About Oh Yeah

**We are not currently recruiting volunteers. When we reopen the call, an application form will appear on this page.  Many thanks for your interest and support.

Oh Yeah would not be able to cope without the support and good will of its volunteers.

Volunteering can take on many forms here at the centre, from helping out on a day to day basis, including front of house, helping with admin, managing rehearsal rooms, donating time to look after the centre at weekends, helping to promote and manage gigs, to donating professional advice. There is always something to do.

Below are just a few of the amazing people who have provided all of these things and more.

This page is dedicated to them.

Name: Chris Flack

How long have you volunteered for Oh Yeah?
Too long probably. I went in to talk to Stuart about grants and got handed a paint brush, that was about 5 years ago.

What kind of things do you do as a volunteer for Oh Yeah?
Everything and anything, from stage lighting, to mopping floors and making coffee.

How often do you volunteer?
Depends on what's on but it’s probably too often.

Do you have any memorable experiences of volunteering at Oh Yeah?
There is one that involves a certain Mr Lightbody and James Nesbitt, but it's best left unsaid.

What is your favourite thing about Oh Yeah?
The fact that everyone involved mucks in no matter what the job or the problem, it is an amazing team to be a part of.

Do you have any advice for anyone that would like to volunteer?
Muck in and leave your sanity at home.

Favourite band/DJ/Artist?
REM, every time.

Favourite local band/DJ/Artist?
Tough question, it's genuinely difficult to come up with one act, but Here Comes the Landed Gentry are one of the dirtiest blues and rock bands I've ever seen.

Best gig you have been to? (in or out of OY)
Best Local gig was the Oh Yeah Open night, I was sat right in front of the stage while Guy Garvey was playing, it was awe inspiring. However the best gig ever had to be the REM rehearsals show I managed to get tickets to in the Olympia theatre in Dublin.  And yes, I shed a tear or two.

Interesting fact about you?
I've driven an ambulance to Russia.

Favourite lyric?
Elbow - "So throw those curtains wide, One day like this a year'd see me right"
( I've just LOL'd at a comment on Youtube where someone wrote of Guy Garvey, "Looks like a binman, sings like an angel" )

Oh Yeah says:
Chris has been here since the birth of Oh Yeah, he’s a loyal, dedicated, ‘can do’ man, always willing to lend a hand or voice support. Chris has become the official, unofficial live music photographer for the centre, and he’s non too shabby either.  If you don’t believe us take a look
http://punksatonyphil.carbonmade.com/

Chris is a true gentleman, but he does like to talk a lot.

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Name: Sian O'Neill

How long have you volunteered for Oh Yeah?
Since the very first open day, 5th May 2007

What kind of things do you do as a volunteer for Oh Yeah?
Anything and everything! From cleaning loos to stamping hands; looking after bands to giving out flyers; and most recently helping to stem the flow of water that was gushing from a burst radiator pipe in the middle of a packed dance floor! You NEVER know what you'll be asked to do in Oh Yeah!

How often do you volunteer?
It depends really, at least once a month at the moment. But it is very much dependent on what is going on and what needs done!

Do you have any memorable experiences of volunteering at Oh Yeah?
I have so many that I couldn't possibly pick one. From watching Duke Special and the Lowly Knights perform with no PA, in the middle of a candlelit room- to meeting Guy Garvey- to being a part of the May Street Urban Hymns event. Oh Yeah has been instrumental in allowing me to meet my musical icons and has also given me the feeling of being part of history!

What is your favourite thing about Oh Yeah?
The people. Without question. The biggest assest within the Oh Yeah centre is the energy, drive, focus and above all- passion for local music that the individuals each bring.

Do you have any advice for anyone that would like to volunteer?
Do it! Do whatever you can to help and don't ever feel like the role you have been given is meaningless- a gig and a scene doesn't work with a room full of promoters, you need everyone from the roots up, musically skilled or (in my case) otherwise!

Favourite band/DJ/Artist?
I have so many, on constant rotation would be: Frightened Rabbit, David Ford, Frank Turner, Low, Mumford and Sons, Band of Horses and U2.

Favourite local band/DJ/Artist?
Without hesitation, LaFaro are my favourite band. I never tire of seeing them play, and I am still excited by the noise they create!
Also, notable mentions have to go to the Rupture Dogs, Here Come the Landed Gentry, Silouhette, FWW and there are so many more I haven't been able to mention!

