Sligo Invasion hits Dublin

Quite literally..

A Plastic Rose, The Dead Flags, Pearse McGloughlin and Wayne O’Connor might seem like a varied, almost unrelated bunch but all share a common heritage, beginning their careers in the pubs and sessions of Sligo. Now heavy-hitters, proclaimed as “next big things” and “ones to watch” across the British Isles, they come together to introduce the capital city to the excitement and diversity of city that spawned them.

The brainchild of a few Sligo-born and Dublin-based acts, The Sligo Invasion serves as a showcase of and introduction to the vibrant music scene of the North-West. Acknowledging the dominance of the capital as the centre for the Irish independent scene, this is a night dedicated to showing that great music is being made outside The Pale and on this occasion at least, one does not have to cross the country to hear it.

Artists like A Plastic Rose, The Dead Flags, Tucan, Yngve & The Innocent, Pearse McGloughlin and more have made reputations and homes in various parts of these islands, but all share their roots in the Sligo scene. They are friends and collaborators from early days of playing on each-others’ songs, eschewing rivalry and competitiveness to support each-other as part of a wide musical collective and community.

APR have gone on to become one of the most hotly-tipped bands in Belfast, appearing at last year’s Reading Festival, picking up regular airplay on BBC Radio One and gaining a fan in Snow Patrol’s Gary Lightbody. The Dead Flags have just released their acclaimed debut album “Gentlemen’s Club” and with regular national radioplay are currently tearing up the live circuit, on the verge a mainstream breakthrough. The Irish Times’ Jim Carroll has been raving about Pearse McGloughlin’s debut album “Busy Whisper” and Wayne O’Connor’s acoustic songsmithery has been bubbling under for some years with 2011 looking like a big year for the singer/songwriter.

The Sligo Invasion showcases these four artists in a mini-festival that serves as both a celebration of and introduction to the breadth of talent coming out of the North- West. The soaring anthems of A Plastic Rose, energetic punk-pop of The Dead Flags, finely-crafted beauty of Pearse McGloughlin and acoustic songsmithery of Wayne O’Connor will come to the legendary Dublin venue on August 26th to display their wares for this inaugural showcase night.

Four amazing and varied artists. One Stage. One Night. Just don’t mention Westlife.

THE SLIGO INVASION! Whelans, Wexford St Thursday 26th August 2010 Doors 8pm, Admission €10.00