Thomas McCarthy Scottish Tour in May

Subject: Thomas McCarthy Scottish Tour in May
From: GUEST,AR
Date: 28 Apr 15 - 07:12 AM

Renowned London-based Irish Traveller singer Thomas McCarthy is doing a short tour of Scotland in May, following the recent release of his second album 'Herself and Myself'. I thought that this might be of interest to some on Mudcat. The dates are as follows:

6th May: Aberdeen Folk Club
7th May: Edinburgh Tradfest (at Scottish Storytelling Centre)
8th May: Glasgow Glad Cafe (with Muldoon's Picnic)

Thomas McCarthy's website is here: www.thomasmccarthyfolk.com

Thank you.

Subject: RE: Thomas McCarthy Scottish Tour in May
From: Fergie
Date: 28 Apr 15 - 09:20 AM

This man is a gem of a man and a wonderful singer and carrier of the tradition. Not to be missed.

Fergus Russell

Subject: RE: Thomas McCarthy Scottish Tour in May
From: BobKnight
Date: 28 Apr 15 - 06:26 PM

A truly talented man, quiet and modest, he's up there with the best of the traveller singers. He has a unique voice and style - not to be missed. I shared a house with him at Whitby Folk Week, in 2013, and 2014, and we had some wonderful conversations and sing songs round the kitchen table, fuelled by gallons of tea - great memories.

Subject: RE: Thomas McCarthy Scottish Tour in May
From: GUEST,AR
Date: 29 Apr 15 - 06:52 AM

It's just been confirmed that Thomas McCarthy will also be singing at a tribute concert for the late, great Sheila Stewart which is taking place on 10th May at The Pleasance in Edinburgh. Part of Tradfest, it's hosted by Jess Smith and also features Margaret Bennett, Heather Yule, Ruth Kirkpatrick, Alasdair Roberts, Alison McMorland and Geordie McIntyre, Donald Smith, Gary West and Eireann Mackay.

Subject: RE: Thomas McCarthy Scottish Tour in May
From: Jack Campin
Date: 29 Apr 15 - 07:42 AM

The Scottish Storytelling Centre events page doesn't list this:

http://www.tracscotland.org/scottish-storytelling-centre/centre-events?_date=2015/05/01#bCalendar

When is it? (They often have daytime events, so you can't take it for granted it will be in the evening).

Subject: RE: Thomas McCarthy Scottish Tour in May
From: GUEST,AR
Date: 29 Apr 15 - 10:16 AM

The event for Sheila Stewart on 10th May is at 8pm. Here is a link to more information:

http://www.tracscotland.org/festivals/tradfest/events/2698/queen-amang-the-heather-–-sheila-stewart

Subject: RE: Thomas McCarthy Scottish Tour in May
From: Jack Campin
Date: 29 Apr 15 - 11:06 AM

It was the 7 May gig I was thinking about. It is listed on the PDF downloadable programme, but nowhere else that I can find:

Songs and Stories of the Pavee People
with Irish Traveller Thomas McCarthy

Thu 7 May, 7.30pm (2hrs)
Scottish Storytelling Centre
£8 (£6)

Thomas McCarthy is a last bastion of the oral tradition, an Irish traveller who comes from a long line of singers and musicians who taught him many fine versions of traditional songs. His unforgettable voice and profoundly moving performances have held audiences spellbound at many folk festivals in the UK and beyond.

Tickets:
Scottish Storytelling Centre
Box Office: 0131 556 9579
www.scottishstorytellingcentre.co.uk

Subject: RE: Thomas McCarthy Scottish Tour in May
From: GUEST,AR
Date: 29 Apr 15 - 06:02 PM

Ah, OK. Thanks for the clarification, Jack. I managed to find this part of the Tradfest website relating to the 7th May event also:

http://www.tracscotland.org/festivals/tradfest/events/2666/songs-and-stories-of-the-pavee-people-with-irish-traveller-thomas

Lots of other good things happening at Tradfest too, of course.

Subject: RE: Thomas McCarthy Scottish Tour in May
From: GUEST,AR
Date: 04 May 15 - 11:04 AM

Thomas's first Scottish tour date is Aberdeen Folk Club this Wednesday, 6th May. The club meets at The Blue Lamp, 121 Gallowgate, Aberdeen at 8.30pm. The Spiers Family are also performing. Admission is £6 (£5 for members/concessions).

Aberdeen Folk Club website with further information is here: http://www.aberdeenfolkclub.co.uk

Thanks.

