Fanrealm.com

 “Hope to see some of ye in the very near future folks. Slan..”

The Druids are a four-piece Irish REBEL band made up of three Kildare men and a Wexford man… Paddy Mangan from Johnstown Bridge on banjo, mandolin and vocals; Gary Lawlor from Clane on acoustic guitar and lead vocals; newest recruit Darren Egan also from Clane on bass, a great musician, he will also be singing when he gets settled in; and the one and only Mick O’Brien originally from Wexford but now living in Newbridge on five string banjo, bodhran, tin whistle and vocals. The group has recently taken onboard a manager, Adrian Moran from County Westmeath, who aims to take them “to the highest point of their careers.”

The Druids played their first gig on 9th May 2009 and since then have toured Ireland and Scotland where they play again in April. They are supporting the Celtic band Charlie and the Bhoys in the famous Barrowlands Glasgow to a sellout crowd of 2000 Celtic fans and returning  to the Brazen Head in Glasgow where they perform on regular occasions. On St.Patricks Day The Druids are playing in Belgium and have ten dates in Santa Ponsa in Spain for the annual Celtic Convention in May. Over 30,000 Celtic supporters will be there. They have had enquiries for American and Australian tours for late 2010 and early 2011. Currently they are working on their second album which should be available in early March, 2010. Writers as well as singers and musicians, The Druids have already written four of their own Rebel songs.

The Druids can be seen and heard at:

BEBO:   www.bebo.com/druids32

MySpace:  www.myspace.com/thedruidsirishrebelband.com

Youtube:  www.youtube.com/thedruidsband

Timeless Traditions, released in February 2009, is Malachi Cush’s fourth album and follows successes with his debut album Malachi, New Day and Celtic Heartbeat. It is an exceptional collection of traditional Celtic songs enhanced by Malachi’s effortless laid back style and smooth mellow voice.

A favorite of mine is County Tyrone. I listen and my minds eye sees those vividly green high holy hills.                 The Donaghmore Exile, another favorite, is a perfect example of Malachi’s expertise at storytelling.
Peggy Gordon is beautifully done as a duet featuring Deirdre Bonner. Her lovely voice compliments Malachi’s and reminds me of Mary Black’s Anachie Gordon. They also join voices to sing Ned of the Hill.

Mention should be made of the considerably talented artists and musicians Plunkett McGartland, Brendan Monaghan, Davey Muldrew and Declan Magee who so ably contribute backup. I would highly recommend this album to anyone and find myself listening over and over again. The songs  are each a little different from the other and are well done and enjoyable listening. I just wonder how this one slipped past me when it first came out. It’s a winner for sure!

Timeless Traditions Song list:

Young Matt Hyland
Lover’s Heart
Ned of the Hill
Step it out Mary
The Wild Goose
The Donaghmore Exile
Spanish Lady
I Wish my Love was a Red Red Rose
Peggy Gordon
The Creel
County Tyrone
A Soldier’s Farewell
 

Timeless Traditions

Available at iTunes:

Visit Malachi Cush at:

Myspace:  http://www.myspace.com/malachicush

Website:  http://malachicush.net/

Fansite:  http://www.malachimad.com/

Last month The Tossers were profiled here along with four other Chicago area Celtic bands not to be missed.  These guys are a huge favorite of Chicagoans, consistently selling out and pleasing the fans with their traditional folk and Celtic punk rock fury presentations. During the month of March, they’ll be performing around the Midwest and along the East coast with stops in the states between. If they come to your area, take the time to catch one of their shows. They do not disappoint.   

