The inaugural Drumlinia Cavan Music Industry Week takes place from 12 to 14 October. The event, which has been established by Cavan Arts Office alongside Executive Director and singer-songwriter Don Mescall and Cavan Institute, will present a series of talks, workshops and performances in various venues across the town including Cavan Institute and Town Hall Cavan. 

On 12 October at Cavan Institute, there will be a programme of talks and discussions focused on providing information on working in the music and media industries. The day will include a discussion with Mary Calley of ShinAwiL Productions on breaking into the film and television industry; a talk with Chris Kelly of Sony Music Ireland on how to approach and work with record labels; a session with Mick D’Arcy about the Irish Music Rights Organisation (IMRO) and its benefits for musicians and composers; and a Q&A session with radio presenter Dave Fanning on his experience in the Irish music industry. There will also be sessions focusing on using new technologies in music, PR, copyright and streaming, and creating a career path in the music industry. 

A series of music workshops will take place on 13 October, including a vocal choir workshop with Bazil Meade – singer and leader of the London Community Gospel Choir; a drumming workshop with Sardinian drummer Daniele Russo; a percussion workshop with Emma King; and a masterclass in vocal technique with soprano Celine Byrne. Mescall will host a songwriting workshop and there will also be sessions on saxophone, guitar solos, guitar styles, film scores, and sound and light production. 

Celine Byrne will also perform a concert on 13 October at 8pm in the Cathedral of Saint Patrick and Saint Felim with Cavan Cathedral Choir directed by Eileen Tackney and with musical guests Fr Dara Connolly and Sue Donohoe. 

On Saturday 14 October, the event will present ‘The Listening Room’ – a music trail taking place from 11am to 4pm featuring pop-up performances in venues across the town. The performers, who will not be announced in advance, will be recorded live on the day and an album will be compiled featuring one song from each artist. Information on venues and performance times can be found on the Cavan Arts Office website and social media channels. 

Commenting on the event, Mescall said:

To you, the musicians and media makers of the future … I hope you find the time to engage with these wonderful industry leaders while they are on campus … I really hope this experience nurtures your potential through connections with peers and mentors and you will walk away with some knowledge and information that you hadn’t previously.

For further information and booking, visit https://shorturl.at/fiER1

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