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Moville reaches out to musicians 10.05.10

MOVILLE and Greencastle are tuning up for a unique community venture to nurture budding local musicians and help keep the music alive in the locality.
The Up Scene is the brainchild of local musician George McCormick who became concerned at the scarcity of young artists on the live circuit in the area.
“There used to be a lively music scene here with any number of venues where young bands could perform and hone their musical skills on the circuit. I noticed that this just doesn’t seem to be happening in the town any more," said George.
"I wasn’t sure if it was just down to the fact that there aren’t as many young people in bands now so I decided to get a group together and get the call out to anyone who wanted to be involved."
The idea behind the Up Scene is to get singers and musicians performing live, many for the first time in front of an audience.
Carrie McGonigle from Carrowmenagh rehearses with the house band in preparation for the first Up Scene gig on Friday, May 14.
And it's not just for 'the young ones'. Anyone in the area who would like to get involved in reinvigorating the local music scene is encouraged to go along to rehearsals regardless of age or musical preference.
“We have been in rehearsals now for a couple of months and the numbers attending have been very encouraging. We’ve had a great range of singers and a variety of instruments so it’s all very promising at this stage and those involved seem very keen," said committee member Marie McDonald.
Among those driving the project forward are seasoned local musicians, George McCormick, Clodagh Warnock, Paul McLaughlin, Colm Cavanagh, Sean McLaughlin and Gerard McGonagle. They will be on-hand to help up-and-coming performers as well as acting as backing musicians to many of the solo-artists performing.
They are also there to help show newcomers some inside tips on setting up PA equipment etc.
Fiddle player and Up Scene organiser Clodagh Warnock is also keen to boost traditional music through the project.
Clodagh said: "I would love to see more people getting together for traditional sessions in the Moville/Greencastle area. I know plenty of budding musicians out there who would be well capable of picking up a fiddle or bodhrán and joining in with a few tunes. It’s all about getting started and getting the taste for it - and overcoming those initial nerves."
The organisers hope to run a number of Up Scene nights over the summer months with showcases staged in different bars and venues in the area. The nights will rotate around interested venues with acts carefully selected to complement each location. This is a community venture to try and encourage local talent. The Up Scene will also serve as a useful tool for local pubs on the look-out for new talent to entertain their customers.
The first ‘Up Scene’ showcase will take place this Friday, May 14 in the Caiseal Mara Hotel with a wide mix of performers taking to the stage on opening night. Doors open at 9.30pm and the show starts at 10pm. Admission is free. For more information, check out ‘The Up Scene’ Facebook page and to view more photos Click Here .
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