Master of the clarinet and saxophone, Keith Donald has created a moving and highly entertaining evening centring on his recently published memoir. This griping memoir, Music and Mayhem, is a raw and candid journey through abuse, trauma, addiction and ultimately triumph. Keith brings his memoir to life through a blend of storytelling and live music, interspersing the readings with live saxophone and clarinet performances.
Joining Keith for this rich and immersive evening is Don Baker; Ireland’s finest and most renowned blues and harmonica player. This fusion of two Irish musical legends promises to be a highly memorable evening which will leave a lasting impact on audiences.
Keith Donald has been playing music in public since his first gig seventy years ago, aged ten, on BBCNI radio. Since then he has played and recorded with Moving Hearts, Christy Moore, Maire Breatnach, Mary Black, Van Morrison, Don Baker, Mary Coughlan, Louis Stewart, Jim Doherty, Noel Kelehan and scores of others in a career that he describes as ‘never boring’. He has composed music for films, TV and plays. His memoir, Music & Mayhem was published by Lilliput Press in April.
Don Baker is Ireland’s premier blues man. He is also a songwriter and film actor. His films include In the Name of the Father, Sunset Heights, Time Guardian and many others. He portrayed the gangster Thomas Flynn in Fair City. Don has recorded a dozen albums, written an autobiography, The Winner in Me, and four books on harmonica technique. He has gigged and recorded with Keith Donald for over forty years, including many appearances at the Cork Jazz Festival and in theatres nationwide.
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