Best gig you have been to? (in or out of OY)
In Oh Yeah: The Opening Day with Gary Lightbody, Duke Special, Elbow, Lisa Hannigan and Jetplane Landing
Outside of Oh Yeah: Glasgowbury, each and every year!!

Interesting fact about you?
I have a local band's lyrics tattooed on my right foot. (see below)

Favourite lyric?
I have many faves that interchange depending on what's going on for me but the one that I connected with years ago and still connect with is from the LaFaro song 'Great Conversations Remembered (by Jeff Hinton)' and the line is 'It's the spaces in between that make sense of everything'.

Oh Yeah Says: Sian is another member of the old brigade. She is the mammy of the volunteers, she's good at managing bands, making people feel welcome, and loves a good chin wag. She is sensitive, kind, and organised. She also loves to bake, we love that she loves to bake. Oh Yeah gets great cakes out of Sian.

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Name: Jessica Neisen

How long have you volunteered for Oh Yeah?
Just over a year

What kind of things do you do as a volunteer for Oh Yeah?
Pretty much everything that's asked of me.  It could be anything from working the door to setting up spreadsheets and graphs for accounts and contacts.

How often do you volunteer?
A couple of times a week?

Do you have any memorable experiences of volunteering at Oh Yeah?
Probably the first show of the Contenders tour this year.  It was my first time in Derry and I had a BRILLIANT time.

What is your favourite thing about Oh Yeah?
Definitely the people! It's crazy that, in one place, there are SO many really intelligent people that are so passionate.  Each one of them challenges me in different ways everyday.

Do you have any advice for anyone that would like to volunteer?

Just get stuck in.  Once you get started, you'll not know how to stop!

Favourite band/DJ/Artist?
Ugh! There are so many.  Probably Dave Matthew Band or John Mayer.  I could listen to them playing guitar all day long.

Favourite local band/DJ/Artist?
Probably Farriers.  They're all amazing musicians individually and they're so unaffected.  It's all about the music for them. Everything else is just a bonus.

Best gig you have been to (in or out of OY)?
As a graduation present, my friend Matt took me to see Dashboard Confessional in St. Louis supported by Thrice, The Get Up Kids and Motion City Soundtrack.  We weren't really sure how it was going to work with Dashboard Confessional following Thrice and their mosh-pit. Sure enough, when Thrice went off, the crowd was still buzzing and completely full of energy, but Dustin Kensrue, the lead singer, came back on with an acoustic and a stool and played Stare at the Sun (one of my favorite songs).  It was like a switch had flipped and the mood of the entire crowd changed.  Everyone went from jumping around and shoving into eachother to swaying in a very "Whoville from How the Grinch Stole Christmas" sort of way. It was almost surreal and a very illuminating moment for me in my musically formative years.

Interesting fact about you?
I was the featured soloist for our school choir's Christmas program in 8th grade.  It was an epic beginning and end to my musical career.  Afterwards, I sat myself down and had an old fashioned heart to heart, knowing that I could potentially spend the rest of my life trying to achieve what I did that day, turning my back on the rest of the world.  From that day, I chose to abandon my love for performance arts and focus my talents elsewhere... LOL

Favourite lyric?
 "I'll stare straight into the sun, and I won't close my eyes til I understand or go blind" - Stare at the Sun by Thrice.

Do you have any hidden or celebrated talents?
I'm pretty good at reaching the top shelf...

Oh Yeah says:
Jess is our academic volunteer, she’s a scientist, and we are very proud to have a scientist on board, it makes us feel smart.  Jess is always there if you need her, she is supportive, thoughtful and level headed in every situation.  We also think she is psychic, because every time we need help, Jess appears with provisions and a smile.

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Name: Denise Jackson

How long have you volunteered for Oh Yeah?
Nearly 3 years.

What kind of things do you do as a volunteer for Oh Yeah?
Sell merchandise, collect tickets/money at the door, sometimes do the bar, tidy up the mess when everyone goes home.

How often do you volunteer?
It depends. Sometimes it's mental and there's two or three things on in a week. Mostly just around once or twice a month though.

Do you have any memorable experiences of volunteering at Oh Yeah?
Loads! One of my favourite nights was when Duke Special played a wee gig with his piano in the middle of the floor surrounded by The Lowly Knights. The exhibition launches were pretty special too.

