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Belfast Music

UNESCO City of Music. Belfast’s music scene, from punk to proms, trad to rock legends and fantastic emerging new talent

Book for 2 Royal Avenue gigs here - http://belfast_music.eventbrite.com

18/06/2024

You'd be forgiven for losing track of the countless things that make our UNESCO City of Music truly unique, but that’s where we come in!

Take the fully unmissable Belfast Harp Festival. Paying tribute to the historic gathering of 1792, this special event at Belfast TradFest 2024 will feature extraordinary talents: Eilís Lavelle, Aisling Lyons, Mary Bergin, Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh, Mary McGuiggan and Pádraic Keane

The original festival, organized by merchant-class Presbyterians including Dr. James McDonnell and Henry Joy, aimed to revive harp music, marking a pivotal moment with harpers like 97-year-old Denis Hempson. Most notably, it sparked the career of Edward Bunting, preserving Irish music for generations 🎶

Back in 2024, celebrate this rich tradition with performances that embody the spirit and legacy of Irish harp music at the Crescent Arts on Wednesday, 24th July

Tickets: https://www.belfasttraditionalmusic.com/concerts-july-/belfast-harp-festival 🎟️

18/06/2024

Aoibha is establishing herself as an indie-pop force here in Belfast

Influenced by the likes of Carole King, Phoebe Bridgers and Lizzie McAlpine, her gossamer craft - captured on songs like 'Take Me Home' and the acclaimed 'Muddy Water’ - is hitting home with raw vulnerability and sublime attention to detail

Named a Belfast Telegraph Artist to Watch in 2024, AOIBHA’s music has garnered widespread support, including recognition as a runner-up in Chordblossom's Kickstart competition. Trained originally in classical music, AOIBHA effortlessly weaves indie, folk and pop, showcasing over a decade of experience in music composition

Catch her live on Wednesday, 26th June, at the Black Box Green Room where she will perform alongside Joel Harkin, Eve Belle, and Taupe. This intimate setting offers a prime opportunity to experience one of Belfast's brightest talents up close

From last year, revisit Darren Hill's wonderful video for 'Muddy Water’ below.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t9S2JsDgJhU

18/06/2024

EastSide Arts has announced its jam-packed 2024 festival 📅

For eleven days—25th July - 4th August—this much-loved festival will celebrate East Belfast's rich creative heritage, showcasing the unique people, places, and spaces that make this part of our city so special

The festival features a diverse range of events including comedy, theatre, literature, special events for children and families, film screenings, markets, exhibitions, and games nights. This year’s programme is especially notable for its musical highlights, celebrating our UNESCO City of Music status

Highlights include a night of Classic Country Music with The Boondocks at Harland and Wolff Staff Club, where Anthony Toner Music (pictured), Mark Crockard, and Marcus McAuley will perform old-school country songs by legends like Hank Williams, Glen Campbell, Willie Nelson, and Kris Kristofferson

Elsewhere, enjoy funk and soul with MOBO pioneer Jazzie B (Soul II Soul) at Banana Block. The Night Institute will also return with their flagship open-air celebration of electronic music at C.S. Lewis Square, featuring The Founding Father of House, Lil Louis, who will celebrate 50 years in music alongside Timmy Stewart, Jordan Nocturne, Ricky Chong and Kate Harahan.

And that’s just the beginning. Launched by Belfast's new Lord Mayor Micky Murray at Templemore Baths, the full programme for this year’s festival is available below. Don't miss out on this incredible celebration of East Belfast's creativity ✨

https://www.eastsidearts.net/

13/06/2024

Beyond Skin is gearing up for Pulsations, a one-of-a-kind event as part of this year's Make Music Day UK

This year, our vibrant Linen Quarter is joining the global celebration of Make Music Day for the first time ever. On Friday, June 21st, from 8am to 9pm, enjoy 25 free concerts across nine locations

With a lineup as diverse as our UNESCO City of Music, you’ll experience everything from roaming brass bands and LGBT choirs to classical, traditional, and even Thai-Irish ensembles

Belfast, along with cities and musicians worldwide, will unite music and hearts through a rhythmic relay for Make Music Day (also known as the Fête de la Musique). This special event, organized by the Paris 2024 Cultural Olympiad, the Arab World Institute, and the Make Music Alliance, celebrates musical creation

