To finish off the day's events, the Q&A guests and Mentors will all play short sets at the Gala Concert in the evening, followed by the real stars of the day – the participants themselves – who will perform the songs written during the festival. Throughout the day, mentors will be circulating around the songwriting areas, and will be on hand to give a quick bit of advice or offer another perspective wherever needed. Participants can then sign up for a slot to perform at the event from 5pm until 6pm. Slots will be given on a first-come, first-served basis, and the songs must be ones that were written during the festival.

Brendan Murphy is a singer and songwriter, best known for his work with the band THE 4 OF US, which he formed with his brothers in the late 1980s. The band secured an international record deal with CBS/Sony in London and their debut album, *Songs for the Tempted*, co-written by Brendan, achieved critical and commercial success, reached the top of the Irish charts, attaining double platinum status. One of the standout tracks from the album, "Mary," remains a staple on Irish radio to this day.

We feel incredibly lucky to have Brendan Murphy (The 4 of Us) and Emma Langford, two incredible artists, as the guests of our two Q&A sessions.

Both Q&A sessions will be hosted by the inimitable Charlie McGettigan, and will take place in the auditorium of the Droichead Theatre.

This is a fun hour exploring where your ideas can take you, using

improvisation and other tools to help spark your imagination.

As a songwriter, we can bring everything into a song. It doesn’t

have to be written for, or on, one instrument - or any - it doesn’t

have to have words..and it doesn’t even have to make sense..

(Tutti Frutti, anyone?!) Inspiration can sometimes come from trying

a new, or alternative approach.

SJ's workshop, entitled "Story Songs" , will explore the art of creating new songs from old stories with an engaging and emotional perspective.

Dublin Songwriter and Skerries native Keith Burke has released three original albums. "The Dancer who Stole your Shoes" in 2004, "No One Wants to Move" in 2008 and “These Boys” in 2016. He has played concerts in Pittsburgh USA, Cairo Egypt and Beirut Lebanon, has played televised concerts in Italy, dates in the 2005 Guinness Cork Jazz festival and received the Hotpress "Pick of the fortnight". His music has been played on national Irish radio on RTE 1, Radio Na Gaeltachta and NewsTalk, as well as many regional radio stations. He was selected as the late Tony Fenton’s “daily download”. A song of his was used for the credits on a TV show on Setanta Sports. Taking inspiration from the world of improvisational comedy, Keith's workshop will explore ways of expanding creativity, challenging ourselves and encouraging deep reflection.