Panel event set to focus on future of Cork’s music scene

THE vibrant music scene in Cork will come under the spotlight on Culture Night with #CorkLoveMusic:WhatNext?, a night of music and discussion at the Roundy House on Cork’s Castle Street.

A cooperative of music and media professionals, CorkLovesMusic was formed following the TEDx Cork Salon’s event in September 2016.

Woking in collaboration with Cork festivals such as Macroom’s Townlands Carnival, Sounds From a Safe Harbour and the Cork Midsummer Festival and community organisations, its aim is to open up new conversations about Cork’s music scene.

Over the past 18 months, CorkLovesMusic has held a series of one-on-one clinics and panel discussions at festivals and venues around Cork, specifically designed to open up discussion and provide a place for musicians and industry insiders to share ideas.

The Culture Night event will be the first in their second events series and will see some of Cork’s most dedicated musical facilitators come together for what promises to be a fascinating and informative evening.

Speakers on the night will include Aisling O’Riordan of the Quarter Block Party festival, Declan Sinnott of community bookshop Rebel Reads and Shane Horgan, editor of Irish music website Goldenplec.com, with more to be confirmed.

The focus of discussion on the night will be the challenges the Cork music and arts scene faces amid a period of profound change and redevelopment in the city and county, and the positives that can be drawn from this for the future.

To assist with the discussion on the night, CorkLovesMusic has compiled an online survey on the current state of the music scene, which can be accessed through their Facebook page.

“The findings will form part of the overall discussion. Your opinions matter and the survey will allow your voice to be heard,” said a CorkLovesMusic spokesperson.

During the course of the evening there will be live performances from avant-garde musical improv duo MueseuM, solo electronic artist Lighght, and ambient beat-maker Jake O’Riordan.

Admission to the event will be free, and no advance booking is required.

For more information about the event and updates to the line-up, visit #CorkLovesMusic on Facebook and Twitter.