[Derek Brown's Articles are now located at the "On a Roll" page. Thank you.]

Tamworth Country Music Festival
25 January 2007 - By Ross Jackson

I’m from a little town in Victoria, Australia called Sale. I heard a song on the local radio about 4 years ago called Elvis, Hank, and Me. I had discovered Bap Kennedy then and have been a fan ever since.

Each year some friends and I travel for a few days across three Australian States and Territories to go to the Tamworth Country Music Festival. I knew Bap was on the bill and I caught his performance in the Domino Room of the Family Hotel on 25 January.

I spoke with Bap and had my photograph taken with him before he went on stage. He was a great performer with his distinctive vocal sound and the musicians playing with him did his songs justice although I know they had only met a few days before. I bought the latest CD and instantly connected with Mighty Ocean Alcohol with the haunted ending by Shane McGowan (whom I also am a fan of).

I think Bap collected a lot of fans at Tamwoth and rightly so, he has a great talent and a good sense of humour. The crowd had him back for 3 encores.

The set included, Long Time a Comin, Angel is the Devil, Lonely Street, Gladys and Vernon, Be careful What You Wish For, Never Invite a Vampire Into Your Home, Elvis Hank and Me, Mighty Ocean Alcohol, and heaps more.

Thanks for making the effort and coming to Australia Bap, and I hope you come back soon. [Thank you very much Ross!]

Bap at the Harvest Festival
Victoria, Australia
Sunday - January 21, 2007
By Bruce Morgan

He flew all the way from Belfast, Northern Ireland, to play in a big tin shed in out-of-the-way country Victoria, Australia, but Bap Kennedy looked at home and a large audience of alt. country and roots music fans made sure he felt that way.

As a guest star at the 2007 Harvest Festival at Red Hill, about 75 minutes drive from Melbourne, Bap Kennedy was in great song, delivering nine songs from his three original solo albums, The Big Picture, Lonely Street and Domestic Blues.

With just the support of talented Aussie musician Bill Chambers on guitars, including slide and electric mandolin, Bap sounded as good as ever as he presented songs such as Long Time Comin’, Domestic Blues, Mostly Water, Good Times On Franklin Road, Elvis, Hank & Me, and On The Mighty Ocean Alcohol.

Not only was his exquisite song-writing talent on display but his edgy, highly melodic voice was a revelation to many Australians who have either not heard his music or only been exposed to the latest album, the highly-acclaimed The Big Picture. A good line-up of people wanting to purchase his CDs after the performance indicated that many new fans have just come on board.

Bap connected well with his audience and with good humour. He had managed just minutes of practice time with Bill Chambers but they sounded like they had been at it for weeks and, as this was posted, were due to perform together at the famous annual Tamworth Music Festival on January 25. (Bill Chambers’ daughter Kasey has had huge-selling alt. country albums, including a world-wide hit single with Not Pretty Enough.)

Bap Kennedy was in good company at the Harvest Festival. Americans Mary Gauthier, Steve Young and Laura Veirs joined Aussie talent Lisa Miller, Ed Kuepper, Jeff Lang and others for a day and evening of class-act music.

Hundreds of fans braved wind and welcome rain (Australia is in the grip of drought) to make the performers welcome.
And they welcomed Bap Kennedy, who left many of them wanting plenty more.

(Bruce, thank you so very much for your very lovely, insightful review!)

Jimmy C. Mullen writes:

I was at the Sandino's gig in Derry 11 October and it was, as ever, excellent.

The gig was in the upstairs bar in Sandino's, an intimate setting, where the audience could get
close to the performer and where great interaction between Bap and the audience took place.

Pete O'Hanlon too, played out of his boots and the gig was class. The set included:

Domestic Blues
Angel is the Devil
Mighty Ocean of Alcohol
Good Times on Franklin Road
Moonlight Kiss
Be Careful what you wish For
The Way I love Her
Vampire
Mostly Water
Long Time a Comin'

(Jimmy, thank you very much!!)

