Duo from TV show The Assembly to make musical debut at Cork's Kino

Cork breakout stars of a TV show, which sees autistic people interview high-profile celebrities, are set to make their debut as a music duo at an event this month.

Kevin Walsh and David Punch are best known for featuring on The Assembly Ireland, which aired as a four-part television series on Virgin Media Television earlier this year.

The advocates, who are also singer-songwriters, are now embracing a completely new challenge as they prepare to perform at the Kino in Cork city on Saturday, March 28.

FIRST CONCERT TOGETHER

This will be their first concert together after performing on The Assembly Ireland, which features people who are neurodivergent and/or have a learning disability.

All funds raised on the night will go to the Rainbow Club, which provides support for children and adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

There was a musical element to the show with Kevin and David performing several songs across the series, including That’s Life and David’s original song Different. They also performed a duet titled Always Been In Here, penned by their friend Max who is non-verbal, and featured on the Assembly. Kevin explained why the song is so close to their hearts.

“The song Always Been in Here is one I can really identify with as I didn’t actually speak myself until I was five. My first words weren’t even spoken. I sang the chorus of Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door.”

He described life after the show.

“I’m getting recognised a lot. People have been lovely because I work in town, and customers are coming up to me and telling me I was very good on the programme. They have been lovely about it. I find it exciting more than overwhelming. I’ve made a lot of new friends from the show who are some of the smartest people I know. They care about advocacy and creating a better world for autistic people.”

Kevin is also looking forward to sharing a live rendition of his new single Seize the Moment at the Kino.

“The hope is that we will be able to get more gigs. I’m not sure about gigging full-time as I love my day job, but I would definitely like to look at doing more. I’ve already had a lot of messages of support about this concert including from Virgin Media’s Muireann O’Connell”

Tickets can be purchased from Eventbrite:  https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/kevin-walsh-david-punch-seize-the-moment-single-launch-tickets-1981795886846