Posts filed under 'Events'
In the 80 years since it opened the Gate Theatre has been a unique venue. It has only had two artistic directors in its time, a level of consistency not seen in any other theatre.
In 1991 the Gate was the first theatre in the world to show a full retrospective of Samuel Beckett’s 19 stage plays. The theatre has also been at the forefront of promoting Irish writing and acting talent.
Over the past 25 years, the Gate Theatre has continued to refurbish, improve and expand on the 18th century building it is housed in. This building has been an architectural focal point in Dublin for over 200 years.
This year sees the Gate celebrate 80 years since it opened its doors as a theatre. Don’t miss the programme of plays and talks to mark this momentous event.
March 26th, 2008
Every Saturday from 10AM – 5PM, The Designer Mart will showcase the work of over 30 Irish and Irish-based designers.
This is a great chance to see beautiful handmade creations in the areas of fashion, furnishings, crafts and visual arts.
The Designer Mart at Cow’s Lane, Temple Bar will run on every Saturday from March 22nd.
March 18th, 2008
You can win a trip for two people to the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing by entering the Budweiser Rock Paper Scissors Championships.
From Thursday 6th March, contestants will bravely risk hand cramps, broken nails and psychological exhaustion in their bid to become the Budweiser Rock Paper Scissors Champion of Ireland.
The champion will go on to represent Ireland at the 2008 Olympic Games (as a spectator).
Speaking at the launch of the Championship, Diageo Head of Lagers, Niall Tracey said “There is a real sense of excitement about this championship. It’s the first of its kind in Ireland and we hope to find a worthy Budweiser Rock Paper Scissors Champion, and of course have a lot of fun along the way. We will be looking out for someone with real agility and stamina that will be able to compete against the best”.
Matti Leshem, Commissioner of the USA Rock Paper Scissors League said: “With the support of Budweiser, we are excited to take Rock Paper Scissors to the international stage in 2008 and expect Ireland to produce a talented field. Rock Paper Scissors is a game of strategy and skill, and competitors will not be able to rely on the ‘luck of the Irish’ to become the country’s Rock Paper Scissors champion!”
The Rock Paper Scissors championships will take place in 64 pubs in the Dublin area throughout March and April. Players will compete in a knock-out tournament, on a best of three matches basis, until there is one left standing.
Any competitors may want to take note of some practical advice from the USARPS League: Rock is the most common opening move, and also the move used most often in times need. Paper is considered to be a passive move, but it still defeats rock. Scissors is the favourite of more cerebral players.
If you want to represent Ireland at the Olympics, now is the time to get practising. No-one wants to risk finger strain during the championships.
Find out more at http://www.usarps.com
March 5th, 2008
St Patrick’s Day is celebrated all around the world. However, for many it is simply a party, rather than a chance to celebrate Ireland’s patron saint. This is strange, because Saint Patrick had a dramatic life.
As a young lad of sixteen years he was captured by a band of raiders near Bologne in Gaul and taken with many others to slavery in Ireland. He was first brought to Mayo, but later sold to an Antrim farmer and he spent six years in captivity as a shepherd on Slemish Mountain.
One cold winter’s night, while Patrick slept, he heard a voice telling him “it is well that you fast, soon you will go to your own country” and a short time later the voice said to him “Look, your ship is ready”.
The spirit guided Patrick to the south of Ireland near Wicklow where he boarded a ship with a cargo of dogs bound for Gaul.
At this time an invasion of Gaul had left much of it desolate. Patrick and the crew of the boat wandered for 28 days until all food had run out. Patrick said to the crew “turn to God and he will provide” and suddenly a herd of pigs appeared and they had food once more. Patrick had performed his first miracle.
For a number of years Patrick wandered through Gaul. Conscious of his lack of formal training in theology and law he spent his time talking to and learning from the wise deacons and Bishops and soon he was made a Bishop in Rome.
