site_admin, Author at CQAF

Bróna McVittie

Posted on 17th March 202222nd March 2022 by site_admin

Pioneering her own brand of cosmic folk, County Down native Bróna McVittie both deftly reimagines traditional folk and crafts her own nature-inspired songs with a rich mix of folk and electronic instruments.

Her debut solo album We Are the Wildlife, released in 2018, earned her a string of four star reviews from MOJO, Uncut, The Guardian and The Independent and garnered high praise from critics including Nigel Williamson and the late Andy Gill.

The album’s single Under the Pines was featured in Lauren Laverne’s best-of-2018 list. And before her Womad appearance in 2019 Bróna was interviewed live by Cerys Matthews on her BBC 6 Music festival highlights show.

Her second album The Man in the Mountain, released in 2020 made Folk Album of the Month in The Guardian. Later that year Jude Rogers ranked it 4th in her 10 Best Folk Albums of 2020.

The Man in the Mountain features notable collaborations with avant-garde Nordic composer Arve Henriksen and electronica trailblazers Isan. The title track, inspired by the local legends and lore of Bróna’s homeland, tells a tale of a battle between Irish and Scottish giants.

Her desire to steer traditional folk into the 21st century is borne out of her immersion in the London Irish music scene (for many years she was lead singer for 6-piece trad outfit The London Lasses) and her longtime love of electronica. Her own songwriting is harnessed in a deep reflection on the natural world.

Bróna recently performed with her trio at Dublin’s National Concert Hall, Dublin City Hall, Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, London’s Kings Place, Celtic Connections Festival, TradFest and Womad. She returns to the Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival with an exclusive preview of the new single from her forthcoming third album.

She is supported by The National Lottery and the Arts Council of Northern Ireland.

‘McVittie’s voice is clear, hypnotic and uncannily timeless, floating between Broadcast’s Trish Keenan and Clannad’s Moya Brennan.’★★★★ MOJO

‘Every note of sweetness to McVittie’s voice has a bite behind it too, showing you the stuff under the skin.’★★★★ THE GUARDIAN

‘A rare, and rarefied beauty’★★★★ THE INDEPENDENT

‘Simply gorgeous’★★★★ UNCUT

Doors 7.45pm | Unreserved Seating

Soul II Soul – Club Classics

Posted on 3rd March 202224th April 2022 by site_admin

Soul II Soul – Club Classics
(DJ support from Superfly Funk and Soul, Belfast)

Following the success of their shows in 2018, iconic British band Soul II Soul will take their acclaimed Club Classics tour back on the road in 2022, paying tribute to their legendary debut album, Club Classics Vol 1.

With huge hits including ‘Keep On Movin’ (which sold over a million copies in the US alone) and the UK number one single ‘Back To Life (However Do You Want Me)’, Soul II Soulprogressed from being one of the leaders of the 1980’s warehouse scene to pioneering British black music around the world, and securing commercial success for themselves and the huge amount of artists they have influenced.

During the course of their stellar career the band have sold over 10 million albums worldwide and main man Jazzie B was awarded an OBE for services to music in 2008, as well as winning an Ivor Novello Award for Inspiration, as “the man who gave British black music a soul of its own”.

Mostly Standing | Doors 7.30pm

Lucy Porter: Be Prepared

Posted on 27th January 202222nd March 2022 by site_admin

TV favourite Lucy returns with another fantastic stand-up show.

At Brownies, Lucy thought she’d be prepared for anything as long as she had her emergency 10p for a phone box and knew how to tie a Fisherman’s knot.

Life turned out to be slightly more complicated than Brown Owl let on.

Recent TV includes Would I Lie to You, QI and Impossible, she’s a regular on Radio 4’s News Quiz and The Now Show.

Doors 7.30pm | Unreserved Seating

Altered Images

Posted on 28th May 202122nd March 2022 by site_admin

The summer Clare Grogan left school her band Altered Images were signed to Sony Records and Clare appeared in the BAFTA winning comedy Gregory’s Girl directed by Bill Forsyth.

Altered Images quickly had worldwide success, selling millions of records and topping the charts in numerous countries. They recorded 3 Top 10 Albums and had 6 UK TOP 40 hits and were voted BEST NEW GROUP at the NME awards.

The band worked closely with Scottish painter David Band creating original pieces of art work that were released as special edition prints alongside the singles.

Clare Grogan recently received a Special Recognition Award at the Scottish Music Awards and has had roles in some of the UK’s best loved TV shows including Skins – which she also wrote songs for, Waterloo Road, Eastenders, Red Dwarf, Father Ted, Taggart and Forgiven.

Clare’s film credits include Gregory’s Girl, Comfort and Joy, Smallest Game in Town, Loyal, Emo and BAFTA winning drama The Wee Man. She has presented for 6Music and BBC RADIO SCOTLAND. Her debut novel Tallulah and the Teen Stars reached No 2 in the Waterstone’s Children’s Book Chart. Clare has been on tour for the first time in 13 years – she enjoyed misbehaving in between singing.

Nosferatu – Live Soundtracked by Jozef Van Wissem (Only Lovers Left Alive)

Posted on 17th February 202222nd March 2022 by site_admin

The esteemed lutist Jozef Van Wissem will be live soundtracking FW Murnau’s iconic Nosferatu at St Patrick’s Parish Church. Presented by Live Free Tourbooking.

Jozef Van Wissem is possibly the best know lute player in the western world. To get into his world is to surrender to the inevitability – and timelessness – of a strange music created at its own pace, in a manner wholly of its creator’s making.

He sets the listener into a private world, looking out through a glass darkly, such is the intense quality of the music. Brevity, simplicity, directness is the key.

Van Wissem moved to New York in 1993 and studied lute with Pat O’Brien. In 2013 he won the Cannes Soundtrack Award for best score at the Cannes Film Festival for Only Lovers Left Alive. He also composed the soundtrack for the Sims Medieval video game.

Moreover, Van Wissem has released three records with the film director Jim Jarmusch (whose filmography includes Gimme Danger, Only Lovers Left Alive, Down By Law, Night On Earth and many documentaries).

Doors 7.30pm | Unreserved Seating

Supported by Film Hub NI, part of the BFI Film Audience Network, awarding funds from National
Lottery.

The Tangerine Readings

Posted on 24th March 202230th March 2022 by site_admin

‘I peel and portion / A tangerine and spit the pips and feel / The drunkenness of things being various…’

Join The Tangerine for an evening of prose and poetry from contributors past and present! The Tangerine is a Belfast-based magazine of new writing, published in print three times a year and featuring fiction, non-fiction, poetry, photography and illustration.

The magazine was started in 2016, with the mission of publishing some of the best new writing from Belfast and beyond, and in the years since has given a platform to hundreds of writers. Come along to this event as part of Cathedral Quarter Art to hear readings from contributors, introduced by the Tangerine team.

Aja – The Music of Steely Dan

Posted on 10th January 202222nd March 2022 by site_admin

Rescheduled from OTL ’22

Aja, taken from the classic and iconic Dan album, is an 8 piece musical powerhouse of a band whose members have over 40 years experience in the business.

They replicate in incredible detail the original recordings of the legendary Steely Dan. Aja have been performing these classic songs for over 13 years and have grown accustomed to packed houses of music lovers of all ages and genres.

Original guitar, brass, keyboard solos and vocal harmonies are as true as can be to the original album recordings. Their 2-hour set generally consists of the entire Aja album in the first half and is a sight and sound to behold.

Aja are Gerard Farrelly – Keyboards, Alan Cunningham – Drums and Percussion, Colm Lindsey – Guitars, Mark Wilde – Saxes, Serge Stavilla – Saxes, Tommy Moore – Base and Vocals, Sinead Stone – Vocals, John Graham – Lead Vocals.

Doors 1.30pm | Unreserved Seating

Hollie McNish: Slug Tour

Posted on 6th January 202222nd March 2022 by site_admin

Rescheduled from OTL ’22

Ted Hughes Award winner Hollie McNish is a poet whose live readings are not to be missed. Expect strong language and adult content ribbon wrapped in poetry and chat as Hollie reads from her new collection: Slug…and other things I’ve been told to hate.

Hollie is a writer based between Cambridge and Glasgow. She has published four poetry collections Papers, Cherry Pie, Plum, Slug, one play Offside and one poetic memoir Nobody Told Me, of which the Scotsman suggested “The world needs this book”. She was the first poet to record at Abbey Road Studios.

Her poems have been translated into French, German, Spanish, Hungarian, Polish and Japanese and she has performed them worldwide alongside the likes of Irvine Welsh, Kae Tempest, Jackie Kay, Helen Pankhurst and Young Fathers. Her new title – Slug: and other things I’ve been told to hate – is published in May 2021 with Fleet, Hachette, available now to pre-order.

As well as live readings, Hollie is a big fan of online accessibility – her poetry videos have attracted millions of viewings worldwide.

About Slug…

From Finnish mermaids and soppy otters to Kellogg’s anti-masturbation pants, Slug is a book that holds a mirror up to the world, past and present, through Hollie’s driving, funny and beautiful words. A blend of poetry, memoir and short story, Slug is an absolutely joyful read about the human condition: from birth to death and her attempt to manage the tangle in-between.

‘She writes with honesty, conviction, humour and love. She points out the absurdities we’ve grown too used to and lets us see the world with fresh eyes’
Kae Tempest

Doors 1.45pm | Unreserved Seating

Wattstax (Screening)

Posted on 25th March 20223rd May 2022 by site_admin

The legendary ‘black Woodstock’ finally gets its due when a newly restored and digitally remixed Wattstax,Mel Stuart’sdocumentary of the epochal 1972 concert at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, receives its first-ever cinema screening in Belfast.

Featuring incendiary performances byIsaac Hayes, Albert King, Rufus and Carla Thomas, the Staple Singers, the Emotions, the Bar-Kays, and other greats of soul, R&B, and gospel – plus biting humour from a then little-knownRichard Pryor— Wattstax is more than just a concert film.

It also captures a heady moment in mid-1970s, “black-is-beautiful” African-American culture, when Los Angeles’s black community came together just seven years after the Watts riots to celebrate its survival and a renewed hope in its future.

Doors 2.45pm | Unreserved Seating

Tré Burt

Posted on 4th November 202122nd March 2022 by site_admin

Sacramento songwriter Tré Burt’s sophomore album, You, Yeah, You, is a narrated collection of songs featuring a cast of invented characters; heroes, villains, those destitute of salvation and those seeking it.

This is Burt’s second release on Oh Boy Records, the label founded by the late John Prine who signed the songwriter in the fall of 2019. On You, Yeah, You, Burt teamed up with Brad Cook (Bon Iver, Waxahatchee, Nathaniel Rateliff) to create the album that reads like twelve rounds in a ring, summoning the will to fight the unknown rather than surrender to fear and fatigue.

You, Yeah, You is a cohesive body of work that clearly illustrates the ever expanding space in which Tré Burt’s voice belongs.

‘Offers a masterclass in storytelling- based songwriting’ – NO DEPRESSION

‘You, Yeah, You, casts a knowing eye on the often jagged shards of human brokenness and looks askance at the ways we too often skate along the thin veneer of caring that masks our lack of regard for others’ – FOLK ALLEY

‘Burt is a voice unlike any other you’ve heard’ – LYRIC MAGAZINE

‘Tre Burt blazes his own troubadour path; a powerful and moving debut from a singer poised to become a folk festival mainstay for years to come’ – ROLLING STONE

Doors 2.30pm | Unreserved seating

Bonnie Greer In Conversation

Posted on 24th March 20221st May 2022 by site_admin

Bonnie Greer will talk to Kim Lenaghan about her work in the arts, her literary career and read an excerpt from her new book, a work in progress.

Bonnie Greer, OBE, is an American-British playwright, novelist and critic. She grew up on the South Side of Chicago, the eldest of seven children born to Ben – a Mississippi sharecropper, Chicago factory worker and D-Day veteran – and Willie Mae, who went to work at fifteen to support her family. Although she began writing plays at the age of nine, Bonnie initially set out on a legal career, the career of choice for a black girl coming of age in the Civil Rights movement. She decided to return to writing instead of pursuing the law and went on to study playwriting in Chicago under David Mamet and at the Actors Studio in New York with Elia Kazan.

Bonnie Greer has penned numerous books and novels including a biography of writer and social activist Langston Hughes, and explorations of the lives of influential people in the arts, such as Dante Gabriel Rossetti, Marilyn Monroe and Ella Fitzgerald. She is a columnist for The New European newspaper. Her latest piece on how the writings of Giovanni Boccaccio can help us survive this pandemic is published in The Independent.

Bonnie has been a regular contributor to BBC2’s ‘Newsnight Review’ and ‘Question Time’. She was a panel member on the show that also featured Nick Griffin, leader of the British National Party. Commenting after the recording she called it ‘probably the weirdest and most creepy experience of my life’. The encounter formed the basis for her libretto for Errollyn Wallen’s opera, Yes (2011), commissioned by the Royal Opera House, Linbury Theatre. Her plays have been produced on BBC Radio 3 & 4; BBC 2; and in the West End.

She has won the Verity Bargate Award for best New Play and has been shortlisted for the John Whiting Award.

In 2010 Bonnie was named by the Observer as one of the 300 Public Intellectuals in the UK – the only female playwright – and was also awarded an OBE or services to the Arts. She has been on the Board of the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden and Deputy Chair of the British Museum where she is currently in partnership with the Director, Hartwig Fischer in a project called “The Era Of Reclamation”. She has served on the boards of RADA, London Film School and Theatre Royal, Stratford East. She will read an excerpt from her novel-in-progress: “The Acrobat’s Assistant- A Tale Of The Middle Passage.”

Doors 7.15pm | Unreserved Seating

Roy Walker with Phil Walker – Say What You See

Posted on 24th March 202225th March 2022 by site_admin

An evening filled with comedy and life stories. The King of Deadpan and longtime supporter of CQAF, Roy Walker joins his jovial son Phil Walker for an evening filled with comedy and life stories.

Roy Walker, well known to TV viewers through the ITV game show, CATCHPHRASE, has emerged as one of the driest comedians in Britain today.

Since winning City Life Comedian Of the Year, Phil Walker’s career has taken him to some weird and wonderful places: from a scout hut on the Shetland Isles to a porta-cabin on Mount Alice in the Falklands.

In this very special night Roy and Phil join forces for memories, stories and lots of laughs.

Doors Open: 7.30pm | Unreserved Seating

Roddy Woomble

Posted on 10th January 202222nd March 2022 by site_admin

Rescheduled from ‘OTL 22

Roddy Woomble is widely regarded as one of Scotland’s finest songwriters. Known for his enigmatic lyrics, warm baritone voice and consummate gift for a tune, Roddy has released five solo albums to date and his first poetry collection Instrumentals was released in 2016.

For the past two decades Roddy has also been the frontman of much-loved Scottish alternative rock band Idlewild, releasing eight studio albums, and touring worldwide as a headline act, but also in support to R.E.M., Pearl Jam and U2 amongst others.

During lockdown, Roddy wrote and recorded a new solo album Lo! Soul to be released on May 21st.

Roddy explains: “I’m a collaborative songwriter, used to working in a room with one or more people, or a band, and I think my songs benefit from that human connection and response. With lockdown last year my initial reaction was not to work on songs. It offered a pause for us all, and like many others I found myself alone and reflecting. Concentrating on reading and writing. Considering maybe working on a book of poems instead. But eventually musical ideas started forming, and six months later ‘Lo! Soul’ was finished – recorded entirely remotely between my home, and the homes of my collaborators Andrew Mitchell and Danny Grant. It’s the most unusual sounding record I’ve made, and made in the most unusual circumstances’

Join us for this intimate, special show by one of our favourite songwriters on January 20.

Doors 7.30pm | Unreserved Seating

Dr John Cooper Clarke – The I Wanna Be Yours Tour

Posted on 18th June 202127th April 2022 by site_admin

John Cooper Clarke shot to prominence in the 1970s as the original ‘people’s poet’.

His unique poetry writing and rapidfire delivery style was recorded and put to music by legendary producerMartin Hannett and a band of Mancunian superstars, such as Buzzcocks’ Pete Shelley and The Durutti Column’s Vinnie Reilly.

Seminal tracks such as Beasley Stand Evidently Chickentown featured on the acclaimed Snap Crackle and Bop, one of 4 original album releases on Sony Records in the late 70s and early 80s. They established John as one of the most prolific artistes of the Punk years.

His poetry collection 10 Years in An Open Necked Shirt came out in the early 80s on Penguin, featuring the lyrics to his albums and more original material. It is one of the biggest selling poetry books in the UK.

Since then his career has spanned cultures, audiences, art forms and continents. These days he performs purely as a stand up solo poet. His unique poetry show has been running in theatres worldwide for over 12 years.

John’s latest poetry collection The Luckiest Guy Alive was released worldwide in 2018 via Picador/Macmillan. Featuring over 30 poems, it includes many of his adoring public’s favourites such as; I’ve Fallen In Love With My Wife, Beasley Boulevard and Get Back on Drugs you Fat F*ck.

Today, JCC is as relevant and vibrant as ever and his influence just as visible on today’s pop culture. Aside from his trademark ‘look’ continuing to resonate with fashionistas young and old, his poetry is included on national curriculum syllabus and his effect on modern music is huge.

His influence can be heard within the keen social observations of the Arctic Monkeys and Plan B amongst many others. John has been involved in two recent global number one albums. The Arctic Monkeys putting one of John’s best loved poems, I Wanna Be Yours, to music on their best selling album A:M. JCC’s collaboration with Plan B, Ill Manors spawned a best-selling soundtrack album and a hard hitting movie.

His latest live show, is a mix of classic verse, extraordinary new material, hilarious ponderings on modern life, good honest gags, riffs and chat – a chance to witness a living legend at the top of this game.

Doors 7.30pm | Unreserved Seating

Charlie Parr

Posted on 21st October 202122nd March 2022 by site_admin

Charlie Parr is an incorruptible outsider who writes novelistic, multi-layered stories that shine a kaleidoscopic light on defiant, unseen characters thriving in the shadows all around us. He hasn’t moved to LA or Nashville; he’s stayed in the cold grey north of Minnesota, because that’s his home.

Over the course of a prolific career spanning 13 full-length albums, the Duluth virtuoso has earned a passionate following for his strikingly candid songwriting and raw stage presence.

Born and raised in Austin, Minnesota, Charlie Parr first grabbed a guitar at age 8. To date, he has never had a formal lesson, but wows crowds with his incredible fingerpicking on his 12 string baritone resonator, guitar and banjo.

Early in his career, Parr was employed by the Salvation Army as an outreach worker. He spent his days tracking the homeless in Minneapolis, providing blankets and resources. But they offered him something greater in return. The experience completely rewired him and left him with a newfound respect for human resilience. And along the way, he collected stories from the folks he would meet. These characters continue to show up in Parr’s songs even today.

Parr’s work digs deeply into his personal experiences with depression and the existential questions that weight it. “Parr is a master storyteller,” said PopMatters. “One can’t help but come back and marvel at his ability to make us believe that we know each of [his] characters or that, maybe, there’s some part of them in each of us.”

Charlie Parr’s new album, Last of The Better Days Ahead, is a collection of powerful songs about how one looks back on a life lived, as well as forward on what’s still to come.

Doors 7.30pm | Unreserved Seating

The Lifeboat Press and Bad Betty Press

Posted on 24th March 202225th March 2022 by site_admin

Join The Lifeboat Press and Bad Betty Press for an evening of poetry, featuring Antonia Jade King, Susannah Dickey and Joel Auterson.

The Lifeboat Press are a Belfast based independent publisher, run by Stephen Connolly and Manuela Moser.

Bad Betty are an independent publisher of new poetry, born in 2017 and run by Amy Acre and Jake Wild Hall. We love writing that is bad (meaning good) and beautiful (‘a Betty’ in 90s slang). We love the strange, raw and risk-taking. We believe strongly in art’s capacity to challenge its own definition, to curve away from the norm, making space for more and varied voices. We’re proud to be supported by Arts Council England.

Antonia Jade King is one of the hosts of Boomerang Club, and a previous Hammer & Tongue finalist. She has featured at Poetry and Shaah and Heaux Noire and was part of Apples and Snakes Writing Room programme in 2018. She has performed at numerous events including Love Supreme festival and Rallying Cry at Battersea Arts Centre. She is currently a Barbican Young Poet and her debut pamphlet ‘She Too Is a Sailor‘ is out with Bad Betty Press.

