Stars gig for Irish unity

A musical extravaganza promoting Irish unity is being brought to Ireland in a series of concerts during August performed by the Unity Squad.

Derry-based singer and songwriter Declan McLaughlin, who is behind the project, says "the Unity Squad brings together musicians and performers whose political outlook supports a United Ireland and who advocate social change".

Earlier this year, those involved in the Unity Squad project played a series of concerts in the United States, which proved a big success. "So we decided to bring the idea across the Atlantic to Ireland," says Declan.

The Unity Squad will play concerts in Camlough, Derry, Belfast, Dublin and Glasgow. Former Pogues frontman Shane McGowan is scheduled to make a guest appearance at the Dublin gig.

Among the performers in the Unity Squad project are Declan himself, Belfast singer Terry 'Cruncher' O'Neill, the New York-based Seanchaí, Gary Óg and Eileen Webster.

McLaughlin has been described as one of the most important songwriters to emerge from the North of Ireland in the last 30 years. As the driving force behind The Screaming Bin Lids and The Whole Tribe Sings, his songs have become the soundtrack to a generation of young people who have grown up in inner cities surrounded by unemployment and conflict.

Terry O'Neill is the most powerful balladeer to emerge from the Six Counties in an age. He stops at nothing, with a mix of contemporary and traditional material, and never lets an audience down.

Seanchaí are the only Celtic-influenced Hip-Hop band on either side of the Atlantic. Their mix of Reggae, Irish trad and Hip Hop make them one of the most unique acts around. The band is fronted by former Black 47 piper Chris Byrne and Dublin vocalist Rachel Fitzgerald.

Gary Óg first appeared on the music scene as the guitar-playing vocalist in the Glasgow-based band Éire Óg. Their "no-holds barred" take on Irish politics made them a very popular and successful band.

Eileen Webster is the driving force behind the ten-piece women's choir, The Bluebelle Choir. Their style is humourous, uplifting and unique.

This musical package is one of the most unique and entertaining programmes ever brought together for one tour and offers, for the first time, a chance to witness some of the finest talent involved in the music of struggle and change. This is not just a show but a celebration of all that is worth singing about. From New York To Belfast, Hip-Hop to trad, classic to contemporary, never before has there been such a gathering and mix of styles in the history of Irish music.