Sound of Belfast 2015

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06-14 NOVEMBER 2015 – LIVE GIGS, MUSIC INDUSTRY, AWARDS, LEARNING & COMMUNITY


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NOVEMBER 06-14

EXHIBITION — NOISE TOYS OH YEAH EXHIBITION ANNEX OH YEAH MUSIC CENTRE, 9AM-5PM WEEKDAYS, 12PM-5PM SATURDAYS — Noise Toys is a new body of work by artist and musician, Neil Kerr. Drawing on his love of analog synthesizers and beat-boxes, Noise Toys features a collection of hand pulled screenprints of iconic musical instruments ranging from cult Soviet synths to the legendary Minimoog.


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WELCOME BACK TO SOUND OF BELFAST — An ongoing prospect for the city. Great music, awards, community, industry workshops, talent development and many reasons to feel glad. It starts with the huge presence of Bronagh Gallagher and it ends with the marvelous tones of The Divine Comedy. Let November rise with quality tunes and smiles. Sound Of Belfast will embrace the punks, the hip hoppers, the ballad merchants and the blues legends. Events are taking place at the Mandela Hall, Voodoo, The Ulster Hall, The Empire and The Bar With No Name. Not to mention a rolling bus tour that covers the compass points and reveals the inspiring soundscapes. – Stuart Bailie CEO, Oh Yeah Music Centre

The Oh Yeah Music Centre has taken a lead on this and we’re grateful to our friends and allies. Let’s rock again.

ARTWORK: BLAZE FX


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NOVEMBER 06

BRONAGH GALLAGHER SUPPORT FROM PAUL MCDONNELL

OH YEAH MUSIC CENTRE, 8PM, £10 —

This is the perfect opportunity to witness Bronagh Gallagher in an intimate setting. Accompanied by a tight, three piece band, she will performing songs from her two previous albums and will also preview fresh material for a new release, scheduled for 2016. Bronagh is Ireland’s premier soul sister, who imbues her music with compassion, wit and a unique sense of drama. She lives those songs. Online ticket sales: http://tinyurl.com/pgjp39g

One of the purest, clearest talents I know” BRIAN ENO “Bronagh has always felt the music deeper than anyone I know. She cuts to the heart of what it is to be a singer. She’s a real star... and always was.” GLEN HANSARD


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PHOTO CREDIT: CONOR MASTERSON


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FOR THE LOVE OF MOD — DOCUMENTARY SCREENINGS


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NOVEMBER 07

OH YEAH MUSIC CENTRE, 2 - 4PM, £3 —

You think you know Mods? Well here come the real Mods! After exploring the Mod scenes in Northern Ireland and Glasgow, Belfast independent filmmaker Emma-Rosa Dias gained trust at the heart of the notoriously non-publicity-seeking worldwide Mod scene. Her goal was to share her insight into this fascinating sub-culture of engaging characters and to set the record straight. This short documentary series shows how Mod culture has continued to thrive, evolve and diversify around the globe. In the first documentary Emma-Rosa turns her attention to London. We meet some of the fascinating faces that live and breathe it. The ones who established London as the hub of mod in the ’60s and keep the scene thriving. Her journey comes to an enthralling conclusion in Japan. She discovers how a subculture thrives 6,000 miles from its spiritual home. We learn exactly what fashion, music, scooters and the modernist lifestyle means to these people. Stylish, classy and as entertaining as the mods that are featured, this documentary is an honest portrayal of the passionate Japanese Mods.

The event will also include a Q & A with Producer/Director Emma-Rosa Dias All guests will receive a welcome beer and a Mod-related gift courtesy of MERC Clothing. Supported by Belfast Film Festival


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NOVEMBER 07

BACK TRACK SOUL NIGHT — DJS RAY O’REILLY, JOHN CREANER, DEE O’LOAN & GUESTS.

