James Vincent McMorrow to play first Irish gig since lockdown

A crowd of 500 will be allowed to attend, which is just a fraction of the normal capacity of the bucolic Dublin City centre venue.
The gig is being promoted by the National Concert Hall.
The show promises to be a fascinating, and likely emotional, start to the summer for a man whose star is firmly in the ascendant. James’ latest album Grapefruit Season is scheduled for release in July and there is a high level of anticipation about its prospects. McMorrow has been steadily building his international audience. He has also been refining his style and approach to take contemporary developments in rap and hip hop into account - and producing some of the most intriguing music to come out of Ireland in the process. Support is provided by Sorcha Richardson whose song 'Starlight Lounge' was co-produced by James.

Meanwhile, the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Catherine Martin TD, has announced the full series of pilot events “to bring live music and culture back to Irish audiences.”
As revealed earlier on hotpress.com, the highlight is an outdoor music festival – proposed for Dublin’s Phoenix Park – on June 26th.  Events will take place around the country, featuring a mix of live music, comedy and other concerts. Numbers and locations will vary across counties and venues and the preparation of guidance for managing the events is under way. Other events, under the Department’s remit of sport, will also be opening on a pilot basis.
“It has been a long and difficult 15 months for so many musicians, artists, athletes, venue operators, crew and audiences,” said Minister Martin.
“As Minister for Culture, the Arts and Sport, I have pressed for venues to be allowed reopen. Cabinet has agreed a list of exciting pilot events for arts and sports that we are now organising.”
She pointed to the fact that, for the first time since early last year, people will now be able to gather to celebrate artists, enjoy sporting events, theatre productions and other entertainment.
“We are reopening our stages, concerts, sports, our country. We are back to doing what we love, what makes us Irish, connecting with people as we move together towards the recovery.”
Minister Martin also secured agreement that from June 7 all cinemas, including drive-in venues, and theatres can  reopen. The Minister also announced that thousands of pubs are set to benefit from a new outdoor service grant which will enhance European-style outdoor hospitality.
She added: “Cabinet has agreed to my request that restrictions on performances at licensed venues, such as restaurants, pubs and hotels, will be reviewed as a priority. A new  funding scheme for these musicians will be open for applications in the days ahead. 
“We will also announce more funds for businesses in the live entertainment sector, for festival organisers, SMEs and suppliers too.”
 
The full list of confirmed culture, arts, music, dance and entertainment events is as follows: 
* 10 June: Iveagh Gardens, Outdoor music event curated by NCH
* 23 June: University Limerick, Concert Hall, opera performance event
* 26 June: Phoenix Park,  outdoor music festival
* 26 June: INEC , Killarney, Co. Kerry, music performance indoor
* 3 July: Róisín Dubh, Galway, Trad Music 
* 3 July: Vicar Street, Comedy
* 10 July: Cork Opera House, Irish National Opera
* Late July: Jam Park, Swords, night club event
* From 7 June: cinemas and theatres to reopen  

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