No sooner has the country begun to wallow in warm sunshine and blue skies than the festival season begins in earnest. And there are plenty of them to choose from – that’s for sure. In fact it’s fair to say that hardly a week goes by without some kind of festival taking place somewhere around the country – be it music, theatre, comedy, arts or a combination of everything.

The Festival horizon is looking especially good this year for music fans as some of the biggest acts in the world are Ireland-bound over the next couple of months: Paul McCartney and Bruce Springsteen hit the RDS in the same week at the end of May, REM play two dates at Marlay Park in Rathfarnam in July, Eminem is at Punchestown in June. Then there’s the Witnness Festival in the middle of July – without doubt the largest in terms of the number of acts appearing – this year being headlined by the hugely popular Coldplay along with dozens of international and Irish acts including David Gray (pictured), Damien Rice, Flaming Lips, Doves, Manic Street Preachers, The Thrills to name a handful; Slane has the wonderful Red Hot Chilli Peppers, the Foo Fighters, PJ Harvey and others on Saturday August 23. A pair of bona fide legends – Bo Diddley and Chubby Checker appear at Letterkenny Rock ’n’ Roll Weekend in May.

Even the legendary Lisdoonvarna Festival – the granddaddy of them all – is back after a 20-year hiatus. Appearing on the original site over the last weekend in June are The Frames, Christy Moore, Luka Bloom, David Kitt and Suzanne Vega, among others.

The upcoming May bank holiday weekend sees the Heineken Green Energy Festival hit Dublin with Stereophonics, Craig David, The Buzzcocks and Beck among many more. The same weekend, the Kilkenny Rhythm ’n’ Roots Festival hosts the best alt. country, rockabilly and acoustic music this side of Nashville. And then there are those festivals that cover almost every aspect of the arts, the Galway Arts Festival held in July being the biggest of them. So, now you know – there’s no excuse. Get yourself to at least one if not all of these events – you won’t regret it!

The Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival

Another all-encompassing Arts Festival takes place in Belfast from May 1-11. The Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival features the best in contemporary arts events – music, comedy, theatre, literature, film, traditional arts, circus, visual and performance art.

“The Festival has built its reputation on offering some of the most innovative and challenging artists from around the world,” says Festival Director Sean Kelly. “This year we’ve everything from a Canadian Jewish punk accordionist to Scottish Salsa supremos and a female Elvis impersonator!”

Among the top attractions visiting Belfast this year are the legendary Patti Smith, one of the pioneers of the New York City punk scene and Will Moreau, a stunning Native American actor, singer and storyteller who celebrates the diversity of American society from ancient to contemporary.

The programme also features three of the UK’s most powerful social commentators: Benjamin Zephaniah, the Rasta poet; Billy Bragg, loved for his music and his sense of humour as well as his personal commitment to political and humanitarian issues; and comedian Mark Thomas, who returns to Belfast with his hugely topical new show, A Minor Celebrity Discusses War Crimes.

Promising a heady mix of pure Vegas Elvis with an unmistakable female energy twist, Elvis The Girl will perform her live stage show at The Kremlin on May 8. In association with Howl, the monthly alternative music queer club, Leaders Of The Pack offers a history of women in music, from ’60s Girl groups to Grrrl Pow-ah! with special guest, music journalist Everett True.

BBC Radio Ulster’s Across the Line will launch the second ATL Summer Live series at the festival with a special broadcast from Conor Hall. Feeder, JJ72, I Am Kloot and local upstarts Element will all perform exclusive semi-acoustic sets while Detroit’s Grand Pubahs will appear with Phil Kieran at the same venue on May 8.

One of the highlights is certain to be the first comprehensive Pennie Smith photo exhibition ever. Iconographic shots from the NME will be on show, including the famous London Calling cover image (see interview, page 26).