Susannah Dickey grew up in Derry and now lives in Belfast. She is the author of three poetry pamphlets, I had some very slight concerns (2017), genuine human values (2018) and bloodthirsty for marriage (2020). Her poetry has been published in Ambit, The White Review, Poetry Ireland Review and Magma, amongst others. In 2017 she was the winner of the inaugural Verve Poetry Festival competition, and in 2018 she was shortlisted for The White Review short story prize. She is an Eric Gregory Award winner, a prize granted for a collection by poets under the age of 30.
Joel Auterson, author of Unremember (2017), is a Northern Irish poet and game developer, a former Barbican Young Poet and host of spoken word night, Boomerang.

Bbeyond – New Commission Artists 2021/22

Posted on 23rd March 202225th March 2022 by site_admin

Bbeyond’s New Commission Artists 2021/22 Niamh Seana Meehan and Nina Oltarzewska will be performing as part of the Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival on Thursday the 5th of May at the Flax Art Studio building, High Street.

Niamh Seana Meehan – 9am – 5pm. and Nina Oltarzewska – 7pm

Nina Oltarzewska
Nina Oltarzewska is a French artist born in 1998 and based in Belfast. Oltarzewska works with sound, video and performance as well as sculpture and installation. She grew up in France and moved to Belfast in 2017 to start a Foundation year in Art and Design at the Belfast School of Art. In July 2021 Oltarzewska completed her BA(Hons) Fine Art at the Belfast School of Art. She has since received five graduate awards from the following institutions: Bbeyond, Platform Arts, Pollen, the University of Atypical and PS2. She will be commencing a Fine Art Masters at the Chelsea School of Art and Design (UAL) in September 2022.

Niamh Seana Meehan
Niamh Seana Meehan is a visual artist based in Northern Ireland.

‘I work in-between visual art, writing and performance. A central theme within my practice is the slippages involved within the translation of thought to text. Textual projects I create often want to jump off the page and form rhythms, movements, or patterns for repetition. These qualities become catalysts for discussion and by implementing performative methods it enables them to anticipate their narrative. Will they be a performance, an audio work, a sculpture or remain textual? On-going interests within my practice include ambiguity, nothingness, doubts, and failure.’

Norman Jay MBE

Posted on 30th December 202130th December 2021 by site_admin

Rescheduled from Out to Lunch 2022

With Support from DJ Pete Brady and Gareth McKinnie

Norman Jay is unquestionably one of the most respected and popular DJs in the world today. Co-founder of the legendary Good Times Sound System and London dance music station KISS FM, Jay fostered the ‘Rare Groove’ scene pushing the boundaries of the UK’s emerging club culture.

Awarded an MBE for services to deejaying and music, in 2017 he released Mister Good Times capturing the true spirit of Good Times, and is currently taking his legendary Good Times party to selected venues around the UK, continuing to convert generations of clubbers to the cause, championing new sounds, yet never forgetting his musical roots, thus guaranteeing nothing but ‘Good Times’.

Doors 8.30pm | Unreserved Seating

Richard Hawley (Solo)

Posted on 31st May 20221st June 2022 by site_admin

The Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival is delighted to finally present this rescheduled show – a truly iconic artist in one of the city’s most historic venues.

Pre-COVID, 2020 had been a landmark year for Richard with his ninth studio album, Further, slamming into the UK album charts at No.3
in the same year he celebrated his twentieth anniversary as a solo artist.

In the two decades that have elapsed since Hawley jettisoned band life, first with The Longpigs and then as Pulp’s guitarist, the 54-year-old
songwriter has forged one of the most singular and diverse careers in modern music.

His ability to cut across styles, time and, in some instances, place, is down to Hawley’s deep and intuitive understanding of music itself, his grounding stemming back to his childhood when his father, a musician himself, introduced Richard to country, blues and rock’n’roll.

His appearance in Belfast promises to be a special show from a musician that has a knack for creating poignant and powerful songs like
Tonight the Streets are Ours and The Ocean.

The Dodge Brothers

Posted on 14th May 20216th January 2022 by site_admin

Rescheduled to Saturday April 30, buy tickets here.

Support by Dan Donnelly

Kicking off Out to Lunch in January in some style will beThe Dodge Brothers bringing their exuberant hybrid of country blues, rockabilly and jugband and we couldn’t be happier.

The Dodge Brothers bring to them a freshness that has feet stomping and hands clapping from California to Cropredy, from the Mississippi to the New Forest. Their songs feature vocal virtuosity and heartfelt harmonies underpinned by joyous guitars, thumping double bass and rattlin’ snare and washboard.

The Dodge Brothers features Mike Hammond(lead guitar, lead vocals, banjo), Mark Kermode (bass, harmonica, vocals), Aly Hirji(rhythm guitar, mandolin, vocals) and Alex Hammond (washboard, snare drum, percussion).

Their music has an authentically American tang – lead guitarist/vocalist Mike Hammond was raised in Alabama and his youthful musical travels took him all over the southern and western USA – but with a strong British perspective from Culture Show presenter and film critic Mark Kermode.

Doors 7.30pm | Unreserved Seating

Bowie 75

Posted on 4th November 20213rd January 2022 by site_admin

Rescheduled until Friday 18 March, buy tickets here.

The greatest and most significant British music artist of the 20th century, David Bowie, would have been 75 on January 8th 2022.

To mark this occasion, Snow Water presents ‘Bowie 75’ for the Out To Lunch Festival, a musical tribute to the man who fell to earth and changed it forever.

Joe Lindsay will be playing the hits, B-sides, album tracks, the influences and the influenced upstairs in The Deer’s Head in Belfast.

Doors 8.30pm | Unreserved Seating

Norman Jay MBE

Posted on 31st August 20216th January 2022 by site_admin

Rescheduled until Saturday October 8, 10.30pm, buy tickets here.

With Support from DJ Pete Brady and Gareth McKinnie

Doors 8.30pm | Unreserved Seating

Andy White

Posted on 1st July 20216th January 2022 by site_admin

Andy White gets back home in January to play The Sunflower as part of the Out to lunch festival.

After spending most of the past two years locked down in Melbourne, Australia, the Belfast songwriter can’t wait to rattle out some tunes with his son Sebastian on drums and long-time collaborator Rod McVeyon keyboards.

“It was a tough under house arrest for such a long time, but I was lucky—Sebastian was at home when the borders closed so the two of us played online and made videos. I wrote and recorded while he designed album covers. We watched a lot of European crime drama. I hadn’t ever spent so much time off the road—it was a case of ‘Has guitar wants to travel’—but thankfully the lockdown worked, and we can’t wait to get back home”.

In 2020 Andy released a live recording of his classic album Himself to celebrate its thirtieth anniversary and early this year a second rarities compilation, Rarer. He’ll bring these to Belfast along with vinyl copies of his latest studio album Time is a Buffalo in the Art of War.

In 1985 Andy’s first EP Religious Persuasion and 1986 debut albumRave on Andy White kick-started a career which includes twenty albums, two books of poetry and a novel.

Writing with Peter Gabriel, forming ALT with Tim Finn and Liam O Maonlai, touring the world many times over with his acoustic guitar and winning Ireland’s top music awards, an Andy White hometown show is a special occasion. What could be rarer!

Doors 7.30pm | Unreserved Seating

Ríoghnach Connolly & Ellis Davies

Posted on 3rd December 202110th January 2022 by site_admin

Armagh born Ríoghnach Connolly (BBC Folk Singer of the Year 2019 & 2020) and South Wales native Ellis Davies have been playing together for nearly 20 years – as long as long as they have been a couple.

Together they have graced stages as far away as Brazil and Singapore, and recorded together under Ríoghnach’s name, in folk-hoppers Honeyfeet and with Mendhi Singh in Beware Soul Brother.

Ríoghnach channels the music of her grandparents and can draw from a breadth of styles and folk traditions across the world. In her voice you can hear equal parts Sean-nós Caoineamh, west African griot ululation and American deep-south belt.

Ríoghnach recently performed at the 2021 RTÉ Folk Awards with The Breath, signed to Real World Records, who are currently working on a 3^rd studio album. Honeyfeet, which features both Ríoghnach and Ellis, also have a new record in the can, due for release next year.

‘A remarkable singer and flautist…who can ease from Irish traditional influences to soul.’ – THE GUARDIAN

‘Within each of Ríoghnach’s music projects there is a welter of ideas and innovations.’ – IRISH NEWS

Doors 1.30pm | Unreserved Seating

Grace Petrie

Posted on 24th October 20193rd January 2022 by site_admin

Rescheduled until Sunday May 1, 8.00pm, buy tickets here.

Grace Petrie’s unique takes on life, love and politics, and the warmth and wit with which they are delivered, have won over an army of loyal fans across the alternative, folk, political and comedy scenes.

She’s toured to arenas with Frank Turner, supported comedians Robin Ince, Josie Long and Hannah Gadsby, and has collaborated with Leon Rosselson and Peggy Seeger as well as touring with the hugely successful Guilty Feminist shows.

She has done a prestigious live session on the BBC Radio 2 Jo Whiley Show and her frequent festival appearances have included Vancouver Folk Festival, Latitude and Cambridge Folk Festival. In 2019 she played The Acoustic Stage at Glastonbury Festival.

Her current album, Queer As Folk, was released in Sept ’18 and was a Mojo magazine top 10 Folk Album of the Year.

‘She’s the urgent, pulsing, compassionate talent this world desperately needs.’ THE OBSERVER

‘She writes the sort of songs you want to pin the lyrics of on your bedroom wall, or on the office door, to remind you and everyone else who might read them what is important and true’ BUZZ MAGAZINE

Doors 7:30pm | Unreserved Seating

Robin Ince – The Importance of Being Interested

Posted on 29th October 202128th January 2022 by site_admin

Award winning comedian, Robin Ince quickly abandoned science at school, bored by a fog of dull lessons and intimidated by the barrage of equations. But, twenty years later, he fell back in love with science and now presents one of the world’s most popular science radio shows and podcasts, The Infinite Monkey Cage, with Professor Brian Cox.

Robin’s new book, and talk based on it, The Importance of Being Interested: Adventures in Scientific Curiosity deals with some of the most daunting ideas about our universe and ourselves, charting Robin’s changing understanding through personal stories as well as a remarkable array of interviewees.

Doors 30 minutes before show | Unreserved Seating

Under Milk Wood – Semi Skimmed!

Posted on 18th November 20216th January 2022 by site_admin

by Dylan Thomas
Performed by Guy Masterson
Directed by Tony Boncza (with original direction by George Dillon)
Original music and Soundscape by Matt Clifford.

One of the most successful solo shows of all time with over 2000 performances worldwide!

25 years after its Edinburgh debut, Olivier Award winner Guy Masterson presents the highlights of his globally acclaimed solo tour-de-force Under Milk Wood – SEMI SKIMMED!

The ‘Full Fat’ unexpurgated version lasts two hours. This 60 minute version is an hilarious lyrical romp through Dylan Thomas’s fictional ‘Llarregub’… Skimmed it may be, but it’s so rich and full that audiences would be hard pressed to know what he’s left out!

This show has to be seen to be believed! In an astonishing performance that defies expectation, Masterson whisks the audience into a wonder-world of enchantment. Bawdy and beautiful, sad and sensual, it leaves indelible, unforgettable images. The beauty of Thomas’s wordplay and the mastery of Masterson’s virtuosity will leave you breathless.

‘It’s a feat of multiple characterisation impeccable timing, vocal dexterity and precise physical control, performed with tremendous sensitivity and panache!’ – THE GUARDIAN

‘Absolutely wonderful, intensely therapeutic, intensely uplifting! Guy Masterson is something exceptional!’ – BBC RADIO SCOTLAND

Ruth McGinley

Posted on 4th November 202110th January 2022 by site_admin

By the age of 17, Ruth McGinley had already gained widespread recognition as one of Ireland’s leading pianists, winning countless accolades including both the piano finals of both the BBC and RTÉ Young Musician of the Year awards. Since then, her career has been wide-ranging and daring, collaborating with some of the most acclaimed teachers and musicians working today, and straying from the typical classical-pianist journey.

The Derry native studied at the Royal Irish Academy of Music and Royal Academy in London before being awarded a Postgraduate in Solo Performance from the Royal College in London. She has performed as soloist with many orchestras including the BBC Philharmonic, National Symphony Orchestra, RTE Concert Orchestra and Ulster Orchestra and as a solo recitalist throughout the UK, Europe and the Middle East. Ruth broadcasts regularly for BBC Radio 3, Classic FM, BBC Radio Ulster and RTE, and was honoured to be invited to perform as soloist at the BBC Proms in the Park.

But it is perhaps the spaces between where Ruth’s interests really lie. A determination to walk her own path, Ruth’s love of music goes far beyond the classical world. A highly sought-after collaborator, Ruth works with musicians from many backgrounds including jazz, folk, electronic and other.

This concert programme will feature classical works by Arvo Pärt, Erik Satie, Chick Corea and reimagined folk songs by Neil Martin.

‘Stylistic variety is seamlessly blended throughout in intelligently proportioned playing as sincere as it is supple. More please!’ Michael Quinn, CLASSICAL EAR.

Paul Currie – Work in Progress: The Chorus of Ghosts in my Skull Keep Telling Me to Take a Shit in the Fruit Salad

Posted on 14th December 202128th January 2022 by site_admin

‘This is a brand new work in progress (WIP) show that will look at my personal struggle and experience with depression, anxiety and intrusive thoughts that I’ve suffered from since the age of 5 and many nervous & mental breakdowns.

For me, I think it’s a subject not properly spoken about enough in comedy, in society, or in the world. I want this show to help smash or at least crack the stigma we all have of mental health.’ – Paul Currie, December 2021

TCOGLIMSKTMTTASITFS is the sister show to Paul’s 2021 Edinburgh Fringe Sell Out show “TEET”

★★★★★ THE SCOTSMAN

‘He’s fast developing a cult following. Everything Currie does has the spirit of Vic & Bob, The Young Ones and everything surreal that’s come before or since.’★★★★ EDFEST

‘He is simply and without question unmissable!’★★★★★ MELBOURNE INTERNATIONAL COMEDY FESTIVAL<

‘Paul Currie is a disturbingly brilliant comic.’ ★★★★★ BROADWAY BABY

‘I wish I’d seen him sooner. I’ll be back to see him every year. My favourite comedy show of the Fringe this year.’ STEWART LEE

Doors 7.30pm | Unreserved Seating

String Ninjas

Posted on 18th November 202112th January 2022 by site_admin

String Ninjas are a Belfast based instrumental duo consisting of Fingerstyle Guitarist Gavin Ferris and Electric Violinist Mick Conlon.

Having formed in 2017 against the backdrop of the Belfast open mic. Scene, the pair quickly established themselves as a musical force to be reckoned with and have since redefined what it is to be a cover act.

Their unique sound, characterised by heavy basslines, complex rhythms, technical solos and advanced performance techniques, has helped the Ninjas stand out, transfixing viewers with their energetic live performances and warm, welcoming personalities.

After performing at a number of high-profile music events such as Belfast Culture Night, Sunflowerfest, Stendhal, Dalriada Festival, the Hilden Beer & Music Festival and many more the Ninjas have garnered a lot of positive attention, wowing audiences with their own distinctive arrangements of modern-day classics. From 90s Dance Music to Classic Rock, Pop to Jazz, Bluegrass to Trip-Hop, no genre is safe!

With their fan base ever growing the String Ninjas are definitely ones to watch. For both casual concert goers and seasoned musicians alike, this duo will capture your undivided attention. The unique blend of grooving, intricate fingerstyle guitar parts intertwined with virtuoso “Jimi Hendrix” styled electric violin make for the perfect storm and will leave you wanting more.

Doors 12.30pm | Unreserved Seating

BC Camplight

Posted on 31st July 202019th January 2022 by site_admin

Rescheduled until Friday 29 April, 8.00pm, buy tickets here.

“This is an examination of madness and loss,” says Brian Christinzio, the inimitable force behind BC Camplight. “I hope it starts a long overdue conversation.”

Fired by his ongoing battle with mental illness, Shortly After Takeoff is the final, and finest, chapter of what Christinzio calls his “Manchester Trilogy”, following 2015’s How To Die In The North and 2018’s Deportation Blues.

All three albums were created after the native Philadelphian had moved to Manchester. Like Deportation Blues, Shortly After Takeoff spans singer-songwriter classicism, gnarly synth-pop and ‘50s rock’n’roll, with Christinzio’s similarly distinctive, flexible vocal carrying a fearless approach to lyrical introspection, but the new album is a major leap forward in songwriting sophistication and lyrical communication.

The album has alreadfy been revered by critics, become a stalwart on the BBC Radio 6 Music playlist, and put BC Camplight back on the stage where he belongs. With a slew of tours and festivals on the horizon Christinzio, a remarkably relentless entertainer, will bring his immense new live show to the UK and Europe.

“It’s no fun giving an audience a standard show that they can get elsewhere” explains Christinzio. “Sometimes it’s intense, sometimes it’s emotional, sometimes it’s basically a fucking stand-up routine. I always like to involve the audience and make it memorable for everyone involved. I think we are one of the best live bands in the world and it’s an odd feeling finally getting an opportunity to get in front of loads of ears and eyes. In a perfect world I’d be able to organise a concert on the roof of the Home Office one day”.

Doors 7:30pm | Standing/Seated

Crow Black Chicken

Posted on 8th December 20216th January 2022 by site_admin

The power trio of Crow Black Chicken combine elements of folk, hard rock and the blues rock of bands like Gov’t Mule, Lynyrd Skynyrd and Led Zeppelin.

The band was formed in 2009 by Christy O’Hanlon, Stephen McGrath (Bass) and Gev Barrett (Drums). The trio immediately jelled and went on to perform on the BBC Introducing stage at Glastonbury 2011.

The bands second album Rumble Shake was released in 2014 and debuted at number 12 in the Irish album charts. Recorded in Westland Studios Dublin, the album was heavily influenced by the bands work with Texan Americana singer Ray Wylie Hubbard and legendary Austin Producer the late George Reiff.

In 2016 Crow Black Chicken opened for ZZ Top at the Marquee in Cork which brought them face to face with the Texan compatriots whom they often drew so many comparisons to. Always determined to create a sound all of their own the band continues to tour all over Europe and have since released a 4th studio album Pariah Brothers in 2017.

After the release of their latest live record South Roman Street, the Crow Black Chicken’s 5th studio album is already in the pipeline.

‘These guys do the nasty blues like the devil hisself was hurting and rock like they’ll skate come judgement day – Ray Wylie Hubbard

‘CBC could save rock and roll’ – Alvin Youngblood Hart

‘Electric Soup is not only a promising debut, it’s a savage beast of a record: grimy, lean, mean, and soulful.’ – Allmusic.com

Doors 2pm | Unreserved Seating

Hollie McNish: Slug Tour – SOLD OUT

Posted on 29th October 20206th January 2022 by site_admin

Rescheduled until Sunday 8 May, buy tickets here.

As well as live readings, Hollie is a big fan of online accessibility – her poetry videos have attracted millions of viewings worldwide.

About Slug…

‘She writes with honesty, conviction, humour and love. She points out the absurdities we’ve grown too used to and lets us see the world with fresh eyes’
Kae Tempest

Doors 1.45pm | Unreserved Seating

The Blow Monkeys

Posted on 29th October 202110th January 2022 by site_admin

With hits like Digging Your Scene and It Doesn’t Have To Be This Way, The Blow Monkeys epitomised the glamour of mid-80s pop at its most graceful and sophisticated.

In the band’s frontman Robert Howard (aka Dr. Robert), they possessed a tall, charismatic singer who was both camera-friendly and clever, who appeared to be just as much at ease on the catwalk that is pop’s conveyer belt as he was penning witty, incisive songs.

While quite clearly Robert’s band, though, the Blow Monkeys were also gifted three immensely talented musicians in bassist Mick Anker, saxophonist Neville Henry and drummer Tony Kiley.

The Blow Monkeys openly criticised the policies of the 1980’s Conservative government, railing against social injustices and adopting an openly left-of-centre stance on issues of the day.

From openly endorsing the gay community Digging Your Scene to an outright attack on Margaret Thatcher Celebrate (The Day After You) – a duet with the late, great Curtis Mayfield, The Blow Monkeys were always the thinking person’s pop group.

