Music Archives - Page 2 of 17 - Jim Murty’s TravelTravelTravel

Channeling your inner Traitors at Slane Castle

13th February 202613th February 2026 funtime65

Who’d lie to Derry Girls’ Sister Michael… well you can by channeling your inner Traitors at Slane Castle.

Sister Michael, or Siobhan McSweeney as she is known in some quarters is back for a second season as host of the international phenomenon that is The Traitors game show.

And participants and viewers alike have been caught up in all the shenanigans that take place in its gilded quarters.

Now the good news for us is that you don’t need to be a Traitor or a Faithful to sample what the competitors do.

Because the Co. Meath estate, 35 miles north of Dublin, is open to visitors to enjoy its charms or channel your inner game player as part of the Slane Castle Collection.

With anything from a three or five-bedroom apartment to taking out the whole castle.

Slayin’ it at Slane

Yes, you read that right, you can now play lord or lady of the manor for the first time in the Georgian demesne in the Boyne Valley.

The Retreat includes exclusive hire of three storeys of the Castle.

With six bedrooms located on both the first and second floors, sleeping up to 15 guests.

As well as reception rooms (dining room, drawing room and main hall) on the ground floor.

The ballroom and morning room event spaces can be booked as part of an additional event hire booking.

And the Conyngham family will cater for breakfasts as well as half to full board once the accommodation is booked.

The castle also has a 60-seater restaurant (Gandon Room).

And 20-seater bar (Browne’s Bar) on the lower ground floor as well as its own nightclub in the basement.

The stage is set

Now if Slane or the Conyngham family rang a bell with you long before its Traitors iteration then we’re not surprised.

As Slane has long been associated with big music festivals.

With it being 45 years this year since Irish rock pioneers Thin Lizzy played in the castle grounds.

With one Hazel O’Connor supporting Phil Lynott and his pals.

In the years since a who’s who of musicians have made Slane Castle a must-play venue.

Including the Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, Queen, David Bowie, Guns N’ Roses, Robbie Williams and of course U2 who have played Slane three times.

There have also been iconic sets from Madonna, Oasis, Bon Jovi, Eminem, the Foo Fighters and Harry Styles.

While this summer you can see Country superstar Luke Combs on Saturday, July 18, and Sunday, July 19.

With local favourites The Script among the support acts.

A Celtic connection

Now if you’ve Scottish and Irish blood running through you you will be in good company.

As so do the Conynghams are of similar Caledonian and Donegal stock as ourselves.

Which is probably why they turned on the taps and let the whiskey flow at their distillery and invited us down to partake.

All of which, in music and Slane Castle folklore remains in Slane Castle.

Caribbean, Countries, Food & Wine, Music

Dub jammin’ with Celtic reggae

11th February 202611th February 2026 funtime65

It’s one love that Jamaicans and the Irish share which is why we brought our evening of travel networking to a bass jumpin’ climax Dub jammin’ with Celtic reggae.

Two islands forged in struggles against the British Empire it was natural that the Godfather of Reggae Bob Marley should gravitate towards Ireland.

And play his last outdoor concert at Dalymount Park in Dublin in the summer of 1980.

The One Love or An Afternoon in the Park gig on July 6 of that year.

I’m all right, Jack: A pirate of the Caribbean

When he braved his failing health to play before a packed stadium, generously charged as little as I£7 to see a global superstar.

Back in the day when any superstar would bodyswerve Ireland in favour of Britain.

The Irish, of course, never forget and Bob remains such a hero today that the Bohemians football club commemorated the concert with a special football shirt of the Great Man.

Let’s get together

Whisper it but our tickets were even cheaper for our celebration of all things Bob, Reggae and Jamaica.

With a home-grown Celtic Reggae band at the Botanical Garden Opium at the end of our annual Meet the Media networking travel fair.

And don’t worry, nothing that strong was inhaled!

Jamaica has become a growing market, for the reasons of kindred links, love of music, drink, partying and sun… well, OK, only one of the two islands has that.

And, of course, we have road tested the Caribbean and its Celtic roots for you and can vouch that we’re all brothers by another mother or sisters by a different mister.

Now having chewed the fat, or the jerk chicken, with our friends at Tropical Sky and toasted their 20 years in business with Appleton rum.

We got the skinny too on the best offers out there.

Isle sign up for a couples break

And were taken especially by the Couples trips particularly as I went Single Pringle without my partygoer back in the day while she ducked out to stay home with the kids!

And so Couples Tower Isle is an idyllic five-star all-inclusive seven-nighter from £1,629pp including flights.

