Brian Kennedy to woo Athlone audiences

One of Ireland"s favourite crooners, Brian Kennedy, is on his way to Athlone"s Olive Grove Restaurant for its latest "Supper with..." performance on Thursday, June 18, next with bookings being taken now. On the night, a three course meal will be followed by plenty of live entertainment from Kennedy, a performer who has won huge acclaim in Ireland over the past decade. It"s been a long, tough haul from the Falls Road, Belfast, his birthplace in 1966, with early years spent at the height of the Troubles and the screech of sirens, rather than music, ringing in his ears. He left Belfast at the age of 18, heading for London to tread the path of many a young musician with a bit of ambition, busking round London"s underground, connecting up with other groups, and trekking round the piano bars. His determination and persistence leading to a major breakthrough with his first record deal in 1990 and the release of The Great War of Words. The tracks, Captured and Town connected instantly with the public. This was the kickstart he needed to showcase, not only his voice and songwriting abilities, but other underlying qualities: a quick wit, easy humour and bright repartee. These talents didn"t go unnoticed by the great legend himself, Van Morrison, when he invited the young Kennedy to join his renowned Blues and Soul World Revue. Plunging in at the deep end he spent the next six years performing with some of the greatest legends of our time: Joni Mitchell, Bob Dylan, Ray Charles and others, not forgetting the original boogie king, John Lee Hooker. He backed Van on many of the great classic VM albums of the 90s - Days Like This, The Healing Game, Back on Top and the highly acclaimed A Night In San Francisco, with Van and John Lee, with further recognition when asked to sing the soundtrack of "Crazy Love" for the film "When a Man Loves A Woman". By the end of the 90s he"d made a creditable impression as both songwriter and performer. Albums were appearing on a regular basis, making a worthy list. Awards steadily rolled in too for several chart-making albums: Irish Best Male Album, Irish Best Male Artist, along with platinum status for A Better Man, Dinner on the evening will be served between 6.30 and 7.45pm. Tickets are priced at €65. Contact Gael, Garry or Christina on 090 6476946 or email info@theolivegrove.ie. Pre-booking necessary.