Strabane Gig - 2 October 2006

By Dominic McDermott

Local musicians in Strabane have been running a series of Unplugged events over the last few years. October's gig featuring Bap Kennedy with local axeman, Pete O'Hanlon, was a sell-out with all tickets gone well in advance. Not bad for a Monday night in a one-horse-town.

The man himself was in top form and especially with his rapport with the audience. Home town hero Pete introduced Bap with the sentiment, "I haven’t known this man for very long, but all of you prepare to be 'Baptised.' This is a reference to how they teamed up fifteen minutes before they first played together. Apparently when Bap was doing a gig in Downpatrick he discovered, two hours before going onstage, that his guitarist was stranded in France. He was given Pete's number, rang him at home in Strabane and asked if he fancied driving cross country like a madman for a gig in two hours. Pete was game, got there just in time, and they've been playing ever since.

The result, certainly on the evidence of this outing, is most impressive. So good you'd have to believe that their pairing came about by serendipity. This of course is also the title of the movie featuring one of Bap's most successful songs - Moonlight Kiss, a highlight of this particular gig. The standout song of the night though was Fireworks. Freed from its salsa backing with a storming vocal delivery and a wonderfully improvised guitar accompaniment from Pete, it was a showstopper. It got the best reception of the night and will live long in my memory as a truly outstanding performance amongst several I've witnessed in my years enjoying live music. Pete O'Hanlon, Nashville veteran and recording artist in his own right, brings a wholly different musical chemistry to a Bap Kennedy acoustic gig. His contribution to every song is bigger than previous partner's of Bap; it's practically a 50/50 arrangement, occupying more of the song and more to the fore. There can be no argument that his playing warrants it.

In conclusion it was a brilliant night. Probably the best I've heard from Bap in an acoustic set. Pete O'Hanlon's style and pedigree refreshes and enhances Bap's songs. They're a powerful pairing down to the verbal interplay between them, their rapport with the audience and great songs superbly realised in voice and music. If you weren't there you missed one really great night.

Dominic, huge thanks to you (and Kate) for your lovely review!

Bap at The Europa Hotel, Belfast
Part 1 - Friday 28 July 2006

An Article by Stephen Little

The gig was advertised to start at 7 PM. We arrived at a restaurant down the street at 6 PM, and enjoyed wine etc.. Made the Europa at 7:40, thinking we were really late.

Walked into the ballroom in total darkness. Went out to the bar and had a few. Saw Bap who advised it may be 10 PM before he played. We had a few more, Bap came back around 10:30 and told us he may not play, as the evening had overrun…had a few more. Bap came back around 11 PM and said they wanted him to do a song or two, we had a few more. Bap came back at 11:15 and said his slot was now cancelled but he would play the following evening. Had a few more, got into my wheelbarrow and rolled home.

Bap at The Europa Hotel, Belfast
Part 2 - Saturday 29 July

An Article by Stephen Little

Didn't feel like a drink, can't think why.

Bap and Peter played for just under 30 minutes (greatest hits show), an excellent show with great sound, and the odd bit of banter which you will have to read about in the forthcoming publication from the good people at 'Soda Farl Productions.'

A short review from October 24th hilarious studio recording in Belfast
[By Stephen Little]

Four artists/bands were recorded for airing on BBC Northern Ireland sometime before Xmas.

First up, A local girl, Janet (sorry, I forgot her surname) ... I've never heard of her before but with such a lovely voice, hopefully it will carry her far. She did a great cover of Lyle Lovett's "If I Had a Boat" and a few of her own.

Next up, "4 Men & a Dog" (that's a big doggie), an Irish Traditional band with a twist. These guys have been going for a while now, and their musicianship is only outdone by their main man's wit.

Third on the bill, Gretchen Peters (a member of the Grand Ol' Opry), complete professional, straight in, recorded & away.

At last, Bap, as always the true professional -- as the floor manager was directing, Bap turned to the audience and said he was none the wiser! Bap sang three songs: "The Way I Love Her," "Milky Way," and "Moonlight Kiss." After the first two lines of "Milky Way," Bap stopped and said "**** I've forgotten the words, somebody ring Van!" Great show.

