Described by Hot Press as “the finest honky tonk band east of the Pecos”, Chris Meehan and his Redneck Friends is the perfect festival band embracing many forms of music, including Cajun, Western Swing and a large helping of Rock n’Roll.

The line up reads like Irish music’s hall of fame with Chris Meehan on piano/vocal, Bobby Kelly (acoustic guitar/vocal), Francie Lenehan and Brian Harris (electric guitars), Matt Cranitch and Gerry O‘Connor (fiddles), Percy Robinson (pedal steel), Eamon Murray (sax and harmonica), Ronnie O’Flynn (bass) and Mick O’Connor (drums).

The core group is augmented by Kelan Walsh (baritone sax), backing vocalists, Mary Roche, Ana and Ide Leddy and guest singer, Michele Rayfus.

Reformed after a decade away from the music scene, the band has recently released a new CD entitled ‘Dancing in the Kitchen’. It is fitting Chris Meehan and his Redneck Friends play Sligo Live, as they made their debut in Sligo at the Ballisodare Folk Festival in 1982. Back again, older but not much wiser, they are the irresistible big band. We dare you to stay off the dance floor!

Sligo Live Festival Club at the Clarence on Saturday 24th October at 11.45pm €15. Followed by Sligo Live Roots Mixes