We had an amazing MONIO weekend. So laden with brilliant people and music it was hard to believe – the vibe was just amazing. So positive, so encouraging… exactly what we hoped the spirit of MONIO would be.
I think a good place to start would be to thank the amazing musicians (and poets) who graced the lineup – Wallis Bird, David Holmes, Iain Archer, The Lowly Knights, Cashier No. 9, Polarbear, RAMS’ Pocket Radio, Five Ants, The Vals, Six Star Hotel, Farriers, Dan Eggs, LaFaro, Ed Zealous, Ken Haddock, Gareth Dunlop, Mark McKnight Trio, Robyn G Shiels, and our fabulous surprise guests – Brian Houston, Duke Special and country legend Hal Ketchum.
We are also very much indebted to our wonderful MC for the weekend, Tony Moore – who was given the keys to the port of Belfast by Foy Vance as the first ever MONIO award many years ago. He has been, and remains, one of the great friends of MONIO – and has offered to let us take over The Bedford some night for a London-based MONIO night… so watch out! His presence all weekend was really appreciated by everyone… thanks Tony!
A few days of rest, then we’ll get to planning a new funkier website, the long-awaited MONIO Audio Widget which you can install in your Facebook page or whatever, and the plans for 2010… Onwards
…wanted this to happen, but due to unforeseen circumstances, The 4 Of Us have pulled out of MONIO & FRIENDS 2009. While we are very disappointed by this, the lineup for Sunday remains a stellar bunch of talent – it will be an amazing day (and night). And the mighty Five Ants slides into the slot… believe me this will be special.
There’s been a slight change in the lineup for Saturday.
Unfortunately “And So I Watch You From Afar” have had to pull out… but the sheer force of LaFaro have stepped up to fill the gap. LaFaro have been described as: “old school post hardcore sounds with just drums, guitars and big chunky distorted bass and Jonny Black (lead vocalist) mangling his vocals like he’s got a mouth full of drill bits…” More on LaFaro here
We are DELIGHTED to report that the mighty Lowly Knights are confirmed for Sunday 2nd August at MONIO & FRIENDS 2009. We wanted them to be involved from the get-go, but thought it wasn’t possible due to a mixup on dates. However, it has all worked out and they are IN. This is brilliant news, bringing big smiles to the MONIO team, and everyone who is coming on Sunday. What a LINEUP!!.
Welcome to MONIO :: Music Of Northern Irish Origin.
Its been a while coming. Originally the brainchild of Steve Jones, the project has taken on a new lease of life recently with the help of musician Foy Vance and Paul Hamilton, formerly of the band Leya but now the man in Northern Ireland that makes things happen… the exciting news is that we are proud to announce the debut MONIO Festival, happening in August 2009 in Belfast.
Foy has been an ardent supporter of the concept since the get-go, and would never lie down and forget it, and Paul Hamilton? Well, let’s just say he’s the brains of this operation… the mover and shaker that has turned it from a vague notion into something that is REALLY HAPPENING. Steve is relishing the fact that the idea is taking shape, and doing the design side of things.
Yes, the first MONIO Festival – MONIO & Friends – is taking place in Belfast on the 1st and 2nd of August 2009. Information on the lineup and what’s happening will be posted here as details come in… and the site might just get a little nicer to look at too!