For a preview of their music, visit The Tossers Myspace page:  http://www.myspace.com/thetossers

March, 2010

Feb 27 – 8:30pm – Otto’s – Decalb, Illlinois

Mar 4 – 9:00pm – Mac’s Bar – Lansing, Michigan

Mar 5 – 9:00pm – Grog Shop – Cleveland, Ohio

Mar 6 – 8:00pm – Club Café – Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Mar 7 – 8:00pm – The Khyber – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Mar 8 – 8:00pm – Maxwell’s – Hoboken, New Jersey

Mar 9 – 8:00pm – Valentine’s – Albany, New York

Mar 10 – 8:00pm – Harper’s Ferry – Alston, Massachusetts

Mar 11 – 8:00pm – Jerky’s Live Music Hall – Providence, Rhode Island

Mar 12 – 8:00pm – Mercury Lounge – New York, New York

Mar 13 – 8:00pm – RFK Stadium – Washington, DC

Mar 16 – 8:00pm – High Dive – Champaign, Illinois

Mar 17 – 8:00pm – Metro – Chicago, Illinois

Mar 18 – 8:00pm – Turner Hall Ballroom – Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Mar 20 – 8:00pm – Chubby Rain – Poplar Grove, Illinois

Last fall Mickey Coleman and Plunkett McGartland sat down with Malachi Cush on his Sunday Morning Jukebox radio program and discussed Mickey’s newest song and upcoming album, A Mothers Lullaby. During a lighter moment and as friends do, Malachi poked fun at Mickey about being referred to as the “next Irish folk sensation.” Obviously self-conscious about the reference, Mickey responded without hesitation; “talkin the talks one thing, but walkin the walks another.” Prophetic words…. With his A Mothers Lullaby, Mickey most certainly is “walkin the walk” in the footprints of the likes of Christy Moore and Bob Dylan. Mickey advocates for powerless abused children, innocent casualties of war having no escape from the devastation, loved ones left to cope with suicide, the end of political corruptness, the unemployed and those unfortunates caught up in the associated turmoil. For this album, Mickey has written lyrics guided by his conscience and from his heart. His fine voice lending so much power to the words they take your breath away. Having Plunkett McGartland accompanying Mickey on some of these songs is the perfect compliment to the richness and clean clear sound of the new songs.

A Mothers Lullaby is the next step in Mickey’s journey up the road to becoming one of the great folk singers both in Ireland and here in the states. He’s surely “walkin the walk” with A Mothers Lullaby!      Brilliant Mickey, just brilliant!!!

The reasons why Mickey wrote Mothers Lullaby have been explained eloquently by Mickey himself and would be diminished by any synopsis I could pen here. Visit his MySpace page and read his blog: Mothers Lullaby (why I wrote this song). http://www.myspace.com/mickeycoleman1

Locked Gates, a narrative written by Patricia Campbell, draws not so subtle parallels between County Tyrone’s recent past and present day Gaza. It is brilliant in its simplicity. Agree or disagree with Mickey’s recitation, where and when he spent his formative years makes him uniquely qualified to give voice to these words.

With Brighter Day Mickey describes the strife occurring in present day Ireland, both the Republic and the North. In three short verses Mickey covers dissention and hope for reconciliation, unemployment, alcoholism, corrupt politicians, poor or non existent services, wasteful excess and child abuse. Plunkett McGartland gives added depth to this piece with his considerable talents at the piano.

Mickey wrote Miss You More Than Words Can Say for a mother who had lost her 22 year old son to suicide. It has been included in a charity album, From The Heart, and performed by Mickey during a benefit concert last July to raise the profile of the Suicide Awareness campaign.  This song is beautiful and it’s great to see him share it with a wider audience.

Pillow of Tears gives a voice to faceless closeted children abused by clergy. The stark honesty of Mickey’s words strongly illustrate the almost unbearable pain suffered from these ugliest of acts.

This man writes, sings and plays from his heart whatever the topic. Don’t let his more serious songs overshadow the other touching, more traditional songs penned by Mickey for this album.

Writing, singing and playing from the heart is clearly illustrated  with Culdaff. (a village in Donegal on the Inishowen peninsula). In this one Mickey tells the sad story of high hopes, disappointment and resignation over what will never be, and almost unbearable loneliness for home.