OH YEAH MUSIC CENTRE, 9.30PM TO LATE, £5 —

A celebration of Northern Soul. Back Track revisits that intense atmosphere once found at legendary venues like Wigan’s Casino club and Manchester’s Twisted Wheel. Expect a potent brew of uptempo classics delivered by some of Belfast and Dublin’s finest soul DJs, all spinning on original 45 singles.


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PHOTO CREDIT: JOANNE CREANER


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NOVEMBER 07

JEALOUS OF THE BIRDS, LAUREN BIRD, TEDDY CHARLES JR. 3FOR3 SHOWCASE THE PAVILION, BELFAST, 8PM, FREE — 3for3 is a regular gig night based in Belfast, offering a platform for established as well as up-and-coming performers. Through Live Crowdfunding, we help audience members support local music with only a £3 door charge that goes directly to the acts. We work to create a night of mixed artists, both established and new, to provide an opportunity to network, learn and collaborate with each other in a supportive and lively environment. This event is our first birthday!


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NOVEMBER 08

LILY’S DRIFTWOOD BAY & PUFFIN ROCK SPECIAL A FAMILY FRIENDLY ACOUSTIC PICNIC OH YEAH MUSIC CENTRE, 1 - 4PM, FREE — Two award-winning Northern Irish children’s TV shows will come together for an afternoon of music, crafts and activities. Lily’s Driftwood Bay is a mixed media animated show produced by Belfast-based Sixteen South. It’s about a special island that exists in her imagination. Puffin Rock is a beautiful animated co-production between Dog Ears, based in Derry, Cartoon Saloon and Penguin Books. This special afternoon will bring the stories, characters and music together. There will be viewings, music, a Q&A and activities. The event is part of the Family Friendly initiative delivered by Belfast Strategic Partnership with support from the Public Health Agency. It aims to provide a wide range of family activities that are affordable, attractive and accessible to all. More info TBA. See www.ohyeahbelfast.com


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THE NORTHERN IRELAND MUSIC EXHIBITION OH YEAH MUSIC CENTRE WEEKDAYS 10AM - 5PM, SATURDAYS NOON - 5PM, FREE — Oh Yeah established the Northern Ireland Music Exhibition in 2009. Six years later and it now tells an expansive and inspiring story. From Ruby Murray to Snow Patrol, via punk rock and rave, there is so much to take in. Timelines, films, memorabilia and storyboards. See the wonderful artifacts on loan from Neil Hannon and the Gary Moore estate and don’t miss the new additions to the Good Vibrations story. Avail yourself of the Oh Yeah café when you visit.


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NOVEMBER 09

SIGNED & DELIVERED MUSIC INDUSTRY PRACTICE WITH CREATIVE & CULTURAL SKILLS

OH YEAH MUSIC CENTRE, 10AM - 3PM (PUBLIC ADMISSION AT 1.30PM) — Teams from Belfast Met and North West Regional College battle it out in an exercise to sign and develop the act Sister Ghost. Throughout the day, teams from these colleges will work with industry professionals to outline a two year plan for the group, acting as a mini Record label. Teams will work with an industry mentor to create a strategy that includes press, social media, tour logistics, visual marketing and finance. This live brief will expose students to the real challenges faced by those working in the music business and give them the unique opportunity to question and work with those already working in the music sector.

Come and see the results as they pitch their ideas to Sister Ghost and Oh Yeah representatives at 1.30pm.


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BREAKING INTO MUSIC YOUTH CONFERENCE


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NOVEMBER 10

OH YEAH MUSIC CENTRE, 10AM - 3PM, FREE — Introducing Youth to Industry Opportunities So how can you get a job in the music industry? Career opportunities within this sector can be hard to identify, are often misunderstood and tend to be discretely advertised. Do you need qualifications, experience or skills? What sort of jobs are out there? This event will provide answers and introduce you to a series of young people currently working in the music industry. You will also meet the people running their own enterprises based right here at Oh Yeah: Start Together Recording Studio, Moosetronix Mastering and Third Bar Artist Development. This Youth Conference is a careers education and work-related learning event for young people aged 14+. GUEST PANELLISTS: Phil Taggart (BBC Radio 1), Ben Scarr (Island Records), Danny Desai (Young Guns Network/Virgin EMI Records), Charlene Hegarty (Smalltown America Music) and Hollie Boston (Universal Music Publishing).