He was lonely in Gaul so he went to visit his relations in Britain. While he was there he had another vision in which a man arrived from Ireland with many letters, including one for himself. The letter said “We ask you boy to come and walk once more among us”. Patrick was delighted and went to Ireland immediately.
The people of Ireland at this time were pagans under the influence of the Druids. Patrick had first to rid the country of these “magicians”. This is symbolised by the banishing of the snakes forever from Ireland.
He now set about converting the people to Christianity. His deep faith and belief in the Blessed Trinity made this doctrine a centre piece of his instruction. To help explain the mystery he used the simple 3 leaf shamrock to illustrate 3 persons in one God.
St Patrick died in 461. By this time he had created an established structured church throughout the country. His converts were across the entire social classes from Princes to slaves and many of his priests and deacons were from the youth of Ireland. He is still to this day the most famous figure in Irish history and is one of the best known figures throughout the Christian world.
February 27th, 2008
Improve your golf with a unique seminar, developed by sports hypnotist Dr Karl Morris.
If you have trouble concentrating on the course, or if one bad shot invariably leads to another, you could benefit from the courses. They are:
- Royal Country Down, Northern Ireland – 21/02/08 – Host Kevan Whitson – Call 028 4372 2419 for details
- Royal Portrush Golf Club, Northern Ireland – 11/04/08 – Host Gary McNeill – Call 028 7082 2311 for details
The Mind Factor Workshops will help you improve your game, your concentration levels, and ultimately, your future.
February 7th, 2008
If you are looking for a traditional Dublin pub, there are few better choices than the Lower Deck. Situated canalside at Portobello, the Lower Deck has benefited from the infill operation at the harbour.
The pleasant paved civic area that has been created enhances the Lower Deck’s environment and also provides some shelter if you are a smoker.
While the harbour may have changed dramatically outside, inside the ambience in the Lower Deck is just as gracious, homely and comfortable as ever.
The black and white pictures of old Dublin at the entrance to the pub set the scene. The panelled mirrors and the dominance of timber have resisted the advance of modernity, but for one important exception – the TV screens. This intrusion is allowed because the clientele love their sport – especially the GAA teams Tipperary and Dublin.
It is an ideal venue for visitors seeking a live music scene and a party night out. A great range of musical tastes is catered for, with sing-along cabaret shows, plenty of rock music and traditional Irish music.
Inside or out life is good on the Lower Deck.
January 31st, 2008
Leinster are preparing for their Heineken Cup clash at Leicester on Saturday 19th of January.
While the Leicester side is strong, Leinster coach Michael Cheika is confident they will be able to get a result.
He said: “What we’ve got to do is go up there and make sure we keep sowing a bit of doubt in
their minds in their home base, where they don’t lose very often.
“We’ve got to make sure we continue to play well…and try to sneak a win up there.”
Leinster’s preparations were given a boost with the news that both injury worries Shane Horgan and Ollie le Roux have recovered enough to be included in the squad. They will face fitness tests oon Thursday, but are expected to be at near 100%.
The full squad to face Leicester is:
Forwards (15): Cian Healy, Ollie le Roux, Ronan McCormack, Brian Blaney, Bernard Jackman, Stephen Knoop, Stan Wright, Leo Cullen, Trevor Hogan, Cameron Jowitt, Malcolm O’Kelly, Stephen Keogh, Keith Gleeson, Shane Jennings, Jamie Heaslip
Backs (12): Guy Easterby, Chris Keane, Felipe Contepomi, Jonathan Sexton, Luke Fitzgerald, Rob Kearney, Gordon D’Arcy, Christian Warner, Brian O’Driscoll, Gary Brown, Shane Horgan,
Girvan Dempsey
Ireland duo Gordon D’Arcy and Malcolm O’Kelly, need only three more appearances for Leinster to equal who both joined Reggie Corrigan’s record for the province.
Over 1,000 Leinster supporters are expected to travel to Leicester for the Heineken Cup match, which kicks off at 3.30PM at Welford Road.
