Mikey Smyth dedicates final lockdown livestream to Bloomfield
Musician and former Leinster Rugby player Mikey Smyth has spent lockdown helping Irish charities raise much-needed funds. And, luckily for us, he’s dedicating his last lockdown livestream to Bloomfield! Tomorrow night, from 8pm until 9.30pm, Mikey will host his last Neighbourhood Rock lockdown livestream. Then it’s back to business as usual for the performer! The gig will go out via his Facebook Page.
Incredible support
Mikey has been a supporter of Bloomfield for a number of years. His visits bring joy and provide much-needed entertainment to our long-term residents. Mikey has made giving a habit, regularly visiting other hospitals, nursing homes, and rehabilitation centres, too.
Our CEO Brian Higgins said, “We deeply appreciate Mikey’s generous support over the years, but it means so much more at a time when the things that bring us joy have been curtailed. We cannot express the importance of everything Mikey is doing, both with his music and in helping us to raise truly vital funds for the most vulnerable in our society.”
A change of pace
When Covid-19 first hit, Mikey would play to audiences at a distance and through windows. However, as restrictions got tighter he could no longer reach many of the places he used to perform. Not one to be deterred, the former rugby player made the move online. He started livestreaming weekly gigs to Facebook and hosting auctions to help to raise funds for charity. He has also been travelling around his local area, putting on socially-distanced outdoor shows from his Neighbourhood Rock trailer.
Commenting on his decision to move online, Mikey said, “People have missed live music and I was getting loads of requests to call by cocooning neighbours. I thought I’d do something about it to raise their spirits. I’m overwhelmed with the support I’ve received and the public’s effort in helping me raise vital funds for charity while I play.”
Since starting this initiative, Mikey has raised over €20,000 for charities including Alone, Jigsaw, DSPCA, and more. This week’s auction will include a €250 voucher for Derry Clarke’s L’Ecrivain, Rayban sunglasses worth €300, a Dublin GAA jersey signed by Jim Gavin, and more. Log on to Facebook where the fun starts at 8pm, and request a song, make a donation, or make a bid for any of the amazing lots up for auction.