Niamh Mary McLaughlin / Kev Howell / Jonni Slater / Allen Gearty / Janice Burns & Jon Doran / St Rocks

St Rocks Wed 27th Jan 2021

Maths teacher Frank McArdle has been teaching Irish music to his pupils at St Roch’s School in Glasgow and to the youngsters of the “Glasgow Irish Minstrels” – a branch of the Comhaltas movement – since 1977. Having run a folk club in the school for several years, he felt the need to diversify. Volunteers to learn the accordion, fiddle and whistle were sought and the band was born. Their earliest engagements involved playing a few tunes for local community groups. Within a couple of years, however, they were playing their first ceili. They never looked back. They became much sought-after throughout the West of Scotland.

Working closely with Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann ( the tradional Irish music association), the music lessons started on Tuesday evenings, opening the band to pupils from all over the city. Nowadays around 200 +converge on the school – and continue on virtual tuition during lockdown!

His “St Rochs Ceili Band” has launched the careers of several stalwarts of the traditional music scene including John McCusker, Gavin Pennycook and Clare McLaughlin. They have even managed to produce All-Ireland Champions.

Patricia McArdle is now at the helm of St Rocks where tutor and pupils come together to ensure the future of these young musicians is assured and come through to form groups, duo’s and individual artists that grace the stage not only in Glasgow but worldwide

Niamh Mary McLaughlin Wed 27th Jan. 2021

I am 18 years old and a level one student studying MA music/psychology at the University of Glasgow. I’ve been playing accordion since I was 8 learning, competing and performing through Comhaltas Ceoltori Eireann. Most recently I’ve been involved playing with St. Roch’s Ceili Band including performing at the open stage with them for the past two years. Since September I’ve been taught by Kathleen Boyle of Cherish the Ladies who has also helped me to play the piano which I have taken up more recently.
I have experience of the Danny Kyle Stage through St. Roch’s Ceili Band in the past two years but performing as a solo would help to develop my solo artistry which I have been working on during the pandemic due to the decrease in opportunities to play as part of an ensemble.

Jonni Slater Wed 27th Jan. 2021

Jonni Slater is a singer-songwriter from the southwest of England whose music ranges from intimate and heartfelt to uplifting and cinematic.  “Not Giving Up”, “Now” and “Shout” are from his last record, “Inversions”, which was released in 2018. He is currently finishing   a new album of songs written during the last year while taking part in a weekly song writing group run by Becci Wallace and Rosie Bans, two accomplished Glaswegian songwriters, who challenged the group to write at least a song per week from a variety of themes and starting points.

Allan G0garty Wed 27th Jan. 2021

Whether performing solo acoustic or with the full line up Allen Gogarty’s music Allen Gogarty comes from the small village of Kilmainhamwood in County Meath in the Republic of Ireland. He has been performing live and recording for the last thirty years and when not on tour resides in New York City.
He is extremely active on the live music circuit and can be seen performing in numerous venues throughout the New York area on regular basis. He performs solo, with a full band, in some two- and three-piece acts or is equally at home at traditional
Irish music sessions. Currently working on his third Solo album, His first two albums “Mind cocoon”, “Creature” and his most recent single release “Stand Down ” are now available on iTunes and most other platforms.

Janice Burns & Jon Doron Wed 27th Jan. 2021

Janice Burns & Jon Doran are a folk duo based in the North-East of England who formed in 2017 after discovering their shared love for traditional song. A connection with vibrant and relevant repertoire unveils a clear respect for tradition, capturing feelings of familiarity. Their compelling storytelling comes alive through tight vocal harmonies and thoughtful interplay between mandolin and bouzouki.

Students of Newcastle University’s folk & traditional music degree, Janice and Jon sought to expand their influences further and spent a year studying in Norway. Here they established their sound, drawing inspiration from their surroundings. Gathering songs from a range of sources, they communicate the hardships of work, industry and ordinary life to audiences throughout Scotland, England and Norway. Their work is a celebration of their own musical and geographical backgrounds, embracing the differences that connect them.

Kev Howell Wed 27th Jan 2021

Kev Howell is an Alternative singer-songwriter, musician and composer from Glasgow, blending the brawny fiery punch of rock with poetry and psychedelia. Since his introduction in 2017 he self-released his debut and SAY nominated album ‘Haunting Ambition’ and ‘Snipers Blues E.P’. His song ‘Kamikaze’ was featured on the website of U.S rock band ‘Black Rebel Motorcycle Club’ in Feb 2018 and was described as “Bewitching and Sublime” by California based reviewer ‘Indiepulse’. In the past he has supported some memorable artists including, John power, Ben Ottewell, Bill Ryder-Jones, The Glorious Sons, Bang Bang Romeo and Red Rum Club.

The new single ‘Arrows’ was released June 19th, 2020. It gained airplay on BBC Introducing, before release and has drawn comparisons to The black Keys and Cream . Kev’s distinct vocals and poignant lyrics have been credited in recent reviews of the song, along with his guitar work. The track really captures the

While unable to go and see the artists live during lockdown they are still able to bring you their music via all their social media so please go and check out how busy they have been writing and performing their music during this difficult time for all artists
All enquiries to Liz Clark dkos.info@yahoo.com