Kevin and Sara Murray. Photos by Niall Timoney.
By Róise Collins
A new music venue in Killybegs is preparing to host their third live this Sunday with performances from some of the county’s most exciting young musicians.
The Music Loom is a stunning venue is located in the old carpet factory in Killybegs, which is home to the largest hand-knotted loom in the world.
The factory produced carpets that can be found in iconic locations across the world including the White House, Áras an Uachtaráin, Dublin Castle, Stormont and the University of Notre Dame.
Amidst the historic old looms is a colourful arrangement of quirky seats and twinkly fairy lights – creating the most intimate and unique musical experience.
The stage has already graced two fantastic live music events, the first featuring Tanya McCole, Without Willow, Lára and Kevin Loughlin.
The second was Soda Blonde with Eve Belle.
Organiser Kevin Murray said the first two events have received fantastic feedback. They said the venue was stunning and unique because of the old looms – it’s very instagrammable, Kevin laughed.
The building also boasts brilliant acoustics, because it is full of wood and carpet, he added.
Kevin’s wife Sara is a music teacher. Since opening the venue she has used the stage as a means of nurturing and encouraging local artists.
Two of her students Zoe McCauley and Aoibhín O’Dea will be performing this weekend.
The two talented young ladies hail from the Gaeltacht in Gaoth Dobhair. Both are steeped in the sean-nós singing and fiddle playing tradition. Nia is daughter of world renowned artists Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh and Dermot Byrne from Altan and granddaughter of the late, great Francie Mooney.
Up and coming singer songwriter from The Rosses, Zoe McCauley will also be performing. Zoe blew audiences away at a recent performance at Club Beo.
“It’s so nice to give them a platform,” Sara said.
Their goal is to get well established artists on board to inspire the promising young musicians.
At this weekend’s performance the budding artists will be joined by Krea, who was previously in the three piece band Wyvern Lingo. She has also collaborated with household names such as Denise Chaila and Hozier.
Also on the bill is vocalist and songwriter Chanele McGuinness. She has toured with songwriters Natalie Prass and Matthew E. White, playing sold out shows across Europe and the United Kingdom.
The Music Loom will also welcome Belfast based singer Duke Special to the stage in September.
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