On Tuesday evening at a packed IMRO HQ in Dublin, Kilkenny took home two awards at the ninth annual IMRO Live Music Venue of the Year Awards.
The Watergate Theatre was named Best Live Music Venue (Rest of Leinster), pipping the likes of the Spirit Store and Set Theatre, while Kilkenny Tradfest picked up the award for IMRO Small Live Music Festival 2016.
The award for National Live Music Venue of the Year 2016 (via public vote) went to the National Opera House, Wexford.
Of the annual awards voted by over 11,500 IMRO members Victor Finn, IMRO Chief Executive said
“A strong live music circuit is the lifeblood of a vibrant music industry. It is important that we acknowledge those venue owners and festivals promoters whose commitment, passion and support for live music throughout the country enables music creators to continue making the music we all enjoy”.
Other winners in the regional categories include
- Dublin – Vicar Street
- Connacht – The Quays, Galway
- Munster – Coughlan’s, Cork
- Ulster – Voodoo, Letterkenny, Co Donegal
Sea Sessions was also named IMRO Music Festival of the Year while The Olympia Theatre picked up the award for IMRO Tech Crew of the Year.
The IMRO Outstanding Contribution to Live Music accolade was awarded to the late Frank Murray (manager for Thin Lizzy & The Pogues) who sadly passed away in December 2016. The award was presented on the night to Frank’s daughter Shannon Murray.
Performances on the night came from Soulé, Jafaris and Overhead, The Albatross.
Kilkenny Tradfest and the Watergate will be joining forces on St. Patrick’s night in Kilkenny (17 March) for a double header of Irish music featuring Eleanor McEvoy and Usher’s Island, comprising Andy Irvine, Donal Lunny, Paddy Glackin, Michael McGoldrick and John Doyle.
