Ah, March: the month of our patron saint, when millions around the world convince themselves they’re partially Irish. The weeks ahead sees a stream of high-profile international acts visiting our shores. This also coincides with my debut as Hot Press Dance columnist. I couldn’t have picked a better time to start.

Cork has been Ireland’s capital for Deep House since Greg and Shane plied their trade in Sir Henry’s. And if Leeside is the capital, call Kerri Chandler its mayor. Kerri is an old favourite down south, and he takes to the stage in the Savoy on March 7. Also on that night Re:publik welcome Tini to Crystal Nightclub in Waterford. In Dublin, Dice and Movements present Finnebassen in the Button Factory.

On March 8 Claude Young makes his first appearance in the capital in almost seven years. An old favourite on Irish shores and one of the true greats to emerge from Detroit’s underground scene, he plays at Der Ceoltronic Bunker in the Academy basement. Liverpool born producer/DJ John Heckle also returns to the Twisted Pepper that night and DJ Koze takes to the stage in the Button Factory. On March 9, the Bernard Shaw welcomes Space Dimension Controller for an intimate live show.

Then we have Paddy’s weekend, possibly the most mental few days in the Irish calendar. On the 15th, another old Irish favourite, Laurent Garnier, headlines the Savoy in Cork. Tini plays in the Twisted Pepper the same night. For Trance fans, Trance Army, Hard Breed and Filth present Spring Fest in the Voodoo Lounge.

March 16 is one of the most remarkable dates I’ve seen in some time. The Button Factory host Laurent Garnier and Network host Ben Sims and Levon Vincent in the Grand Social. Marcel Dettmann and Zed Bias hold court in the Twisted Pepper. Funkadelic are doing an all-dayer down in the Pint with Giles Armstrong, Luke Creed and yours truly. Re:Publik host Tale of Us in Crystal Nightclub in Waterford.

Hot Since 82 take over the Powerscourt Townhouse following an outstanding New Year offering by the people behind Pygmalion. Powerscourt Live is a new concept set in a grand Georgian townhouse off Grafton Street.
All in all, an outstanding offering from Ireland’s underground scene. There’s lots to get excited about and plenty to enjoy. Have fun!!