With a stunning private island just a 100 yards boat ride away.

Now because only the best do for Herself Couples Tower Isle looks just about suitable.

With its four swimming pools, three Jacuzzis and a large beachfront.

We’re gonna jam it with you: The Great Man

The Oasis Spa Villas offers a private sun terrace, a personal plunge pool, and unlimited spa services customised for you by the spa concierge.

And there are complimentary excursions including Dunns River Falls, Sunset Catamaran Cruise and a trip to Margaritaville.

Unlimited scuba diving for certified divers or a beginner’s course with introductory dive.

Yes, or Irie, as they say in these parts, dive into Jamaica, pick up their distinctive vibe and recognise it in your Scots and Irish Celtic roots.

Countries, Culture, Deals, Europe, Music

Time to say good buy… in Prague

10th January 202610th January 2026 funtime65

Horizons are never far, and particularly with the Institute for Culture Travel, who know exactly when it’s time to say good buy… in Prague, with this Andrea Bocelli special trip.

Now Bohemian Prague is embedded in opera and you’ll jostle with punters from monks to mainstream at the bar at the interval.

While humming to La Boheme or whistling to the Magic Flute.

Our pals at the Institute know us better than we know ourselves and that we have resolved to be more cultural in 2026.

And so they have sneaked in this last-minute concert tour to the Czech capital, departing January 23 and featured a performance by tenor Andrea.

The three-night tour offers guests the chance to see Andrea perform live at Prague’s O2 Arena.

And all that jazz

In the Strahov Monastery Brewery: In the Czech Republic

Along with the added bonus of an expertly curated itinerary of cultural experiences in one of Europe’s most enchanting cities.

So that you can continue your musical odyssey by taking in the jazz saxophonists on the King Charles Bridge by the great River Vlatva.

Which, if you’re like me, and God help you if you are, might prompt you into channeling your inner Ray Charles later in the evening.

All after one too many Pilsener Urquells, you understand, and urged on by Swedish Agnetha (no, not that one).

You’ll stay at the stylish 4* Jalta Hotel on Wenceslas Square.

And don’t worry if it’s after the Feast of Stephen and it’s not snowing, it’s still a marvellous sight.

On a pedestal

You’ll be within easy reach of the State Opera, of course.

And the National Museum and the city’s many historic and cultural attractions and that Astronomical Clock.

Explore the city’s palaces, castles and churches and wander the charming lanes of the Old Town and get in your steps.

Take in the guided tours of Prague Castle and the Lobkowicz Palace.

And look out too for the David Cerny statues dotted around the city, cheek by jowl with Habsburg architecture.

The trip also includes a pre-concert dinner and a return coach transfer to the arena, ensuring a seamless experience from start to finish.

Tour highlights

Return flights from Dublin and airport transfers with local guide assistance
Three nights B&B at the Boutique Jalta Hotel
Guided walking tour of Prague Old Town
Guided tour of Prague Castle and Lobkowicz Palace
Pre-concert dinner in your hotel
Andrea Bocelli concert at Prague’s O2 Arena (upstairs sector 110)
Prague city tax

And because we know you’ve tucked a little away for your deserved January treat, you’ve got this.

The Institute break comes in at €1,097pps|Single Supplement €256. With a booking deposit of €450pp.

America, Countries, Culture, Music

Route 66 terminus Santa Monica is getting its licks

8th January 20268th January 2026 funtime65

Famously it winds from Chicago to LA and takes in ten other named destinations on the way but we’re glad to say at last that the Route 66 terminus Santa Monica is getting its licks.

Route 66 has been following us all the past year since checking in to Chicago, where the great western highway begins… and we’ll go there again.

But here we’re flagging up the official finishing spot, the pier in Santa Monica, your final stop-off, unless you want to end up in the Pacific Ocean.

Why Bobby Troup bodyswerved Santa Monica when writing his classic 80 years ago about the odyssey to California is lost to history.

But the Santa Monica Travel & Tourism is putting that right.

By inviting musicians and songwriters from across the globe to celebrate the centennial of Route 66 through music.

A hundred-thousand reasons

And he’s off: Route 66 starting point in Chicago

The Route 66 Song Contest offers artists over-18 (we just qualify) the chance to submit an original track capturing the spirit of Santa Monica.

And its legendary connection to the highway for a chance to win $10,000.

Entries are welcome from the U.S., UK, Australia, Canada, France, Germany, India, Ireland, Mexico, and New Zealand.

Route 66, The Mother Road, stretches 2,448 miles from Chicago to Santa Monica.