Stranger in the City weaves a tale of youthful exploration, immaturity of decisions made and the wisdom of realizing what’s important in life.

Your Love Pulled Me In and Can Always Count on You are most obviously written for a special person. The first song is the story of finding love at the exact right time, the second a confirmation of love and commitment to a present and future together.

Judgement Day is a genuinely happy tune that’s unashamed by its tilt toward good old fashioned country and western. It’s a toe tapping sing along song that will bring a great big smile to your face. Hard to choose which is more fun, Mickey’s words or Plunkett’s honky-tonk piano style in this one.

A Mothers Lullaby song list:

Mothers Lullaby

Locked Gates

Brighter Day

Your Love Pulled Me In

Miss You More Than Words

Pillow of Tears

Can Always Count On You

Judgement Day

Stranger in the City

Culdaff

Purchase A Mothers Lullaby on Mickey’s website: http://mickeycoleman.com/index.html

Now available at: and

Today, 29-Jan-2010, is a big day for singer/songwriter, Mickey Coleman, with the launch of his brand new album “Mothers Lullaby.” Mickey’s been called the next Irish folk sensation, and if the selections on his Myspace page are an indication of the quality and sound of the new album, he’ll have this title for the forseeable future. As part of the release, Mickey will also be embarking on a tour taking him to the cities of Belfast, Derry, Donegal, Dublin, Cork, Galway, Glasgow and London.

The Fanrealm staff would like to express its’ sincere congratulations and best wishes. Adh mor ort Mickey and continued success. Here’s hoping it goes platinum!

To order Mothers Lullaby or for tour details visit Mickey’s website: http://mickeycoleman.com/index.html

To hear a few of his new songs, visit Mickey’s Myspace page at: http://www.myspace.com/mickeycoleman1

Fanrealm continues to highlight great local Celtic bands and musicians with several excellent groups from the greater Chicago area.  Just outside the city and right up there close to the top in visits to Fanrealm are Naperville and Plainfield, both filled with Celtic music lovers. For these two towns and the rest of Chicagoland, here are several of my favorite groups. You’ll find them playing regularly all over Chicago, the surrounding suburbs & counties and several close by states.  

St. James Gate – This group is made up of three lifelong friends from Chicago’s South side who began their career as rockers and evolved into Irish folk singers. They’ve been making music for 30 years playing in and around Chicago. Known for their distinctive three-part harmonies and good time stage persona, St. James Gate is authentic Irish pub entertainment. Give them a listen on Myspace and if you’re in the Chicago area, be sure to take in a show.   http://www.myspace.com/sjgatechicago  

The Tossers – Are another outstanding group whose members hail from the South side of Chicago and are longtime friends. As a group, they’ve been around the area since the early 90’s singing and playing Celtic music that’s both traditional folk and punk rock fury combined. The name “Tossers” is derived from an old reference to commode, drunk or the British currency depending on who you ask. Huge favorites of Chicago’s Celtic music lovers, with a sound that is somewhere between rage and raucousness, they are known for playing anywhere, anytime and for or with anybody.  Their live shows are legendary for attracting all types of fans and are generally sold out. If you’re looking for a good time with a fun, fan loving group, see them when you have a chance and listen to a sample of their music on Myspace.    http://www.myspace.com/thetossers

Kevin Flynn & the Avondale Ramblers – I REALLY like this groups’ music. “A Chicago-Irish band” is how Kevin Flynn describes their Celtic inspired sound; Gaelic music reflecting all aspects of Chicago. The band’s sound is influenced by traditional Irish music but their songs tend to be more a rowdy pub type. Definitely not your average traditional Irish folk entertainers, they are so much more and well worth seeing; a memorable group of entertainers and definitely a fun night out on the town. http://www.myspace.com/kevinflynnandtheavondaleramblers

The Larkin & Moran Brothers – Have been around the Irish music scene in Chicago for 15 years. Comprised of six musicians and vocalists, they play their own brand of Celtic/Acoustic Irish folk music. Truly an energetic fun band to see live, the band is made up of:  
Dan Larkin– Their driving force, plays guitar and sings. He’s likened to a voice crossover of Christy Moore and Liam Clancy with just a touch of Davy Carton.

