“I used to worry a lot about songs, my career. I’ve stopped that now. I believe genuinely if I try to be true to myself and write my songs with a good heart, and sing them with a good heart, then I’ll be taken care of.”
It is ten years since GLAS had the pleasure of first hosting Luka Bloom and, as part of his Swiss tour, he is coming back to us again in September due to popular demand. This time he has asked to play in the intimate setting of the Lutheran Evangelical Church on the Place du Bourg-de-Four where we hosted John Spillane for a memorable evening last December.
Luka is one of Ireland’s most prolific singer/songwriters with 25 albums to his credit. As well as a special voice and unique style as a guitarist, he has the Irish gift of storytelling and really knows how to connect with an audience. The GLAS archivist has dug up the following email responses following his first appearance here ten years ago:
“It was really great. Would love to see him again.”
“Unbelievable show last night – great stuff. Thanks for arranging this. Please keep me on your mailing list.”
“Thanks for organizing a great night with Luka Bloom – it felt like a private concert in one’s own home! a great success.”
At the tender age of 14, he first toured with his big brother Christy Moore and as an adult he has toured with the Dalai Lama because of the beautiful song he wrote about the great man’s flight into exile from Tibet. He sang with Lou Reed and David Byrne at the Bottom Line during his New York sojourn in the 90s.
There was a nationwide popular vote earlier this year to find Ireland’s favorite folk song. It was Raglan Road of course, and Luka was chosen to sing it on Irish TV when the result was announced. Will he sing it on Monday, September 23? Come along and find out.
With the help of a generous sponsor, GLAS is able to both support the arts and give those who need it a helping hand. One of our regular beneficiaries is the Edith Wilkins Foundation for Street Children in Darjeeling and you can read an account here of my recent visit there which tells you why it inspires us so much.
Ticket Reservations
Send an email stating your name and the number of tickets required to: bookings@theglas.org
Date: Monday 23 September at 19.30 (Ticket collection from 18.30)
Tickets: CHF 30 (and CHF 25 for students, retired and unemployed)
Venue: Evangelical Lutheran Church, Place du Bourg-de-Four, Geneva
CLICK FOR MAP AND DIRECTIONS.
What the critics say
“With each successive album, Luka Bloom digs deeper and gazes wider.” The Irish Times
“That he scales such emotional heights with just his voice, a guitar and a bagful of heartfelt songs makes Bloom’s achievements even more remarkable.” Hot Press magazine
Videos
For more videos of Luka Bloom in action, see his website: www.lukabloom.com/videos