MARK BLACK AND THE ROOTS ORCHESTRA TO PLAY IN BALLYBOFEY

Donegal singer/songwriter Mark Black has just announced details of his first winter gig in the county.  Mark Black and The Roots Orchestra will play the Balor Arts Centre in Ballybofey on 13^th November. 

Mark and his 13-piece band appeared at Glastonbury this year and played a string of packed out gigs at home as well.  Their distinctive style of “rootsy blues” often combines country and celtic influences into the powerful mix that defines Mark Black and The Roots Orchestra. 

This unique sound is proving increasingly popular with both fans and the media, who detect the wider range of influences the band is proud to acknowledge.  Mark’s own vocals have also been singled out for praise. BBC Radio Ulster presenter Stuart Bailie said he “sings with the spirit of the Mississippi in his bones.”

Director of the Balor Arts Centre, Conor Malone says he’s known Mark and his music for some time “and I’ve long been of the opinion that he’s one of the most gifted and creative musicians on the circuit.  The 13 piece Roots Orchestra is the perfect platform for him to take his talents to a bigger stage.”

Mark Black says he has played at the Balor several times and ‘we have always been well received by the Balor audiences, they really support live music.  Since it’s reopening in 2008 it has built up a reputation as being one of the finest theatre venues in the North West.  It has hosted some exceptional national and international artists and I’m looking forward to showcasing the Roots Orchestra there’.

The band is made up of some of the finest and most experienced musicians in the country and includes Ted Ponsonby (who has recorded and played with the likes of Mary Black, EmmyLou Harris and Van Morrison) on guitar, dobro and Hammond organ;  internationally renowned pedal steel maestro Percy Robinson; Michael McGinty on bass and Seamus Devenny on drums and percussion;  The Henry Girls; Kathryn O Callaghan and other members of the Inishowen Gospel Choir; Sean McCarron (Henry McCullough Band) plays saxes and Mark Bradley (Oasis, Ben E King) is on trumpet with Donal McGuinness (Mirenda Rosenberg Band, Rare Groove Funk Orchestra) on trombone.

Tickets are on sale from the Balor Arts Centre at 074 913840 or email conor@balortheatre.com .

Media queries to:   Trish Hegarty, Inis Communications on +353 86 1740057; www.iniscommunications.com; Email: trish@iniscommunications.com

Other details:

Mark Black and The Roots Orchestra: www.markblackmusic.com

www.myspace.com/markblackmusic; Email : markblackmusic@yahoo.ie

Balor Arts Centre:  www.balorartscentre.com