An Evening of Music & Entertainment in Aid of

Featuring Mark Geary Minnie and the Illywhackers Suzanne Savage A FistFull of Oranges Ossia Youth Choir Jimi Cullen

Saturday 16th November 2013, 8.00 PM

Axis Theatre, Ballymun, Dublin 9

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“(Something Inside) So Strong”

1987 single written and recorded by British singer-songwriter, Labi Siffre. The song was the biggest success of Siffre's career, and peaked at number four in the United Kingdom. The song has remained enduringly popular and is an example of the political and sociological thread running through much of Siffre’s lyrics and poetry.

Music Matters Inclusive Community Choir

In April 2012, Music Matters Inclusive Community Choir had our first rehearsal at the National League of the Blind of Ireland (NLBI) in Dublin City Centre. Our repertoire is mainly modern, contemporary music with a “twist”. We also sing a number of spiritual hymns, Irish folk songs and Christmas carols (when it’s the season!)

The song was inspired by a TV documentary on Apartheid South Africa seen by Siffre in 1985 in which a white soldier was filmed shooting at black children. Siffre originally intended to give the song to another artist to sing, but was convinced to release it himself.

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In April 2013, the Wednesday evening choir moved to our present rehearsal venue at the MACRO Community Resource Centre, Green St/ North King St, Dublin 7. Our choir now has around 25 members and they come from all over Dublin and around the world! Our choir is open to anyone aged 16+ who has a passion for singing and musical performances, no previous choral experience or audition necessary!

Full schedule of Rehearsal Times and Venues

Adult Choir (Age 16+): MACRO Community Resource Centre, 1 Green St, Dublin 7 Every Wednesday from 7.00 – 9.00 PM

“Musical Memories” Choirs – for Older People, especially those with dementia, their families, carers and friends: Deansgrange Library, Every Thursday 11.30 AM – 1.00 PM St Raphaela’s Convent, Stillorgan, Every Saturday 11.30 AM – 1.00 PM These choirs are run in association with Dun Laoighaire Rathdown County Council, HSE Arts and Health Partnership and Living Well With Dementia Stillorgan- Blackrock. Since September 2013, both choirs have been a resounding success, with a waiting list now in operation. Gráinne O’Grady also provides group and individual singing, piano and music theory lessons to young people at a number of different locations. There are a total of 187 people, of all ages, using Music Matters’ services on a weekly basis.

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Volunteers

Music Matters is lucky enough have a number of volunteers and interns involved in a wide variety of roles. We are so delighted to have each of these fantastic individuals involved with our exciting and busy new community arts project. There is so much work to do behind the scenes that takes so much dedication, time and energy. We really are incredibly appreciative of all of our fabulous volunteers.

Why we involve volunteers

Music Matters believes that it cannot achieve its mission without the active involvement of volunteers; We recognise that volunteers require satisfying volunteering experiences and also personal development and will seek to help volunteers meet their needs; A volunteer is defined as any person who gives their time and energy to Music Matters;

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Volunteers have a wide range of responsibilities, including:

Assistant Conductor

Piano Accompaniment

Support Workers

Administration

Printing of Lyrics, Monthly Newsletters and Important Notices

Social Media & Public Relations

Book-keeping & Accounts

Fundraising events

Volunteer Recruitment & Management

Photography/ Filming of all concerts and events If you would like to Volunteer with Music Matters, please email Phil Coleman, our Volunteer Manager at volunteers@musicmatters.ie

Past Events & Projects

Our first public concert called “When you Believe” took place on Saturday 17

th November 2012, in Sion Hill

College, Blackrock, Co. Dublin. This was a fundraising concert for our choir and the National League of the Blind of Ireland (NLBI). The headline act was Glória – Dublin’s Lesbian & Gay Choir, with singer/songwriter Suzanne Savage and musical group “Kellie & the Scruffs” also performing. The night was a huge success, raising €800, which was split between both organisations.