Finally, the Festival Marquee will feature a fantastic line-up of music and entertainment, including Desmond Dekker, the godfather of ska, Kila, one of the country’s most exciting traditional music acts and Scottish Cuban band La Sonera Calaveras, who will headline the Final Night Party,

Killarney SummerFest

At the opposite end of the country The Killarney SummerFest will take place in the town from June 26-July 6 and promises ten days of fun, music, street entertainment, arts, outdoor activities and more. Highlights of the musical line up include the supremely popular David Gray – quite a catch for the festival, as it’s his first Irish date in aeons. Also appearing are Limerick’s finest The Cranberries, a pair of top notch US outfits Counting Crows and The Fun Lovin’ Criminals, and Jerry Fish and the Mudbug Club. Concerts will take place in several venues including the Fitzgerald Stadium, a 25,000-seater football stadium and Ireland’s National Events Centre, a superb 2,000 seater state of the art indoor venue at the Gleneagle hotel.

Spectacular street entertainment in Killarney includes the innovative three-day International Busking Competition, which will see the world’s top street performers converge on Killarney. Spanish Theatre Group Azar Teatro will perform their stunning street show Barocco Roll on roller skates while the SummerFest community arts group will put on a really spectacular parade helped by top street professionals.

“We are really excited about the programme this year,” says Festival Manager Marion Gowran. “Along with the top international music artists who will perform in Killarney, street performers from around the globe will participate in the international street performers competition.” It promises to be one hell of an occasion.

Waterford Spraoi Festival

“Spraoi” is an Irish word – pronounced Spree – meaning a celebration or party. Waterford Spraoi certainly takes the word literally and the Spraoi Festival explodes onto the streets of Waterford city every August Bank Holiday weekend, transforming it into a gigantic street party. “It’s all about the street,” says Miriam Dunne of The Spraoi Festival office. “Just about everything is free and performed in the open-air for people to watch, enjoy and, if the mood takes them, to join in.”

Highlights for 2003 include The Spraoi Parade – the traditional climax and highlight of the festival, combining large scale floats and props, a cast and crew of 300 people, brilliant costumes, lights, pyrotechnics and special effects, it is an experience all of its own.

World-renowned street theatre company from France, Elixir will present their street show La Machine/Factory Train as the highlight of the Friday night of Spraoi 2003. Mechanical scenery, pyrotechnic machines, live music, jugglers, dancers and mad stiltmen, all combine in a unique experience for an audience.

The festival has been successful in drawing exciting talent that isn’t otherwise widely available. For example, Urban Drum and Bass are two young Genevans who study at the Geneva Conservatoire and who love the streets because it allows them to “step on the gas, to go wild, and to involve the audience with the help of their magic wands: drums sticks and a bass guitar.”

7 En SiFive are another find: these French percussionist musicians, dancers and public entertainers present Bidon de Rue, a show on water flasks and plastic bottles. They create music and theatre, mixing traditional instruments with everyday objects, voices sung, spoken or distorted.

Other music on offer at this year’s Spraoi includes the charmingly named Apes and Babes, a vocal group from Norway performing pop music with the human voice as the only instrument. Their repertoire is based on popular hits and they mirror the original sound of well-known songs , and also make their own music by combining folk or classical music with dance and rock rhythms.

From the Isle of Skye, Peatbog Faeries combine pipes, whistles, fiddles, vocals, percussion, bodhran, guitar and mandolin. This group have toured the world with their unique blend of traditional and contemporary music.

Also appearing are Ben Okafor, one of the best exponents of reggae music around today and top Limerick band Woodstar.

Johnny Keenan Banjo Festival

Following the spectacular success of last year’s inaugural event, the weekend of September 26-28 sees the second annual Johnny Keenan Banjo Festival take place in Longford. Once again musicians from all corners of the world will descend on the town, to celebrate not only the various styles of banjo music (Irish traditional, bluegrass/Dixieland, jazz, etc.), but to demonstrate the special kinship which all musicians share, regardless of instrument or style.

This year’s line up is even more impressive than last year’s with appearances already confirmed from Altan, Four Men & A Dog, Paddy Keenan, Tommy O’Sullivan, Rig The Jig, Mick Moloney and the Niall Toner Band.

