Plans are being finalised this week for a unique gig series in Dingle over the Christmas period, to be hosted by Glen Hansard, lead singer of The Frames, and filmed for later broadcast on RTE.

The gig series and accompanying programme will be entitled 'Other Voices', and the intention is to feature some of the key artists who have emerged in Irish music over the past few years. A number of the leading lights of Ireland's new wave of songwriters, performers and musicians have already committed to the project.

The gigs begin on December 14th and will run for a total of six nights, in the Church of St. James, a Church of Ireland place of worship in Dingle.

The sessions are being organised and filmed by Hummingbird Productions, and will be assembled into a series and broadcast by RTE early in 2003. The director is Philip King, who has just finished work on the video/DVD Sinead O'Connor: Live at Vicar Street.

Glen Hansard will be performing as well as presenting, and among those who are set to join him onstage during the week are David Kitt, Damien Dempsey, Mundy, Nina Hynes, Emmet Tinley of Prayer Boat and Interference. Other names are being added daily to what is already a highly distinguished lineup.

Tickets are eur15 per night and are only available locally - from Murphy's and The Dingle Record Shop, both in Dingle town - or alternatively, by writing to [email protected].

hotpress.com should have more information about the full schedule of performances by tomorrow (Tues 3rd December). Watch this space for further confirmations as we have them.