‘The Santa Monica Route 66 Song Contest presents an opportunity for music lovers to be part of this historic anniversary’ said President/CEO Misti Kerns..

‘By invoking their artistic imagination and sharing what the road’s legacy and Santa Monica’s connection means to them.

‘The arts are core to Santa Monica’s community and culture.

‘And we’re pleased to invite artists from around the world to join us in creatively honoring this milestone.’

‘As part of the 100-year celebration, we look forward to welcoming visitors from around the globe.

‘to begin or end their Route 66 journey in our urban beach city.’

Riding into history

And, of course, who’s to know if you cheat by getting a picture at the start in Chicago and one at the end in Santa Monica?

Maybe even ask a kind Hell’s Angel to take a photo of yourself next to his motorbike…

Well, it worked with a bicycle at the highest point of the Tour de France on the Col du Tourmalet.

The centennial festivities kicked off with The Drive Home.

Thorn among roses: With the gang in Santa Monica

A cross-country journey by America’s Automotive Trust in partnership with the National Route 66 Centennial Commission.

The trip started in Santa Monica on January 3 and is covering the full length of the highway.

And culminating in an exhibition at the Detroit Auto Show.

Visitors can also explore Route 66 stops along the way, including retro diners, neon-lit motels, and cultural landmarks.

Countries, Deals, Music, UK

Mamma Mia in London

2nd December 20252nd December 2025 funtime65

And if you don’t want to leave your kids with a ‘free house’ then take them with you… to Mamma Mia in London.

Take one precious neighbour back home in Ireland.

And a much-earned weekend away in the West End.

And your peace will be broken.

With endless texts about how she’s had to get the Gardaí out to break up the Son and Daughterie’s party.

Just as you are dancing away to the show-stopping finale to Beautiful: The Carole King Story.

Take a chance on Mamma Mia!

Alas, it’s too late baby to see the brilliant which packed up and moved on.

But Mamma Mia! Here we go again with the magical musical on at Novello Theatre (Holborn).

And you can dig in the dancing scene with Cassidy Travel who are offering a two-nights package in March.

With two nights’ accommodation, March 11 and 12.

You’ll get a seated show ticket in the Dress Circle with return flights (optional). Prices from €289pp.

Super troupers

Now if you’re looking for a Christmas gift for Herself.

And aren’t women always harder to buy for than men.

Then why not take your Dancing Queen to London’s bright lights for the big Abba musical.

Only make sure that you don’t leave a free house behind.

And seeing you’re asking then all My Own Little Spirit of Christmas wants is…

Jimmy, Jimmy, Jimmy… a man after midnight.

America, Countries, Music

Hardware Hotel

19th November 202519th November 2025 funtime65

With apologies to Elvis, it’s down at the end of West Main Street, it’s Hardware Hotel… in Tupelo, Mississippi.

Continuing our Elvis education our Presleyphile pals are flagging up the 80 years since our hero got his first guitar there.

And because I often do things back to front and I hit Santa Monica Pier first on Route 66.

Before marking off the start of the trail on South Michigan Avenue, Chicago.

My Elvis odyssey then ought to have seen me party with the other Elvises in Las Vegas at the end of the journey.

Or have got his first guitar at Tupelo Hardware and then having to strum an air one at Sun Studio.

The wonder of you

Ra King: The Scottish Elvis in Sun Studio

And instead start at the very beginning which is why Presleyphiles should return to sender.

And the address that IS known is 114 West Main Street, Tupelo.

Which is turning 100 next year so would have been well established when Gladys Presley popped by with her lively 11-year-old in 1946.

And famously a shop employee settled the young Mississippian down when he sulked after Gladys refused to buy him a rifle.

Of course, the rest is history and while Tupelo foxes and birdlife breathed a sigh of relief.

The rest of the world sucked in and got ready for the musical trip of a lifetime.

It’s nail or never

Now today’s employees at the Tupelo Hardware Store exude the same good ol’ Southern hospitality that Gladys and Elvis knew back in 1946.

And will be happy to share stories about the Presleys as you browse for guitars, rifles, nuts, bolts and spirit levels.

While you stand in the spot where musical history was made.

Tupelo Hardware Store is one of 14 significant sites in Elvis’ formative years in Tupelo.

All marked with bronze plaques on the Elvis’ Tupelo Driving Tour.

And our Tupelo buddies gladly give us a virtual tour on their site to see what they’re selling,which is still hardware essentials with a little hard rock Elvis.

If I can dream

Mark off all 14 plaques because you’ve come all this way in the first place.

