What a year we have had! 2024 has been full to the brim with music-making, collaborating and creating. We are so proud of all the children and young people on Music Generation Cork City programmes for making it all happen – you are all legends!

From a global hit with the banger that is “The Spark”, to the national celebration #WeAreMusicGeneration, which saw our groups involved in three major events across the country, 2024 is a year we are NOT going to forget in a hurry!

But, before we continue, let us pause briefly to acknowledge our amazing musician educators and our community music partners, who keep the ball rolling locally and who make the magic happen week in and week out – CDYS The Hut, Cork Barrack Street Band, Cork Academy of Music, Creative Tradition, Foróige

Mayfield, GMC Beats and The Kabin Studio, Cork Migrant Centre, Cork Community Gamelan (with UCC). Take a bow – maith sibhse go léir!

In 2024, we said goodbye to two wonderful musicians, who were involved with our organisation from the early days. Joe Philpott, from Music in Community (MiC), has been an MGCC stalwart since 2013. With an illustrious music career spanning over 30 years, Joe’s unique insight into the music industry has been an invaluable tool for up-and-coming young musicians on many of our programmes, and his person-centred, open-minded approach, rooted in his training and experience with Music and Health, has inspired confidence, personal development and creative growth in all children and young people that engaged with Joe throughout his time with us. We will be following Joe’s new adventures with The White Horse Guitar Club with great interest and enthusiasm! Beir bua Joe!

We also bid farewell to the very talented Tom “Tucker” Mulcahy from Cork Academy of Music’s Fairfield Fairhill project. An exceptional educator and renowned jazz guitarist, as well as a third-generation tailor, Tom has been an incredibly sensitive teacher and performer throughout his career, developing a style and alternative approaches to learning that made music accessible to every learner. His commitment, humour and infectious passion and respect for all kinds of music has left a deep impression on all that worked with Tom. We wish him the very best in his retirement.

And so, to the year that has been, let’s have a happy recap…

February

We Are Music Generation 2024 is launched

The We Are Music Generation campaign celebrated our collective journey of music making and creativity throughout the country. A series of musical events, experiences and performances were announced by our National Office.

Music at Mount Leinster

Creative Tradition were delighted to represent MGCC in the annual Music at Mount Leinster festival hosted by Music Generation Carlow. A delegation of 5th and 6th class boys from Scoil Íosagáin took part in workshops, games and sessions with their peers from all around the country at this annual celebration of traditional Irish music. Joined by their mentors Joanne Quirke and Aoife O’Brien, the boys had a ball, making friends and playing tunes.

March

#WeAreMusicGeneration national Children and Young Persons Day is celebrated in Dublin

Over 800 children from around the country converged on the Convention Centre bright and early on Saturday 2nd March, making it one of the largest gatherings of Music Generation participants ever held! It was a day to celebrate creativity, collaboration, camaraderie and the love of music. Performances from our Creative Tradition young trad players and a closing performance from members of the Kabin Studio were some of the highlights of the day, (though we are biased)!

Music Generation National Conference

Opened by Minister for Education, Norma Foley, this conference, titled ‘Access, Artistry and Advocacy’, explored and discussed the groundbreaking achievements of Music Generation to date and the powerful impact of music in the lives of children and young people in Ireland.

U2, who have been instrumental in the development of Music Generation as an organisation, alongside the Ireland Funds, also contributed to the conference, with the Edge saying:

“Music has always been central to our lives, and Music Generation continues to do a great job in widening the availability of music tuition across the country. The fact that all of the national and local partners, and of course The Ireland Funds, have cooperated to make this such a successful initiative is not only appreciated by us but also without doubt by all the students whose lives are enriched by access to music. Music and creative expression is such a part of who we are, access to music and tuition benefits not just the individual but also the wider community.” – The Edge, U2

‘What A Wonderful World’ LÁMH video released to celebrate #WeAreMusicGeneration

A special collaboration between young musicians from Scoil Éanna Special School and Gaelscoil an Ghort Álainn in Cork City resulted in this beautiful, uplifting version of the classic Louis Armstrong song, “What A Wonderful World”. Through blending music and LÁMH sign language, this unique project promotes inclusivity and creativity. We thought it was the perfect way to launch our involvement in the national #WeAreMusicGeneration celebration. Check out the video below!

