CultureNorthernIreland Newsletter

September 10, 2009

Dear

This issue, ahead of his appearance at the Aspects Irish Literature Festival we have an exclusive interview with poet Derek Mahon, learn about the alternative history of Ireland with comedian Tim McGarry at the launch of the Belfast Festival at Queen's and delve into the Irish ancestry of Barack Obama.

We also preview Belfast Festival guests Barbara Cook and Saharan blues band Tinariwen, speed date at the QFT Singles Night, and strap on our acoustic guitars with Mercury Prize-nominated Lisa Hannigan.

Finally, get your hands on tickets to Beth Orton at the Open House Festival, read reviews of Jools and Quo at Carrickfergus Castle and rummage through the sale bin in second-hand bookstore Foyle Books in the blog.

Team CNI

Derek Mahon
'That whole pre-Troubles Belfast is interesting because of its time capsule quality, the fact that it is no more.'

Belfast Festival: Barbara Cook
Philip Hammond looks forward to the cabaret legend making her Irish debut, at the ripe old age of 81.

Obama's Irish Ancestry
Tracing Barack Obama's Irish lineage, Jenny Cathcart discovers a family connection.

FE McWilliam
The sculptor with an international reputation who 'sampled the whole smorgasbord of sculptural styles'.

Belfast Festival: Tinariwen
Stuart Bailie on the colourful Sarahan blues band with connections to Led Zeppelin and a fan in Thom Yorke.

QFT Singles Night
Will bromance turn to romance for singleton Joseph Nawaz? All the single ladies should think so.

2009 Belfast Festival at Queen's Watch videos from the programme launch, featuring poet Michael Longley and comic Tim McGarry. Bandwidth Presents: Lisa Hannigan The Mercury Prize-nominated chanteuse plays a few acoustic tracks in Derry's quaint Craft Village. Belfast Festival: A Time to Speak Director and actress duo Sam and Joan McCready on bringing Helen Lewis's Holocaust memoir to the stage.

Scooby Doo and the Pirate Ghost, Millennium Forum, September 11-13. A night of mystery, adventure and family fun.

The Grand Old Opry of Ireland, Burnavon, September 15. Philomena Begley, Sandy Kelly and Brendan Quinn join forces.

Microcosmos, Millennium Court Arts Centre, until September 26. New work from Dundalk's Francis Lambe.

Honey Seems Bitter, Strule Arts Centre, until October 31. Some of NI's most esteemed and provocative visual art.

Tchaikovsky - Violin Concerto, The Ulster Hall, September 25. The Ulster Orchestra gear up for the new season.

The Life and Death of Sherlock Holmes, Island Arts Centre, September 26. Roger Llwellyn stars as the world-famous detective.

Dreamboats and Petticoats, Grand Opera House, September 28 - October 3. The classic rock musical arrives at the Grand Opera House.

Simon Amstell, Waterfront Hall, October 10. The Never Mind the Buzzcocks man embarks on his solo tour.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE IN THE NEXT FORTNIGHT!

Brought to you by...


Win tickets to A Feast of Trad or dance piece To Be Straight With You at the Belfast Festival, singer Beth Orton and former Hot House Flowers leader Liam Ó Maonlaí at the Open House Festival.