So while the Dubs can play host to Oasis in July and then have a beezer time at Slane, we re either stir crazy or else looking for good times elsewhere. But hey, let s not get too glum already.
The upshot is that the April-June stretch is a period of intense activity here. Some of the larger events have been flagged up in advance. Other stuff will drop into place with the usual ad hoc frenzy. Either way, energy will prevail. By the time you read this we ll have started the proceedings with the launch of the Apache Tribe CD at St George s Market. Fair play to Chris Murray from Belfast s finest clothing den for putting together the record and for sweet-talking the authorities into lending out one of their showcase venues for a bunch of dance kids, skaters and graffiti types to have their way. They ve even given him funding for aerosols and stuff, to enliven the joint. If you think this kind of behaviour is your thing, try the website (www.apache-tribe.com) for further developments.
Chris is already planning a second compilation (possibly involving guitar bands) and there s talk of some cross-border activity near Drogheda in July, as the fly guys north and south will stage their own Battle Of The Boyne, with record decks, paints and beats. April is also time for an initiative called Digital Belfest, a development from the more rock-based Belfest event, which recognises that so many artists up here are now creating their own dance music. Again, there s a website (www.belfest.com) and a sustained programme, that includes sets by Darren Emerson, David Holmes, Andrea Parker, Johnny Moy and Keith Tenniswood.
As I write, I m thinking of the lively possibilities of the discussion panel, So You Want To Work In The Dance Music Industry? which will involve Alex Patterson from The Orb and Damien Harris from Skint Records, plus representation from Larne s very own Agnelli And Nelson. You wonder if the dance community will be able to stage a civilised debate, unlike the indie guys here, who tend to carry grudges and negative tendencies. My guess is that it will be breezy. It s also encouraging to note that the three showcase nights will feature many good acts from home.
Onwards then, to the first week in May and yet another fresh project. The Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival aims to highlight the potential of the one of the city s oldest corners. There s been a concerted effort to lift the area, complete with a re-branding campaign and some heady talk of replicating Temple Bar in Dublin. To date, there s some evidence of a revival, although the capitalists are giving the artisans a hard time, as ever. However, the bill for the festival looks a bit interesting, featuring Beth Orton, Germaine Greer, Bill Drummond, Jim O Rourke and Rob Newmann. The George Best biopic will premier at the Waterfront and a few extra musical events will splash around the Lagan banks. Try that website(www.cqaf.com) for more details.
This year s Planet Love dance event will again take place at Nutts Corner, County Antrim, and expectations are such that the BBM magazine organisers are talking about 15 000 punters turning up for 80 acts, largin it in seven different arenas. Clubs such as Lush, Shine, Space, Gatecrasher and Thompson s Garage are all given their due, and there s also recognition for the breakbeat revivalists with a specially dedicated location. The date is May 28 and the website (www.planetlove2000.com) is groaning with details.
A day later, and something quite cool is taking place at Auntie Annie s Porterhouse on the Dublin Road, Belfast. The event is called Big Yellow Taxi and the aim is to showcase a bunch of female singer-songwriters, who are increasingly vocal around town. Each performer will play three songs, with the potential for a CD release after the event. Since this gig is taking place during the BBC s nationwide Music Live project, more media coverage than usual is expected. It s a great scheme, and hopefully it will do the business. Established songwriters [including Warren Zevon, Jack L and Ray Davies] will take over the Grand Opera House (May 23-28). The final three nights are reserved for Paul Brady , the distinguished man from Strabane, who doesn t feature in his homeland that often and therefore the pitch should be fervent. For info and booking details try www.wonderlandpromotions.co.uk.
We can t give specific details yet, but it seems that Derry is set to throw a repeat of last year s dance week-end, Deep Fried Feile. And the town should also give a useful send-off to the Music Live project when Radio 1 s Session In Northern Ireland takes their crew up there for a special night, with a local act, beaming across the UK and beyond. Finally, some of you may already know about a cross-border Music Live special, featuring many top names and involving this august journal. If you don t know now, you will soon. Stock up on vitamins and prepare for the onslaught.