Bud Rising calls time on several live music events

BUD Rising, one of the country's most prominent music sponsors, is currently reviewing its involvement in the sector.

A spokesperson for Bud Rising said that those behind the music sponsorship programme, which has been running since 2004, have taken "a step back" to consider future options.

The spokesperson also confirmed that Bud Rising has pulled its sponsorship from the Hard Working Class Heroes festival and, unlike previous years, will not be involved with any Marlay Park shows this summer.

Bud Rising's last outing was in Dublin in April, when it sponsored shows by The Ting Tings, The Ravonettes, Hard-Fi and others.

One of the ideas believed to be under consideration is to do more brand-specific shows, such as the Bud Rising Street Party at George's Dock in April, which featured The Streets.

Some 1,000 free tickets were available for this show, but fewer than 400 people showed up on the night.

Bud Rising is not the only music sponsor whose future plans are uncertain. A spokesperson for Nokia told On The Record that the company is "still finalising plans" for the next iteration of its Nokia Trends Lab programme.

The last Trends Lab show featured The Go! Team, Cadence Weapon and Super Extra Bonus Party at Dublin's Tripod six months ago. This show was followed by a storm of online criticism - much of it on the On The Record blog - about branding and marketing at the event.

While a number of high-profile music sponsorship programmes are still in operation, such as the Meteor Music Awards and various Heineken music events, there has been a significant slowdown in the number of new entrants in recent years.

Some brands such as O2 (with the O2 In the Park concerts) and Vodafone (with the Access Music shows involving Republic of Loose and others) have tested the water with various initiatives, but these have not had any lasting impact.

With the economic downturn meaning it's bean-counters rather than marketers who are in charge, don't be surprised if more music events take place unbranded.

Galway's arts groove

When it comes to music programming, the Galway Arts Festival has always shown a lot of love for singer-songwriters, and this year Tom Baxter and KT Tunstall play the festival Big Top on July 23rd.

However, there's plenty to offset that one. Iconic veterans Blondie play the tent on July 24th, while the Dandy Warhols and Ash buddy up for a double-bill the night after.

Buena Vista Social Club siren Omara Portuondo appears on July 20th, and excellent desert bluesmen Tinariwen and Cape Verde diva Mayra Andrade play on July 22nd.

More information at www.galwayartsfestival.com.

Green weekend

Is it possible for a festival to be eco-friendly? The people behind the Irish Green Gathering, which will take place for the second year at Woodbrook Estate, Enniscorthy,

Co Wexford from August 8th to 10th, think so.

Acts already confirmed include Giveamanakick, Jinx Lennox (pictured), Fred, Channel One, Guggenhiem Grotto, Ugly Megan and Margaret Healy, with DJ sets from Lyric FM's John Kelly, Today FM's Donal Dineen and 2FM's Dan Hegarty.

The festival's green credentials will be demonstrated in the shape of workshops, discussion groups and films on green issues and low-carbon green lifestyles, as well as stalls hawking the latest in green-ware and gadgets.

Weekend tickets (€65) and day tickets (€25) are available now from www. irishgreengathering.com.

ETC

• Send your tuxedo to the dry-cleaners - Duke Special is about to do a posh gig. The Duke performs at the National Concert Hall, Dublin on August 22nd with the RTÉ Concert Orchestra.

• Twin Kranes continue their getting-to-know-you waltz with Andy Votel's Twisted Nerve label, with appearances at various label showcases, including Barcelona's Primavera Festival on May 27th.

• Today FM's Ann-Marie Kelly's series How To Be looks at the Franciscan friars based in Limerick's Moyross this Saturday at 6pm.

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