Skip Navigation

Stonewall and Session Beat perform to full...

21 June 2010

On Wednesday, 9th June, the Market Place Theatre in Armagh became alive to the sounds of Stonewall and Session Beat, together with a number of special guests.

The night began with Session Beat doing an upbeat set showcasing their alternative sound in Ulster-Scots music; bringing together a mix of traditional Scottish and Irish music played with a contemporary twist. They blasted out various numbers from their new CD including ‘The Banjo Breakdown’, ‘The Cliffs of Doneen’ set and ‘Morrison’s Jig’. The crowd really enjoyed their set as they clapped and sang along.

 

The event was organised to raise money for Southern Area Hospice Services which provides invaluable support and care to people living within the Southern Health Board Area, who are suffering from Cancer, Multiple Sclerosis, Motor Neurone Disease and other terminal illnesses.

 

After the interval, Stonewall took to the stage with a rendition of ‘The Mason’s Apron’, followed by a number of songs such as ‘Caledonia’, ‘Tell My Ma’ and ‘Safe in the Arms’.

 

Mary McKee then made a special appearance and certainly had the audience’s attention with an enchanting version of ‘The Mountains of Mourne’ along with a number of other ballads.

 

The last guest appearance of the night was by the excellent solo piper Richard Magowan of St Laurence O’Toole Pipe Band. Richard played a number of jigs and reels such as Andy Renwick’s ‘Ferret’ and ‘Going To the Well for Water’. The audience were clapping along and tapping their toes to the sound of the pipes with guitar, piano and djembe backing. It’s easy to see why Richard’s nickname is Speedy judging by the speed of his fingers.

 

The event was a huge success and to date approximately £1200 has been raised for Southern Area Hospice Services.  Money is still being donated so it is hoped that the total raised as a result of the concert will increase even more.  A big thank you to everyone who came along and supported such a worthy cause!

 

More information on the bands involved can be found at www.stonewallmusic.co.uk and www.sessionbeat.co.uk.