Artist and management session with The Clameens & Mark Holden. Lunchtime music scheduled by Volume Control, Oh Yeah’s events mentoring programme for young people. The event is free, but registration is essential. Interested individuals, school groups and colleges should contact charlotte @ohyeahbelfast.com or call 028 9031 0845 for more information. This event has is supported by the RBS Inspiring Youth Enterprise programme.


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NOVEMBER 10

RORY NELLIS

BACK BAR, LAVERY’S, 9.30PM, FREE — When he’s not fronting Belfast-based indie rock band Seven Summits, Rory Nellis is busy playing his brilliantly varied, masterfully meditative brand of acoustic-driven alt-pop. Nellis and his band will play a live instalment of the Thin Air’s Tuesday Throwdown in what is set to be an extraordinary performance from one of the country’s most naturally gifted songsmiths. The Thin Air DJs before and after.


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NOVEMBER 11

BOOK READING: THE WHEELS OF THE WORLD OH YEAH MUSIC CENTRE, 7.30 - 9.00PM, FREE — Music writer Colin Harper will read extracts from a new book, The Wheels Of The World: 300 Years Of Irish Uilleann Pipers. In this towering publication, Colin has associated with the piper James McSherry to review the history of this iconic instrument and to remember the contribution of the greats such as Séamus Ennis, Liam O’Flynn, Willie Clancy and Leo Rowsome. A vivid and fascinating story.

Free admission, but spaces are limited. To reserve a place contact info@ohyeahbelfast.com


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PHOTO CAPTION: BELFAST HIP HOP ARTIST JUN TZU. FACILITATING THIS YEAR’S RAP WORKSHOPS.


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NOVEMBER 11

BELFAST URBAN AFFINITY 2015 OH YEAH MUSIC CENTRE, 10AM - 3PM, FREE — Urban Affinity is an open day at Oh Yeah providing hard-to-reach young people with free access to a variety of music-related taster sessions. The aim is to encourage participation and expose young people to the enjoyment of music, but also introduce them to potential employment, training or volunteering opportunities in the music industry. With an emphasis on urban, pop and hip hop, a variety of taster sessions are on offer including club and radio DJing, rap, vocal coaching, song writing, production and studio time. Stress-busting drum sessions are included in this year’s programme and there will be advice on backstage careers too.

Priority of place is offered to youth, NEETS and community organisations on a registration basis. Places are free but limited. Free lunch included. For more info or to book contact charlotte@ ohyeahbelfast.com 028 9031 0845 This year’s event has been made possible with support from the George Best Belfast City Airport Community Fund.


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NOVEMBER 12

MUSIC CITIES CONFERENCE

OH YEAH MUSIC CENTRE, 12.30 - 4.00PM, FREE — What does it take to be a great music city? How does Belfast measure up and what can we learn from our friends in Canada, Liverpool and Derry? This Sound of Belfast special will examine the challenges and the exciting potential.

At 10am, Oh Yeah CEO Stuart Bailie will address the Digital DNA Tourism Conference at the Titanic Building on the theme of Music Tourism in a Digital Age.


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12.30 - 1.00PM, THE MAKING OF A MUSIC CITY — Keynote talk by Graham Henderson, CEO and President of Music Canada and Editor of ‘The Mastering Of A Music City’. Graham will outline the seven strategic areas that support a music city. 1.00 - 2.00PM, THE VALUE OF MUSIC TOURISM — Panel discussion. Moderated by Shona McCarthy, Chair of Oh Yeah and former CEO, Culture Company Derry. With Graham Henderson (Music Canada), Jo Dipple (UK Music), Gareth Stewart (Music City Day Derry and Celtronic). Plus an Eastside Arts Presentation of their Cyprus Avenue gig with Van Morrison. 2.30 - 3.30PM, WHAT DO WE NEED IN OUR OWN MUSIC CITY? With: Shona McCarthy, Graham Henderson, Yaw Owusu, Curator, Liverpool International Music Festival, Other panelists TBA. See www.ohyeahbelfast.com for updates. To reserve a place at this conference, contact info@ohyeahbelfast.com