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Other events:

Carol singing in aid of St Michael’s House and NLBI (December 2012)

Visit from Minister Kathleen Lynch to NLBI rehearsal venue (February 2013)

LiFT Youth Arts Festival Gala Concert, The Helix, DCU (March 2013)

Lunchtime performance at National Stroke Survivors’ Day (April 2013)

Music Matters Inclusive Community Choir First Birthday Celebrations (April 2013)

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Performance at International Velo-Cardio-Facial Syndrome Conference (July 2013)

“Sing-a-thon” – Sponsored Singing Event for Music Matters Inclusive Community Choir (August 2013)

Lunchtime performance at Royal Canal Clean-up Day (October 2013)

Performance for “Celebrity Apprentice” star Amanda Brunker as she presented a cheque worth €25,000 to St Michael’s House (November 2013)

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The Secret Millionaire

In June 2013, Music Matters Inclusive Community Choir was selected to take part in a TV documentary series. During the filming, we had a special guest visitor, Margaret Farrelly from Co. Cavan, who travelled to Dublin to learn more about community projects. We were delighted that Margaret could come to the rehearsal. She took the time to chat to everyone and was so interested in listening to all of our personal stories and achievements. Our rehearsal was recorded on Wednesday 10

th July

2013. On Monday 15th July, we took part in a Flash

Mob/ Mini Concert at Heuston Train Station. The programme was broadcast on RTE1 on Monday 16

th September 2013 at 9.35 PM. On the night of the

Little did we know; the real reason for Margaret’s visit, in what was Music Matters’ most exciting week to date! On the last day of her visit to Dublin, Margaret revealed to Gráinne that she had a “confession” to make, that the documentary was not about “community life in inner-city Dublin”. Margaret then revealed her true identity; she is Managing Director of Clonarn Clover in Co. Cavan, Ireland’s largest independent free-range eggs supplier. She presented a very welcome cheque worth €7,500, which will make a huge difference to our choir.

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Music Matters Inclusive Community Choir, along with 3 other wonderful causes called Aoibheann’s Pink Tie, Carman Hall Community Centre and Fathers Against Addicts were all selected to participate in an episode of “The Secret Millionaire.” This programme was broadcast on RTE1 on Monday 16

th September.

On the night of the screening, we partied with family and friends at The Church Bar & Restaurant, Mary St, Dublin 1. We would especially like to thank Joyanne, for baking not just one but TWO deliciously moist chocolate cakes for the special occasion! We would also like to thank Rima Malukaite for taking these photographs – as they show, everyone had a fabulous time!

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Axis Theatre, Ballymun, Saturday 16th November 2013, 8.00 – 11.00 PM

Music Matters Inclusive Community Choir with Ossia Youth Choir A FistFull of Oranges Suzanne Savage

Ossia Youth Choir Jimi Cullen Minnie and the Illywhackers Mark Geary Closing Music with ALL Performers on Stage

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Members of

Music Matters Inclusive Community Choirs

(including Work Options at St Michael’s House)

Ruth Adams Willie Bond Noel Brady Christian Byrne Joe Carolan Sarah Carroll Daniel Caul Elaine Caul Kevin Cave Siobhán Clarke Dave Collins Lynn Conroy Julieanne Cummins Collette Early Louise Finnegan Danielle Friel Grace Gale Lily Gale Helen Greene Denise Hosford Joanna Howley Michael Hughes Laura Irving Niamh Kane Anne-Marie Keogh Angela Kirwan Áine Lawlor Nicole Leavey John Mahon Elva McCarthy Emma McCormack Ciarán McGroarty Emma McPhillips Anne Meerton Patricia Morrissey Aoife Murray Tony Murray Paula Noctor Cian O’Connor Mary O’Reilly Ann-Marie Reid Eamon Reid Maria Ryder Joyanne Rudiak Chloe Tackaberry Liz Talbot

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Members of

Music Matters Inclusive Community Choirs

(Continued ...)