But maybe spend more time at the Hardware Store, compiling stories to tell y’all when you get home.

And the Elvis Presley Birthplace & Museum on 306 Elvis Presley Drive.

The house, built by Elvis’ father with $180, which draws visitors each year from across the world.

And is part of the 15-acre Elvis Presley Park, which includes many exhibits and Elvis’ childhood church.

America, Countries, Music

A front seat peek into the world of Vegas divas

8th November 20258th November 2025 funtime65

Mick and Macca are mean but Elton would give you the world and this your front seat peek into the world of Vegas divas comes free.

With your party-loving Bandanaman and our driver Crystal, not her real name, of course, because what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas.

Crystal has driven all the stars in her stretch limo.

And will share her insider knowledge and her champagne.

Your entertainment: The free Neon City Festival

As you sit back and take in the sights, sounds and smells of Neon City outside.

Everybody and anybody has played Vegas and of course the big ticket is the artists in residence.

The stars come out to play

Mariah Carey, with her Christmastime in Las Vegas show at Park MGM Las Vegasn November 28 & 29. December 2-13.

The Eagles at Sphere, and you can check out any time you like…

Jennifer Lopez, Def Leppard, Kenny Chesney, Styx, Kelly Clarkson and New Kids on the Block.

The King and I: With Elvis at the Graceland Chapel Vegas

Now you want to be Hangin’ Tough you’ll have to book well in advance.

But if you want your entertainment for free then check out the off Strip bars.

And you might find a burlesque Seventies and Eighties covers band, bar staff ringing bells and doing body shots and Cami from Utah.

While this month, from November 21-23 Neon City Festival is putting on a range of free concerts.

And all for my 60th birthday, you guys!!!

The stage is set

So Good Charlotte and De La Soul headline the Friday, DeadMau5 and Breaking Benjamin the Saturday.

And Two Friends and Fitz and the Tantrums the Sunday, no us neither.

Our Vegas buddies tell us that the shows will unfold under The Canopy, the main stage nestled between Golden Gate and Circa.

The 1st Street Stage, located between Circa and Binion’s and the third stage near Fremont, Four Queens and the D Plus.

While VIP options are also available exclusively at Downtown Las Vegas Events Center.

The Founding Properties are offering exclusive weekend packages, with food and drinks credits, and discounted room rates.

Fremont wheelin’

As a sample and because we have fond memories of being shown how to zipline through Fremont Street by a very accommodating Elvis.

There is 25 per cent off at the Fremont Hotel & Casino.

When you book three nights or more, with nightly prices from $41 to $107.

We found a sample return flight from Dublin with our tranasatlantic airline carrier of choice, Aer Lingus, to Vegas from $544.18.

And, of course, be sure to travel in style when you get there, in a stretch limo.

So ask them who they’ve had in the cab.

Countries, Cruising, Music, Ships, UK

Inflatable in the Eighties

19th October 202519th October 2025 funtime65

It’s inflatable in the Eighties as we go cruising again around Britain, as we did back then, so Relax and read on.

Ambassador Ambition are only offering a Sixty-something’s dream trip, a Back to the 80s Mini Cruise.

Southern comforts

Billed as a nostalgic two-night voyage for less than £10/monthpp or £259pp.

And departing next November 11, you’ll sail from Bristol to London Tilbury.

With the options of £170pp full board or £295pp all-inclusive.

Of course, this being the Eighties you’ll wanna dance (in your Air Jordans) with somebody who loves you.

And Ambassador Ambition’s DJs have all the anthems we rocked the floor to back then.

Dress to thrill

Of course, it wouldn’t be an Eighties-themed party without the opportunity to stick on those leg warmers and leotards.

And there will be plenty of that either on the dance floor.

Or through those energetic on-board workout classes.

Ambassador promise engaging quizzes for you.

And just a tip, just say Jacko, Madonna or Tom Cruise if you’re not sure.

Vogue like Madonna

Or dress like them if you want to win the fancy dress competition.

Although you’re bound to bump into those icons so maybe a Boy George or Cyndi Lauper instead then.

Now, this wouldn’t be our first rodeo off the south coast, having rocked it in the English Channel.

So we’d be looking out for.

And would know what to expect from Ambassador’s spectacular themed cabaret shows and lunches.

While we’re always open to new experiences and would obviously be front of the queue.

For the Captain’s Gala Dinner and Baked Alaska Parade and Captain’s Cocktail Party.

And at the end of it all, you’ll be sent home with a ‘Back to the ‘80s’ cruise badge & decade-themed booklet.

