WEXFORD ARTS Centre will play host to a night of hard rock next weekend when it provides the venue for the launch of a new album by local band, Shane Kenny & Brownstone Station.

The launch will take place on Saturday, May 3, at 8.30 p.m.

Kenny is one of the county’s foremost songwriters and while he had already forged an enviable reputation as a solo performer in recent times he formed a band, Brownstone Station, to showcase his work to a broader audience.

While the origins of the band’s music lays firmly within the roots of heavy rock there is a melodic quality to the songs that is all too lacking on the contemporary rock scene.

Big choruses and memorable hooks are a prerequisite for the band’s songs before they make it onto an album.

The new album, ‘Eight Miles Out’, is an eclectic mix of up-tempo rock with a range of influences evident including everything from subtle singer/songwriter to funk.

The band is signed to American label, Musik & Film, and has to-date released three singles for the company which have received extensive worldwide airplay.

The launch night performance will be preceded by a set from another very exciting and original local act, the Fulcrum Effect, and a solo performance by Ollie Dempsey from Ripcord 64.

It promises to be an eclectic night of music with something of interest to suit all tastes.

The fun begins at 8.30 p.m. and copies of the band’s new album will be available on the night priced a very reasonable €10.