Your guide to 2011
Unmissable Music discovernorthernireland.com/music
Including
MTV Europe Music Awards Belfast - November 2011
Your guide to 2011
Unmissable music. Something as integral to Northern Ireland as good craic and slightly drizzly summers. This little part of the world is becoming more and more renowned for its brilliant musical talent and heritage. We're brimming with diverse, artful and electrifying music events – gigs, jam sessions, one-off shows and elaborate festivals. Hundreds of tuneful happenings in one picturesque, cosmopolitan place. So, whatever you love to listen to, you'll find it here. This little booklet highlights some of the many brilliant events from Northern Ireland's 2011 calendar. From big band extravaganzas to the star-studded MTV European Music Awards – plus local eateries, pubs and B&Bs – there's good vibrations and great insider hotspots for every music-lover. Enjoy the line-up.
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28 April – 01 May 2011
City of Derry Jazz and Big Band Festival Do you love jazz, blues and big bandstyle swing? Then you’ll adore the 10th City of Derry Jazz and Big Band Festival – Northern Ireland’s glittering ode to a stunning musical era. Over 300 musicians will descend on the city to play five days of gigs in over 75 venues – featuring everything from classical jazz to rockabilly, jump jive to swing and every type of big band extravaganza in-between.
Last year saw Bill Wyman of the Rolling Stones playing with his new band, The Rhythm Kings – as well as jazz supremo Mirenda Rosenberg, blues Cat Scratch Trio and our very own Derry Jazz Quartet. It doesn’t get much better...
While you’re here... City Hotel Derry
Sandinos Cafe Bar
The Gweedore Bar
The Nerve Centre
4* sleepover destination in the city.
Derry’s premier live music venue with a packed live music programme.
Another super-cool live music hang-out – featuring some great contemporary bands.
A place for music events, programmes, performances and projects.
Water Street, Londonderry
Waterloo Street, Londonderry
7-8 Magazine Street, Londonderry
+44 (0) 28 7130 9297
+44 (0) 28 7137 2138
+44 (0) 28 7126 0562
Queens Quay, Londonderry +44 (0) 28 7136 5800
Want to know more? discovernorthernireland.com/music
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29 April – 09 May 2011
Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival If you love all kinds of musical and artistic entertainment, the Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival will be right up your street. This boutique festival is cutting-edge, quirky, high-brow and low-brow, sugary and spicy. Celebrating the supreme offerings of music, books, theatre, comedy, dance and visual arts, the CQAF is a fringe festival in the heart of Belfast – sizzling with animation and gloriously good craic.
Last year’s featured almost 40 music acts, comedy from Ardal O’Hanlon and Reginald D Hunter, a hush-hush play performed to an intimate audience of 14 and productions by local writers across the city. Make space in your diary for this treasured happening – it’s a highlight of Belfast’s artsy calendar.
While you’re here... Belfast Music Tour
McHugh’s
Ten Square Hotel
Bert’s Bar
Take a bus trip through this rock ‘n’ roll city. The perfect introduction to Belfast’s vibrant music scene.
Dating back to 1711, this gem is the oldest surviving building in Belfast. Great food, drink and craic as standard.
Stunning stay-over venue beside Belfast’s beloved City Hall.
Art-deco glamour, live jazz and fabulous cocktails.
Tickets £8 from Belfast Welcome Centre
29-31 Queens Square, Belfast
10 Donegall Square South, Belfast
16 Skipper Street, Belfast
+44 (0) 28 9024 1001
+44 (0) 28 9026 2713
+44 (0) 28 9024 6609
+44 (0) 28 9050 9999
Want to know more?
Photo by Edel Gribben
discovernorthernireland.com/music
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While you’re here...
26-30 May 2011
International Guinness Blues on the Bay Festival Wondering what musical thing-to-do on this May Bank Holiday Weekend? Why not hit the seaside town of Warrenpoint for the Blues on the Bay Festival?
Jack Ryans
Restaurant 23
A 3* gem in Warrenpoint. A great pub for live music Great local food and surrounds in the heart of 6 Seaview, Warrenpoint and good times. Warrenpoint. 18, The Square, +44 (0) 28 4175 4174 Warrenpoint 13 Seaview, Warrenpoint +44 (0) 28 4175 2001
With over 90 performances, super local nosh, quaint pubs and the great outdoors. There's no better way to spend an early summer day.
