This concert is being held at the Theatre at the Mill and tickets are available by booking through the theatre’s website (follow this link Theatre at the Mill), by calling the theatre box office on 028 9034 0202 or by buying them in person at the theatre box office. Tickets are £12.00 each.
It is also possible to book a meal before the concert in the Yarns Bistro, located in the main Mill building close by. The Bistro is open on Friday and Saturday evenings from 5:30pm – 7:30pm allowing adequate time for you to enjoy your meal before taking your seat in time for the start of theatre’s programme. Last orders are at 6:30pm.
The restaurant is open for reservations only. Bookings must be made in advance by calling the Bistro on 028 9034 0022 (Lines are open Mon-Fri from 9am to 5pm).
MAKING MUSIC A ‘LIVE ISSUE’
Since Live Issue reformed back in 2006, the band’s unique style of music and ministry has reached a whole new generation across Ireland, the United Kingdom and America. In that time Live Issue has released four albums, produced a DVD entitled “Life and Music” recorded live at Revelation TV in London, undertaken four very successful tours of the United States, including appearances on the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville and had the opportunity to record with many of the top American artists of Country and Gospel music. In February 2012, the group was invited to perform at the “International Festival of Country Music” held in the Odyssey Arena in Belfast. During this event Live Issue had the opportunity to share the stage with artists such as Reba McEntire, Ricky Skaggs and George Hamilton IV.
Live Issue literally made history in Nashville by becoming the first country band from Ireland, and only the second group from the British Isles, to perform on the stage of the Grand Ole Opry. In July 2013 and 2015 the group returned to Nashville to honour further invitations as part of their US tours which also included concerts in Georgia, Tennessee, North Carolina and Alabama. The LaGrange Daily News in Georgia remarked, “the members of Live Issue have become ambassadors not only for Country Gospel Music, but also for their Christian faith and everything that is good about Northern Ireland.” In July 2015 their tour included a special tribute concert in Nashville to honour the life and music of their close friend George Hamilton IV.
Live Issue comprises of Colin Elliott, Roy Dreaning, Sam Armstrong, Carl Sands and Ivan McLernon. Although the group still plays at many events in Northern Ireland, they are also regularly found performing at concerts and conventions throughout the British Isles and Europe. Live Issue has shared the stage with many Country music legends and their live performances in Nashville have been broadcast across the world on WSM Radio and Music City Television.
‘New Christian Music’ named Live Issue as “Artist of the Year” for four consecutive years in the Country Gospel category and in 2014 the group was awarded “Country Band of the Year” in the Northern Ireland Gospel Music Awards. In 2010 Colin Elliott, with the assistance of his colleagues in Live Issue, produced a ‘duets’ album entitled, “Old Fashioned Hymns and Gospel Songs for Those Who Miss Them!” with the late George Hamilton IV. The double CD featured many of the stars from the Grand Ole Opry such as Charley Pride, Ricky Skaggs, Marty Stuart, George Beverly Shea, Pat Boone, Charlie Louvin and Connie Smith. Production on this landmark album took over two years to complete and was recorded both in Northern Ireland at Hillcrest Recording Studios in Portadown and at Lamon Recordings in Nashville. As well as recording and producing the album, Colin Elliott and Live Issue provided the backing for each track. The album was released in Nashville at the Grand Ole Opry on Saturday 3rd July 2010 and in February 2011 it was also nominated for a Dove Award, which is the highest accolade in Gospel Music.
Live Issue is considered by many to be one of the most popular Country Gospel groups in the British Isles, not only for their musical and singing ability but also for their warmth, humility, sense of humour and love for the Lord. This is clear both in their music and to anyone who has had the opportunity to see the group play live. Each August one of the group members, Roy Dreaning, organises ‘Gospel Fest’ which is a weekend of Gospel music that takes place in Banbridge Co. Down. With over a thousand people attending each night, the event has attracted visitors from all over the UK, Ireland and Europe.
Probably one of the most amazing facts about the members of Live Issue is that they all have day jobs and families which undoubtedly requires some skilful time management in order to fulfil all their commitments and responsibilities throughout the year. The members of the group also see their role in Live Issue as a ministry and therefore any proceeds or expenses the group receive are ploughed straight back into keeping Live Issue on the road.
It is clear when you both watch and listen to Live Issue just how much the members of the group love their music, yet more importantly the band believes that the message behind the songs is the most important aspect of their concerts. The group members take their ministry and faith very seriously and believe that God has given them important opportunities to spread the Gospel through their music.
Live Issue’s new album “Every Road” and all their previous albums and the DVD are available in Christian bookshops or alternatively online at https://liveissuemusic.com/home