Offaly fans of 80s star will be heading to Portlaoise

OFFALY fans of Eddi Reader, the Scottish singer who shot to fame with the group Fairground Attraction, have the chance to see her live in Portlaoise's Dunamaise arts centre on September 11 next.

Reader's critically acclaimed collaboration with Irish group the Alan Kelly Gang will be celebrated at the gig.

As independent artists, Reader (below on left) and piano accordion player Kelly (second from left) have established themselves as stewards of Celtic traditions, while at the same time being purveyors of the contemporary.

Reader, it will be remembered, was the vocalist who sang Fairground Attraction's breakthrough hit Perfect back in 1988.

She also worked with the Eurythmics and Gang of Four and revived the poems of fellow Scot Robert Burns.

Kelly has been declared an innovative piano accordion maestro and a leading light in the development of contemporary Irish trad.

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Also in the Alan Kelly Gang are flautist and singer, Steph Geremia, long time friend and collaborator Jim Higgins on bodhran and percussion, and a newer addition, Mark Kelly, known best as a key man in Altan, on guitar.

Reader and the Kelly Gang are kicking off their tour in London on September 5 before travelling around various venues across Ireland. These performances will see distinctive harmonies, imaginative arrangements, and rich stories thrill music fans everywhere.