Ireland's live music scene is booming.
The Irish Music Rights Organisation (IMRO) awards were held last night. This year saw a change in location with the festivities taking place at club Twenty Two on South Anne Street in Dublin.
Now in their 12th year, the ceremony is organised as a means to celebrate and honour the venues and individuals working in the live music industry - all those whose "passion and determination brings the joy and inimitable experience of live music to the public across Ireland".
https://www.instagram.com/p/B8cJDERqw7a/
Winners are chosen by over 13,000 IMRO members who cast their vote based on factors such as atmosphere, sound and lighting, staging, diversity of programming, staff and management and disability access.
IMRO members voted on the
best of the Irish festival scene with awards for the best festival and best tech crew up for grabs as well as the prestigious IMRO Outstanding Contribution to Live Music which went to Angela Dorgan this year.
Shortlisted nominees filled the building, all hoping to take home the gold. Coughlan's bar and music venue in Cork was revealed as the Irish Music Venue.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B8djCeNpsxS/
The second time the Cork venue has won the ward, it has room to accommodate only 120 people, meaning it's a small venue with lots of heart where gigs are always intimate and personal.
Other wins on the night included the Iontas Theatre in Co. Monaghan, Mike The Pies in Kerry, The Róisín Dubh in Galway and Dublin's own Vicar Street to name but a few.
Sea Sessions took home the IMRO Tech Crew of the Year Award while
Electric Picnic won Music Festival of the Year and the award for Small Music Festival of the Year went to Sounds From A Safe Harbour.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B730lHKpb0M/
Music on the night came from performers such as Soda Blonde, ELM and Alex Gough.
