FRIDAY MARCH 29TH
Naive Ted, Lighght, Last Eden and more @ The Kino (6.30pm, €25)
The first big session of Cork Sound Fair is early, but it’s stacked: skratchador enmascarado Naive Ted is in the main event, while Lighght, Oniso, Baltic, Last Eden and Underling line out a massive evening of electronic experimentation.
Maverick Sabre @ Cyprus Avenue (7.30pm, €18.50)
New Ross rapper and beatsmith hits Caroline Street as part of the home leg of touring his latest album.
Columbia @ PLUGD/The Roundy (8pm, free)
Mitchelstown indie youngfellas perform live as part of Under a Plastic Cloud’s Friday-night proceedings on Castle Street.
Cry Monster Cry @ Coughlan’s (9pm, €12.50)
Richie and Jamie Martin take to the back room of the Douglas Street venue for an intimate gig.
Laurie Shaw @ The Corner House (10pm, free)
Coburg Street’s folk outpost plays host to its monthly new-music session. This month: Laurie Shaw, fresh off yet another new album release this past week.
TABOO @ Dali (10pm, €10)
Stevie G, Grillz and Chedder are back at Carey’s Lane with the usual serving of Afrocentric beats and pieces.
SATURDAY MARCH 30TH
UCC Sound Sound Day @ Nano Nagle Place (11am, free)
UCC’s annual showcase for members of its Experimental Sound Practice MA, as part of Cork Sound Fair, plus keynote speakers and performers.
UCC Javanese Gamelan Ensemble @ St. Peter’s (11.30, free)
UCC’s gamelan group comes together for a full performance of Javanese classical repertoire, with a few surprises promised, as part of Sound Fair.
Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry and Senior Infants @ Live at St. Luke’s (8pm, €25)
The original Upsetting Upsetter blesses the city by the Lee with his space-faring presence. Also on the billing: superstar pop duo and social media influencers Senior Infants.
ooSe, Dreamcycles and more @ PLUGD/The Roundy (8.30pm, €12)
Cork Sound Fair continues with the Saturday night festival club upstairs at the Roundy: live tunes from ooSe, Dreamcycles, Crevice, Chris Somers and a Wino Wagon DJ set.
The Scratch @ Fred Zeppelin’s (9pm, €13)
Trad/metal fusionists have long outlived the initial novelty of their viral exploits to become an important entry point to the Irish songbook for younger metallers. Get in and see why.
Under Black Helmet @ Dali (10pm, €13)
Lithuanian techno producer stops upstairs on Carey’s Lane as part of the monthly ‘Under the Rose’ techno residency.
Mockie Ah! Club Rave @ Cyprus Avenue (11pm, €10)
Drag and burlesque from Cork’s resident drag family, featuring guest performers from the UK and tributes to the Club Kids and Blitz Kids scenes.
SUNDAY MARCH 31ST
Gadget and the Cloud + Danny McCarthy @ UCC Glucksman Theatre (10.30am, free)
A serene and calm brunch at Bobo’s Cafe features a double bill of North Cork experimentation. 11am sees Ballyhea’s favourite daughter Kelly Doherty make live ambience before mealtime, while at 3.30, Mallow sound-art godfather Danny McCarthy presents a live collaborative performance inspired by the Fluxus movement, of which he formed a central part.
Cork Sound Fair Sunday Show @ secret location (4pm, €25)
5lowershop sound system installed, a secret location in the city centre will play host to another stacked lineup: Hames, Antakya Remains, NONSLEEP, Josh Warry, Rachel Ní Chuinn, SALAC, Repeater, Darqhorse. Buy tickets at the link above and get sent co-ordinates on the day.
Eve Clague @ PLUGD/The Roundy (7.30pm, €7)
Clonakilty ‘urban-folk’ singer-songwriter finally launches debut extended-player with full five-piece band.
Hugh Dillon Quartet @ Coughlan’s (8pm, €10)
Jazz time in the back room of Coughlan’s tonight, with guitarist Hugh Dillon leading his ensemble through new music and modern standards.
Kevin Burke @ DeBarra’s of Clonakilty (8pm, €15)
Master fiddler and Bothy Band member brings his much-acclaimed solo set to Clonakilty’s folk outpost.
Bliss Signal @ Dali (10pm, €12)
Altar of Plagues/WIFE man James Kelly’s new metal/industrial project headlines Cork Sound Fair at Dali, with DJ sets from Shiv, Elll and Aoife O’Neill to close out.
