Irish tenor to perform in Bothell on Sunday

One of Ireland’s sweetest tenor voices comes to Bothell on Sunday.

Michael Londra started out as a nurse before turning his attention to the stage, where he quickly earned the title role in “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat,” followed by Pish Tush in “Hot Mikado,” Charlie in “Brigadoon,” Joe in “Some Like It Hot” and Bobby Kennedy in the world premier of “JFK.”

It was the Kennedy role that led to becoming the lead singer for Riverdance during its U.S. national tour and the Broadway run.

Since leaving Riverdance, Londra has recorded a CD, “Celt;” worked as arranger and co-producer for Bette Midler and Celine Dion; created and now directs Accuradio’s RadioCelt; and sings on a solo tour as he follows his dream of becoming a great traditional Celtic singer.

Patty Griffin: Touring with songs from “Children Running Through,” Griffin continues to be a force among singer/songwriters, this time with songs reflecting classic R&B and gospel influences. The Dixie Chicks recorded her “Top of the World,” “Truth No. 2” and “Let Him Fly,” and Emmylou Harris covered several more. Her 2002 CD, “1,000 Kisses,” earned a Grammy nomination, as did her 2004 CD, “Impossible Dream.” Monday, Seattle

John Gorka: One of America’s most compelling contemporary songwriters is back with new material from his CD “Writing in the Margins.” The collection of folk, country and pop songs explores love, war and hope for the future. The CD is written from the perspective of a U.S. soldier fighting overseas. Thursday, Seattle

Open mic: Jambu &the Genie, the Sunbeams, Dillon Allyn, and It’s Lupus! perform in a local-band takeover of a coffeehouse. Saturday, Snohomish

Real Folk: The local trio will feature songs from the “Stilly River” CD, originals as well as a few tunes with an Irish feel. Saturday, Everett

Holly O’Reilly (Figueroa): The singer/songwriter has lined up more than 150 dates in 2007 to support her latest CD, “Gifts and Burdens,” made possible by more than 600 pre-orders. Apple/iTunes called her “one of modern folk’s criminally ignored and unjustly underappreciated artists.” O’Reilly has twice appeared on NPR’s “All Things Considered.” Rachel Harrington opens with acoustic alt/country music. Tuesday, Seattle

The Paperboys: Each of the band’s last five recordings has been nominated for a Juno, the Canadian equivalent of the Grammy. “Molinos” won a Juno. The Paperboys’ rendition of Dylan’s “All Along the Watchtower” was one of the highlights of “A Nod to Bob” tribute CD. Saturday, Seattle

Tyrone Wells: Born in Spokane, Wells played with Skypark, which was nominated for a Grammy for Best Gospel Rock Album in 1999, before taking the solo folk/pop singer/songwriter path. His songs have been featured on TV (“Rescue Me”) and film (“Everyone’s Hero”). Sunday, Seattle

Cowboy Mouth, Pat McGee Band: New Orleans rockers Cowboy Mouth bring music from a new CD, “Voodoo Shoppe.” The quartet is part Mardi Gras exuberance, part blistering attack. The acoustic-based Pat McGee Band has toured with Fleetwood Mac, James Taylor, Counting Crows and the Wallflowers. Thursday, Seattle

Bitter:Sweet: The trip-hop band, featuring beat-maker Kiran Shahani (Supreme Beings of Leisure) and singer Shana Halligan (daughter of Dick Halligan of Blood, Sweat and Tears) has been selling out venues. Bitter:Sweet won the Best Rock/Pop album at the Independent Music Awards, hit the Top 30 Billboard Electronic Albums chart, and has had music in several TV shows. Tonight, Seattle

Tim Grimm: Tired of acting in Los Angeles, the Grimm family bought an Indiana farm and Tim took up songwriting, earning kudos from critics for painting Americana images. He can play bluegrass, country, folk and gospel. Saturday, Seattle

Open mic changes: Wired &Unplugged Coffeehouse in Snohomish has been so successful with its free open mic nights that the phrase “a little too busy” has been applied by spokesperson Rory Corbin. In an effort to spread out the crowd, W&U has instituted a $2 cover charge for non-performers on Friday nights and also started a no-cover Wednesday Night Open Mic. Information: 360-568-2472.

Michael Londra performs Sunday in Bothell.