Ciaran Gribbin (INXS), And So I Watch You From Afar, RAMS’ Pocket Radio and Barry Lynn (Boxcutter) are the latest artists to be confirmed for BBC Radio Ulster and BBC Radio Foyle’s The Great Northern Songbook – 150 Years Of The Ulster Hallconcert , supported by Belfast City Council.
These four artists will join Cara Dillon, Brian Kennedy, General Fiasco, The Answer and Katharine Philippa at the special event which takes place in The Ulster Hall on Tuesday, May 22 to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the iconic music venue.
At the concert, each artist will join the Ulster Orchestra to perform the nation’s 10 favourite songs composed by local songwriters – as shortlisted by BBC Radio Ulster and BBC Radio Foyle specialist music presenters and voted for by the public. The artists will also perform one of their own original songs, accompanied by the Ulster Orchestra.
Voting has now closed and the public can now apply for complimentary tickets to The Great Northern Songbook – 150 Years Of The Ulster Hall event until 5pm on Friday, April 13 at www.bbc.co.uk/tickets. A maximum of four tickets will be allocated per household address using a random draw. No late applications will be accepted and duplicate applications will not be considered.
The concert will be hosted by BBC Radio Ulster presenters Ralph McLean and Lynette Fay and will be broadcast live on the station at 8pm on Tuesday, May 22, 2012.
Ciaran Gribbin says: “It was a real honour to be asked to perform with the Ulster Orchestra for BBC Radio Ulster’s Great Northern Songbook event.
Since becoming the Singer/Songwriter in INXS nine months ago I have toured on three continents, in some amazing venues and cities. Belfast’s Ulster Hall is a truly great music venue with a rich history. I have seen many wonderful gigs there over the years and it is without doubt my favorite venue in the world.
“As a young musician I spent years gigging in the pubs and clubs of Belfast, and like most local musicians, I could only dream of performing in the Ulster Hall. I can’t wait to be back in Belfast and walk out of that great stage with the amazing Ulster Orchestra.”
Ralph says: “I’m delighted that Ciaran has been confirmed for the line-up. It’s been an amazing year for him since he took up the lead singer role in INXS and I think May 22 will be a real homecoming for him. A chance to celebrate for him and people like me who’ve known him for years. It’s an amazing line up of local talent all round and when you combine names like RAMS’ Pocket Radio with Cara Dillon and The Ulster Orchestra in the legendary Ulster Hall you realise we’re talking about one amazing gig here. It’s the sort of gig people will be talking about for years so do yourself a favour and stick your name in the hat for tickets. If you’re not in you can’t win!”
Lynette says: “More names have been added to the bill, the voting has closed, now the excitement builds ahead of the Great Northern Songbook live concert on May 22. This will be an unforgettable night which will celebrate our diverse songwriting talent, our musical legacy and our future. This will be a great occasion, another night to remember on our most famous musical stage and this is your chance to be there. Be part of it and enter the draw for tickets.”
A total of 32 songs have been shortlisted by BBC Radio Ulster’s specialist music presenters Gerry Anderson, Colin Murray, Ralph McLean, Lynette Fay, Stuart Bailie, Cherrie McIlwaine, Rigsy, John Toal, Hugo Duncan, John Bennett, Alan Simpson and Brian Mullen. The public could vote for their favourite song from: Rudi – ‘Big Time’/ The Undertones – ‘Teenage Kicks’/ Ash – ‘Shining Light’/ Brian Kennedy – ‘Captured’/ Stiff Little Fingers – ‘Alternative Ulster’/ Them – ‘Gloria’/ The Undertones – ‘My Perfect Cousin’/ Van Morrison – ‘Madame George’/ Two Door Cinema Club – ‘Something Good Can Work’/ Snow Patrol – ‘Run’/ Divine Comedy – ‘Tonight We Fly’/ Paul Brady – ‘The Island’/ Phil Coulter – ‘The Town I Loved So Well’/ Duke Special – ‘Freewheel’/ The Divine Comedy – ‘Songs Of Love’/ The Four Of Us – ‘Mary’/ The McPeakes – ‘Will You Go Lassie Go’/ David McWilliams – ‘Days Of Pearly Spencer’/ Bap Kennedy – ‘Moonlight Kiss’/ Jimmy Kennedy – ‘South of the Border’/ Van Morrison – ‘Moondance’/ Van Morrison – ‘Brown Eyed Girl’/ Henry McCullough – ‘Belfast to Boston’/ Clannad – ‘Theme from Harry’s Game’/ Jimmy Kennedy – ‘Red Sails In The Sunset’/ Snow Patrol – ‘Chasing Cars’/ Cara Dillon – ‘Hill of Thieves’/ Tommy Sands – ‘The County Down’/ Kieran Goss – ‘Brand New Star’/ Phil Coulter – ‘Scorn Not His Simplicity’/ Phil Coulter – ‘Congratulations’/ Jimmy Kennedy – ‘Harbor Lights’.
The 10 most popular songs as voted for by the public will be revealed on the night of the event.
· This public vote ran for two weeks, from Friday, March 16 until Friday, March 30.
· The public may register for complimentary tickets to the event until 5pm on Friday, April 13 at www.bbc.co.uk/tickets. A maximum of four tickets will be allocated per household address on the basis of a random draw. No applications will be accepted after the closing date and duplicate applications will not be considered.
· The concert will be broadcast live on BBC Radio Ulster and BBC Radio Foyle at 8pm on Tuesday, May 22, 2012.
