‘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 19th March. An internationally acclaimed songwriter and a hardworking and successful performer and a record producer – Colum packs a lot into each day.
Colum has been singing for 30 plus years, having started out as part of the renowned Sands Family way back in the early 70s. It was then that The Sands first played in Irvine and a close and lasting friendship has endured with the Irvine Club since then. Colum, like his brothers has carved out a very successful solo career in the last 25 or so years and is much respected among his peers as a gifted songwriter. As a result, his songs have been recorded by a number of household names.
Colum is from Newry and is a gentle fellow. He has been described as a universal storyteller and has a warm, moving and funny on and off stage presence. 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 been working with other 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 he played the double bass too – but travelling with it had its difficulties!
Colum takes 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. In addition, for the last 20 years Colum has presented BBC Radio Ulster’s Folk Club from Belfast. And somehow he manages to record albums. His most recent one being Turn The Corner.
Don’t miss this opportunity to hear one of the folk scene’s most accomplished and entertaining performers Colum Sands when he plays Irvine Folk Club on Wednesday 19th March. The Club meets in Vineburgh Community Centre, starts at 8pm and it’s BYOB.