After sell-out shows at Cork Jazz Festival and standing ovations across the country, Ladies in the Blues takes you on a women’s journey through the blues. We had a chat with the performers in advance of their gig here at the Civic on Thurs 1 Nov.
First up it’s Grainne Hunt.
Can you tell us a little bit about your background and where you grew up?
I’m from Carrickmacross, Co Monaghan and I went to University in Maynooth, but have been Dublin based for some time now.
What sparked your interest in music?
There was always music in our house – my mother played guitar, and we sang in the local choir. I was also a member of the local Community Games Variety show. I’ve been singing for as long as I can remember!
Tell us about some career highlights?
I released my first record back in 2015, and have just finished recording a new record in Nashville. I’m really excited to get that out to the world! I’ve been lucky enough to have toured Europe and US and to share the stage with Glen Hansard. My favourite gig to date is probably singing with German choir Cantus Domus at Kaltern Festival in 2017, when we got to perform in an incredible room at the top of a mountain, in the north of Italy.
Do you play any instruments?
I play guitar
Have you ever done any other jobs?
I worked in Language Schools for a long time, in Ireland, New Zealand and Brazil – mostly in management and administration but have taught English too. Now it’s all music based work – session work, studio work and shows.
What can Tallaght audiences expect from Ladies in the Blues?
Great songs sung by incredible singers, backed by an amazing band! My role in the show is to perform some of the iconic Jazz songs, from the likes of Ella Fitzgerald and Billie Holliday, who played a huge role in the journey of women in the Blues from early Gospel to Jazz.
Whats next for you?
We have a lot of Blues shows coming up before Christmas, and then in the new year I’ll be releasing my new record along with another Irish folk and ballad record.
Tell us a random fact about yourself
I love to knit!
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Thanks Grainne! We’ve heard great things about this show!!
Photo Credit: Ivi Rebova
LADIES IN THE BLUES
Thurs 1 Nov
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