The Irish Music Rights Organisation, or IMRO have just announced the shortlist for their annual awards. “IMRO is a national organisation that administers the performing right in copyright music in Ireland on behalf of its members (who are songwriters, composers and music publishers) and on behalf of the songwriters, composers and music publishers of the international overseas societies that are affiliated to it.”
Every year they hold an award ceremony where awards are given to music venues, and festivals for excellence in their field. They celebrate the passion and effort of those who run Ireland’s best live music venues and festivals.
The categories include a regional live music venue of the year award (one for Ulster, Munster, Leinster, Connacht and Dublin), festival of the year award and the overall winner of the IMRO Live Music Venue of the year award. The Hot Press Live Music Venue of the Year Readers Poll will also be part of the awards and Hot Press fans can vote at http://www.hotpress.com/readerspoll.
Over 8,500 IMRO members considered music venues nationwide for the awards, judging them on their ability to provide the core elements of a great live music venue; atmosphere, sound and lighting, staging, diversity of programming and importantly, the staff and management of each venue.
IMRO members also voted on their favourite Irish music festival. IMRO recognises that the live music scene provides a platform for Irish musicians, while also giving a social environment for diverse audiences.
The awards ceremony will take place on February 4 in the IMRO HQ in Dublin.
The shortlist is as follows:
IMRO Dublin Live Music Venue of the Year 2013
Whelans, Dublin 2
Vicar Street, Dublin 8
The O2, Dublin 1
The Grand Social, Dublin 1
The Olympia Theatre, Dublin 2
IMRO Rest of Leinster Live Music Venue of the Year 2013
The Set Theatre, Kilkenny
Cleeres, Kilkenny
The Sky & The Ground, Wexford
Mermaid Arts Centre, Wicklow
Kavanagh’s, Portlaoise, Co Laois
IMRO Connacht Live Music Venue of the Year 2013
Roisin Dubh, Galway
JJ Harlows, Roscommon
Matt Molloy’s, Westport, Co. Mayo
Hawk’s Well Theatre, Co. Sligo
The Townhouse Bar, Galway
IMRO Munster Live Music Venue of the Year 2013
The Pavilion, Cork
Crane Lane Theatre, Cork
DeBarras, Clonakilty Cork
Dolans, Limerick
Coughlans, Cork
IMRO Ulster Live Music Venue of the Year 2013
The Glencarn Hotel, Monaghan
An Grianán Theatre, Letterkenny
Ramor Theatre, Cavan
McKenna’s, Monaghan
The Abbey Hotel, Donegal Town
IMRO Music Festival of the Year 2013
Electric Picnic
Other Voices Music Trail
Body & Soul
Longitude
Life Festival
Sea Sessions
Willie Clancy Festival
Kilkenny Roots Festival
Galway Arts Festival
Temple Bar TradFest
