John Prine to Appear with Phillip Donnelly in SET Theatre Kilkenny July 15th 2012
Iconic American singer songwriter John Prine makes a rare Irish appearance when he joins with his old friend and collaborator the legendary guitar player Phillip Donnelly for a unique evening of conversation, guitar picking and stories.
“John Prine in conversation with Phillip Donnelly” is a one off stage show on Sunday July 15th in the SET Theatre in Kilkenny. It follows a recent on air reunion when Phillip had John as a guest on his “Full Circle” radio show on KCLR.
The event is being promoted by radio station KCLR 96fm with support from IMRO.
After returning from Vietnam and while working as a postman John Prine was “discovered” as a singer / songwriter and an early mentor was Kris Kristofferson. Prine’s song about a returning Vietnam Veteran; “Sam Stone” is regarded as a classic of American music and since his debut album in 1971 Prine has released a wide ranging and consistent catalogue of music. Over the years, the quality of his songwriting has been cited by everyone from Bob Dylan and Johnny Cash to Roger Waters of Pink Floyd.
As well as being renowned for his songwriting, Prine is widely admired for his story telling, wit and insight. The audience at his show in Kilkenny will have a rare opportunity to be “up close and personal” with someone who is truly regarded as a giant of popular music.
Dublin native Phillip Donnelly is an Irish musician and guitar player who blazed a trail as a top musician in Hollywood and Nashville in the 1970’s and 80’s when he wrote and recorded with a who’s who of American music including the Everley Brothers, Johnny Cash, Nanci Griffith, BJ Thomas, Roger Cook, Brenda Lee, Townes Van Zandt to name just a few.
He established a particularly close link with John Prine touring recording and writing with the Illinois native for many years. He says he is thrilled to be appearing with his old friend and collaborator on stage in Kilkenny.
“John Prine is the “songwriters songwriter”, Bob Dylan name checks him as his favourite songwriter and his music is regarded as an integral part of American culture with his work being a unique part of American culture,” according to Phillip Donnelly “I spent many years on the road with John in America where we played in 48 states together, I’ve recorded 3 albums with him and have co-written with him over the years. In all our years of playing stadiums, festivals and large theatres I never thought I’d get to play such a unique and intimate venue as the SET Theatre in Kilkenny for his Irish fans. We’re both really looking forward to this special show.”
“This one off show is unique opportunity for John Prine’s legion of Irish fans to enjoy an intimate up close and personal evening with one of Americas most popular and influential singer / songwriters of the last 50 years,” according to Phillip Donnelly “John and I, will be chatting about our days on the road, the stories behind some of John’s biggest songs as well as performing John’s songs.”
Tickets for the Show are priced at €25 and are available from Langtons Hotel in Kilkenny or www.set.ie
