Manx music lovers have come out in force to support homegrown blues star Davy Knowles.
Tickets sold out overnight for a concert at Port St Mary Town Hall on Boxing Day without the need for much publicity.
With a waiting list of 115, it was decided to put on a second show, this time on Monday, December 28.
And that too sold out within a matter of hours.
Lenny Conroy of Triskel Promotions said: ‘It shows Davy’s enduring respect from Manx music lovers and whilst he has enjoyed sold out shows at the Gaiety Theatre and Peel Centenary Centre,the Port St Mary shows will be incredibly intimate and high-energy rhythm and blues.’
The former Back Door Slam front man has been hard at work this summer writing and performing at popular festivals and residencies at famous venues across the United States, including the Iridium in New York and in Chicago, where he now lives with fiancée Amber Freuh.
He is currently recording his latest work to good old fashioned tape and those who have been lucky enough to secure tickets for the Port St Mary Town Hall concerts will be treated to at least a few of these songs making their debut live for the first time.
Audiences may also be able to get their hands on the much-anticipated DVD Island Bound, which is available to pre-order now.
The locally filmed and produced DVD traces Davy’s own musical journey meeting many contemporaries who have also shaped and influenced his own writings and playing, including the likes of Richard Thompson, Peter Frampton and Martin Simpson.
Lenny admitted that when the idea for the concert was first raised a couple of weeks ago, they weren’t confident they would get sufficient support for it – although that soon changed.
‘With it falling on Boxing Day, as being the only weekend his local backing band of Lindsay and Steve Rowe and John Cleator could do, it wasn’t clear if there would be enough interest for a St Stephen’s Day show, what with a lot of people committed to family gatherings etc,’ he said.
Using Facebook to publicise the gig, the event sold out overnight.
‘A press release had been prepped for an early morning reading, however as soon as the event went live on social media it sold out,’ Lenny said.
‘Incredible support for Davy who himself has been mad busy in the studio laying down tracks for his second solo album.’
Doors for both shows open at 6pm.
Up and coming singer songwriter Hamish Hamish aka Hamish Faragher, will play an acoustic solo set of original songs from 7pm.
And then Tender Rage, consisting of more Rowes, namely Fraser (bass, vocals) and Callum (guitar) will be playing their classic rock from 7.45pm.
Meanwhile, Davy will also be playing a very intimate gig at his local The Bay Hotel, in Port Erin, on Friday, December 18, from 8pm. He will be supported by Hamish Hamish. It’s free entry.