Visiting Texans set to take Kilkenny by storm over the coming days

Details of the first five shows of the Texas Tornado Tour have been announced.

The shows, which are all free entry, will showcase some of the finest country Texan country artists in venues throughout the city over 10 days kicking off on August 28th in Billy Byrnes, John Street.

Kilkenny welcomes Hot Aire! Concert Band

Here are the dates and venues so far:

Tuesday August 29 – Billy Byrnes – John Street – 7pm

It’s a tradition for the Texas Tornado Tour to start off in Billy Byrnes so this year will be no different!

The legendary Billy Don Burns will join Austin Allsup, Randy Brown, Mike Mancy, Jeff Grossman, Jeremiah Herrin, Steve Helmes and Ben McPherson for a night jam packed with great music.

Billy Don Burns is respected far and wide for his long career in songwriting and performing. BDB is one of the few remaining original outlaw country music singer/songwriters, and is in his 53rd year in the business.

His songs have been recorded by many of the old greats like Willie Nelson, Johnny Paycheck, Mel Tillis, Sammy Kershaw. And, by many of the new guys like Cody Jinks, Colter Wall, Whitey Morgan and more. BDB has made several appearances on the Grand Ole Opry. When his "Desperate Men" album went to #1 on the Americana chart, replacing Johnny Cash who had been there for 14 weeks, Billy Don received a handwritten note; "Congratulations! You deserve it. I'll be happy to move out of the #1 spot and let you have it. I been there. Done that." - Johnny Cash

His current album features country music legends Cody Jinks and Shooter Jennings.

Wednesday August 30 – An Poc Fada – Rose Inn Street – 7pm

An Poc Fada on Rose Inn Street will host five artists including Austin Allsup who made his name on the Voice of America contest where he reached the final stages in from of a televised audience of over 6 million people. Austin has performed in Kilkenny before but this year promises to be a special one as he is about to release a brand new album.

 Thursday August 30 – Set Theatre – John Street

Set Theatre has always been a special venue for the Texas Tornado Tour but this year will be unlike the previous as the event, like all of the gigs this year, are free and open to everyone to come along.

This night is considered the main event for the Texas group as they will feature many of the artists on the trip backed by the incredible JC All Stars Band.

Many of the artists are veterans who take part in the Rock The Troops programme which offers healing through songwriting and music. They will write songs here in Kilkenny and perform them on the night in Set Theatre.

Also on the line up are some incredible Texas artists including Randy Brown who has been a Texas singer, songwriter, musician and showman for over thirty years.  This troubadour can entertain a crowd like no other.  Randy has made a huge impact on the hearts of music lovers not only in Texas but worldwide. Hugely popular on the Texas music scene, Randy is no stranger to Kilkenny and is looking forward to returning to entertain the Marble City.

Friday September 1 – Ryans Bar

This is a night that the musicians are really looking forward to as the reputation of Ryans Bar has travelled as far as Texas. The history of great live music in Ryans has gotten the Texas musicians pumped for a great night.

The JC All Stars will take the stage on September 1st with an impressive line up of guest artists including Steve Helms from Cleburne, Texas, who has enjoyed the success of 24 radio singles, gaining him huge popularity throughout the USA.

Saturday September 2 – The Barrel Yard at The Smithwick’s Experience – 5pm

Local band The Presidents are due to hit the stage at the Barrel Yard on September 2nd and they will be joined by a selection of Texas artists for a jam session. This promises to be a party with The Presidents classic rock cover songs and a tinge of Texas from our visitors.

More gigs to be announced next week.