Doors 7.30pm | Unreserved Seating

Martin Stephenson and the Daintees

Posted on 5th March 202128th January 2022 by site_admin

Very much an Out to Lunch institution, Martin Stephenson’s live performances are an exuberant tour-de-force combining heart-in-your-mouth intimacy with playful humour and warm self-deprecation.

The hugely acclaimed 1986 debut Boat to Bolivia showcased Stephenson’s song writing, poetic romanticism and spiritual depth – so marking him out as a soulful cream of the leftfield crop during the self-obsessed 1980s.

Never pandering to a particular scene, Stephenson’s lightness of touch on a varied mix of musical styles was immediately apparent. His path was destined to be a lifelong journey through the music he loved: folk, ragtime, jazz, rockabilly, show tunes, punk-pop and country.

The NME said of Martin’s song craft that he “builds bridges between love and hate, cradle and grave, folk and pop, past and present.” Stephenson’s restless troubadour spirit has amassed an extraordinary catalogue of some 40 albums and he is a gifted, entertaining and much-loved performer.

Martin, along with John Steel(guitar), Chris Mordey(bass) and Kate Stephenson(drums) will no doubt also be featuring songs from the classic back catalogue but, as usual, predicting the set list is impossible!

Doors 7.30pm | Unreserved Seating

Teddy Thompson – Heartbreaker Please Tour

Posted on 4th November 202128th January 2022 by site_admin

Following the release of his critically acclaimed album, Heartbreaker Please, Teddy Thompson kicks off a UK tour with a special concert in the Black Box as part of this year’s Out to Lunch.

Recorded in Brooklyn and written and produced by Teddy, Heartbreaker Please sees the critically acclaimed artist at the top of his craft, serving up the medicine of resignation with sweet, catchy satisfaction. “Here’s the thing,” Teddy sings frankly on his new album, “you don’t love me anymore. I can tell you’ve got one foot out the door.” From its opening track, Thompson’s new album reckons with the breakdown of love with a wistful levity as satisfying as it is devastatingly honest.

From a young age, Sam Cooke, Hank Williams, Chuck Berry, and the Everly Brothers made up the bulk of his listening and you can hear that ache in his voice. After releasing his self-titled debut in 2000, Teddy went on tour as part of Roseanne Cash’s band.

Since then he’s released five acclaimed albums, collaborated with good friends Martha and Rufus Wainwright, contributed to numerous tribute projects, and produced albums for Americana singer-songwriter Dori Freeman, Shelby Lynne, Allison Moorer and his mother, Linda Thompson.

Doors 2.30pm | Unreserved seating

John Francis Flynn

Posted on 3rd December 202110th January 2022 by site_admin

John Francis Flynn is a singer and multi-instrumentalist whose work centres around traditional and folk material from Ireland. He is a founding member of the band, Skipper’s Alley, with whom he has toured extensively throughout Europe and America.

While supporting Lankum on their 2019 UK tour he caught the eye of Geoff Travis and Jeanette Lee who quickly signed John to Rough Trade imprint label, River Lea.

John’s debut album I Would Not Live Always in Spring 2021 was released through River Lea in Spring 2021. Produced by highly regarded producer, Brendan Jenkinson. This release further highlighted the enormous talent hidden away in the corners of Ireland’s folk scene.

I Would Not Live Always featured in Mojo’s top ten folk albums of 2021 and John received Best Emerging Folk Artist & Best Folk Singer accolades at RTÉ Radio One Folk Awards.
Moving on Music is delighted to present John Francis Flynn’s debut Belfast performance in association with Strange Victory and Out To Lunch Festival

‘Human experience burns ferociously on this extraordinary debut from the uncompromising Irish artist John Francis Flynn. An extraordinary debut’ – THE GUARDIAN

‘Double Tin Whistle and Tape-Loops. Revelatory new takes on English and Irish folk songs in the manner of Sam Amidon. A singular and striking clarity of vision’ – UNCUT

Doors 7.30pm | Unreserved Seating

Roadrunner: A Film about Anthony Bourdain

Posted on 8th December 20216th January 2022 by site_admin

A documentary about the uncommon life of the late storyteller, explorer and chef, Anthony Bourdain, who exploded onto the scene in 2000 with the publication of his restaurant memoir Kitchen Confidential.

From there it was an unstoppable rise to episodic fame, first with No Reservations, followed by Parts Unknown.

Bourdain’s passion for food, travel, and culture tapped into a deeper humanity that resonated with viewers who felt that they knew him. And to those who did know him, “Tony” was an uncommonly sensitive and insightful soul whose friendship left a lasting impact.

Supported by Film Hub NI, part of the BFI Film Audience Network, awarding funds from National Lottery.

Tadhg Hickey – In One Eye, Out The Other

Posted on 28th October 202121st January 2022 by site_admin

Acclaimed Irish comedian Tadhg Hickey (outstanding physical and comedic performer – The Scotsman), brings a weird and wonderful part theatre, part stand-up comedy show, In One Eye, Out The Other to this year’s Out to Lunch.

IOEOTO tells the story of Feargal, the downtrodden but cheery man who fulfilled his lifelong dream of becoming an alcoholic. Using the Catholic calendar as a roadmap, Feargal leads us on a surreal and hilarious journey with many poignant twists in the hope of arriving at a sort of light at the end of the tunnel for the ‘bright man’.

The show is loosely based on Tadhg’s own journey with alcoholism. During promotion of the show, Tadhg went public with his own story and has since had many mental health and alcohol action groups, as well as sufferers, reach out to him.

Tadhg is one of the brightest and bravest new stars in Irish comedy and theatre. His satirical sketches have amassed several million views online, and earned the admiration of comedy royalty like Armando Ianucci.

‘In One Eye, Out The Other’ is characteristically brave and ambitious, as Tadhg searches for cathartic humour in a surreal retelling of his own battle with alcoholism.

“Great art. A vital catharsis. I laughed until I cried. Go see it.” – Sunday Independent

“Both funny and poignant; a brave, risky performance. This is exciting work” – The Independent

“Illuminating. Affecting in surprising ways. Feargal’s story will stay with you for days” – Sunday Business Post.

Doors open 30 minutes before show | Unreserved Seating

Moyra Donaldson/Nandi Jola/Stephanie Conn

Posted on 8th December 202112th January 2022 by site_admin

Stephanie Conn is a graduate of the Creative Writing M.A. Programme at the Seamus Heaney Centre at Queen’s University. She is the winner of the 2015 Funeral Services NI Poetry Prize, the 2015 Yeovil Poetry Prize, the inaugural Seamus Heaney Award for New Writing and the 2016 Poetry Business Pamphlet Competition. Her debut collection, The Woman from the Other Side, shortlisted for the 2016 Shine/Strong Award. Her new collection, Off-Kilter, will be published by Doire Press in Spring, 2022.

Moyra Donaldson is an award-winning and critically-acclaimed poet and creative writing facilitator from County Down. She has published eight collections of poetry, and her awards include the Women’s National Poetry Competition, The Allingham Award, Cúirt New Writing Award, North West Words Poetry Award and the Belfast Year of the Writer Award. Her poems have featured on BBC radio and television and on American national radio and television. Her latest collection, Bone House, was published by Doire Press in 2019.

Nandi Jola, originally from South Africa, lives in Portadown. She has had work commissioned for Herstory: Parallel Peace Project (with women’s organisations in Northern Ireland, Palestine and Israel), Transpoesie Poetry Festival, Ambiguities; Six Project and Arrivals 2 (five poems on experiences of emigrants and immigration). She has been a guest on the BBC Art Show and Culture Café. Nandi’s debut collection Home is Neither Here Nor There will be published in the spring, 2022 by Doire Press.

Doors 12.30pm | Unreserved Seating

NI Opera and the Great American Song Book

Posted on 8th December 202112th January 2022 by site_admin

Spend an hour with Northern Ireland Opera in celebration of the Great American Song Book. Journey with us through the works of Rogers and Hammerstein, Lerner and Loewe, Cole Porter, Leonard Bernstein, Jule Styne, George Gershwin, Harold Arlen, and Stephen Sondheim.

Join our Artist Development Programme singers accompanied by pianist Frasier Hickland as they perform well-loved standards such as: Almost Like Being in Love, Come Rain or Come Shine, If I Loved You, Get Happy, Oh What a Beautiful Morning, I Hate Music, People, No One is Alone and many more.

Roddy Woomble

Posted on 18th November 202110th January 2022 by site_admin

During lockdown, Roddy wrote and recorded a new solo album Lo! Soul to be released on May 21st.

Join us for this intimate, special show by one of our favourite songwriters on January 20.

Doors 7.30pm | Unreserved Seating

The Swing Gals

Posted on 18th November 202128th January 2022 by site_admin

The Swing Gals are Northern Ireland’s original and leading vocal harmony trio. The girls have been performing together for over 12 years and are renowned for their innovative vocal arrangements of swing, jazz and a variety of popular modern genres.

They are delighted to return to the Out to Lunch Festival after their successful sell out performance in 2018. The Gals perform with their own band and appearances with the superb 16 piece Indigo Big Band have delighted their audiences.

Today’s line up consists of Ruth Jennings, Clare Galway and Karen Kirby, accompanied by Kathy McKeagney. They will perform a varied programme of their sophisticated arrangements of songs from the iconic Andrews Sisters, ABBA, Diana Krall and the Sugababes.

Doors 12.30pm | Unreserved Seating

The Velvet Underground: Film Screening + VU inspired live show

Posted on 8th December 20217th January 2022 by site_admin

We’re delighted to present an evening of velvet drone at Out to Lunch! Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Todd Haynes, The Velvet Underground shows just how this remarkable group became a cultural touchstone representing a range of contradictions: the band is both of their time, yet timeless; literary yet realistic; rooted in high art and street culture.

The film features in-depth interviews with the key players of that time combined with a treasure trove of never-before-seen performances and a rich collection of recordings, Warhol films, and other experimental art that creates an immersive experience into what founding member John Cale describes as the band’s creative ethos: “how to be elegant and how to be brutal.”

Following the screening we’ll be serving up a live set from some of our own sonic descendants of the Velvets’ rich legacy.

‘This is a great documentary about people who are serious about music and serious also about art, and what it means to live as an artist.’★★★★ The Guardian

Doors 7.30pm | Unreserved Seating

Supported by Film Hub NI, part of the BFI Film Audience Network, awarding funds from National Lottery.

Gwenifer Raymond

Posted on 7th September 20216th January 2022 by site_admin

Rescheduled until Friday 6 May, buy tickets here.

Gwenifer Raymond began playing guitar at the age of eight shortly after having been first exposed to punk and grunge. After years of playing around the Welsh valleys in various punk outfits she began listening more to pre-war blues musicians as well as Appalachian folk players, eventually leading into the guitar players of the American Primitive genre.

In 2017 she released her first single Sometimes There’s Blood and released her debut album You Never Were Much of a Dancer in June of 2018 to worldwide acclaim.

What followed was much international touring. Gwenifer headlined shows across much of Europe, debuted at several summer festivals including Green Man, Black Deer, Supernormal, Shambala to name but a fraction. She also played a number of support slots for artists such as Michael Chapman, Michael Hurley, Xylouris White and Charlie Parr.

The release of Strange Lights Over Garth Mountain has been highly anticipated after Gwenifer’s debut album, You Were Never Much of a Dancer, received critical acclaim from numerous publications including The Guardian.

Listeners who enjoyed her unmistakable virtuosity on the guitar and banjo, as well as the adventurous musical journey her debut album travelled through, can expect nothing less from this new release.

Doors 7.30pm | Unreserved Seating

Traditional Bread Baking Workshop

Posted on 3rd December 202128th January 2022 by site_admin

Roll your sleeves up and get floury! Tracey Jeffery from Tracey’s Farmhouse Kitchen will demonstrate how to make Northern Ireland’s most loved traditional breads – Soda and Potato bread.

Now it’s your turn! You’ll make your own soda and potato breads in the traditional way – no measuring or weighing required!

Your breads will cook on a Griddle and from start to finish they’ll be ready to eat within 15 minutes. You’ll take home 4 farls of Soda and 4 farls of Potato bread, or enjoy them with lunch, hot off the griddle. There’s even a prize for the best breads.

Includes tea / coffee on arrival, bread making experience, followed by lunch.

Meet at Northern Whig, 12.45pm

Aja – The Music of Steely Dan

Posted on 8th October 202110th January 2022 by site_admin

Aja, taken from the classic and iconic Dan album, is an 8 piece musical powerhouse of a band whose members have over 40 years experience in the business.

Doors 1.30pm | Unreserved Seating

Brigid O’Neill – ‘Intangible Heritage’ EP Launch

Posted on 8th December 202128th January 2022 by site_admin

Described by Ralph McLean of BBC Radio Ulster as “A great songwriter with a voice that can break your heart at 30 paces” Brigid O’Neill from Co. Down is a genre-spanning songsmith whose evergreen music appeals to multiple generations.

The last few years have seen the critically acclaimed artist earn a formidable reputation as one of the most versatile, unique and fearless storytellers on the island. Her latest album Touchstone sees her effortlessly weave elements of folk, country and jazz into relatable tales of happiness, heartbreak and the human condition, with recently released singles Leaving and Prayers from her highly anticipated follow-up album, receiving great reviews.

Brigid has performed everywhere from the world-famous Bluebird Cafe in Nashville to the iconic Grand Opera House in Belfast, writing with Grammy award writers along the way. She is a recipient of numerous Arts Council and Music Industry awards and was long-listed for the Glastonbury Festival 2020 Emerging Talent Competition and Northern Ireland Music Prize 2021.

Some time ago she had the idea to write songs about special buildings in Belfast and commissioned by the Ulster Architectural Heritage Society, the project grew to include Derry and Armagh. Intangible Heritage a trilogy of songs from this very special project, recorded live at Sonic Visuals Studio, following an award and invitation from the British Council to perform at the online UK-China Festival of Contemporary Culture 2021.

It includes Sisters Born Here inspired by the historically significant Armagh Gaol, Belfast Angel about the Art Deco Bank in Belfast and Window Seat about Austins Dept Store in Derry.

‘An immensely gifted storyteller. Very special indeed’ – HOTPRESS

‘Brigid O’Neill has a voice like a clear cut diamond’ – BRITISH COUNTRY MUSIC FESTIVAL

‘Supremely confident both musically and lyrically’ – GLASTONBURY FESTIVAL

‘Really beautiful’ – FIACHNA Ó BRAONAIN RTE RADIO 1

Doors 1.30pm | Unreserved Seating

Ciara O’Neill EP Launch

Posted on 29th October 202110th January 2022 by site_admin

One of Northern Ireland’s best loved folk artists Ciara O’Neill launches her new EP La Lune as part of Out to Lunch.

Written during a creative period whilst working frontline in the NHS throughout the pandemic La Lune takes you on a journey through the moonlit streets of Paris to the sunny shores of Saint-Tropez.

A stunning successor to her previous albums, the haunting and ethereal The Ebony Trail (2016) and the beautiful Arrow (2018), Ciara has honed her craft with regular songwriting trips to Nashville where she has written with Grammy winning songwriters, performances at the prestigious ‘Bluebird Cafe’ and also to a US TV audience of 60 million for Music City Roots.

‘A must listen for folk fans’ Hotpress Magazine

‘Timeless, noirish and understated folk’ Dancing About Architecture

“Mesmerising, it takes you away like all good music should” Ralph McLean BBC Radio Ulster

“Ciara and her songs carry everything with such conviction, it makes her almost transparent.” Folk Radio UK

Doors 7.30pm | Unreserved Seating

Hazel O’Connor

Posted on 8th October 20216th January 2022 by site_admin

Rescheduled to Sunday 20 February, 2.00pm, buy tickets here.

Hazel O’ Connor has truly established herself as a concert artist and performer to be reckoned with. From initially catapulting to stardom with the starring role in Breaking Glass and the ensuing hits that followed, Hazel continues to tour extensively delighting sell-out audiences along the way, winning over fans old and new.

Her husky voice remains charged with passion and her enthusiasm, love of music, and wicked sense of humour, is ever present. Having now returned to her Celtic soul and folk roots, live and on-stage for this very special set of shows, she performs in a captivating line-up with Cormac de Barra on Irish Harp, her musical partner for some 15 years, as well as Ruari de Barra, guitar and keyboads and Paul Jarvis on cajon.

This Out to Lunch Festival highlight will feature some great newly-composed songs celebrating 40 years of song-writing and performance. No O’Connor show is complete without her original classics Will You, D-Days and Eighth Day or her new classics Rebecca, Driftwood, I’m Still Breathing and Acoustically Yours. Un-missable!

‘The expressive power of her singing, her songwriting craft and warm, strong personality shine through here with Cormac De Barra’s expert playing of the Irish Harp.’ – THE TIMES

‘Simply stunning’ – Janice Long – BBC RADIO 2

‘Sumptuous songs with a soulful, introspective lyrical depth… seemless forays into pop, blues and soul, and the familiar silken gravel of O’Connor’s voice’ – IRISH TIMES

Doors 7.30pm | Unreserved Seating

Sam Baker

Posted on 8th October 202111th February 2022 by site_admin

Sam Baker makes people happy. The characters in his songs face many challenges—alcoholism, car wrecks, racism, drug addiction, a mother’s abandonment—but they persevere. Much like Sam himself.

In 1986 Sam got in the middle of someone else’s war. When a terrorist bomb exploded in his train compartment, he went from being a young, healthy, tourist enjoying Peru with friends to a broken man surrounded by death and dying. Given his injuries, he too should have died. But through a series of miracles and coincidences he survived.

When the cranial bleed in his brain healed, he had to relearn nouns, and after his right eardrum was replaced, he regained some hearing. With the top of his left hand gone, it seemed that his formerly skillful hands had been transformed into blocks of wood, but eventually those hands learned how to play an upside-down guitar.

Physically, Sam was recovering, but his life was filled with pills, booze, and rage. Then came the voices and messengers that helped him see that the greatest gift is life itself. He learned about forgiveness. He needed to tell his story. Songs started to come from that upside-down guitar. Before he knew it, there were CDs, tours around the world and awards in Rolling Stone.

Sam feels compelled to tell his story—through his music, art, or any means possible—to one person at a time, or to thousands from a festival stage.

A Sam Baker show is a celebration. Some songs tell of everyday people who survive life’s daily challenges; others are stories of growing up in a small Texas prairie town. All his shows are an acknowledgment and appreciation of the pure joy that comes with people gathering to listen to live music. Out to Lunch is delighted to welcome Sam to Belfast.

Wattstax

Posted on 8th December 20217th January 2022 by site_admin

The legendary ‘black Woodstock’ finally gets its due when a newly restored and digitally remixed Wattstax, Mel Stuart’s documentary of the epochal 1972 concert at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, receives its first-ever cinema screening in Belfast.

Featuring incendiary performances by Isaac Hayes, Albert King, Rufus and Carla Thomas, the Staple Singers, the Emotions, the Bar-Kays, and other greats of soul, R&B, and gospel – plus biting humour from a then little-known Richard Pryor — Wattstax is more than just a concert film.

Supported by Film Hub NI, part of the BFI Film Audience Network, awarding funds from National Lottery.

Waiting for Guffman

Posted on 14th December 20217th January 2022 by site_admin

The town of Blaine, Missouri may be small, but eccentric stage director Corky St. Clair (Christopher Guest) always dreams big.

Determined to get back to the bright lights of “off-off-off-off-Broadway,” he casts a ragtag group of amateur actors in Red, White & Blaine, a musical celebration of the burg’s 150th anniversary — and when word gets out that New York talent scout Mort Guffman will be in the audience, Corky’s hopes of stardom just might come true.Shot in 29 days in a small suburb near Austin with one Super 16 camera and no script, director-star Guest’s cult-hit mockumentary was created entirely in collaboration with a superstar cast of improvisational talents, including Eugene Levy, Fred Willard, Bob Balaban, Parker Posey, and, supremely, Catherine O’Hara, as travel agent–cum–theatrical hopeful Sheila Albertson; her audition duet of Midnight at the Oasis with her husband Ron (Willard), performed in matching windbreakers, is so marvellously painful you can’t wait for the mainstage production.

The film that no less than Meryl Streep once as named as her favourite, Waiting for Guffman is both hilarious and heart-warming. Join us in the Green Room for the perfect antidote to the January blues.