January 16th, 2008
Ireland kick off their RBS Six Nations campaign against Italy, in the first game of the tournament.
Ireland have the home advantage against Italy, and the supporters at Croke Park are sure to be in fine form as they cheer Ireland to victory (hopefully).
Croke Park will also play host to Scotland and Wales, while Ireland travel to play France and England. Whether home or away, the Irish support will be just as enthusiastic.
The full fixture list for this year’s RBS Six Nations is:
Sat 2nd Feb 08 14:00 Ireland v Italy Croke Park
Sat 2nd Feb 08 16:30 England v Wales Twickenham
Sun 3rd Feb 08 15:00 Scotland v France Murrayfield
Sat 9th Feb 08 14:00 Wales v Scotland Millennium Stadium
Sat 9th Feb 08 17:00 France v Ireland Stade de France
Sun 10th Feb 08 15:30 Italy v England Stadio Flaminio
Sat 23rd Feb 08 15:00 Wales v Italy Millennium Stadium
Sat 23rd Feb 08 17:00 Ireland v Scotland Croke Park
Sat 23rd Feb 08 21:00 France v England Stade de France
Sat 8th Mar 08 13:15 Ireland v Wales Croke Park
Sat 8th Mar 08 15:15 Scotland v England Murrayfield
Sun 9th Mar 08 16:00 France v Italy Stade de France
Sat 15th Mar 08 14:00 Italy v Scotland Stadio Flaminio
Sat 15th Mar 08 15:00 England v Ireland Twickenham
Sat 15th Mar 08 17:00 Wales v France Millennium Stadium
After losing out on the Six Nations trophy on points difference last year, Ireland are deservedly confident of victory in 2008.
January 7th, 2008
There’s still time to pick up some great gifts at the Temple Bar Christmas Market.
The markets are on every Saturday and Sunday in the run-up to Christmas. That’s the 15th, 16th, 22nd and 23rd of December. Each day’s trading runs from 9.3AM to 4PM.
The Old City area in Temple Bar is completely pedestrianised, so you can enjoy a wander about the cobbled streets,without worrying about traffic.
You will be able to get jewellery, beauty products, decorations and much more at the Temple Bar Christmas Market. If all that shopping gives you an appetite, enjoy a cup of mulled wine and lunch at one of the local cafes or bakeries.
December 13th, 2007
There’s a great selection of children’s theatre this Christmas, with a new musical Christmas show by Eurovision winner Shay Healy and Theatre Director Michael Scott.
Santa and The Penguins will be touring nationwide, with two other hugely sucessful Christmas shows, The Toys Save Santa and Santa and the Present Pirates.
Santa and the Penguins is a bright new Christmas entertainment for children, which aims to delight and entertain while also introducing young audiences to some of the most important environmental issues facing us and how we can all play a part in preventing them.
The three shows are packed full of music, fun and lots of audience interaction.
The three shows start a nationwide tour, with more than 150 performances, on 28th November and runs until 23rd December.
For a full list of touring dates and a free music download with the songs and words from each show, please log on to www.citytheatredublin.com.
November 22nd, 2007
Celebrate the festive season with a visit to the Howth Ice Rink.
The Howth is Magic on Ice includes an all weather ice rink, refreshment stands and a free playground for younger children.
If you want a break from the ice rink, or can’t stay up on the ice, you can also enjoy the view of Howth harbour. See if you can see the seals.
Howth is Magic on Ice is open from December 14th to January 13th, from 12pm – 10pm during the week and 11am – 10pm at weekends.
Open hours
Adult – €15
Child Under 12 – €8
Family – €44
Students – €12
School Children – €8
Tiny Tots – €8
Spectators – €2 entrance fee
Enjoy a great day out with Howth is Magic on Ice.
November 22nd, 2007
Superstar diva Celine Dion will be appearing in Dublin on Friday 30 May 2008 as part of her European tour. She will perform at Croke Park, accompanied by operatic pop group Il Divo.