From the USA come Bill Keith, one of the living masters of bluegrass banjo and Tony Trischka one of the world’s most innovative banjo players; Pete Wernick; “Dr. Banjo”; The Jeff & Vida Band; Tom Hanway and many more to be confirmed.

The festival, named in memory of Johnny Keenan who died in March of 2000, is being organised by his wife Chris Keenan, and will commemorate the immense contribution Johnny made to the world of traditional music. Highly regarded among his fellow musicians as a master banjo player, Johnny Keenan was a multi-instrumentalist who easily turned his hand to fiddle, low whistle, uilleann pipes, guitar and many more.

“Last year’s festival was an incredible success,” Chris Keenan says. “It was even bigger than people expected. Several thousand people came to Longford – every pub in the town was full of people, accommodation was fully booked out during the festival. There were so many musicians in the town it was wonderful.

“There’ll be a few changes this year. We’re going to keep it all in Longford town rather than having some of the gigs scattered around the place. We’re also expanding our range of workshops, which were very popular last year. The emphasis will still be on the banjo but there’ll be children’s workshops as well this year.”

For more information see: www. johnnykeenan.com

Roundstone Arts Week

If you fancy a week full of music, art, literature, music workshops, children’s workshops, sports events… in general a belly full of culture in one of the most beautiful places in Ireland, The Roundstone Arts Week in Galway is the place to be!

Confirmations for the festival so far are The Jimmy Cake, Sean Keane, Zoë Conway, Rodrigo y Gabriella, Orlagh de Bhaldraithe, Damien Dempsey, The Inish Boffin Ceile Band, De Jimbe, Laisfhiona ni Chonaola with Dan Aille (a stunning music & art project from the Aran Islands), The Bray Vista Social Club, Pete Courtney, Kevin Ryan, Jon Hicks, Marcus & PJ Hernon and Kila.

“As all the venues are relatively small we take pride in the intimacy that is created at the festival gigs,” says Sheena Keane who looks after the music at Roundstone Arts Week. “We also take pride in keeping ticket prices realistic to ensure it’s open to everyone! Many of the week’s gigs and events are free admission. “

There are plenty of accommodation options in Roundstone including two hotels, over a dozen B&B’s and two campsites located on beautiful white sand beaches. It’s a very special place, and well worth travelling to. For full event, travel and accommodation details log on to www.roundstoneartsweek.com

Bandon Music Festival

Originally called the Humours of Bandon Festival (after the famous jig) and now known simply as The Bandon Music Festival, this feast for lovers of Irish Music takes place over the June Bank Holiday weekend in Bandon, West Cork (May 30-June 1).

The festival started in 1997 and over the years the biggest names in traditional music have performed on the Guinness Gig Rig. This year a superb line-up is promised, both on the Gig Rig and in the participating pubs. Acts include Hothouse Flowers, Sharon Shannon & her band and Two Time Polka.

“We had Hothouse Flowers here last year and they were so brilliant that we decided to have them back again,” says Clare Holland PRO of Bandon Music Festival. “It rained during their performance so we’re hoping for some nicer weather this year.”

During the day, on Saturday and Sunday, there will be music and entertainment for all the family on the street with the return of The Potbelly Folk on Sunday afternoon for set-dancing sessions.

The Guinness Music trail takes place every night from 9.30pm-1am in the participating pubs and as always, Irish music will be heavily featured both outdoors and indoors over the weekend. And the good news is that it’s all presented free of charge, thanks to the sponsorship of Guinness UDV Ireland, the Bandon Vintners and other local benefactors.

Convergence Festival

For those interested in pursuing a sustainable lifestyle, The 4th Annual Convergence Festival could be just the ticket. Running from May 17-25 at the new Cultivate Centre, Temple Bar Dublin, and organised by the Sustainable Ireland Co-operative, the Festival brings together a host of ideas and solutions manifesting a culture of sustainability.

The Festival will feature conferences, workshops, films, theatre, music and exhibits. This year’s themes include the eco-economy, plant medicines, traditional knowledge, new cosmology, slow food, education for sustainability, natural health, appropriate technology, ecotourism, renewable energy, eco-cities, urban food production, eco-design and community building.