Pulsations, a rhythmic relay across 24 countries, will be inaugurated by renowned trumpeter Ibrahim Maalouf. His melodic heartbeat will resonate across bands and artists in the 24 participating countries, broadcast live on the Make Music Day platform

In Paris, the live stream will be displayed on large screens above the stage of the Arab World Institute, complementing Maalouf's live concert in the early evening

Belfast will represent the UK with an event managed by Beyond Skin. Fusionarium, a music project with sonic welder Luigi Cirillo at the helm, will pick up the music beat torch in a live-streamed broadcast at 5:00pm from the Show Some Love greenhouse in the city

Joining the Fusionarium broadcast will be musicians Behnam Ghazanfari Pour, Binu Manuel, and Zambia music star Smack Jay, visiting Belfast with support from the Zambia Ministry of Tourism and Culture. An audience will also be invited for a longer music performance

Beyond Skin’s principal funder is the Arts Council of Northern Ireland. Gilly Campbell, Director of Arts Development at the Arts Council, said, “The Arts Council is delighted to support Beyond Skin, thanks to The National Lottery. We are hugely proud to see Beyond Skin represent Belfast and the UK as part of Make Music Day and the Paris 2024 Cultural Olympiad."

“Music has the power to bring people and communities closer together and, in this case, the world,” continued Campbell. “This promises to be a wonderful and thrilling event, and I encourage everyone to tune in to the live broadcast on the 21st June.”

Check out the full schedule and stream details via the link below 🔗

https://makemusicday.org/pulsations

13/06/2024

We excel when it comes to singular singer-songwriters in our UNESCO City of Music. Among these talents, few come more acclaimed than Mark McCambridge, also known as Arborist

Mark, one of our most incisive songsmiths, has already graced us with two exceptional albums: Home Burial (2016) and A Northern View (2020). Last November, he went one better, scooping the Album of the Year at the 2023 Northern Ireland Music Prize for his stunning third studio album, An Endless Sequence of Dead Zeros

The album, recorded at the legendary Spacebomb studio in Richmond, Virginia, boasts a renowned group of session players and was produced by the acclaimed musician Matthew E. White. It's a meticulously crafted triumph, with tracks like ‘Dreaming in Another Language’ and ‘Matisse’ showcasing a vital artist putting a deft, at times transcendent spin on the alt-folk canon

Seven months later, Mark isn't resting on his laurels. His show at The Duncairn in Belfast this Friday, 14th June, might be sold out, but we highly recommend catching him at Seamus Heaney HomePlace in Bellaghy on 6th July, with support from John Blek

Get your tickets for this event and revisit An Endless Sequence of Dead Zeros below

📷 Photo by Aaron Cunningham

https://seamusheaneyhome.ticketsolve.com/ticketbooth/shows/873645237

https://arboristmusic.bandcamp.com/album/an-endless-sequence-of-dead-zeros

13/06/2024

Get your startup investment-ready with the Black Founders Programme 🚀

Digital Catapult, in collaboration with Sony Music UK and Sony Music Publishing - United Kingdom, presents a 13-week accelerator designed for pre-seed or seed stage Black-founded companies innovating in the creative industries

Are you looking to raise investment in the next 12 months? If you have at least one founder who self-identifies as Black or multiracial with Black heritage and are currently working within the creative space, including music, this is for you!

Sony Music UK and Sony Music Publishing UK are key partners in this programme, actively supporting business growth and facilitating valuable connections. The aim is to fast-track high-growth potential startups, providing the support needed to enhance your investment readiness

Previous recipients like Loud Parade, creators of bespoke music for brands and creative agencies, have well and truly thrived. Now it could be your turn

📅 Applications close on 7th July 2024. Visit the link below for more info and to apply

https://www.digicatapult.org.uk/apply/open-calls/opportunity/black-founders-programme/

11/06/2024

Beauty Sleep are a duo comfortably earning their self-described status as “radical art-pop sweethearts” 🎶

The producer and songwriting duo, consisting of Cheylene Murphy and Ryan McGroarty, have blazed their own trail in recent times, sublimely blurring the lines between dream pop and indie pop

Based in Belfast and hailing from Derry, their sound is an irresistible blend of synths, fuzzy bass, and deft vocal lines. Their starry-eyed craft may have exploded into full-blown Technicolour on their 2019 debut Be Kind, but Beauty Sleep have only doubled down on their appeal in recent years