‘A superb send-up of small-town amateur dramatics’ – Empire

‘…the unmistakable delusions of grandeur that are shared by amateurs and professionals alike. All that, and we are treated to the sight of The Remains of the Day lunch boxes. What more could you want?’ – The Independent

Doors 7pm | Unreserved Seating

Supported by Film Hub NI, part of the BFI Film Audience Network, awarding funds from National Lottery.

Amythyst Kiah

Posted on 5th October 20217th January 2022 by site_admin

From Johnson City, Tennessee, Amythyst Kiah is a massively talented singer-songwriter who is creating powerful waves on both sides of the Atlantic. 2021 has been a huge year for her with a new record, major live shows and festivals, multiple award nominations and superstar collaborations. 2022 is set to be even bigger still, kicking off with a short European solo tour, long awaited by her fast-growing legion of fans.

Released in June to universal acclaim, Amythyst’s debut album for Rounder Records, Wary + Strange is a glorious and completely organic collision of two very different worlds: the iconoclastic alt-rock that first sparked her musical passion, and the American roots music scene, where she has now firmly established herself as an artist of real significance and distinction.

She earned 3 prestigious Americana Music Awards nominations in September, including Emerging Artist Of The Year and one for Black Myself as Song Of The Year. It was also nominated for a Grammy and won Song Of The Year at the2019 Folk Alliance Awards for the version by roots supergroup Our NativeDaughters, of which Amythyst is a member.

Following her summer radio hit with Moby and Gregory Porter on a reworking of Natural Blues, Moby returned the favour with a transformative remix of Black Myself, perfectly illustrating the vast reach of Amythyst’s sound and appeal.

A commanding live performer blessed with an unforgettable voice, Kiah combines the political and the deeply personal in a spellbinding examination of grief, alienation, healing and self-respect.

“A masterful blend of lonesome folk and neo-blues” Rolling Stone

“Thrilling… her rich sound blossoming around her fearlessly honest songwriting” Paste

“A raw, crystal-clear statement of black power and gay pride” Billboard

“A bold record in both sound and content” 8/10 Uncut

Doors 7.30pm | Unreserved Seating

Paddy Anderson – A Flamenco Guitar Recital

Posted on 3rd December 202112th January 2022 by site_admin

The Musical Adventures of an Irishman in Andalusia.

Paddy Anderson is one of the very few professional flamenco guitarists in Ireland and the UK. In this brand new show, he invites us to experience the full range of colours and emotions of the solo flamenco guitar.

From the joyful style of alegrías and the profound soleá to the fun and celebratory bulerias and the brooding tarantas, Paddy brings us on a heartfelt and humorous journey across the Mediterranean melting pot of Andalusia.

Stunning original compositions and classic pieces from the repertoire by flamenco guitar masters like Paco de Lucía combine beautifully with surprising and funny stories from Paddy’s experiences of living in Spain on the flamenco trail.

Praise for ‘Fire in the Blood’ (Los Dramáticos):

‘Infectious passion and incredible musicianship.’ – Linley Hamilton, BBC Radio Ulster ★★★★

‘Compelling musicianship which lingers long in the heart after the final notes are sounded. I always want more.’ – Neil Martin, Composer ★★★★

‘A wonderful journey which lifted the soul and made the body tingle! Irresistible entertainment!’ – Nuala McKeever, BBC Radio Ulster ★★★★

Unreserved Seating | Doors 12.45pm

Freakscene: The Story of Dinosaur Jr

Posted on 8th December 202110th January 2022 by site_admin

Dir. Philipp Reichenheim, Germany/U.S.A, 2021, 82 mins.

FEATURING: J Mascis, Lou Barlow, Kim Gordon, Henry Rollins, Bob Mould, Thurston Moore and many others.

Freakscene: The Story of Dinosaur Jr is a feature documentary homage to one of the most influential bands on the American East Coast, which greatly inspired the burgeoning alternative rock scene – including Nirvana and Sonic Youth – in the 1990s.

Their unique style and unmistakable sound, later referred to as Grunge, laid the foundation for the entire “Slacker” culture of Generation X. It’s also the story of the eloquent and eccentric guitarist and bandleader J. Mascis, the bassist Lou Barlow and drummer Murph and a band that funnily does not talk to each other.

Communication takes place exclusively through music. Director Philipp Reichenheim nevertheless skilfully encourages the three introverted and shy icons to shoot the breeze and unpack their fascinating story.

The film offers exclusive rare insights into the crazy everyday life of the band across three decades, and illuminates the inner workings of a cult band from its embryonic beginnings in the 1980s and 90s to the present day subculture icons.

Doors 7.30pm | Unreserved Seating

Supported by Film Hub NI, part of the BFI Film Audience Network, awarding funds from National Lottery.

Zoë Conway & John McIntyre

Posted on 29th October 202112th January 2022 by site_admin

With an exciting blend of eclectic fiddle and guitar music, Zoe Conway and John McIntyre bring to the stage sympathetic arrangements of traditional Irish music, compositions and songs, old and new.

The husband and wife folk duo possess a rare facility to draw pieces into their repertoire from other genres such as classical, jazz and world music and express this material in way which not only displays the sheer range and knowledge of both instrumentalists but also exhibits the wonderful versatility of their instruments.
Their debut duo album, entitled Go Mairir I Bhfad (Long Life To You), received a glorious 5 stars from The Irish Times. For this unique album, they commissioned twelve leading Irish composers to each compose a piece specifically for Zoë and John, for fiddle and guitar, with the aim of collectively presenting a snapshot of traditional Irish music alive today. The renowned composers who took part in the project were Liz Carroll, Steve Cooney, Frankie Gavin, Andy Irvine, Charlie Lennon, Donal Lunny, Máirtín O’Connor, Peadar Ó Riada, Mícheál Ó Súilleabhán, Tommy Peoples, Niall Vallely and Bill Whelan.

Zoë, no stranger to the stage, has performed with an impressive list of international artists including Riverdance, Damien Rice, Lou Reed, Nick Cave, Rodrigo y Gabriella to mention but a few. In contrast to this, she has been an important figure within classical music circles in Ireland and abroad, as her crossover discipline has allowed her the pleasure of appearing as soloist with acclaimed orchestras such as The Irish Chamber Orchestra, National Symphony Orchestra, BBC Symphony Orchestra and German WDR Symphony Orchestra;
Zoë has recorded on major film soundtracks including award winning Float Like A Butterfly (Samson Films 2018), Artemis Fowl (Disney 2020), and the duo have recorded on Finding You (Red Sky Studio 2021) and Riverdance The Animated Adventure (Universal 2021).

John grew up in the Cooley Mountains of north County Louth where he took up guitar at 8 years of age. John studied classical guitar and piano for many years, and from early childhood was immersed in the language, songs and traditional dance music of south west Donegal – his father’s homeplace.

Together, Zoë Conway and John McIntyre have been described as “simply one of the best folk duos on the planet” (BBC), and audiences in Ireland and beyond keep coming back for more. They were awarded Best Live Show from popular YouTube channel, Balcony TV, and have received in excess of a combined half a million views online.

“An ceol is binne agus is cruinne dá gcuala mé riamh.”

“Zoë Conway – Folk Instrumentalist of the Year 2020” (RTE Radio 1 Folk Awards)

“Simply one of the best folk duos on the planet” (BBC)

Doors 12.30pm | Unreserved Seating

The Nowhere Inn – St Vincent

Posted on 8th December 20217th January 2022 by site_admin

Starring real-life friends Annie Clark (a.k.a. Grammy-winning artist St. Vincent) and Carrie Brownstein (Portlandia, Sleater-Kinney), this is a mischievous, metafictional and frequently laugh-out-loud funny account of banding together to make a documentary about St. Vincent’s music, touring life and on-stage persona.

But they quickly discover unpredictable forces lurking within the subject and the filmmaker that threaten to derail the friendship, the project, and the duo’s creative lives.

From first-time filmmaker Bill Benz (Portlandia, At Home With Amy Sedaris) comes a densely woven and increasingly fractured commentary on reality, identity and authenticity.

A music documentary like no other, this is the story of two close friends who attempt to wrestle the truth out of a complex subject before the hall of mirrors that is their artistic lives devours them completely.

Doors 7.30pm | Unreserved Seating

Supported by Film Hub NI, part of the BFI Film Audience Network, awarding funds from National Lottery.

Junk Drawer + Support Funeral Rose

Posted on 1st December 20217th January 2022 by site_admin

Awarded a CQAF Creative Bursary for Music in 2020, Belfast-based Junk Drawer’s loose brand of indie rock mines anthems from their crate-digging tendencies. Drawing on post-punk, krautrock, psychedelia, experimentalism and art rock, Junk Drawer are not an outfit easy to pigeon hole.

Featuring multi-instrumentalists & vocalists Stevie Lennox, Jake Lennox, Brian Coney and Rory Dee, the band has built a must-see-live reputation, playing stages all around the island supporting Built To Spill, Mclusky and Temples, and performing at Other Voices, Spilt Milk, and Hard Working Class Heroes to name but a few. Their hardworking, DIY attitude is paying dividends, securing regular airplay on BBC Radio 1, 6Music & Ulster, RTÉ 2fm, and increasingly from US college radio.

A 4-piece band, but also part of a larger musical community, Junk Drawer have helped spearhead the grassroots Irish music scene with their role in releasing sold-out vinyl compilation series A Litany of Failures which features many well-known artists from the island.

Winners of Best Single at the NI Music Prize 2019, their debut LP Ready For The House was released through Art For Blind Records in April 2020. Across eight tracks, the band deliver a brutally honest, yet sardonic exploration of personal malady and redemption.

Met with widespread acclaim, it placed in The Quietus’ Best Albums of 2020 and its quarterly Best Irish Music column. It was nominated for the 2020 NI Music Prize.

AO Gerber

Posted on 10th November 202110th January 2022 by site_admin

A.O. Gerber is a singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and producer based in LA. She released her debut album Another Place To Need – co-produced with Madeline Kenney – in May 2020.

The album has picked up widespread acclaim from the likes of NPR, Gorilla vs. Bear, NYLON and The Line Of Best Fit, who gave the record a glowing 9/10 review and aligned her with the likes of Angel Olsen and Julia Jacklin. An anticipated follow-up is expected in 2022.

‘there’s real beauty at work here, with smart arrangements, judicious use of brass and an overwhelming clarity of thought that gives the album a real cohesion.’ – BITTER SWEET SYMPHONIES

Doors 7.45pm | Unreserved seating

Myles McCormack

Posted on 30th December 202121st January 2022 by site_admin

Myles McCormack is a multi-instrumentalist from Belfast who writes powerful songs with a delicate touch. In 2019 he released his debut solo album with a sold-out show in Belfast’s Duncairn Arts Centre.

It’s a sublime and carefully crafted debut from an artist who effortlessly bridges the gap between ruminative and blissful.

This past year has seen Myles work on a batch of new songs at home. By Demons, the first of this new material to be released, is a great example of his unique song-writing style and atmospheric sound and has been receiving praise across Irish and UK radio.

Myles will be supporting artist for a host of shows across the Out to Lunch festival, details of which will be released in the coming weeks.

“It’s a gossamer and quietly emphatic first gambit from an artist who continues to set himself apart” – THE THIN AIR

“You couldn’t bring yourself to turn away even if you wanted to” – CHORDBLOSSUM

“He carries within his work an effervescent tenure to unravel mysteries and turmoil” – FOLK&LORE

Erland Cooper

Posted on 31st August 202110th January 2022 by site_admin

Hailing from the archipelago of Orkney, composer and multi-instrumentalist Erland Cooper explores the natural world of landscape, memory, people and place. Cooper believes music often reflects the landscape a musician is surrounded with, be it rural, urban, real or imagined.

His second solo album, Sule Skerry, was released last year as the second in a triptych shaped by Orkney’s air, sea and land, as it was celebrated by Orcadian poet George Mackay Brown.

While his acclaimed first solo record Solan Goose paid homage to Orkney’s birdlife, Cooper turns his attention to the North Sea in Sule Skerry.

Originally part of acclaimed bands The Magnetic North and Erland & The Carnival, Cooper has a diverse musical history. Last year’s debut solo album Solan Goose was an Album of the Year at BBC Radio 6 Music, the Quietus, and more; and Sule Skerry has already been crowned a BBC Radio 6 Music Album of the Day.

Originally scheduled for CQAF 2020 and with hugely acclaimed new album Hether Blether recently released, this promises to be a highlight of our 2021 festival.

Doors 7.30pm | Unreserved seating

Aoife O’Donovan plus support Donovan Woods

Posted on 17th March 202128th January 2022 by site_admin

Grammy award-winning songwriter and musician Aoife O’Donovan is one of the most sought-after singers and songwriters of her generation.

She has released 3 critically-acclaimed solo albums, is co-founder of the bands I’m With Her and Crooked Still, is the featured vocalist on The Goat Rodeo Sessions with Yo-Yo Ma, Stuart Duncan, Edgar Meyer and Chris Thile, and spent a decade contributing to the radio variety shows “Live From Here” and “A Prairie Home Companion”.

O’Donovan’s newest single, Transatlantic features BBC Radio 2’s Folk album of 2017 artist, Glasgow-based Kris Drever. Her first new solo album in 5 years is due out later in 2021.

Fairport Convention

Posted on 28th October 20217th January 2022 by site_admin

Fairport Convention have been entertaining music lovers for over half a century, with 2022 being their 55th anniversary!

During that time the band that launched British folk-rock has seen many changes, but one thing has remained the same – Fairport’s passion for performance. The performance will present a mix of long-established Fairport favourites and some surprises from albums old and new including their latest album, Shuffle & Go, which was released just before ‘lockdown’ in 2020.

Fairport Convention have won a BBC Lifetime Achievement Award and Radio 2 listeners voted their ground-breaking album Liege & Lief ‘The Most Influential Folk Album of All Time’. Their story has been celebrated with television documentaries on BBC Four and Sky Arts.

The band features founding member Simon Nicol on guitar and vocals, Dave Pegg on bass guitar, Ric Sanders on violin, Chris Leslie on fiddle, mandolin and vocals, and Gerry Conway on drums and percussion.

‘Stuffing their set with a surprising amount of new material for a vintage act, Fairport are still clearly having fun and brought the house down.’– THE GUARDIAN

“Fairport is an institution, a festival, purveyors of memories, and keepers of the folk flame. But most of all they are a brilliant live band.” – FOLK & TUMBLE

Doors 7.30pm | Unreserved Seating

Deptford Northern Soul Club Versus Superfly Funk and Soul

Posted on 7th September 202110th January 2022 by site_admin

Support by DJ Sarge

After years of parties in Belfast, Superfly Funk and Soul Club are joining forces with Deptford Northern Soul Club with support from DJ Sarge.

Deptford Northern Soul Club are childhood friends, Will Foot and Lewis Henderson, whose early love of soul developed after discovering Lewis’ Dad’s record collection. After finally bringing their musical heritage to the forefront with their debut DJ set at Deptfords Bunker Club 4 years ago, they have since taken their unique club night around the UK, performing at the likes of Glastonbury festival and Green Man, alongside a residency at Manchester’s YES, their beloved Bunker Club and London’s Moth Club.

Whether behind a turntable, dancing out front or in discussion, their sheer love and passion for soul is infectious, as is the spark of friendship and mutual musical appreciation between the two of them. 27-years-old but with old heads on their young shoulders, they have emerged as the new face of Northern Soul, bringing the movement back into the conversation of modern dance music.

Superfly Funk and Soul began as just another regular soul night in the city but has fast become an established brand, combining a popular online radio show with a website packed with interesting content, a range of merchandise and a high energy club night!

Pete Brady’s Radio Show is committed to showcasing all that is great about today’s scene, as well as recognizing some of the amazing artists from the past. Expect to hear sounds from Curtis Mayfield and Donny Hathaway as well as some current day acts such as The Getup and Stone Foundation.

The club nights have proven to be one of the best nights out in Belfast and have continued to grow in both stature and in popularity, especially with the quality of acts who have been over to play, such as The Allergies, Smoove and Turrell and Crowd Company. Local bands such as The Organauts, Freedom 35s and Supertonic Sound Club have all played, helping to play their part in some brilliant nights.

Doors 10.00pm | Limited Unreserved Seating

Malojian: Journey Through the Past – An Afternoon of Neil Young Songs

Posted on 8th December 202114th January 2022 by site_admin

NI troubadour Malojian and Out to Lunch invite you to a very special afternoon show celebrating the music of the iconic singer songwriter Neil Young.

The show features songs from the huge Neil repertoire, with a focus on the early 1970s including songs from the albums Harvest and After the Gold Rush.

Malojian whose own music has been heavily influenced by Neil Young and his band will present their beautiful interpretations of his songs in an afternoon you soon won’t forget.

“There was a band playing in my head and I felt like getting high”

Door open 1.45pm | Unreserved Seating

Mirenda Rosenberg

Posted on 1st December 20217th January 2022 by site_admin

Born in Springfield, Illinois, Mirenda Rosenberg grew up outside Washington DC. Raised the daughter of an ordained minister, Mirenda’s musical influences were initially restricted to Christian and classical music.

The discovery of jazz and blues on her older brother’s radio opened up a whole new musical soundscape and introduced her to the likes of Billie Holliday and Bessie Smith – formative influences who remained constant companions on her musical journey.

The charismatic singer has showcased her vocal talents and performance skills throughout Ireland and even opened for the legendary Chuck Berry on two separate occasions and supported seasoned musicians such as Jack L, Bell X1, Cathy Davey and The Commitments.

A dynamic, emotionally provocative singer whose performances channel love, loss, power and desire, expect an unparalleled afternoon of soul, funk, jazz, and blues music.

Doors 2.00pm | Unreserved Seating

Rory Nellis – ‘Written & Underlined’ Album Launch

Posted on 1st December 202110th January 2022 by site_admin

Rory Nellis launches his brand new album, Written & Underlined, with a full band show at the Sunflower in Belfast.

Rory is a singer-songwriter and guitarist based in Belfast. Producing a mix of folk-pop and indie-rock stemming from musings on life, death, relationships and politics he is a natural fit for fans of Wilco, Villagers and Duke Special.

Rory has been writing and performing since he was a teenager, gaining support from the likes of BBC Radio Ulster, RTE 2FM and Hot Press Magazine. Rory has toured all around Ireland and beyond – playing festivals and venues such as The Limelight, The Atlantic Sessions, Other Voices (Dingle), Whelan’s (Dublin) and The Bluebird Cafe (Nashville).

Nellis’s second album, There Are Enough Songs in the World, was widely acclaimed, seeing him being heralded as “One of Ireland’s most naturally gifted songsmiths” by The Thin Air. As Snow Patrol’s Gary Lightbody put it at the time: “the music is sweeping. There’s magic in it”.

Doors 7.30pm | Unreserved seating

Crowd Company with DJ support Pete Brady and friends

Posted on 31st August 20217th January 2022 by site_admin

From London, Crowd Company are one of the UK’s top soul funk bands – a modern take on vintage 70s soul funk with unexpected twists and turns. Crowd Company were named as a ‘Top Release of 2019′ on the Craig Charles BBC Radio 6 show. And also their latest album was featured by Craig as a ‘Top Pick for 2020’

The band is known for rich songwriting combined with catchy hooks and features three outstanding soulful vocalists often blending exquisite harmonies. Coupled with virtuoso musicianship – in-the-pocket heavy grooves , Hammond organ, horns, tasteful guitar playing.With 2 studio albums under their belt to great acclaim their upcoming 3rd album ‘Lowdown’ takes things to a new level with rich song-writing combined with catchy hooks, inventive vocals and tight grooves. The new full-length was co-produced by Alan Evans (Soulive, Ae3) and features the renowned Ryan Zoidis and Eric Bloom from US Grammy-nominated funk band Lettuce on Sax and Trumpet on all tracks. Single releases from the album have met with rave reviews.

BBC Radio 6 Music’s Craig Charles has championed the band, playing songs from the album extensively on his BBC radio show. The single Express 76 was included in his “Best Releases of the year “ show. Craig also selected the new album as one of his picks of “hot releases of 2020” special, previewing the single ‘A New Direction’.

“Crowd Company are knocking it out of the park. Excellent, top class!” Craig Charles BBC Radio 6“A fantastic album” Robert Elms, BBC Radio London“ If you want exceptional funk Crowd Company has it!” The Huffington Post“At the forefront of the British modern funk scene.” Music-news “An Instant Classic 9/10 (about new album Lowdown) Blues & Soul magazine

Crowd Company is just as much a powerhouse on stage as they are in the studio. As well as headlining sold out gigs of their own they have toured with/ shared stages with the likes of George Porter Jr. of The Meters, Soulive, The New Mastersounds, Daptone Records’ Saun & Starr.