+44 (0) 28 4175 3222
Copper A beautiful restaurant with delicious offerings in Newry. 9 Monaghan Street, Newry +44 (0) 28 3026 7772
Want to know more?
Best of all. Blues on the Bay is all about the music – it's a not-for-profit, voluntary project so its a fantastic value-for-money festival.
discovernorthernireland.com/music
Photo by Sinead Murphy
Taking place on the shores of Carlingford Lough, in the foothills of the Mournes, this melodic carnival brings together internationally renowned and locally acclaimed jazz and blues artists.
Whistledown Hotel
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While you’re here...
14 - 17 July 2011
Celtic Fusion Nestled between the spectacular Mourne Mountains and Slieve Croob is the market town of Castlewellan – and in July, it is the place to be for the finest traditional and Celtic roots music. Cross your fingers for sunshine, and head to concerts in the main square. Pull up a pew in a local pub and revel in free trad sessions. This atmospheric
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little town becomes a hub for all-things musical over four days.
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Denvir’s Hotel
The Maghera Inn
Live music sessions in the historic town of Downpatrick.
A charming countryhouse hotel, teeming with history and character.
Enjoy proper homePay this cool lounge cooking in this gorgeous a visit if you love jazz, family-owned pub. blues, rock, club and 86A Ballyloughlin Road, RnB music.
48 Church Street, Downpatrick
Indulge in some of the local banter and enjoy headline acts – last year top billing was shared by Sharon Shannon, Eddi Reader and Mick Hanley with Artie McGlynn. It’s where Celtic arts and music fuse to make one unforgettable event.
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Mullan’s Bar
+44 (0) 28 4461 2227
14-16 English Street, Downpatrick +44 (0) 28 4461 2012
Castlewellan
+44 (0) 28 4372 2236
O’Hares Lounge Bar
121 Central Promenade, Newcastle +44 (0) 28 4372 2487
Want to know more? discovernorthernireland.com/music
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23 July 2011
Glasgowbury Glasgowbury has been a favourite on the NI festival scene since its arrival in 2000. This brilliant music extravaganza brings together local bands, showcases and groups to raise awareness of Ireland’s fantastic new music scene. The event is small enough to have a great atmosphere and lots of heart, but large enough to guarantee a brilliant festival experience. A 'Small but Massive' occasion at Eagle's Rock Valley, Draperstown – set in the green loveliness of the Sperrins.
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While you’re here... Over the years, it has won countless accolades, picking up four Irish Festival Awards in 2009, including: Best Small festival, Best Line-Up, Best Family Festival and Best Service. In 2010 it won Best Family Festival and the Best Service awards for the third year in a row.
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Apparo
Laurel Villa
Gardiners
A lively pub with great entertainment, great food and great tunes.
Not a tent-lover? Try this hotel for boutique chic rooms and amazing food.
A guest house with oodles of ambience and charming touches.
Tuck into some modern and delicious Irish cuisine between sessions.
60 Church Street, Magherafelt
7 Garden Street, Magherafelt
+44 (0) 28 79301459
+44 (0) 28 7930 0333
15-17 Queen Street Magherafelt +44 (0) 28 7963 1194
18 St. Patrick's Street, Draperstown +44 (0) 28 7962 8100
Kicking off on Saturday 23 July, the 11th Glasgowbury promises to be the best yet – featuring everything from rock to indie to funk to dance and metal.
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Dorman's
Want to know more? discovernorthernireland.com/music
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August 2011 *
Féile an Phobail Looking for something sensational this summer? Then say hello to one of the most celebrated festivals in Europe and the largest community festival in Ireland.
Last year, local acts were joined by international sensations including ABC, the Russian Philharmonic Orchestra and Michelle Shocked (so all super-cool bases are covered).
August Féile celebrates all things wondrous – from music concerts and comedy, to literary events and old school drive in movies.
The ten day event is speckled with talks, tours, community and children's events, showing that Féile an Phobail has something spectacular to offer everyone.
While you’re here... Belfast Music iPhone App
Malone Lodge Hotel and Apartments
Scope out up-to-theminute listings, news and self-guided, music walking tour of the city. Best of all, download it for free from the App Store.
A boutique Victorianstyle townhouse hotel for stylish stopovers. 60 Eglantine Avenue, Malone Road, Belfast
The John Hewitt Bar
Fáilte Restaurant
Beer and beats – from blues to jazz, soul to open mic. Lovely.
