International DJs to partake in huge cancer fundraiser in Letterkenny

A Letterkenny pub will play host to a mammoth charity event this weekend.

Patrick Topping and Rebüke, two of the most in-demand names in dance music and of international standing, will go back-to-back in the iconic surrounds of Blake’s Bar for the Irish Cancer Society on Saturday, August 1.

Mike Toner, originally from Middle Road, Ballyraine in Letterkenny, is based in Melbourne, Australia, where he works as a music promoter and has also done incredible work for charity. He is also a cousin of international DJ and tech house heavyweight Reuben Keeney, aka Rebüke, who is also from Letterkenny.

So Mike and Reuben are combining their connections in the music industry to take the charitable work closer to home.

Mike's sister, Louise, a married 45-year-old mother-of-three who lives in Letterkenny, was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer which has spread to her bones and spine. Louise has, down the years, also done incredible work for charity events, most notably the annual Christmas jumper party in the Swilly Inn in Letterkenny. You can donate to the charity here.

“Louise’s current treatment in Galway is keeping her well and only became available in Ireland in the last four years, and it exists for one reason: because the research, funding and resources were there to bring it to market,” Mike said. “Without that, it simply wouldn't be here, and neither would the extra time it's given her.”

Mike moved to Australia as a backpacker in his mid-twenties and has since built a massive legacy. He is the founder and director of Thick as Thieves, one of Melbourne’s premier electronic music touring and events agencies. The agency is famous for bringing major international underground DJs to Australia and hosting iconic events, notably at the legendary Melbourne venue Revolver.

Mike has combined his passion for music events with incredible physical challenges to raise over $2.5 million (AUD) for the Fred Hollows Foundation, an international charity dedicated to treating and preventing avoidable blindness. His fundraising directly funds eye surgeries that restore sight to thousands of people in developing countries.

Mike ran a full 42 km marathon entirely blindfolded to raise awareness for the visually impaired, raising over $620,000 in a single event. The 100km Ultra-Marathon: He completed a gruelling, non-stop 100-kilometre jog as part of his Quick as Thieves campaign, which raised over $800,000 for the charity.

Patrick Topping is a highly influential English DJ, electronic music producer, and record label owner. He is recognised as one of the defining faces of modern British house and tech-house music, while for Rebüke, it is a homecoming — Letterkenny is where he is from and where he still lives, which makes this night all the more special.

He is an acclaimed Irish electronic music DJ, producer, and record label owner. Emerging from the underground Irish music scene, he has become one of the industry's most prominent figures by bridging techno, house, and early 1990s rave culture. Support on the night comes from Modeā B2B 666CMG.

Together, they are also celebrating the release of their new collaborative track, ‘People Dancing’, at the one-off gig, although that’s only a fraction of what’s taking place on the night.

“Both are giving their time for free, for one reason: to raise as much money as we possibly can for cancer research in Ireland, in aid of Irish Cancer Society,” Mike, who is both Patrick Topping and Rebüke’s Australian agent, says.

“That's what this night is about. Every euro raised goes towards the research that turns ‘there's nothing more we can do’ into ‘there's a new treatment.’ It's the difference between hope and no hope.”

Purple Wall, a premier boutique, international artist and music management company based in London, and Thick as Thieves go back a long way.

“Our first charity show together was a Claptone benefit in 2014, and we haven't stopped since,” Mike adds. “Patrick and Rebüke have both stood on stage for us at charity events across Australia more times than I can count, and every single time they've helped raise a serious amount for causes that matter.

“For years, we said that whenever we were all back in Ireland at the same time, we would love to do something here. This is that something: bringing the two of them together for a special back-to-back at Blakes, in Reuben and my hometown of Letterkenny, and putting every bit of it towards the fight against cancer in Ireland. A lot of people who care.”

“There is no ticket to buy — instead, everyone who comes through the door is asked to donate, with every euro going straight to the cause. Give what you can, and a little more if you are able. Come for two world-class artists in a room you'll never forget — and know that just by being there, you're part of something that matters. Entry is by donation on Patrick Topping b2b Rebüke for Cancer Research on the Irish Cancer Society website. Please give generously on the night, with all proceeds in aid of the Irish Cancer Society.”

The event takes place on Saturday, August 1, at Blake’s Bar courtyard in Letterkenny, from 6pm till 10pm.