Prison Love: a rare treat

It is safe to say that Cavan"s inaugural summer festival was a hit and much of its success is down to the Spiegeltent. Despite the inclement weather, the public made a big effort and came out in significant numbers to support the events. Added to this was the GAA Féile which drew a staggering number teams and supporters to the town for the weekend Cavan was definitely the hub of diversity in sport and entertainment. Dublin-based bluegrass band, Prison Love, was something of a rare treat. Bluegrass is one of those musical genres that must be done right or not at all. Vocal harmony, precision timing and excellent percussion skills are all essential in order to get the true bluegrass sound and do any justice to the memory of the late Bill Munroe, founder of bluegrass music in the US. Prison Love possess all of the above in abundance and although their set in the Spiegeltent on Sunday night was short, I was completely sold on their performance. They threw in a couple of wonderful Cajun tunes and three covers versions as well - one from Brendan Behan in the form of the classic The Ould Triangle; the second was the Undertones hit, Teenage Kicks; and the third was Ace of Spades by Motorhead... if you don"t mind! At the end of the set Hurricane Barry announced that they would be selling their latest CD, A Night in the Box, after the show - I haven"t taken it out of the CD player in the car since. On behalf of the general public may I express sincere thanks to all those involved in this year"s festival and congratulate everyone concerned. I believe that Cavan County Council Arts Office has hit on a wonderful formula and I hope this festival will run and run for many years to come. It has proven that there is an audience out there for live entertainment and with encouragement they can be enticed into the town to enjoy all that is good in the arts in this county, region and country.