.
Ross Brassil who is organising the protest in the Square on June 23. Photo by Dermot Crean
A LOCAL musician is hoping for a good turnout next Wednesday for a protest at the difficulties faced by all involved in the music industry in the county.
Ross Brassil from Tralee, who plays in pubs and at functions in the local area, has organised the ‘Kerry Music Industry Stands Up’ event in The Square at 12 noon on June 23.
Ross says there is deep frustration among musicians who have no roadmap from the Government on how or when they will get back playing in social settings.
Continued below…
.
“There is a blanket ban from Fáilte Ireland on music in indoor and outdoor settings,” he said. “Our aim is to get back playing this summer, at least in outdoor settings like beer gardens and at wedding receptions/drinks receptions. I feel, in the long term, Fáilte Ireland is going to shoot itself in the foot — they’re promoting Ireland for the craic and the ceol, but there’s no ceol at the moment.”
Ross is hoping as many people as possible show up for the protest. “We’re appealing to musicians and anyone involved in the music industry in lighting, rigging, sound engineers etc. to come join the protest.”
Ross also says they want the PUP extended for people in the industry until they can fully get back to work.
“We understand we can’t go back into pubs tomorrow and start playing, but with the PUP being phased out in September, what are we supposed to do then?” he asked.
Ross says the protest will be peaceful and socially distant. He said support from the public, local businesses, publicans and hotels would be most welcome also as it’s in everyone’s best interests to get music up and running again in a safe manner.
