A Galway pub has been shortlisted for an IMRO Live Music venue of the Year Award, which celebrates venues with a dedication and passion for live music.
Monroe’s is no stranger to the award, winning it in 2012 and 2013.
Venues were judged on their commitment to providing the core elements that make for a great live music venue – atmosphere, sound and lighting, staging, diversity of programming and importantly, the staff and management of each venue.
Monroe’s Tavern has been providing top class live music since the Tavern opened its doors over 50 years ago.
Monroes regularly showcases the finest in international, national and local acts including sell out gigs to Kodaline, The Game, The Pharcyde, Damien Dempsey, The Blizzards, and Versatile among many others.
Speaking about the nomination, Gary Monroe said, “We are thrilled to be nominated for the award again this year. A lot of hard work goes in behind the scenes by the amazing team we have here.
“Everyone works so hard at Monroes, so it’s good to be recognised for that work.”
Of the Awards, Victor Finn, IMRO Chief Executive said: “Over the course of the past decade, the IMRO Live Music Venue Awards have become a much anticipated date in the music industry calendar.
“We feel it is vital to acknowledge the important role that venues and festivals play, not only in supporting and providing a platform for Irish songwriters and performers, but also the significant contribution they make towards local areas both in economic and social terms.”
Niall Stokes, editor of Hot Press said: “Irish music is going through an extraordinary period of richness and diversity, with a greater number than ever of our artists scaling the heights internationally.
“What is doubly impressive is that Irish songwriters, bands and performers are achieving real, significant success in places like China and Brazil, among others, that might have seemed too far away or impenetrable in the past.
“Hot Press is proud to be associated with the Live Music Venue Awards, as a valuable opportunity to acknowledge the fantastic work that is done – and the risks that are taken – by venue owners and bookers across the country. With new venues coming on stream all the time, and familiar ones being upgraded, it’ll be really fascinating to see how this year’s awards shape up.”
Fans of Monroes can simply log on to https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/imrovenueawards choose their favourite from the shortlist provided, by 5pm February 22nd. One lucky voter will win an iPad!
The ceremony will also see the presentation of the award for Hot Press Live Music Venue of the Year via The Readers Poll which is contributed to by Hot Press fans and can be viewed here.