Tickets go on sale on Thursday 15th November, and are sure to sell out quickly. Book early to avoid disappointment.
Celine is one of the biggest selling artists in the world, with chart topping hits including “My Heart Will Go On” and “The Power of Love”.
‘Taking Chances’, is Celine Dion’s first English studio album in over 3 years and includes the single of the same name. The album is available now.
Celine’s 2008 European tour includes:
2 May – Manchester – M.E.N Arena
6 May – London – 02 Arena
13 May – Antwerp – Sportpaleis
14 May – Antwerp – Sportpaleis
16 May – Antwerp – Sportpaleis
19 May – Paris – Omnisports de Bercy
20 May – Paris – Omnisports de Bercy
21 May – Paris – Omnisports de Bercy
24 May – Paris – Omnisports de Bercy
25 May – Paris – Omnisports de Bercy
27 May – Paris – Omnisports de Bercy
30 May – Dublin – Croke Park
02 June – Amsterdam – Amsterdam Arena
05 June – Copenhagen – Parken
07 June – Stockholm – Globe
24 June – Zurich – Hallenstadion
09 July – Geneva – Stade de Genève
November 14th, 2007
One of rock’s most recognisable and enduring personalities, Meat Loaf comes to Belfast’s Odyssey Arena for one night only on November the 22nd for what’s sure to be another earth-shaking epic extravaganza of a show.
Meat Loaf’s chequered career has had its ups and downs through the years, but his live performances have consistently drawn armies of devoted fans and his talents as a stage performer remain undimmed.
The Three Bats tour showcases the third instalment of his record-breaking Bat Out Of Hell album trilogy. The Bat trilogy began thirty years ago in 1977, and has been wildly successful ever since – incredibly, the original Bat Out Of Hell album has never left the top 200 UK album chart since its initial release!
Mixing classic favourites with fresh new tracks from the latest album, the Three Bats tour chronicles thirty years of timeless rock hits in a theatrical spectacular of sound and vision that’s guaranteed to take you to hell and back in one unforgettable night!
Get your tickets now to see Meat Loaf in action.
October 26th, 2007
Versatile comic all-rounder Sean Hughes returns to his first love of stand-up with his latest show at Vicar Street on Saturday the 27th of October.
Although he’s been away from the stand up scene for some eight years, he hasn’t exactly been resting on his laurels. With TV appearances in The Last Detective and Never Mind the Buzzcocks, his own show on Channel Four and even a stint on the West End stage in a serious role – not to mention two critically-acclaimed novels under his belt – it’s not surprising that he’s had little time for stand up. But now he’s back and in fine form on his home turf.
Behind Sean’s crumpled, hangdog looks and laconic delivery lies a surprisingly acerbic wit that veers effortlessly from the sublime through the surreal to the ridiculous, with plenty of audience interaction thrown in to spice up the mix. A real veteran of the comedy scene (having been the youngest ever winner of the coveted Perrier Award), stand up is obviously Sean’s natural medium, and his innate confidence on stage gives his material a laid-back spontaneity that can’t fail to impress.
Age hasn’t mellowed Sean one bit: in fact, if anything it’s lent a slightly darker tinge to his act as he bemoans his lot as a still-unmarried fortysomething with a self-deprecating honesty that’s at times almost touching while remaining consistently hilarious. That’s not to say his show is entirely self-absorbed, however – he retains his sharp eye for topical gags as well, sending up the absurdities of modern life with some perfectly-crafted one-liners.
In his own words: “I used to work in a subliminal message tape factory. We were only paid £2 an hour but no one seemed to mind…”
If you want to see a comedy great at the height of his powers, check out Sean Hughes this Saturday at Vicar Street.
October 25th, 2007
To celebrate the launch of his latest single ‘Even Though You’re Gone’ Paul Hourican is playing a special one-off date at Crawdaddy on Tuesday 6th November.
