Bands join forces to beat the blues

Good Man Sheila and Arrow in the Sky join forces with Jack and The Band, and Kodakid for a fundraising night in The Stables, Mullingar, in aid of Aware.Two solo artists Niall Barrett and CC Copper will also perform in what is looking to be a cracking night in aid of a good cause!Mullingar Educate Together teacher Laoise O'Toole, who is organising the gig this Friday night, says Aware is an organisation close to her heart. "Aside from the money raised, I'm hoping the gig promotes awareness of the organisation and what it stands for, to create an openness and positivity about the importance of mental health," she said."It's going to be a night where young people can come together and enjoy themselves, hence creating a positive attitude, and that's what it's all about," Laoise told the Westmeath Examiner.Laoise's mum Valerie is also helping to organise the event. "We lost my son Ross, Laoise's brother, five years ago and this is a way of keeping his memory alive," Valerie said. "It's to let people know that there is help out there and we are taking strength from that," she explained.Laoise continued: "He was such a strong person, he was always helping others, unfortunately he wasn't able to help himself. He has inspired us and it's a way of keeping his strength of spirit alive. We can't bring Ross back, but if this event can help save one other person, then this even will have been a huge success."• Tickets are on sale in the Yukon and all donations are appreciated. Doors at 8pm.• Aware support group meets every Tuesday at 8pm in Mullingar Congress Centre, Harbour Court, Friars Mill Road. An email support service is also available, wecanhelp@aware.ie.