Graham Henderson is President of Music Canada, an association that promotes the interests of the Canadian music community. Music Canada is a passionate advocate for music in Canada, a trusted source of music-related news and information and a respected forum for all things music. Supported by the British Council Northern Ireland


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NOVEMBER 12 MUSICIANS’ UNION ONE-TO-ONE SESSIONS — On November 12 The Musicians’ Union will be available for a series of 30 minute one-to-one advice sessions at Oh Yeah. Spaces are limited.

Please email Glasgow@TheMu.org or call 0141 341 2960.

NOVEMBER 13 MUSICIANS’ UNION SYNC MASTERCLASS 1PM, OH YEAH MUSIC CENTRE, FREE — It is hugely important to use as many avenues for exploitation of your music as possible. Licensing to film, TV, internet and other media has become a key revenue stream - many earn more from sync than through record sales. This seminar will look at the different ways in which music is used. It may be writing to brief, approaching music supervisors, getting your music ‘sync ready’ and knowing your rights.

PANELISTS ARE: Mark Gordon, CEO, Score Draw Music, Michael Sweeney, Recording and Broadcasting Office, Musicians’ Union, Declan Legge, Owner /Producer at Big Space Studios , Andrew Scott, Music Supervisor at Polar Patrol Publishing Contact info@ohyeahbelfast.com to reserve a place.


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NOVEMBER 12

PLEDGEMUSIC UK PRESENTATION

OH YEAH MUSIC CENTRE, 4 - 5PM, FREE — PledgeMusic UK is the world’s leading online, direct-to-fan music platform, offering artists a unique way to engage their fans in the music making experience, whilst interacting with PledgeMusic’s global community of music fans. Since 2009, PledgeMusic UK has worked with artists and labels to deliver high impact campaigns that provide exclusive engagement and content, experiences and behind the scenes access for music fans alongside new commercial benefits and revenue streams for artists and music labels.

With: Julian Wall, Head of Comms and Industry Relations & Paul Barton Managing Director at PledgeMusic UK For more information please contact julian. wall@pledgemusic.com


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NOVEMBER 12

PLAGUE ARTISTS, OWEN DENVIR, SISTER GHOST, TREEHOME — SCRATCH MY PROGRESS EP LAUNCH OH YEAH MUSIC CENTRE, 8PM, £5 — Scratch My Progress is Oh Yeah’s annual talent development programme. Four acts have availed of recording studio time, a professional photo shoot, one-to-one meetings with industry professionals and more. November 12 is another milestone: the launch of the fourth Scratch EP.

We think the music is amazing and we believe that these artists will follow in the illustrious paths of previous Scratch graduates such as Go Wolf, R51, Katharine Philippa and Hot Cops. Scratch My Progress is supported by the PRS for Music Foundation, the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, Help Musicians UK and PledgeMusic UK.


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NOVEMBER 12

VERSECHORUSVERSE & DAVID LYTTLE — PLUS DONAL SCULLION, JESS EDLIN, JUNIOR JOHNSON, COLM MCINTYRE & SHIZZNIGH DJS THE EMPIRE MUSIC HALL, 8.30PM, £6 — VerseChorusVerse and David Lyttle are now working as a dynamic duo. Percussion-heavy, guitar-driven, soulful songs are in order. The pair met earlier this year when Tony Wright, aka VerseChorusVerse, visited David’s writer-in-residence studio at the Nerve Centre in Derry. After finding common ground in iconic singersongwriters, American hip hop and the blues, their initial collaboration has quickly grown into a studio album and a live project. Plus a substantial supporting bill.


