Galway bands perform in memory of Pa McDonagh at music school fundraiser

A host of Galway based acts will play at A Night for Pa on Tuesday, July 2 to raise funds for the Access Music Project (AMP).

Taking place in Kelly’s Bridge Street, the line-up will include Stomping Ground, The Timbertramps, Tradiohead and Derek Murray and Cormac Dunne from The Stunning. Also appearing will be Adam & Seán, members of Galway Gospel Choir and current AMP participants..

The Access Music is a year-long course that runs in St Patrick’s Band Hall, at the city’s Fairgreen. Participants in the scheme have 20 hours of classes a week, including music theory, piano and vocal training.

A Night for Pa is a night in memory of Pa McDonagh, who died in 2010. Pa was a former AMP participant, and a Pink Floyd fan who went to serve on the board on management for the Project. He played trumpet, guitar and tin whistle and was a member of the Galway Gospel Choir.

Stomping Ground are a quartet who tear through the catalogue of Rory Gallagher, Thin Lizzy and more. The Timbertamps will be familiar to many people in Galway, having played residences in Tí Neactains and Monroe’s, as well as storming sets at The Volvo Ocean Race. Tradiohead re-imagine the songs of Radiohead via the medium of Irish trad and have played at the Electric Picnic and the Galway Sessions Festival.

All proceeds from A Night for Pa will go to the Access Music Project. To find out more about AMP, email admin@accessmusicproject.ie or call 091 533 861. Doors for the show are at 8pm, admission €8.