Doors 8.30pm | Limited Unreserved Seating

Jane Weaver – OTL ’22

Posted on 17th March 202110th January 2022 by site_admin

Abusing, evading, and obliterating 20 years of whimsical pop trends, Jane Weaver’s experience as a truly independent and resilient songwriter and sound-carrier commands respect and inspiration in equal measures.

Set for release in 2021, new album Flock is the record that she always wanted to make, the most genuine version of Jane Weaver, complete with unpretentious Day-Glo pop sensibilities, wit, kindness, humour and glamour.

As an unshakable figure in the UK’s experimental pop music landscape her self-propelled career has in recent years reached a critical zenith with unanimous praise for her work.

Raised on the enthusiasm and inspiration of Factory records founder Rob Gretton and counting Doves and Elbow as her early backing bands, Jane’s desire to cultivate and promote Manchester’s lesser-documented female musicians lead to her long-running Bird records imprint, releasing the earliest recordings of Cate Le Bon, Beth Jeans Houghton and Maxine Peake.

The Silver Globe was, in Jane’s own opinion, her most complete and realised commitment to vinyl to date and was released via her own Bird Records imprint in late 2014 garnering instant accolades.

Signing to Fire Records, 2017’s lauded follow up Modern Kosmology is a model student of second-hand Krautrock, female punk, hard-subbed new-wave, synthesizer skip-finds and unpronounceable worldly feminine pop that saw her reach another eureka moment.

Accumulated in the ‘Loops In The Secret Society’ AV tour bringing both albums together, a visual live album of the performance soon followed revealing yet another dimension to her creativity in the lab-friendly blossoming of the Weaver vision.

New album Flock is an untested fusion of seemingly unrelated compounds fused into an eco-friendly hum; pop music for post-new-normal times. Created from elements that should never date, its pop music reinvented. Still prevalent are the cosmic sounds, but it is a natural rebellion to the recent releases which sees her decidedly move away from conceptual roots in favour of writing pop music.

Jane’s lesser-known creative endeavours have also seen her contribute sound installation projects to labels via Manchester’s Boomkat experimental imprint, various international theatrical institutes as a film re-composer, as a compiler for Finders Keepers records, and as an author of children’s books based on her visual collaborations with Klunkclick (Yo Gabba Gabba / Bobby Conn).

Meanwhile her presence as a live performer has been requested by the likes of Jarvis Cocker, Guy Garvey (Meltdown), Laetitia Sadier, Richard Hawley, Josephine Foster and Gruff Rhys. Jane’s music has appeared in fashion campaigns for Chanel and Chloe plus a wide range of TV and Cinematic productions including the soundtrack to Kiss Of The Damned directed by Xan Cassevetes and on the award winning second series of Killing Eve.

Unreserved Seating | Doors 7.30pm

Dig With It: The Issue 7 Shindig

Posted on 8th December 202114th January 2022 by site_admin

With Wendy Erskine, Acoustic Dan, Susie Blue, Paula Flynn and Stephen Sexton. Presented by Stuart Bailie.

Dig With It magazine is a Belfast magazine about music, arts and Nordy culture. The title is borrowed from Seamus Heaney and the aim is to write well about our singular arts family.

Issue 7 will be launched at this special event as Dig With It celebrates its second year as a quarterly read.

Wendy Erskine will talk music and play records. Acoustic Dan and Paula Flynn will reveal new music and collaborative work. Susie Blue will preview an upcoming body of story songs, Caught, while Stephen Sexton will salute WB Yeats and the Smashing Pumpkins in his recent poetry, collection, Cheryl’s Destinies. Expect surprises.

Every ticket holder gets a free copy of the new magazine.

Doors 1.30pm | Unreserved Seating

Four Men and a Dog

Posted on 8th December 202121st January 2022 by site_admin

One of the most ferocious and exciting Irish super groups on the planet, Four Men and A Dog combine the talents of five of Ireland’s most exhilarating musicians. Blending vivacious high energy Irish ‘trad’ with Southern rock, rap, jazz, blues, bluegrass, polka, country, swing and even salsa, their live shows are a fast and infectious, furious musical force.

Four Men and a Dog made their debut performance as a band in Murphy’s Bar, Dungiven, in 1990 before going on to steal the show at the Belfast Folk Festival later that year, with a high-energy approach that combines furious traditional dance tunes with irreverent new music and inimitable covers.

Barking Mad, their debut album, snagged an award for Album of the Year from Folk Roots magazine in 1991, marking the first time that an Irish group had ever won the prize.

From then on, the band went from strength to strength, loved for the spontaneity of their live shows. The band are: percussionist Gino Lupari, accordionist Donal Murphy, banjoist Gerry O’Connor, fiddler Cathal Hayden and, Kevin Doherty as lead singer.

‘Once again, “The Dogs” are off the leash and still out there with the very best. What’s more, they’re getting better.’ – IRISH TIMES

Doors 2.30pm | Unreserved Seating

Olivia Murphy

Posted on 8th December 20217th January 2022 by site_admin

Birmingham composer/saxophonist Olivia Murphy is the recipient of Norther Irish jazz talent organisation Jazzlife Alliance’s first UK-wide Young Composer Award – a mentorship with the iconic Django Bates funded by the PRS Foundation. She will premiere music created during this mentorship.

A graduate of the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, Olivia is the only two-time winner of their Jazz Composition Prize and she has received commissions to write for the University of Birmingham Jazz Orchestra and Stone Lane Records.

She has been the composer for the National Youth Jazz Orchestra for the past two years and her varied work with them has included two sets of reimagined Amy Winehouse arrangements.

Olivia Murphy – soprano saxophone, compositions, Becca Wilkins – vocals, fx, Olly Chalk – piano

Doors 7pm | Unreserved Seating

Lucy Porter: Be Prepared

Posted on 22nd April 202128th January 2022 by site_admin

TV favourite Lucy returns with another fantastic stand-up show.

At Brownies, Lucy thought she’d be prepared for anything as long as she had her emergency 10p for a phone box and knew how to tie a Fisherman’s knot.

Life turned out to be slightly more complicated than Brown Owl let on.

Recent TV includes Would I Lie to You, QI and Impossible, she’s a regular on Radio 4’s News Quiz and The Now Show.

Doors 7.30pm | Unreserved Seating

Myles McCormack – Artist in Residence

Posted on 10th December 202110th December 2021 by site_admin

It’s a sublime and carefully crafted debut from an artist who effortlessly bridges the gap between ruminative and blissful.

Myles will be supporting artist for a host of shows across the Out to Lunch festival, details of which will be released in the coming weeks.

“It’s a gossamer and quietly emphatic first gambit from an artist who continues to set himself apart” – THE THIN AIR

“You couldn’t bring yourself to turn away even if you wanted to” – CHORDBLOSSUM

“He carries within his work an effervescent tenure to unravel mysteries and turmoil” – FOLK&LORE

Belfast Whiskey Tour

Posted on 5th August 202117th August 2021 by site_admin

The Belfast Whiskey Experience leaves from Friend at Hand Whiskey Shop, 35-43 Hill St.

Belfast was once the home of Whiskey, producing at one stage 3 million gallons a year, 60% of the Irish market. Its heritage and home as being one of the world’s most important whiskey cities has returned once again.

Belfast Whiskey Experience is an adventure into finding out the secret history of the city’s most lucrative industry. Hear the stories behind legendary brands such as Dunville’s, Cowan’s, McConnells and Jury whiskey. We work with local historians and tradespeople to give our guests the ultimate experience.

This bespoke tour will include a stop at Irelands only 100% Irish whiskey shop, tastings of reborn Belfast whiskeys and finish with a Belfast Boilermaker (Guinness and whiskey chaser) or a classic Irish Coffee.

The walking tour element of the experience uses wireless MIC system to ensure extra safety for our guests.

Meet 15 minutes before start | Walking Tour

Don Letts – There and Black Again Book Event + DJ Set

Posted on 17th June 20211st September 2021 by site_admin

Filmmaker, musician, DJ, broadcaster, social commentator, husband and father – Don Letts has always defied conformity. A British-born son of Windrush parents, he seamlessly pivoted between London’s punk and reggae scenes earning his reputation as the ‘Rebel Dread’.

In There and Black Again, Don looks back on his exceptional life, which has seen him befriend Bob Marley after sneaking into his hotel, join The Clash‘s White Riot tour as manager of The Slits, become one of the UK’s most highly regarded video directors just as the MTV boom hit, win awards and plaudits as a movie director, win a Grammy for documentary work, tour the world as a rock star in Big Audio Dynamite and then a live DJ, before becoming a renowned BBC radio DJ and educator on all things cultural.

Told in part as scenes from a movie shot on location in London, Kingston, New York City, Los Angeles, Windhoek, Salt Lake City and Goldeneye, There and Black Again co-stars a cast of hundreds, including Joe Strummer, John Lydon, Bob Marley, Chrissie Hynde, Chris Blackwell, Paul McCartney, Nelson Mandela, Keith Richards, Patti Smith, Chuck D., Malcolm McLaren and Vivienne Westwood.

With reflections on the Black Lives Matter movement and the highs and lows of personal relationships, this impactful book includes moments of civil unrest, live music, humour and political struggle. There and Black Again is the often unexpected story of a man who has never been afraid to tread his own path.

Covid protocol – CQAF small venues*

CQAF is committed to facilitating the return of live entertainment and the gradual reopening of events. We are making every effort to provide a safe environment for our audiences, artists, volunteers and staff.

Current conditions of entry are:

·Temperature check on arrival at the venue.

·Please wear a mask while queuing for indoor events and if you have to leave your seat to move around the venue. No masks necessary when seated.

·Visitors to the venues will be allocated seats as per their booking. (Please email us if there’s someone you’d like to sit with.

·1m physical distancing in line with government guideline.

·Please do not come to the event if you’re displaying any of the symptoms of Covid 19. Email us at info@cqaf.com and we’ll happily refund your tickets.

We hope you enjoy the festival. We will review these conditions of entry if COVID-19 guidelines are updated prior to the event.

* This applies to The Black Box, Oh Yeah Music Centre, The Sunflower, Deer’s Head Music Hall, The American Bar, Ulster Sports Club, 1st Presbyterian Church, The Dark Horse

Teresa Livingstone – Class

Posted on 5th August 202126th August 2021 by site_admin

Teresa Livingstone is a classy lady, at least she tries to be despite everything being a 40-something Northern Irish woman throws at her.

She spent her thirties being delighted by the success of others and her ever-fluctuating weight but her forties are here and there’s no time like the present to rewrite the rules.

As seen on BBC’s The Blame Game, Soft Border Patrol and Late Licence.

“One of the few Belfast acts moving away from traditional stand up”  The Guardian 

“With hilarious songs like “Cake and Wine” and “Nice Ladies”, no one escapes Teresa’s commentary.”  Belfast Live 

Doors 7.30pm | Unreserved Seating

Covid protocol – CQAF small venues*

Current conditions of entry are:

·Temperature check on arrival at the venue.

·Please wear a mask while queuing for indoor events and if you have to leave your seat to move around the venue. No masks necessary when seated.

·Visitors to the venues will be allocated seats as per their booking. (Please email us if there’s someone you’d like to sit with.

·1m physical distancing in line with government guideline.

·Please do not come to the event if you’re displaying any of the symptoms of Covid 19. Email us at info@cqaf.com and we’ll happily refund your tickets.

We hope you enjoy the festival. We will review these conditions of entry if COVID-19 guidelines are updated prior to the event.

* This applies to The Black Box, Oh Yeah Music Centre, The Sunflower, Deer’s Head Music Hall, The American Bar, Ulster Sports Club, 1st Presbyterian Church, The Dark Horse

Andrew Maxwell

Posted on 1st July 202120th August 2021 by site_admin

Renowned for his cutting edge comedy and intrepid social commentary, Andrew has appeared on I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here, he is also a regular on Radio 4 as the host of Welcome to Wherever You Are and he’s frequently on The News Quiz, which he has also guest hosted.

As seen on Qi (BBC Two), Live At The Apollo (BBC One), Have I Got News For You (BBC One), Celebrity Juice (ITV2) Mock The Week (BBC Two) Conspiracy Road Trip (BBC3) and High Road Low Road (rté)..

Throughout his career, Andrew has had many sell-out shows at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and has also performed at The Amnesty / Channel Four’s Secret Policeman’s Ball (alongside Eddie Izzard, Chevy Chase and Dylan Moran), Glastonbury, Kilkenny’s Cat Laughs, The HBO US Comedy Arts Festival in Las Vegas (alongside Jerry Seinfeld and Chris Rock), and several appearances at the Montreal Just for Laughs Festival.

‘…a master-class in mirth. Sublime timing, relaxed delivery style, killer punch-lines: the holy trinity of stand-up are all present and correct. Go see a craftsman at work’
The Herald

‘He remains on top of his game… a brilliantly accomplished stand-up with a powerhouse, gimmick-free set that’s hard-hitting and hilarious, politically engaged but not soapboxing, personal but not navel-gazing ‘
Chortle

Doors 7.30pm | Unreserved Seating

Covid protocol – Marquee

CQAF is committed to facilitating the return of live entertainment and the gradual reopening of events. However the safety of our audiences, artists, volunteers and staff remains paramount.

As a condition of entry, ticket holders are being asked to demonstrate their Covid status on entry by providing ONE of the following;

·Proof of full vaccination: both doses received (with the second at least 14 days prior to the event)

· Proof of a negative NHS Lateral Flow Test taken no more than 48 hours prior to your arrival at the event

· Proof of natural covid antibodies based upon a positive PCR test within 180 days of the event (including 10 days self-isolation following the result)

Karrie with Jimmy Smyth

Posted on 5th August 202120th August 2021 by site_admin

Karrie O’Sullivan Holmes is a singer/songwriter from Killarney, Co. Kerry. Jimmy Smyth is a Grammy Nominated Guitarist/Producer/Composer originally from Navan, Co. Meath

Karrie released her debut album of songs Jelly Legged – drawn from a rich well of personal experiences – in 2014. Following widespread acclaim for the album, Karrie was invited to tour with Declan O’Rourke, Mick Flannery and Mary Coughlan and including a live RTE spot with Declan O’Rourke and the RTE Concert Orchestra in the NCH, Dublin.

Her second album, Perpetual Motion brought further acclaim from musicians such as Sharon Shannon: ‘Karrie is the Irish Joni Mitchell’, Rumer and Mary Coughlan, who has recorded Karrie’s song Elbow Deep for her upcoming Album.

The current selection of tunes, about to be released on HyperTension Music, is the result of a collaboration between Karrie and Jimmy. The idea was to record and perform established tunes by their favourite artists: reflecting the Zeitgeist, and using only the ‘bare bones’ instrumentation, thus highlighting Karrie’s remarkable voice.

The CD version of the Home Thoughts album is released in Ireland and the UK on August 28th. It is released in the US on November 6th and the rest of the World on October 6th with the vinyl version to follow.

Doors 7.30pm | Unreserved Seating

Covid protocol – CQAF small venues*

Current conditions of entry are:

·Temperature check on arrival at the venue.

·Please wear a mask while queuing for indoor events and if you have to leave your seat to move around the venue. No masks necessary when seated.

·Visitors to the venues will be allocated seats as per their booking. (Please email us if there’s someone you’d like to sit with.

·1m physical distancing in line with government guideline.

·Please do not come to the event if you’re displaying any of the symptoms of Covid 19. Email us at info@cqaf.com and we’ll happily refund your tickets.

We hope you enjoy the festival. We will review these conditions of entry if COVID-19 guidelines are updated prior to the event.

* This applies to The Black Box, Oh Yeah Music Centre, The Sunflower, Deer’s Head Music Hall, The American Bar, Ulster Sports Club, 1st Presbyterian Church, The Dark Horse

Dave Arcari + The Bonnevilles

Posted on 5th August 202120th August 2021 by site_admin

Scottish guitarist & songwriter Dave Arcari’s alt.blues sounds owe as much to trash country, punk and rockabilly as they do pre-war Delta blues and have been showcased via ten internationally-acclaimed solo album releases.

Arcari’s recent album, Live at Memorial Hall, was released on Buzz Records. As well as showcasing Arcari’s trademark National steel guitars, the release features performances on banjo, regular guitar and and cigar box which help capture the full breadth of Arcari’s song-writing and performance.

With a busy live schedule in the UK plus regular shows in USA, Finland, Estonia, France, Germany, Belgium, Poland and Ireland, Arcari is one of the hardest gigging live artists on the circuit.

A series of shows with folks including Steve Earle, Alabama 3, Seasick Steve and Jon Spencer along with his relentless UK and European tour schedule have established Arcari as a formidable international solo performer who is fast building a media reputation as a ‘hell-raising National guitar madman’.

‘Dave plays like he got his skin turned inside out and pretty soon my skin was inside out too listening and it was all good. That boy bleeds for you – he a real down deep player and a soul man…’ – SEASICK STEVE

The Bonnevilles

The Bonnevilles are a no-frills guitar-and-drums two-piece from Northern Ireland who play hard-hitting roots music they call “garage punk blues.”

Formed in Lurgan and Banbridge in 2009, the Bonnevilles feature guitarist and singer Andrew McGibbon, Jr. and drummer Chris McMullan. McGibbon was a blues fan whose take on the genre was turned upside down by R.L. Burnside’s raucous collaboration with the Jon Spencer Blues Explosion, Ass Pocket of Whiskey

Teaming up with McMullan, the group began playing out and in 2010 released their debut album, Good Suits and Fightin’ Boots. The band have toured the U.K. and Europe sharing stages with the likes of Bob Log III, the Black Diamond Heavies, T-Model Ford, and Kid Congo Powers. In 2014, the band documented its powerful live show with the album Tape Saturation Overdrive: Live in Belfast.

In 2018 The Bonnevilles released their acclaimed album Dirty Photographs adding more texture to their trademark sound and cementing their reputation as one of Northern Ireland’s most vital musical exports.

Doors 7.30pm | Unreserved Seating

Covid protocol – CQAF small venues*

Current conditions of entry are:

·Temperature check on arrival at the venue.

·Please wear a mask while queuing for indoor events and if you have to leave your seat to move around the venue. No masks necessary when seated.

·Visitors to the venues will be allocated seats as per their booking. (Please email us if there’s someone you’d like to sit with.

·1m physical distancing in line with government guideline.

·Please do not come to the event if you’re displaying any of the symptoms of Covid 19. Email us at info@cqaf.com and we’ll happily refund your tickets.

We hope you enjoy the festival. We will review these conditions of entry if COVID-19 guidelines are updated prior to the event.

* This applies to The Black Box, Oh Yeah Music Centre, The Sunflower, Deer’s Head Music Hall, The American Bar, Ulster Sports Club, 1st Presbyterian Church, The Dark Horse

Dave Arcari + The Bonnevilles (Online Event)

Posted on 1st September 20212nd September 2021 by site_admin

With a busy live schedule in the UK plus regular shows in USA, Finland, Estonia, France, Germany, Belgium, Poland and Ireland, Arcari is one of the hardest gigging live artists on the circuit.

The Bonnevilles

The Bonnevilles are a no-frills guitar-and-drums two-piece from Northern Ireland who play hard-hitting roots music they call “garage punk blues.”

The Adventures + DJ support Terri Hooley

Posted on 22nd July 202120th August 2021 by site_admin

We are delighted to host this rare live show by The Adventures under our star-clothed Marquee roof.

Featuring the brilliant song writing talents of Terry Sharpe and Pat Gribben, The Adventures were one of the most influential contemporary bands of the 1980s.

Starting of their musical career as a young new wave outfit called The Starjets, The Adventures specialised in grand, sweeping pop and went on to have several hits including Send My Heart, Feel The Raindrops, Your Greatest Shade of Blue and the anthemic Broken Land in 1988 which was the most played record on Radio One that year.

The Adventures recorded four albums, Theodore And Friends, Sea Of Love, Trading Secrets With The Moon and Lions Tigers And Bears – albums which received much critical acclaim at the time and which retain their timelessness today.

The band toured the world with artists such as Fleetwood Mac and Tears For Fears while building a huge loyal following in their own right, both at home and abroad. A memorable night is guaranteed.

