The man who made a church rock and roll
Wednesday, 1 September 2010
Andy (top) takes a breather ahead of the hectic new season for the popular music venue
A former church near Ballyroney, famous for being the home congregation of the Bronte sisters' father, is fast gaining another reputation as one of the world's most exciting music venues. Musicians are flocking to the atmospheric surrounds of the Bronte Music Club on Church Hill and our reporter Anne O'Hare spoke to its founder Andy Peters to find out more.
SOMETHING is stirring in the mist down around Drumballyroney.
Something huge, and it's putting the townland, already steeped in myth and legend, firmly on the map.
Built in 1760, the little deconsecrated Church of Ireland with its surrounding gravestones has plenty of soul.
But these days it also displays a lot of Blue Grass, Country Blues, Cajun, Folk, Trad, and Motown vibes - the list goes on.
Its gravitational pull today is unquestionable, drawing the best talented performers from all around the world because of its appeal, charm and originality.
The Bronte Music Club is the brainchild of Rathfriland man, Andy Peters, although he refers to himself as club facilitator.
To introduce Andy as a music lover would be something of an understatement. It's clear from the outset music is his passion.
For posterity, he held onto every concert ticket of every live performance he's attended.
There is upwards of 200 tickets in the collection which he has proudly framed behind two large pieces of glass in his home.
His collection includes one of Andy's first live concerts by Rory Gallagher's old band, Taste.
There's probably a live concert for every week of Andy's life, as he summed it up: "So much music, not enough time."
When he was old enough Andy fronted a Rathfriland band, Warpig, who showed potential in their early stages but never got further than playing support for bands on the showband circuit.
Andy recalls they got their name from a track on an old Black Sabbath album, an insight into the genre of music they mostly practiced in.
Now in his 50s, Andy still loves to sing. However, today, he admits you're more likely to hear him perform his rendition of The Mountains of Mourne instead of anything from a Black Sabbath album.
Some years back, Andy had a vision to bring music to his locality which saw the formation of the Frontier Music Club at Sean Hollywood Arts Centre in Newry.
First performers included Chris Hillman, lead singer from The Byrds, Gretchen Peter's and Blues Legend Chris Smither. In Andy's words with 22 shows, it grew from strength to strength.
“The idea was very successful and one day Dr John Shannon, the Rathfriland GP, suggested it would be great to do something like this in Rathfriland."
At the time Andy thought it would be hard to find the prefect venue to make a music club possible and run regular events.
After discussions a proposal to run music events was taken to Banbridge District Council.
“It was one Easter Saturday night, when I was brought to the old church at the Bronte.
“That evening a string quintet was playing, with no amplification, and the sound was just incredible. From the moment I heard them play I was sold to the idea. It was perfect.
“The old solid stone walls meant the building possessed a natural acoustic sound.
“We brought in the first two acts, and the rest is history!"
The acts generated enough interest for Banbridge council to agree a programme of events five years ago.
“I count myself lucky to be able to work in Partnership with Banbridge District Council in making the Bronte Music Club what is considered the Premier Music Venue in Ireland.
“Without their forward thinking some five years ago the Bronte would not have reached the revered position it holds in the music world today."
The Bronte Music Club is set to begin its new season of events from tonight (1 September) beginning with acclaimed Belfast singer songwriter Brian Houston.
One of The Bronte Music Club's early supporters was Dr Shannon. He knew from those first gigs it would become a hit.
“I supported Andy in his role and agreed it was a great spot, the acoustics were amazing," Dr Shannon said. "Good artists don't really need a sound system it's so good.
“It's an exciting venue and together the council and Andy have made great improvements and its made a great difference.
“This year we have seen Stacey Earl play the venue, and she was a big hit. Now I'd love to see her brother Steve Earl follow."
Legend has it that the father of the man who founded the multimillion pound Guinness business, Arthur Magennis, lies buried in the nearby churchyard, alongside members of the literary Bronte family.
There is no doubt with this interesting venue already attracting huge names in the music world, Drumballyroney is firmly established on the map for more decades to come.
n Brian Houston kicks off the new Bronte Music Club season tonight and James Keelaghan will front the next show on 25 September. For more information and to book, see www.brontemusicclub.com
Subscribe to read full newspaper »
Send to a friend
Please complete the following form to inform a friend about this page.
