Rock legends headline Ocean Race concerts

BY CIARAN TIERNEY Veteran Irish rockers Thin Lizzy and American pop legends The Family Stone are among the acts who have been confirmed to headline eight nights of free live music during the grand finale of the Volvo Ocean Race in Galway.

There is also a strong local flavour to the major outdoor shows in the vicinity of Galway Harbour as The Saw Doctors, The Stunning, and Sharon Shannon have also been lined up to headline the free gigs between June 30 and July 7.

A large stage is due to be erected at the site formerly occupied by the oil tanks near the docks, which were removed for the VOR stopover three years ago. The site hosted a food village in 2009 and has been cleared after recently hosting a Funderland amusements show.

Musical entertainment commences at the docklands site on the night of Saturday, June 30, when 22-year old rapper Maverick Sabre headlines a free open air show. Sabre, born Michael Stafford, mixes hip-hop and folk influences and is seen as one of the most exiting acts to emerge in Britain and Ireland over the past 18 months.

On Sunday, July 1, it’s the turn of The Family Stone (without Sly) to headline the main stage at 9pm. With a string of hits going back over four decades, they will be joined by Ryan Sheridan (8pm) and Niwel Tsumbu (7pm).

Thin Lizzy, still touring extensively 26 years after the death of star frontman Phil Lynott, will bring hard rock to the main stage on July 2 (8.30 to 10pm), supported by Athenry band The Deans and Time is Thief.

The Saw Doctors will rock the main stage on Tuesday, July 3 (also 8.30pm), backed by Amazing Apples and Sean Slattery.

On the following night, July 4, there will be a fireworks show at the docks to celebrate American Independence Day, with music by the West Coast Big Band (10pm), Vaudeville Vamps, Galway Swing Dance, and Chicago act Hypnotic Brass Ensemble, who played a top class concert at the Roisin Dubh last weekend.

Traditional music takes the spotlight on Thursday, July 5, when Altan and De Danann take to the stage, following the prize-giving ceremony for the final leg of the VOR at 5pm.

Former Galway residents The Stunning will reform for a show at the main race village stage on Friday, July 6, following their acclaimed set at the VOR stopover in 2009. They will be joined by support acts Stephen James and the Atlantic Pirates.

For more on this story, see the Galway City Tribune.