**Josh gets a little closer to the Darkness ** UK press reviews ** supports for Irish acoustic shows ** Mark Geary added to Dublin Castle show ** Josh added to BBC Radio 2 A List ***

Whilst touring the U.S. this month Josh Ritter was fortunate enough to be playing the same night as the Darkness in both Dallas and Austin. Josh was booked into the smaller rooms of the Gypsy T -Rooms and Stubbs respectively. As Justin Hawkins and Co.'s star continues to rise in the U.S. their shows were upgraded to the larger rooms at the same venues Josh was playing on the same night. The result being that The Darkness were on stage at the same time as Josh's support act and when the Darkness finished, their distinctive and perceptive audience packed into the smaller rooms for Josh's already packed set. Rumours that Nikki Six from Motley Crue was also in attendance have also yet to be confirmed. Only in Texas..

Everything seems to picking up very nicely for Josh in the UK where ‘Hello Starling’ has just come out on Setanta Records. Here’s what some of the press have been saying about him. Also ‘Snow Is Gone’ has just been added to BBC radio 2’s A- List !!!

"...his wry folk comes from the heart as much as from the brain." Teletext
"Through his mid-western delivery, he pours out the hopefulness and yearnings of rural Americana, from whispery odes...to tender ballads..." What's On 4/5
"The legend of Josh Ritter is already airborne." The Guardian 4/5
"...a blend of thoughtful poetry, melodic riches and emotional depth." Daily Mirror
"...songs that display startling maturity." The Independent


Town Hall, Dundalk - Monday 17th May
Tickets €16.50 Phone  042 93 34006 (Dearys Dept Store).
special guest : Stewart Agnew

An  Granian, Letterkenny - Wednesday 19th May
Tickets : €17.50  Ph : 074  91 20777
Special Guest : Mary Lou Lord

Hawkswell Theatre, Sligo   - Thursday 20th May
Tickets : €17 Ph : 071 9161518 / 9161526
Special Guest : Mary Lou Lord

Glor Theatre, Ennis  - Friday  21st May
Tickets: €17/15 conc. Ph:   065 6843103
Special Guest : Mary Lou Lord

Dolans Warehouse,   Limerick  - Saturday 22nd  May
Tickets: €17  from the  24hr Ticket Line Ph: 061 314 483
Special Guest : Mary Lou Lord

 Watergate Theatre, Kilkenny   - Sunday 23rd May
Tickets : €20. Ph 056-61674
Special Guest : Mark Geary

FULL BAND SHOW - only full band Irish Josh show this summer HEINEKEN GREEN ENERGY

DUBLIN CASTLE – FRIDAY 4th JUNE

Special guests : BELL X1 and MARK GEARY
Tickets are €29.50 and on-sale now! Book by phone: 0800 719300 or from www.ticketmaster.ie

MARK GEARY
thank you thank you
** Added to Josh Ritter and Bell X1 at Dublin Castle on Friday 4th June **

As some of you know Mark suffered a close family bereavment in the middle of his Irish tour. Having decided to continue with dates, he really didn’t know what was going to happen. Suffice to say the warmth of audiences throughout the country completely astounded him and no doubt played a large part in getting him through a very difficult time. So a big thank you to every one who came out and sing along. His new album ‘Ghosts’ out on August 27th won’t let you down.

Mark has been added to both Josh’s Kilkenny and Dublin Castle shows.

By the way Mundy has a new album ‘Raining Down Arrows’ out May 14th on his Camcor label

Saturday 8th May - The Regal Lodge, Murrintown, Co. Wexford

Tickets: €17.50 Doors 8pm   Tel: 053 39395

Thursday 13th May - Whelan's, Dublin  

Tickets:€16.50 - Doors 7.30pm – tickets at Road Records

Saturday 15th May - The Village, Dublin

Tickets: €17.50 - Doors 7.30pm - tickets at Road Records

Tuesday 18th May - Vicar Street, Dublin            

Tickets:€23.50 - Doors 7.30pm - Tel : 0818 719 390

Saturday 22nd May  – Shefflin’s, Waterford      
     
Tickets:€14    - Doors: 8pm      Tel: 051 877811

Sunday 23rd May - Opera House, Cork                   

Tickets €24.50/ €27  - Doors: 8pm      Tel: 021 427 0022

Thursday 27th May - Black Box, Galway                 

Tickets :€20.00    Doors: 8pm        Tel: 091 569777

Friday 28th May – Dolan’s Warehouse, Limerick