Naas holds first ever busking competition with huge success

The streets of one Co Kildare town were full of music and singing to celebrate the Midsummer Arts Festival. Student at Jam Music, Chloe O'Malley, is the winner of the first busking competition in Naas. Praising the incredible talent from musicians and singers of all ages participating, last Saturday, the Judging panellist Padraig McCauley said: "The standard was incredible and we want to say a huge well done to everyone that performed. We were treated to an eclectic mix of performers this year from as young as  seven years old, and are chuffed to be in a position to nourish and support the rich wealth of talent found in our local community. This years festival was fantastic for the local arts and we hope to be be part of more in the year to come."  Chloe has been a student of Jam Music for several years now - studying Classical Piano and of recent, music theatre vocal performance. The daughter of Sophia Byrne and Keith OMalley,  gave a spirited rendition of 'Memories' from the musical Cats. The 12 -year-old who will be starting St Mary's Secondary School this September  blew the crowds away with the emotion, conviction and depth of her performance. She will be awarded a free day of recording with Jam's  Sound Engineering students this July, from July 3  to 14 in the  Newbridge school. Teacher and staff member at Jam Music, Ronan Reilly, praised the emerging young musical talent in Co Kildare. He said: "I see a lot of developing talent."     Pictured is father and son, Leo and Cormac Ahern.