Alt Blos Stage
ALT BLOS STAGE* - FORMERLY KNOWN AS THE ALTERNATIVE BLUES STAGE HAS BEEN RENAMED IN MEMORY OF ITS FOUNDER AND CHAMPION BEN LAMB O’SULLIVAN (1989 - 2023).
The Alternative Blues Stage was founded back in 2009 by a group of young local musicians under the name of “Sketch!” eager to showcase their talent at the Harvest time blues - a festival with international acclaim. After the inaugural year and successful reviews, the founding organiser and singer of the band “Sketch!”, Ben Lamb O Sullivan, saw the opportunity to give back to the artists of Monaghan. Ben became the sole organiser and manager of the stage for nearly ten years, personally funding it and advocating against drawbacks from County councils, TDs and Gardaí for the stage to become an official part of the festival, which it is now today.
Ben never wavered from the original vision he had for the stage - to create a place where young and upcoming musicians from Monaghan could showcase their talent on an international stage. his dedication to help nurture and fight for young musicians paid off and Many musicians from both up and coming and major established acts got their start on this stage over the 14 year run it’s had to date.
Although Ben is not with us physically today, the stage runs with his original vision in mind, and the hope is that it helps inspire another generation of musicians to pursue their passions.
the 2023 Alt Blos Stage line-up:
Matt Xavier Corrigan
Matthew Xavier Corrigan is a musician, artist, art enthusiast, et cetera from Cork City, Ireland. Matthew’s practice is primarily concerned with the performance, staging and production of music.
Mr. Jansky
Mr. Jansky combines fictitious narratives with muzak style chords in an attempt to define reality.
AlphaJerk
AlphaJerk are a local Indie/Rock/Metal band formed at Christmas 2022 during an after-school Music Club, where they all met. The members are all students of Beech Hill College, Monaghan. The term AlphaJerk is gleaned from the sensation or feeling you get before dying.
An Tic
An Tic were formed in Mc Kenna's Bar, when the boys saw Ryan play at the open mic and thought he was good front man material. The bass player Mike was the driving force and Dillon and Shane fell in line. Mainly playing early 00's rock, these lads are joined today by Eoghan, a cousin of our friend Ben Lamb O' Sullivan, for a once-off tribute performance.
Daniel “Dohg” Doherty
A Monaghan based musician, Daniel has been on the Irish and international music scene for over 15 years as a session musician and with numerous original bands. Now watch as he starts his journey into the world as a solo instrumentalist on his main instrument - the bass guitar.
SEEYE!
Performing songs that were cherished by the founding member of the Alternative Blues Stage, 'SEEYE!' are a band who intend to honour the memory of a very special person who inspired and nourished our passion for music, and its abililty to bring people together.
The Lads
A band born on the Alternative Stage at the Blues Fest years ago. If you want a break from blues, we'll give ya a few tasty tunes. Up the town!
