Party with the Blarney Brothers

RHUMBELOW Theatre Durban presents Blarney Party with The Blarney Brothers from 2 to 4 February at St Cyprian’s Church hall, 603 Umbilo Road, Glenwood, Durban.

The year 2018 marks a special landmark for South Africa’s much-loved Blarney Brothers, the legendary Durban-based Irish group.

Now celebrating their 44th anniversary, the indefatigable three-man musical outfit have been at the heart of South Africa’s music scene for four decades this year, livening up parties and gala events with their own special brand of music, including Irish ballads, catchy pub songs, popular ‘newies’ and the occasional Irish jig.

Surely the longest-running group with an unbroken performance record, The Blarney Brothers remain at the forefront of the South African entertainment industry.

Comprising siblings Paul and Damien McIlroy and fellow band member, Tony Fisher, who all settled in South Africa in the 70s, the three Irish-born musicians joined forces to form their own professional band in August 1974, landing a six-month contract to perform six nights a week at Durban’s Astra Hotel in Russell Street.

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With a swiftly growing fan base, they moved on to the Pool Bar at the Lonsdale Hotel, then on to the Killarney Hotel. Thereafter, they signed up as an entertainment act aboard a cruise ship, Oceanic Independent, heading for Cape Town in 1976.

They stayed on in the Mother City to perform at the Elizabeth Hotel, before signing on with the Holiday Inn Group. This led to a Blarney Brothers deal being struck with Southern Suns to appear on their national entertainment circuit, touring up and down the country at regular intervals over the following number of years.

Shortly after this, with their children at school-going age, the Blarney Brothers settled in Durban. They took up artistic residence at The Barn, the entertainment venue at the then Athlone Hotel, now the Riverside Hotel. This became closely linked with their brand at home, as for some 12 or 13 years the group appeared here every Wednesday and Friday, regularly pulling full houses. Other associated venues were the River Gardens in Amanzimtoti, and Father’s Moustache at the Malibu Hotel opposite Durban’s South Beach.

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Since the early 90s, the group have undertaken numerous international tours. Besides appearing in the United Kingdom, they have visited the Far East frequently, appearing in Singapore, Shanghai, Macau, Taiwan, Kuala Lumpur, Penang and Australia. They have performed in many world famous venues.

The shows on Friday and Saturday will be at 8pm, with the shows at 2pm and 6.30pm on Sunday.

Take food picnic baskets. The venue opens 90 minutes before the show. Braais will be available should you wish to cook some meat. Tickets are R150 with R130 concessions. Booking is essential through Computicket or contact Roland on 082 499 8636 or roland@stansell.za.net.

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