The recent “Showband Knights” musical extravaganza at the Salthill Hotel in aid of Galway Hospice was a great success. Despite very stormy weather, a capacity crowd turned up on the night to enjoy the music, to dance to “old favourites”, and in the process to support Galway Hospice. ALL of the performers gave their services free of charge! The “Showband Knights” band consists of virtuoso musicians – Frankie Colohan on lead/rhythm guitar, Ja Reidy on bass guitar, Tony Maher on keyboards, Paul Vignoles on drums, Jimmy Higgins on trumpet and John Haugh on saxaphone. The band was fronted by the very charismatic Sean O’Dowd (remember Ding-a-Ling Showband?) and Hanora, a wonderful female vocalist from Limerick. Specialy Guests on the night were Tommy Swarbrigg, Marc Roberts and ace trumpeter Johnny Carroll. The dance floor was constantly full, with the enthusiastic audience dancing and singing to all the great showband songs of the past. A great night was had by all!
Before the “Showband Knights” took the stage, the audience danced and sang along to the very popular music of Carmel Dempsey and her band – featuring Carmel on keyboard, Eugene Kelly on guitar, and Michelle Mulhaire on drums.
Thanks to all the performers who gave their time and talents free of charge to benefit Galway Hospice, and thanks to everyone who attended and made the event so enjoyable and memorable. Thanks to Chris Kelly of “Trad on the Prom” who provided the stage set and lighting for the night. Thanks to the Salthill Hotel for making their wonderful facilities available free of charge. Thanks to Galway Bay fm for extensive free publicity, and to JC Printers for printing tickets and posters. For more photos of the event see the album “Showband Knights” on the Galway Hospice Facebook page.
