Muff UNPLUGGED launch with Cliona Hagan


It certainly wasn't your normal or average Tuesday night in Muff village. But it might well become such! Earlier tonight saw the first in a series of 'UNPLUGGED' music nights at the 'Visit Muff Liquor' visitor centre in the village.

Renowned singer Cliona Hagan and her husband Simon Sheerin played an acoustic set to a full house in the Muff Liquor home. Starting the night off in the 'For the Better' bar was Inishowen duo 'The Two Bucks'. These bucks never disappoint, and tonight was no exception. They served to whet the musical appetite of all there ahead of Cliona and Simon taking to the stage area around 8pm in the 'Main Room'. 

Having popped upstairs to the mezzanine area prior to the main gig I was very delighted to meet Cliona and Simon who were very excited to be playing this acoustic gig in our wee village. Both were so warm and friendly that they really did blend right in with our village life here in Muff. 

I have no shame in admitting that I am not a Country music fan, but on meeting Cliona and Simon I was really excited for what was to come. And they did NOT disappoint. 

As Cliona and Simon took to the stage/floor area, they told us (the jam packed room) that this was their 'first acoustic gig since the Facebook lives' during those Covid times. They both looked right at home and very comfortable as they embarked on the set. And what a set they did deliver. 

Cliona opened with a few of her own songs and followed with a selection from Dolly Parton, Shania Twain, Colin Rae, Erma Franklin, a selection of Irish favs and so much more. They even threw in some rock by Black Velvet, The Cranberries, pop from Belinda Carlisle, Cindy Lauper and a vast selection of artists. It was a night that every music genre lover could enjoy, and every single being in that Muff Liquor room did enjoy wholeheartedly. 

There was a real ease and sense of comfort tonight between the married duo. And there was a real love and admiration towards each other throughout. This really was an intimate, special, fun, and memorable night in our village. And it was made even more special as Cliona sang her new single which is out tomorrow, 'It's not There'. 

A huge thanks to Jodie Harkin, media promoter, who is bringing us these 'UNPLUGGED' nights and to 'The Muff Liquor Company', manager Clare, and all her staff for hosting. A huge shout out to staff member Donna who sang to every single song tonight - we shall await your debut solo Donna!!!

Cliona and Simon brought the night to a close with Tina Turner's 'The Best', and it was so apt as tonight really was 'the best' in Muff on a Tuesday night mid November. 

Cliona and Simon openly agreed that this was 'our favourite gig of all time'.  Guys thank you for coming to Muff and we promise we will try and get that 'lock in' at Muff Liquor next time.

Muff UNPLUGGED  will host Gary Gamble on Tuesday Dec. 9th. Tickets are available online via 'Eventbrite' and are already selling fast. Muff UNPLUGGED is fast becoming a much sought after night out. Book early to avoid disappointment. 

Jodie Harkin and Claire at Muff Liquor are helping put our wee village on that world music map for sure. Cheers ladies for a truly fabulous night. 


GMcC

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Mura gets ready for retirement!

Image
  In just over one weeks’ time, our village will have another retiree. A retiree who has given so much to Muff. He moved to Muff from neighbouring Fahan in 1989. Although working in the village prior to this, Mura McLaughlin has long since established himself as a permanent fixture, community member and one of the hardest working members of Muff village. Mura was a Customs Man from 1981 through to 1992. He then proceeded on a career with Irish Life. In the early 90’s Mura began volunteering in the village and was always there to lend a hand at the preparation and delivery of festivals and more. And of course you could find him on the dramatic stage too. In 2007 Mura began working with what is now Muff Community Development. And in 2011 he became manager there. Mura has a team of committee members behind him and a team of workers alongside him, but he himself has been instrumental in much of the development that has taken place in our community in the past 25 years. The fabulo...
Read more

Christmas Dance at Muff Community Hall with Shunie Crampsey

Image
 There really is something magical watching people dancing. From contemporary songs to the very traditional 'Shoe the Donkey', it was all things dancing this Sunday night. The people of Muff and far beyond showcased true magic on the dancefloor tonight at St. Mary's Hall here in the village.  Shunie Crampsey has been providing the music and song here in the community hall monthly for the past 18+ months. Tonight was the Christmas dance and it showcased the importance of music and dance for the soul. People coming together to sit and listen, to get up and dance, to just talk. And a fabulous supper was enjoyed by all, catered by The Cabin.  Events like this show what community is all about. And the community within the village hall tonight felt very strong and very festive. People came from all over Inishowen and Derry to enjoy the dance. And no doubt will return in the future to do likewise. Huge thanks must go to all the members of Muff hall who work hard behind the scene...
Read more

KNEECAP sends video to young Muff bakers

Image
 On Sunday last The Great Muff Bake-Off took place as part of the annual Muff Féile here in the village. The Bake-Off is in memory of a young local chef who sadly passed away, James Rehill. Every year it draws much attention and none more so than this year. One of the organisers remarked on Sunday that it was one of the 'biggest' Bake-Offs to date. There was a children's U10's and U 12's and then Adults. One of the children's entries was a creation by Jenny Rose McLaughlin and friend Alex Marner. There's was a 'Kneecap' cake. Micky Doherty and the judges all agreed it tasted as good as it looked and it proudly took 3rd place. Earlier today KNEECAP saw the video and DJ Provai sent a video message to Jenny Rose. We think he was rather impressed with the cake indeed. Maybe he'll come himself next year and enter the next Bake-Off, or even give us a performance.        You just never know where The Muff Féile will reach.  GMcC
Read more