The launch party includes Paul Hourican playing a full band show, along with special guest Colm Lynch. Tickets are priced at just €10 at the door and doors open at 8 PM.
‘Even Though You’re Gone’ is available from Friday 26th October on 3-track CD and download. The CD features a previously unreleased acoustic version of ‘In A Funny Way’, performed on Dublin’s Phantom FM.
Be sure to arrive early at Crawdaddy for the launch party, which is sure to go down a storm.
You can also catch Paul Hourican live at:
21.10.07
Danny Byrne’s, Mullingar
Solo Performance
25.10.07
Time, Naas.
Supporting Aslan
28.10.07
Dublin, Whelans.
Supporting Kinetiks
15.11.07
The Stables, Mullingar.
Solo Performance
16.11.07
Roisin Dubh, Galway.
Solo Performance
October 19th, 2007
I’m just looking I’m not buying, I’m just looking keeps me smiling – yes the Stereophonics are back after two years away and will be touring Ireland.
They will be playing in Belfast on 27 November, Killarney on 28 November and Dublin on 29 November. Tickets can be purchased from Ticketmaster.
The boys’ fantastic sixth album, Pull the Pin, written by Kelly Jones includes the lead single ‘It means nothing’ and will be released on 15 October. The album can be pre-ordered from HMV.
This tour really will be amazing – with so much energy stored up for two years, I’m sure they will blow us all away.
UK and Ireland Tour Dates – 2007
Mon 29 Oct Lincoln, University of Lincoln SU
Tue 30 Oct Dundee, Caird Hall
Sun 4 Nov Bournemouth, International Centre
Mon 5 Nov Brighton, Brighton Centre
Wed 7 Nov Manchester, MEN Arena
Thu 8 Nov Hull, Arena
Fri 9 Nov Sheffield, Hallam FM Arena
Sun 11 Nov Birmingham, NEC
Mon 12 Nov Birmingham, NEC
Tue 13 Nov Nottingham, Nottingham Arena
Thu 15 Nov London, Wembley Arena
Fri 16 Nov London, Wembley Arena
Sun 18 Nov Cardiff, CIA
Mon 19 Nov Cardiff, CIA
Tue 20 Nov Cardiff, CIA
Thu 22 Nov Newcastle, Metro Radio Arena
Sat 24 Nov Aberdeen, AECC
Sun 25 Nov Glasgow, SECC
Tue 27 Nov Belfast, Odyssey
Wed 28 Nov Killarney, INEC
Thu 29 Nov Dublin, RDS
October 8th, 2007
Kanye West may be the biggest name in hip hop for most of the world, but based on record sales, 50 Cent is the man in Ireland.
50 Cent vowed to stop making solo albums if Kanye West’s Graduation sold more than his own album, Curtis. In most countries, 50 Cent has been blown out of the water, except for Ireland.
So is Kanye West bringing his excellent live show to Dublin and Belfast to help him get a clean sweep?
He certainly deserves it. Kanye West’s brand of hip hop is more imaginative and political than Fiddy’s gangsta fodder.
In fact, Kanye West is a controversial figure in the US, never afraid to criticise the government or the macho posturing of the hip hop community.
If you haven’t heard Kanye West yet, this live show is a great chance to discover his music. Kanye puts on a great live show, and even if 50 Cent is more popular in Ireland, tickets are sure to sell fast.
Find out more about Kanye West in Dublin or Belfast. Or get tickets for Kanye West live from Ticketmaster.
September 24th, 2007
One of the world’s most successful musicals written by the team of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice will be performing at Gaiety Theatre in Dublin, from Monday 15 to Saturday 20 October.
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat stars Craig Chalmers as Joseph, a popular finalist in the recent BBC television programme Any Dream Will Do.
The long-running (over twenty years) musical is based on the biblical story of Joseph, his eleven brothers and the coat of many colours. It includes well-known songs such as Any Dream Will Do, Close Every Door To Me and One More Angel.
