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By Michelle Crean

TV broadcast 'Songs from An Empty Room' airing on RTÉ 2 tomorrow night (Saturday) will feature performances from five well-loved venues around Ireland - including The Academic in the INEC, Killarney.

Hosted by RTÉ 2FM’s Jenny Greene and Eoghan McDermott, a superb selection of Irish artists will perform from 8.30pm - 10.45pm and the show will also be available on the RTÉ Player.

The aim of the event is to generate awareness for those working in the live events industry whose livelihoods have been affected by COVID-19 and to help raise funds for two live events industry initiatives; Minding Creative Minds and the Association of Irish Stage Technicians (AIST).

Artists performing from The Olympia Theatre, Dublin, Cyprus Avenue, Cork, Dolans Limerick, the INEC, Killarney and Róisín Dubh, Galway include: Aimée, Denise Chaila, Eve Belle, Fia Moon, Gavin James, Jafaris, James Vincent McMorrow, Lisa McHugh, Lyra, Mother DJs, Noel Hogan (The Cranberries) with Danny O’Reilly (The Coronas), Picture This, Sorcha Richardson, Soulé, The Academic, The Blizzards, The Coronas and The Stunning.

There are huge challenges facing the live events industry due to the cancellation and postponement of all mass gatherings, festivals, concerts, theatrical productions, sports events, trade shows and community gatherings. Ireland’s event businesses and crews have lost their income, with no current roadmap to recovery as long as COVID-19 continues to present a significant public health risk.

The Live Events industry is worth €3.5 billion to Ireland each year. While many other sectors begin their recovery, Live Events & Arts workers have no clear indication or guidance as to when their work can recommence. Without support, many will be forced out of the industry, and losing that skilled specialised workforce will be catastrophic for multiple sectors, including arts, culture, tourism and hospitality.

Audiences at home will be directed to the website 'Songs From An Empty Room' and will be able to show support by donating via text or through the initiative’s GoFundMe page. Branded crew merchandise will also be available to purchase through the website with all proceeds from these sales going to the initiative.

See www.songsfromanemptyroom.com for full details.