Newtownstewart to celebrate its rich artistic and musical heritage

TICKETS have gone on sale for ‘Thank You for the Music’, a night of nostalgia and reflection, celebrating the rich musical heritage of Newtownstewart.

Organised by Newtownstewart Heritage Group, the evening will allow the audience to reflect on the broad spectrum of entertainment produced down through the years by some of the town’s most celebrated sons and daughters - both native and adopted.

The story will be told both through the medium of digital recordings and live musical performances from a whole host of local artists.

Speaking at the launch of ‘Thank you for the Music: A night to celebrate Newtownstewart's musical heritage and​ enjoy our current and future stars’, a spokesperson for the Heritage Group said: “Newtownstewart has long been synonymous with the world of entertainment and the arts.

“The evening will not only reflect on the great entertainers of yesteryear, but will also focus on the current and aspiring stars of the town.

"We are delighted to have secured the enthusiasm and support of many descendants of those who entertained us, stretching back over many generations.

“Indeed, many of those who feature on the September 12 programme have first and sometimes second-generation talent in their genes.

“Others have come to live here and enrich and enhance our musical legacy. ‘Thank You for the Music’ will tell their stories through personal reflection and the wonders of digital technology.”

The event will be hosted in Newtownstewart’s Centre 2000, Moyle Road, a setting that will have the capacity to accommodate the considerable interest already being generated.

“It promises to be a memorable evening,” the spokesperson added.

The event will be directed by Rois Kelly and will be hosted by renowned journalist and Highland Radio broadcaster, Frank Galligan.

Fr Brian D’Arcy, who in parallel with his pastoral duties was widely regarded as an unofficial chaplain to the Showband community, has contributed to the programme’s content.

He recently met to reminisce with representatives of the members of the acclaimed Melody Aces, the McNamees and the McGonagles.

He recalled Newtownstewart being synonymous with musical talent.

Fr D’Arcy also referenced the many wonderful memories of nights spent in the company of Melody Aces bandsmen, typically at dance halls and parochial halls up and down the country.

Their distinctive sound, he believes, set them apart from other bands of the era.

Fr Brian expressed how he was delighted to contribute to what he believes will be a wonderful evening of nostalgia which will instill pride in the area.

The evening will feature digital recordings of The Melody Aces, Brendan and Daisy Donaghey, Willie Loughrey, Bernie and Patricia Maguire, Brian Devine, Cahir O Neill and many more, interspersed with live performances by a diverse range of current artists including music stars Jim Devine and Aidan Mc Glinchey, together with stars of the future including Roma Curran, Gearoid Mc Namee, Dervla McSorley, Ambre Burt, Davy Mc Caffrey, Aoife and Emer Duddy, Bernie Nugent and students from the Brian McDevitt School of Music.

There will also be special performances by the Sister Act Choir under the direction of Eugene McGonagle as well as champion Irish dancer, Eoghan McKenna, the Blue Thistle Highland Dance Company and local curate, Father Roland Colhoun.

Newtownstewart’s rich dramatic heritage will also be highlighted with a look at the influence of the late Michael Cassidy and the late Frank McGillion on amateur drama within the area.

The spokesperson added: “There truly is something for everyone on the night!”

‘Thank you for the Music’ will take place in Newtownstewart Centre 2000, on Friday, September 12, with curtain up at 7pm.

Tickets are on sale from NISA, Sean McNamee, Centra, John J Kemps, Conway’s Bar, Bradley’s Pharmacy and from Fr Colhoun and from those involved in organising the event.

They are priced at £10 for adults, and £5 for seniors.

Tickets for children and young people up to age 16 are free. It is anticipated that demand for tickets will be high, so get your tickets early!