[Stephen, thank you very much!]

Huge thanks to Stephen Little of Belfast ~ For your kindnesses, your generosity,
for providing background information, photographs, etc.,
and for your invaluable assistance, Stephen:
THANK YOU VERY, VERY MUCH!

London Prequel to St. Pat's Day - 12 March 2006

By Iain Brewer

Bap played the Covent Garden Stage with James Walbourne on guitar. It was a good set, the crowd needed to be warmed up a bit. Bap did that but as usual at this type of event, half the audience joined in with the spirit of things while the other half listened but didn't seem as hooked.

Set list included

The Way I Love Her
Elvis Hank, Me, James, & St Patrick
Vampire
Moonlight Kiss
Be Careful What You Wish For
Mighty Ocean Alcohol
Star of the County Down

and Mostly Water… during which people were bribed into singing with Bap offering a pint of Guinness to everyone who sang along. After this the crowd shouted for an encore, Bap made a quick exit as the wallet definitely would have been empty.

On to the next part of the journey in search of our free pint of Guinness. This is where the story gets more interesting, at least it does for me, Sue & St. Patrick!!!! TO BE CONTINUED -- Iain

Part 2 to St. Paddy's Day Celebrations in London From Iain Brewer

Sunday night we set off to Highgate on the Tube, where we bumped into Jason (Wilson) on his way to play bass at the Boogaloo.

We had a long talk about what Jason had been up to since we last saw him play with Bap. The James Hunter Album was big news, it had gone to No 13 on the Amazon site, and Jason was supporting Bap on the Irish dates.

Enter The Boogaloo and what a fantastic night…the set list was superb: Madam George, Vampire, Elvis, Hank & Me… Hank songs included: Long Gone Daddy, I Saw The Light, and a version of Lost highway that really rocked, among other Hank songs. Steve Earle's Angel Is the Devil … Elvis songs: One night, Love Me, and loads more.

It seemed to go too quick but what a night. If you could bottle it and take it home what a very happy person I would be… [Ed. Note: Iain, if we could bottle it we could market it and become indepently wealthy people beyond our wildest dreams!] A real Live Album rockin' in a small gig with Rick Rubin recording would be as close as it could get. Talking to Bap after the gig, it could be possible (or was it just a dream). James, Rob & Jason were superb.

On our journey home, we got on the same Tube as Bap (we used to stalk Energy Orchard & Bap for 15 years!!). We said we would keep in touch.

Iain also writes: I really enjoy reading other people's comments … keep up the good work. [You heard the man, ladies and gentlemen, please keep these reviews coming!] -- Iain, thank you very much!

How Bap's Music Has Affected Me

By Steve Williams - February 2006

I don't know why I bought that first Energy Orchard cassette but I think it was a review I read in Q Magazine. I was into 'Hothouse Flowers' around then. That first E.O. tape was really full of energy; I loved the base line on 'Somebody's Brother' and I thought the lyrics were a bit spiritual, which I liked.

Then my mate and I heard the band was playing at Canterbury Christ Church College, which was just up the road from us. Like most student pubs, there was a pool table upstairs, so we went up for a game before the band were due to start. We played some guys who were pretty good at pool and I asked them if they were watching the band later. They said they were the band...so there was no pretense there!!

It was a great night, plenty of dancing and drinking. I remember screaming out "A Good Day To Die" when Bap asked for requests … they never played it, but it was definitely a good night to live!

The more Bap Kennedy writes, the better for all of us ... As C.S. Lewis once said (and probably Van Morrison as well): "The Lion must roar," i.e., we must be true to our deepest creative desires whenever possible.

[So true, Steve...thank you very much, and thanks for your participation on the Friends' Group site, as well!]

