Host of homegrown talent
TWO KEY aspects of Live at the Marquee over the past decade have been the number of Irish acts that have played the event and the number of up and coming acts that have played support slots there.
No one could doubt the high-profile nature of the event on the international stage, with some of the world's top acts having graced the stage at the Docklands venues since 2005.
Each year's line up has read like a veritable 'who's who' of the global music industry with names like Elton John, Bob Dylan, Jay Z, Roger Waters, Kenny Roger and Tony Bennett playing in the tent by the Lee.
From its inception Live at the Marquee has also hosted a plethora of Irish acts with Boyzone, The Cranberries, The Frames, Imelda May, Van Morrison, Paddy Casey and Damien Dempsey having headlined gigs at the venue.
Not to forget Christy Moore who has played the festival every year since 2005.
In addition to established home grown talent, Aiken Promotions have also regarded Live at the Marquee as something of a proving ground for lesser known and new Irish and international acts, offering them the chance to share the stage with big names
Over the years acts including Keywest, The Original Rudeboys, The Frank and Walters, Ryan Sheridan, La Galaxie, Altered Hours, Lisa Hannigan, Declan O'Rourke, Fred and Jodavino have played supports slots at the Marquee.
This year's festival will once gain feature a host of top quality support acts, some of whom are already well on their way to becoming massive names in their own right.
Chief among these are The Riptide Movement who will support The Coronas on Friday, June 13.
The Dublin blues/rock quartet recently released their third album ' Getting Through', which went straight to the top of the Irish charts. The album features the single 'All Works Out', which is being used in the Discover Ireland ad campaign.
Acclaimed British singer/songwriter Nadine Shah, who has been likened to both PJ Harvey and Nick Cave, will support Elbow on June 24, American southern rock/blues and North Mississippi Allstars will support Robert Plant on June 25 and US singer/songwriter Matthew Houck (aka Phosphorescent) will play support to The National on July 14.
Former Dublin buskers Keywest will support Bryan Adams on June 28 with Mullingar indie sensations The Academic playing ahead of The Pixies on June 30.