UTV’s weekly magazine programme ‘UTV Life’ is hitting the right notes, with a special hour long programme showcasing some of the best of the local music scene, to be transmitted on Tuesday 30th March at 8pm.
The programme will give local artists a chance to chat to presenter Pamela Ballantine and update their fans on what they’ve been up to during lockdown, their future projects, and more importantly a platform to share their latest music, given how artists haven’t been able to perform live for over a year now due to the pandemic.
Pamela said, “Whilst all industries have been hit hard by the pandemic, the arts and music sectors which rely so much on live performances, quite literally disappeared overnight because of COVID-19. I’m delighted to be able to catch up with some familiar faces, and some new ones too and more importantly give them a chance to showcase their talents by sharing their classic tracks and new music as well.”
Pamela first chats to music expert Ralph McClean who gives his own take on the local music scene, how it has been affected in the past year, and how important he feels it is to give local groups a platform to perform.
The line-up of guests includes singer songwriters Gareth Dunlop and Dom Martin; pop and country singer Lisa McHugh; singer songwriter from Derry / Londonderry, Roe; Jordan Adetunji, a hip hop rapper from Belfast; singer songwriter, and winner of the last NI Music Awards, Sasha Samara; veteran blues and jazz guitarist, Ronnie Greer and Indie Rock Band, The Minnows.
Reporter Rita Fitzgerald also caught up with Belfast rock trio, Dea Matrona, who went back to their roots and performed one of their most recent songs outdoors in Belfast, where they rose to fame while busking in the city’s streets.
Noirin McKinney, Director of Arts Development, ArtsCouncil of Northern Ireland, said:
“The Arts Council of Northern Ireland is delighted to see UTV create this one-hour music special which offers a vital platform to showcase musical talent from across the region. The show features a number of musicians that have recently been supported by the Arts Council’s emergency funding programmes, designed to provide much-needed financial support at a time when essential elements of the arts sector have been decimated due to venue closures, festival and event cancellations and the disappearance of live audiences, as a result of the pandemic.
“TV shows like this one are absolutely critical in helping to support our artists as we emerge out of lockdown and wait for a time when we can all get safely back into venues to enjoy live music together once again. Congratulations to all involved!”
Join Pamela on Tuesday 30th March 8pm on UTV. Viewers can join in the conversation on Twitter @UTVLife.