Bap on USA Tour
Auditorium Theatre in Chicago, IL ~ July 15, 2005
with Mike McAdam
By Shirley

[Introduction]

"Chicago's landmark Auditorium Theatre has a history that follows the path of Chicago's history from the Chicago fire to the present. From opera to rock and roll, from political conventions to sporting events, the Auditorium Theatre has played a role in the lives of the citizens of Chicago for over 100 years. When Beatrice T. Spachner led the Auditorium Theatre's campaign to restore the Theatre beginning in 1960, she preserved a home for Chicago's most spectacular entertainment, including dance and music from around the world and blockbuster Broadway musicals.

"The Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University is …"The greatest room for music and opera in the world—bar none." Frank Lloyd Wright "Best Tour Guide" - New City "Best of Chicago" issue.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Mike McAdam, a charming man and an extremely talented guitar player, played brilliantly with Bap for the last half of this tour. Mike has played and recorded with some greats, including The Good Humor Band for many years -- and he has recorded albums with Steve Earle, Mary Chapin Carpenter, and Radney Foster, among others. I had the pleasure of meeting Mike after this gig.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

If you may be wondering … Bap Kennedy is a sweetheart. Well, okay, he may not appear as such to the male populace, but he certainly was to me, when I met him in Chicago on Friday, 15 July 2005. Bap is very kind, extremely sincere, soft-spoken, very humble, completely unassuming, and immediately puts a person at ease. He is one of the most honest people I've met, he has a very quick wit, is totally charming, has an incredible sense of humour, and many other wonderful qualities which time and space won't allow me to recite here.

When I returned to my room after the gig that night, I journal'd:

I had such a wonderful time! I knew that meeting Bap for the first time was going to be a very special occasion, but it quickly became one of the most special evenings I’ve ever had!

[Photo courtesy of Auditorium Theatre Website]
Beautiful stained glass windows abound, and my 4th floor window faced the lovely sight above!

We were to meet just after Bap's sound check at 6:30, at the front of the venue, the beautiful Auditorium Theatre. As I was approaching the theatre entrance, Bap recognized me and called out my name before I saw him!

For some time now, I have read and keyboarded many, many wonderful comments from countless people about Bap, and I’ve never for a moment doubted any of them. I instinctively knew all are entirely true ... and he’s all that, and more. Bap is one of the nicest, kindest, and most sincere people I’ve ever had the pleasure of meeting.

Initially I thought I would be a bit nervous, but if I was, it only lasted for the first 15 seconds: Bap immediately put me completely at ease! We spent an hour drinking coffee at a sidewalk café on Michigan Avenue, just around the corner from the venue and directly across the street from my hotel (the Congress Plaza Hotel which I highly recommend if you’re looking for a 'home away from home' in Chicago). As we spoke, it seemed I was just comfortably chatting with an old friend, whom I had not seen for ages!!!

Unfortunately, the time passed much too quickly --it had ‘wings,’ I swear!-- and it just flitted by, before I knew it! [Side note: At the café, there was a couple sitting next to us, who were gregarious for the first half-hour or so we were there … and then their voices became increasingly quiet. I speculated that they had overheard bits of Bap's portion of our conversation and picked up on his lilting Irish brogue …not that Bap was even a tiny bit loud…on the contrary, he was quite soft-spoken… they were just listening very attentively! End of side note, this will make sense later on.]

When we left the café, the short walk around the corner put us at the venue…the incredibly beautiful Auditorium Theatre. Bap waited for my guest ticket and checked regularly until it was ready, and when it was, he then went backstage. I found my seat and settled in to appreciate the beauty of the Auditorium Theatre, which is over a century old and takes one back in time to the days of the elegance and grandeur of the 1880's. The Theatre itself is a stunningly beautiful and absolutely incredible piece of architecture.

[Photo courtesy of Auditorium Theatre Website]

The breathtaking interior [above] appears in shades of gold, taupe, and rose. The two front walls [immediately stage-left and stage-right] contain large nameplates with the names of Bach, Beethoven, Berloz, Hayden, and Shuman, among others ... all etched in gold-on-gold. Glancing around the Theatre, I noticed that every seat in the house had a marvelous view of the stage. Because the theatre was formerly an opera house, the 'balconies' actually consisted of 'box seats' and were excellent vantage points, quite unlike balconies in many other venues.