Musical Director: Gráinne O’Grady Assistant Conductors: Joyanne Rudiak, Ruth Adams Soloists: Elaine Caul, Grace Gale, Lily Gale, Áine Lawlor, Joyanne Rudiak Pianist: Ellen Duffy Violinist: Anna Keary Guitarist: Kevin Cave Ukelele: Joyanne Rudiak Mandolin: Ruth Adams Accordion: Willie Bond Bodhrán: Noel Brady Volunteers: Natalia Burkle, Larissa Caldeira, Elaine Caul, Phil Coleman, Dave Collins, Lorraine Curran, Ali Doll, Ailisha Doyle, Danielle Friel, Barbara Hernandes, Linda McCormack, Anne Meerton, Ismael Minguet Garcia, Róisín Murphy, Caroline Ng, Siobhán O’Connor, Lucie Ramos, Miyu Souji, Eleanor Stewart, Katerina Tia, Siri Undlin, Brant Wihlidal, Maurício Zanette Bongiolo

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Members of Ossia Youth Choir

Kate Burke Joseph Butterfield Ruby Cooper Chloe Cummins Amy Curtin Laura Duggan Liza Duggan Rachel Duggan Molly Ennis Eva Evans-Foley Annie Feehan Caoimhe Finnegan Ruth Hanley Jordan Higgins Peig Ní Fhearaíl Katie O'Connor Isabelle Rees Lia-Carmel Spencer Ciara Whelan Grace Woulfe Musical Director: Carmel Whelan Pianist:

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Master of Ceremonies: David Heap

David was born in the Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire, and has an English degree from Leeds University. David trained at the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School and spent one year at the Cheltenham Everyman in repertory. He has been based in Dublin since 1980, having come to Ireland playing Lancey in Field Day's World Premiere of "Translations".

Recent theatre appearances are Titus Andronicus and Macbeth directed by Selina Cartmell for Siren Productions, Thesis by Gerry Dukes, David Parnell & Paul Meade produced by the Civic Theatre & Guna Nua, Way to Heaven (Galloglass), Much Ado About Nothing (The Lyric, Belfast), The Murdering Hole (Town Hall, Galway), amongst other productions. Film appearances are Kit Ryan's Botched starring Stephen Dorff for Opix films, Capital Letters, In America & The Boxer, directed by Jim Sheridan for Hell's Kitchen, Miracle at Midnight a Disney production, Franky Starlight (Ferndale Films) and the John Schlesinger film Sweeney Todd. In his television career, David appeared in Scarlett directed by John Erman for World Wide TV Productions, Ballykissangel and the BBC production of Runway One. David played the role of Donal Maher for ten seasons in RTE's popular soap opera Fair City, Father Ted for Channel 4, Leave It To Mrs. O'Brien (RTE) and several other productions.

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Mark Geary

Mark emigrated to New York City at the age of nineteen. He found himself in the middle of a thriving music scene, centred around the East Village and the legendary Sin-é Cafe. The creative atmosphere was exactly what Mark needed to jump-start his career as a musician.

Supporting himself by working as a bartender, Mark devoted his free time to honing his song-writing skills, cutting his teeth playing open-mics around the city. Drawing from inspirations such as The Beatles, Nick Drake, Radiohead and Van Morrison, Mark garnered respect and attention from both audiences and fellow artists. He was soon featured on bills with the likes of Jeff Buckley, Joe Strummer, and Elvis Costello. Mark’s album 33 1/3 Grand Street, released in 2002, was recorded with a talented group of musicians and an eclectic selection of instruments that grabbed the attention of new fans in the U.S. and abroad. Mark’s next album, Ghosts, brought him critical acclaim on both sides of the Atlantic and was voted 2005′s Album of the Year by the Irish Voice. 2008′s Opium continued the trend of showcasing Mark’s considerable talents. Mark’s 4th studio album, songs about love, songs about leaving, on sonaBLAST! Records, was recorded in New York City and features guests including Glen Hansard and Jenna Nichols. In 2012, Mark toured Ireland & Europe including the UK, the Czech Republic and Germany and is continuing to tour while working on his next record.

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Minnie and the Illywhackers

Minnie and the Illywhackers are based around the glorious powerhouse vocal talents of songwriter and ukulele player, Angie McLaughlin previously known for her work with The Sick and Indigent Song Club

The music is influenced by Swing with elements of Jazz syncopation from the era of early popular music; there is also a gospel blues feel running deep throughout the album with a touch of Hawaiian for good measure. This music has been popular in clubs and cabarets throughout Europe and the States since the 20's and 30's and today has a reinvigorated, keen audience flocking to shows.

