Here's what's going down locally...

Adie Dunbar & The Jonas

He can act. he can sing.. what next? Adrian Dunbar is best known both here and internationally as a great actor with credits such as My Left Foot, Hear My song and even Inspector Morse behind him! Recently though he’s been dedicating time to his first love Music. Under the watchful eye of Ballyshannon resident and well known man about south Donegal Patsy O’ Kane, Adie Dunbar & the Jonas have recorded their debut album 2 Brothers. It contains nine soings of what I would term old school Irish country, and none the worse for it! You can catch them in An Grianan Theatre on saturday 18th November, and Dicey Riley’s the night before in Ballyshannon. you can also hear them playing live on Packie Keeney’s show on Highland Radio on Monday 13th November from 11pm to 1 am.

Druid

Coming up soon at An Grianan Theatre is the highlight of our year. The fabulous Druid Theatre Company doing John B Keane’s The Year of The Hiker which will take place from Monday 20th to Saturday 25th november. Already the Tuesday and Saturday are booking up well. The great thing about this show, much like the Abbey Theatre, is that they receive so many Arts Coulcil grants that what you pay at the door iss way below what a commercial price would be. They spare no expense on the production, costumes, sets, and actors. In these times when money is tight for the Arts gemerally and most companies are forced to cut their cloth to suit, slashing their budgets its refreshing to get a chance to see a lavish production. Make the most of your tax money and come see Druid, its moeny well spent!

West Ocean String Quartet

Just a quick reminder that tomorrow at An Grianan its the West Ocean String Quartet with a blend of Traditional and Irish music, and they are joined by a true star in Matt Molloy, of the Chieftains. A fine evening ahead.

Bluegrass at the Balor

Also tomorrow night are the Annapolis Bluegrass Coalition all the way from Maryland USA. With the traditional combination of banjo, fiddle, mandolin, guitar and bass fiddle, the Annapolis Bluegrass Coalition offers traditional and contemporary compositions laced with three part harmonies and bluesy solos. For bookings and further information contact the Balor Box Office on 0749131840.

A tale of two comedians...

Next up at the Balor’s new Monday night Comedy Club is one of the finest Irish comedians, and one who really cuts it live. Neil Delamere. This summer saw Neil appearing as the news reviewer on the new sports show Park Live on RTE1. His live stand-up set was recently recorded for the BBC comedy series One Night Stand. Presently working on The Blame Game, a topical radio show for the BBC soon to be aired on TV, Neil is also a regular on the RTE comedy news show The Panel alongside Ed Byrne and Colin Murphy and hosted by Dara O'Briain. And he is to be the new host of RTE’s Montreal Just For Laughs footage. He is great live so why not go join him in the company of MC John Henderson and a support act. Sure what else are you doing on a Monday night?!

Phil Kay, often billed as the second best Scottish Comedian after Billy Connolly is my favourite comedian and a lovely human being to boot. Best known as the star of Phil Kay feels.. which aired as a series on channel 4 many moons ago Phil’s showws are a rolelrcoaster rdie of unexpected twists and turns where the only sure thing is you will laugh alnd laugh and laugh. He’s in An Grianan on 11th november, here's his appearance on QI. enjoy.



Catherine Tate Show



Recently I’ve been listening to the radio more than I’ve been watching TV. BBC Radio 2 (I love bob Harris and Mark Lamaar!)& 4 and RTE 1 and Lyric (yes I’m getting old! but John Kelly in the afternoons is blissful) have all been keeping me entertained and I’d prefer to watch My Name is Earl (I’m just trying to be a better person..)on dvd than turn on most of the rubbish they throw at us on the goggle box. While I’m on the subject what is with RTE’s fascination with Adolf Hitler? Are they all neo- nazis in Donnybrook? I think we should get some answers... But Extras was good, the David Bowie scene being a particular favourite,
and I caught the first of the new Catherine Tate show on BBC2 on Thursday at 9pm and oh my God it was brilliant! Comedy at its sharpest and finest. Watch it and if you dont laugh trust me you have no sense of humour... altogether now ....What a Liberty! And if. like me you hadn’t the strength to turn the TV off afterwards (yeh yeh I’m lazy ok?) you would have been delighted to see that Mark Lamaar is no longer hosting. Great dj but he’s just not funny. And this years top comedy award winner at Edinburgh, Phil Nicholl was on, and I’ve justy booked him for An Grianan for the new year. Very funny chap he is too. I’m just hoping he keeps his clothes on. No, Seriously.
He's on this vid...



Janet Ross Exhibition

I popped up to cafe blend to see the opening of Janet ross exhibition in Cafe Blend and was very pleased to see such a body of fine landscapes. Let’s be honest not all Donegal landscapes are executed with such ability and sensitivity but Janet has done our magnificent coastline proud. The response from the buying public was just as enthusiastic but there are still some left! For that special Christmas present for that special person buy now and stop worrying or just buy them for yourself, because you are worth it!

On the web

A great site from mainly Letterkenny people is thoughts, etc. which can be found at thoughtsetcetera.blogspot.com. I found bonde do role there and am blissfully happy ever since! (It’s a brazilian band not a mail order bride in case you are wondering). Check them out at www.myspace.com/bondedorole or watch these...


. An Grianan Theatre now has a myspace page, its early days yet but join us at www.myspace.com/angrianan. An Grianan’s own website is constantly updated with lots of pics, songs and information at www.angrianan.com.