Countries, Culture, Deals, Europe, Music

Chopin online

16th September 2025 funtime65

No, not that one, one of my Scary One’s most regular pastimes, but rather Chopin online, and the best composers trip.

In Poland the great pianist is held in such esteem that Warsaw Airport is named for him, Lotnisko Chopina Warszawa.

A common theme we have discovered on our travels and shared we find with at least one other, Panethos, in our WordPress community.

Who has also done some research..

Ticking off Louis Armstrong in New Orleans, John Lennon in Liverpool, Franz Liszt in Budapest, Guiseppi Verdi in Parma and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart in Salzburg.

It’s a dirty job but somebody has to do it.

Culture vultures

Now unless you speak Polish you’ll only be able to pick out Chopin from Lotnisko Chopina Warszawa when you land in Warsaw.

But by the time you finish your Institute for Culture Travel curated tour next month you will be an expert.

The four-day Warsaw Cultural Tour runs from October 8 from €1,183pps with a single supplement of €299.

Wander the cobbled streets of the UNESCO-listed Old Town and marvel at the grandeur of Wilanow Palace and Chopin.

You’ll stay at the 4* Polonia Palace Hotel with breakfast with three meals in your hotel.

And enjoy an excursion to Łazienki Park and Wilanow Palace.

And a visit to Chopin’s birthplace, Żelazowa Wola.

Return flight from Dublin, including taxes and transfers

All for a deposit of €350 per person with a special offer of €50 off if booked in August.

Chopinholics

We came, Warsaw, we conquered: Polish pals

And for special Chopin aficionados a chance to be in Warsaw.

To coincide with the prestigious Fryderyk Chopin International Piano Competition

There’s a four-nighter Chopin in Warsaw on October 8 from €1,369pps with a €299 single supplement.

You’ll stay at the 4* Polonia Palace Hotel B&B with welcome dinner and two pre-performance dinners.

Return flight from Dublin, including taxes and transfers

A guided walking tour of Warsaw Old Town, an excursion to Łazienki Park and Wilanow Palace.

A visit to Chopin’s birthplace.

The two evening performances as part of the 19th Fryderyk Chopin International Piano Competition at the National Philharmonic Hall

You’ll pay a €350 per person deposit with the special offer of €50 off if booked in August.

America, Countries, Deals, Music

The other Aid at 40 in Minnesota

11th September 202511th September 2025 funtime65

All eyes this year have been on Band Aid and Live Aid but let’s focus here on Farm Aid, the other Aid at 40 in Minnesota.

That the Land of 10.000 Lakes is staging this year’s Farm Aid, its 40th, is a homecoming of sorts.

With Minnesota’s favourite son Bob Dylan the inspiration for the charity which has helped out struggling farmers with $80m.

The Bard of Duluth

Because it was the Bard of Duluth who planted the seed for the movement which continues to pull up trees.

When he made a cri de coeur during his performance at the Philadelphia leg of Band Aid.

By exhorting the organisers to use some of the money raised to pay the mortgages on some of the farms in the US.

A clarion call that was taken up by Willie Nelson, Neil Young, John Mellencamp, Elton John and Bonnie Raitt annually over four decades.

The Grand Old Men and Women of Country and Americana will gather at Minneapolis’ Huntington Bank Stadium on September 20.

The pre-festival

Making music with my friends: Willie Nelson

A pre-festival event, Color Me Country Takeover at the Fine Line two days before will honour the legacy of diverse musical artists and farmers.

And will feature this year’s Academy of Country Music Lift Every Voice Award recipient, artist Rissi Palmer.

Of course, there is one other who might contest that he is Minnesota’s favourite son, one Prince Rogers Nelson.

And, of course, there is always something new and purple going on in Minnesota.

Prince Rain over us

With Purple Rain, the world premiere stage adaptation of Prince’s legendary film and album, running October 16-November 16.

At Minneapolis’ historic State Theatre before an anticipated Broadway run.

More Minneapolis stages like the Guthrie, Latte Da, Jungle and others have theatrical productions throughout the fall season.

Jet over to Minnesota

While Sir Paul McCartney will appear at U.S. Bank Stadium in the Got Back Tour on October 17.

So Get Back to Minnesota if you’ve been before or jump on the Jet out there for the first time.

Or if you can turn your mind to those who till the land of this great state and country back in the USA.

And you’ll be doing something for the other Aid at 40 in Minnesota.

And because we always promote transatlantic travel out of Dublin with Aer Lingus with preclearance.

Dublin to Minneapolis flights from €196.43 as part of an each way flight.