Among those heading out to the RDS are the inimitable Christy Moore; director of the Academy Award-winning My Left Foot, Jim Sheridan; world renowned concert promoter Vince Power; documentary filmmaker extraordinaire Philip King; and Paul Brady, one of Ireland’s most successful songwriters ever.

Also returning to The Music Show after causing riotous scenes last year are Ireland’s hottest ever soul band, the mighty Republic of Loose and The Coronas – who will doubtless arrive at the RDS on a high, having unleashed their eagerly awaited new album, Tony Was An Ex-Con a week previously.

“It’s shaping up to be a really brilliant weekend,” Hot Press editor Niall Stokes enthuses. “Last year’s event was a fantastic success and this year is going to be even better. Lots more big names will be added to what promises to be a fascinating two days of music, exhibitions, masterclasses, conversation and debate. We have some really exciting surprises in store.”

In addition to artists of the calibre of Christy Moore and Paul Brady, you’ll be able to hear the thoughts of such major industry players as:

• Mean Fiddler founder Vince Power who, in addition to his chain of London club and theatre venues, has enjoyed huge success of late with the Benicassim and Hop Farm festivals.

• Steve Strange, the influential booker, whose X-Ray Touring outfit looks after the likes of Eminem, Pixies, Green Day, Robbie Williams and Snow Patrol.

• Director of the Oscar-winning Once John Carney, who can count Steven Spielberg among his fans.

• Celebrated filmmaker Jim Sheridan, who as well as readying his latest film Brothers for December release – the all-star cast includes Natalie Portman, Tobey Maguire and Jake Gyllenhaal – inspired the track ‘White As Snow’ on U2’s No Line On The Horizon album.

Also lined up to take part in the Hot Press run event is Ruth-Anne Cunningham, the glamorous young Dubliner who has emerged as one of the hottest songwriting properties in the business, infiltrating the charts here with her own ‘Take Me Away’ as well as co-writing hits for the likes of Jo-Jo, American Idol runner-up Katherine McPhee and, most recently, new British teen sensation Pixie Lott.

“This is a hugely important time for the arts and for music in Ireland,” Niall Stokes adds. “That will be reflected in the panels, which will explore the future of music in the context of, on the one hand the challenges presented by the internet and the phenomenon of file-sharing, and on the other the impact of the recession. Music can become even more important in a time of unprecedented hardship and turmoil. I think it will.”

2fm will be broadcasting live from the event, Early Bird tickets for which are available priced €12 (one day) and €16 (weekend) from www.ticketmaster.ie.

Dozens more names will be added over the coming weeks, with regular updates on hotpress.com.

The Music Show, presented by Hot Press in association with RTÉ 2FM, The Irish Independent & The Sunday Independent, runs from October 3-4th in The RDS, Dublin. Saturday 3rd October 10 am - 6.30 pm, Sunday 4th October 11 am - 6 pm.

Tickets available on Ticketmaster

The Hot Press Newsdesk