Rockaoke and myself will be making an appearance following our festival season (...and wedding season!) this mont overseas...ok so its not Athens but it's for a WAY better cause. Having become our debut appearance in Northern Ireland, there is now a "Rockaoke Ireland" been set up, in this instance, for the purpose of raising awareness and money to support The Alzheimer's Society.
"Gaymers Cider bring thrilling debut karaoke rock night to Belfast in aid of Alzheimer's
Strap on your air guitar, select your favourite tune and come along to the Irish debut of Rockaoke, in association with Gaymers Cider. A rock band made up of musicians with the likes of Jarvis Cocker, Neil Finn and Def Leppard on their CV's, Rockaoke has revamped the karaoke scene. In place of a lead vocalist, members of the audience are invited on stage to perform with the band, who have learnt note-perfect renditions of dozens of rock and pop songs.
Headed up by Pop Idol finalist Kirsty Crawford, Rockaoke made front-page headlines in 2006 when they were invited to take their winning formula to Manumission in Ibiza. Here they were joined on stage by Kaiser Chief's Ricky Wilson (singing his own hit "I predict A Riot"), as well as New York rockers We Are Scientists. More recently, throughout the summer as part of the Gaymers Cider Garden, Rockaoke have been touring the festival circuit performing at the 02 Wireless Festival, Hard Rock Calling, Rockness and at the V Festival as guests of Virgin Radio on the VIP stage. Most recently they have performed at the Kerrang Awards after-show party in London.
Tickets for this all-Ireland Debut are priced at £10 with all proceeds going to the Alzheimer's Society, the UK's leading care and research charity for people with dementia, their families and carers. John Mills, Managing Director of Gaymer Cider Company commented, "Gaymers cider is all about enjoying music, so we are delighted to be involved with Rockaoke again in their debut in Northern Ireland, particularly as its for such a worthy cause".
Karen Kerr, Community Fundraiser for the Alzheimer's Society Northern Ireland added: "This is a very exciting, fun event and we are delighted that the organizers chose the Alzheimer's Society as their nominated charity. Dementia affects over 16,000 people in Northern Ireland, with Alzheimer's being the most common form. Music has a very powerful influence on all of us, and this includes people living with dementia. The Rockaoke debut will provide a great platform for us to break down barriers, raise awareness and inform the public about the services available to people in Northern Ireland living with dementia and those who care for them."
The judges on the night are UTV's Alison Fleming, Cool FM's Pete Snodden and James McGinn, General Manager of the Europa Hotel who is best known for his appearances in BBC Northern Ireland's 'Lobby Lives'.
Pete commented: "This is going to be one not-to-be-missed night. The Empire is Belfast's premiere venue for live music gigs and Rockaoke are promising a fun-filled night for karaoke fans and their friends. There are some amazing prizes to be won and myself and the other judges will be there all evening choosing our favourite performers."
Whether you are looking for your five glorious minutes of fame or just want to lend your support to those brave enough to take to the stage, visit www.rockaokeireland.com for further details and to buy tickets for what promises to be a supersonic evening!
Notes to editors:
- For more information on the event and photographs please contact Laura Willis, Thursdays Child on 07912 158362 or email laura@thursdayschild.info
- Gaymers – Gaymers original & pear ciders are made by the Gaymer Cider Company. This summer they have delivered a £4m marketing campaign which saw Gaymers as the official ciders of a wide variety of festivals and music events including Glastonbury and Reading & Leeds. More information regarding Gaymers Cider can be found at www.gaymersmusic.com
· Alzheimer's Society – The Alzheimer's Society campaigns for and champions the rights of people living with dementia and the millions of people who care for them. For more information go to www.alzheimers.org.uk "