Look no further than their new single ‘BIG + BAD,’ a suitably widescreen anthem from one of our all-time great duos. To mark the occasion, Beauty Sleep are hosting their BIG + BAD Party at Black Box in Belfast this Friday, 14th June 💪

With support from VERA The Band and a dress code of BIG + BAD, get your tickets below (you might even receive a private link to the band's upcoming single 'Big Sky' for your efforts!)

https://linktr.ee/beautysleeptheband

11/06/2024

Introducing Belfast's first-ever Night Czar, Michael Stewart 📢

The current Director of Common Market and owner of the consultancy and training business Bar Czar Limited, he brings over thirty years of hospitality industry experience to his new role

Stewart has also served two terms as President of the Belfast Chamber and is a Board Director for Eastside Partnership, a local charity dedicated to the regeneration of East Belfast ✨

The Night Czar position, funded by Belfast’s three Business Improvement Districts (BIDs)—Belfast One, Cathedral Quarter Belfast, and Linen Quarter—sets out to enhance transport, safety, and policy improvements, aligning with the Purple Flag accreditation standards

These BIDs cover Belfast City Centre, an area renowned for its rich retail, hospitality, and cultural offerings, including numerous nightclubs and live music venues such as Ulster Sports Club, Oh Yeah Music Centre, and Thompsons Garage

Free The Night, a non-profit campaign group and nightlife advocacy organization, welcomed the announcement.

Co-founder Boyd Sleator stated:

“The role of the Night-Time Czar will bring much-needed focus to these areas, ensuring Belfast continues to meet and exceed Purple Flag accreditation standards. Free The Night is committed to supporting these efforts and looks forward to collaborating with Michael Stewart and the Purple Flag Steering Group.”

Stewart will undertake the part-time Night Czar role alongside his current positions, working with various stakeholders to tackle challenges and implement effective solutions, including liaising with transport providers, police, and supporting hospitality and cultural venues

“This is a significant appointment, and I’m proud to serve as an advocate and voice for Belfast city centre’s night-time economy,” said Stewart. “This role provides a unique platform to work with key partners to address critical issues impacting our city centre, ensuring it remains a vibrant and dynamic destination after hours.”

Belfast City Council and Belfast Music extend their best wishes to Michael Stewart in his new role as we collectively strive to make our UNESCO City of Music the very best it can be

Free The Night is dedicated to creating a safe, progressive, and culturally rich environment for nightlife in Northern Ireland.

Learn more about them here: https://freethenight.org/

10/06/2024

Several Northern Ireland organisations are among the 73 across the UK to receive Talent Development support from the UK’s leading charitable funder of new music and talent development, PRS Foundation ✨

This new network brings together organisations working on the frontline of talent development and strengthening the music ecosystem, here in NI and throughout the UK

Grantees offer transformational support to a broad range of music creators, covering various career levels. PRS, the UK’s leading charitable funder of new music and talent development, backs this initiative

The Talent Development Network, supported by PPL - Phonographic Performance Ltd, offers grants of up to £25,000 per year for up to three years. This funding supports music creator development programmes, and grantees will be part of a UK-wide network, enabling them to share knowledge and make connections

The Northern Irish organisations receiving support are Oh Yeah Music Centre, Moving On Music, Nerve Centre, and Hard Rain SoloistEnsemble. Congratulations to them all as they continue to showcase what makes Belfast worthy of UNESCO City of Music status

Check out what they all have in store in the coming months here: www.linktr.ee/ourbelfastmusic

10/06/2024

The Sunflower Public House & Live Music, one of our most-loved pubs, has gone above and beyond in establishing itself as a vital space for live music in our UNESCO City of Music 🌻

It's easy to take the great things we have on our doorstep for granted, which is why we’re eager to celebrate how much this Union Street haven contributes to Belfast's world-class live music scene, week in and week out

This week is no exception. From today until next Sunday, enjoy events such as the Song Club, a Swing and Bop Jazz session, the Folk Club with Len Graham, an Appalachian Session, Lonesome George and Friends’ traditional session, and Manouche Gypsy, all for free!

