GRAEME COUSINS talks to Snow Patrol’s Nathan Connolly about joining the band at the right time and how the group have become one big extended family Snow Patrol guitarist Nathan Connolly joined the band in 2002 and helped to propel them to greatness. At least that’s one version of events, depending on who you talk to. Others suggest he jumped on the bandwagon.If it’s Nathan himself he’s likely to favour the former account.One thing few can argue with is that Snow Patrol are one of the biggest, if not the biggest band, to come out of Northern Ireland, especially when album sales and concert attendances are used as the benchmarks.When Nathan joined Snow Patrol, they were a hard-working but as yet unsigned band with two albums under their belt. He said: “When I joined Snow Patrol I was working in HMV in Belfast and gigging with my original band (File Under Easy Listening). “We toured Ireland in support of Ash and Snow Patrol. We had a lot of mutual … [Read more...] about Snow Patrol’s Nathan Connolly: From gospel choir to guitarist with Northern Ireland’s biggest band
Best gospel choir
WATCH: Limerick Gospel Choir wow President Michael D Higgins with lively performance
President Michael D Higgins was in for a musical treat over the weekend thanks to Limerick Gospel Choir.The incumbent President was speaking at the official launch of the Belonging to Limerick Integration Plan, which aims to work towards “creating a vibrant, inclusive and truly intercultural society in Limerick in which all residents belong and are valued equally, regardless of their colour, creed or culture.”He was given a warm reception by the Limerick-based choir, who gave an energetic rendition of a traditional South African song, Shosholoza.Aisling Moloney - Limerick Voice The word Shosholoza or "tshotsholoza" means to go forward and is used as a term of hope for the workers as a sign of solidarity.This is why choir director, David Idioh, chose this particular song."Shosholosa reflects hard work and survival. This song inspires people especially those in the African community on the light of their ability to survive in toughest of situations."Speaking about the … [Read more...] about WATCH: Limerick Gospel Choir wow President Michael D Higgins with lively performance
Highlights not to miss in Mississippi from top attractions to the best museums
I still remember the feeling of pride when I took home the "vase" I had thrown on a potter’s wheel at school, even though it was so wonky it had to be propped up. Decades later, I produced an equally odd creation, finished with what I thought of as a rather arty blue glaze. But this time I didn’t go home covered in clay because my masterpiece was created on a virtual potter’s wheel, and a picture of the finished product was emailed to me. It’s just one of many unique experiences on offer at the new $50million Mississippi Arts and Entertainment Experience. I also created a virtual picture in the style of renowned local artist William Dunlap, who told me how he was astounded by the technology when he tried it on the opening day of the Max, as it’s known. Other interactive tech allowed me to form my own virtual band – and the resulting jam session was a sure-fire chart-topper. A morning at the Max, in the Mississippi city of Meridian, and a week … [Read more...] about Highlights not to miss in Mississippi from top attractions to the best museums
Norwich Gospel choir to reunite for Church group’s 40th birthday
PUBLISHED: 11:15 16 July 2018 | UPDATED: 11:15 16 July 2018 Gospel Choir CD Recording at NCBC. Picture: Mark Tuma & NYFC Mark Tuma & NYFC A choir of gospel singers will be reuniting for their group’s 40th birthday, with singers travelling from far and wide to take part in the event. The choir giving a previous perfromance, Picture: Norwich Youth for Christ Norwich Youth for Christ will be hosting the reunion concert, in aid of their anniversary. More than fifty people involved in the Youth for Christ gospel choir between 2007 and 2015 will be returning to Norfolk for the special event. Former youth worker Heather Land is one person returning to Norwich for the concert, and was very keen to put the reunion event on, She said: “Choir members are excited about singing with each other again and there is high enthusiasm for the concert. It’s a combination of the choice of music, the passion with which is it sung, the buzz of the atmosphere of the choir … [Read more...] about Norwich Gospel choir to reunite for Church group’s 40th birthday
GOING OUT: Six of the best for Wednesday and Thursday
Here’s half a dozen great events taking place over the next two days MUSIC: Dedication breeds the best Grammy Award-winning multiplatinum guitarist and singer Mark Tremonti continues to commit himself to his craft in his 2018 tour.Pyramids Centre, Southsea, Thursday, 7.30pm.CONCERT: Sing for UgandaPortsmouth Gospel Choir will be performing to raise funds for Kikaaya College School in Uganda. £8, children £5.St George’s Church, The Hard, Portsea, tonight (Wed), 7.30pm.STAGE: All for one!Pupils from Mayville High School will be taking to the stage to put on their very own performance of Disney’s High School Musical.Kings Theatre, Southsea, tonight (Wed), 7pm.COMEDY: Laugh your socks offThe Fat Fox presents its monthly stand-up comedy show, so go along for an evening of laughing, drinking and socialising. Free entry and pay what you like on exit.The Fat Fox, Southsea, tonight (Wed), 7.30pm.FILM: Moscow. 1953. Panic.When tyrannical … [Read more...] about GOING OUT: Six of the best for Wednesday and Thursday