This magical performance, with direction by Bill Kenwright and choreography by Henry Metcalfe, is one for all the family and you can be assured that once you have experienced this enchanting display, you will be singing and dancing all the way home – yes even you dad!
The price of tickets ranges from €20 to €39.50 and can be obtained from Gaiety theatre & ticketmaster.
Why not prepare yourself for this dazzling show by learning one of the musical’s songs. Try the popular hit made famous by Jason Donovan, Any Dream Will Do.
Any Dream Will Do lyrics:
Joseph
I closed my eyes, drew back the curtain
To see for certain what I thought I knew
Far far away, someone was weeping
But the world was sleeping
Any dream will do
Joseph & Children
I wore my coat, with golden lining
Bright colours shining, wonderful and new
And in the east, the dawn was breaking
And the world was waking
Any dream will do
Joseph
A crash of drums, a flash of light
My golden coat flew out of sight
The colors faded into darkness
I was left alone
Joseph & Children
May I return to the beginning
The light is dimming, and the dream is too
The world and I, we are still waiting
Still hesitating
Any dream will do
Give me my coloured coat,
my amazing coloured coat
September 10th, 2007
Thankfully, Brian O’Driscoll will be able to guide Ireland into their first world cup game against Namibia this Sunday.
The Irish captain sustained a fractured sinus injury when playing against the French club Bayonne last month.
Now that the captain is fully recovered from his sports wound, he can now help Ireland on their way to victory!
The Namibian team will have less support than they had predicted. The president of the Rugby Union of Namibia and all of his executives have been banned from the Rugby World Cup due to suspected irregular sales of tickets. All the more support for Ireland!
Ireland’s games this month
Ireland v Namibia on Sunday 9th September (Bordeaux)
Ireland v Georgia on Saturday 15th September (Bordeaux)
France v Ireland on Friday 21st September (Saint-Denis)
Ireland v Argentina on Sunday 30th September (Paris)
Ireland’s expected line up against Namibia
15 Girvan Dempsey
14 Andrew Trimble
13 Brian O’Driscoll
12 Gordon D’Arcy
11 Denis Hickie
10 Ronan O’Gara
9 Peter Stringer
1 Marcus Horan
2 Rory Best
3 John Hayes
4 Donncha O’Callaghan
5 Paul O’Connell
6 Simon Easterby
7 David Wallace
8 Denis Leamy
Replacements
16 Jerry Flannery
17 Simon Best
18 Malcolm O’Kelly
19 Neil Best
20 Isaac Boss
21 Paddy Wallace
22 Geordan Murphy
Read more information at the official Rugby World Cup site.
September 7th, 2007
Hard Working Class Heroes are true heroes as they bring an action-packed live music event to the Pod in Dublin to celebrate their 5th birthday.
The festival is run in conjunction with Bud Rising and will see new bands from across Ireland showcase their talents at this unique live music event. In keeping with the theme of “5” the gigs will be held at five separate venues in Dublin’s Pod.
Two of the 300 capacity rooms haven’t yet been named and HWCH are running a competition to win two weekend passes and fame on their website if you email: info@hwch.net with your ideas (and room names in the subject line).
Hard Working Class Heroes is the only festival dedicated to Irish bands and the place to see the next big stars or to support your local favourites.
Tickets for each night are €17.45 each and available for:
Friday 28 September
Saturday 29 September
Sunday 30 September
Or get tickets to all 3 events for only €33.60 and try hard to fit in as many live gigs as you can while in Dublin!
August 30th, 2007
Donny Osmond gives a live music performance here in Dublin on 30 October at Vicar Street. This is one live music event in Dublin that will draw huge fans from across Ireland.
Donny is sure to enjoy himself in Dublin’s fair city where the girls are so pretty! Although the girls that idolised him as a teen are likely to be your mum or your granny, so why not give them a treat with tickets to see Donny in Dublin.
Book tickets for Donny Osmond’s live gig in Dublin now at Dublin Events.