Lord Mayor Gala Concert Cheque Presentation

Music Generation Cork City were the very happy recipients of a cheque for €6,750 from the Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr Kieran McCarthy, who’s Lord Mayor’s Gala Concert raised over €30K for local charities. The Lord Mayor delighted the gathered crowd with a rendition of the beloved song “Smile”, which certainly reflected the collective mood! Collecting the cheque on behalf of Music Generation Cork City were our Music Development Officer, Claire Layton O’Brien and our Resource Worker, Aida Whooley.

April

Cork Lifelong Learning Festival

What a busy festival we had this year, with over ten different events going on across the city over the course of the Learning Festival week. From trad seisúins, to rap workshops; from film screenings to gamelan workshops, we covered the whole gambit of musical experience around the city, thanks to the ingenuity and support of our fantastic community music providers, who included The Kabin Studio and GMC Beats, Creative Tradition and Cork Community Gamelan (UCC).

Apple Partnership – Empowering Creatives Programme

Two of our partner organisations, Cork Migrant Centre’s Sauti Studio, and The Kabin Studio were chosen as the ambassadors of Apple’s new initiative in Cork – the Empowering Creatives programme. The programme promotes creativity, self-expression and empowerment across various artistic disciplines. Along with mentorship, training and support, Apple supplied each group with a range of their most popular creative devices, which are transforming the approach to collaborative and expressive work amongst these young artists.

“Getting all the new equipment and access to all the new apps has really benefited us in our workshops.”, said Kabin Studio director and producer, Garry McCarthy.

“We believe in the power of creativity and technology to drive positive change, and we’re thrilled to see the impact our support is having in Cork. Our work with The Kabin Studio and Sauti Studios provides opportunities to talented and diverse young people in the community, and we’re proud to play a part in nurturing the next generation of creatives in Cork and beyond.”, – Cathy Kearney, Apple.

https://www.echolive.ie/corknews/arid-41461201.html

Cork Academy of Music Celebrate 30th Anniversary

Celebrating 30 years, Cork Academy of Music hosted a special concert in the hallowed City Hall, with performances from a wide variety of students, past and present, along with members of the staff. Members of both Mahon Community Pop Academy and Concert Band took to the stage and delivered stellar sets. It was a memorable night and a true celebration of the Academy’s long-reaching impression on the Cork music scene.

May

“The Spark” is released and goes VIRAL!

The undeniable banger that is “The Spark” was released and became an instant, global sensation! Since its release, the song has amassed tens of millions of plays on platforms such as TikTok, Spotify & YouTube and has been lauded by celebrities and music industry heavyweights as the ‘song of the year’.

What started as a project at the Kabin Studio Easter Camp in preparation for the annual Cruinniú na nÓg festival, exploded into a worldwide phenomenon a month later. The unique collaboration between the young rappers in Kabin Studio and their peers in the Lisdoonvarna Direct Provision Centre has become the embodiment of music transcending all boundaries to self-expression and connection. If you haven’t already heard it (where have you been!?!), check it out here:

“Music is Our Home” debuts at an Taoiseach’s Childhood Poverty and Well-being Summit

Music Generation were approached by the Department of An Taoiseach to nominate a group of young musicians to compose an original piece that advocated for the right of access and inclusion for all children in Ireland today. Eight young musicians from Mahon and Mayfield were chosen for this special assignment and after a few short weeks of collaboration and rehearsing, this interpid group travelled to Dublin Castle to perform their newly composed piece of music and spoken word, which was presented to an audience that included An Taoiseach Simon Harris and Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth (DCEDIY), Roderic O’Gorman.

‘Music is Our Home’ debut performance received a rapturous standing ovation, much to the delight of Ciara, Toby, Katie, Lyneisha, Charlotte, Logan and Patrick, along with their tutors Seán Murphy and Amy McNamara. This live performance was preceded by a video play of our 2022 anthem, ‘Music Gives Me A Reason’, giving the gathered crowd another glimpse into the fantastic musical creativity arising from our programmes.

