THIS weekend RTE will broadcast some of Ireland’s finest artists in concert including Noel Hogan ( The Cranberries).
‘Songs from an Empty Room’ is set to be aired on RTE TV and radio on Saturday night hosted by 2FM’s Jenny Greene and Eoghan McDermott featuring Aimée, Denise Chaila, Eve Belle, Fia Moon, Gavin James, Jafaris, James Vincent McMorrow, Lisa McHugh, Lyra, Mother DJs, Noel Hogan (The Cranberries) with Danny O’Reilly (The Coronas), Picture This, Soulé, The Academic, The Blizzards, The Coronas and The Stunning.
The performances will come from five iconic venues around Ireland including Dolan’s in Limerick which will host Eve Belle and Sorcha Richardson.
The aim of the event is to generate awareness for those working in the live events industry whose livelihoods have been affected by Covid 19 and to help raise funds for two live events industry initiatives; Minding Creative Minds and the Association of Irish Stage Technicians (AIST).
Speaking in advance of the broadcast Mick Dolan said: “The past few months have been very difficult for so many of us who dedicate our lives to bringing live music to fans across the nation”
“We often forget the many people who put in countless hours behind the scenes to make gigs come to life. This live broadcast on RTE will allow us to come together and show our support for these industry professionals who have been particularly affected by Covid-19”.
‘Songs from an Empty Room’ is a live simulcast between RTE TV and 2fm and promises to be a memorable, poignant and historic night of Irish music at a time when attending a live show in person seems some distance away.
Noel Hogan and Danny O’Reilly will collaborate on a new version of ‘Linger’ from The Cranberries. The Coronas will play well loved classics and tracks from new album ‘True Love Waits’ due out on July 31 featuring their newly expanded lineup.
Beyond the performances from Limerick’s Denise Chaila, who is riding on the crest of a wave of support for her new single ‘Chaila’ and Noel Hogan of The Cranberries who has announced the reissue of their 1994 album ‘No Need To Argue’ the show will also recognise the work of engineers and crew who make live music possible in venues and festivals across the nation.
Presented by EPIC in association with RTE, all funds raised will support two event industry resources Minding Creative Minds, a 24/7, free wellbeing and support programme for event industry professionals and contractors and the Association of Irish Stage Technicians (AIST) Hardship Fund.
“The Live Events industry is worth €3.5 billion to Ireland annually, In the current climate events and arts workers have no clear indication or guidance as to when their work can recommence.” say organisers.
Never, in the history of staging live performances and events, has there been such a sudden and total cessation of work in Ireland, as happened in March.
“At a time when we are most disconnected, tune in and support those who connect us the most!”
Audiences at home will be directed to the website Songs From An Empty Room and will be able to show support by donating via text or through the initiative’s GoFundMe Page. Branded crew merchandise will also be available to purchase.
Other venues hosting live acts are The Olympia Theatre, Dublin; Cyprus Avenue, Cork; INEC, Killarney and Róisín Dubh, Galway
‘Songs from An Empty Room’ airs on RTÉ 2, this Saturday, July 25. (8.30pm – 10.45pm)
