James will ‘gig on the green’ for local cause
AN Arklow musician is set to bring music to the streets of one estate in Arklow to raise funds for a local cause.
James Reid has launched ‘Gigs on the Green’ and plans to perform an exclusive concert for one estate in Arklow in the coming weeks. He is hoping to raise money for mental health charity, Talk to Tom, and the concert will take place in the estate that donates the most money to the fundraiser.
Speaking to this paper, James said, ‘I came up a way to connect my guitar to the speakers in my car. Whatever estate puts in the most, I will set up there and play some music.’
The competition also includes Gorey, Co. Wexford. Last year, James raised over €3,500 for Pieta House through a sponsored headshave. He is passionate about trying to help mental health charities and is full of praise for the work of Talk to Tom in the communities of Arklow and Gorey. He is hoping to raise as much as possible to support their work.
James had been planning to record his debut album, but his time in a studio has been delayed due to the Covid outbreak.
While he has been performing on social media, James said he is conscious that there are some people who are not able to view the shows online.
To enter the competition, people give the name of their estate online when they make a donation. James will then add up the totals to see which estate raised the most. A final date for the show has not been selected. James is keen to stress that this will not be a street party but a chance for neighbours to enjoy some music while following all physical distancing and public health guidelines. He will perform the show alone. James said he has also spoken with local gardai about his plan.
‘People are so good at giving to charity events. Arklow is a great community and I want to give them something they are missing,’ James added.
To donate to James’s ‘Gigs on the Green’, visit www.idonate. ie/fundraiser/11385443_jamesreid-s-page.