COVID-19 TALK: Imelda May is online gigging tonight to raise funds for the elderly Irish in London

It's a "Lá Fhéile Pádraig sona duit/Happy St. Patrick's Day!" to you all. While actual gigs have been cancelled, there's no shortage of virtual ones with Imelda May the latest to join the online fray. Donate what you can at p.donorfy.com/donate/CV0274QC09/StPatricksAppeal ahead of what promises to be a great little isolated seisiún.

Tomorrow 9pm my place! I’m going to sing a few songs live on Instagram for St Patrick’s Day in aid of @LDNIrishCentre appeal. Link to donate anything you can, https://t.co/qNRXONt2N6 then get your pint, your #tayto and yourself ready for a little isolated seisiún pic.twitter.com/E9EesVJgng

— Imelda May (@ImeldaOfficial) March 16, 2020

Rowdy tradsters The Scratch are looking forward to entertaining the online masses at 4pm today. We're getting our request in for 'The Old Dog', as featured on Pat Kenny's Newstalk show, now.

4pm we’ll be playing a load of tunes please tune in and see what we’ve done to our kitchen my god g’wan Ireland ❤️ pic.twitter.com/F1EFcLuyr2

— The Scratch (@thescratchmusic) March 16, 2020

A fine gesture of solidarity from Anúna who are today "releasing a full concert video online to raise money for homeless people in as many states as we can. Anúna is made up of freelancers from ten countries, mainly here though. And all of them have bills to pay. But there are worse off than us."
A sobering reflection this Paddy's Day from promoter and DJ Anthony Remedy who says: "It’s sad to see so many people I know heading to the dole all at once. I live near one of the offices and they are packed today. All with chefs, bar tenders, waiters, cleaners etc. Everyone who looks after you. An industry put in a coma over 48 hours."
Looking to what is hopefully the near future are muscular Dundalk folkies The Mary Wallopers who message: "When this is all over we're gonna put on a free gig or two for healthcare workers and emergency services. Not sure about the logistics but it will happen. I'm sure a lot of other artists will join. We'll figure it out, xoxo."
Hugs and kisses right back at yer, lads.
Acclaimed classical guitarist Michael Stedman is online gigging tonight at 7.30pm, make sure to be properly attired and have a glass of something cheeky in hand.

Happy #StPatricksDay! Come join me for a #FlattenTheCurve concert on Insta. 7:30pm tonight 🎶 follow @MStedmanGuitar pic.twitter.com/WSP1bC7HqX

— Michael Stedman (@MStedmanGuitar) March 17, 2020

Today FM DJ and all round good egg Claire Beck is hosting "a virtual mini #MITAquiz on insta tomorrow at 5pm. May as well use the Paddy’s Day themed questions."
Our old pal Niall Breslin messages: "If you have anxious kids struggling with the situation, I am going to put video up over next day or two of readings from #themagicmoment and #takefive on my @instagram and @Facebook. Hopefully will give them a bit of support #coronavirusanxiety #coronavirusireland."
Sister Michael, AKA Siobhan McSweeney, does her bit with this inspired reading of Paula Meehan's 'Seeds'.

This Paula Meehan poem is so beautiful,hopeful,affirming. Winter will end,earth will sprout. Comforting to know Nature herself will do her thing and bloom. Bless the power of the Seed on the oddest #StPatricksDay2020 Ive a great face for radio 🙏 @CoventGdnTube @IrelandEmbGB @TfL https://t.co/BoD0sC020D

— Siobhán McSweeney (@siobhni) March 17, 2020

Putting a welcome grin on Hot Press faces while imparting some invaluable advice are Mel Brooks and his son Max.

A message from me and my dad, @Melbrooks. #coronavirus #DontBeASpreader pic.twitter.com/Hqhc4fFXbe

— Max Brooks (@maxbrooksauthor) March 16, 2020

In keeping with our #BuyIrishMusic campaign, the Wirral via-Cork and Kerry songwriter Laurie Shaw reminds us that "there are a lot of cheap enough albums and all that of mine over on Bandcamp so do some exploring in the coming weeks if you want incl. the new fuzzy and delirious Pelms long player."