Where else would you get it? Whether it's this week, next week, or any other time, make sure to come down, support, and get involved in the rich diversity of live trad, jazz, and folk music, and the community that makes it all happen, right here in Belfast

Check out this week's listings in the comments 👇

07/06/2024

brand new friend have announced their first Northern Irish shows for 2024

Since arriving in 2016 with their acclaimed debut EP, American Wives, the Castlerock indie stalwarts have evolved with authenticity and an earworming mastery all their own

Last year alone, they supported Ash at the Ulster Hall, embarked on a successful Ireland and UK tour, and released their highly anticipated second album, Grandstand. Produced by Danny Ball, the ten-track LP vividly captured the maturity of a band whose starry-eyed brand of indie/bedroom pop continues to resonate deeply

Recently, the band shared exciting news with their fans:

“We wanted to let you know that we are working on some things behind the scenes,” they said. “Our hearts and minds are full and fizzing, and we have things we want to share. We can’t say too much at the minute, but please stick around if you want to see/hear/experience some new stuff with us.”

As part of what promises to be an exciting few months, the Taylor Johnson-fronted five-piece will play their first Belfast show of the year at Oh Yeah Music Centre for Volume Control on June 15th. Support for this all-ages show comes from Disorder, Cairo Station and Martha Greer

The band will also headline this year's Coaster in Portrush on August 10th. Tickets for both shows are available below

Coaster: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/coaster-5-tickets-917220941527

Volume Control: https://ohyeahbelfast.com/live/volume-control-all-ages-show-featuring-brand-new-friend

06/06/2024

Help Musicians Northern Ireland are looking for a team of volunteers to support them at this year’s Stendhal Festival 🎪

Fancy weekend camping tickets to the country’s premier annual music and arts festival, returning to Limavady from July 4th to 6th? Simply email Meghan at [email protected] to join the team

In addition to festival access, Help Musicians NI will cover all food and transport costs

As well as headliners including Hot Chip, The Orb, and Heather Small, the 14th-anniversary edition of Stendhal will also feature some of the best bands and solo artists from our own shores, including Problem Patterns, Chubby Cat, The Wood Burning Savages and more

Get tickets and check out the full line-up via the link below 🔗

https://www.stendhalfestival.com/

05/06/2024

Get ready, Belfast. This year, our vibrant Linen Quarter is joining the global celebration of Make Music Day UK for the first time ever 📅

On Friday, June 21st, from 8am to 9pm, enjoy 25 free concerts across nine locations. With a lineup as diverse as our UNESCO City of Music, you'll experience everything from roaming brass bands and LGBT choirs to classical, traditional, and even Thai-Irish ensembles

Highlights include Boom Struss Brass Band parading the streets, Quire, NI’s LGBT Choir, performing at the Gasworks Estate, and classical and musical theatre from Bring Me Strings and Fortwilliam Musical Society

You can also enjoy traditional Irish and Ulster Scots tunes from Grainne Meyer, Rebecca Hall, and Henry Spencer, a lunchtime set by Blackjack & Jai Sian at Panama Café & City Garden, Belfast Ukulele Jam at Fibber Magees Beer Garden, and The Classical Guitar Society of Northern Ireland at Bankmore Square

Take your lunch outside, grab a post-work drink, or simply wander through the district to catch some incredible performances

Check out the full line-up below and see you there 🎶

https://shorturl.at/Y2ulH

04/06/2024

Help Musicians has teamed up with DJ Mag to introduce a new Electronic Music Award, designed for electronic music creators across the UK, including Northern Ireland 🚨

This 12-month career accelerator is ideal for producers, DJs, and musicians creating or performing electronic music without the financial backing or resources to seize career-changing opportunities

Participants will receive £3,000 towards their own music project, six hours of one-on-one business advice from industry experts, online meetups with other awardees and industry guests, an eight-session online course in music business skills tailored to electronic music and more

Additionally, a select number of supported artists will have the chance to showcase their projects through leading electronic music publication DJ Mag

Sound like your kind of thing? Check out the link for full information and to apply 🔗

https://www.helpmusicians.org.uk/get-support/develop-as-a-musician/help-musicians-electronic-award

04/06/2024

Oh Yeah Music Centre is taking applications for the next edition of their flagship annual talented development programme for young musicians, Scratch My Progress ✨

A month on from winning Best Grassroots Venue at this year's Music Week Awards, Belfast's dedicated music hub is looking to hear from you 🫵

As ever, the programme will recruit 4-5 emerging artists from Northern Ireland onto a structured and dedicated nine-month programme beginning in September that supports the creation, performance and promotion of their work

