The Rags to headline Amnesty Gig for Justice in Dublin

dublin | rights, freedoms and repression | event notice Tuesday September 08, 2009 15:58 by amnesty1 - Amnesty International Ireland israeloptgroup at amnesty dot ie

Four up and coming Irish bands will perform at an Amnesty International concert to raise funds for the organisation’s campaign for justice in Gaza and southern Israel

“It’s less than a year since our television screens were taken over by images from the Gaza conflict,” said Amnesty International Ireland Executive Director Colm O’Gorman. “But no-one has been held accountable for the slaughter of over 1,400 Palestinians in Gaza, or the terrifying rocket attacks on southern Israel.

“It’s less than a year since our television screens were taken over by images from the Gaza conflict,” said Amnesty International Ireland Executive Director Colm O’Gorman. “But no-one has been held accountable for the slaughter of over 1,400 Palestinians in Gaza, or the terrifying rocket attacks on southern Israel.

“We’re very proud to have such a great line-up for this event and extraordinarily grateful to the acts for performing for us. It promises to be a great night and all proceeds go to support our work for human rights in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories.”

“Brimming with energy and with real fire in their bellies – The Rags are as exciting a live band as you’ll see” (Hot Press). Their new single A Mirror to a Woman is out next month and previous tracks have left fans eagerly awaiting their debut album. “It’s very simple – they’ve got it. Can’t wait for the album” (Ian Dempsey).

Joining The Rags on the night is I Draw Slow whose fusion of Irish folk music and Appalachian bluegrass saw their debut album described as “…very impressive… steeped in tradition but fresh and colourful” (The Ticket) and “a beautiful surprise…fusing their Irish roots with a distinctly American sound (The Event Guide).

Quirky Lucan based The Gandhis saw their debut single Zaza reach number one in Ireland’s download charts and have played support to tour bands like Electric Six and The Levellers. They’ll be bringing their unique blend of musical inspiration from the Beatles to James Brown to The Clash to the mix.

Rounding off the evening is The Sick and Indigent Song Club, an eclectic six piece band whose collection of folk, bluegrass and country is a regular at the Ha’penny Bridge Inn every Monday night. Expect anything from bluegrass to burlesque, from gospel to sea shanties.