Three City Stages comes to Waterford tomorrow, featuring Leah Moran, Two Time Charlie and more

Three City Stages is heading to Waterford this January 28th, following the successful inaugural showcase in Limerick earlier this month.

Taking place at the Three Blackfriars store, the custom-built stage will each host a line-up of some of Ireland’s most talented rising musicians from 12-3pm with special guest performers also joining at select busking locations.

Tomorrow's up-and-comer bill will consist of Two Time Charlie, Tara Ní Chinnéide, Modern Dilemma, Leah Moran, and Tia Burke.

City Stages supports the next generation of musicians, currently learning their trade by busking on Ireland’s city streets, to progress their careers by offering them the opportunity to perform on the biggest stages in the country.

To date, City Stages has provided a platform for new Irish musicians to share their music, with previous performances from Korey Power, Abe Soare, Dáwna, Smith OJ, Robert Dawson and Uisce Jones. Along with celebrating new and exciting talents, Three City Stages has also brought highly-acclaimed Irish acts to entertain crowds with a surprise acoustic performance from chart-topping pop outfit Wild Youth kicking off the first showcase in Limerick earlier this January.

The initiative will tour Ireland throughout the year, providing a platform for buskers and emerging musicians to showcase to new audiences.

“The aim is to support the next generation of Irish musicians,” explains Tanya Townsend, who manages sponsorship and brand activation at Three Ireland. “We want to open doors and help musicians progress their career, and hopefully get them onto the biggest stages in Ireland – 3Olympia and 3Arena.”

City Stages plans performances in towns and cities across Ireland, with up to six of Ireland’s top buskers getting to perform on each stage. They will play a mix of up to five originals and covers, though original music is absolutely not a prerequisite to getting involved.

Industry experts from Hot Press, Sony Music and AIM Ireland are on board to aid in the process of choosing the performers. The project is also supported by City Stages ambassador, RTÈ 2fm’s Tracy Clifford.

Huge Irish names like Dermot Kennedy, Damien Rice and Glen Hansard have started their music career as buskers.

“It’s not just about a one-off performance. We are passionate about supporting musicians along the way,” Tanya emphasises once more. “With City Stages everybody has an opportunity to open new doors and progress their careers and gain access to music industry experts no matter your level or experience.”