Autistic music duo ready to rock the Kino this month

After having to reschedule their debut headliner back in March, a talented musical duo from Cork who are both on the autism spectrum are ready to wow Leeside this month.

On 26 June, singer-songwriters Kevin Walsh and David Punch will perform at The Kino on Washington Street in aid of autism charity, The Rainbow Club Cork.

“I cannot stress the importance of having autism support services in place”, said Kevin of his decision to fundraise for the Rainbow Club. “It is through the supports that I received as a young person that allowed me to get to where I am today, and that’s why I like to give back to services wherever and however I can,” he said.

The pair first met during the making of Virgin Media’s ‘The Assembly Ireland’, a groundbreaking TV show in which well-known Irish personalities are interviewed by a team of autistic and neurodivergent reporters who can ask the interviewees anything they want.

Kevin and David, both keen musicians who advocate for autism awareness through their art, were sought out by producers to add a musical element to the show.

One highlight of the show saw Kevin and David performing an original piece written by 24 year old non-speaker, Max Whelan, titled ‘Always Been In Here’, which reflected his joy in finally being able to communicate through S2C, a method non-speakers use to communicate by using an alphabet board. The song deeply moved An Taoiseach Micheál Martin, who was an interviewee on the show, and would receive over 750,000 views on social media. Kevin and David subsequently performed the song as part of the Neurofestivity festival in collaboration with Cork Opera House and UCC in April.

As well as ‘Always Been In Here’, this month’s headlining performance will feature Kevin’s most recent single ‘Seize The Moment’ which was released back in March to rave reviews from the likes of Hot Press Magazine. In addition, there will be favourite covers from both artists, covering a wide scope of music ranging from Ed Sheeran to Meat Loaf.

A four-piece band will be backing the two on the night; Aaron Russ on keys, Rob Carlile on bass, Lucas Perez on guitar, and Zoe Thornhill on drums. Special guests Erin & The Lens and Deidre McGerty of Cork City Musical Society will contribute towards several duets in the show.

All proceeds from the show will go directly to The Rainbow Club Cork, a charity supporting autistic children, teens, young adults, and their families by bridging the gap in services and activities so they can reach their full potential.

There will also be a raffle on the night where spot prizes will include a €150 shopping voucher for Dunnes.