Local stars all came out last night for Orlagh's Fest

A host of local artists turned out to support charity night at the Leeds Irish Centre to raise money for the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit on the 1st anniversary of the death of a little girl named Orlagh who died on 22nd September 2010 from meningitis aged just 21 months (see front page of Yorkshire Gig Guide).

Danny Harrison & Friends

First up to get the ball rolling in fine style was Danny Harrison with Friends. An acoustic set with bass, acoustic guitar and fiddle was a worthy introduction to the evening.

Ryan Spendlove

Ryan Spendlove was on fine form with rousing vocals which filled the packed Claddagh Room. He was joined at the end of his set by Kieran O'Mally on fiddle for a very lively finish.

Ryan and Kieran

Ryan was followed by the very popular Gary Stewart and band. This was a 4 piece combo with double base, acoustic guitars and accordion. There was much hilarity with the fans as Gary had shaved off his beard and this was alluded to throughout the set with the people in the audience appreciating the jokes.

Gary Stewart and Band

As time was passing the room was filling up as more and more people came in to support this worthy cause. The raffle sellers and tombola stall workers were all making a sterling effort ensuring all present were parted from their money for the charity.

Laura J Martin

Flute will never be quite the same again after listening to Laura J Martin playing in her own unique, versatile style. She captured the audience imagination with her unusual renditions.

Rosie Doonan & Band

The highly acclaimed Rosie Doonan and Band next gave us the benefit of their expertise at live performance. Rosie plays the acoustic guitar and also keyboard which had the audience up on it's feet again.

Hope and Social

The harmonies of Hope and Social were worth coming out for on their own even if there had been no other performers. This was a large group with a variety of instrumental talent including trumpet, trombone, keyboards and guitars.An energetic performance with further reference to the aforementioned missing beard.
All too soon we came to the final
and headline act which was a
group of young men calling
themselves
Middleman. An exiting mix of rap

Middleman

and rock which took total
command of the stage and
the audience who were all ready
to dance. They were cheering and
clapping to the music. For
donations to the cause one of the organisers was persuaded by the band to stage dive into the crowd. Lots of fun for everyone which raised the staggering amount of £10,400! Congratulations to everyone for a stupendous effort and a great night!
Denis
Yorkshire Gig Guide