Kim Mills, stylist at Joli in Mullingar, helping Stefan de Guylian get ready for his performance at the Music Town filming session at The Greville Arms last Friday night.

Filming on Music Town starts

Filming on the movie Music Town began last Saturday, even though most of those involved had been enjoying a late night in The Greville Arms Hotel on Friday, at a fundraiser for the project.

The Greville night was also filmed as part of the movie. It opened with a talent show, compered by Dan Grehan, featuring Blues Confidential, Count Tornado, The Dylanquents, Jimmy Broder, Kevin ‘Elvis’ Conlon, Niall ‘Badger’ Barret, Stefan de Guilyan, Kevin Dwane, Celtic Blondes, Shane Bardon and the main character from the movie Eddie Byrne (aka Banjo Quinn).

The competition was tight and selecting winners was not an easy task for the judges, Billy Mac, Dolores Keaveney and Melanie Lynch.

In the end, they awarded third to Niall Barret, second to Jimmy Broder and first to the man making his comeback, Eddie Byrne.

And adding to the fun, Billy Mac, who is playing himself in the movie, and Dan Grehan gave a rendition of Good Looking Woman in memory of Joe Dolan.

The second half of the evening – the battle of the bands – featured Good Man Sheila and the first live performance by Graham Dowling and Fallen Light, who thrilled the crowd. It was close to 1am when White Chalk, who were supporting Kodaline nationwide last week, took to the stage and gave their all, including two encores.

But the organisers spent no time resting on their laurels, and by lunch time on Saturday filming on the trailer, which will be used to promote the movie and raise funds, had started at various locations around Mullingar.

Producer Hugh Gormley, whose brainchild the movie is, said he was extremely happy with progress to date. “It’s great to have the filming started at last,” he said.

“This idea has been evolving for the last few years, since I first moved to town and experienced the amazing musical talent. Not all the roles have been filled. Details of auditions will follow shortly.

“We plan to film during April and hope to premier the movie in Mullingar in late summer.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who took part on the night, the audience and the 30 local businesses who sponsored raffle prizes.”

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