This gem opened in April 2010 in the heart of West Belfast’s Gaeltacht Quarter. The food is great and there’s a BYO policy (and no corkage charge). A festival winner.
51 Donegall Street, Belfast +44 (0) 28 9023 3768
145-147 Falls Road, Belfast
+44 (0) 28 9038 8060
+44 (0) 28 9024 3846
Want to know more? * Dates to be confirmed. In advance of travel, please check discovernorthernireland.com/music for further information.
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While you’re here...
August 2011 *
Belsonic Belsonic returns in August, oscillating great vibes and great rock and pop through Belfast's Custom House Square. Around 40,000 music-lovers descend on the Cathedral Quarter for this extravaganza of superstars and super tunes. Last summer Florence & The Machine, David Guetta, Biffy Clyro and Paolo Nutini took to the stage.
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And this year promises more big names – with BRIT and Mercury Music Prize winning rapper Dizzee Rascal and hip-hop-meets-soul sensation Plan B confirmed.
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The Stiff Kitten
Fresh mexican nosh, margaritas and a laid-back atmosphere. Perfect pre-performance stop.
This music venue mixes the best of beats, entertainment and international guests.
Londonderry House, Chichester St. Belfast +44 (0) 28 9023 0600
This treasured Belfast festival hits town around the last two weeks of August – and tickets are always in high demand. So, if this sounds like your kind of street party, don't rest on your musical laurels.
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Boojum
Bankmore Square, Dublin Road, Belfast +44 (0) 28 9023 8700
Maryville House Tearooms & Boutique B&B A beautiful, quirky and central B&B in a grand Victorian house.
The Black Box A multitalented venue for live music, theatre, comedy, cabaret, film and art. 18-22 Hill Street, Belfast
2 Maryville Park, Belfast +44 (0) 28 9024 4400 +44 (0) 28 9068 1510
Want to know more? * Dates to be confirmed. In advance of travel, please check discovernorthernireland.com/music for further information.
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September 2011 *
Appalachian and Bluegrass Festival History and music buffs will love Omagh’s Appalachian and Bluegrass Festival. Held at the splendid Ulster American Folk Park, this event proves that there is no better venue for a truly memorable festival than an outdoor museum. This living storyboard lets you experience the story of Irish emigration – from the thatched cottages of Ulster to the log cabins of the American frontier. But in September, it bustles with musicians
and dancers from all over the world, as they create a musical ode to Appalachian and Bluegrass. Don’t miss the ‘Bluegrass in the Park’ afternoon sessions or the magical evening concerts, featuring musical greats like Dale Ann Bradley and The Gibson Brothers.
While you’re here... Crows Nest
Blakes of the Hollow
Bistro, bar and club all rolled into one. Don’t miss the Saturday afternoon traditional Irish music sessions.
One of Ireland’s most famous pubs – and for good reason. Don’t leave before you’ve sipped a creamy Irish coffee.
12 High Street, Enniskillen
6 Church Street, Enniskillen
+44 (0) 28 6632 5252
+44 (0) 28 6632 2143
Arandale House B&B Dún Uladh Cultural Heritage Centre Gorgeous gem at the foothills of the Sperrin Mountains. 66 Drumnakilly Road, Omagh +44 (0) 28 8224 3243
A celebration of native Irish music, song, dance and language. There’s also traditional music classes. Drumnakilly Road Omagh +44 (0) 28 8224 2777
Want to know more? * Dates to be confirmed. In advance of travel, please check discovernorthernireland.com/music for further information.
Image caption & credit JANUARY
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07 - 11 September 2011
Open House Festival If you love music, but not the muddy fields, mishmash of tents and showery weather that comes with most festivals, this is your lucky day. The Open House Festival is ahead of the game, hosting great gigs in the midst of Belfast’s cosmopolitan arts quarter. From events held in the atmospheric star-lit festival marquee, to sessions in neighbouring hotels, eateries and cosy pubs and clubs, there’s something for everyone.
Enjoy the very best of new folk, traditional and Americana music from local and international acts. Last year saw Mercury nominated artists Mumford and Sons and Villagers, American alt-rockers Wilco and an EP launch from local talent The Lowly Knights. And, for all you foodies, the festival also plays host to Chillifest – a celebration of all things spicy, with chilli eating competitions, music and speciality food. Hot music and hot nosh. Glorious!