The house lights dimmed and Bap and Mike McAdam appeared on stage. Bap said "Good evening, I'm Bap Kennedy from Belfast City…" and a lady in the row behind me said to her partner, "See, I TOLD you so!!!" [Does that side note make more sense now?!!] Bap opened with "Long Time a'Comin," then slid right into "Elvis, Hank, and Me," after which he paused and said:

"This next song is called 'Moonlight Kiss' and it was featured in the movie 'Serendipity,' starring John Cusack and Kate Beckinsale … and this song is for a very wonderful lady who came here from Oregon … and Shirley, this song is for you," which literally took my breath away! What a thrill, and what a very beautiful gift that was ... and I will never forget it.

The rest of the set included 'Be Careful What You Wish For, The Mighty Ocean Alcohol, Vampire, Almost Always Wrong, Mostly Water and Lonesome Lullaby,' and it was all over much too soon!

Afterward [we were to meet in the lobby at 8:45], when Bap walked over to me, I thanked him very, very much … he asked for what, I said for 'Moonlight Kiss' and the beautiful words that he said … he said "Shirley, I couldn't have NOT said that." (It's a good thing Mike McAdam showed up just then; I was on the verge of joyful tears!) We decided to go to the bar in the Congress Plaza Hotel across the street. As we were walking, Bap asked me what I'd like to drink … I told him a 'Shirley Temple,' he said "a what?" I laughed and told him to not bother, I wouldn't put him through that! He said, "No, it's okay! I want to know what it is!" So when we entered the bar, he ordered it for me, and learning that the hotel had no non-alcoholic beer, he ordered a diet soda for himself, and Mike ordered a mixed drink.

The three of us sat at a table in the corner and chatted and chatted...and as it did earlier, the time was just flying by! I asked Bap if he was up for some questions for the site, and he said "sure!" And one by one we ran through the questions I had prepared…

We had a good time with their responses that Bap said (at the end), "I want more questions!"

I asked Bap & Mike if they would mind if I took a couple of photos, they acquiesced, and I snapped one of each of them and then one together. I did so and thought we were finished…until Bap said, "Mike, why don't you take one of me and Shirley?" Which blew my mind! I recall thinking earlier, that this would have been quite wonderful, but that I would probably have to ask Bap --and that I probably wouldn't have bothered him with it-- but I never would have guessed the idea would be his own!

One small example of the banter going on that night was a bit between Bap and Mike. Mike had mentioned that he had 2 cats … and from there:

Bap: I had a cat once. 'T had eight kittens.
Mike: Hmmmmm...Trojan kitty...
Bap: (Innocently) Exactly. I thought she was just fat.

Which you may or may not find quite amusing, but I did, and I still do! Perhaps it was the 'Shirley Temple' drink! Which, incidentally, consists of: Seven-Up and Grenadine --it gives it the pink color-- and garnished with maraschino cherries. (What the hay, it LOOKS like a 'drink-drink…'! And I've since learned that the male equivalent to the 'Shirley Temple' is called a 'Roy Rogers!') Incidentally, at the end of the cat/8 kittens bit Bap mentioned that he found good homes for ALL of the little kittens, and the mama kitty as well. Impressive? Dang straight!!! Patience, perseverance, and a very caring heart, all to the nth degree!

Before I knew it, the time was gone ... and Bap and Mike needed to return to the Theatre. A few parting words, a goodbye hug, and so ended one of the very nicest evenings of my life, made extremely special by the inimitable Bap Kennedy … and certainly an evening I will always remember.

P.S. Bap: Thank you ever so much again, for everything!!
(And for your guitar pick, as well!!)

Bap and I chatted before and after the gig, and he
responded to the following questions:

S: Are you making any progress on the American release of The Big Picture?

BAP: Ummmm ... I'll know more at the end of this tour. Probably next year ... January? [Bap said it takes at least three months to accomplish this.]

S: Who is the American artist you are producing, and how far away is the 'birth' of that album?