For some reason I always want to say Donny Osbourne when I say Donny’s name, it’s a bit of a tongue twister for me. It probably stems from the Pepsi Twist advert that starred Donny and his sister Marie turned into Ozzy’s son and daughter!
See the ad here, on YouTube, Ozzy is hilarious!
As well as appearing in TV adverts, Donny has enjoyed a varied career, from a singing sensation (starting out at the age of four) as part of “The Osmonds”, to a duo with his sister Marie as a musical act and then co-host of the Donny and Marie Show in the 70s.
Now approaching 50, Donny continues his career starring in musicals and touring, charming audiences throughout the world. So book tickets for the gig in Dublin now and be prepared to be charmed!
August 29th, 2007
Rihanna’s live music events take place in Dublin on Sunday 2 December and Belfast on Monday 3 December, and as they’re both indoor gigs there’s no need to bring along an umbrella. Mind you the last gig I was at I got soaked with a pint of beer, so standing under someone’s umbrella-ella-ella-ella-ella, eh-oh- oh oh oh, mightn’t be such a bad idea after aaaall.
Book tickets for Rihanna’s gig in Dublin
Book tickets for the live event in Belfast
Umbrella was the theme tune for many a summer festival and extremely catchy! The latest single Shut Up and Drive is equally as catchy and set to be the theme tune for a drive.
I was watching the making of the Shut Up And Drive video with great pleasure on MTV earlier this week.
I really like all of the effort that went into sourcing the classic cars not to mention the young ladies washing them (ahem) of course I was looking at the cars, not the ladies, don’t mistake me for some kind of pervert!
The video is as slick as Rihanna’s new hairdo – have a look for yourself.
Enjoy the gigs!
August 22nd, 2007
Red, the MS Ireland reading superhero, is urging you to sign up to this year’s MS READaTHON. The 2007 READaTHON is extra special, because it is the 20th birthday of this great sponsored read.
Children who join in will get to read some of their favourite stories and they will be raising money for the 7,000 in Ireland who who living with Multiple Sclerosis.
During last year’s READaTHON, more than more than 30,000 children aged 6-16 read over 500,000 books, raising €1.2million for the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Ireland. Red and everyone else hopes the 2007 READaTHON will be even bigger.
The MS READaTHON runs from 19th October – 19th November. This year it is supported by lots of famous authors, including Jacqueline Wilson – the creator of Tracy Beaker.
Children can take part in the MS READaTHON individually or classes can be signed up by their teacher. Everyone who takes part will recieve a thank you gift and a Certificate of Appreciation.
There is also the change to win lots of major prizes, including a computer, a trip for two to see Manchester United play at Old Trafford, a portable DVD player and a bike.
Schools can compete for the Winning Schools Trophies and for thousands of euros worth of books with which to update their school libraries. There are prizes for teachers and librarians too. In addition, ten per cent of the money raised in each school can be kept to buy books or reading aids for the school. This year a school can also win a brand new top of the range computer plus a digital camera.
The sign up period begins on 10th September. Schools can sign up by filling out the entry forms that they will all receive in September. Individuals can pick up entry forms from their local library or bookshop.
For more information visit www.msreadathon.ie or phone 1850 650 950.
MS READaTHON Manager, Cheryl Gunning, says: “The MS READaTHON encourages children to read, giving them one of the greatest gifts possible, a love of books – all the while helping to raise funds for much needed services for people with MS. Last year, we were thrilled that school children raised €1.2 million for the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Ireland. And this year we’re really looking forward to celebrating our 20th birthday with even more success stories!”
And one last word from our Superhero Red! “The more I read the more superpowers I get – and now with my incredible knowledge and wisdom I outsmart the villains. My mission is to encourage children to read more, which helps them to develop a fantastic imagination and to broaden their knowledge!”
By taking part in the 2007 MS READaTHON, you can be more like Red!
