Music Unites, (Waterfront Hall Studio, 12th March) should have been a showcase for the incredible talent on display, with both NI traditions fully represented musically. Instead, this Paddy's Week opener was a farce, which began badly and went on to get worse and worse, in an event that the average school or youth club would stage better. More's the pity, as musically and culturally it was a superb line-up with Venue I - an up and coming traditional band based in Belfast - filling the Waterfront's 'minor hall' with the music of Stephen Rooney on guitar and Niall Quinn's Bodhran, each displaying just why both are All Ireland champions in their genres. Alongside Joe Murray (pictured on fiddle) and Austin Donnelly (tin whistle) they all created a driving sound that has awed audiences with their energy, skill and enthusiasm. Add in the Doherty School of Irish Dancing which holds the record for the most ever World and All Ireland champions in any one year and the show should have been a blockbuster. Sadly, not so, as the 'parent organisation' behind the concert, The Hounds of Ulster, a kilted flute, drum and Bodhran collective from east Antrim spoiled the evening within the first 10 minutes when their so-called musical director lost the programme - and the plot - and announced a 'Kit-Kat' (break) and led the 20 or so musicians off into the wings amid confusion and disarray. This complete lack of continuity and choreography continued across the entire programme, with even band members being unaware of any form of flow, which left the audience floundering. A great night ruined by a display of zero professionalism which should not be attempted again without recourse to professional stage management. Shame, as it was a great idea that floundered not on its merits, but by its presentation.
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