Doors 7.30pm | Limited Unreserved Seating

Covid protocol – Marquee

CQAF is committed to facilitating the return of live entertainment and the gradual reopening of events. However the safety of our audiences, artists, volunteers and staff remains paramount.

As a condition of entry, ticket holders are being asked to demonstrate their Covid status on entry by providing ONE of the following;

·Proof of full vaccination: both doses received (with the second at least 14 days prior to the event)

· Proof of a negative NHS Lateral Flow Test taken no more than 48 hours prior to your arrival at the event

· Proof of natural covid antibodies based upon a positive PCR test within 180 days of the event (including 10 days self-isolation following the result)

Tumble Circus presents…Cycle Circus

Posted on 5th August 202120th August 2021 by site_admin

Cycle Circus – every pedal is a revolution!

Five of Ireland’s most talented circus performers are getting on their bikes to bring their world-famous circus divilment to you!

Cycle Circus is an accessible outdoor show for all the family. It’s all human, high energy and loads of craic, celebrating circus, the human body and the bicycle!

How would you explain it to a child: There is a circus coming to town on bikes. It’s going to be deadly.

Created by Ken Fanning, Tina Segner and the Tumble Circus ensemble, Cycle Circus is inspired by Flann O’Brien’s writing and biking adventures. A performance with acrobatics, juggling, hula hoops, slapstick, bottle walking, solo and group numbers—this show is all human and all skill!

‘This is a circus that should visit every town and village for its exuberance and its humanity’ – IRISH THEATRE MAGAZINE

Cycle Circus is kindly supported by the Arts Council of Ireland.

Doors 30 mins before show | Mostly Standing Outdoor Show

Covid protocol – Marquee

CQAF is committed to facilitating the return of live entertainment and the gradual reopening of events. However the safety of our audiences, artists, volunteers and staff remains paramount.

As a condition of entry, ticket holders are being asked to demonstrate their Covid status on entry by providing ONE of the following;

·Proof of full vaccination: both doses received (with the second at least 14 days prior to the event)

· Proof of a negative NHS Lateral Flow Test taken no more than 48 hours prior to your arrival at the event

· Proof of natural covid antibodies based upon a positive PCR test within 180 days of the event (including 10 days self-isolation following the result)

Kevin McAleer

Posted on 29th October 202027th August 2021 by site_admin

In times of great crisis, it has been prophesied that a spiritual leader will emerge from the West to guide the people through the valley of fear and confusion to the promised land.

Could that leader be dwelling amongst us in the form of guruKevin McAleer, Tyrone’s answer to the Dalai Lama, inventor of Karma Chameleon Yoga, and founder of the University of Yourself™ in Strabane in 1971? Probably not.

‘Funnier than ever.’ Irish Independent

‘I’m Kevin McAleer, as the name suggests.’ Kevin McAleer

Doors 1.30pm | Unreserved Seating

Covid protocol – CQAF small venues*

Current conditions of entry are:

·Temperature check on arrival at the venue.

·Please wear a mask while queuing for indoor events and if you have to leave your seat to move around the venue. No masks necessary when seated.

·Visitors to the venues will be allocated seats as per their booking. (Please email us if there’s someone you’d like to sit with.

·1m physical distancing in line with government guideline.

·Please do not come to the event if you’re displaying any of the symptoms of Covid 19. Email us at info@cqaf.com and we’ll happily refund your tickets.

We hope you enjoy the festival. We will review these conditions of entry if COVID-19 guidelines are updated prior to the event.

* This applies to The Black Box, Oh Yeah Music Centre, The Sunflower, Deer’s Head Music Hall, The American Bar, Ulster Sports Club, 1st Presbyterian Church, The Dark Horse

Kevin McAleer (Online Event – Live Stream)

Posted on 1st September 20214th September 2021 by site_admin

If you have problems with the live stream watch it here.

In times of great crisis, it has been prophesied that a spiritual leader will emerge from the West to guide the people through the valley of fear and confusion to the promised land.

‘Funnier than ever.’ Irish Independent

‘I’m Kevin McAleer, as the name suggests.’ Kevin McAleer

Joe Caslin – ‘It’s not the wall, but what’s behind it’. – A Faculty Lecture

Posted on 5th August 202127th August 2021 by site_admin

In late 2018 Hozier released a single entitled Nina Cried Power. It is a protest song – a song that honours the freedom fighters of the past and the activists of today.

The fourth verse of the song begins with the line ‘”it’s not the wall, but what’s behind it”. That lyric was written with direct reference to the importance street art has played in shaping contemporary Ireland.

This lecture will investigate the work of Joe Caslin, as well as a number of other Irish street artists, as we consider the role their art has played in shaping our society both North and South.

Doors 1.30pm | Unreserved Seating

Covid protocol – CQAF small venues*

Current conditions of entry are:

·Temperature check on arrival at the venue.

·Please wear a mask while queuing for indoor events and if you have to leave your seat to move around the venue. No masks necessary when seated.

·Visitors to the venues will be allocated seats as per their booking. (Please email us if there’s someone you’d like to sit with.

·1m physical distancing in line with government guideline.

·Please do not come to the event if you’re displaying any of the symptoms of Covid 19. Email us at info@cqaf.com and we’ll happily refund your tickets.

We hope you enjoy the festival. We will review these conditions of entry if COVID-19 guidelines are updated prior to the event.

* This applies to The Black Box, Oh Yeah Music Centre, The Sunflower, Deer’s Head Music Hall, The American Bar, Ulster Sports Club, 1st Presbyterian Church, The Dark Horse

Leo Miyagee LP Launch / Plain Sailing Aftershow

Posted on 22nd July 202120th August 2021 by site_admin

Ulster Sports Club and CQAF have teamed up for the Launch of Leo Miyagee’s highly anticipated debut LP titled Act 3.

As part of a of a young but blossoming hip hop scene Belfast, Leo Miyagee has been setting the pace throughout the last few years.

The gig will be Leo’s first in 18 months and comes hot on the heels of his most successful year, with features on platforms such as RTE, BBC Ulster and Vice Magazine.

Plain Sailing B2B with Carlton Doom Ft MC Emby

Plain Sailing invite a selection of old and new friends, this time linking up with unofficial UKG resident Carlton Doom and MC Emby for an evening of garage, techno, breaks and everything in between. Nikki O is over from London on the warmup and the crew look forward to welcoming you back!

Doors 7.30pm | Unreserved Seating

Covid protocol – CQAF small venues*

Current conditions of entry are:

·Temperature check on arrival at the venue.

·Please wear a mask while queuing for indoor events and if you have to leave your seat to move around the venue. No masks necessary when seated.

·Visitors to the venues will be allocated seats as per their booking. (Please email us if there’s someone you’d like to sit with.

·1m physical distancing in line with government guideline.

·Please do not come to the event if you’re displaying any of the symptoms of Covid 19. Email us at info@cqaf.com and we’ll happily refund your tickets.

We hope you enjoy the festival. We will review these conditions of entry if COVID-19 guidelines are updated prior to the event.

* This applies to The Black Box, Oh Yeah Music Centre, The Sunflower, Deer’s Head Music Hall, The American Bar, Ulster Sports Club, 1st Presbyterian Church, The Dark Horse

Bronagh Gallagher

Posted on 17th June 202125th August 2021 by site_admin

Bronagh Gallagher is a singer, songwriter, and actress from Northern Ireland. She is delighted to bring her new show to this year’s Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival.

Bronagh and her band are currently in the studio recording new material, and planning the next album.

Since releasing their third album Gather Your Greatness in 2016, Bronagh and her band have toured extensively in Ireland, and also in the UK and Europe. Furthermore, Bronagh’s acting career continues to blossom, not least with a starring role in Girl From The North Country in 2018 – a new play written and directed by Conor McPherson with music and lyrics by Bob Dylan.

At the age of 17 Bronagh was cast as Bernie McGloughlin in Alan Parker’s The Commitments. Since then her music has alternated with film roles in Pulp Fiction, Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace, and Sherlock Holmes, plus theatre work in War Horse, The Street Of Crocodiles and TV dramas Pramface, The Street, and You Me And The Apocalypse.

Bronagh maintains a special place for singing, writing, producing and performing her music. Bronagh’s first album was the Meteor-nominated Precious Soul, followed by her second album Bronagh Gallagher.

‘One of the purest, clearest talents I know – a fabulous singer, bursting with raw Irish soul. Striking and original songs and an effortlessly brilliant band’– BRIAN ENO

‘Swaggering like Carole King in her golden years ‘ – **** Q

‘A deep Irish Soul record full of passion and tunes.’ – MAIL ON SUNDAY

– With Support from Reevah

Doors 7.30pm | Unreserved Seating

Covid protocol – Marquee

CQAF is committed to facilitating the return of live entertainment and the gradual reopening of events. However the safety of our audiences, artists, volunteers and staff remains paramount.

As a condition of entry, ticket holders are being asked to demonstrate their Covid status on entry by providing ONE of the following;

·Proof of full vaccination: both doses received (with the second at least 14 days prior to the event)

· Proof of a negative NHS Lateral Flow Test taken no more than 48 hours prior to your arrival at the event

· Proof of natural covid antibodies based upon a positive PCR test within 180 days of the event (including 10 days self-isolation following the result)

Bronagh Gallagher (Online Event – Live Stream)

Posted on 1st September 20212nd September 2021 by site_admin

Bronagh Gallagher is a singer, songwriter, and actress from Northern Ireland. She is delighted to bring her new show to this year’s Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival.

Bronagh and her band are currently in the studio recording new material, and planning the next album.

‘One of the purest, clearest talents I know – a fabulous singer, bursting with raw Irish soul. Striking and original songs and an effortlessly brilliant band’– BRIAN ENO

‘Swaggering like Carole King in her golden years ‘ – **** Q

‘A deep Irish Soul record full of passion and tunes.’ – MAIL ON SUNDAY

– With Support from Reevah

Crowd Company – Rescheduled

Posted on 22nd April 202131st August 2021 by site_admin

This show has been rescheduled to Saturday January 29, 8.30pm. More info.

The band is known for rich songwriting combined with catchy hooks and features three outstanding soulful vocalists often blending exquisite harmonies. Coupled with virtuoso musicianship – in-the-pocket heavy grooves , Hammond organ, horns, tasteful guitar playing.
With 2 studio albums under their belt to great acclaim their upcoming 3rd album ‘Lowdown’ takes things to a new level with rich song-writing combined with catchy hooks, inventive vocals and tight grooves. The new full-length was co-produced by Alan Evans (Soulive, Ae3) and features the renowned Ryan Zoidis and Eric Bloom from US Grammy-nominated funk band Lettuce on Sax and Trumpet on all tracks. Single releases from the album have met with rave reviews.

“Crowd Company are knocking it out of the park. Excellent, top class!” Craig Charles BBC Radio 6“A fantastic album” Robert Elms, BBC Radio London“ If you want exceptional funk Crowd Company has it!” The Huffington Post
“At the forefront of the British modern funk scene.” Music-news “An Instant Classic 9/10 (about new album Lowdown) Blues & Soul magazine

Doors 8.30pm | Limited Unreserved Seating

Covid protocol – CQAF small venues*

Current conditions of entry are:

·Temperature check on arrival at the venue.

·Please wear a mask while queuing for indoor events and if you have to leave your seat to move around the venue. No masks necessary when seated.

·Visitors to the venues will be allocated seats as per their booking. (Please email us if there’s someone you’d like to sit with.

·1m physical distancing in line with government guideline.

·Please do not come to the event if you’re displaying any of the symptoms of Covid 19. Email us at info@cqaf.com and we’ll happily refund your tickets.

We hope you enjoy the festival. We will review these conditions of entry if COVID-19 guidelines are updated prior to the event.

* This applies to The Black Box, Oh Yeah Music Centre, The Sunflower, Deer’s Head Music Hall, The American Bar, Ulster Sports Club, 1st Presbyterian Church, The Dark Horse

Kerri Ní Dochartaigh & Annemarie Ní Churreáin

Posted on 5th August 202120th August 2021 by site_admin

An afternoon featuring two of the most potent talents writing in Ireland today.

Kerri ní Dochartaigh was born in Derry-Londonderry at the very height of the Troubles. One parent was Catholic, the other was Protestant. In the space of a year they were forced out of two houses and when she was 11 a homemade petrol bomb was thrown into the family home.

Terror was in the very fabric of the city, and for families like hers, the ones who fell between the cracks of identity, it seemed there was no escape. In her hugely acclaimed memoir Thin Places, Kerri examines how nature kept her sane and helped her heal; how violence and poverty are never more than a stone’s throw from beauty and hope; and how we are, once again, allowing our borders to become hard, and terror to creep back in.

Annemarie Ní Churreáin is a poet from the Donegal Gaeltacht. Her publications include Bloodroot (Doire Press, 2017) and Town (The Salvage Press, 2018).

She is a recipient of The Next Generation Artist Award from the Arts Council and a co-recipient of The Markievicz Award. She is a former literary fellow of the Akademie Schloss Solitude in Germany.

Her second full-length poetry collection The Poison Glen is forthcoming with The Gallery Press in 2021. Visit: www.studiotwentyfive.com

Doors 1.30pm | Unreserved Seating

Covid protocol – CQAF small venues*

Current conditions of entry are:

·Temperature check on arrival at the venue.

·Please wear a mask while queuing for indoor events and if you have to leave your seat to move around the venue. No masks necessary when seated.

·Visitors to the venues will be allocated seats as per their booking. (Please email us if there’s someone you’d like to sit with.

·1m physical distancing in line with government guideline.

·Please do not come to the event if you’re displaying any of the symptoms of Covid 19. Email us at info@cqaf.com and we’ll happily refund your tickets.

We hope you enjoy the festival. We will review these conditions of entry if COVID-19 guidelines are updated prior to the event.

* This applies to The Black Box, Oh Yeah Music Centre, The Sunflower, Deer’s Head Music Hall, The American Bar, Ulster Sports Club, 1st Presbyterian Church, The Dark Horse

Hit the North

Posted on 24th June 20216th July 2021 by site_admin

On Sunday 5 September, we’ve partnered with Seedhead Arts (supported by Hennessy) to bring the Hit the North Street Art Festival back for its 9^th edition.

Hit the North brings some of the world’s finest artists to Belfast for a socially distanced gathering on Union Street and Kent Street.

Formed in 2013, Hit the North has transformed the visual landscape across the city centre and Cathedral Quarter with over 300 murals painted to date.

This year’s event will feature 50 local, national and international artists with an array of styles and techniques on show as onlookers watch the artwork develop throughout the day and with refreshments available from nearby Sunflower Bar.

Featured artists will include Fanakapan, Aches, Lucas Antics, Nerone, Friz, Decoy, Wee Nuts, JMK, FGB, Glen Molloy, Danni Simpson and Connor McClure.

Shadows and Light: The Songs and Story of Joni Mitchell

Posted on 17th December 202031st August 2021 by site_admin

Pre-Corona, Shadows and Light had been captivating audiences with their intimate show on the iconic singer – songwriter Joni Mitchell.

Their stunning interpretations of her music are performed by vocalist Maura Vambeck, Dave Mulligan on guitar and Paul Enrighton keyboard.

The show features songs from the huge Joni repertoire, including classics from the landmark Blue album, along with some of the lesser-known numbers like Hejira, Secret Place and Hissing of Summer Lawns.

Shadows and Light’s hypnotic performance of the lyrics and life of Joni is truly special, bringing you Joan Anderson, the poet, artist and mother. If you like Joni, you will love this.

Doors 1.30pm | Unreserved seating

Covid protocol – CQAF small venues*

Current conditions of entry are:

·Temperature check on arrival at the venue.

·Please wear a mask while queuing for indoor events and if you have to leave your seat to move around the venue. No masks necessary when seated.

·Visitors to the venues will be allocated seats as per their booking. (Please email us if there’s someone you’d like to sit with.

·1m physical distancing in line with government guideline.

·Please do not come to the event if you’re displaying any of the symptoms of Covid 19. Email us at info@cqaf.com and we’ll happily refund your tickets.

We hope you enjoy the festival. We will review these conditions of entry if COVID-19 guidelines are updated prior to the event.

* This applies to The Black Box, Oh Yeah Music Centre, The Sunflower, Deer’s Head Music Hall, The American Bar, Ulster Sports Club, 1st Presbyterian Church, The Dark Horse

Shadows and Light: The Songs and Story of Joni Mitchell (Online Event – Live Stream)

Posted on 1st September 20212nd September 2021 by site_admin

Pre-Corona, Shadows and Light had been captivating audiences with their intimate show on the iconic singer – songwriter Joni Mitchell.

Their stunning interpretations of her music are performed by vocalist Maura Vambeck, Dave Mulligan on guitar and Paul Enrighton keyboard.

Shadows and Light’s hypnotic performance of the lyrics and life of Joni is truly special, bringing you Joan Anderson, the poet, artist and mother. If you like Joni, you will love this.

See less

Harold and Maude

Posted on 1st July 202120th August 2021 by site_admin

Unbelievably, 2021 marks half a century since Harold and Maude first baffled and beguiled cinema goers in equal measure.

The blackest of comedies and the sweetest of romances, with a flawless cast and a stunning script. It’s taken years for Harold and Maude to be recognised for what it is: one of the most affecting and interesting movies of a decade that knew how to churn them out.

The story of an unlikely romance between 20 year old Harold (Bud Cort) and octogenarian Maude (Ruth Gordon) who meet at a funeral and find the joy in life again, is as startling, moving and funny as get out. All that and a peerless Cat Steven’s track too. You bring the hankies, we’ll bring the popcorn…

Doors 2.30pm | Unreserved Seating

Supported by Film Hub NI, part of the BFI Film Audience Network, awarding funds from National Lottery.

Covid protocol – CQAF small venues*

Current conditions of entry are:

·Temperature check on arrival at the venue.

·Please wear a mask while queuing for indoor events and if you have to leave your seat to move around the venue. No masks necessary when seated.

·Visitors to the venues will be allocated seats as per their booking. (Please email us if there’s someone you’d like to sit with.

·1m physical distancing in line with government guideline.

·Please do not come to the event if you’re displaying any of the symptoms of Covid 19. Email us at info@cqaf.com and we’ll happily refund your tickets.

We hope you enjoy the festival. We will review these conditions of entry if COVID-19 guidelines are updated prior to the event.

* This applies to The Black Box, Oh Yeah Music Centre, The Sunflower, Deer’s Head Music Hall, The American Bar, Ulster Sports Club, 1st Presbyterian Church, The Dark Horse

Abandoned NI – A Faculty Lecture

Posted on 5th August 202120th August 2021 by site_admin

There are so many questions you can ask yourself when you walk into an abandoned property.

How long has it been abandoned? Who lived here? Why did they leave? What was their life like? Often, these questions cannot be answered, but when they can, it breathes new life into the property and almost feels like going back in time.

Explore the past of Northern Ireland’s abandoned buildings in this fascinating lecture with Abandoned NI.

Doors 5.30pm | Unreserved Seating

Covid protocol – CQAF small venues*

Current conditions of entry are:

·Temperature check on arrival at the venue.

·Please wear a mask while queuing for indoor events and if you have to leave your seat to move around the venue. No masks necessary when seated.

·Visitors to the venues will be allocated seats as per their booking. (Please email us if there’s someone you’d like to sit with.

·1m physical distancing in line with government guideline.

·Please do not come to the event if you’re displaying any of the symptoms of Covid 19. Email us at info@cqaf.com and we’ll happily refund your tickets.

We hope you enjoy the festival. We will review these conditions of entry if COVID-19 guidelines are updated prior to the event.

* This applies to The Black Box, Oh Yeah Music Centre, The Sunflower, Deer’s Head Music Hall, The American Bar, Ulster Sports Club, 1st Presbyterian Church, The Dark Horse

Luka Bloom

Posted on 17th March 202127th August 2021 by site_admin

Out of the Blue is the beautiful new album by Luka Bloom. Regarded as one of Ireland’s most respected contemporary folk artists, Bloom continues to push the boundaries of what his music can do. A master interpreter, Bloom has continued to balance original songs with reinventions of tunes by a diverse range of songwriters.

Like many who write songs, Luka’s orchestra of choice is the guitar. What makes his career a little different is his constant search for a new voice within the guitar. The guitar is the landscape on which the song is created, and he is forever probing that landscape for new inspiration. No effects, no gadgets.

