Steve Wickham"s No Crows set

Steve Wickham of The Waterboys is bringing his gifted side project No Crows to Athlone"s Passionfruit Theatre on Saturday, April 11 next and fans of everything from bluegrass to Irish traditional music can look forward to a spectacular night of entertainment. No Crows is an awesome foursome of fine musicians based in Sligo. Felip Carbonell is a magnificent Mallorcan guitarist and his Flamenco/Manouche-style guitar provides the engine for No Crows exciting and stylish music. Steve Wickham of "The Waterboys" is the violinist and his energetic style and repertoire adds spice to the quartet. Anna Houston"s Swiss/Celtic roots are apparent in her intricate and soulful playing of the Cello and Mandolin. Eddie Lee provides the hot grooves on his double bass. Their repertoire is truly global as their music ranges from Irish traditional to classical and gypsy swing as well as folk tunes from Finland, Moldova, Russia, Venezuela, Greece and beyond. NoCrows, though not a traditional Irish group as such, do play Irish music, as well as traditional tunes from all over the world. In fact the group grew very organically in the same way that many Irish traditional groups do - from a regular pub session. This began on Wednesdays in Shoot the Crows pub in Sligo some time in 2005. Soon it became apparent to all concerned that something magical was emerging out of the vast array of musical ideas and influences being exchanged from week to week in Shoot the Crows: Felip"s love of Latin music, particularly Rumba, Steve"s unmistakable lilting folk-rock fiddle, Eddie"s jazz influences, Anna"s classical cello and her love of Irish traditional music. NoCrows recorded their debut CD September 2006 live at the Strand Bar, Strandhill which was released in early 2007 to critical acclaim. Since their first Irish tour in May 2007, NoCrows have appeared at several Irish festivals and toured Spain, Belgium and Switzerland in 2008. Their willingness to mix and match from such a wide palette, from Brahms to O"Carolan, from trad Irish to Rumba, makes for an enchanting musical experience that often surprises, transporting the listener through a myriad of exotic places. Doors are at 8.30pm and tickets are priced at €20, for bookings call 086 3338457 or email fiona@passionfruittheatre.com.