Blackwater Conspiracy to headline rock festival ‘Bapper’s Gig’ in aid of NI Chest, Heart & Stroke
Local bands are gathering to honour a popular Mid Ulster swimming instructor, the late Gary ‘Bapper’ Morris’ with the outdoor festival Bapper’s Gig: NI Rock N’ Roll Festival on Saturday 4th August at The Hill of The O’Neill in Dungannon with a headlining performance from his favourite local band Blackwater Conspiracy.
A big, one day Rock N’ Roll festival was something that Bapper often talked and dreamed of in his lifetime for The Hill of The O’Neill, so his close friend and fellow avid music lover David White decided to make that dream a reality this summer. Having received a nod of approval from Gary’s wife Oliva, David got together with Gary’s niece Erin Foy and Ciaran Campbell of SD Entertainment and they put the plans in motion. What originally was to be a rock gig on the hill has turned into be a large one day festival with ten bands scheduled to perform.
Headliners Blackwater Conspiracy are five individuals wanting to fully express themselves musically while playing in a band and entertaining the masses. Following performances across the UK including Download and Ramblin’ Man Fair festivals last year, this performance will mark their biggest hometown gig to date – given three of their member are from same area. Songwriters Phil Conalane and Brian Mallon take a refreshingly free-form approach to their songs, thus allowing all this individual expression to take place. The result is a breath-taking panorama of material – from rich bluesy slide guitar rock to achingly delicate confessional country; from galloping radio friendly rock ‘n’ roll to late night dark corner whiskey blues.
Speaking at the recent photo call, guitarist Brian Mallon spoke of his delight at headlining Bapper’s Gig “It’s an honour to have been invited to headline Bapper’s Gig. Bapper was a great friend of the band and supported us from day one.” Adding further “It’ll be a great day of music for the Mid-Ulster area and all for a very good and worthwhile cause”
All bands taking part at Bapper’s Gig are all performing for free as a tribute to Bapper and his family whilst aiming to raise as much funds as possible for Northern Ireland Chest, Heart and Stroke. Fellow music lovers can also expect sets from The Pat McManus Band, A Little Bitter, Rusty Jacks along with a selection of locally known bands like Kalibur, Craic Horses, Smoking Gun and more.
Crowds from all over Northern Ireland are expected to gather up at the Hill of The O’Neill Site in Dungannon. A large scale production is currently in the works to really make Bapper’s ultimate dream and vision a reality. Facilities on site will include toilets, a fully licensed bar, hot food, merchandise stalls and for those who wish to continue rockin’ into the early hours can enjoy an after party at Hagan’s Bar with even more music, free of charge.
Tickets for Bapper’s Gig on Saturday 4th August at The Hill of The O’Neill, Dungannon are priced at a family friendly rate of £10.00 for Over 16s, Under 16s £5.00 and Under 8s Go Free. These can be purchased from The Hill of The O’Neill & Ranfurly House – Tel: 028 87 728 600, also from Stewart’s Music Shop, Dungannon – Tel: 028 87 725 286, Dungannon Leisure Centre – Tel: 028 87 720 370 and online from www.Dungannon.info. Additional information can be accessed from Facebook.com/BappersGig.
