Adrian Dunbar takes to virtual stage as open mic raises over £2,000 for Women’s Aid

Organised, presented and edited by Niamh Carney and Philana Nolan of local music duo Laytha, the virtual open mic night was broadcast on Blakes of the Hollow’s Youtube channel on Friday, May 22.

Every summer Niamh and Philana would host their Open Mic Night in Blakes and bring together the amazing talent that Fermanagh has to offer. Currently unable to host their event at Blakes due to the pandemic, the girls decided to keep the tradition going by inviting regular open mic performers and some new faces to join them on a virtual stage to raise money for an important cause.

At 10pm on Friday, Niamh and Philana welcomed their at-home audience to the virtual open mic night, opening the event with a touching medley of ‘With A Little Help From My Friends’ and ‘Times Like These’. Video messages were also provided by Kerrie Flood, Development Manager at Fermanagh Women’s Aid and Mark Edwards, Manager of Blakes of the Hollow.

The open mic line-up officially kicked off with a special performance by Adrian Dunbar, who sang a rendition of ‘Castle of Dromore’ whilst playing piano.

Adrian was followed by stellar performances from local musicians including Sean Magee, Emily Tracey, Grainne, Deirdre and Emer Kennedy, Conor and Sarah Hughes, Rhys Hopkins, Tommy O’Neil, Ro and Fil Burns, Clara Marie Tracey and friends, Eoin McCaffrey and Nadia Stenson, Eugene Dolan, Jonathan Beatty, Eavan Gribbin, Pat Quinn, Rory Blake, Sarah Phillips, Jason Howe, Zoe Power, Shauna McMorrow, Maurice Collins, Karl Ledwith and Conor Phillips.

Throughout the night, Niamh and Philana introduced the acts and performed a few songs themselves. Although they couldn’t be in Blake’s physically, they brought the bar’s charming atmosphere to the homes of all the viewers with their use of sound effects, voiceovers (provided by Matthew McCaffrey and Bobby) and clever editing. Mikaela Nolan assisted with camerawork for the event’s opening footage.

Speaking to The Impartial Reporter following the event, Niamh and Philana commented that they were overwhelmed by the support on the night: “It went so much better than we ever could have thought. It was just a lovely wee night, it felt like we were with everyone almost, it was so nice.”

Along with organising and hosting the event, Niamh and Philana also edited all of the footage, creating a seamless production.

“It took us a week and two all-nighters in a row,” shared Niamh. “We could not see straight on Saturday,” laughed Philana.

“The first 10 minutes we were so nervous in case it crashed because we’d been having some technical difficulties trying to get it uploaded but once Sean Magee started playing, he was getting everyone going, we were able to relax and enjoy it,” added Niamh.

When asked if there was anything that she felt was more effective about the virtual open mic compared to their regular event, Philana commented: “It was nice that we got so many great people all at once. Sometimes when we would have the open mic obviously people like Karl Ledwith lives in Galway and Clara Tracey lives in Dublin, we wouldn’t always get everyone at once.

“But having everyone play all together was just one of the best things about it all I think.”

Niamh added that they also enjoyed the opportunity to be creative when introducing each performer: “It was so fun to be creative with that and kind of get people laughing because you can’t really do that in a bar. That was a nice different aspect to it.”

Calling the event “fantastic”, Kerrie Flood of Fermanagh Women’s Aid said: “As lockdown has progressed, the level of violence within homes continues to escalate. Our staff continue to support women and their children and we, like other Women’s Aid services, are doing all we can to keep women and children safe.”

She continued: “When Niamh and Philana contacted us to do a fundraiser, we were so pleased. In the week that they organised their open mic night, we received two referrals every day with the stories weighing heavily on our minds and limited capacity within our services.”

“When we turned in to watch the fundraiser we were stunned by the number of people who came together to make music, raise funds and raise spirits across the county and beyond. Many staff were very emotional watching this group of talented people in their living rooms, offering their support. After a difficult few weeks, it has really spurred us on,” added Kerrie.

Noting that within an hour, over £1,000 was raised for Fermanagh Women’s Aid, Kerrie added: “Today it sits at £2,000 which will support seven families for as long as they need.”

“What has stood out to the staff, volunteers and women and children who use our services is that Niamh, Philana, Blake’s of the Hollow and all the artists made a choice. They chose to do something wonderful because they could and because they wanted to,” shared Kerrie.

“We have always known that the Fermanagh community stood with us. But when we have needed them most, they have really lifted and inspired us. That’s what a community response to Domestic and Sexual Violence means. Making a choice to do what you can because everyone can do something,” Kerrie told this newspaper.

The virtual open mic night was a phenomenal success in its aim to raise funds for an essential service whilst bringing a community together, from a distance, in the joint appreciation of local musical talent.