August 21st, 2007
UB40 get back to their reggae roots almost 30 years after they first got together to perform 3 live gigs in Ireland in November. Live music performances take place on and at:
Ali Campbell’s warm voice will melt Irish hearts as UB40 belt out old favourites like Red, Red, Wine and I Can’t Help Falling In Love With You.
They will also perform newer music from the album Who You fighting For, a return of UB40’s political voice mixed in with meaningful lyrics and beautiful beats.
UB40 are amazingly talented and their unique reggae sound, with influences from Jamaican Ska to Elvis, is what has made their career so successful.
Here’s a live music clip of Kiss and Say Goodbye – from Who You Fighting For with Ali at his soulful best
Facts about UB40
- They formed in the summer of 1978.
- UB40 began as mates who knew each other from various colleges and schools across Birmingham.
- Birmingham is their home town.
- UB40 stands for Unemployment Benefit Form 40.
- Before they even picked up an instrument, Ali Campbell and Brian Travers travelled around Birmingham promoting the band, putting up UB40 posters to promote the band!
- £4,000 in compensation paid out to Ali Campbell after a bar brawl paid for the band’s instruments (even though few knew how to play!).
- Ali and Robin Campbell’s father is Ian Campbell, a popular folk musician.
- They made it big when Chrissie Hynde heard them play in a pub in Birmingham and asked them to be her support act.
- John Peel was so impressed with the group’s first demo tape that he invited them to perform on his Radio One show in 1980.
- Their injection of life into many old Jamaican hits resulted in many musicians’ and producers’ renewed popularity and income. (Source: Wikipedia)
- UB40 named their first album Signing Off because they were ‘signing off from the dole’ in other words, getting a job. The album even had a reproduction of the unemployment benefit card on the cover with the words, “Signing Off” stamped on it.
- In 1985, the group celebrated a hit single with I Got You Babe, recorded with Chrissie Hynde.
- UB40’s first single, a double coupling of King, a song for Martin Luther King and Food for Thought, a song about third-world poverty, was the first record to reach the UK top ten without the backing of a major record label.
- The band formed their own record company in 1980 called Dep International.
- In August 1983, UB40 achieved their first No.1 single in the UK.
Red Red Wine was released ahead of the album Labour of Love, which went straight to No.1 upon its release in September 1983.
- The Labour Of Love Album, produced and co-written by saxophonist Brian Travers, was made into a short movie and features most of the music from the album and some members of the band.
- UB40 were the first British band to tour Russia.
- (I can’t help) Falling In Love With You was the bands third No.1. It proved to be the second top selling single of 1993.
- (I can’t help) Falling In Love With You reached No.1 in 17 other countries around the world.
- (I can’t help) Falling In Love With You was initially featured in the Sharon Stone film Sliver and spent seven weeks at number one in the USA.
- Promises & Lies entered the UK charts at No.1 and stayed there
for 7 weeks which was the longest time for any album to have stayed at the
top in 1993.
- Swing Low was recorded with the multi-cultural choir United Colours of Sound and became the official anthem for the 2003 English Rugby Team.
- Promises And Lies was the inspiration for a musical performed by the Birmingham Repertory Theatre Company in 2006.
- Sparta Florida Music Group started legal action against heiress Paris Hilton and Warner Chappell Music in June 2007 for plagiarism due to similarities between the song Kingston Town, originally by Lord Creator and Paris’s Stars Are Blind song.
Visit UB40’s official website: http://www.ub40.co.uk/
August 20th, 2007
The live musical performances of Natasha Bedingfield in Dublin and Belfast have been rescheduled and she’ll now perform in February due to her commitments in the USA.
I’m bruised, as I was really looking forward to see her play live in Dublin, and Natasha, like you, I bruise easily!
Nevermind, at least it’ll chase away my winter blues seeing her beautiful face in February! Also, as the event is round about Valentines Day, maybe I can give her a card!
Dates are as follows:
If any of your friends are going to the gig, then send them a note from a cute little baby!
See the video of
I Wanna Have Your Babies
:
August 17th, 2007
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