STARS LINE UP FOR BENEFIT GIG
STARS LINE UP FOR BENEFIT GIG
ULSTER'S top music stars, led by Brian Kennedy, are set to shine as a beacon of hope for the devastated people of bomb blighted Omagh.
For a host of music's leading names, including Mary Black, have been confirmed to appear at an all-star benefit concert, in aid of the victims of the terrorist atrocity. Ulster concert organisation. Wonderland Promotions, has already pledged to help stage the show, highlighting the music world's solidarity with the people of Omagh. The idea to organise the concert, in a leading Belfast venue next month, springs from a woman's heart - Bangor mum, Judith Thurley.
Judith said: "When I saw all the awful events and the evil that was committed in Omagh, I really wanted to do something. I just felt very strongly that I had to do something. "I was in tears and I couldn't stop. I lay on the floor and cried all day last Sunday.
"Music is such a powerful thing. So I made out a list of names I knew and its just grown and grown."
First thing last Monday morning, Judith contacted leading Irish folk artist, Colum Sands who immediately said 'Yes' to the benefit concert idea.
A number of other folk artists, including Colum's brothers. Tommy and Ben, Rosemary Woods, Siobhan Skates and Christy McGuigan also vowed to offer their services free. But it was Belfast's own angel-voiced Brian Kennedy whose decision to appear has really given the idea momentum. Judith said: "I was so elated and so grateful that he has agreed to the concert. He is a very sound man and it shows how much in touch he is with people's suffering. "He is a very important figure. His decision has given a strength to the whole thing."
Judith added: "The concert is coming from a spirt of love, compassion and generosity - showing people from all over Northern Ireland reaching out to the people of Omagh." "We are going to fill the concert hall with goodness to counteract the darkness and grief of what happened in Omagh." Other artists approached to appear at the show include Paul Brady, Kieran Goss, the Ulster Orchestra, Artie McGlynn and Liam O'Flynn. Ulster Orchestra spokeswoman, Elish Martin said it would be "very keen to contribute if possible".
Wonderland Promotions representative, Anita Gibney confirmed that it would be involved in the organisation of the show and "do whatever we can to help". Concert organisers are awaiting a decision by the board of the Waterfront Hall on whether the show can be staged there next month. Brian Kennedy is currently in Italy. But a spokesman for his record company, RCA/BMG told Sunday Life that the singer has confirmed his commitment to the concert. "He has said 'yes' and added that if his committment to the show brought anybody else on board, then even better." All artists and organisers are giving their services free. Money raised from the concert will go towards an Omagh memorial fund.
ULSTER'S top music stars, led by Brian Kennedy, are set to shine as a beacon of hope for the devastated people of bomb blighted Omagh.
For a host of music's leading names, including Mary Black, have been confirmed to appear at an all-star benefit concert, in aid of the victims of the terrorist atrocity. Ulster concert organisation. Wonderland Promotions, has already pledged to help stage the show, highlighting the music world's solidarity with the people of Omagh. The idea to organise the concert, in a leading Belfast venue next month, springs from a woman's heart - Bangor mum, Judith Thurley.
Judith said: "When I saw all the awful events and the evil that was committed in Omagh, I really wanted to do something. I just felt very strongly that I had to do something. "I was in tears and I couldn't stop. I lay on the floor and cried all day last Sunday.
"Music is such a powerful thing. So I made out a list of names I knew and its just grown and grown."
First thing last Monday morning, Judith contacted leading Irish folk artist, Colum Sands who immediately said 'Yes' to the benefit concert idea.
A number of other folk artists, including Colum's brothers. Tommy and Ben, Rosemary Woods, Siobhan Skates and Christy McGuigan also vowed to offer their services free. But it was Belfast's own angel-voiced Brian Kennedy whose decision to appear has really given the idea momentum. Judith said: "I was so elated and so grateful that he has agreed to the concert. He is a very sound man and it shows how much in touch he is with people's suffering. "He is a very important figure. His decision has given a strength to the whole thing."
Judith added: "The concert is coming from a spirt of love, compassion and generosity - showing people from all over Northern Ireland reaching out to the people of Omagh." "We are going to fill the concert hall with goodness to counteract the darkness and grief of what happened in Omagh." Other artists approached to appear at the show include Paul Brady, Kieran Goss, the Ulster Orchestra, Artie McGlynn and Liam O'Flynn. Ulster Orchestra spokeswoman, Elish Martin said it would be "very keen to contribute if possible".
Wonderland Promotions representative, Anita Gibney confirmed that it would be involved in the organisation of the show and "do whatever we can to help". Concert organisers are awaiting a decision by the board of the Waterfront Hall on whether the show can be staged there next month. Brian Kennedy is currently in Italy. But a spokesman for his record company, RCA/BMG told Sunday Life that the singer has confirmed his commitment to the concert. "He has said 'yes' and added that if his committment to the show brought anybody else on board, then even better." All artists and organisers are giving their services free. Money raised from the concert will go towards an Omagh memorial fund.
Further Information
Publisher: SUNDAY LIFE
Ref: SL/040
Published Date: 23-Aug-98
Related Images