The summit, held on Thursday, May 23rd at Dublin Castle, was inaugurated by Taoiseach Simon Harris T.D. It focused on collaborative strategies to address child poverty and enhance well-being across Ireland. Keynote speakers included John Callinan, Secretary General of the Department of the Taoiseach, The Right Honourable Gordon Brown, and Minister Roderic O’Gorman. A highlight of the event was the presentation by Hub na nÓg’s Youth Advisory Panel, comprising fifteen young people aged 16-18 from around the country, who shared their perspectives on what matters most to them.

MGCC perform at Creative SEÓ (Cork ETB Youth Service and Cork Local Creative Youth Partnership) – Sat. 25th May

The Marina Market was a-buzz with all things creative and youth orientated, as 400 young people entertained market-goers and fans alike for this unique youth festival and showcase. Projects from all across the city and county were featured in this daylong event, including some pop-up performances from our CDYS The Hut and the Kabin Studio groups.

“It was a huge success, and the feedback from the young participants has been fantastic”, said Mick Finn, Cork ETB Youth Services Development Officer.

Music Generation Limerick City host “One Day in May” – Sun. 26th May

The Kabin Crew mesmerized the crowds at Dolan’s Warehouse for the second iteration of “One Day in May”. This daylong, collaborative music festival, hosted by Music Generation Limerick City celebrated the best of Irish music, both emerging and established. Young musicians from Music Generation programmes from around the country were given this unique opportunity to showcase their talent at this renowned platform to an audience of their peers and music fans alike. Representing MGCC were members of CDYS The Hut and The Kabin Studio.

June

Féile Fearann Rí 2024, featuring Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh, Donal O’Connor, Thomas McCarthy and Niamh Dunne

Cork’s Northside became a hive of traditional Irish and folk music for the second installation of Creative Tradition’s Féile Fearann Rí, in partnership with Musical Neighbourhoods, Cork City Library, and Music Generation Cork City. The festival, which ran from the 11th – 15th June, brought the amazing talents of Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh, Donal O’Connor, Thomas McCarthy and Niamh Dunne to Farranree and its environs, with the children of Scoil Íosagáin and Scoil Aiséirí Chríost enjoying in-school workshops with these world-renowned musicians.

Highlights of the festival included a gala concert in the Church of the Resurrection, Farranree and featured musicians from both schools, as well as children from North Mon NS, along with local grupaí ceoil. A standout performance from the night was the the traditional song, “Tá’n Coileach Ag Fógairt an Lae” – (filmed by Fionn Mulvey).

On Friday 14th June, the Féile celebrated Traveller culture and its influence on Irish traditional music. Guest artists TG4 Gradam Cheoil award-winning Thomas McCarthy and the wonderful Niamh Dunne shared stories and songs steeped in Traveller heritage to a rapt audience in Hollyhill Library.

Here’s a clip of the Music, Songs and Stories of Traveller Culture at Féile Fearann Rí 2024 with Thomas McCarthy and 2024 Arts Council / UCC Traditional Artist in Residence Niamh Dunne:

Cruinniú na nÓg 2024 – Rock the Block (Sat. 15th June)

“Rock the Block” returned with aplomb to celebrate Cruinniú na nÓg and the new location of the Kabin Studio and surrounds lent itself perfectly to the occasion, with a concert stage erected just outside the home of “The Spark”!

This national celebration of youth creativity and expression has always been a firm favourite on our event calendar and this year’s Rock the Block at Knocknaheeny did not disappoint. With one of the first live performances of “The Spark”, a variety of grupaí ceoil, brass and wind bands, and rock and pop performances, we saw an epic array of talent and creativity from the young people on our programmes from all across the city.

There was a carnival atmosphere from morning to evening at this year’s Rock the Block, which was a testament to all involved. Rock the Block for Cruinniú na nÓg was presented by Music Generation Cork City, the Kabin Studio and Rhyme Island, in partnership with Creative Ireland and Cork City Council.