While you’re here... Fibber Magee
Duke of York
Ramada Encore
Cafe Vaudeville
This gastro pub will hit the spot if you love great food, great music and great vibes.
A proper bar on a proper cobbled Belfast street. Splendid atmosphere guaranteed.
Liquor and luxury are on the menu at this opulent city-centre bar.
38-42 Great Victoria Street, Belfast
7-11 Commercial Court, Belfast
If you’re looking for a central place to sleepover, choose this great hotel in Belfast’s Cathedral quarter.
+44 (0) 28 9024 7447
+44 (0) 28 9024 1062
20 Talbot Street, Belfast
+44 (0) 28 9043 9160
25-39 Arthur Street, Belfast
+44 (0) 28 9026 1800
Want to know more? discovernorthernireland.com/music
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14 - 29 October 2011
Ulster Bank Belfast Festival at Queen's If the third time’s a charm, the 49th time must be absolutely legendary. Introducing Belfast Festival at Queen's, Ireland’s largest arts festival. This two week celebration showcases the greatest of international and local talent – from classical and contemporary music, to theatre, dance, comedy, lectures, visual arts and film.
Past appearances have included Northern Ireland's own Seamus Heaney and Colin Bateman, along with international superstars Dizzy Gillespie, Michael Palin and Jimi Hendrix. Potter about the city. Eat, drink and be merry – and revel in this cultural showcase. It doesn’t come much better.
Events take place all over the city, including the beautiful Grand Opera House, the Belfast Barge, Botanic Gardens and the stunning Clonard Monastery.
While you’re here... Belfastmusic.org
Europa Hotel
The Kitchen Bar
Molly’s Yard
Search through hundreds of Belfast’s music events to find the gig of your dreams.
It’s a Belfast classic. When in Rome...
A new location (in the sumptuous Victoria Square) but old blues, jazz and Irish music favourites.
These converted Victorian stables and leafy courtyard make for a unique (and delightful) city eatery.
1 Victoria Square, Belfast
1 College Green Mews, Belfast
Great Victoria Street, Belfast +44 (0) 28 9027 1066
+44 (0) 28 9024 5268
+44 (0) 28 9032 2600
Want to know more? discovernorthernireland.com/music
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November 2011 *
Belfast Music Week Belfast Music Week burst onto the scene for the first time in 2010. This Belfast City Council initiative is a celebration of the diverse musical talent Northern Ireland has to offer. Last year, over a hundred gigs and showcases took place all over the city – featuring new bands, songwriters, DJs, industry workshops, album launches, musical seminars and international acts. Highlights included the fantastic Undertones being inducted into the NI Hall of Fame, Belfast Calling at Spring and Airbrake and local dance impresarios Ski Bunny launching their first album with a gig on Belfast Barge.
Pay a visit and get a real flavour of Northern Ireland's rich music past and vibrant music present. 2011 takes the event to a whole new level with an even better eclectic musical mix, and an internationally-coveted final showcase – the amazing MTV Europe Music Awards! The whole city will be buzzing under the spotlight with music, celebs and celebrations. A truly unmissable week for anyone who loves music.
While you’re here... Limelight
Empire Music Hall
With lots of gigs and atmosphere, indie & rock music fans will love this venue.
FATE Awards Best Live Belfast's beautiful & Music Venue 2010. beloved music and A music-lover's paradise. entertainment venue.
17 Ormeau Avenue, Belfast
42 Botanic Avenue, Belfast +44 (0) 28 9024 9276
Ulster Hall
Oh Yeah Music Centre
1-7 Bedford Street, Belfast +44 (0) 28 9033 4455
+44 (0) 28 9032 7007
A very cool music centre in the heart of Belfast's hip happening Cathedral Quarter. 15-21 Gordon Street, Belfast +44 (0) 28 9031 0845
Want to know more? * Dates to be confirmed. In advance of travel, please check discovernorthernireland.com/music for further information.
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November 2011 *
MTV Europe Music Awards Belfast 2011 Do you remember the EMA's 2010? Lady Gaga, Rihanna, Katy Perry and Kanye West appeared on stage in typical superstar fashion. There was the Red Carpet Show, a rock medley from Bon Jovi and a stunning host from Wisteria Lane – the beautiful Eva Longoria. Last year's electrifying, star-studded bash was held in the Spanish capital of Madrid. This year the event moves to somewhat brisker climes as its happening in our own vibrant, cosmopolitan city – Belfast! Checking into the Odyssey Arena on November 6 – topping off Belfast Music Week – the EMA's 2011 is one of the biggest and most illustrious events ever to swing by our little isle.
