Music thrives not just in big cities and major venues — it thrives where people listen with open ears and open hearts. That’s exactly what The Leap Collective is all about: building a community that stands behind its musicians, not as distant spectators, but as genuine supporters and champions of the creativity around us.
The Leap Collective grew organically from our monthly Curation on the Blue Room Sessions at Leixlip GAA Club on Green Lane. These sessions aren’t big concerts — they’re warm, intimate gatherings where local independent musicians share their own songs, stories, and sounds in a setting where every voice is heard and every performance matters. In a music industry that often rewards market size over musical quality, creating places where artists can connect directly with their community isn’t just nice — it’s essential.
That belief was put into practice in a big way on Culture Night 2025, when we brought together 150 people for an Other Voices‑style night at St. Mary’s Church. Leixlip’s own artists — including David Geraghty (of Bell X1), Ross Breen, October Nights, John Hynes, and Adam Fleming — delivered performances that proved what we already knew: there is extraordinary talent right here in our town.
Community support isn’t an abstract idea. It’s what makes musicians keep writing. It’s what helps them book their first gigs. It’s what builds careers and inspires others to pick up an instrument. When you show up, you tell a local artist: your music matters; your voice belongs here. Supporting our artists demonstrates to our kids that we value music after the kids leave school. It demonstrates that we will support them. As a community we owe it to our own children to show up for the artists of today because that is what they should take inspiration from.
Expanding the Reach — Tiny Concerts Series
We’re taking that mission further in 2026 with our new Tiny Concerts concept. The first one will be at Willow & Wild on Green Lane on Sunday, 1 March, at 19:30, featuring October Fires and John Hynes. These concerts are built for connection — smaller audiences, deeper musical immersion, and real opportunities for local voices to be truly heard. Tickets go on sale Friday, 20 February.
Local Artists Worth Celebrating
Leixlip and the wider Kildare area have a proud musical lineage. Some of the independent musicians from the region you might already know — or should know — include:
- David Geraghty – Singer, songwriter and multi‑instrumentalist from Leixlip, founding member of Bell X1 and solo artist (also performs as Join Me in the Pines).
- John Hynes – Leixlip singer‑songwriter whose music has reached wide radio play across Ireland.
- Ross Breen – Leixlip songwriter and competition winner, recognised for his songwriting and recording opportunities.
- October Fires – Indie band active in the local live circuit and now part of The Leap Collective programme.
- Pat Burgess – Veteran Irish singer/songwriter with deep roots in Leixlip.
- Joe Giltrap – Folk singer/songwriter born and raised in Leixlip, known for reflecting local experience in his songs.
- Plus many more emerging and established artists across Kildare and neighbouring counties.
Each of these artists represents something bigger than themselves. They are the reason our community matters for music: local audiences who show up, share the word, and support artists directly make it possible for music to grow here.
Why Community Support Matters
Supporting local musicians is not just about selling tickets. It’s about:
- Creating opportunities — Every audience member expands an artist’s confidence and reach.
- Keeping culture alive — The songs, stories and perspectives of local people deserve platforms alongside mainstream acts.
- Strengthening connection — When we gather to listen, we invest in something that brings us together beyond playlists and algorithms.
This is why The Leap Collective exists — to make sure local independent musicians don’t just survive, but thrive. They are part of our community’s identity, and with community support, their music becomes part of our shared story.
