American songwriter brings rust belt spirit to Scragg's Alley tonight
The Hugsie gig in Scragg's this Friday 9 January
AN EVENING of Irish and American folk music kicks off in Scragg's Alley tonight (Friday 9 January) as Ohio songwriter Ben Gage makes a special Carlow stopover on his way to showcase at Belfast’s Folk Roots event.
Mr Gage, who hails from Akron in America's industrial heartland, will share the stage with local favourite Duane Ayres and returning performers Hugsie and Hubert Murray for what promises to be a laid-back night of stories and tunes.
The American musician first connected with Carlow performer Hugsie at last year's Folk Roots event in Killarney, and the two have been planning a gig together ever since. With Mr Gage back in Ireland for this year’s folk event, the timing finally aligned.
“He’s showcasing in Belfast and is popping down to share his music with the wonderful people of Carlow,” explains Hugsie, who describes his own sound as ‘DIY alternative folk’, honest, enthusiastic music drawn from various influences.
Joining them is Hubert Murray, making his second Carlow appearance with folk and blues-inspired songs, and Duane Ayres, the Carlow-born singer-songwriter whose blend of folk, blues and what he calls “council estate rock” has made him a fixture on the local scene.
Ben Gage’s music is shaped by the American Midwest’s working-class spirit and the grit of the rust belt, weaving raw human experience into every song.
The gig starts tonight at Scrag’s Alley at 8pm. Entry is €5 on the door.