Supported by Belfast City Council, PRS Foundation and Arts Council of Northern Ireland, Scratch My Progress has been a huge success since its launch. Now in its 13th year, the support offered on the programme includes mentoring, one-to-one meetings with industry experts, and workshops on everything from vocal coaching and songwriting to funding and festival applications

The programme is guided by Oh Yeah’s dedicated talent development manager, Charlene Hegarty, and builds a system of real-world experience and support around artists at pivotal stages of their career development

As part of the nine-month programme each act will gain free rehearsal space, recording time, PR and marketing support and training, a professional photoshoot and a biography writing session as it prepares for an official release as part of the programme

The Oh Yeah Music said, "Are you writing your own music and performing it? Whether it's in your bedroom or on stage, we want to hear from you.”

Want to follow in the footsteps of artists including Problem Patterns, Ferna, Garrett Laurie, Joel Harkin and Gemma Bradley?

Apply via the link below. Applications close on 30th June

forms.gle/URJ35xUwzAxrzpf76

30/05/2024

A new £1000 fund has opened for Northern Irish gig promoters this summer 🎵

Following last year's launch, leading ticket platform Skiddle have launched a new round of their grant scheme for gig and event promoters based in our UNESCO City of Music and right across Northern Ireland Have you been mulling over an idea for an event this summer? This one is for you!

Skiddle said: “We’re here to help you out, not just financially, but we can also advise on launch strategies, key sales dates and all our other marketing/ticketing knowledge. We’ll even assist with finding you a venue."

If you're just starting out and want to give it a go, simply fill in an application via the link below by 30th June 🔗

Good luck!

Photo by Carrie Davenport Photography

30/05/2024

Just one more sleep until the most unmissable AVA Festival yet 🚨

This weekend, Friday, 31st May - Saturday, 1st June, Ireland’s leading electronic music festival and conference returns to the Titanic Slipways for its jam-packed 10th-anniversary edition

In addition to a stellar live program featuring international innovators like Barry Can't Swim and Nia Archives, and homegrown heroes such as Bicep, AVA boasts another exceptional conference tomorrow, Friday, 31st May

This year's conference, supported by Belfast City Council, features luminaries such as David Holmes, EMBY, Marion Hawkes, Holly Lester, and more. It will delve into topics including community, record labels, and representation

“AVA is about unity and community,” says Conor McTernan, AVA Senior Marketing Manager and Conference Programmer. “We work closely with the music scene here in Belfast and internationally. With ten years of experience curating conferences, our team has a good read on what's right for the audience, always striving to maintain a balanced, engaging, and dynamic program. There's something for everyone – and a few legends in the mix this year, so we're really chuffed.”

One of this year’s must-see panels is 'The Dancefloor's Vital Role in Our Community,’ hosted by Free The Night. Marketing and Events Assistant Ciaran Bittles explains, “We hope attendees will understand why grassroots spaces are such an important part of our cultural fabric, especially in a post-conflict context like NI, and why they should be protected and nurtured.”

It all kicks off with an opening keynote by Belfast's own David Holmes, in conversation with acclaimed Derry writer Séamus O'Reilly. “We've had our eye on David at AVA for many years,” says Conor McTernan. “Once we confirmed him for a play during his final run of festival shows (outside of his God's Waiting Room party series), it was a no-brainer to get him for the opening keynote.”

Belfast City Council is delighted to support this essential series of conversations, featuring the voices of those who go above and beyond to make our UNESCO City of Music truly world-class

“Without the Council's support, our Belfast Conference wouldn’t be able to go ahead. AVA conference is free for all ages, and their funding plays a crucial part in making this possible.”

Entry for this year’s AVA conference is free. Register for free below 🔗

29/05/2024

TRÚ are setting a new standard for forward-pushing folk music 🌟

Distinctive and masterfully atmospheric, their music is a compelling tapestry of close-harmony folk. Drawing inspiration from centuries of folklore across Ireland and Britain, they explore themes like the afterlife and the overwhelm of love with a magic all their own

One of the most acclaimed ensembles from our shores, Michael Mormecha, Zachary Trouton and Dónal Kearney have made big waves with their second LP, 'Eternity Near'. Released last year, it features timeless folk characters brought to life through hand-picked traditional songs and original compositions, inspired by sean nós, Scots poetry and Americana ballads

Live, their performances enter a spellbinding new space, where deft musicianship and exquisite harmonies elevate both traditional and original material

