We were introduced to David Courtney and Donny O Connell by the 3 Bridies who told us in their opinion, they are the "finest musicians on the island". Together, the lads are known as Keltic Twist and perform as the resident band at The Dubliner Irish pub in Puerto del Carmen.
Where are you from originally?
Dave: Dublin in Ireland.
Donny: Listowel Co Kerry but have not lived there since the mid nineties. I have many family still there including my mom.
How long have you lived in Lanzarote?
Dave: I have lived in Lanzarote for 4 years now.
Donny: I've lived in Lanzarote for almost four years now but spent many years gigging throughout Europe and Australia before that.
What do you play / sing?
Dave: I play a variety of instruments including various guitars, acoustic, electric, bass, also some piano and tin whistle. I also do a lot of singing too.
Donny: I love singing anything country, can't get enough of it. But in the Dubliner I perform any type of material. I play mandolin , fiddle acoustic , base and lead guitars. I'm happy to embarrass myself on a few instruments.
Who are your idols / inspiration?
Dave: I have no idols but i enjoy all kinds of music. One day I could listen to John Denver and AC/DC the next.
Donny: My dad played in an Irish and country band in London back in the seventies and so I was raised with the likes of Don Williams and Johnny Cash.. Musically I'd love to be ably to play the fiddle like Alison Krauss or Mark O Connor whom for me are two of the best country and bluegrass fiddle players in the world today.
What do you like about the island?
Dave: I love living in Lanzarote, it´s a great place to live, weather is a bonus but it´s a relaxing island and I have made a lot of great friends through the bar who are regular visitors to the island.
Donny: Lanzarote's a great place to live the weather is a huge part of the attraction and there's a fantastic ex pat community here. My better half Lynne and I have made some close friends since moving here.
Do you have any special projects coming up?
Dave: Next project is Christmas.It´s a very busy time and again a lot of regulars back to celebrate with us.
When and where do you have regular gigs?
Dave: We are the resident band in the Dubliner and are there 6 nights a week. Off on a Saturday.
Donny: I was a solo entertainer for many years before the Dubliner but since settling there it's the only bar I gig in. I'm there six nights a week all years round .The Dubliner never closes.
Favourite place in Lanzarote?
Donny: I enjoy the mountains and the diversity between the town and the wilderness. But my favourite place is on stage I know that's really cheesy but I love my job.
What else do you do for work or is this a full time job for you?
Donny: Lynne and I recently purchased Cafe IL Baretto on Calle Pedro Barba many people still call it Bogarts'. Lynne already had her own bar in Mallorca for seven years where she hired me as the resident entertainer. With our joint experience it was the natural next step to get our own bar. So apart form my gigs in the Dubliner that takes all the hours
Anything else you'd like to tell our readers?
Dave: There are so many places to visit here for scenery and great restaurants it just depends what you´re in the mood for. If anyone is thinking of coming to Lanzarote,please do,it´s a great place and down in the Dubliner we try and make it homely and we make a lot of friends who come back to see us and they say it´s like coming home.
Donny: With the Dubliner going for strength to strength and my partner and I recently taking over Il Baretto the futures so bright I got to wear shades.
Thanks for the interview guys, you can find out more or contact them via the website www.dublinerlanzarote.com, Facebook Dubliner Lanzarote and YouTube The Dubliner 2