B: Jana Light. She'll be coming to the U.K. to record it ... September? October? Or maybe Christmas … or after.

S: Is James Walbourne still working independently, or did he cross over to Son Volt, or Peter Bruntnell?

B: James has formed his own band, the 'Royal Gun.' They [were] currently on tour with the Pernice Brothers.

S: Why don't you drive?

B: I've taken the test a few times. The last time I took it, the instructor screamed at the end of the test...and is probably still in therapy. On 15 May 2006, Bap succeeded in passing his driving test and is now a bonafide, legal and lisensed driver in the U.K.!! *Well done Bap!!!*

S: What American cities have you found most receptive on this tour?

B: “Generally all -- very positive. Tonight. Tonight felt special … maybe that's because of you," with a slight smile and a twinkle in those smiling blue eyes I won’t soon forget!

About Energy Orchard
By Ronnie and Jane Cooper in Manchester

Energy Orchard's farewell concert was nine years ago on St. Patty's Day March 1996, at the Mean Fiddler in London. We were first introduced to their music after seeing them debut on the tube [C4 TV] ... and I went out and bought their album the very next day!

The first time we saw EO live they were supporting T'au, and Energy Orchard blew T'au off the stage!!! And I left quite happily before the main act played! We received the sad news of the band's forth coming split through Ian and Sue Brewer, who administered the Energy Orchard News Letters. Being avid fans of the band throughout the early 90's, we had to make the 420 mile round trip to see the band live for the final time.

We arrived in London and got into the spirit of things by enjoying a few glasses of Guinness, with shamrocks carved into the froth. But the sadness of the occasion and the poor support band [Thursday's Child? A second rate Levelers], soon dampened our enthusiasm.

As the venue started to fill we found ourselves prime vantage points on the balcony. When Energy Orchard hit the stage there was no mention of this being their final stage performance, it was business as usual, a fantastic live show. I vividly remember the adulation dished out to Paul Toner from the crowd front stage. Then Bap delivered the immortal line "Who gives a sh*t, it's only rock and roll." Then the band played out their farewell encores.

As the lights came on again, the silence was deafening. Following their fantastic set, and EO's final live performance, the crowd filed out with mixed feelings of both elation and deflation. I remember the words of a couple standing next to us on the balcony, '"It's a travesty…" an injustice for sure. RIP.

No other band or live acts have had such an affect on me since Energy Orchard's demise.

Various gigs followed around the Manchester and Leeds areas and good times and good memories, which include Bap playing football by kicking his tambourine back and forth into the audience, and Sue and Ian getting us backstage at a Leeds' festival gig, etc. It all came to a premature end at that epic final concert. So, all raise a glass to the band St Patty's night 2005 [9 years. to the day]... Start the Machine.

How Bap's Music Has Affected Me
By Lorna Hutchison

It’s hard to determine exactly how Bap’s music has affected me…it’s certainly made me a few friends, it’s definitely got me drunk a fair few times, and it’s often caused me to admit to a fondness for the country twang in the company of die hard metal freaks, but beyond new acquaintances, lost brain cells and dangerous conversational territory, it’s a tough one to pin down.

But God love him I’ll try anyway…

One Sunday. Summer 1999. Filthy MacNasty's. After a few beers. I’m hearing Bap Kennedy live for the very first time (exact dates escape me, it was a long and somewhat hazy summer). I’d been introduced to Bap’s music by his friend (and my then flatmate) Michael, a taped copy of the US release of Domestic Blues and some ancient, grainy Energy Orchard recordings. I’d fallen in love before I could locate my capo.

I was always a sucker for songs about the guy in the gutter, the human struggle, the ordinary trivialities of life made beautiful by a lyric and a melody. But the honesty in Bap’s voice makes his images ring true. Whether he is lamenting life’s hardships or revelling in optimism, it’s the element of truth that makes it beautiful. Like he said somewhere, and I quote, “…the key is simplicity. There's only twelve notes. It's the same old chord structures, the same old themes, the same old thing; you're just adding that little something from yourself. The thing that makes it fresh is the sincerity.” And that is what makes Bap’s music work for me. Truth and Beauty.

