McEvoy’s The Hatch, pub in Celbridge were hosting an event on Friday night which promised to supply us with “Original music from original songsters, choice covers, pints, bantz”. Uncertain whether this was our kind of “scene” or not we headed there anyway to check it out. After a lengthy drive we found ourselves twisting and turning through some winding roads to find a small little house- like pub that does look like it is in the back of beyonds but it was bursting with people. This charming little pub was McEvoy’s, Its cosy home like interior settles you in almost straight away and with friendly staff and punters its a great start to the night.
The night of music begins with some well known and original tracks from Ross Breen and Lisa Loughrey (The Mariannes) accompanied by Nathan Maher (The Mariannes). I’ll admit country and traditional music wouldn’t usually be my favourite style but good music is good music and when these guys played it didn’t matter the genre. The enthusiasm and passion exuded from Breen and Loughrey as they showcased their multi instrumental skills and performed with such confidence and swagger that kept the crowd engaged. With cool smooth and at times husky vocals from Breen he effortlessly slid from country to rock and roll and charmed the crowd to sing along, while Loughrey’s  sweet lull and country rasp vocals portrayed her beautifully written original songs with passion and affection. However this sweet voice has power and volume and can take on some big songs as we discovered as the night progressed.
Breen and Loughrey commanded our attention with their energetic performances and friendly attitude and of course crowd pleasing songs and encouraged everyone to sing along. It became a jam session as they played songs they hadn’t rehearsed and a bassist from the crowd decided to pick up a bass and join in. The room was bursting with talent as these fantastic musicians came together and played as if they had been playing together all their lives. Maher showed off some slick guitar solos and talent as he played everything they threw at him with such ease and confidence. This night of entertainment went on until the early hours of the morning with everyone dancing and enjoying themselves and requesting song after song.
Its a night like this that proves Ireland is full of musical talent and whether it is your style of music or not, if the artists are as engaging, energetic and skilled as in McEvoy’s Friday night you will enjoy yourself.