Trish Keenan writes:
Oxjam is Oxfam Irelands brain-child and their self proclaimed DIY music festival. MEG managed to get hold of Oxjam Navans organiser Joy Booth for a quick chat. Joy has managed to get a host of Navan musicians on board to join her on stage in supporting such a worthy cause.
The line-up so far is as follows: The Whatmans, Simon Fagan, Clarkie and Beef, Peadar Farrelly, Eugene Donegan and Ruairi Coogan. We contacted some of the performing musicians to get their opinion on this wonderful idea. Speaking with MEG Ruairi Coogan said Im delighted to be playing the Oxjam gig for Joy and the organisers. Its great for a change to be involved in something thats doing good for others and not just inflating an artists ego! It also makes people aware of situations they might not have noticed otherwise. Its all for a good cause and I cant wait to play a nice chilled and thought-filled set .
We also caught up with Simon Fagan to get his take on things Im very excited to be part of the Oxfam gig, not only is it a chance to play to a home crowd, more importantly, its a chance to make a difference. Especially when the mass media of the world are so heavily focused on the Middle East and its current situation, its times like this that other humanitarian issues around the globe can be forgotten. The Oxfam gig may only be a small contribution in the greater scheme of things, but its a small ripple that makes a wave.
Here is what organiser Joy has to say:
What inspired you to get involved with Oxjam?
I worked as a fundraiser for nearly 2 years on behalf of various local and international charities and NGOs. I loved working for all of them but Oxfam was always the one that stood out for me! I really admire their holistic approach i.e. not just helping to feed people and build wells, but actually tackling the issues which cause such poverty in developing countries.
Where does the money raised go to and is this something you are passionate about?
Oxfams work is focused on 3 main areas: Long-term development, emergency relief and rehabilitation and advocacy. The funds raised each year are ear-marked for various projects which can include HIV/AIDS education/prevention, disaster relief (Bangladesh Cyclone 2007) and campaigns for change e.g. Make Trade Fair. An average of 90c out of every Euro donated to Oxfam Ireland is pumped directly into their overseas projects. The other 10c is used as the oil to keep the machine working day to day – fundraising, administration, campaigning etc.
Do you believe music is a positive vehicle for change?
Music has long and often been used to convey views and opinions about the state of the world and what can be done to make things better – I dont need to mention those gigs! When a message about positive change is as accessible as turning on your radio or your telly, its very hard to miss the point! I dont think that music, in itself, can be the cause of any great change but it can help to create awareness and bring like-minded people together. They are the ones who change things.
How long have you been playing music and who are your own musical influences?
I started writing songs and playing guitar when I was about 16. I was listening to all sorts of music – David Bowie, Dylan, Janis Joplin, Joni Mitchell, Nick Cave, Radiohead, The Beatles, the list goes on! The greatest source of inspiration to me, however, were the local musicians in various pubs around Navan. Id go to every session I could, to watch and listen and learn! When they started asking me to play the odd tune here and there, it really helped to build my confidence and encouraged me to stick at it. More recently, I was given an opportunity to play at The Backroom Sessions in November 07 which spurred me on to keep writing and performing my own material. So, thats how I started and its why Im still doing it!
How did you go about getting other musicians involved?
This is the second time Navan artists have come together to raise money for Oxfam Ireland. The gig we held last January in the Palace Nite Club generated a substantial sum for the Bangladesh cyclone emergency fund. I just sent a quick text around to whatever bands/artists I had in my phonebook asking if theyd be up for a fundraiser gig and both times the response was pretty much immediate and extremely positive! Everybody has been very supportive and generous with their time and talent so Im sure this gig will be even more successful!
What can people expect on the night?
People who come to support Oxfam Ireland and Navans original music scene can expect thrilling performances from all acts, great raffle prizes and the chance to help make a real difference in the lives of many people in the developing world.
Tickets are available from the performing artists, Sean Mulligan at The Backroom Sessions or Johnstown Shopping Centre or you can contact us here at MEG.
