Annmarie Cullen, the Irish singer and songwriter, is parting company with Saucy Monky – the band she formed with New Jersey native Cynthia Catania – at least on a temporary basis.

Annmarie, originally from Terenure in Dublin, has already released an impressive batch of material in her solo guise, including the beautiful ‘4,47’, which saw Annmarie being shortlisted by Hot Press in The Big Break, with Alcatel OneTouch, earlier this year.

However, she is best known still for the superb series of albums released by Saucy Monky, which were widely praised by critics, including in Hot Press. “Saucy Monky have made some truly great records,” Hot Press editor Niall Stokes said. “They count among those bands that really should be far, far bigger than they are – indeed they may still be a huge phenomenon yet. The combination of the songwriting talents of Annmarie and Cynthia produced a very special chemistry. But they are also both uniquely talented – and will doubtless continue to write great songs and make brilliant records.”

Annmarie is making the move across the Atlantic for personal reasons, having married the Catalunyan artist Adriana Saavedra late last year.

"Well well well, it's the end of a era,” says Saucy Monky’s co-frontwoman, Cynthia Catania, "as our beloved Annmarie is moving to Europa by year’s end!! Say it isn't so… but it is!

"Please join us THIS SATURDAY at the KIBITZ ROOM for our temporary GOODBYE show, shin-dig, shenanigans. We LOVE YOU ANNMARIE!!!"

Here Cynthia tells the story of Saucy Monky in her own inimitable style...

"In 2001, Annmarie & I met at one of her O'Brien's residency shows. She had a packed house for her weekly gig. The room was full of adoring fans. I was duly impressed & jealous!

"A mutual friend connected us, and after she saw me sing a few times, we started corresponding, and creating a supportive community. Not long after she invited me to perform at an additional show she was booking at O'Brien's (in Santa Monica). And so began our long, wonderful partnership in music! We toured Ireland, the UK, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, The Rocky Mountain Range, Texas, the SouthEast, the NorthEast, the Pacific North West...we've been all over the world singing our songs!!

"We recorded and released FOUR albums on our own olivoiL records imprint and had two licensing deals in the US & UK. Many song placements in TV & film, still playing all over the world. We penned a TV theme song in 2012 that ran for 2 years on ABC! We have many more interesting irons in the fire, STILL.

"Perhaps Saucy Monky, THE BAND will meet again in Europa & do more of the same!! But just in case, come out to wish her lots of love & luck & a wonderful life abroad - WE LOVE YOU!!

"Come out & join us THIS Saturday eve, in tribute to our lovely Annmarie Cullen.” x x x

If you're lucky enough to be in LA tomorrow (and we're not in the slightest bit jealous if you are) then hightail it towards The Kibitz Room at Canter's on Fairfax for 10pm.
419 N Fairfax Ave