Slimmed-down Don to launch new album

Date Published: {J}

Local singer Don Stiffe is celebrating the launch of his new album, Life’s Journey with a Christmas concert on Thursday, December 22 in Galway city’s Town Hall Theatre.

It’s busy times for the singer, who lost an incredible seven stone in the past year, as he is currently on a 17-city concert tour in America with the traditional Irish American group, Cherish the Ladies, playing to packed houses every night.

The name of his new album is Life’s Journey and it will be launched by TV presenter Dáithí Ó Sé.

“There’s a rake of my great friends and top musicians on it including Máirtín O’Connor, Cathal Hayden, Seamie O’Dowd, Marcus Hernon and his sons and Jimmy Higgins,” explains Don.

An accomplished songwriter, he wrote four new songs for the album and also covered songs that he loves, written by the likes of John Martyn, Paul Brady and Christy Hennessey. It took a while for the whole thing to come together, following the launch of his debut album, Start of a Dream in 2007

“I recorded Life’s Journey at the Sound Room in Salthill over the course of a few months,” he explains. “But that’s not including all the time I put into writing and arranging the material – while trying to find the time within the mayhem after the All-Ireland Talent Show.”

Don entered the RTÉ competition last year and made it through to the final where he was runner-up. Taking part was an unforgettable experience, he says.

“The reason I called the new album Life’s Journey is because of the turn in the events of my life following the incredible exposure I received from the All-Ireland Talent show.

The support I received following my performances and the positive feedback from the whole country made me think about getting myself healthier to enjoy life more for myself and my family.”

As a result Don went on a health kick and so far, has lost 100lbs.

“It made me think that life is a journey for us all, and mine is starting again. I’m singing better than ever as a result and looking forward to the launch.”

Special guests for the launch of Life’s Journey will include Máirtín o Connor, Cathal Hayden, Seamie O’ Dowd, Marcus, Proinsias and Brendan Hernon, Yvonne Flynn, Conor McCarthy.

Doors for the concert on December 22 are at 8.00pm. Bookings at the Town Hall Box Office at (091) 569777, www.tht.ie. Admission is €17.50.