Ballyshannon singer gets special invite from Canada’s First Lady of Country

Lorraine McCauley from Ballyshannon has received a very special invitation from Canadian country music singer Caroll Baker.

Known as Canada’s First Lady of Country Music, Ms Baker is hosting a three-day exclusive concert with music friends from across Canada.

Award-winning singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Lorraine McCauley from Ballyshannon was among those invited to take part in the event in Nova Scotia.

Ms Baker describes Lorraine as ‘Ireland’s songbird’ on her social media pages, continuing: “She will be a part of the incredible lineup of talent July 15, 16, and 17 at the Carroll Baker Mem’ries Centre. Country or Gospel we have it all.”

Born into a very musical home, Lorraine’s love and passion for her art was instilled and fostered from a very young age. Her father Adrian McCauley sang and played in country music bands from the 1960s until his passing.

Lorraine said: “He played drums and guitar, and when I was old enough he would take me with him to gigs around Ireland to the pubs and clubs on my school holidays. 

“I was sent to Irish dancing, tin whistle lessons and piano lessons which I really enjoyed. It was not long before I was out playing keyboards in my father's  band on my school breaks - a great experience for me. 

“I also enjoy playing the organ and singing at Mass in St Patrick's Church with the local choir in Ballyshannon.”

It was her father’s death several years ago that inspired Ms McCauley to follow her passion and teach music while also recording material.

“My music is going from strength to strength thank God and it's all thanks to the fabulous support of my friends and followers,” she said.

Ms McCauley had studied music in the University of Ulster, Derry some time ago but decided to go back to education, obtaining a Group and Community Music Teaching Diploma at the Royal Irish Academy of Music, the academy where she had taken all my piano grades years ago. 

Recording music is also very close to Ms McCauley’s heart, and it gives her the opportunity to put her own style on the music with which she grew up.

Her singles include I Really Think I'm Crying, After All These Years and Blanket on the Ground which made the No 1 spot in the country music charts to Lorraine’s delight. .

“The most special release so far for me would have to be A tribute to Liz Gordon,” said Lorraine. 

“Liz was a beautiful talented keyboard player in Philomena Begley's band for many years.” Following her death, Lorraine played at a special concert in the Millbrook Hotel in County Down in her memory.

“Liz's brother Paddy Gordon kindly asked would I sing a few songs and play Liz's keyboard on the night and I was honoured,” she said. 

“When I came home, I wrote the song and brought it out on Liz's first anniversary.”

Lorraine’s music is certainly hitting the right note with country music fans. As her popularity continues to grow, she is also accumulating awards from both sides of the Atlantic.  

The two years of Covid-19 restrictions were tough for performing artists and Lorraine is delighted to be back in front of an appreciative live audience.

“I suppose if I was to sum up my life as a female country artist it would be to say have fun, enjoy what you’re doing, don't take things for granted,” she said

Lorraine McCauley is looking forward to bringing her own music from Ballyshannon to Nova Scotia for such a special occasion.

Other singers taking part include: Lisa Logan, Linda Lee, Ed Ham, David Burvine, Lance Pratt, Dolly Dunn, Joyce Seamone, Rick Baker, Roy MaCaull and Kim Tuplin, Lisa Logan, Susie Lavers and Vladimir Antunovic and Jolee Patkai as Loretta Lynn and Dolly Parton.

With only 80 tickets available for each of the three concerts, demand is high. Tickets are available for a $50 donation. With each ticket, fans will get a year’s membership to the Friends of Carroll Baker Society and an autographed Carroll Baker collectors vinyl album. Money raised will go towards maintenance of the Carroll Baker Music and Mem’ries Centre. The centre is a former Baptist Church and it is also the venue for this exclusive concert. It is sure to be a really special event, and Lorraine McCauley is delighted to be taking part. 

The church which was built in 1872 was bought by Ms Baker in 2020 after it was put up for sale. Having grown up in the same church, she bought it to preserve it and allow it to continue to be used by the community. 

A Friends of Carroll Baker Society was established in 2019 with a mandate to promote and celebrate her career by operating and maintaining the centre. As well as hosting items from Ms Baker’s career memorabilia, the church is open for weddings, funerals and other church services. 

The Canadian singer is delighted with the support she has received locally and internationally for the centre. She is particularly moved by how music friends have helped, describing their support as ‘just unbelievable.’.

Further details are available at thefriendsofcarrollbakersociety.org and tickets can be purchased from joyceseamone@bwreastlink.ca

More information on the music of Lorraine McCauley can be found on her Facebook page Lorraine McCauley Country Music.