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NOVEMBER 12

TERRI HOOLEY’S GOOD VIBRATIONS CLUB VOODOO, 10PM UNTIL LATE, FREE — He is the undefeated champion of Belfast. Terri Hooley is a punk godfather, an unabashed anarchist, a folk devil, a poet, a lover and a fighter. His blazing life has been celebrated in the film Good Vibrations and Thursday night at Voodoo is the chance to hear him play tunes that equate with his character. Expect ska, reggae, soul, punk rock and inevitably, ‘Teenage Kicks’, the record he sent into the universe on his legendary record label.


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NOVEMBER 13

WHO ARE, WHAT ARE, THEM? GETTING TO KNOW BILLY HARRISON

OH YEAH MUSIC CENTRE, 12PM, FREE — Billy Harrison is a guitarist, a force of nature and one of the founders members of Belfast band Them. On 17 April 1964 he stepped onto the stage of the Maritime Hotel on College Square North with Van Morrison. Signed to Decca, he created musical history on tracks like ‘Baby Please Don’t Go’, ‘Gloria’ and ‘Here Comes The Night’. Join him for this special conversation with music, part of the Maritime Blue Notes project, in association with the Arts Council of Northern Ireland and their Arts & Older People theme. The wider project will involve dance, drama and music.

For further information contact paul@ohyeahbelfast.com


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NOVEMBER 13

BPI WORKSHOP: PROMOTE & PROTECT YOUR MUSIC ONLINE

OH YEAH MUSIC CENTRE, 3PM, FREE — Whether you’re an aspiring or established musician, you probably want to make money from your music. Whilst the debate continues around falling CD sales and royalties from digital services such as YouTube and Spotify, artists and labels (major and indies) continue to lose money as a result of piracy. In this workshop, we meet the experts in the business who can help you to protect your music online for free. Join BPI - the trade body for record companies and organisers of The BRIT Awards - to hear how they are tackling piracy and how you can benefit from their work.

David Wood, BPI Director of Copyright Protection Clare Miller, BPI Member Services Manager


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NOVEMBER 13

START TOGETHER STUDIO PRODUCTION WORKSHOPS OH YEAH MUSIC CENTRE, 12PM & 2PM, FREE — Start Together will host two workshops on production, recording and mixing techniques. We will look at drum recording, various microphone set-ups, explain recording processes and share tips on recording all types of instruments and vocals. In the last seven years Start Together have worked with artists like And So I Watch You From Afar, General Fiasco, Wheatus and Girls Names. They have also hosted sessions for Rihanna, BBC Radio & TV, Duke Special, Ciaran Lavery and many more. A unique and vast collection of new and vintage instruments, amplifiers, microphones and recording equipment are housed in a variety of rooms, giving musicians an incredible choice in creating sounds and productions.

We will host two 90 minute workshops at 12pm and 2pm. Spaces are limited. Please email info@ starttogetherstudio.com with subject “Workshop” and which time you would like to attend and we will confirm via return email.


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NOVEMBER 13

DOGHOUSE SKA, BOSS SOUND MANIFESTO, DJ DANNY DUB (BUZZ SOUNDS CREW)

PHOTO CREDIT: CHRISTOPHER HEANEY

OH YEAH MUSIC CENTRE, 8PM UNTIL LATE, £10 — Extern Ormeau Centre is a large, busy direct access, emergency hostel supporting 36 men and women who are homeless. Many have been homeless for some time or have been living on the street. Many are experiencing difficulty with their mental health, substance use and/or physical well-being. The ska and reggae community has come together to aid this important project.

Benefit For Extern Ormeau Centre


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NOVEMBER 13

HEXXED, MATUA TRAP, A NORTHERN LIGHT, NOMADIC RITUALS THE BAR WITH NO NAME, 9PM, £6 — Hexxed has existed for 20 years. In that time, the band has transitioned from death metal, to technical metal, to progressive rock and is currently investigating the fringes of fusion. Their last record, Hidden Graphs, was a study of “the invisible world and the place where thoughts are formed”. Now playing live as a 6-piece, Hexxed’s latest material explores structure and chaos, using composition and improvisation to create new musical expressions.


