RELEASE DATE: August 8, 2005
CONTACT: Karen Koski, 3graces Media
info@3gracesmedia.com

Liam Ó Maonlai, the charismatic singer/pianist for Irish ‘soul’n’roll’ band Hothouse Flowers, will begin his first-ever solo tour of the United States this fall. While Liam has made individual solo appearances over the years, this will be the first time a US solo tour has been undertaken. 3graces media is more than pleased to be a partner with Liam in this adventure, in a continuation of our relationship with this exceptional artist.

His career has encompassed the globe, from his beginnings as a street performer on Grafton Street in Dublin, to worldwide success as part of Hothouse Flowers, to his musical collaborations with artists from many cultures. He has acted in and provided music for film, hosted his own Irish TV show, and is taking part in a documentary being filmed during January 2006 in Mali. And as wide and varied as his interests are, his love for the traditional Irish music that he grew up with continues to suffuse his musicianship and very being. “Having spent twenty years giving a great deal of my energy to the rock and roll stage, I am looking forward to devoting more time and energy to the tradition that nourishes me and the traditions that inspire me.” While he is beginning a new phase of his career, his work with Hothouse Flowers continues – indeed, the band has spent a considerable amount of time in the US this year touring.

Liam solo is a treat, because he veers from the pop tunes of the Flowers to the sean nos style of singing he learned as a child in Ireland. He will go from the piano to the guitar to the bodhran to the whistle, and if you have a didgeridoo handy, he can play that as well. And Bono has called him “the best white boy soul singer on the planet. ” What more needs to be said?

‘rian’, Liam’s first solo record (Rian Records/Redeye Distribution), is scheduled for a US street date of October 4th and will be available on his US tour as well. Since the record focuses on the more traditional Irish side of Liam’s musical persona, most of the venues being booked are intimate listening rooms, from world-famous folk clubs to a house concert here and there. In addition, a few children’s performances are being planned as part of this unique mix. A fabulous experience is in store for audiences of all ages.

Additional dates and events may be added, while West Coast dates are being planned for mid-November 2005. For more information, please contact:

Karen Koski, 3graces media
248.670.2560 – voice
info@3gracesmedia.com - e-mail
www.3gracesmedia.com and www.hothouseflowers.com

Tour Dates
To see a partial list of tour dates, click here.

Biography
Click here to read Liam's biography.

Video
Click here to see and hear a short interview and live performance video.

Press Photos
Click the link below each photo to obtain a high-resolution image for printing. Please credit the photographer when publishing these photos.