If you’re interested in building towards a better future, it makes sense to get involved.
For more info check out: www.sustainable.ie

2003 festivals

Your festival calendar, compiled by Paul Nolan

HEINEKEN GREEN ENERGY FESTIVAL – Dublin, May 1-5

The May Bank Holiday extravaganza returns with another first-class bill – see supplement for details.

KILKENNY RHYTHM ’N’ ROOTS WEEKEND – May 2-5

Also running over the May Bank Holiday weekend, the Rhythm ’n’ Roots Festival sees the Marble City play host to the best in rockabilly, alt.country and acoustic music.

CATHEDRAL QUARTER ARTS FESTIVAL – Belfast, May 1-11

This all-encompassing event showcases the best in just about every conceivable artistic field. “This year we’ve got everything from a Canadian Jewish punk accordionist to Scottish salsa supremos!” declares Festival Director Sean Kelly.
Patti Smith, Billy Bragg and comedian Mark Thomas are also on the bill.

BANDON MUSIC FESTIVAL – Bandon, Co. Cork, May 30-June 1

With its emphasis on Irish music, the Bandon Music Festival has carved out its own special niche. Free gigs all the way too!

RORY GALLAGHER MUSIC FESTIVAL – Ballyshannon, May 31-June 1

Held in the late guitarist’s home county of Donegal, many of the country’s foremost musical talents have queued up to participate in this exciting addition to the summer festival line-up.

KILLARNEY SUMMERFEST – June 26-July 6

Forget the Rose Of Tralee – the Killarney Summerfest is the event in the Kingdom this summer, promising ten days of top drawer entertainment. Musical highlights to look out for include David Gray, the Cranberries and Fun Lovin’ Criminals.

LISDOONVARNA – June 28

After a gap of 20 years, the town immoratalised in song once again plays host to the festival which put it on the map. Performers include The Frames, Suzanne Vega, and, of course, Christy Moore.

ROUNDSTONE ARTS WEEK – June 28-July 3

Billed as a week full of “art, literature, music workshops and sports events” The Roundstone Arts Week is one of the most diverse (not to mention affordable!) arts festivals around. Music acts confirmed to appear include the Jimmy Cake, Damien Dempsey and Rodrigo y Gabriela.

WITNNESS – Punchestown Racecourse, July 12 & 13

The Guinness-sponsored festival has this year moved from Fairyhouse to the equally hospitable environs of Punchestown Racecourse, located just outside Naas in Co. Kildare. The Witnness line-up this year looks as tasty as ever, with headliners including David Gray and Coldplay, plus the usual plethora of top class supporting acts battling for your attention over the two days.

GALWAY ARTS FESIVAL – July 15-27

Aiming to bring a wide variety of international artists to Galway whilst at the same time showcasing both local and national culture, the festival will in 2003 once again host the best in contemporary cinema, literature and music.

SLANE 2003 – Slane Castle, August 23

With past headliners including such bona fide legends as U2, David Bowie and Bruce Springsteen, festivals don’t come much more prestigious than the day-long event by the Boyne. The 2003 date is set to be another bumper occasion, with PJ Harvey, Queens Of The Stone Age and the Foo Fighters all getting to strut their stuff, before the Red Hot Chili Pepper round off the evening.

WATERFORD SPRAOI FESTIVAL – August Bank Holiday Weekend

Colourful street festival showcasing a diverse array of internationally renowned theatre and music acts. Artists lined up for 2003 include French theatre troupe Elixir and recent hotpress cover stars Woodstar.

JOHNNY KEENAN BANJO FESTIVAL – Longford, September 26-28

Inaugurated just last year, this popular midlands event does exactly what it says on the tin – once again providing a haven for the premier exponents of all types of banjo music, from Irish folk and traditional to bluegrass and jazz.

CORK JAZZ FESTIVAL – October 24-27

What better way to spend an autumn evening than grooving away to some jazz rhythms by the Lee? By now one of the most esteemed events on the Irish musical calendar, the Cork Jazz Festival continues to attract all of the genre’s leading lights.