The West of Ireland social calendar would not be complete, without the Gala Christmas Cabaret, leading in to the festive season. For the last few years, the Cabaret has been a sell-out success, with more than 1,000 patrons attending, and the demand for tickets are increasing every year. Already, a few hundred ticket requests, have been received.

This is a night of top-class entertainment, wonderful song, music and dance. Every musical genre is being catered for – classical, jazz, traditional, Spanish, etc. and Tango dancing and Irish stepdancing will complete a brilliant night’s entertainment.

The star-studded line-up are mainly professional, national/international artistes:

LIAM LAWTON - SINGER/ SONGWRITER/ PRIEST
Since “The Clouds Veil” became, in late 2002, arguably the most universally used piece of music in Churches across all denominations around New York and throughout the United States in the aftermath of the tragic events of 9/11, the name of Liam Lawton has taken on a new resonance and meaning across the United States. Followers of all faiths and beliefs seemed to embrace its message as an antidote to the tragedy and loss at the time.
Prior to 2002, the music of Liam Lawton had been consistently issued both in sheet music form and on CD in USA, and Liam had already become one of the most widely respected and leading writers of Choral and Sacred Music, in the American Liturgical Music market.
Alongside that his personal appearances and contributions to broader spheres had become highly noted and regarded. However, when on a number of separate occasions he was commissioned to write New Orchestral Suites exclusively for premiere in the world-famous Chicago Symphony Hall, with full orchestra, his status as a respected and singular composer was significantly recognised and assured in a wholly wider field.
For Liam to have Gregory Peck appear as Master of Ceremonies at his first Orchestral premiere of The Shepherd Boy in 2000, was, in his own words “a humbling honour”. This was followed in 2002 by Joan Cusack who narrated Brigid Of Kildare, again in Symphony Hall.
When, two years later, he was told that John Malkovich had agreed to be MC of Liam’s Symphony Premiere in 2004 – Kevin Of Glendalough - he found it hard to believe. But warm notes from these stars praising his work and music bear testament to the high regard in which he is held in USA. Liam Lawton however, has always been, and remains, a self-effacing ordinary down to earth man. Although he has had three successful Top 10 albums back home in Ireland, to go alongside his considerable achievements in the USA, his life and his Ministry has never altered and few who didn’t know otherwise would ever think this was a man who has graced some of the leading concert stages of the world.

Liam is now embarking on a new chapter. After a long and enforced two year absence from writing, he is composing new works again, a small collection of which should be ready for release on CD and Sheet Music in early 2009. You can see Liam perform on his Christmas tour starting in November with Choirs all over Ireland and special Guests. For details on the tour log onto www.liamlawton.com

MARK KEANE – PIANO - & GUESTS
The band comprises Mark Keane, piano, Benjamin Contreras, spanish guitar; Barry Walls, guitar; Damien McDonnell, congas; Simon Jones, saxophone; vocals: Annabella Lydon, Siofra Jordan and Eilish Coppinger. Its a versatile group that performs a fusion of styles including Spanish, Cuban and Jazz.
Mark is a music graduate of Trinity College, Dublin and the DIT Conservatory of Music and Drama, where he studied organ with Peter Sweeney. He has since completed a Master’s degree in Chant and Ritual Studies at the University of Limerick, and is currently undertaking Doctoral studies with Professor Harry White at UCD where he is researching Roman Catholic hymnody in Ireland. He also holds Diplomas in Organ performance from Trinity College, London, the Royal School of Music and London College of Music, and enjoys masterclasses with Ann Marsden Thomas at the St. Giles International Organ School in London. Mark is Head of Music at Galway Community College, Director of the Galway Choral Association, and Organist at the Church of Christ the King, Salthill, A regular recitalist, he has performed in St. Andrew’s Cathedral, Sydney, King’s Chapel and St. Paul’s Episcopal Cathedral in Boston and St. James’ Cathedral, Toronto.
It has just been confirmed that MARK KEANE, Conductor, (Founder/Director of The Galway Choral Association), with some of his members - the GALWAY CHAMBER CHOIR, will sing Christmas Carols in the Hotel Foyer, commencing at 7.00 p.m. This will be a real treat, and will set the mood for a truly memorable and enjoyable evening, of song, music and dance.

GUINNESS JAZZ BAND
This brilliant Jazz Band, internationally famous, who have performed at Cabaret, Festivals, social functions, etc all over Ireland and abroad, will take part again this year. They will commence playing in the foyer, and around 7.30 p.m. and will put everybody in a great party mood, at the start at the Cabaret.

MARION & ENRIQUE - TANGO DANCERS
Marion & Enrique, the internationally famous Tango dancers, have just returned from Spain, where they performed at the Mallorca International Tango Festival along with four of the best tango couples in the world. They will be dancing in the National Concert Hall in June 2009, as the leader dancers of a tango show with a live orchestra.
We are truly honoured to have such wonderful exponents of this dance genre take part in our Cabaret again this year. Croí are the only organisation for which they perform, completely free of charge, and we are deeply grateful to them.
Website: www.caminosdetango.com email: caminosdetango@hotmail.com

THE CELINE HESSION SCHOOL OF DANCE
We are delighted to welcome back again this year, the Celine Hession School of Dance, members of whom are winners of World/North American/Great Britain/All-Ireland/Connaught Championships.

PLUS SURPRISE GUESTS...

This is the EIGHTH year that this Christmas Cabaret has been organised by Mary A. Cunningham, and to date, almost €200,000 has been collected for this very worthy, local cause. Every year the Cabaret gets better, more professional, more highly talented participants, and after each show, the Producer wonders if she can ever produce a Cabaret as good as the previous year. However, it just happens again the following year!

Because of the economic situation, I have decided not to have Corporate Tables this year. However, if anybody wishes to forward a sponsopship cheque, or a valuable item for the Monster Raffle, held on the night, I would be very grateful for the support. I can be contacted at: cunnin20042003@yahoo.co.uk, or 085 1490320. All such donations will be acknowledged, and included on our Powerpoint presentation on the night.

In these difficult economic times, it is particularly important to help Croí, even more than before. Croí is totally dependent on voluntary contributions, so I would appeal to everybody to support us – my committee – GMIT BUSINESS STUDIES GRADUATES’ ASSOCIATION, and I, in our annual fundraising efforts for Croí (The West of Ireland Cardiology Foundation).
ALL MONIES RAISED FOR CROÍ, IS SPENT ON INITIATIVES/PROJECTS, IN THE WEST OF IRELAND.
- MARY A. CUNNINGHAM, PRODUCER/ORGANISER

TICKETS: €25 ZHIVAGO MUSIC, SHOP STREET, GALWAY, Tel. (091) 509960