Mike Larkin– Plays a little of everything but mostly bodhran. He sings and enjoys telling a joke or two.
Joe Larkin – Described as raw energy, Joe plays harmonica, guitar and lends his voice to lead vocals. 
Terry Moran – A session veteran who plays the mandolin, tin whistle and banjo.
Kevin Moran –Bass vocals.
Mike Murphy – Seasoned mandolin and bass player.
http://www.myspace.com/thelarkinandmoranbrothers

Baal Tinne – (pronounced “Bahl Tinnuh”) is a five member Irish music group based in Chicago and founded in the early 1980’s. Playing flute, tin whistle, fiddle, bodhran, guitar and piano/keyboard, they transform Irish tunes into instrumental listening music without loosing the Celtic sound. Their goal is to explore and transform the traditional Celtic rhythms and they do this effortlessly. Baal Tinne’s sound is different and unique and yet totally familiar. They have several wonderful examples of their music on Myspace.   http://www.myspace.com/baaltinne

Singer/songwriter Mickey Coleman, from the shores of Lough Neagh, County Tyrone Ireland is on his way to becoming the latest sensation to hit the Irish music folk scene.

Mickey who has been writing, singing and playing music from an early age completed his critically acclaimed debut album Carefully Crafted, consisting of all original material, a short 18 months ago. And, since its debut has been sharing the stage with artists such as The Chieftains, Cara Dillon, Francis Black, Liam Reilly, Steve Cooney and many more.

His talent for penning songs that in some way or another have shaped his life and which have captured the hearts of many in his live performances has been well documented in songs such as The Brantry Boy, The Holylands Belfast, My Coalisland Girl and Kilkeel Fisherman.

Drawing influences from Christy Moore, Bob Dylan and Luke Kelly, Mickey has developed his own identity saying; “I am like myself. I don’t think I sound like anyone” in an interview with popular folk artist and producer Column Sands.

James McGarrity from JW Promotions says; “Mickey Coleman is another example of the class and caliber of new musicians in the Province. This talented singer/songwriter produced a sensational debut album and is set for great things.”

Mickey is currently writing with some of Ireland’s finest and adding the finishing touches to his brand new album, Mothers Lullaby. Scheduled to launch on 29-Jan-2010, it is now available for purchase and pre-order on his website:   www.mickeycoleman.com

Listen to some of Mickey’s songs now at: www.myspace.com/mickeycoleman1   

Become a fan and follow Mickey on Facebook at: 

Mickey Coleman Folk Singer/Songwriter: http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/group.php?gid=156313743038

 (from:  Mickey Coleman Folk Singer/Songwriter  -  Facebook, 07-Jan-2010) 

“Mothers Lullaby, an anti war song written by myself and Plunkett McGartland about the attacks on Gaza on 27th December 2008, will be launched in Casement Park Belfast on Friday, 29th January 2010 at 8:30pm. Everyone welcome…. More details will follow. You can listen to the song on my Facebook page.” …..Mickey Coleman

Mother’s Lullaby video:  Mother’s Lullaby video

Casement Park (Irish: Páirc Mhic Asmaint) is the principal Gaelic Athletic Association stadium in Belfast, NI, and home to the Antrim football and hurling teams. The ground has a capacity of 32,600.

Merry Christmas, anxious readers! What follows is a conversation I recently had with singer & songwriter, Mickey Coleman. 
I’ve been listening to Mickey’s music and closely following his career for about a year now. Found him quite by accident while researching Northern Ireland for a once in a lifetime trip last summer. As travel time drew close, we decided to include one of Mickey’s performances in our itinerary and meet the man behind the music. Long story short, this first question is totally personal and a wee tease directed to Mickey about the venue where we saw him.

