Gig for Gaza this weekend

A Gig for Gaza will take place in Blessings Bar this weekend to raise funds for people in Gaza.

The event is being organised by the Cavan branch of the Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign, which aims to foster solidarity, raise funds, share knowledge and build community spirit between Ireland and Palestine.

Preparations for the event are going well Chairperson Megan De Síun reported, with Whatsapp groups pinging and committee members enthusiastically raising awareness, gaining sponsorship and raffle prizes, and booking both comedy and music acts to perform on the night.

With all the work near completion, all that’s left is for the public to come along, show their support and enjoy the night.

“The response we’ve had has been amazing, both from the community and also from performers who wanted to come and join us, we’ve been overwhelmed with how positive the response has been.”

First out on stage is “amazing local talent” Kevin McGahern who will do a full set for the comedy hour, preceding a line up of “really really great local bands.”

Musical artists include The Savage Hearts, who this year brought out their single Gang War, which was written by bassist and former Strypes drummer Evan Walsh and his friend Ste Kelly of the band The Raglans. At the start of this year Savage Hearts signed with Irish Indie label Blowtorch Records.

Another Cavan Indie band ‘Bold Boy’ will also be at the gig. On Instagram, they wrote: “please join us for a night filled with music and comedy”.

“This gig was made possible by Cavan artists volunteering to meet the urgent medical and humanitarian needs in Gaza.”

Indigo’s Ego, an alternative Indie four piece band will also perform on the night along with more local acts Daragh Slacke and Gráinne Conaty.

“They’ve all really graciously donated their time in order to raise money,” Megan praised.

“They’re standing behind what the IPSC is doing and they want to support getting aid to Gaza.”

Encouraging people to come along to the gig, Megan said “it’s a great way to get involved in social campaigning and justice without having to spend any extra time or energy.

“All you have to do is go to a gig and enjoy yourself.

“Have a good night, listen to some music and some comedy and you’ll be doing something amazing.”

All funds raised on the night will go to Gaza go Bragh, an Irish-based charity providing tents, drinking water, cash assistance and help with evacuations. Funds will also go towards Uisce go Bragh who fund water tanks and provide water to people in Gaza.

A €10 donation will be given on the door, however those who want to give more can do so.

“Having people there is the important thing because as much as it is about raising money it’s also about building community connection.”

“If you have any sort of eyes on what’s going on, the people in Gaza are suffering worse than they’ve suffered potentially for 76 years at this point.

“The suffering that is going on is so intense,” she said.