Time, effort and a whole lot of love bring forth new voicings within the instrument, and bit by bit, the songs come to life. And eventually they fly, bringing Luka with them to be heard in Byron Bay, San Francisco, Hamburg, or even Doolin.

‘I did my first gig in Belfast in the dark old days of 1976. I was booked by Geoff Harden to sing in The Sunflower club. And since that time I have sung in Belfast for over 40 years now. Opening for Bert Jansch in the old McMordie Hall in Queens, the Rotterdam; The Errigal, The Waterfront, to name but a few. But in recent years I have only sung my songs in The Blackbox. It is an intimate, welcoming venue, with a good sound, and great people there. We always have a good time. No opening act; just myself and my 3 guitars. A lot of songs, and the best audience in Ireland.’ – Luka Bloom

Covid protocol – CQAF small venues*

Current conditions of entry are:

·Temperature check on arrival at the venue.

·Please wear a mask while queuing for indoor events and if you have to leave your seat to move around the venue. No masks necessary when seated.

·Visitors to the venues will be allocated seats as per their booking. (Please email us if there’s someone you’d like to sit with.

·1m physical distancing in line with government guideline.

·Please do not come to the event if you’re displaying any of the symptoms of Covid 19. Email us at info@cqaf.com and we’ll happily refund your tickets.

We hope you enjoy the festival. We will review these conditions of entry if COVID-19 guidelines are updated prior to the event.

* This applies to The Black Box, Oh Yeah Music Centre, The Sunflower, Deer’s Head Music Hall, The American Bar, Ulster Sports Club, 1st Presbyterian Church, The Dark Horse

Catherine Bohart

Posted on 19th March 202127th August 2021 by site_admin

At the beginning of 2020, Catherine Bohart was busy writing a stand-up show about moving into a new home with her long-term partner and about how life in general was going pretty well.

This is not that show.

As seen and heard on Mock The Week, The Mash Report, Roast Battle, 8 Out Of 10 Cats, The Stand-Up Sketch Show, Jon Richardson: Ultimate Worrier and The Guilty Feminist podcast.

‘Destined for stardom’ Evening Standard

‘The laughs keep coming and, finally, so does a tear or two. Marvellous’ ★★★★ Times

‘Beautifully-delivered hour’ ★★★★ Skinny

‘Packed full of laughs’ ★★★★ Herald

‘A winning mixture of self-deprecation and confidence’ ★★★★ Beyond The Joke

‘A fully developed comic voice’ ★★★★ Fest

‘Truly special’ ★★★★ Edinburgh Festivals Magazine

Doors 7.30pm

Covid protocol – CQAF small venues*

Current conditions of entry are:

·Temperature check on arrival at the venue.

·Please wear a mask while queuing for indoor events and if you have to leave your seat to move around the venue. No masks necessary when seated.

·Visitors to the venues will be allocated seats as per their booking. (Please email us if there’s someone you’d like to sit with.

·1m physical distancing in line with government guideline.

·Please do not come to the event if you’re displaying any of the symptoms of Covid 19. Email us at info@cqaf.com and we’ll happily refund your tickets.

We hope you enjoy the festival. We will review these conditions of entry if COVID-19 guidelines are updated prior to the event.

* This applies to The Black Box, Oh Yeah Music Centre, The Sunflower, Deer’s Head Music Hall, The American Bar, Ulster Sports Club, 1st Presbyterian Church, The Dark Horse

Sharon Shannon

Posted on 22nd July 202120th August 2021 by site_admin

Sharon Shannon, the button accordion player from Co Clare, has recorded and toured with a who’s who of the global music industry, including Bono, Sinead O’Connor, Jackson Browne, John Prine, Steve Earle, The Chieftains, The Waterboys, Willie Nelson, Alison Krauss and Shane MacGowan.

Her 12 studio recorded albums to date have all been very different and ground-breaking mixing traditional Irish with reggae, country, Native American, bluegrass, rap, dance, and African genres.

Sharon grew up in a rural community and was part of a family that all play musical instruments and traditional Irish music. Her career took a massive upward trajectory when in the late 80s she was asked to join seminal band The Waterboys.

Her subsequent debut album was released worldwide and was to become the biggest selling record by a traditional artist in Ireland.

Among the many awards she has received including Hot Press and MeteorAwards. She received an IBAM Award in Chicago in 2015 for her ‘unique contribution to Irish Music’. Her music has been featured in several Hollywood movies and she also played a cameo role in the Neil Jordan movie Ondine.

In 2017, Sharon released her 10th studio album Sacred Earth. A groundbreaking album once again from Sharon. Produced by Justin Adams, the album mixes Irish music with African and blues and features celebrated African Musicians Abass Dodoo and Seikou Keita as well as special guests including Finbar Furey and Alyra Rose.

A true musical adventurer and a master of her craft, CQAF is proud to welcome Sharon to our 21st Festival.

Doors 7.30pm | Unreserved Seating

Covid protocol – Marquee

CQAF is committed to facilitating the return of live entertainment and the gradual reopening of events. However the safety of our audiences, artists, volunteers and staff remains paramount.

As a condition of entry, ticket holders are being asked to demonstrate their Covid status on entry by providing ONE of the following;

·Proof of full vaccination: both doses received (with the second at least 14 days prior to the event)

· Proof of a negative NHS Lateral Flow Test taken no more than 48 hours prior to your arrival at the event

· Proof of natural covid antibodies based upon a positive PCR test within 180 days of the event (including 10 days self-isolation following the result)

Séamas O’Reilly – Did Ye Hear Mammy Died?

Posted on 5th August 202120th August 2021 by site_admin

One of our online only events, we’re delighted to broadcast this conversation hosted by Hugh Odling-Smee.

Séamas O’Reilly’s mother died when he was five, leaving him, his ten brothers and sisters and their beloved father in their sprawling bungalow in rural Derry.

It was the 1990s; the Troubles were a background rumble (most of the time),and Séamas at that point was more preoccupied with dinosaurs, Star Wars and the actual location of heaven than the political climate.

Did Ye Hear Mammy Died? is a book about a family of argumentative, loud, musical, sarcastic, grief-stricken siblings, shepherded into adulthood by a man whose foibles and reticence were matched only by his love for his children and his determination that they would flourish.

It is the moving, often amusing and completely unsentimental story of a boy growing up in a family bonded by love, loss and fairly relentless mockery.

‘A heartfelt tribute to an alarmingly large family held together by a quietly heroic father’
-Arthur Mathews

‘Not only hilarious, tender, absurd, delightful and charming, but written with such skill as to render it unforgettable’
– Nina Stibbe

‘A rare and beautiful book’
– Marian Keyes

‘Tender, sad and side-splittingly funny’
– Annie MacManus

Covid protocol – CQAF small venues*

Current conditions of entry are:

·Temperature check on arrival at the venue.

·Please wear a mask while queuing for indoor events and if you have to leave your seat to move around the venue. No masks necessary when seated.

·Visitors to the venues will be allocated seats as per their booking. (Please email us if there’s someone you’d like to sit with.

·1m physical distancing in line with government guideline.

·Please do not come to the event if you’re displaying any of the symptoms of Covid 19. Email us at info@cqaf.com and we’ll happily refund your tickets.

We hope you enjoy the festival. We will review these conditions of entry if COVID-19 guidelines are updated prior to the event.

* This applies to The Black Box, Oh Yeah Music Centre, The Sunflower, Deer’s Head Music Hall, The American Bar, Ulster Sports Club, 1st Presbyterian Church, The Dark Horse

Don’t Go Gentle – A Film About IDLES

Posted on 5th August 202120th August 2021 by site_admin

Don’t Go Gentle is a film about finding strength in vulnerability.

It journeys through determination, friendship and adversity of IDLES as they fight for a place in a divided socio-political environment, unexpectedly inspiring and unifying an international community along the way.

In a time when the ground is shifting beneath our feet, where open communication and truthful reflection are more vital than ever, we journey with lead singer Joe Talbot and the band as they tear across stages, knockdown stereotypes and empower fans to face down uncomfortable realities and talk about mental health.

Doors 7.30pm | Unreserved Seating

Supported by Film Hub NI, part of the BFI Film Audience Network, awarding funds from National Lottery.

Covid protocol – CQAF small venues*

Current conditions of entry are:

·Temperature check on arrival at the venue.

·Please wear a mask while queuing for indoor events and if you have to leave your seat to move around the venue. No masks necessary when seated.

·Visitors to the venues will be allocated seats as per their booking. (Please email us if there’s someone you’d like to sit with.

·1m physical distancing in line with government guideline.

·Please do not come to the event if you’re displaying any of the symptoms of Covid 19. Email us at info@cqaf.com and we’ll happily refund your tickets.

We hope you enjoy the festival. We will review these conditions of entry if COVID-19 guidelines are updated prior to the event.

* This applies to The Black Box, Oh Yeah Music Centre, The Sunflower, Deer’s Head Music Hall, The American Bar, Ulster Sports Club, 1st Presbyterian Church, The Dark Horse

Hatchet Field/Robyn G. Shiels

Posted on 5th August 202126th August 2021 by site_admin

CQAF is delighted to host to a rare showcase by Belfast DIY imprint Black Tragick Records. It doubles as the official launch of Survival Is Triumph Enough, the masterfully skeletal debut EP by Belfast musician Hornby, aka Hatchet Field.

The virtuoso former guitar player with WeAreKnives, The Continuous Battle Of Order and others, Hornby says the new project is fuelled by the desire to do something radically different to what came before, as well as “an unhealthy obsession” with Harry Crews and Ola Belle Reed.

The show will also feature a set by an artist that truly needs no introduction, but here’s one anyway: NI Music Prize-winning doom-folk master and Black Tragick main man Robyn G Shiels. Don’t ask him where the bodies are buried – you’d just be wasting your time.

The Thin Air DJs will also be floating about to make sure the deathly ether isn’t all-consuming.

Doors 7.30pm | Unreserved Seating

Covid protocol – CQAF small venues*

Current conditions of entry are:

·Temperature check on arrival at the venue.

·Please wear a mask while queuing for indoor events and if you have to leave your seat to move around the venue. No masks necessary when seated.

·Visitors to the venues will be allocated seats as per their booking. (Please email us if there’s someone you’d like to sit with.

·1m physical distancing in line with government guideline.

·Please do not come to the event if you’re displaying any of the symptoms of Covid 19. Email us at info@cqaf.com and we’ll happily refund your tickets.

We hope you enjoy the festival. We will review these conditions of entry if COVID-19 guidelines are updated prior to the event.

* This applies to The Black Box, Oh Yeah Music Centre, The Sunflower, Deer’s Head Music Hall, The American Bar, Ulster Sports Club, 1st Presbyterian Church, The Dark Horse

Grainne Duffy

Posted on 17th June 202120th August 2021 by site_admin

Grainne Duffy is a contemporary blues artist hailing from Castleblayney, Co. Monaghan.

Described by The Sunday Times as ‘a blues singer of real integrity’, Grainne Duffy is a pioneer of her own style while also paying sincere homage to her roots, soul, blues and rock traditions.

She is a seasoned artist and has been spending the last number of years touring in Europe, Scandinavia, Canada and beyond. Some highlights thus far have included 3 performances at Glastonbury Festival, Phuket Festival in Thailand, Notodden Festival, Norway and Dark Season Festival in Svalbard, in the Arctic Circle.

Grainne recently released her third album Voodoo Blues to sensational reviews and it follows the success of her debut roots album and her second album which weaved together her contemporary influences with her blues and soul roots.

Her Live album recorded on tour in Germany, released earlier last year earned her a 9/10 review in The Blues Magazine, quoting ‘few possess her killer combination of vocal strength, range and intensity, guitar virtuosity and ability to engage audiences’ ‘this is one of the best live CDs of the year’.

With a voice that is as passionate as it is raw and honest, accompanied by simple, melodic and well phrased guitar lines, contemporary Blues has found a new hero.

‘She’s the real deal’ Classic Rock Magazine ‘A blues singer of real integrity’ The Sunday Times

‘Deliciously soulful voice & gutsy blues inflected guitar work in one compelling package’ Guitarist Magazine<

Covid protocol – CQAF small venues*

Current conditions of entry are:

·Temperature check on arrival at the venue.

·Please wear a mask while queuing for indoor events and if you have to leave your seat to move around the venue. No masks necessary when seated.

·Visitors to the venues will be allocated seats as per their booking. (Please email us if there’s someone you’d like to sit with.

·1m physical distancing in line with government guideline.

·Please do not come to the event if you’re displaying any of the symptoms of Covid 19. Email us at info@cqaf.com and we’ll happily refund your tickets.

We hope you enjoy the festival. We will review these conditions of entry if COVID-19 guidelines are updated prior to the event.

* This applies to The Black Box, Oh Yeah Music Centre, The Sunflower, Deer’s Head Music Hall, The American Bar, Ulster Sports Club, 1st Presbyterian Church, The Dark Horse

Joanne McNally

Posted on 28th May 202127th August 2021 by site_admin

Joanne McNally has sold out Vicar Street for 10 consecutive nights next year so we’re delighted she is bringing her brand-new show The Prosecco Express to CQAF.

The world around her is getting married, having children and streaming off to buy slow cooker crock pots and buggies. Joanne owns nothing and has birthed nothing and despite some ABSOLUTELY MASSIVE (incredibly minor) comedic achievements, her mother is still trying to convince her to go back and study nursing.

Due to her thirties age box, Joanne spends her weekends celebrating other people’s milestones at their garden parties drinking prosecco out of jam jars. She is full of questions, her main one being if she doesn’t have a child, who will be obligated to watch her die so she doesn’t have to do it alone? She’s a people’s person, she’s just not sure she’s a raising people’s person.

And what if she doesn’t marry anyone, is she prepared to face her biggest fear of being buried with her mother? And once her mother reads this, will she retract her offer? Joanne tackles the trials and tribulations of modern life with hilarious, charming, irreverence. Joanne wants you to know that she wrote this herself, but stands by the previous line 100%.

Doors 7.30pm | Unreserved Seating

Covid protocol – Marquee

CQAF is committed to facilitating the return of live entertainment and the gradual reopening of events. However the safety of our audiences, artists, volunteers and staff remains paramount.

As a condition of entry, ticket holders are being asked to demonstrate their Covid status on entry by providing ONE of the following;

·Proof of full vaccination: both doses received (with the second at least 14 days prior to the event)

· Proof of a negative NHS Lateral Flow Test taken no more than 48 hours prior to your arrival at the event

· Proof of natural covid antibodies based upon a positive PCR test within 180 days of the event (including 10 days self-isolation following the result)

Belfast: The Home of Irish Radicals – A Faculty Lecture

Posted on 5th August 202127th August 2021 by site_admin

This lecture starts at the beginning of the 1700’s when the penal laws are being enacted to the detriment of Presbyterians and Catholics in Ireland, they both greatly suffered.

Up to 1740’s many left Ireland for the USA (mainly Presbyterian) to be free of ‘English Tyranny’. The Ascendency had copper-fastened their iron grip on Ireland at the expense of her poor and dispossessed.

Things were about to change – the Ulster Presbyterians had had enough, they joined intellectual forces with others of the Enlightenment age of the time. Readings of Thomas Paine and Mary Wollstonecraft and the Rights of Man became common and Belfast was called the ‘Athens of the North’

Great change was coming and it was being led by the United Irishmen who would carve out Belfast as the radical thinking city of Ireland and these islands. Modernity was being born and Ulster men and women would be its vanguard!

Join Sean Napier in this Faculty lecture which explores the years leading up to 1798 and their lasting legacy.

Doors 7.00pm | Unreserved Seating

Covid protocol – CQAF small venues*

Current conditions of entry are:

·Temperature check on arrival at the venue.

·Please wear a mask while queuing for indoor events and if you have to leave your seat to move around the venue. No masks necessary when seated.

·Visitors to the venues will be allocated seats as per their booking. (Please email us if there’s someone you’d like to sit with.

·1m physical distancing in line with government guideline.

·Please do not come to the event if you’re displaying any of the symptoms of Covid 19. Email us at info@cqaf.com and we’ll happily refund your tickets.

We hope you enjoy the festival. We will review these conditions of entry if COVID-19 guidelines are updated prior to the event.

* This applies to The Black Box, Oh Yeah Music Centre, The Sunflower, Deer’s Head Music Hall, The American Bar, Ulster Sports Club, 1st Presbyterian Church, The Dark Horse

Rich Hall

Posted on 5th August 202123rd August 2021 by site_admin

The award-winning Montana native is renowned for his expertly crafted tirades, quick-fire banter with audiences and delightful musical sequences.

Rich, who has won the Perrier Award (Edinburgh Comedy Festival) and Barry Award, (Melbourne International Comedy Festival) has been described as a transatlantic messenger, lampooning each country he visits with his laser-guided observations.

He has fronted the hugely successful BBC Four documentaries Rich Hall’s Red Menace, Rich Hall’s Working For The American Dream, Rich Hall’s Countrier Than You, Rich Hall’s Presidential Grudge Match, Rich Hall’s California Stars, Rich Hall’s You Can Go To Hell, I’m Going To Texas, and Rich Hall’s Inventing the Indian.

In addition, he has appeared on BBC One’s QI, Live At The Apollo and Have I Got News For You, he wrote and starred in his own reoccurring BBC Radio 4show Rich Hall’s (US Election) Breakdown.

‘Rich Hall is a comedy phenomenon’ – THE TELEGRAPH

‘Creeps up on you and ambushes your funny bone like no one else’ – THE SCOTSMAN

‘Top drawer stuff from a comedian who just seems to get better and better’ STV

Covid protocol – Marquee

CQAF is committed to facilitating the return of live entertainment and the gradual reopening of events. However the safety of our audiences, artists, volunteers and staff remains paramount.

As a condition of entry, ticket holders are being asked to demonstrate their Covid status on entry by providing ONE of the following;

·Proof of full vaccination: both doses received (with the second at least 14 days prior to the event)

· Proof of a negative NHS Lateral Flow Test taken no more than 48 hours prior to your arrival at the event

· Proof of natural covid antibodies based upon a positive PCR test within 180 days of the event (including 10 days self-isolation following the result)

Gwenifer Raymond

Posted on 22nd April 20216th September 2021 by site_admin

In 2017 she released her first single Sometimes There’s Blood and released her debut album You Never Were Much of a Dancer in June of 2018 to worldwide acclaim.

Listeners who enjoyed her unmistakable virtuosity on the guitar and banjo, as well as the adventurous musical journey her debut album travelled through, can expect nothing less from this new release.

Doors 7.30pm | Unreserved Seating

Covid protocol – CQAF small venues*

Current conditions of entry are:

·Temperature check on arrival at the venue.

·Please wear a mask while queuing for indoor events and if you have to leave your seat to move around the venue. No masks necessary when seated.

·Visitors to the venues will be allocated seats as per their booking. (Please email us if there’s someone you’d like to sit with.

·1m physical distancing in line with government guideline.

·Please do not come to the event if you’re displaying any of the symptoms of Covid 19. Email us at info@cqaf.com and we’ll happily refund your tickets.

We hope you enjoy the festival. We will review these conditions of entry if COVID-19 guidelines are updated prior to the event.

* This applies to The Black Box, Oh Yeah Music Centre, The Sunflower, Deer’s Head Music Hall, The American Bar, Ulster Sports Club, 1st Presbyterian Church, The Dark Horse

Nabil Abdulrashid: N.A.B.I.L. (Nobody Actually Believed I’d Last)

Posted on 19th March 202120th August 2021 by site_admin

After reaching the final of Britain’s Got Talent 2020, Nabil Abdulrashid brings his brand-new stand-up show on tour.

From growing up under military rule in northern Nigeria to falling into legal trouble as a teenager in south London, join Nabil as he recollects the remarkable, chaotic and sometimes tragic (but always hilarious) story of his life so far.

Expect a night of “unapologetically funny” (Telegraph) stand-up as Nabil charts his journey from humble beginnings (and middles) to one of UK comedy’s most talked about rising stars.

He’s the star by a wide margin… animated by a sardonic intelligence and sharp eye for the absurdities of racial discourse
The Guardian (10 Best Comedy Shows of 2020)

Defiant and fearless
The Metro

Hilarious
The Radio Times

Absolutely brilliant, a breath of fresh air
Alesha Dixon

Too funny. A really refreshing comic voice
David Walliams

Covid protocol – CQAF small venues*

Current conditions of entry are:

·Temperature check on arrival at the venue.

