Songs From The Bridge

12th June 2021

Riverbank Arts Centre and June Fest are thrilled to present Songs From The Bridge, an online series of some Newbridge’s finest musicians performing on the Riverbank stage as part of June Fest 2021.

Curated by Stephen Connelly, the line-up features Megan O’Neill, Roisin McAlinden and Appo and the musicians are interviewed by music artist, Tia Burke.

“We have been faced with many challenges and setbacks in the events industry but to have this opportunity to shine the spotlight on local talent in the town has been incredible. It was a pleasure to work with Tia Burke, Megan O’Neill, Roisin McAlinden & Appo on this series. As we anticipate the return of live music, Songs From The Bridge reminds us that there is no shortage of gifted singer-songwriters on our doorstep.” Stephen Connelly, Curator

Songs From The Bridge can be watched for FREE over three nights on Riverbank Arts Centre’s Facebook account:

Megan O’Neill – Tuesday 15th June, 7.30pm
Roisin McAlinden – Wednesday 16th June, 7.30pm
Appo – Thursday 17th June, 7.30pm

“We are delighted to collaborate with June Fest on Songs From The Bridge. These recordings give a hopeful glimpse of what we can expect when live events return. Huge thanks to curator Stephen Connelly and host Tia Burke, our production manager Phil Jennings and the technical team for bringing us these great recordings. Special thanks to the three musicians Megan O’Neill, Roisin McAlinden and Appo. As a venue that has a strong connection with music of all genres, we are thrilled to have music artists back on our stage – and the next step will be welcoming our audiences back soon.”
Alex Rosiak, Acting Director, Riverbank Arts Centre

Megan O’Neill
Kildare singer – songwriter Megan O’Neill released her second full length studio album in March – titled Getting Comfortable with Uncertainty. Throughout the past 12 months, Megan has been releasing a new single every 8 – 12 weeks with great success in Ireland and the UK. Time in a Bottle, the bonus track off the new album, featured on episode one of hit Netflix TV Show Firefly Lane. One week later, she performed the song live on RTÉ’s Late Late Show – reaching an audience of approximately 2 million and the single charted that same weekend in Ireland across all genres. Megan has also toured extensively in the UK, Ireland, US and Germany and played support to artists such as Sir Tom Jones, Jamie Cullum and Lighthouse Family.

Roisin McAlinden
Roisin is based here in Newbridge and is a well known singer around the country. She won the Derby Festival busking competition in 2016 and went on to study vocal training in BIMM. Roisin sings a wide variety of styles but has been fronting the blues rock band The Chapel Hill Gang in recent years. She released her first debut single just before lockdown, ‘Never Forget You’.

Appo
David Aspell aka Appo is a Newbridge singer songwriter. He has been touring home and abroad for the last 5 years building up quite an impressive fanbase. He decided to use the lockdown as an opportunity to record his debut album with local producer and engineer Rubber Keo behind the desk. The album features an array of Newbridge musicians such as Lenny Cahill, Niecie Loftus and brothers Wayne and Clifton McManamon.

Tia Burke
Tia Burke is a young emerging Irish artist ready to take the world by storm. Having already played events like Electric Picnic and performing in the U.S aged 16 she has gained plenty of experience performing live. She worked with Kodaline in Camden Studios after a successful summer of busking. She won both the Edenderry Busking Festival and the Junefest Busking competition. Her many influences include Kate Bush , Nick Cave & Aurora. See her website: http://www.tiaburke.ie/