Stewart Agnew and Robert Blake in the Passionfruit Theatre

Athlone favourite Robert Sarazin Blake returns to support gifted troubadour Stewart Agnew in The Passionfruit Theatre on Saturday, January 31 next at 8.30pm. Also joining the pair on the bill will be up and coming Galway singer/songwriter Una MacLochlainn on a night that promises plenty of top folk in the popular venue. Stewart Agnew is a performer from Dundalk who has been building a strong following through his live performances over the last number of years and most recently played a fantastic set in the Passionfruit in support of Mick Flannery. His last album, "Songs from the Gas Station", was recorded in Toronto with the Ron Sexsmith band and even featured Ron as guest vocalist on two of the songs, "Gipsy Girl" and "I Give You Hope". Stewart has recently been supporting Mundy on his Irish tour as well as Mick Flannery and Sharon Shannon and has also just played support to Steve Earle as part of his Irish recent Tour. In previous years Agnew also supported acts like Damien Dempsey, Duke Special, Beth Orton, Josh Ritter and many more besides. Agnew has been on the road since early September with his full band performing songs from his forthcoming album. The band includes Josh Johnston (Rosey) on piano, James Mackin on drums, Ken Murphy on bass, Paula O Neill on vocals and violin, Lyndsey O Neill on cello and vocals and Justin Lawless on electric guitar. Robert Blake is no stranger to Athlone having built up a huge following in the midlands since first touring Ireland in 2001. In the last twelve years he"s been living the story of his music: from a suitcase and a guitar full of stories to share. He tells the kind of song that you hear on the radio during a late drive home: some sweet gruff voice out of nowhere singing to the still spot in your heart, the kind of song you turn up and sit in the car to finish, letting it all sink in. Having already played a fantastic set in the Passionfruit Theatre last year, Galway chanteuse Una MacLochlainn will be familiar to Passionfruit regulars and this Saturday provides another great opportunity to catch this up and coming talent in the intimate setting of the theatre. Tickets are priced at just €12. For advance bookings phone 086 3338457 or email fiona@passionfruittheatre.com. www.myspace.com/stewartagnewmusic, www.myspace.com/robertsarazinblake and www.myspace.com/unamaclochlainn.