What is your favorite thing about Oh Yeah?
It's full of dedicated, enthusiastic, lovely people.

Do you have any advise for anyone that would like to volunteer?
Do it! You'll have loads of fun and might even learn a few things.

Favourite band/DJ/Artist?
I'm in love with The National right now.

Favourite local band/DJ/Artist:
Probably Cashier No 9, but it changes a lot. I have a wee soft spot for A Plastic Rose too.

Best gig you have been to? (in or out of OY):
Biffy Clyro in the Spring & Airbrake in Dec 2005. They played 'Christopher's River' because of my old school sign. There were tears. Happy tears.

Interesting fact about you?
I was once offered a pringle by Susan Sarandon & Tim Robbins while dancing along to CSS at Oxegen.  True story!

Favourite lyric?
"We'll change the world how we want to".

Oh Yeah Says: Denise is a dedicated music fan, she loves to get to as many gigs as possible, and likes to party into the wee small hours. We love her enthusiasm for, and loyalty towards Oh Yeah, and she is always willing to lend a hand. If you need a party partner Denise is your woman.

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Name: Kathy Bell

How long have you volunteered for Oh Yeah?
Since the Open Day in May 2007.

What kind of things do you do as a volunteer for Oh Yeah?
Anything I'm asked to do! From checking names at the door, attempting to pull pints, tidying up, selling merch and generally milling about trying to look knowledgeable.

How often do you volunteer?
As much as work and studies allow!

Do you have any memorable experiences of volunteering at Oh Yeah?
It was the night of the Fate Awards, and the evening entertainment in Oh Yeah ended with Gary Lightbody, Stuart Bailie, Terri Hooley, a whole host of local musicians, and football legend Gerry Armstrong, on stage singing Teenage Kicks. Class.

What is your favourite thing about Oh Yeah?
The genuine buzz that's been about since day one, and seeing the building transform into a bustling and vibrant hub of musical activity and potential.

Do you have any advice for anyone that would like to volunteer?
DO IT! I have met some of the most important people in my life through Oh Yeah, and over the years I have experienced and learnt things I would never have without it!

Favourite band/DJ/Artist?
(Past) Thin Lizzy; (present) We Are Scientists

Favourite local band/DJ/Artist?
(Past) Red Sirus, (present) The Lowly Knights

Best gig you have been to (in or out of OY):
Definitely during the Oxjam festival in 2007 after Frank Turner's gig. A few people went on to the Rotterdam Bar afterwards and Frank basically played until he ran out of songs – everything from Bob Marley to ABBA to Johnny Cash!

Interesting fact about you?
Emmm....I'm related Jackie Fullerton and he once 'hosted' my Granny's birthday party (!)

Favourite lyric?
 "Life is about love, last minutes and lost evenings, about fire in our bellies and furtive little feelings"

Oh Yeah Says: Kathy is our sensible sweetheart who has been quietly but effectively helping out since the early days of Oh Yeah. Another person we just couldn't have done with out.

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Name: Dave Burns

How long have you volunteered for Oh Yeah?
2 Years.

What kind of things do you do as a volunteer for Oh Yeah?
General running of the centre on a Saturday, help organize and run gigs and events, keeping the rehearsal rooms in order.

How often do you volunteer?
Whenever I have the time!

Do you have any memorable experiences of volunteering at Oh Yeah?
Helping out the time Ash played at the centre. When doing stage management and standing just a few feet away from the band whilst they were rocking out. Quite a buzz!

What is your favourite thing about Oh Yeah?
Without sounding cheesy, it has to be the people. The craic with them is absolutely brilliant.

Do you have any advice for anyone that would like to volunteer?
What are you waiting for! You won’t regret it.

Favourite band/DJ/Artist?
Biffy Clyro

Favourite local band/DJ/Artist?
At the moment, One Shot the King. Their gonna be big soon!

Best gig you have been to/  (in or out of OY)
Probably the first time I saw Biffy. Front row in Spring and Airbrake just after the release of their 3rd album. The band’s sweat was dripping all over me, absolutely glorious!

Interesting fact about you?
Although I’m a massive fan of music, I also have a huge love of photography.

Favourite lyric?
“Well I love you so much, but do me a favour baby don’t reply.
Because I can dish it out, but I can’t take it.”
Limousine, by Brand New

Do you have any hidden or celebrated talents?
I can wiggle my ears independently of the rest of my head. Yeah, I know it’s weird!

