Irish singer David James has stepped into his new role as the host of the Harvey’s Point Cabaret in Donegal, taking over a 26-year-old entertainment tradition at the hotel. The 27-year-old Killea native opened the 2026 Autumn Cabaret season on Wednesday night alongside his live band following a sell-out summer run.
Stepping into a Donegal Entertainment Legacy
The Harvey’s Point Cabaret launched in 2000, combining a gourmet dinner with a weekly rotating lineup of Irish performers. James succeeds Eamonn Gillespie and Noel Cunningham as host, marking a full-circle moment for the young singer. Ten years prior, James visited the hotel with his father to meet Cunningham and secure his first stage performances. Cunningham praised the new host’s empathy and audience connection, stating that James respects both the craft of performing and the people in the room.
“I came here 10 years ago to meet Noel along with my dad, whenever I was starting out, to see if I could get a wee start,” James told Donegal Daily. “He gave me a few gigs at the Cabaret at that time and he really gave me the first opportunity to perform on a stage of that scale and prestige.”
James aims to promote Donegal while updating the show’s format. The production features his own backing band—Sébastien Petit, Jimmy Hendry, John O’Connor, Brent McCook, and Jim McVeigh—alongside custom arrangements, sing-along tracks, and professional dancers.
Opening Night and Autumn Lineup
The autumn season opener featured multiple guest artists sharing the Lakeside Ballroom stage. World champion Irish dancers Niamh and Gavin Shevlin, known as the Shevlin Dancing Twins, performed during the evening. James previously competed alongside the twins on the competitive dance circuit.
Wednesday’s show also included veteran broadcaster and musician Ronan Collins, former X Factor contestant Mary Byrne, and You’re a Star legend Simon Casey. The evening concluded with Casey and James leading the audience in a final rendition of “Sweet Caroline.”
Ronan Collins noted the enduring appeal of the venue, describing the production as a classic cabaret experience. Mary Byrne echoed that sentiment, stating that the format offers a throwback to a style of entertainment that is increasingly difficult to find.
The autumn schedule includes upcoming performances by Patrick Feeney, Trudi Lalor, Gráinne Gavigan, Mike Denver, Robert Mizzell, Sandy Kelly, Jimmy Buckley, Dominic Kirwan, and Ruby Rua, with returning appearances scheduled for Simon Casey, Mary Byrne, and Ronan Collins.