The Illywhackers call it “Ukulele Swing”!

Performing with McLaughlin are Shane McGrath (guitar, mandolin), Gerry Fitzpatrick (guitar, dobro, accordion), Christian Volkmann (double bass, harmonica), Sheila Sullivan (fiddle) and Carl O'Byrne (cornet).

Minnie & The Illywhackers first album “Make Me Yours” (on Rualla Records) features mostly original material including the single “Don’t You touch My Ukulele”. One of the two covers is a beautiful rendition of a little known Tin Pan Alley song, “Everything We Have In Life Is Free” by famous Irish songwriter Jimmy Kennedy, music by Michael Carr.

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Suzanne Savage

Suzanne Savage performs at our “When You Believe” Concert – Sion Hill College, Blackrock, Co. Dublin 17

th November 2012

Hailing from Belfast, Suzanne's devotion to music has been a lifelong affair. She began playing violin when she was 8; it wasn't until her early teens that she began to sing. From this age on she lived a double life musically, receiving classical training in school but a more colourful education gigging with bands in Belfast, varying from heavy rock to funk fusion.

Suzanne never stopped gigging, even while completing her Music degree at Queens University where she studied singing with Irene Sandford. Jazz, contemporary music and drum and bass began to play a bigger part in her output. Over her already impressive career, Suzanne has performed with musical royalty like Van Morrison, Paul Brady, Kokia, Eleanor McEvoy, Juliet Turner, Roni Size, Jimmy Cobb, to name but a few. She has made radio appearances on BBC Radio Ulster, Dublin City FM, and television appearances with RTÉ, UTV and elsewhere. Over the last year, when she hasn't been preparing for a date at the National Concert Hall or touring with the internationally acclaimed New Dublin Voices, Suzanne has been hopping between Belfast, Dublin and Karlsruhe in Germany working on recording her solo material, co- produced with Holger Stenschke. She released her first solo E.P., Dizzy, to great acclaim in June and her Album, Jellymould, will be available on iTunes soon. Jellymould is a distillation of varied influences, creating a rich, unique sound that you simply won't hear anywhere else.

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A FistFull of Oranges

Squeeze us, Please us, Peel us, Feel us A FistFull Of Oranges is a 3-piece female collective from Dublin consisting of Rebecca Cramer (vocals) Phil Curley (guitar) and Hazel Tracey (percussion)

A FistFull Of Oranges had a very humble beginning simply known as "Becky & Phil". Having been making music together for almost 4 years they played their first gig in The Magic Carpet in Dublin in 2005. This was met with a great response which urged the girls to take the music seriously and write their own material. Since those humble beginnings the girls have played in pubs up and down the country and a year of playing in exchange for accommodation in Australia, festivals, weddings, playing for crowds of 2000+ and most recently street corners! After competing in local competitions and earning themselves a great reputation the girls added what they've called "the missing piece" Hazel Tracey on percussion to the band and renamed themselves A FistFull Of Oranges. For the past year the three have gigged solidly, written songs and covered some of the most unlikely tunes which have become very popular with their die-hard fans. Rebecca's talent as an amazing vocalist is undeniable and her rapport with guitarist Phil on stage is a delight to watch. Now with Hazel's incredible beats completing the sound, the 3-piece are destined for good things.

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Ossia Youth Choir

Ossia Youth Choir is a North Dublin based mixed-voice choir performing a variety of pop, rock and other modern repertoire. Choir members are currently aged between 9 and 16 years of age.

Ossia Youth Choir rehearses on Wednesday evenings from 7.00PM – 8:30PM in Clasac, Alfie Byrne Road, Clontarf, Dublin 3. New members are always welcome – no audition required. Please email Carmel Whelan, Musical Director at info@ossia.ie

Credit: Maurice Grehan Carmel Whelan Photography www.ossia.ie

Carmel Whelan has been teaching music in various capacities for over seven years. She is a graduate of DIT Conservatory of Music & Drama where she studied music for four years and was awarded a Bachelor of Music in composition with first class honours. Carmel has worked as musical director with the Bernie Delaney School of Speech and Drama on their productions of ‘Hairspray’, ‘Grease’, ‘The Wicked of Oz’, ‘Beauty and the Beast’ and ‘Aladdin’.