 Is the Terrace Bar in Omagh always loud, rowdy and packed wall to wall with GAA fans cheering Tyrone on to victory?
“No you really got it on a bad day.”

NOTE: Even with the ear splitting noise and chaos swirling around, Mickey did not disappoint, and….. Tyrone beat Kildare that night to proceed to the GAA 2009 semifinals.

I’ve already introduced Mickey and his music to many who will read this and am very excited to be able to post this interview for you as well.  “Here we go…” 

You’re born and raised in Ardboe, County Tyrone, N.I. What’s it like there? 

“Well I have to say I love where I live, the people are mostly friendly and when it’s not raining the view is fantastic. I live on the western shores of Lough Neagh which is the largest lake in Ireland, generations of my family made a living from this lake where the main industry is Eel exports to Europe.”  

When did you realise that writing music and singing had become your life’s work?

“I had an accident a couple of years ago playing Gaelic football when I broke my leg. It’s only then that I started to play fulltime and write on a continuous basis at my songs. I have always had a great love for music and writing but it was only then that I had a chance to start doing what I love for a living.” “Follow your heart.”

You’ve posted a long list of people that influenced you but is there one person that inspires you?

“My Mother.”

What are your feelings on the success of your debut album, Carefully Crafted?

“My feelings are mixed; I think it could have been better. I suppose it was slightly rushed and maybe slightly over produced in the sense that there could have been less going on in it, I think it is a little busy at times. My next album will be more stripped back and will focus more on the lyrical input to the songs. I suppose overall I’m happy I suppose my next challenge is to keep raising the bar.”

You recently spent time with the legendary Christy Moore. What was that like? Did he give you any career advice? Is there anything else from that meeting you’d like to share at this time?

“Meeting Christy was the highlight of my career to date and to actually sit down and discuss songs, how we write them etc… was magic. The man has so much passion for the music. He was a real gentleman and has invited me to play with him on stage the next time he’s up North so I’m really looking forward to that.”

Your new song, Mother’s Lullaby, is causing quite a stir. What was your inspiration for such a sad, heart wrenching story?

“My inspiration for this song came a few days after the attack on Palestine by Israel on 27/12/08 when there was footage beamed around the world of two kids age 4 and 6 standing crying in front of what was left of the family home. Both parents had been killed in the attack. The first thought that entered my mind when I saw these images was that they would have no mother to sing them a lullaby that night when they would go to bed. Most of the time the truth is not told in the media when it comes to war so I thought that I would give my take on it from what I knew of the situation. I know this fact due to growing up in Northern Ireland where the nationalist community suffered greatly at the hands of Britain due to not having a proper outlet in the media. If you search back in the TV archives, you will see that Gerry Adams voice was always over dubbed by an actor’s because he was deemed a terrorist and so called terrorists had no voice at that time. Yet the same man is in government with them today and has free speech. Does that mean they got it wrong in the media? Need I say more!!!!!”

I know that bringing awareness to the growing problem in Ireland of young people losing their lives to suicide is a cause you passionately support. How did you become involved in the “From the Heart” benefit concert and, will there be another?

“I performed a concert in Derry one night and sang a song “Sunday Morning Calling” from my album, which is about the emotional rollercoaster you go through when you lose someone to this issue. I was approached a few weeks later by a lady who asked me to write a song for an album to raise its awareness in the Derry area. It was a success, the concert sold out over 1,000 people.

There will be another concert 27^thFeb 2010 in Letterkenny, County Donegal.”    

In your interview with singer, songwriter, local radio host, Malachi Cush   http://www.streema.com/radios/Six_FM?f=0    http://www.myspace.com/malachicush  on a recent Sunday morning, you said the Old Ardboe Lament is a traditional Irish tune that you adapted for your album. Do you know the origins of this haunting song?

