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.