DUBLIN will add an extra string to its cultural bow when it hosts a major music event this weekend.
Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Jimmy Deenihan, joined musicians, including singers from Dublin City Council’s Opera in the Park, members of the Royal Irish Academy and Dublin rapper G.I. at Merrion Square for love:live music, Ireland’s National Music Day on Friday June 21.
Initiated by Music Network in 2010 and now celebrating its fourth year, National Music Day hopes to see people across Dublin join together in a vibrant celebration of live music by staging a myriad of events in villages and towns, throughout the day and into the night.
National Music Day is a completely inclusive event that welcomes all types of music performance and genres – from orchestras to one-man bands, from jazz, rap and improvised to classical- anything goes! Musicians, young and not so young, amateur, professional, experienced and inexperienced will make music right across the country on Friday June 21 and the great news is that you don’t have to be a musician to join in!
You can show your support for your local community by simply going along and enjoying the free live music events taking place in your area. Love:live music celebrates all that’s great about Irish music making with hundreds of free, family friendly events around the country.
In previous years events have taken place in schools, churches, shopping centres, libraries, pubs, parks and even on a train and there’s no doubt that the events will remain as diverse and imaginative as ever for this year’s celebration.
Minister Deenihan said he was delighted that his department can again support National Music Day.
“This is a great opportunity for people to engage with our vibrant musical culture,
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“In the year of The Gathering, National Music Day also showcases our musical talent for those returning home or visiting Ireland. Wherever you are on Friday June 21, you won’t be far from a live music event.”
Sharon Rollston, Music Network chief executive, said:
“love:live music is a great example of the good things that can happen when communities come together in celebration.
“We’re thrilled with the range of events being registered – everything from choral gatherings and pop ups to céilÃs, concerts and jazz processions – there’s something for everyone.
“And thanks to our wonderful programme partners Comhaltas Ceoltóirà Ã?ireann, there will also be traditional Irish music events in almost every county in Ireland on the day.
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Many musicians around Dublin have already registered a range of exciting free live music events for Friday.
Events around Dublin include:
?¢ Trad Rocks Presents: Gra, Generator, Smithfield, 6pm-2am.
?¢ Afternoon of Song with Dublin City Council Choir, Atrium, Dublin City Council Civic Offices, Wood Quay, 1pm-2pm.
?¢ Try the Pipes, Seamus Ennis Centre, Naul, County Dublin, 4pm-6pm
?¢ Béal at Christ Church Cathedral, Christchurch Place, Dublin 8, 6:30pm-7pm
?¢ Lighting the Flame, Christ Church Cathedral, 10.30am-11.30am
?¢ Liberties Percussion Orchestra, The Bandstand, St Stephen’s Green, 11am-12pm
?¢ Ceoltóirà Chluain Tarbh in ITMA, 73 Merrion Square, 7am-7pm
?¢ Fete de la Musique | Let’s French Festival presents: SOUL SQUARE with Street Literature & Moschops, The Village, 26 Wexford Street, Dublin 2, 8pm-11pm
?¢ Access all Arias, Powerscourt Townhouse Centre, 59 South William Street, Dublin 2, 2pm-2.40pm
?¢ Opera in the Park, 8pm-11pm, Merrion Square Park.
To find out more and for a full list of all events registered across the country, log onto www.lovelivemusic.ie