We all know that 2020 has not been an easy year. Music, like many industries has been hit hard, and with the absence of touring and festivals, a significant amount of income has been lost for independent artists.
Many of those artists have spent a lot of time this year thinking about ways they can stay afloat during these challenging months. Fortunately, now more than ever, music fans are willing to go the extra mile to support their favourite artists. Bandcamp Fridays, live streams with donations and Patreon are just some of the ways that fans are showing their love.
Conor Cusack (Saint Sister’s manager at ie:music) had a brainwave whilst chatting with the band, thinking about the overwhelming support they have felt this year from their listeners, and thinking of ways that we could give something back to say thanks.
“We kept thinking about how we could create an in-person connection. After a year of living online, instead of yet another Zoom call, was there a way we could meet up (in a safe and COVID compliant way) and say thanks in person?”
One Stop Band Shop was born! A Christmas market, where artists come together to flog their wares to fans directly. After reaching out to friends like Girl Band, Wyvern Lingo and Lankum it seemed like there was a huge amount of interest, and the idea quickly gathered momentum. Now the line-up boasts over 20 of some of the finest independent artists in the country who will be there over the two days, with more to be confirmed, day by day breakdown later in the week.
Next step was finding the right venue. Keiron Black and the folks at The Grand Social have long been champions of the independent community and jumped immediately at the chance to be involved. They have agreed to host this wonderful event, over two days on December 12th and 13th. The event is free to all, with a suggested donation of €5 to Dublin Simon Community (there will be a bucket at the entrance). The market will take place on both days (full line up and day breakdown to be announced) and will run from 11am-5pm. Everyone is welcome!
The Grand Social have confirmed the following regarding their COVID regulations: “We will be adhering to a robust COVID-19 compliance protocol at all times for this walk-through market. Hand sanitiser will be administered upon entrance to the venue, mandatory face masks will be worn by all artists and customers at all times, the venue will be well ventilated and social distancing of 2 metres will be regulated. There will be a full barista service and pizza available for take away.”
Please bring CASH with you to the venue!
Design by Emily Hawkins
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