Oh Yeah Says: Dave is a star with a big smile and tons of positive energy, and no job is ever too big or too small for him. He works for BMC, so we see him every day. Dave's favourite place to be is stood just outside the front doors, shooting the breeze over a cigarette and a coffee.

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Name: Wendy Boezer

How long have you volunteered for Oh Yeah?
Since March/April of 2010.

What kind of things do you do as a volunteer for Oh Yeah?
The bar at events, open and close up on Sundays – (occasional Saturday), clean up, tidy up, anything that needs to be done really.

How often do you volunteer?
At least once a week.

Do you have any memorable experiences of volunteering at Oh Yeah?
Tons, the after parties are always good, my favourite was a hand full of us on the roof after a big launch, and the Christmas party was a crazy night. I also really enjoyed the Contenders CD release and The Legends Awards night with the Undertones.

What is your favourite thing about Oh Yeah?
To sound like a total cheese ball: the people, no doubt. All the people that work/volunteer at Oh Yeah are really quite awesome. I also love the reason why Oh Yeah was started and what is does for local music.

Do you have any advice for anyone that would like to volunteer?
Definitely go for it! You won't regret it. Liking Jäger helps.

Favourite band/DJ/Artist?
De Staat, dEUS, Eels, Neutral Milk Hotel, Kyteman, Mumfod & Sons, and about a million more. It's impossible to choose one favourite with so many good musicians out there.

Favourite local band/DJ/Artist?
Here Comes The Landed Gentry, Cat Malojian, Cashier no. 9, Farriers.

Best gig you have been to? (In or out of OY).
There have been so many gigs, most good, and some bad. These are the ones I've loved the most:
In Oh Yeah: Cat Malojian, The 1930s.
In NI: Iron & Wine, Belle & Sebastian, Band of Horses.
Outside NI: CocoRosie, Leonard Cohen, Bob Dylan, Gus Black.

The CocoRosie gig was probably the most special to me and it was at an amazing place. On top of a hill near the sea in a forest. The only thing that separated the stage from the audience was a wee stream.

Interesting fact about you?
I've lived in 5 different countries.

Do you have any hidden or celebrated talents?
My ears can move themselves, and I have a special gift of making laundry look more wrinkled than it was before I actually ironed it.

Favourite lyric?
‘All this beauty; you might have to close your eyes, and slowly open wide
All this beauty; we travelled all night, we drank the ocean dry, and watched the sun rise
[All This Beauty by The Weepies]

Oh Yeah says: Wendy is our Sunday Saint. Because of Wendy Oh Yeah is able to offer rehearsal time to bands on Sundays, and we love her quiet and competent dedication to the centre. She is a music obsessive, and when she not gushing about NI music, she often returns to her native Holland to see her favourite bands there. Quite simply she is a legend.

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Name: Scott Edgar.

How long have you volunteered for Oh Yeah?
Since 5th May 2007.

What kind of things do you do as a volunteer for Oh Yeah?
Paint walls, clean toilets, hoover floors, run gigs, take tickets at the door, eat sandwiches and drink Jägermeister at after parties.

How often do you volunteer?
I did most events from 2007 – 2009, and hope to get more involved this year again.

Do you have any memorable experiences of volunteering at Oh Yeah?
The FATE Awards 2008 with funky lights, Jimmy Nesbitt's credit card and Rocky's early morning hacksaw.

What is your favourite thing about Oh Yeah?
I like the potential. As more of it becomes realised each year, the place becomes a wee bit more special.

Do you have any advice for anyone that would like to volunteer?
Man up, look after your liver, enjoy your music and get stuck in!

Favourite band/DJ/Artist?
Arcade Fire, Bright Eyes, Frank Turner

Favourite local band/DJ/Artist?
Lowly Knights, The 1930s, LaFaro.

Best gig you have been to?
Noah & The Whale, Johnny Flynn - Open House Festival 2009

Interesting fact about you?
I was once bitten by a penguin.

Favourite lyric?
"If music was the food of love then I'd be a fat romantic slob." - Substitute - Frank Turner.

Oh Yeah Says: We don't see Scott as much as we used to, but considering he co runs his own promotion company (deadonmusic.com) with another of our old volunteers Andy, we are not surprised. He is a busy guy, and when he is not writing about music, designing websites, promoting gigs, or managing a band (The 1930's), he occassionally pops in and reminds us why we would love to see more of him again in 2011.

