As a day of rallies and protests winds down, supporters of Take Back the City are being encouraged to make their way to the East Side Tavern on Leeson St for a solidarity gig this evening. With attendees asked to bring along any items that might draw attention to the cause, it promises to be a more light-hearted extension to the day’s protest.
One of the announced acts is Junior Brother, a singer-songwriter from Kerry. His satirical, irreverent lyrics target various aspects of Irish culture, from Catholicism to alcohol consumption, showcasing his ability to find disconcerting comedy in everyday realities. Singing in a strong Irish accent and playing in an aptly insouciant acoustic style, he is one of the most singular members of Ireland’s flourishing folk scene.
Also performing on the night is Conor Cunningham, a member of the Maynooth five piece band Hatchlings. The band is comprised of talented multi-instrumentalists who draw from a wealth of jazz, classical, blues, folk and rock influences. Their sound is distinguished by high-quality instrumentalism and an eclectic mix of genres subsumed within individual songs.
Singer-songwriter Maija Sofia will also take to the stage. With her lo-fi, bewitchingly atmospheric songs and a penchant for poignant storytelling, her music draws from a longstanding tradition of indie and folk music. She is often compared to artists such as Nick Cave and Cat Power, yet she still manages to retain a distinctly unique sound.
The final two performers have been named as Baby Witch and the spoken word poet Alicia Byrne Keane. Representatives of the Take Back the City campaign will also speak at the event.
Take Back the City has involved a series of protests against homelessness, increasing rent costs, evictions and poor housing conditions. Protestors have occupied buildings on Belvedere Court, North Frederick St and Summerhill Parade in the last few months. Members of Take Back Trinity have been involved in the occupations and protests since the start. This morning, 3,000 students gathered in the Garden of Remembrance before joining a larger protest outside government buildings. Members of Take Back Trinity also joined a sit-down protest staged by Take Back the City outside Leinster House on Merrion St following the initial protest.
