Music Generation Laois’ Annual Christmas Rock and Pop Youth Showcase took place in Kavanagh’s Live Music Venue, in Portlaoise, on Sunday afternoon.
A fantastic array of talent was showcased throughout the afternoon of Sunday, December 11, in Kavanagh’s Live Music Venue, Portlaoise, from musicians as young as age 10 to 18.
Christmas songs ‘Merry Christmas Everyone’ by Shakin’ Stephens and Wham!’s ‘Last Christmas’ were performed, as well as many original songs composed by young musicians from Music Generation Laois.
Young musicians who performed at the showcase event take part in weekly jam sessions in Laois Music Centre, where they develop skills in performance, ensemble playing and song-writing.
The Rock and Pop Jam programme is led by well-known local musicians James O’Connor, Terry Byrne, David Harte and Denise Boyle.
The Christmas show culminated with a performance by Laois band Anita. Anita came up through the Music Generation Laois Rock and Pop programme.
This up-and-coming energetic 5-piece band recently won the Youth Work Ireland Laois and Electric Picnic’s ‘Electric Youth Competition’ and as a result performed on the Hazelwood Stage at Electric Picnic in September. Anita are set to release their first EP on New Year’s Day 2023.
If you are interested in joining weekly jam sessions with Music Generation Laois, new musicians are welcome from January 2023. Annual membership is €100.
For further details see musicgenerationlaois.ie or email mgl@loetb.ie.
You can check out a selection of images from photographer Alf Harvey below.
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