Just Mustard, Negro Impacto and more announced for special show in memory of Dundalk musician Ranier Gaspar

A special show in memory of Dundalk musician Ranier Gaspar – who passed away on April 8, at the age of just 20 – has been announced by the Spirit Store. Set to take place on Saturday, May 31, the night will feature performances from Just Mustard, Negro Impacto, Jinx Lennon, Jamie Muckno, Rowan Murphy, Mark Durnin, and Ranier's own band imBau.

All proceeds from the event will go to the Gaspar family.

"The Spirit Store was a place truly loved by Ranier, and his energy will be with us all," the Dundalk venue's post about the event reads. "There will be two stages with the music starting from 5pm, and heading upstairs from 8pm."

To coincide with the show announcement, Ranier's band imBau have shared their own special tribute online:

"There are certain people in this world who, upon meeting it becomes clear that your life will never be the same without them," they wrote. "This was true for our beautiful friend Ranier Gaspar.

"Being younger than the rest of us, we saw him as our little brother. Despite his age, his musical wisdom out shadowed all of us combined. He was our muse and inspired us each and every day. Not just with his talent, but the gentle, kind and endearing way he approached life.

"It’s strange to try and convey what it means to be in a band to those who have never been in one. We shared a soul, bounded by a love and trust in each other. We wouldn’t go more than a few hours without speaking, and we could always rely on one another to see it through even the toughest days.

imbau supporting Just Mustard at Coughlan's Music Festival. Copyright Trevor McGrath.

"The name of our band - imBau - is more of an expression, or mantra to live by than it is a name. 'Under Construction' represents The Becoming, the constant process of growing into one’s potential. It was through our collective will that we mutually lived this every day.

"Ranier was the glue that brought us all together. He made us whole and around him this amazing little community formed in Dundalk, a place where we previously wanted to get out of was now rekindled with a true sense of connection.

"The Spirit Store was like a second home for us, we are so grateful to Derek, Evan, Jack, the bar staff and everybody else who welcomed us and allowed us to find our feet on the stage. It is here we return for a day and night of celebration. It has filled our hearts with so much love to see the outpouring of support from everyone in the Dundalk scene and we can’t thank you enough for bringing us all together for a truly special night.

"We love you Ranier, you will always be our wee rockstar. We can’t wait to share the stage with you one last time. Goodbye, and thanks for being our friend."

Tickets for the Main Venue show at the Spirit Store on May 31, in memory of Ranier, are available here.

Listen to imBau's debut single, 'if your eyes trouble you', below: