Luke Kelly 80th Birthday Memorial Gig Fundraiser
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Local Luke Kelly 80th birthday online tribute to raise funds for children and families living in homelessness in Waterford this Christmas Irish folk music icon Luke Kelly was just 43 when he passed away in 1984 following a brain tumour.
Born on November 17th 1940, his 80th birthday would take place this month. Luke left behind him a huge musical legacy from his solo work and from his time as a member of the world famous ‘The Dubliners’ band that has influenced countless musicians across the world to continue his music and song. This influence has led to the hosting of an online concert by well known Waterford musicians to pay tribute to Luke’s life. The idea was the brainchild of local musician Stephen Jacob who is lead singer with well known folk band in Waterford 3 for the Road and organiser of the event.
Stephen said; “Luke Kelly is a hero to any musician who has an interest in Irish folk music. It is fitting that all of us that sing Luke’s songs to keep his memory alive and his ballads popular will now come together to pay tribute to him in song for his 80th birthday. We will have local and national musicians taking part. “Luke when he was alive showed great interest in social causes and improving the lives of people who were oppressed and discriminated against. Many of his songs like the town I loved so well, scorn not his simplicity, Joe Hill and Free the People told stories in songs about oppression.
“So along with the musical tribute, we have also teamed up with Focus Ireland and the Simon Community to raise funds on the night that will be used to make Christmas happier for families and children living in homelessness around Waterford. “
The event takes place on Saturday November 14th at 9pm. It will be streamed across a number of social media platforms including Waterford In Your Pocket and the 3 for the Road band page.
“We are asking people to be as generous as possible on the night and are asking businesses to come on board in a sponsorship capacity to raise as much money as possible.
Born on November 17th 1940, his 80th birthday would take place this month. Luke left behind him a huge musical legacy from his solo work and from his time as a member of the world famous ‘The Dubliners’ band that has influenced countless musicians across the world to continue his music and song. This influence has led to the hosting of an online concert by well known Waterford musicians to pay tribute to Luke’s life. The idea was the brainchild of local musician Stephen Jacob who is lead singer with well known folk band in Waterford 3 for the Road and organiser of the event.
Stephen said; “Luke Kelly is a hero to any musician who has an interest in Irish folk music. It is fitting that all of us that sing Luke’s songs to keep his memory alive and his ballads popular will now come together to pay tribute to him in song for his 80th birthday. We will have local and national musicians taking part. “Luke when he was alive showed great interest in social causes and improving the lives of people who were oppressed and discriminated against. Many of his songs like the town I loved so well, scorn not his simplicity, Joe Hill and Free the People told stories in songs about oppression.
“So along with the musical tribute, we have also teamed up with Focus Ireland and the Simon Community to raise funds on the night that will be used to make Christmas happier for families and children living in homelessness around Waterford. “
The event takes place on Saturday November 14th at 9pm. It will be streamed across a number of social media platforms including Waterford In Your Pocket and the 3 for the Road band page.
“We are asking people to be as generous as possible on the night and are asking businesses to come on board in a sponsorship capacity to raise as much money as possible.
Organizer and beneficiary
Dean Robinson
Organizer
Mick Jacob
Beneficiary
