www.beogamusic.com

Beoga are celebrating the news that their third album “The Incident” has made it to the 2010 GRAMMY Awards nomination ballot. ‘The Incident’ was released in January 2009 to universal critical acclaim, and now has been short listed for consideration in the ‘Best Contemporary World Music Album’ category.
It’s been the busiest year so far for the Antrim based band, with tours taking in 13 countries. On St. Patrick’s Day the group were the cover feature in The Wall Street Journal, who described the quintet as ‘the most exciting traditional band to emerge from Ireland this century’. Following a blistering performance at Houston International Festival in April, Beoga were honoured with a Certificate of Congressional Recognition from the US House of Representatives. “We’re delighted people seem to be getting as much enjoyment from our music, as we have making it,” says pianist Liam Bradley.
The Incident features original compositions, many penned by the band members, as well as traditional favourites. There are seven instrumental tracks and four songs, including the humourous duet ‘On the Way’, a song about a couple who squabble in the car after getting lost in Donegal. Singer Niamh Dunne trades vocals with the song’s composer Ciaran Gribbin (aka Joe Echo) on this track. “It’s a great song”, says Niamh, “and we’re also thrilled that Ciaran is enjoying world-wide success as co-writer of Madonna’s hit single ‘Celebration’.

One of the most important highlights of the year for the band was their return to the Gig’n the Bann Festival in Portglenone, Co. Antrim, and the scene of the band’s formation. On 5th September, Beoga celebrated their 400th concert with a special ‘big-band’ performance to a capacity audience. Accordionist and guitarist Seán Graham says, “It was a very memorable evening and we were honoured to return to where we formed the band 7 years ago, and to headline the festival.”
The Beoga tour bus looks set to chalk up even more miles in 2010, with Europe and USA dates filling up fast. The band is especially looking forward to their first Australia and New Zealand tours, to take place in May and June.

Go to www.beogamusic.com for all the news, tour dates and to purchase the albums.