Fionn MacCeol – A Circus Factory and Music Generation Cork City collaboration

Fionn Mac Ceoil saw a full house at the Circus Factory enjoy a magical mix of movement and music, through this unique collaboration with Music Generation Cork City.

Over 100 audience members were wowed by the awesome spectacle of Circus Factory jugglers, silks and ring performers evoking the legend of Fionn Mac Cumhaill, with Music Generation Cork City’s young musicians providing the perfect musical backdrop.

The awe-inspiring poses and movements of the Circus Factory aerial artists were received with rapturous applause and could leave you in no doubt that this art form is well and truly alive in Cork!

From the lush saxophone riff motif that weaved the piece together, to the brooding rendition of Fleetwood Mac’s “The Chain”, Music Generation Cork City’s young performers did their part to meld this collaborative performance into a seamless, evocative and theatrical experience.

Presented in partnership with Circus Factory Cork and Music Generation Cork City, this was a Cruinniú na nÓg Nighttime Event in partnership with Creative Ireland and Cork City Council.

The Ireland Funds visit Knocknaheeny – Thur. 20th June

An Ireland Funds delegation of 27 philanthropists visited Music Generation Cork City at Hollyhill Library and the Kabin Studio, to see firsthand the work that our organisation does in the area. The group, who were joined by Music Generation national director Rosaleen Molloy, were greeted by our Music Development Officer Claire Layton O’Brien and given brief overview of our project in the city. This information session was followed by yet another superb performance of ‘Music is Our Home’ by the musicians from Mahon and Mayfield. Across the green then, the delegates went to the Kabin Studio, where the stars of “The Spark” treated the gathering to a private, live performance of the song.

The Ireland Funds has been a pivotal support to the setup of Music Generation nationally and remains an important ally for our organisation across the country. Along with U2, in 2009 The Ireland Funds committed €7 million in response to the ‘Possible Selves in Music’ report and its recommended implementation. This essential investment enabled the rollout of the first phase of Music Generation projects in Ireland, along with Local Partnerships and the support of the Department of Education.

July

Summer Camps

The summer would not be complete without the return of Bandcamp, TradCamp and the Kabin Junior and Teen summer camps.

Cork Summer BandCamp, hosted by Cork Barrack Street Band, converged on Cork College of FET, Tramore Road Campus, where the halls rang out with brass & wind tones over the course of this four-day camp. From sectionals to full ensembles, young musicians enjoyed a fun-filled experience, which culminated in a fabulous performance on day four.

Creative Tradition’s TradCamp set up camp in Scoil Íosagáín for their annual four-day, traditional Irish music camp. Children and young people of all levels got involved in the experience, which was presented in partnership with Cork Academy of Music and kindly supported by Cork City Council Arts Office.

Rapping, singing, writing, recording and performing were some of the many activities available to attendees at this year’s Junior and Senior Kabin Studio summer camps.

Sounds for the Northside, in collaboration with Irish National Opera, with live orchestra at The Everyman Theatre – 22nd July

Irish National Opera are teamed up with youth hip-hop collective, the Kabin Crew, to create a theatrical showcase of their music at The Everyman. F

For ‘The Sound of the Northside’, the Kabin Crew worked with Irish National Opera to add the element of theatre to their performance. This hour-long celebration of the Kabin Crew’s music will see the group perform alongside the INO Orchestra, conducted by Medb Brereton Hurley, in specially tailored arrangements of the Crew’s music, arranged by Áine Delany. One Two One (Maud Lee and Zoe Ní Riordáin) will direct the show, drawing on their experience of dramatizing their own music for theatre.

Co-produced by The Kabin Studio and Irish National Opera Directed by One Two One Two (Maud Lee and Zoe Ní Riordáin).
This collaboration between the Kabin Studio and INO was facilitated and supported by The Everyman. The concert is a Young Ensemble Scheme project supported by the Arts Council.

September

“The Spark” opens RTE’s Late Late Show new season

As the unofficial hit of the year, there was no surprise that Patrick Kielty and the Late Late Show team chose “The Spark” as the opening song for their Autumn season. Not ones to shy away from the limelight, The Kabin and Lisdoonvarna Crews sang from the crowd, hopped on tables and left no one in doubt that they had ARRIVED on the scene! A lovely interview followed the opening song, with members of the group chatting happily with Paddy Kielty. Definite pinch-me moment!

