Music
01 Oct 26

First Management Bursary in honour of Trevor Dietz goes to Madra Salach manager Erin Barker

Angela Borgan (left) and Erin Barker at the launch of the bursary, press photo. Trevor Dietz, Credit: Miguel Ruiz.

The bursary was launched in honour of Trevor Dietz, promoter and manager of Fontaines D.C., who died this summer at age 47.

The first Trevor Dietz Management Bursary has been awarded to Madra Salach manager Erin Barker. The initiative honouring the late Fontaines D.C. manager was announced at the launch of Irish Music Week.

Trevor Dietz was a DJ and booker for Workman's Club, programming live shows and club nights. He promoted Fontaines D.C. in their early days, booking them for performances at Workman's before becoming their manager in 2018. He passed away in June at age 47.

Erin Barker is the manager of emerging contemporary folk band Madra Salach. She is also a booker for Workman's. Madra Salach released their debut EP earlier this year and will be supporting Fontaines D.C. at Slane Castle in June 2027.

In addition to €5000, the bursary provides monthly mentoring sessions with a principal at Wildlife Entertainment and a free office at First Music Contact for one day a week, both for 12 months. The aim of the bursary is to support and encourage a developing manager.

“We want to make sure we honour Trev in a very real way, to keep his generosity of spirit and openness in the industry alive”, said Angela Dorgan. She is the CEO of First Music Contact, which organises Irish Music Week.

"Trevor was an inspirational, compassionate and dedicated manager who set an example to us all", said Ian McAndrew, CEO of Wildlife Entertainment Limited, who are partnering with IMW for the bursary.

"His support for Irish music and devotion to justice was recognised and admired by everyone that knew him. We are honoured to support a management bursary in his name and help champion the next generation of Irish managers and artists".