THE Alley Theatre in Strabane is ringing back the Sounds Like Summer Music Competition after a five year break with a stellar line up of singer/songwriters and bands who will all be battling it out this Friday 28th and Saturday 29th July to make it through to the heats on Saturday 5th August.
The competition received applications from all over Ireland and 11 acts have been chosen to perform over the weekend.
Two acts from each night will be chosen by a panel of judges to go through to the heat on Saturday 5th August.
The overall winner will receive an EP of their own original production by Small Town America Records and their own video produced by The Pulse Centre.
The first night of heats commences on Friday 28th July with a number of acts including singer songwriter, Fergus O’Dalaigh , from Leitrim who has recently supported Declan O’Rourke and Mick Blake at Stoney Woods Festival.
Derry City Rapper/Hip Hop artist The DizzFunktional B.M.C, will also feature on the bill with his popular hip-hop set.
The Derry rapper is currently compiling his debut solo album and also a joint project with Shane Deane which is due for release by the end of the year.
Singer Songwriter Chloe Heatley, of the Pulse Project, and a regular at open mic nights at Bennigans and The Bowery, in Derry will also feature as well as Omagh band ‘Not Today’ following on from their recent EP ‘Let it Light’ in 2015 and debut single ‘The Get Go’ early 2016 which has received airplay on various radio stations across the UK and Ireland.After a brief hiatus in 2017 the band are back with their brand new single Comedown set for release in 2017.
Last but not least is Harks fronted by local musician Glen Harkin and his four piece band- HARKS featuring many of their own songs as well as covering songs from ACDC, Bob Dylan, BB King, Bruce Springsteen, Cream, CCR, Elvis, Johnny Cash and, Rag N Bone man.
Lead Vocalist Glen Harkin is a successful singer/songwriter in his own right, after recently winning the Strabane’s Summer Jamm Busking Competition 2016 and subsequently featuring on the CD released ‘Life in a Northern Town.’
The second night of heats begins with Strabane and Omagh based punk, indie, bounce, rap, metal group Nineteen 80’ Something fronted by Jamie Bonner, followed by singer songwriter Mairead Corry, renowned for her youtube channel MakeShift Strumming . Next on the bill is Great White Lies, set up by Siobhán Shiels.
In 2015 Great White Lies released their debut EP to critical acclaim including a nomination from Pure M for best EP and winning VAI Song of The Year. Among their many shows they performed at Guth Gafa International Film Festival, Allingham Arts Festival and headlined Galway Fringe.
Alternative folk singer, songwriter Mark Loughrey will bring his unique new sounds and stories to the Alley.
A native of Sion Mills, he combines his love of writing and poetry with personal components, musings and misadventures and for the past two months he has been writing and recording his debut E.P. ‘Treppenwitz’ which is due for release in next month.
Also included in the lineup is Ruairi McCafferty from ‘Aeon Azure’ while the final act will be Strabane singer/songwriter Liam Cannon who is also a regular on the local music scene.
Jacqui Doherty Venue Manager of the Alley Theatre commented: “We are really excited to be bringing back Sounds Like Summer.
“There is such a wealth of talent all over Ireland but especially the North West, we are delighted to be supporting them in their future career.
“In the past we have had acts such as Soak, Gerard i2, Rainy Boy Sleep, The Wonder Villains, Paul Tully, King Coma all go through the Sounds Like Summer competition.
“We wish all the acts the best of luck in the competition, all 11 acts will be performing in the cabaret style auditorium so for them it is a great opportunity to perform in front of a live audience on stage with technical and sound support.
“For the audience these nights are a fantastic night out with great music in a relaxed and intimate venue.
“Two acts from each night will go through to the final on Saturday 5th August.”
Tickets are £3 available from the Alley Theatre Box Office on 028 71 384444 or online www.alley-theatre.com
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