Live review: Barn Dance

With all bars, clubs and off licences closed on Good Friday, there was a strong argument for heading to Barn Dance 2013 for some impressive live music to kickstart the Easter weekend.

I must admit the weather had worried me slightly but on the day, the sun came out and excitement was brewing for the hoedown. Established six years ago – when it drew a crowd of 300 – Barn Dance has grown tenfold, mostly with the aid of Facebook and good ol' fashioned word of mouth.
Approximately 3,000 festival-goers turned up at the UCD flyover. With the crowd in great spirits and the buses plentiful, we set off for the BYOB event's mystery location, which turned out to be the beautiful grounds of Glendalough House in Annamoe, Co. Wicklow. Three stages are set up and, arriving at the Live Arena, we are greeted by the funky sounds of Superfly. The vibrant and energetic eight-piece use their experience and energy to create an inviting atmosphere where everybody can have a good time.
Following Superfly, the highly anticipated Oldskool arrived on stage, pumping out one hip hop classic after another – 'Still DRE' and Skee-Lo's 'I Wish' among them. By the time the band had finished the festivities were most definitely in full swing. This Club followed with an upbeat, fun set.
This year's Choice Music Prize winners Delorentos soon took to the stage and, as always, they delivered a unique set, rocking out to the likes of 'Eustace Street' and 'Bullet In A Gun'. The evening took a country turn – quite apt! – with Dublin's Riptide Movement, who delivered a phenomenal live show. These guys are a regular feature on the live circuit and festival scene and are always welcome.
A trip to the Saloon Bar to watch the burlesque show was well worth the visit after a wander around the grounds to check out the bumper cars and rodeo bull. Then it was back to the Live Arena to watch Smash Hits, the '90s dance cover band. The six-piece delivered some superb versions of some of the biggest number ones from back in the day. 'The Rhythm Of The Night’ and ‘All That She Wants’, anyone?
As the night drew to a close for us, we left on a high to the amazing electro sounds of Le Galaxie. Then it was off before the rush to get a seat on the bus and head Dublin-wards. A better-than-good Good Friday, we'll definitely be back again next year!