Offaly Good Vibrations returns

Offaly Good Vibrations has been bringing positive vibes to the faithful county since 2008. Now, for its fifth annual Vibe, it's bringing the sound of London to Tullamore. From its beginnings the ethos behind Offaly Good Vibrations was to bring the best in originality that Offaly has to offer as well as internationally acclaimed acts to the stage in Offaly. In the past the group has worked with Offaly talents including The Dirty Blagards, Wayne Brennan, Louise Killeen and Paddy Slattery, while on the international act side Mick Flannery, Rubberbandits, Alabama 3 and Reginald D Hunter are just a few of the names that have been brought to the county. Offaly Good Vibrations' next big gig takes place on Friday, October 26, in The Wolftrap in Tullamore. On the night reggae sensation Hollie Cook will be performing, as well as Prince Fatty and local hip hop gropu RíRá. With a velvet voice and smooth sensual lyrics Hollie Cook is to reggae what Sade is to jazz and r&b. Her father is Paul Cook, the former drummer of The Sex Pistols. Growing up in a rock'n'roll house Hollie was exposed to all forms of music from an early age. In 2006 she played keyboard and sang in the legendary reformed female punk band of the 70s 'The Slits'. On seeing her perform in London last year Ian Brown decided there and then she would play support to The Stone Roses for sold out shows in Manchester last June. Collaborating with Prince Fatty was the start of fantastic sounds to come as Hollie released her eponymous debut album in 2011. An appearance on Later with Jools Holland cemented her as the new voice of reggae in Britain. Cook, who recorded with good friends Amy Winehouse and Lilly Allen, is due her just rewards - which is to be headlining arenas and festivals sooner rather than later. Prince Fatty is a renowned acid jazz, rock and reggae producer and engineer who has revolutionised the sound of music in general. Responsible for giving 90s indie rock gods Kula Shaker their distinctive sound, this genius is equipped with his trusted M-Audio and mixes live. Mike Palanconi took his stage name Prince Fatty in respect of his hero the dub master King Tubby. He fell in love with reggae when he was 15 after hearing records from Burning Spear and Joe Higgs. He then went on to work at Lime Recording Studios Brixton where he met and worked with such iconic reggae icons as Desmond Dekker, Jimmy Cliff and his current collaborator Horseman. Horseman is a well respected drummer DJ and MC on the reggae London scene. He has worked with Hollie and Prince on many projects. His distinctive Jamaican voice empowers the fusion of rhythm and melodies that the trio conjure up at their live shows. Local hip-hop genius RíRá will lend support to the London zion train on the night. Once a quarter of Ireland's legendary Scary Éire, he recently released debut album 'Horses Work for Donkey's Wages'. Also knocking out some positive vibes on the night will be freestyler and DJ RaggamanBob. The first 100 tickets for the October 26 gig are on sale from The Wolftrap for just €10, with tickets after that increasing in price to €13. More information on the event is available by calling 086 4140188 or 087 3551978.