Ahead of a summer tour taking them across the US, Canada, and Europe, kicking off at the Sunflower Public House & Live Music on June 4th, TRÚ release 'Live at The Duncairn' this Friday, May 31st

Pre-order here:

https://truband3.bandcamp.com/album/eternity-near

28/05/2024

Are you an electronic music fan looking for something different? Col Hamilton presents The Classical in Botanic Gardens this Saturday, June 1st might be for you 🎻🎶

Curated by DJ, producer, and Lush! promoter Col Hamilton, this unforgettable event merges electronic beats with orchestral grandeur. Enjoy performances by Danny Rampling, Fergie, Lovely Laura, the O'Hara Sisters, and Maria Nayler, all alongside the world-renowned Ulster Orchestra

With sunny weather forecast (🤞) this is a perfect opportunity to enjoy a unique musical experience in one of our UNESCO City of Music's most stunning public gardens ☀️

The event kicks off at 4pm. Don't miss out—get your last remaining tickets: https://shorturl.at/U3lHV

27/05/2024

The Irish Video Game Orchestra is coming back to Belfast next month 👾 🎻

Mark your calendars for Friday, June 14th, as the orchestra makes its highly-anticipated return. This time, they will be taking over the Majestic Theatre on Lisburn Road with an exhilarating showcase featuring a host of new tunes never before performed in Belfast

The IVGO, a progressive orchestra renowned for captivating audiences across the UK and Ireland, brings a dynamic repertoire of video game and anime music to the stage. Prepare to be dazzled by a dramatic soundscape featuring both classic and contemporary video game scores, including Final Fantasy, The Legend of Zelda and many more fan favourites

Their mesmerizing audio-visual display adds an extra layer of excitement, making the IVGO an experience you won't want to miss

With less than 5% of tickets remaining, now is the perfect time to secure yours: https://shorturl.at/eZzJt

27/05/2024

Few musical pairings in our UNESCO City of Music have crafted an identity as captivating as the pop-noir duo Dark Tropics

Drawing inspiration from the eclectic sounds of Radiohead, Aretha Franklin, and The Velvet Underground, and the literary influences including Paul Auster and John Cooper-Clarke, Rio McGuinness and Gerard Sands are spearheading timeless, uniquely cinematic sound

Their music, driven by analogue instruments and retro recording techniques, is showcased on their 2021 debut album 'Ink' and recent singles such as 'Carnival' and 'I Bet You Can.' With it, they masterfully explore themes of burning lust, the fragility of heartache, the sting of betrayal, and defiance in the face of pain

This unique blend of contemporary and classic, individual and universal, gives Dark Tropics an expansive and limitless scope.

Experience their enchanting sound at the relaunch of Gifted at The Belfast Empire on Saturday, 8th June

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bdunOBaeHo0

23/05/2024

Among the many world-class artists that call Belfast home, A N J A has emerged as one of the very best

Fronted by German-born trailblazer Anja Romer, A.N.J.A. combines post-punk, garage and surf rock with an intriguing occult twist. Their music draws inspiration from legends like Queens of the Stone Age, Hole, Misfits and The Velvet Underground

With her electrifying four-piece live band, Anja’s raw energy guides the audience in a dark, imaginative world. A.N.J.A.’s sound echoes retro punk, garage, and grunge, inspired by folklore, horror cinema, and themes of self-transformation and empowerment

After a spellbinding performance at this year’s Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival, A.N.J.A. will take the stage at the The Deer's Head on 5th July, supported by Aqua Tofana and Megan Sylvan

Grab your tickets now 🎟️

https://shorturl.at/ktgz2

22/05/2024

With soul, finesse, and a subtle cosmic edge, Moon Landing is among our most enchanting musical voices ✨

The music-making moniker of Belfast indie singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Jake McCrea, this project has spent the last few months captivating a whole new audience

From winning the Chordblossom 2023 Kickstart Campaign to releasing his wonderfully widescreen EP ‘Blink Once and Miss the World Go By,’ McCrea's rising star since setting out in 2022 has been fully earned and then some

It's encapsulated in his sublime new single, ‘The Last Two People on Earth.’ Drawing inspiration from revered acts like The Flaming Lips and Spiritualized, it weaves together melancholic melodies and surreal imagery with themes of finding love in isolation. From the opening notes to the exhilarating climax of string-driven euphoria, Moon Landing offers comfort amidst the chaos

