The Tara Sessions kick off at the Dice Bar

dublin | miscellaneous | press release

Wednesday April 19, 2006 12:43

by Geraldine Moorkens Byrne - Tarawatch

byrnemus at eircom dot net

21-22 Lower Stephen Street Dublin 2

01-4781773

Tarawatch Campaign hotting up

Last night (Tuesday 18th April2006) saw the very first Tara Session Gigs kick off at the Dice Bar, Queen Street Dublin with great music from Longtails and Alice Jago.
Organised by Tarawatch, these weekly gigs are intended to raise awareness of the campaign to save Tara and the archaeology of the Skryne Valley from the proposed motorway, and of course to raise some much needed shekels for the fight. No entrance fee, free music and a good cause were enough to tempt a good turn-out for the first gig – and it was a great way to spend a Tuesday evening.

Alice Jago plays the Dice Bar for Tarawatch

The Dice bar is an ideal location for the gigs, providing an intimate space without being cramped and with a very pleasant atmosphere. The evening began with a relaxed ambiance until Longtails injected energy into the proceedings and kicked the event off with an upbeat set, boasting a strong percussion hook; followed by the talented Alice Jago, a singer/songwriter with a unique left-handed guitar style and distinctive vocals. One of Ireland’s busiest performers, along with Longtails this was a great start to the weekly gigs.

Meanwhile the audience took the time to get to know one another, with Vincent Salafia taking time out to meet and greet. Some upcoming fundraising merchandise was available to view, notably the Save Tara shoulder bags designed especially for Tarawatch’s campaign by UK designer Caroline Hardy. At the end of the evening the bag was passed round and thanks to the generosity of both Tarawatch members and the Dice Bar’s regulars over a hundred euros was raised.

Vincent then addressed the audience, thanking everyone for the tremendous effort put in and of course, for turning out to support the gig: after which Alice jago gave the crowd an encore.

The Sessions will be held weekly at the Dice bar for the foreseeable future: every week will see some new and interesting performers, and provide a chance to catch some up and coming acts; and of course to support the campaign to protect Tara/Skryne Valley. There’s just no better way to spend a Tuesday night!

Performers:
www.alicejago.com
www.myspace.com/longtails

Tarawatch:
www.tarawatch.org
www.hilloftara.info

Tarabags:
designed by Caroline Hardy http://www.carolinehardy.co.uk
available from charlesbyrne@ireland.com