Culture Night 2024

Always a night to celebrate music, creativity and collaboration, this year’s Culture Night was magical, with the city brimming with free workshops, installations, events and performances. We were delighted to host many musical events for the night, including two free gamelan workshops at Hollyhill Library, rap workshops in the Kabin Studio, followed by an open trad seisúin and ending the evening’s festivities with an open-mic session, also at the Kabin Studio.

October

“The Spark” is Longlisted for the 67th Grammy Awards!

As if things couldn’t get any more exciting in a most unforgettable year, the Kabin Studio’s banger “The Spark” got longlisted for the 67th Grammy Awards, which takes place in Los Angeles in February 2025. In the categories of “Best Song of the Year” and “Best Dance/Electronic Recording”, this anthem was listed alongside artists such as Billie Eilish, Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars, Taylor Swift and Kendrick Lemar, to name but a few. What an honour and what a year for this group of incredible performers.

#WeAreMusicGeneration National Musicians Day

From across the country, musician educators, administrator and resource teams flocked to Galway City for the National Musicians Day. A day dedicated to sharing experiences and insights, stories on practice and progress and an opportunity to share learnings and expertise, this truly was a celebration of collegiality and connection.

Cork Barrack Street Band feature in the 46th Cork Jazz Festival

Not ones to let the opportunity of great parade to slip past them, Cork Barracks Street Band were once again front and centre at the 46th Cork Jazz Festival parade. Taking part in these events is a wonderful opportunity for younger musicians to experience the marching aspect of a brass and wind band. Several of the youth band members took part in this long-held tradition.

November

Creative Tradition win a Lifelong Learning Award for Féile Fearann Rí

Congratulations were the order of the day, as Creative Tradition scooped up the ‘Youth in Community’ Award from Cork Learning City, who run Cork Lifelong Learning Festival annually. Presenting the award to Jessica Cawley was Lord Mayor Dan Boyle. It was fitting that Féile Fearann Rí was celebrated in this category, given its community focus and youth engagement. We were delighted for Jessie and all involved, including the festival partners.

The Kabin Studio win the IPB Pride of Place Community Award

A well-deserved acknowledgement of the incredible work being done in the community, an IPB Pride of Place Community Award was presented to the Kabin Studio for the tremendous work being done in Knocknaheeny. In what has been a most memorable year for the Kabin Studio, it was very appropriate that it was Seán Downey, aka SwanIGuess, aka the man behind the video for “The Spark”, who received the award on behalf of The Kabin Studio. Thanks to Cork City Council too, for the nomination.

December

Christmas Concert bonanza

Schools, shopping centres, community halls and libraries have been swarmed by the young musicians from schools and centres across our programme, who are bringing Christmas cheer to all, with a plethora of magical, festive performances across the city. This time of year, it is a lovely way to showcase the progress made over the term, to let loose on the learning and let the performing take centre stage, so to speak. It’s a marvellous time to acknowledge the incredible work being done within the schools and programmes, for everyone to join together to celebrate the season.

The Kabin Crew feature in an RTE One Christmas special

It makes complete sense that Christmas would not be complete without an appearance from the crew who brought us song of the year, “The Spark”. RTE One have ensured we won’t be disappointed and this Christmas Eve, we get to enjoy a Christmas special featuring our very own Kabin Crew! Now you know what you’ll be watching! Featuring in this TV special, will be the Kabin’s brand new, festive release “Christmas Cipher” – check it out here:

If that were not enough, this indefatigable crew get to do it all again, one last time in 2024, when they take part in the national New Years Eve celebrations in Dublin. What a year they have had. We can’t wait to see what 2025 brings!

Some more photos from 2024’s events, including Féile Fearann Rí Gala concert, workshops with Thomas McCarthy, Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh and Dónal O’Connor, Blarney St Band Christmas concert, Rock the Block 2024 and more!

MGCC 2024 Recap