His ascent is marked by selling out his first full-band headline show at Belfast’s Ulster Sports Club, being tipped as one to watch for 2024 by both Hot Press Magazine and the Belfast Telegraph, and being one of the first confirmed names for this year’s Stendhal Festival

Get on board today 🌙

https://moonlandingni.bandcamp.com/track/the-last-two-people-on-earth

22/05/2024

Get ready for the highly-anticipated summer edition of Belfast TradFest 🎻

From July 21st to 28th, Belfast will once again come alive with the finest traditional music, featuring an outstanding line-up of local and island-wide talent. The 2024 programme has just been announced, and it's packed with incredible performances you won't want to miss

A major highlight this year is Lúnasa, widely regarded as legends in the traditional music scene. Known for their intricate and powerful arrangements, Lúnasa will be performing in a double bill with Lumiere at the Empire Music Hall

Lumiere, featuring Belfast favourites Éilís Kennedy, Pauline Scanlon, and guitar virtuoso Donogh Hennessy, are set to deliver an unforgettable evening filled with enchanting songs and witty banter

Another standout event is the Irish debut of BIIRD, an 11-piece all-female collective showcasing some of Ireland’s top traditional musicians and singers. Their performance promises to be a groundbreaking moment in the festival

And that's just the beginning! The full programme is filled with must-see acts and events, making this week-long celebration of music one of the highlights of the summer in our UNESCO City of Music.

Buy tickets and check out the full current schedule:

https://www.belfasttraditionalmusic.com/

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As the undisputed jewel in the crown of our bustling Cathedral Quarter, the Black Box constantly sets the standard for diverse, community-based arts spaces here in Belfast We're delighted to have it as one of five venues we are supporting thanks to the Music Venue Trust’s new Pipeline Investment Fund, which was especially created to support grassroots music venues A vital home for live music, theatre, literature, comedy, film, visual art and much more, the Black Box have used its share of the £22,000 fund to cover the costs of additional seating and snazzy new DJ equipment Ahead of another jam-packed calendar year, taking in countless gigs and festivals like Brilliant Corners and Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival, Black Box director Kathryn McShane summed it up when she said the initiative was “a win-win for performers, venues and the public” ✨ https://www.blackboxbelfast.com/

This Independent Venue Week—and indeed every week of the year—local, independent venues are the backbone of our world-class music scene Thanks to a unique partnership with the Music Venue Trust, we’re delighted to be supporting five of them from across the city to deliver the best live experience for musicians and fans alike First up is North Belfast's first purpose-built arts and culture shared space venue, The Duncairn. With showcasing, supporting and developing young, emerging local artists at the heart of their mission, they have thrived as specialists in live folk, acoustic and traditional music since opening their doors back in 2014 A truly one-of-a-kind cornerstone of our city’s live music landscape, the concert venue, theatre space and art gallery will be using their share of over £22,000 of funding from the Pipeline Investment Fund to add new lighting and sound systems to their adaptable upstairs space The Good Room As we head into spring, and the commencement of Belfast 2024—the city’s biggest-ever creative and cultural celebration—we can’t wait to see the Antrim Road venue continue to champion the pure power of independent live music and culture Music by Amerik #IndependentVenueWeek #IVW24

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The Fab Four: Newton Strings live now at 2 Royal Avenue! #unesocityofmusic #belfastmusic #2royalavenue

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The String Ninjas @ 2 Royal Avenue today.

Today at 2 Royal Venue 10am Mini Music Making workshop - suitable for over 3s 1pm Darren Franklin on our baby grand piano 2-4pm Giga Training Electronic Music drop in workshop Call in and check out the workshops and music - our cafe will be open selling very delicious buns and snacks and great tea and coffee! #belfastmusic #unescocityofmusic #2RoyalAvenue #NImusic

The result for the Busk Off are in! A big thanks to all the performers today 💚 'Tough conditions in the rain today for all the performances but there was plenty of high quality! A tough decision but the stand out winner is the young Max Sloan - great vocal range and selection of songs, fantastic intonation, articulation and some fine crowd interaction. A future in music beckons for young Max, congratulations'. Judges - Charlene, Dino & Jeff. Congratulations Max - you win a recording session with Start Together Studio Belfast! #belfastmusic Belfast City Council