It has been a year of mixed blessings, with Anthony releasing his fifth collection to critical acclaim, enjoying a really successful tour, rounded off with Sing Under the Bridges being shortlisted for the Northern Ireland Music Prize.

Countering all of that, his parents have suffered a long year of illness, setbacks and challenges. Despite all this, Anthony has reacted by working working working. A collection of new material appears to be shaping itself already, and there are also plans to create a series of instrumental pieces for an upcoming theatre production called 'Arrivals', top be directed by Anthony's wife Andrea in the spring of 2014.

As the year prepares to fade, Anthony has a cluster of live shows across Northern Ireland, and he promises to showcase some of the new songs in front of those audiences. Details of the gigs are on the show page, but here they are in case you need them in a hurry:

Saturday November 23 – The Island Arts Centre in Lisburn. Tickets are £12, and they’re available from the Box Office on (028) 9250 9254 - or click HERE.

Friday November 29 – Dr. Hillyard’s Music Club in Castlewellan. Tickets are £10, and can be reserved by phone 02843771999, email info@hillyardhouse.co.uk or bought in person at Hillyard House, Castle Avenue, Castlewellan.

Saturday November 30 – The Square Box Theatre in Dungannon. Tickets are £9 with a £7 concession, and the Box Office number is (028) 8772 8600

Sunday December 8 – SD Bells Coffee Shop, Belfast 12noon to 2pm with John McCullough, piano. To book a table for coffee, brunch and music, get in touch with Bells on (028) 9047 1774.

Monday December 16 – Flowerfield Arts Centre, Portstewart. The show starts with free mulled wine and mince pies at 6pm, with music from 6.30pm to 8pm. Tickets are £10, and they’re available from Flowerfield on (028) 7083 1400.