Waterford return will be ‘home from home’ gig for Irish jazz star

When international jazz singer, Sharon Clancy, takes to the intimate stage of Bank Lane, in Waterford City, on May 24, she will effectively be making a welcome return to what she admits is her ‘home from home’.

The Wexford singer, who has graced the stages of some of the world’s most prestigious venues, will return to her spiritual home more than 20 years after she first cut her teeth professionally in that very same city.

To mark the event she will also be bringing with her a formidable line-up of local, Waterford musicians, in her band for what promises to be one of the music highlights of the year.

However, in addition to being one of Ireland’s foremost singers, as an actress, Clancy appeared in the legendary Theatre Royal in Waterford in the production of ‘Pentimenti’, alongside several other rising Waterford stars.

In the interim, she has enjoyed a wonderfully successful career including over 13 years starring in London’s Westend along with concerts and shows all over the world.

There has always been a strong bond and affinity between Wexford and Waterford, and for Clancy any chance to perform in the Déise city is very much welcomed.

Her most recent performance in Waterford was in the Theatre Royal in February, for a sell-out fundraising concert in aid of St Patrick’s Nursing Home.

The forthcoming gig in Bank Lane will also serve a dual purpose because it will also mark the launch of Jazz Nights at Waterford’s newest music venue.

Speaking to Waterford News & Star, she said her set on the night will be composed of an eclectic mix of classic jazz, old favourites and original compositions which will appeal to an audience of all ages.

“I am very much looking forward to performing my own material,” she said.

In keeping with her background and experience on stage and TV, the show will not just be a great music night out but will be somewhat of a theatrical jazz show – as one might expect from an artist who has shared the stage with legends such as Rod Stewart, ABBA and Queen in addition to spending many years appearing on TV in Ireland and internationally.

Renowned for her formidable stage presence and personality, her onstage charisma ensures her audience is captivated from the very first note and while the music will undoubtedly speak for itself, this night promises to be something truly special.

Following numerous critically acclaimed and completely sold out performances at Jazz at Johnstown Clancy will be joining forces with up and coming Jazz star, Waterford’s own Killian Browne (on piano) along with his Waterford trio, Sean Carey (bass) and Eddy Blake (drums).

Whilst this almost certainly won’t be Sharon’s last appearance in Waterford, it will be a rare opportunity to see such a performance in this intimate and exciting new venue.

With shows later in the year around the country, together with a highly anticipated return to the AberJazz Festival in Fishguard, Wales, coming up over the summer, don’t miss this chance to see one of Ireland’s most exciting jazz singers live and up close and personal in Waterford’s Bank Lane.

The show will begin at 9pm and for tickets contact Bank Lane, Waterford, on 051 347303 or log on to banklane.ie