MUSIC Bands to battle for Westport festival stage

Bands to battle for Westport festival stage


Ciara Moynihan

War is breaking out in Westport, and guitars, drumsticks and mics are the weapons of choice. A battle of the bands will see acts of all ilk fight it out for a chance to kick off the two-day Westport Festival of Music and Performing Arts on Saturday, June 23, by opening the Main Stage. And as those preparing for combat know, opportunities like that don’t come about too often.
The winners will not only get huge exposure, they’ll also get to share the bill with the likes of  Ray Davies, Damien Dempsey, Seasick Steve, Jools Holland, Imelda May, Kanyu Tree, Macy Gray, The Chieftains, the Horslips, Lloyd Cole, The Waterboys, Alison Moyet, The Undertones, Duke Special, Wallis Bird, The Strypes, Cars Love Girls and more.
Cosy Joe’s on Bridge Street, Westport, is the battleground where each Thursday night for the rest of this month, four ‘shortlisted’ bands will perform. On each occasion, the public will choose one winner, who will then go forward to perform in the final, which will take place on Thursday, June 7.
The overall winners will be chosen by an expert panel of judges, including Darryl Downey, festival promoter. Secrecy surrounds the identity of the rest of the judges, but The Mayo News believes that one of the artists taking part in the festival will be on the panel, along with a surprise guest judge.
Entries for the Westport Festival of Music and Performing Arts Battle of the Bands will be accepted up until May 17. All kinds of acts are welcome, rock bands, ballad groups, acoustic solo artists, the lot. If you want to apply, send your CD or MP3 recording/YouTube link to Battle of the Bands, Cosy Joe’s, Bridge Street, Westport, Co Mayo, or email battleofthebandswestport@gmail.com. Don’t forget to state your band/artist name along with a contact name, email and phone number with your submission.

Bands taking part should note that the judges’ decision will be final and no discussions will be entered into following the decision. It will not be possible to return CDs or any other material submitted. For more information on the Westport Festival of Music and Performing Arts (June 23-24) or to book tickets, visit www.westportfestival.com. (To book festival plus camping/caravaning tickets, visit www.westporthouse.ie.)