Subject: RE: Thomas McCarthy Scottish Tour in May
From: GUEST,kenny
Date: 04 May 15 - 11:21 AM

Above guest "AR" - can I ask how long a set Thomas, and also the Spiers Family will each be performing ? This is being advertised as an evening of "Extended Spots", which normally means a set of 20 minutes or so. Will this be the case on Wednesday night, or for how long will each act be on stage ?
Apart from my own curiosity, Colin Edwards and I would like to know for when we mention the evening's details on our "Wednesday Session" programme on "SHMU FM" on the same Wednesday afternoon.
Thanks, Kenny

Subject: RE: Thomas McCarthy Scottish Tour in May
From: GUEST,AR
Date: 04 May 15 - 12:26 PM

Kenny - I believe that Thomas will do two separate 20 minute sets at Aberdeen Folk Club. I'm not sure about the Spiers Family but will hopefully have an answer to that question ASAP.

Thanks in advance for mentioning the show on your programme!

Alasdair

Subject: RE: Thomas McCarthy Scottish Tour in May
From: GUEST,AR
Date: 04 May 15 - 02:20 PM

Hello again Kenny - further to what I said earlier about Thomas McCarthy at Aberdeen Folk Club this Wednesday, I think Thomas is now likely to do two 25-minute sets, one in each half, and the Spiers Family are likely to play for a similar length of time.

Thanks

Alasdair

Subject: RE: Thomas McCarthy Scottish Tour in May
From: GUEST,kenny
Date: 05 May 15 - 04:27 AM

Thanks for that, Alasdair. One other thing though - I was in the session in the Blue Lamp last night and noticed that there is a gig on in the large room where the club usually meets. Does that mean that the club will be meeting in the smaller room upstairs ? If so, anyone who wants to go to the club on Wednesday would be advised to get there early, as it's quite a small venue.
It would be a shame if anyone went after reading this and couldn't get in because the club is full - which is a strong possibility.

Subject: RE: Thomas McCarthy Scottish Tour in May
From: GUEST,AR
Date: 05 May 15 - 06:50 AM

Yes, I'm told that the Blue Lamp gig will be in the smaller room upstairs, so it's a good idea to arrive early. Seems like the space can comfortably hold about 50 people, with one or two standing. Thanks. Alasdair

Subject: RE: Thomas McCarthy Scottish Tour in May
From: GUEST,AR
Date: 06 May 15 - 05:49 AM

A wee reminder: Aberdeen Folk Club this evening - Thomas McCarthy and The Spiers Family. 8.30pm at The Blue Lamp. Admission £6 (members/concessions £5).

Thomas is an Irish Traveller who has his own unique style and represents the Traveller culture with both songs and talks about Traveller life and history. Tom Spiers, famous for his Gaugers role, has attended Aberdeen Folk Club since the 1960s and performs with wife Maggie and daughter Emma.

http://www.aberdeenfolkclub.co.uk

Subject: RE: Thomas McCarthy Scottish Tour in May
From: BobKnight
Date: 06 May 15 - 07:01 AM

There will be quite a few performers in the audience too, including myself and Tony Robertson, (Stanley's son) who I spoke to yesterday. Get there early is good advice.

Subject: RE: Thomas McCarthy Scottish Tour in May
From: BobKnight
Date: 07 May 15 - 06:19 AM

Tony Robertson couldn't make it, but despite her illness, Elizabeth Stewart came along. We also had the Spiers Family as support, with myself and Elizabeth doing floor spots. Thomas was in great form, we had a good crowd, so, all in all, it was a great night.

Subject: RE: Thomas McCarthy Scottish Tour in May
From: GUEST,AR
Date: 07 May 15 - 06:33 AM

Thanks for the update, Bob! Glad it went well. Thomas is in Edinburgh tonight, 7th May, as part of Tradfest - Scottish Storytelling Centre, 7.30pm, £8 (£6 concession).

http://www.tracscotland.org/festivals/tradfest/events/2666/songs-and-stories-of-the-pavee-people-with-irish-traveller-thomas

Subject: RE: Thomas McCarthy Scottish Tour in May
From: GUEST,AR
Date: 08 May 15 - 05:37 AM

Thomas McCarthy is at The Glad Cafe, Pollokshaws Road, GLASGOW this evening, 8th May. Also on the bill are local harmony vocal group Muldoon's Picnic. Doors are at 7.30pm and tickets are £7 from here:

http://www.musicglue.com/the-glad-cafe/events/8-may-15-thomas-mccarthy-the-glad-cafe/