A perfect example of the opportunities The Music Show presents to young musicians, up-and-coming Wicklow band Children Of The Son attracted a huge amount of attention in the RDS. Free guitars, radio airplay and a headlining slot in The Academy – not a bad weekend.

Sharon Delaney and Damian Farrelly put the boys on air, live, at the 2fm stand. Initially due to play one song, after hearing the second Delaney commented: "they are excellent!" and let them play three. Farrelly asked them to contact 2fm with their material post-Music Show.

LA rock photographer Robert Knight told Fender's Helen Varley about the band and, upon hearing them play on the Sunday, she approached lead guitarist Max Matthews and informed him that a brand new, top-of-the-range Fender guitar would be arriving for him on Monday, apparently making them the first band ever to be gifted a Fender this side of the Atlantic.

Their list of admirers didn't stop there. Off the back of The Music Show appearance, MCD's Niall Morris is giving them a headliner at The Academy on June 2. Caroline Downey-Desmond also made her love for the band known. Robert Knight has asked the boys on a 10 day tour with The Sick Puppies in Ireland & the UK, and they have received three other gig offers thus far.

It serves to highlight all that is great about The Music Show, as well as the fact that there are still opportunities there for bands with talent.

If you want to see what all the fuss is about, Children Of The Son play The Mezz in Dublin from 10pm on March 3. Go to [link]www.childrenoftheson.com[/link] for further details.