“This song was written by a local bard by the name of John Canavan whom I think passed away in the early 1900’s, roughly 1920 or there about. The song is about emigration and the first line of the song was recited by a man who was leaving Ireland around that time heading for America never to return. In those days the local people would have a leaving party at a crossroads for the people that where emigrating because a lot of them either died on the way there or would never return.”

Do you enjoy performing more in a small pub or a larger venue such as the Millennium Forum?

“I prefer to perform in theatres or somewhere there is a listening audience as most of my songs have a story to tell. When in a noisy bar they kind of get lost in the noise. Any where there is quiet I suppose.”

What are you listening to on your iPod today or what cd is in your player in the car right now?

“You might be surprised at this; Colbie Caillat. www.colbiecaillat.com/  I think she’s great, just discovered her!

I love all types of music. I listen to James Taylor a lot I also love Glen Frey, Don Henley and Bruce Springsteen. On the Irish scene at the moment I like a guy called Declan O’Rourke. www.myspace.com/declanorourke  Check him out if you haven’t found him already, he’s amazing. To be honest I’m always on the lookout, I love discovering new music.”

Is there a release date for your new album and will it be available at cdbaby as well as your website?

“To be honest I don’t have a release date. It keeps being put back as I don’t want to rush it and the finance of course. However, I am hoping one of two things: Either I get recognized by a record label or I put up my fee.  lol….

I am hoping that it will be complete by the end of February, God willing. I will certainly keep you all posted on that…”

One we all want to know ~~ when can we see you here in the States?

“I’ve been and gone, Diane. Was in Florida for 2 weeks and had a great time. Thanks to Jill Pearson for inviting me as Celtic Thunders street team special guest.”

And finally, what would you most like your American fans to know about you? 

“That I love them sincerely and I really appreciate their love for my music. It’s great knowing that people on the other side of the world love my music and songs.”

 “Thank you so much.”  

Find and follow Mickey at these sites:

http://mickeycoleman.com/index.html

http://www.myspace.com/mickeycoleman1

http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/group.php?gid=156313743038

Contemporary & traditional Irish music from Kells live artists and most recorded live at Kells – Portland. All proceeds from the sale of this CD benefit Providence Child Center, a special care center for disabled children and their families.

CD available in Kells Irish Restaurant & Pub and also at their online store

OK, I confess, I’m a huge fan of traditional Irish music, both vocal and instrumental. Bagpipes, bodhran, whistle, fiddle, acoustic guitar, harmonica; they all set my toes to tapping. From The Heart contains all of these instruments as well as a group of great musicians and very talented singers mixing them together, playing them solo and singing along to the music they make.

It is, therefore, understandable that I am unabashedly in love with this CD and have been since listening to it for the first time. I do have some personal favorites in the lot but my choices may not be yours and to be honest, all are great entertainment, well done, and more than worth the cost of the CD.

7 Nations begins the recording with a snappy traditional bagpipe instrumental combining three different tunes, “Colonel Fraser/The Big Parcel/Elzik’s Farewell,” and sets the tone for the songs that follow. 7 Nations also end the compilation with “Scream,” a completely different, more contemporary style of bagpipe and vocals number. They are definitely opposites but both excellent choices for inclusion in the album.

I am especially fond of “Nova Scotia.”Can’t tell you why, it’s just a rousing fun tune that makes me smile and sing along. Mentally, I find myself hoisting a pint in my local pub and adding my own hoots and shouts to those of the singers whenever I hear it.

“Spanish Lady” on the other hand has never been a particular favorite of mine but I must tell you that this version and Peter Yeates on the acoustic guitar, makes me want to listen over and over again.

For pure silliness, give Ken Larson & Peter Yeates doing “I Wish They’d Do It Now “a listen and be prepared to laugh along. And, if you like the pounding of the bodhran, you will be replaying this cut whenever the album plays.

