A Community United: Dundalk Remembers Ranier Gaspar
Saturday, May 31st, marked a truly bittersweet occasion at Dundalk’s beloved Spirit Store. Across two stages, a multitude of bands and artists converged to celebrate the life and mourn the untimely passing of local musician, Ranier Gaspar. A core member of Dundalk’s own ImBau and a vital presence in the town’s vibrant music scene, Ranier’s impact was undeniably immense, as evidenced by the outpouring of love and support from his friends, family, and fellow musicians who packed the outdoor stage.
The Spirit Store, a venue Ranier held dear – whether performing upstairs with his band, solo acoustic downstairs, or simply soaking in other gigs with friends – once again proved its unwavering commitment to local talent. All proceeds from this poignant event were dedicated to the Gaspar family, a testament to the venue’s deep-rooted values. A huge shout-out is due to Derek Turner for expertly coordinating the entire affair, Evan O’Rourke and Joey Edwards for their flawless sound and light work (and their lightning-fast stage turnovers!), and of course, owner Mark Dearey, a steadfast champion of local artists.
The outdoor stage kicked off at 5 PM, setting a tender tone with performances by Jamie Muckno, Rowan Murphy, and Mark Durnin, who delivered a particularly touching tribute with Ranier’s favorite song. Amidst shared memories and heartfelt homages, Ranier’s presence was almost palpable, a comforting echo in the air.
As 8 PM rolled around, the celebration moved upstairs to a jam-packed venue for an unforgettable night of music from some of Dundalk’s finest.
Jinx Lennon opened the indoor proceedings, immediately cutting through the palpable tension and drawing everyone together. His set was a powerful reminder of why everyone was there: to celebrate one of their own. He effortlessly pulled people from the back of the room right to the stage, setting the perfect tone for a night that was both a tribute and an exceptional showcase of talent. Jinx Lennon remains a unique force – whether you “get” his music or not, his performances are undeniably entertaining and leave you with a smile.
Next up, Negro Impacto took the stage, proving why they’ve been generating such a buzz lately. Their full yet minimal sound, coupled with fantastic songwriting and the incredible vocals of Chi Chi, was simply captivating. Having somehow missed their live shows before, I was eager to finally witness them, and they absolutely did not disappoint. Their set culminated in an impromptu cover of “Enter Sandman,” with Laurence leaping from his chair to lead the entire venue in a wild, hilarious singalong – a jarring yet brilliant departure from their signature sound that sparked an infectious energy. Definitely a highlight of the night!.
The emotional heart of the evening arrived with ImBau. Before their set, a short video montage played, showcasing Ranier in recording sessions, making music, and simply radiating joy. It was profoundly heartbreaking to witness such a young, vibrant life cut short, a stark reminder for everyone present. As the band stepped onto the stage, the air was thick with raw emotion. With friends filling in for Ranier, their heartfelt and genuine performance moved many to tears. A particularly poignant moment was their final song, co-written by Ranier, a moving blend of saxophone and guitars that left the crowd embracing, supporting, and sharing memories.
Returning from their UK tour, taking a break from massive gigs to pay their respects at The Spirit Store, The Mary Wallopers immediately lifted the spirits of the room. Their set transformed the lingering emotions into pure energy, with the crowd singing along to every word. It felt like a party, a joyous celebration of life and music.
Finally, the lights dimmed as local shoegaze legends Just Mustard commanded the stage, closing out the night with their signature wall of sound. Their performance was, as always, a premium, flawless display, captivating both sonically and visually. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: Just Mustard remains one of Dundalk’s most exceptional bands in a long time, and their live show is an absolute must-experience.
All in all, it was a truly fantastic day and night, given the circumstances – a deeply fitting tribute to Ranier, who surely would have cherished seeing everyone together for such an event. His parents, brothers, and sisters were also in attendance, and one can only hope they felt the overwhelming love and support from everyone present, and are immensely proud of their amazing son.
If you missed this unforgettable night or wish to contribute, you can still donate at: https://www.gofundme.com/f/in-memory-of-ranier-gaspar
Jinx Lennon photos:
Negro Impacto photos:
ImBau photos:
The Mary Wallopers photos:
Just Mustard photos:
Photos & words – David McEneaney @experimentzero