers like Brian Coll, Frankie McBride, Dominic Kirwan, Philomena Begley, Rock Stewart and Elvis impersonator Frank Chism.
And adding to the nostalgia will be the presence of ex-members of the town's most famous show band, the Plattermen - world acclaimed guitarist Artie McGlynn, singer Sean "Speedy" Hamilton, saxophonist Pat Chesters and keyboard player Ray Moore.
Also there will be the popular Omagh bluegrass outfit Knotty Pine, as well as St Eugene's Brass Band and Eden Pipe Band.
Singer Juliet Turner, whose singing at the "Act Of Reflection" memorial service in Omagh captivated thousands of TV viewers, is also appearing.
The compere for the evening is local musician and broadcaster Pio McCann, whose daughter was injured.
And Belfast Telegraph journalist Neil Johnston has been invited to read an article and poem he wrote about his home town after the bombing atrocity on August 15.
Further Information
Publisher: BELFAST TELEGRAPH
Ref: BT/0474
Published Date: 27-Oct-98
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