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Jimi Cullen

Jimi Cullen is a musician from Wexford, Ireland. He is a songwriter, singer, storyteller and much more, a blender of Folk, Pop, Rock and Country, a poet of

It all began in 2004, armed with just his guitar and his songs Jimi set out in the world on his musical journey. Since then he has covered the length and breadth of Ireland many times over clocking up an amazing 1500+ gigs. He has also toured all over Europe. He has released two albums and two E.P's, selling over 5000 copies combined and has shared the stage with some of Ireland's best known musicians such as Damien Dempsey, Declan O Rourke, Paddy Casey, Aslan, John Spillane, David Kitt, Sharon Shannon, Eleanor Mc Evoy and countless others. Jimi has featured in many well-known publications like Hotpress magazine and The Evening Herald. His music has also been released on countless compilation albums both in Ireland and abroad and he was named Music Review Unsigned artist of the month in March 09. More recently he was nominated for Best Male, Best Acoustic/alt and Best Unsigned artist in the Music Review Unsigned awards 2012. Jimi is currently putting the finishing touches to his highly anticipated third album which is due for release in Spring 2014. Jimi currently has a single, a cover version of “Zombie” by The Cranberries for download on iTunes, with all proceeds going to Amnesty International.

a thousand words and a performer of pure energy.

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Acknowledgements

Music Matters Inclusive Community Choir would like to thank the following:

Axis Theatre, Main St, Ballymun, Dublin 9 Especially Niamh Ní Chonchubhair (Programme Manager), Philip Keogh (Box Office and Marketing Manager) and Emma Connors (Arts Development Co-Ordinator)

Master of Ceremonies: David Heap

Tonight’s performers (in order of appearance): Ossia Youth Choir and their Director, Carmel Whelan A FistFull of Oranges Suzanne Savage Jimi Cullen Minnie and the Illywhackers Mark Geary

Rima Malukaite, our Official Choir Photographer

Mark Crawford our Webmaster

The staff and management at MACRO Community Resource Centre, Green St/ North King St, Dublin 7

St Michael’s House

Bernie Doherty and Dave O’Donovan from the Community and Social Development Section of Dublin City Council

Ray Yeates and Victoria Kearney from Dublin City Council Arts Office

Dublin City North Volunteer Centre

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Councillor Andrew Montague – Ambassador to Music Matters

Margaret Farrelly – our “Secret Millionaire”, and Managing Director of Clonarn Clover in Co. Cavan

Copyplus Printing, 19 Millbourne Ave, Drumcondra, Dublin 9

Camden Clothing, Camden St, Dublin 2

Global Taxis, Newmarket, Dublin 8

All businesses, shops and individuals who very generously donated prizes for tonight’s raffle

Of course, Music Matters Inclusive Community Choir would not exist without our members! Congratulations to all of our members who gave an amazing performance in tonight’s concert. All our hard work and dedication at rehearsals really paid off, as it has been a wonderful, entertaining night for all involved. Special thanks to the families, friends and support staff of our choir members, as many have assisted our choir members to and/or from rehearsals and generously volunteered at some events. We would also like to thank our volunteers, who are involved in a wide variety of roles. We are so delighted to have each of these fantastic individuals involved with Music Matters. There is so much work to do behind the scenes that takes so much dedication, time and energy. We really are incredibly appreciative of all of our fabulous volunteers. Last but by no means least, Thank You to our audience for choosing to support our community arts project and helping us in our mission to make music more accessible to ALL!

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Visit us Online!

Website: www.musicmatters.ie Musical Director: grainne@musicmatters.ie More info: info@musicmatters.ie Volunteering: volunteers@musicmatters.ie Fundraising ideas: fundraising@musicmatters.ie Add us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/inclusivechoir Like us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/musicmatters2012 Tweet us: @InclusiveChoir Blog: www.musicmatterschoir.blogspot.ie Meetup: www.meetup.com/Music-Matters-Inclusive-Choir-Dublin

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