Kevin Walsh and David Punch: Debut Headliner in Aid of The Rainbow Club

Cork musicians Kevin Walsh and David Punch are set to perform their debut headliner concert at The Kino, Washington Street, on 26 June, raising funds for The Rainbow Club, a Cork charity supporting autistic children, teens, young adults, and their families.

The pair met on The Assembly Ireland, a Virgin Media TV programme which aired earlier this year, where autistic people had the opportunity to meet well-known personalities including An Taoiseach Micheál Martin and comedian Joanne McNally. Both keen singer-songwriters and advocates for autism awareness, Walsh and Punch were brought in by producers to provide a musical element to the show.

A standout moment from the programme saw the duo perform Always Been In Here, an original piece written by Max Whelan, reflecting his experience as a non-speaker who found a voice through Spelling to Communicate (S2C). The performance visibly moved An Taoiseach Micheál Martin and went on to receive over 750,000 views on social media. The pair later performed the song as part of Neurofestivity, in collaboration with Cork Opera House and UCC.

The concert will feature the duet alongside Walsh's most recent single, Seize The Moment, released in March to strong reviews from publications including Hot Press Magazine, as well as cover versions spanning artists from Ed Sheeran to Meat Loaf.

A four-piece band will back the duo 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 Deirdre McGerty of Cork City Musical Society will also take to the stage for a number of duets.

Kevin Walsh spoke about his motivation for supporting The Rainbow Club:

"I cannot stress the importance of having Autism support services in place. 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."

The Rainbow Club works to bridge the gap in services and activities for autistic individuals and their families, helping them reach their full potential. A raffle on the night will include a €150 Dunnes shopping voucher among the spot prizes. The event is sponsored by Douglas Law Solicitors, Ross Oil, Permanent TSB Ballincollig, and St. Michael's Credit Union.

Tickets are priced at €15, with a €10 concession rate, and are available now on Eventbrite.