Summer is here, the feel-good vibes are in the air, so it’s time to get your dancing shoes on – and not just because this is the optimum time of the year for chasing members of the opposite sex! Despite the fact that there’s only one major dance festival announced so far for this summer – the cause of which, we suspect is promoter politics and not a lack of demand – the following hotpress guide reveals there’s still plenty of great events and club nights to look forward to, ensuring good-time grooving for all, throughout the hottest months of the year…

Massive Attack & Dot Allison at The Point, Dublin, August 21

Massive Attack’s latest album 100th Window, their fourth, reached number one in eight countries including Ireland. Their only Irish date this year has sadly been switched from Marlay Park to the Point, but that won’t stop it being one of the events of summer 2003. Giant interactive LED screens and stunning visuals are a major part of the current worldwide tour, and mainman Robert Del Naja had this to say of the exciting new show: “When we started we always tried to create an environment around the sound system and create a place we wanted to perform in. Now we want to get that back again. It’ll be interactive and experimental”. Support comes from the sweetest voice in contemporary music, Dot Allison, who recently graced albums from King Of Woolworths and Death In Vegas. With our own Sinead O’ Connor a strong possibility to join MA onstage to perform the tracks she sings on 100th Window, this really is a hot ticket.

Coastal Beats, Tralee, July 18 & 19

Also running in Donegal Town (June 13th/14th), Limerick (August 15th/16th), Castlebar (August 29th/30th), Waterford (September 5th/6th) and Bundoran (September 26th/27th).
Ireland’s premier DJ weekender, Coastal Beats, is back for 2003 with a sponsor, Lynx, and the promise of no less than six two-day events throughout the summer. The brainchild of drum ’n’ bass DJ Razor and the West’s wackiest promoter Webster, Coastal Beats admirably supports the homegrown clubbing industry with its 100% Irish DJ line-ups that include the biggest names saddling up alongside the hottest new talents. For example, the Donegal weekender in June plays host to, among many others, Phil Kieran, Barry Redsetta, Billy Scurry, DJ Silence, Pajo and Kenny Funk. Meanwhile, its after-parties, barbeques, side-shows and fishing trips are almost as legendary with the clubbing fraternity as Coastal party animal Webster. Of the half a dozen summer events scheduled, Tralee looks like the pick of the bunch, not least because the local clubbing community is arguably the most knowledgeable and hospitable in the country. See you down by the lakes…

Love 2003 at Shane’s Castle, Antrim, August 30 & 31

Don’t rule out a fourth Creamfields Ireland taking place – industry insiders suggest an announcement may be made once Witnness sells out – but for now you’ll have to make do with the most marathon-like dancing session this island has ever known, at Love 2003 at Shane’s Castle in Antrim. Spread over two days of the last weekend of August, Love 2003 arenas already confirmed are Nukleuz, 2FM and Lush!, three of Love 2002’s big successes, with over one hundred DJs to be added to the bill in the coming months. Those confirmed already include Tiesto and Lisa Lashes. For updates, check out www.planetlovemusic.com

2FM Sessions Tour at Lashed at Eden, Ibiza, August 27

No clubbing summer is complete without a trip to the white island, which kick-started modern club culture as we know it – and thanks to 2FM there’s at least one great Irish party to pencil into our diaries this year. This Wednesday night event will be recorded for future broadcast on 6-2-6, and DJs include Lisa Lashes, Anne Savage, John Power, Mister Spring and ex-Prodigy man Leeroy Thornhill. Tune into 6-2-6 on 2FM on Saturdays throughout the summer to win free tickets – the amazing top prize is two days spent living with Lisa in her luxury Ibizan villa! Travelling clubbers should also check out a host of homegrown jocks appearing alongside Limerick’s Dermot C at Nitelife in San Antonio.

Tony de Vit 5th Anniversary Tribute at Enigma, Carrickmacross, July 5

It’s hard to believe it’s been half a decade since the hard dance pioneer sadly passed away. Tony’s sets were imaginative musical journeys from tough tribal house through to uplifting hard trance and twisted German techno, and his unique sound was unquestionably his own. He is regarded as the Godfather of Hard House, but sadly most of the genre’s DJs that claim to have been influenced by TdV have missed the point – it was never about one beat and one bounce all night long! Tonight’s Baby Doll Records Tribute – approved by Tony’s family – is long overdue and features his best friend and long-time DJ partner at Trade, Ian M, spinning a back-to-back four-hour set of Tony’s finest tunes. The party lasts nine hours, and then some.

Bassbin at Redbox, Dublin, July 11

This is set to be one of the biggest ever Bassbin bashes in the capital, thanks to an appearance from regular BB guest Marky. The Brazilian chart star recently made a concerted move into production, both on his own, and with long-term collaborator, XRS. Their recent UK Top 20 smash LK (produced with Stamina MC) has propelled DJ Marky into the super-league. With remixes of US3, Bebel Gilberto and Everything But The Girl, and a collaboration with Brazilian legend Gilberto Gil already under his belt, and his debut album coming soon, Marky is set to be the name on everyone’s lips this summer. Catch him while you can.

Bodytonic at Redbox, Dublin, June 20

Tayor and the Bodytonic boys (Stephen Flynn and John Mahon) have impressed the global deep house community from Miami to Paris, and this is their biggest venture yet, in association with the coolest one-stop Irish clubbing website, novadance.com. Special guest is the co-founder of the Classic label, the man we call ‘The DJs DJ’, Derrick Carter, who currently holds down a number of residencies, including the highly celebrated bi-monthly Classic party at London’s The End. Subterranean is the word.

110th Street at GPO, Galway, July 26

Tom Middleton is one of those DJs that attracts as many DJs to his parties as clubbers, and if you’ve heard his incredible mix album on Hooj, you’ll understand why. The intimate environs of Galway’s sweaty GPO make this one of the most essential small club nights of the year, never mind the summer. Support comes from 110th Street’s funky as fuck regulars, Cian O’Ciabhain and Aran MacMahon.

Summer Of Soul, Sundays at Spirit, Dublin

Al Gibbs, Bubbles, and Scott MacNaughton take to the decks from 4pm until 2am every week. Summer of Soul features the very best in soul food, down tempo beats, deep house and soulful summer grooves. Every week you can chill out in Spirit’s very own movie theatre, check out the complementary Sunday papers and choose from the excellent brunch and cocktail menu. Admission is free before 11pm and €10 thereafter.

Godskitchen at Enigma, Carrickmacross, August 3

Enigma has bucked the clubbing recession trends of the past twelve months, thanks to its imaginative productions at what is the most incredible club venue in the country. Kevin and PJ, who run Enigma, spotted how well clubbers respond to an impressive visual show and the stunning laser show, provocative dancers’ toys and hi-tech visuals that transform Enigma each weekend attract classy, clued-up, and very tastefully dressed-up, clubbers from as far away as Limerick, Laois and Letterkenny (attractive overnight rates available at the adjoining Oasis Hotel!). Expect this trancetastic party to be glowstick central.