From street to stage for Wexford’s ‘busking heroes’
FOUR Wexford buskers will go from street to stage for a ‘Busking Heroes’ concert in the National Opera House on Saturday night.
The unique event, organised by Edward McCarthy, will see the buskers - Ronan Morris, Megan Kate Doolan, Rachel Grace and The Frantics - perform in the Jerome Hynes Theatre before an almost sold-out crowd of more than 600.
Proceeds will be divided between the four artists who are more used to street than stage.
‘People who are interested can still purchase tickets, but we are nearly sold out, which is fantastic. We want to put these buskers in a more controlled environment and to give them the opportunity and experience to perform and to even play their own songs,’ said Edward.
RONAN MORRIS:
Ronan is often spotted outside Penny’s or JD Sports on the Main Street, Wexford. No matter what the weather, this singer/songwriter can be seen wearing flip-flops while he plays. Originally Ronan wanted to be a priest but didn’t like the idea of hierarchy so he took to the streets with his guitar.
‘I hope to have an impact on the souls of even those who believe they do not have one and my only hope for success is if I can put a smile on more and more of the gloomy faces I see on a wet Monday morning,’ said Ronan.
MEGAN KATE DOOLAN:
Megan, a 19-year old student from the Presentation in Wexford, started writing songs from the age of 13. Currently studying for the Leaving Cert, this Wexford based singer-songwriter has a style of her own somewhere between folk and alternative. Megan can be seen early mornings near Westgate Design busking to the busy street of Wexford. You can listen to her songs on YouTube and Soundcloud where she had uploaded numerous amount of videos and recordings. Besides supporting Mundy in concerts, Megan is currently recording and producing her own EP which should be available this Summer.
‘When I am not writing music, I like to spend my time busking and playing local gigs. I have collaborated with many local musicians and having spent the past few months recording and producing my EP, I am thrilled to release it in the coming months,’ said Megan
RACHEL GRACE:
Singer songwriter Rachel, the youngest performer at the age of 15, started singing and playing professionally about two years ago. Rachel plays everything from AC/DC to Britney Spears; she even yodels! Last year she released her first album at the age of 14 with the amazing support of family and friends. In 2015 and 2016, Rachel reached the finals of Wexford Has Talent and has even performed as a guest artist on the ‘Sing Out Loud’ production.
‘I am really excited to be taking part in Busking Heroes; there are only a few tickets left, so hurry,’ said Rachel.
THE FRANTICS:
This rock band comprises of singer/ songwriter Fran Greene on lead guitar and vocals, Dave Hastie on bass guitar and vocals and Colm Hassett on drums. Described as a fusion of rock, ska, reggae, folk and punk, they bring a unique fresh energy and approach to their gigs. Their performance is always an infectious melody with dirty guitars that has seen them appear in a multitude of venues and festivals both around the country and abroad.