Music venues strike three chords

A national live music awards ceremony saw Cork win big for its ever-expanding live music scene.

Coughlans Live Bar and Music Venue was the big winner at the Irish Music Rights Organisation (IMRO) Live Music Venue of the Year Awards in Dublin this week. On Tuesday night, Coughlans won the National Live Music Venue of the Year 2019.

This is the second time the Douglas Street-based venue has won the accolade, having previously won the award in 2013.

The ceremony also saw the Sounds from a Safe Harbour Festival awarded the IMRO Small Music Festival of the Year 2019 award. Director of First Music Contact, Angela Dorgan was honoured with the IMRO Outstanding Contribution to Live Music award.

The shortlist of nominees were selected by over 13,500 IMRO members with a public vote.

IMRO Chairperson Eleanor McEvoy said: “We are gifted in Ireland to have such a vibrant and eclectic music scene, the backbone of which is our magnificent live music sector. The important role that venues and festivals make is all too often overlooked, but we feel it is vital to acknowledge venues big and small across the country and to celebrate the individuals whose hard work and commitment help our music industry to thrive.

“From a musician’s first performance, right through to an internationally renowned headline artist, these venues and individuals allow music creators to continue making music and bring it to new audiences.”

Hot Press Editor Niall Stokes said: “We are producing some truly great music here at the moment. This extraordinary surge of creativity in Irish music would not be possible without great live venues. They give artists and bands a vital platform, especially at the start of their careers.

“A healthy live music scene is at the very heart of things, and music is flourishing all over Ireland. That’s why the IMRO Live Music Venues Awards are so important,” he added.