‘Whatever you say, say nothing, when you talk about you know what’ is a line from one of the seemingly endless flow of original songs by Colum Sands and he is the very welcome guest at Irvine Folk Club on Wednesday 11th September. It is always good to welcome back to the Irvine Club this gifted and internationally acclaimed singer and songwriter from Co Down.
Colum has been singing for some 40 plus years, having started out as part of the renowned Sands Family way back in the early 70s. Hailing from Newry and now resident in Rostrevor, Colum is a natural stortyteller with a warm, and engaging personality on and off stage. His songs record life past and present and some of his work in recent times has helped break down cultural barriers particularly in places like Israel where he has collaborated and made recordings with local musicians.
Having learned to play the fiddle from his late Father, Colum also plays concertina and is also a fine guitar player. When he first played in Irvine as part of The Sands Family, he also played the double bass – but touring with a double bass can be challenging!
Colum is a hard-working musician, taking his music all over the world and has played in over thirty countries. As well as smaller venues like Irvine Folk Club, Colum has played in New York’s Carnegie Hall and frequently finds that his songs arrive before him, being carried by other singers or recorded by other performers. His songs have been translated into German, Dutch, Danish and Hebrew. In addition, since the 1990’s, Colum has presented BBC Radio Ulster’s Folk Club from Belfast. He has his own independent label Spring Records and produces albums at his recording studio at home.
It’s been five years since Colum’s last appearance at the Irvine Club, so don’t miss the chance to hear him on Wednesday 11th September. He is one of the folk scene’s most accomplished and entertaining performers. The Club meets in Vineburgh Community Centre, starts at 8pm and it’s BYOB.