Sligo tenor James Nelson bringing his acclaimed solo show back to his hometown

The show, titled 'Singing for his Supper' is inspired by James' stories, both emotional, humorous, witty and poignant as he looks back on growing up in Sligo to more recent times, intertwined with beautiful, emotive songs.

James' family ran the famous Nelson's store in Castle St for many years and in the show he accompanies himself on the piano, just him and a microphone.

He was inspired by Phil Coulter to do his own show, which he has since gone on tour with to much acclaim since he introduced it in Sligo.

James got a standing ovation after his solo show last September and there is no doubt it will the same again this Sunday (show starts at 8pm).

James said audiences can expect a slightly longer show with a couple of new songs. He told The Sligo Champion: "I have changed it a wee bit, there are two new songs added and it is slightly longer and I describe a bit more about Sligo too.

"The show is 80minutes now and a new section I've added is about my time in London, I spent years in London and I also talk about working with the Kenya Orphanage."

James, who lives in Baltinglass, Co Wicklow, also performed his show at the Boyle Arts Festival this summer and he is also bringing it to Kenmare and the National Opera House in Wexford, where he has already performed it. He's also looking to add a couple more locations and said the reception from people has been great.

"The reception has been brilliant! To get a double ovation is mad. I suppose before the show in Sligo I was nervous as backstage it's normally Daryl, Matthew and myself (from the Celtic Tenors) and I'm not normally all alone backstage before a show. My partner came to sit with me before the show in Wexford and I had a friend in Boyle which was great. I know the show now so I'll be fine in Sligo.

"It meant so much to me having it in my hometown and I talk about the Model school, my old teacher, my parents, walks around Sligo and Yeats as well.

"I know a few people are coming so I'm looking forward to it."

James has been extremely busy also with a packed schedule of tours with the Celtic Tenors, who are known throughout the world.

"We have shows in the Gaiety, Cork Opera, Gleneagle INEC in Killarney, Savoy to name a few before we go on tour in Canada and North America before Christmas.

"So we have a nice bit before Christmas which is good. We are away at the end of February for the entire month of March, which is really good."

Somehow, despite all the touring and travelling, James also finds time to teach music a few days a week in the Carlow College of Music.

James, who recently celebrated a 'significant' birthday said he is looking forward to meeting up with old friends and family in his hometown.

He celebrated his big day with his niece Claire in Dublin and will also celebrate with his partner, whom he also mentions in the show.

The Gaiety was where the Celtic Tenors first met and he said it's nice that they will be back where they met on November 10.

Tickets to Sunday's show are priced at €15. "Sure they're €400 cheaper than the Oasis tickets!," James quipped.

He explained the songs in his show are very much linked to the stories, including his mother, Frieda, singing a French song which Celine Dion sang at the recent opening ceremony of the Paris Olympic Games.

He also poignantly speaks about his father, Drummond, who had dementia and a song he loved.

"I've extended the Sligo descriptions a bit, memories of Sligo and of growing up here.

"I really hope people will come along and enjoy the show now in Sligo and I hope they enjoy both the songs and the stories," James added.

Tickets for the show on Sunday, September 22 are priced at €15. or 071 9161518