Sligo Hawks Well Theatre nominated for Best Live Music Venue
The Hawks Well Theatre has been nominated for the best live music venue in Connaught for the third time in the IMRO Live Music Venue of The Year Awards. The annual awards celebrate the dedication and passion of those who work in Ireland’s live music venues, providing the public with an exceptional live music experience, week in, week out.
More than 8,500 IMRO members considered hundreds of venues across the country for the shortlist. Venues were judged on their commitment to providing the core elements that make for a great live music venue – atmosphere, sound and lighting, staging, diversity of programming and importantly, the staff and management of each venue. Live music venues and festivals play a vital role in the music industry in Ireland, giving international and homegrown artists a platform to engage with fans and build new audiences. They also play a central role in urban and rural communities across the country, providing a social gathering space for varied audiences, and contributing hugely to the domestic economy.
Of the Awards, Victor Finn, IMRO Chief Executive said, “Over the years these Awards have become a much sought after industry accolade and they clearly highlight the pivotal contribution that venues and festivals make to local economies and the significant role they play in providing a public platform for Irish songwriters and performers”.
At the ceremony in IMRO HQ in Dublin on February 4th, awards will be presented to the leading live music venue in each of the following regions: Dublin, Leinster (excluding Dublin), Connacht, Munster and Ulster (Donegal, Monaghan, Cavan).
Shortlist
One overall award will be presented to the IMRO National Live Music Venue of the Year. This award is decided upon by the public, who vote for their live music venue of the year from the combined shortlist of all the regions.
Marie O’Byrne, Director at the Hawk’s Well said “It’s great to be recognised as one of the leading live music venues in Connaught for this award. 2013 has been a fantastic year for music at the Hawk’s Well with acts such as Glen Hansard, Maura O’Connell, Tim O’Brien, Solas and Victor Wooten at the Theatre. In terms of our own music productions in 2013 we commissioned a new work 'The Barinthus Suite' written by drummer/composer David Lyttle and bassist/composer Eddie Lee. A concert last October which celebrated one of Sligo’s most loved musical heroes; Seamie O’Dowd was a definite highlight of the year, as was a concert by Kieran Quinn and friends last November. Sligo musicians also featured in our ‘Perfect Beauty’ performance and exhibition in August as part of the Tread Softly Festival. The Hawk’s Well also brought top class traditional music throughout the country last May when traditional Irish music band Blazing Bows undertook a very successful nationwide tour.’
2014 is shaping up to be another great year for music at the Theatre with Eddi Reader, Kieran Goss and Beth Nielsen Chapman all performing over the next few months.
You can vote for the Hawk’s Well Theatre by logging on to http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/imrovenueawards before January 31st. One lucky voter will win a Samsung Galaxy Tab 3.