The international spotlight will be ablaze over Belfast as the great, the good and the glitterati assemble for the grand award soiree – broadcast live to millions of homes in up to 160 countries across the world. Due to its rich musical heritage, edginess and vibrancy, world famous musicians love visiting Belfast. With a young population, great nightlife and feast of home-grown music talent, there's no better venue for the EMAs. Belfast will see amazing performances and appearances on the evening – as well as a host of smaller concerts, unique sessions and one-off gigs in the run up to the event. Be very excited and stay plugged into discovernorthernireland.com/music for news.
What they're saying... “Belfast's vibrant nightlife and compelling music scene, known for fostering emerging artists and turning out international chart toppers, provides the perfect backdrop for one of the world's biggest nights in music.”
Antonio Campo Dall'Orto Executive Vice President of Music Brands for Viacom International Media Networks
“Playing host city for the MTV EMAs is a huge coup, not only for Belfast, but for the whole of Northern Ireland. We are thrilled that Belfast will join the elite club of other leading European cities which have hosted these prestigious music awards. I hope those who come to Northern Ireland for this spectacular event are inspired to explore more of what we have to offer.”
“Artists tell us they love playing here, they love staying here. The audiences are brilliant and the hotels are fantastic. There's something very different, unique and special about Belfast. And the bid was one of the best I've ever seen...”
Richard Godfrey Executive Producer of the show
Arlene Foster Northern Ireland Tourism Minister
* Date to be confirmed. JANUARY
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Your guide to 2011
Unmissable music At-a-glance April
May
31 March – 31 May 26-30 May
Belfast
International Guinness Blues on the Bay Festival
Belfast Film Festival
July
17 – 19 June
1&2 July
Dalriada Festival
Titanic 100 Festival
31 March – 14 April
June
Warrenpoint
Belfast
Glenarm Castle, Glenarm
Killyleagh
Befast City Carnival 29 June – 3 July
City of Derry Jazz & Big Band Festival
Willowstone Arts and Music Festival
18 June
Belfast
28 April – 01 May
August
September
07 – 11 September
Castlewellan
Belfast
Open House Festival
19 –21 August
Belfast
24 September
28 – 31 October
Belfast
Culture Night
28 August
Belfast
Belfast Mela
Celtronic
Banks of the Foyle Halloween Festival Londonderry
Belfast
Derry
14 – 29 October
Ulster Bank Belfast Festival at Queen's
Hillsborough
Celtic Fusion
23 July
Feile an Phobail
Draperstown
Festival of Fools
Appalachian and Bluegrass Festival
August*
Glasgowbury
William Kennedy Piping Festival Armagh 18 November – 4 December
Cinemagic Belfast
November*
Belfast Music Week
September *
Derry 28 April – 2 May
November 17 – 20 November
4 – 7 August
Belfast Taste and Music Fest
Sunflower Festival
14 – 17 July
October
Belfast
Omagh
Belfast
Belfast
November*
MTV Europe Music Awards Belfast 2011
24 – 31 July
29 April – 1 May
Fiddlers Green
Lark in the Park
Rostrevor
Moira
Belsonic
July* 29 April – 09 May
Trans Belfast and Urban Arts Festival
Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival
Belfast
August* Belfast
Belfast
Belfast
* Dates to be confirmed. In advance of travel, please check discovernorthernireland.com/music for further information. JANUARY
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“There are so many reasons to love Northern Ireland. I think now is the right time to write about how I love my home. I've come to realise how much the place actually means to me.” Gary Lightbody
To book, or find more information on Northern Ireland's musical happenings, visit discovernorthernireland.com You’ll find great places to sleep and eat – and fantastic special offers too. Information correct at time of going to press.
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NITB Belfast Northern Ireland Tourist Board St Anne's Court, 59 North Street, BELFAST, BT1 1NB Tel: +44 (0) 28 9023 1221 Fax: +44 (0) 28 9024 0960 Email:
[email protected] Textphone: +44 (0) 28 9089 5512
discovernorthernireland.com
NITB Dublin Tourist Information Centre Suffolk Street, DUBLIN 2 Tel: +353 (0)1 605 7732 CallSave: 1850 230 230 Fax: +353 (0)1 605 7725 Email:
[email protected]
discovernorthernireland.com