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NOVEMBER 14

THE BELFAST MUSIC BUS TOUR BEGINS AT THE ULSTER HALL, 2PM, £6/£8 — Take a trip through the heart of a great rock and roll city, taking in landscapes that informed and inspired the likes of Van Morrison, Stiff Little Fingers, Ruby Murray, James Galway, Gary Moore and Snow Patrol. It finishes with a visit to the Northern Ireland Music exhibition at Oh Yeah. Great music on this two hour journey. We invite you to roll with it.

Tickets from the Welcome Centre, 028 9024 6609 visit-belfast.com


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NOVEMBER 14

STIFF LITTLE FINGERS

ULSTER HALL, 7PM, £22.50 — Stiff Little Fingers playing live in their hometown is always a remarkable experience. One of the definitive punk bands from Belfast, they retain the grit and the fever and made them a vital prospect in 1978. The band made a powerful return to form in 2014 with their ‘No Going Back’ - their first UK top 30 album in more than 20 years, and their first ever number one album on the official UK Top 40 Rock Albums Chart. The band was honoured in this same venue in 2011 with an Oh Yeah Legend Award for their immense contribution to local music. www.ulsterhall.co.uk 028 9033 4455 www.ticketmaster.ie 0870 243 4455 (SEATED TICKETS ARE SOLD OUT)


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NOVEMBER 14 NI MUSIC PRIZE 2015, MANDELA HALL, 8PM, £12 Online ticket sales: http://tinyurl.com/qfcxqdl


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LIVE MUSIC FROM Malojian Ciaran Lavery & Ryan Vail The Lost Brothers

Plus Special guests The Divine Comedy

Twelve albums have been shortlisted for the northern ireland music prize 2015. The winning album will be announced on the night. The shortlisted acts are: And So I Watch You From Afar

The Lost Brothers

‘Heirs’

‘New Songs Of Dawn And Dust’

A Plastic Rose

Malojian

‘Flickering Light of an Inner War’

‘Southlands’

Axis Of

Not Squares

‘The Mid Brae Inn’

‘Bolts’

BeeMickSee

SOAK

‘Belfast Yank’

‘Before We Forgot How To Dream’

Ciaran Lavery and Ryan Vail

Therapy?

‘Sea Legs’

‘Disquiet’

Duke Special

Tim Wheeler

‘Look Out Machines’

‘Lost Domain’

The NI Music Prize event will end with a special presentation - an Oh Yeah Legend Award - to The Divine Comedy The NI Music Prize event is produced by the Oh Yeah music centre and supported by The Arts Council of Northern Ireland.


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NOVEMBER 14

THE OH YEAH LEGEND AWARD MANDELA HALL, 8PM, £12 (PART OF THE NI MUSIC PRIZE EVENT) — The Oh Yeah Legend Award recognises the exceptional contribution of a musician or a music industry figure from Northern Ireland. THE DIVINE COMEDY, aka Neil Hannon from Enniskillen, has been releasing music since 1990. This amounts to a magnificent body of work. Neil continues to perform internationally and composes for a variety of art forms including film, theatre, television and opera. After receiving the Legend Award, Neil and band will play a live selection from The Divine Comedy’s impressive back catalogue. Neil says: “I am amazed and humbled to be receiving this honour. There is nothing more gratifying than recognition from your homeland, and I’m very much looking forward to playing some songs and seeing some familiar faces at the Mandela Hall on Nov 14th.”

PREVIOUS RECIPIENTS Terri Hooley (2008) Henry McCullough (2009) The Undertones (2010), Stiff Little Fingers (2011), Gary Moore (posthumous) (2012), Therapy? (2014). ‘The Oh Yeah Legend Award’ 2015 is sponsored by PRS for Music.


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SOUNDOFBELFAST.COM @SOUNDOFBELFAST

OPEN DOORS TO MUSIC — OH YEAH MUSIC CENTRE 15-21 GORDON ST, BELFAST, 028 9031 0845 WWW.OHYEAHBELFAST.COM


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