The live Kells jam session recording of “Johnny Jump Up,” gives Gaelic Storm’s version from the movie, Titanic, a run for its money (sorry GS fans). Anyone who doesn’t want to get up and dance to this rendition just isn’t listening.

In the short time I’ve had this album, it has become a favorite and I listen all the time. For me it’s pure enjoyment and some serious Celtic sound. If you’re a fan of Celtic music, I would highly recommend the addition of this album to your collection. Both the music and the donation made to Providence Child Center will make you feel good inside.

dianes

Song List:
7 Nations – Colonel Fraser/The Big Parcel/Elzik’s Farwell
Peter Yeates & Ken Larson – Spanish Lady
Cu Lan Ti – Miss Monahan’s Reel/The Congress Reel
The Makem Brothers – 23rd of June
Tom May – Rocky Western Bays
Cronin & The Foggy Dudes – Gap of Dunloe
Ken Larson & Peter Yeates – I Wish They’d Do It Now
McAleese & Douglis – Nova Scotia
James McNally – Fairytale of New York
Kells live jam session – Johnny Jump Up
7 Nations – Scream

Friday nights’ entertainment, Grafton Street, is a trio of incredibly talented musicians, singing and playing traditional Irish songs. The bar area was packed and noisy as you would expect, but not so loud as to drowned out the music. Guests were dancing and clapping and all appeared to be having a grand time, as was the band.

All in all, Kells lives up to its reputation for being the destination when in the Portland area. I would highly recommend stopping by Kells for a pint, some pub grub, a wee meal, outstanding entertainment and most assuredly a hearty helping of Irish hospitality. All are available and waiting for you at Kells-Portland.

Mickey recently posted that he “Will be appearing on Malachi Cush radio show mid 106 on Sunday at 12.00 along with Plunkett McGartland… We might even get a song from Malachi TUNE IN…..”

Malachi is another incredibly talented NI singer and local radio personality. His show originates in Cookstown, County Tyrone. Give the lads a listen if you’re up that early.

http://www.sixfm.co.uk/portal/

As many of you know, I spent 10 days this summer past in Ireland, mostly touring the North. Along the way, I was able to connect with a young lad I discovered quite by accident (almost a year ago now) while researching the trip. He stole my heart with the first song of his I heard, Holylands Belfast.

My intent for this website tonight was to describe Mickey’s gig performed at the Terrace Bar in Omagh last August and my experiences that night. Believe me meeting him was one of the highlights of my trip. He is every bit as charming and unassuming as you would imagine him to be.

I promise, soon I will write that wonderfully funny story. However, I just ran across a Myspace post from Mickey asking folks to visit his Myspace page to listen to the new song he had just uploaded. But before listening, he wanted folks to read the blog he posted. I did, and thought this piece would tell you more about Mickey than my little story. It’s important, so, here goes.

Mickey Coleman’s blog:

Sunday, October 25, 2009
Mothers Lullaby (why I wrote this song)
I wasnt going to release this song until the completion of my next album but the response I have been getting recently when playing it live has sparked interest in it…. “Mothers Lullaby” is an anti war song written after I viewed footage beamed across the world of the gut renching scenes and distruction on the Gaza strip which began on the 27th Dec 2008.. In the footage there where two young girls their home had been blown to bits along with their mother and father. The first thought that came in to my head was that they would have no mother to sing them a lullaby when they where going to bed that night and that maybe some of us take many of the simple things in life for granted. Should this be happening in the world today?..It really touched my heart and I felt that I had to write something about this issue… I would also like to thank my good friend Plunkett McGartland for his input to this song without him it wouldnt be possible… I have been really touched by the response to this song.. I suppose growing up in a troubled Ireland made me more aware of the situation in Gaza I hope you enjoy the song.

God Bless

Mickey

http://www.myspace.com/mickeycoleman1 Thanks to Mickey for permission to reprint his blog here