Imelda May, James Vincent McMorrow and 3 other virtual Paddy’s Day gigs you can watch today

Artists across the world are putting on virtual Paddy’s Day performances for fans today

As pubs, nightclubs and concert halls close down due to Coronavirus, the future of live gigs hangs in the balance.

Thankfully, artists are already coming up with novel new ways to connect with fans, while sending a message of hope and togetherness.

Intimate livestream performances are popping up all over Instagram. Here’s some we’ll be tuning into today and later this week.

Happy St Patrick’s Day, readers. We’re all in this together.

Imelda May

At 9pm today, Imelda May will be putting on a “little isolated seisiún” live on Instagram. It’s in aid of the London Irish Centre and you can donate anything you can here.

The Mary Wallopers

Folk group The Mary Wallopers have already built a pub in the sitting room of the house they’re renting in Dundalk. It’ll be the location of the first of many gigs that they’re hosting from 8pm today.

Dropkick Murphys 

This is the first time in 24 years that American punk band Dropkick Murphys haven’t played a live gig on St Patrick’s Day. Instead, they’ll be live streaming a free performance at 11pm Irish time. You can watch it on YouTube, Instagram and on Facebook Live.

James Vincent McMorrow

James Vincent McMorrow took to Twitter after hosting his first Instagram gig of the week yesterday. “It’s at moments like these that we lose our connection,” he wrote. “Without sounding like a dick, if I can help people find that connection, I’m grateful.” He’s hoping to put on another short and sweet Instagram gig at 6pm today and every evening thereafter.

Gavin James

On Thursday at 8pm, Gavin James will be performing an online gig to raise funds for Alone Ireland. It’s free but you can donate to the charity here.

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