Offaly events planned for National Music Day

Initiated by Music Network in 2010, it’s hoped people across Offaly will join together for a celebration of live music by staging a myriad of events throughout the day and night on Friday, June 21 for National Music Day.

This year’s event - entitled love:live music - was launched last Friday, when Arts Minister Jimmy Deenihan was joined by musicians from across Ireland including members of the Royal Irish Academy.

Events already arranged for Offaly for June 21 include music from Comhaltas groups in Edenderry library at 6pm, on the street in Birr from 8pm and Killeen’s in Rhode from 9pm. In addition Rahan Comhaltas will stage an event including music, singing, dancing and story-telling to remember the late Joe Monahan in Rahan Parish Hall from 9pm on 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.

Speaking at the initiative’s launch Minister Deenihan said it’s an opportunity for people to engage with Ireland’s vibrant musical culture. “In the year of The Gathering, National Music Day also showcases our musical talent for those returning home or visiting Ireland,” he added.

Music Network CEO Sharon Rollston also welcomed this year’s event. “love:live music is a great example of the good things that can happen when communities come together in celebration,” she said.

“We’re thrilled with the range of events being registered – everything from choral gatherings and pop ups to céilís, concerts and jazz processions - there’s something for everyone. And thanks to our wonderful programme partners Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann, there will also be traditional Irish music events in almost every county in Ireland on the day.”

To find out more and for a full list of all events registered across the country, log onto www.lovelivemusic.ie or see facebook.com/pages/LoveLive-Music and twitter.com/lovelivemusicIE.