'A dream come true': Limerick castle hosts 'memorable' live music series

IN A medieval venue in Newcastle West, melodies echoed through the halls as performers put on a show for the pleasure of an intimate crowd.

In Desmond Castle, emerging indie-folk band KingFishr, rapper God Knows and teen pop sensation Nell Mescal performed for ‘Anam – Songs for Hearts & Minds’.

A partnership between Other Voices and The Office of Public Works (OPW), the new live music series will take viewers on a memorable musical journey – and their Limerick show will be broadcast this Thursday.

With their special events, the initiative aims to blend the magic of live performances with the beauty of Ireland’s significant historic landmark.

In a hall dating from the 13th century, Desmond Castle was the host for the second show of the series. The artists performed where once upon a time, the Earls of Desmond used to host feasts.

As the public settled in, lights dimmed and a crew prepared to film what promised to be a magical experience. Indie-folk band Kingfishr kicked off the festivities with a goosebump inducing performance. For them, playing Other Voices was a “dream come true.” The trio, who met while studying engineering in UL, performed four songs, including their latest release titled ‘anyway’.

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Next on the line-up was Limerick-based rapper, God Knows, who has been on the music scene somewhat longer. A family affair, his energetic performance featured back-up dancing from family members and got the crowd going. As part of Rusangano Family, God Knows was the recipient of the Choice Music Prize for 2016’s ‘Let The Dead Bury The Dead’ - the first ever hip-hop record to win the prestigious ‘Album of the Year’ award.

Last but not least, singer-songwriter and rising indie-pop musician Nell Mescal, was accompanied by a guitar as she performed beautiful stripped-back versions of her songs, accompanied by a guitar and a piano. She sang her latest release, Homesick, which touches on longing for home but not wanting to "go home yet." 

“Part festival, part TV show, part fairytale” Other Voices, is renowned for showcasing emerging talent.

Speaking of their partnership with the OPW, Philip King from Other Voices commented: “The sound and the feeling of what it is to be Irish right now is manifest in the songs and tunes of these creative artists, who are informed and enriched by the traditions of past times…traditions born and nurtured in these halls and galleries over decades and centuries.”

Speaking of the venue, Minister of State with responsibility for the Office of Public Works, Patrick O’Donovan, TD, said: “It is a magnificent space here in Limerick that I hope will play host to many more events like this, where people can come together in these medieval surroundings and enjoy the best of Irish arts and music today.”

'Anam presents: Nell Mescal, God Knows & Kingfishr' will be streaming live this Thursday, May 11 at 8pm via othervoices.ie