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Name: Andy Cowan

How long have you volunteered for Oh Yeah?
Since before the opening day in May 2007.

What kind of things do you do as a volunteer for Oh Yeah?
Do the door, stage manage, manage the building, the bar, scrub the floor, paint the walls, anything really.

How often do you volunteer?
As often as my day job allows me.

Do you have any memorable experiences of volunteering at Oh Yeah?
The first open day.

What is your favourite thing about Oh Yeah?
The potential.

Do you have any advice for anyone that would like to volunteer?
Come with an open mind and be prepared to turn your hand at anything.

Favourite band/DJ/Artist?
Dave Matthews Band.

Favourite local band/DJ/Artist?
The 1930's.

Best gig you have been to? (In or out of OY)
The Manic Street Preachers at The Barrowlands

Interesting fact about you?
I co-run deadonmusic.com

Favourite lyric?
 'And I stare at the sky and it leaves me blind I close my eyes and this is yesterday’ - Manic Street Preachers.

Oh Yeah Says:
Andy is old school Oh Yeah, one of the volunteering pioneers of the centre that helped set the bar for future volunteers to come. He is engaged to Oh Yeah volunteer, the lovely Ciara ( in the picture above); he is passionate about music, and runs his own promotions company with Scott (above). He enjoys the banter, and likes to drink Guinness whenever he gets the chance. www.deadonmusic.com

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Name:  Keith Scott

How long have you volunteered for Oh Yeah?
On/off since November 2009.
 
What kind of things do you do as a volunteer for Oh Yeah?
House duties, occasionally on the door, On the floor.

How often do you volunteer?
As and when needed.

Do you have any memorable experiences of volunteering at Oh Yeah?
Julie Feeney gig, when she whispered to individual members of the audience whilst performing "Myth" from her album Pages, really cool night, great talent

What is your favourite thing about Oh Yeah?
It's a really inclusive community of people who are passionate about local artists.
 
Do you have any advice for anyone that would like to volunteer?   
 Just get in touch, it's dead easy if you have the time.

Favourite band/DJ/Artist?
Radiohead / We are Scientists.

Favourite local band/DJ/Artist?   
Van Morrison.

Best gig you have been to? (in or out of OY)  
 In OY, think it has to Julie Feeney, intimate gig, amazing voice, arrangements, though she was wearing a weird headpiece.

Favourite lyric?
We are Scientisits  -  Nice Guys

“Your smart enough to make your mistakes
And act like you want' em
Walk off the residual pain
And forget how you got it”

Oh Yeah Says: Keith is lovely, he is dependable and reliable, and is pleasure to work with. We love his passion for music, and hope to see more of him this year.

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Name: Colum Coyle

How long have you volunteered for Oh Yeah?
Since March 2009

What kind of things do you do as a volunteer for Oh Yeah?
Everything from managing rehearsal rooms to maintenance of the music exhibition and performance area, helping to manage day time events, and some reception duties. In addition to my volunteering I have also had occasional paid employment from the centre doing bar work, and door work.

How often do you volunteer?
As often as I can! A few times a week

Do you have any memorable experiences of volunteering at Oh Yeah?
Seeing and helping all the great bands and artists that swing by the Oh Yeah.

What is your favourite thing about Oh Yeah?
Their sense of greater purpose, and their love of music.

Do you have any advice for anyone that would like to volunteer?
DO IT! You won't regret it!

Favourite band/DJ/Artist?
Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band/A-Trak/The Tallest Man on Earth.

Favourite local band/DJ/Artist?
Lafaro/doublewonderful/Duke Special.

Best gig you have been to? (in or out of OY)
Either when I went to see The Rolling Stones at Slane Castle, or When I went to see Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band in the Odyssey Arena in Belfast. They were both so good!

Interesting fact about you?
I was in the Circus School for 10 years!

Favourite lyric?
 "Tramps like us, baby we were born to run" - Born To Run by Bruce Springsteen.

Do you have hidden talents?
I can do the worm quite well!

Oh Yeah Says:
When Colum came on board he just got stuck in, and became a valued member of the team very quickly. He has a great energy, and is always willing to learn. He also likes to play Electronica when he is working in the bar. We are yet to see Colum do the worm, but we have it on good authority he does it well.