It’s been over three years since I last saw Bap live, I’ve devoured all his albums faithfully and spread word all over the grim north, but it’s when you see him live that you have to stop, pause for a second, take off your hat and take notice. Maybe this year I’ll make it along.

I received a rather excitable phone call at work the other day, my Mother, "I’ve heard this great song, they’re playing it on the radio and you’ll never guess who it is (at which point she begins to sing with questionable pitch baby I’m this way, twenty four hours a day…and I love it, it’s great, it’s great!" Now, if you knew my Mother you’d realise that this kind of enthusiasm is quite normal (and I’m sorry Bap…but she has also been known to say the same thing about The Mavericks…and if that’s not bad enough, Cliff Richard).

However, I received my copy of The Big Picture yesterday and I have to admit, I think I’m with my Mum on this one. Review to follow…

[Lorna, thank you very much! I think it's safe to say that
we'll all be looking forward to reading your Review to follow!! Thanks very much.]

Bap Premiers New Album at Belfast Gig"

Bap Premiers New Album at Belfast Gig
Saturday - 19 February 2005
By Stephen Little of Belfast

In a previous life, the Empire Music Hall was a church, and the faithful (around 150) again gathered on Saturday night to hear the word (and notes) of Bap and The Boys.

The doors opened at 8:30, where approximately 30 loyal fans had been queuing for around 20 minutes in freezing cold conditions! The show began at 11 PM, which is typical at The Empire: They like to keep selling the beer.

The band (all dressed in black suits) came on stage and played a few minutes of "Green Onions." Then Bap stepped out and went straight into a marvelous rendition of 'Elvis, Hank, and Me' ... and when it ended, Bap shouted out "Good evening Belfast!"

The set included a number of tracks from the new CD and some old favourites with slightly different versions such as 'Vampire,' which contained tempo changes ranging from slow to fast ... and it really worked very well. (Bap, we really need a LIVE CD to be issued!)

'The Big Picture,' CD was available and seemed to be selling well (good to see a mention of Shirley in the credits).

The show ended at 12:30 and I just had time to get a few copies of the new album signed (Bap was, as always, very friendly!) before rushing off for my taxi.

Another great night out, courtesy of Bap and band. Catch the shows if you can, and buy the excellent new album!

[Stephen, thank you very much!]

Photos and Thoughts About Bap's Gig
At The Empire in Belfast
19 February 2005
By Kathleen McDermott

Some photos from Bap's excellent gig at the Empire, Belfast last night. Have seen him many times and last night was by far the best.

I think Bap deserves a lot more recognition and the album is getting good reviews over here so let's hope this is the one that will do it for him.
[Kate, thank you very much!]

[Please keep calling those radio stations requesting songs, people!!!]

We hope that you will feel welcome to write and share bits of how,
where, and/or when you were first 'introduced' to Bap Kennedy's
(or Energy Orchard's) music. We would love to hear from you
and we will greatly appreciate your submissions!

"One of The Biggest Regrets of My Life"
[OR...How I came to enjoy Bap Kennedy's and Energy Orchard's Music]
By Darren 10 February 2005]

Several years ago, my mate invited me to go and see a group (that I had never heard of) that was playing in Plymouth. I declined.

A couple of weeks later, he lent me the albums...they were fantastic. It was Energy Orchard.

One of the biggest regrets of my life is not going to see them. "You can put that on my headstone!!!!"

So Bap, please come back down to the Cooparage in Sunny Plymouth again...and I will be the first in the door.   [Thank you very much Darren]

If you have a story to share ...a sentence, a paragraph, or a page...
relating to how Bap's music has affected you,
please e-mail it to Shirley.

Thank you.

Much more information about Bap is found at BapSpace,
a Yahoo Discussion Group at Bap Kennedy and Friends,
and Bap’s own website is Bap Kennedy.
Thank you.

If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, please email Shirley.

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