·Please wear a mask while queuing for indoor events and if you have to leave your seat to move around the venue. No masks necessary when seated.

·Visitors to the venues will be allocated seats as per their booking. (Please email us if there’s someone you’d like to sit with.

·1m physical distancing in line with government guideline.

·Please do not come to the event if you’re displaying any of the symptoms of Covid 19. Email us at info@cqaf.com and we’ll happily refund your tickets.

We hope you enjoy the festival. We will review these conditions of entry if COVID-19 guidelines are updated prior to the event.

* This applies to The Black Box, Oh Yeah Music Centre, The Sunflower, Deer’s Head Music Hall, The American Bar, Ulster Sports Club, 1st Presbyterian Church, The Dark Horse

Ciaran Lavery

Posted on 5th August 20211st September 2021 by site_admin

Ciaran Lavery’s Plz Stay, bb was born out of a period of personal and professional turmoil. Ciaran was nearing the end of delivering his last album, 2018’s Sweet Decay, and it had been a difficult process. It was then that he started to write again, and the beguiling single October, with its dreamy electronica and soft vocals, was the song to kick start his new album.

The title itself, Plz Stay, bb, was a note that Ciaran had written to himself, as a message of self care. But this is not the maudlin album of a sensitive singer-songwriter. Among autobiographical themes, he bravely tackles the competitiveness of the music industry, laying bare his jealousy of other seemingly more successful artists with witty honesty in Oh Fuck, and in the desperation of the urgent Bella Union, on which the vocal groove and funky bassline add a trip-hop vibe to repeated lyrics “Now I’m hungry again, I’ve got to get it together”. It shimmers with subtle electronica, warm vocals and driving rhythms – and lyrics that tell it just how it is, with plenty of self-motivation thrown in.

Having grown up in Aghagallon in County Antrim, Ciaran wanted to break free from the preconceptions surrounding Irish singer-songwriters. With Plz Stay, bb he pushed himself, while retaining the distinctive warm vocals and finger-picked guitar of his previous releases that have been nominated for and won the Northern Ireland Music Prize (2016’s Let Bad In).

Ciaran listened to Thom Yorke’s The Eraser, Mitski’s Be The Cowboy, Bjork’s Debut, and that 90s-defining hip-hop album by the Beastie Boys, Ill Communication – and his music sees a heightened energy, as percussion is brought to the forefront.

Ciaran counts Zane Lowe as a fan, and in 2016 he was one of 30 artists hand-selected by Willie Nelson to play at his Luck ranch in Texas. With well over 120,000,000 plays on Spotify and 30,000 followers, the plaudits keep coming Ciaran’s way.

Doors 7.30pm | Unreserved Seating<

Covid protocol – CQAF small venues*

Current conditions of entry are:

·Temperature check on arrival at the venue.

·Please wear a mask while queuing for indoor events and if you have to leave your seat to move around the venue. No masks necessary when seated.

·Visitors to the venues will be allocated seats as per their booking. (Please email us if there’s someone you’d like to sit with.

·1m physical distancing in line with government guideline.

·Please do not come to the event if you’re displaying any of the symptoms of Covid 19. Email us at info@cqaf.com and we’ll happily refund your tickets.

We hope you enjoy the festival. We will review these conditions of entry if COVID-19 guidelines are updated prior to the event.

* This applies to The Black Box, Oh Yeah Music Centre, The Sunflower, Deer’s Head Music Hall, The American Bar, Ulster Sports Club, 1st Presbyterian Church, The Dark Horse

Lisa Hannigan

Posted on 1st July 202125th August 2021 by site_admin

Lisa Hannigan’s last record was Live in Dublin made with experimental orchestral collectives t a r g a z e in Dublin’s National Concert Hall, and was released in May 2019.

This live record followed Hannigan’s critically acclaimed third full-length studio album, At Swim produced byAaron Dessner. Across it’s fourteen tracks –Live In Dublin includes songs from Lisa’s first three albums, with the likes of Ora, Lille, Fall, Little Bird, A Sail and Undertow.

Hannigan’s delicate vocals and soft-plucked guitars and mandolin are delivered against a hypnotic backdrop of sublime waltzing keys, affective string sections and minimalist percussion.

As well as featuring tracks in TV series’ Fargo and Legion, Lisa also sings on the Oscar winning soundtrack to Gravity.

In the past few years she found her acting voice, playing Blue Diamond in Cartoon Network’s Steven Universe and Bronagh in Cartoon Saloon’s Oscar-nominated film Song of the Sea. Outside of her own album and soundtrack releases, Lisa has contributed vocals toThe National albums I Am Easy to Find and Sleep Well Beast and also sang on Big Red Machine’s eponymous first album.

Over the course of her extensive career to date Lisa has appeared at festivals all over the world, and live TV appearances such as the Tonight show with Jay Leno,The Late Late Show with James Corden, and The Colbert Report with Stephen Colbert, the Mercury Music prize and Later with Jools Holland.

The special CQAF appearance comes at a time when Lisa is currently at work on her fourth studio album and promises to be a true festival highlight.

– With Support from Reevah

Doors 7.30PM | Unreserved Seating

Covid protocol – Marquee

CQAF is committed to facilitating the return of live entertainment and the gradual reopening of events. However the safety of our audiences, artists, volunteers and staff remains paramount.

As a condition of entry, ticket holders are being asked to demonstrate their Covid status on entry by providing ONE of the following;

·Proof of full vaccination: both doses received (with the second at least 14 days prior to the event)

· Proof of a negative NHS Lateral Flow Test taken no more than 48 hours prior to your arrival at the event

· Proof of natural covid antibodies based upon a positive PCR test within 180 days of the event (including 10 days self-isolation following the result)

Native Harrow

Posted on 17th March 202120th August 2021 by site_admin

Native Harrow – the Pennsylvania duo of Devin Tuel and Stephen Harms with “twilight twang and vintage vibes” (Rolling Stone) come to Belfast following the release of Closeness on Loose records.

Featuring ten new, original songs Closeness is a reflection on time’s inexorable churn and the fragility of life, a stirring collection that imbues impeccably crafted Laurel Canyon folk, baroque pop, and rootsy psychedelia with radical empathy and open-hearted solidarity.

The result is a masterful collision of nostalgia and immediacy, a recombination of timeless influences performed with care and precision. Whether it’s the blissful chime of Even Peace, the hand-clap folk-soul of If I Could, or the sighing jazz of Turn Turn, Native Harrow exhibit an uncanny ability to elevate Tuel’s searching examinations of struggle, perseverance, solitude, and togetherness into an enveloping cocoon of sound and melody.

Closeness follows Native Harrow’s 2019 album Happier Now, which Paste called “timeless — its healing qualities shouldn’t be underestimated” and which Americana UK deemed “a captivating, almost mesmeric album of the highest quality.”

‘Exquisite. Expect forays into Desert Funk, warm 70’s groove, jazz and piano balladry’ – UNCUT

Razor-sharp folk rock – MOJO

Covid protocol – CQAF small venues*

Current conditions of entry are:

·Temperature check on arrival at the venue.

·Please wear a mask while queuing for indoor events and if you have to leave your seat to move around the venue. No masks necessary when seated.

·Visitors to the venues will be allocated seats as per their booking. (Please email us if there’s someone you’d like to sit with.

·1m physical distancing in line with government guideline.

·Please do not come to the event if you’re displaying any of the symptoms of Covid 19. Email us at info@cqaf.com and we’ll happily refund your tickets.

We hope you enjoy the festival. We will review these conditions of entry if COVID-19 guidelines are updated prior to the event.

* This applies to The Black Box, Oh Yeah Music Centre, The Sunflower, Deer’s Head Music Hall, The American Bar, Ulster Sports Club, 1st Presbyterian Church, The Dark Horse

Robocobra Quartet

Posted on 1st July 20214th September 2021 by site_admin

Improvisation and experimentation is at the core of Robocobra Quartet’s DNA, whether it be in the fluidity of their line-up (six musicians tagging in and out to make up the live touring quartet) or in their unique self-produced records which flirt with the likes of choral groups and string sections – almost intentionally at odds with their ostensible roots as a post-punk band.

These juxtapositions are just the beginning of the complex world of Robocobra Quartet– a band serious about their music but humorous in their approach; a band consisting of members with no musical training alongside members with backgrounds in music tuition and with European music conservatoire pedigree. The result is a group of musicians inspired by Stravinsky and Black Flag in equal measures.

The free nature of the band’s live shows led to them being embraced early on by jazz and prog fanatics just as much as rock fans – once finding themselves in Europe touring a jazz club one night, a house show the next and a pop festival the night after that.

These unmatched live performances often channel-hop from moments of joy and playfulness to periods of intense fury, earning the band invitations to Montreux Jazz Festival, Latitude Festival and as far as Inversia Festival in the polar north of Russia whilst receiving acclaim from the likes of The Quietus, Jazzwise and BBC Radio 6.

“Fugazi meets Mingus.” – Drowned in Sound

“A cunning marriage of jazz, spoken word and punk” – The Quietus

“Exploratory pioneers.” – BBC Radio 3 Late Junction

Doors 7.30pm | Limited Unreserved Seating

Covid protocol – CQAF small venues*

Current conditions of entry are:

·Temperature check on arrival at the venue.

·Please wear a mask while queuing for indoor events and if you have to leave your seat to move around the venue. No masks necessary when seated.

·Visitors to the venues will be allocated seats as per their booking. (Please email us if there’s someone you’d like to sit with.

·1m physical distancing in line with government guideline.

·Please do not come to the event if you’re displaying any of the symptoms of Covid 19. Email us at info@cqaf.com and we’ll happily refund your tickets.

We hope you enjoy the festival. We will review these conditions of entry if COVID-19 guidelines are updated prior to the event.

* This applies to The Black Box, Oh Yeah Music Centre, The Sunflower, Deer’s Head Music Hall, The American Bar, Ulster Sports Club, 1st Presbyterian Church, The Dark Horse

Film Event – Eat the Document – SOLD OUT

Posted on 28th May 202120th August 2021 by site_admin

We couldn’t celebrate Dylan’s 80^th birthday properly in May but this September we’re thrilled to be screening the little seen, much talked about Eat the Document.

After the seminal No Direction Home, Dylan rehired documentary maker extraordinaire DA Pennebaker again for his candle-burning-at-both-ends 1966 European tour with the Hawks (who were soon to morph into The Band).

In the end Dylan rejected Pennebaker’s rough edit, titled Something Is Happening, in favour of his own reworking. Hence was born the notorious Eat The Document.

Dylan’s uncompromising anti-documentary has only been shown a handful of times and never been released on home video. Too bad. It may be a challenging watch at times, but it rewards with some incredible live clips and an idiosyncratically beautiful cinematography. It also offers unique insight into Dylan’s amphetamine-frazzled mid-’60s psyche. We can’t think of a better way to mark the great man’s 80^th.

Doors 7.30pm | Unreserved Seating

Supported by Film Hub NI, part of the BFI Film Audience Network, awarding funds from National Lottery.

Covid protocol – CQAF small venues*

Current conditions of entry are:

·Temperature check on arrival at the venue.

·Please wear a mask while queuing for indoor events and if you have to leave your seat to move around the venue. No masks necessary when seated.

·Visitors to the venues will be allocated seats as per their booking. (Please email us if there’s someone you’d like to sit with.

·1m physical distancing in line with government guideline.

·Please do not come to the event if you’re displaying any of the symptoms of Covid 19. Email us at info@cqaf.com and we’ll happily refund your tickets.

We hope you enjoy the festival. We will review these conditions of entry if COVID-19 guidelines are updated prior to the event.

* This applies to The Black Box, Oh Yeah Music Centre, The Sunflower, Deer’s Head Music Hall, The American Bar, Ulster Sports Club, 1st Presbyterian Church, The Dark Horse

Niamh Murray – SOLD OUT

Posted on 22nd July 202120th August 2021 by site_admin

Niamh Murray is a singer-songwriter from Lurgan, who has been writing songs since she was thirteen, but has only now begun to pursue her dream of performing her own music.

Classically trained, and having studied music, recently graduating with a 1^st in her BMus degree, her background of classical and choral music has taught her so much about using her voice and emotionally connecting with her songs.

This, in combination with impressive guitar skills, has helped her create a unique sound in her song production. She has made several videos of her own songs with the highly regarded ‘Houseband’ and is working closely with a team at Magysfarm Collective including Dana Masters, Jude Johnstone (Nashville) and producers Peter Doherty and Rocky O’Reilly.

Having recently performed at the virtual Women’s Work Festival 2021, Niamh is embarking on a series of post-lockdown live gigs with an exceptional new band. Her debut single, Miss Your Smile is about to be released and is creating a considerable buzz in the industry.

Band: Liam Bradley: drums, John Hodge: bass, Peter Doherty: guitar, John McCullough: keys, Cara Quinn: backing vocals, Lara ‘O’Donnell: backing vocals.

Doors 7.30pm | Unreserved Seating

Covid protocol – CQAF small venues*

Current conditions of entry are:

·Temperature check on arrival at the venue.

·Please wear a mask while queuing for indoor events and if you have to leave your seat to move around the venue. No masks necessary when seated.

·Visitors to the venues will be allocated seats as per their booking. (Please email us if there’s someone you’d like to sit with.

·1m physical distancing in line with government guideline.

·Please do not come to the event if you’re displaying any of the symptoms of Covid 19. Email us at info@cqaf.com and we’ll happily refund your tickets.

We hope you enjoy the festival. We will review these conditions of entry if COVID-19 guidelines are updated prior to the event.

* This applies to The Black Box, Oh Yeah Music Centre, The Sunflower, Deer’s Head Music Hall, The American Bar, Ulster Sports Club, 1st Presbyterian Church, The Dark Horse

Niamh Murray (Online Event – Live Stream)

Posted on 1st September 20219th September 2021 by site_admin

If you have any issues with the live stream, click here to watch on Youtube.

Niamh Murray is a singer-songwriter from Lurgan, who has been writing songs since she was thirteen, but has only now begun to pursue her dream of performing her own music.

Band: Liam Bradley: drums, John Hodge: bass, Peter Doherty: guitar, John McCullough: keys, Cara Quinn: backing vocals, Lara ‘O’Donnell: backing vocals.

Paul Currie – ‘Teet’

Posted on 22nd July 20216th September 2021 by site_admin

TEET is award winning comedian and writer Paul Currie’s 7th hour long stand-up solo show.

Come, immerse yourself into the steamy hot waters of TEET as Paul Currie dissolves, froths and fizzes all around you like a cleansing laugh’ender bath bomb.

‘TEET will scratch and burrow into the cotton cuticles of human empathy and attempt to expose how we are all still suckling and biting on the teet of Mother Nature. We are by no means “developed” or “civilised”. Teet can only ever be an absurdist show because humanity itself is the one truly moronic animal on this planet. So it’s time we woke up and punched a hole through the shit blanket of mediocrity that we have all personally hand stitched and draped over ourselves.’ – Paul Currie

So just come and leave all your preconceptions of stand-up comedy at the door. For fans of Andy Kaufman, Samuel Beckett and The Muppet Show.

“He’s fast developing a cult following. Everything Currie does has the spirit of Vic & Bob, The Young Ones and everything surreal that’s come before or since” ★★★★ EdFest magazine

“Paul Currie is a disturbingly brilliant comic.” ★★★★★Broadway Baby

“I wish I’d seen him sooner. I’ll be back to see him every year. My favourite comedy show of the Fringe this year.” STEWART LEE

“Currie is easily the King of the Fringe.” ★★★★★Voice Magazine

Doors 7.30pm | Unreserved Seating

Covid protocol – CQAF small venues*

Current conditions of entry are:

·Temperature check on arrival at the venue.

·Please wear a mask while queuing for indoor events and if you have to leave your seat to move around the venue. No masks necessary when seated.

·Visitors to the venues will be allocated seats as per their booking. (Please email us if there’s someone you’d like to sit with.

·1m physical distancing in line with government guideline.

·Please do not come to the event if you’re displaying any of the symptoms of Covid 19. Email us at info@cqaf.com and we’ll happily refund your tickets.

We hope you enjoy the festival. We will review these conditions of entry if COVID-19 guidelines are updated prior to the event.

* This applies to The Black Box, Oh Yeah Music Centre, The Sunflower, Deer’s Head Music Hall, The American Bar, Ulster Sports Club, 1st Presbyterian Church, The Dark Horse

John Murry

Posted on 1st July 202120th August 2021 by site_admin

John Murry’s third album is starlit and wondrous, like being wrapped in the softest black velvet. It’s an album of startling imagery and insinuating melodies, unsparing intimacy and twisted beauty.

Murry’s previous two albums had been responses to specific traumas: the centrepiece of his debut,The Graceless Age– the astonishing Little Colored Balloons– told of his near death from a heroin overdose; its follow-up, A Short of History of Decay, was recorded in the wake of Murry’s marriage failing.The Stars Are God’s Bullet Holes, coming six years after Murry left the US for Ireland, is the result of a period of stability, though in Murry’s case it’s all relative.

The result is a record that shares its predecessors’ lyrical ingenuity, but this time the sadness is shot through with humour, albeit a spectacularly black humour. Recorded at Rockfield Studio near Monmouth in Wales with producerJohn Parish(PJ Harvey, Eels, Aldous Harding, This Is the Kit).

The Stars Are God’s Bullet Holes is an album to dive deep into and submerge yourself in, and to emerge from aware that this world is a remarkable place, and thatJohn Murry is a remarkable artist.The Stars Are God’s Bullet Holes was released June 26 on Submarine Cat Records.

Doors 7.30PM | Unreserved Limited Seating

Covid protocol – CQAF small venues*

Current conditions of entry are:

·Temperature check on arrival at the venue.

·Please wear a mask while queuing for indoor events and if you have to leave your seat to move around the venue. No masks necessary when seated.

·Visitors to the venues will be allocated seats as per their booking. (Please email us if there’s someone you’d like to sit with.

·1m physical distancing in line with government guideline.

·Please do not come to the event if you’re displaying any of the symptoms of Covid 19. Email us at info@cqaf.com and we’ll happily refund your tickets.

We hope you enjoy the festival. We will review these conditions of entry if COVID-19 guidelines are updated prior to the event.

* This applies to The Black Box, Oh Yeah Music Centre, The Sunflower, Deer’s Head Music Hall, The American Bar, Ulster Sports Club, 1st Presbyterian Church, The Dark Horse

Erland Cooper – Rescheduled

Posted on 22nd November 20196th September 2021 by site_admin

This show has been rescheduled to Thursday 27 January, 8.00pm. More info.

His second solo album, Sule Skerry, was released last year as the second in a triptych shaped by Orkney’s air, sea and land, as it was celebrated by Orcadian poet George Mackay Brown.

While his acclaimed first solo record Solan Goose paid homage to Orkney’s birdlife, Cooper turns his attention to the North Sea in Sule Skerry.

This promises to be a highlight of our 2020 festival.

Doors 7:30pm | Unreserved Seating

Covid protocol – CQAF small venues*

Current conditions of entry are:

·Temperature check on arrival at the venue.

·Please wear a mask while queuing for indoor events and if you have to leave your seat to move around the venue. No masks necessary when seated.

·Visitors to the venues will be allocated seats as per their booking. (Please email us if there’s someone you’d like to sit with.

·1m physical distancing in line with government guideline.

·Please do not come to the event if you’re displaying any of the symptoms of Covid 19. Email us at info@cqaf.com and we’ll happily refund your tickets.

We hope you enjoy the festival. We will review these conditions of entry if COVID-19 guidelines are updated prior to the event.

* This applies to The Black Box, Oh Yeah Music Centre, The Sunflower, Deer’s Head Music Hall, The American Bar, Ulster Sports Club, 1st Presbyterian Church, The Dark Horse

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CfoQgiapJ04

Michael Gray: Bob Dylan’s Greatest Rejected Album Tracks

Posted on 14th May 202120th August 2021 by site_admin

We’re delighted to bring back the pioneer of Dylan Studies, Michael Gray, author of Song & Dance Man III: The Art Of Bob Dylan and The Bob Dylan Encyclopedia.

This time he’ll be discussing, and playing, his choice of the greatest tracks Dylan ever left off his own albums – not outtake versions of album tracks, but songs Bob recorded at the sessions and then rejected altogether… and yet are major works.

His books may be immense but there’s nothing dry about Michael’s talks, and he has been in demand on North American college campuses and in the UK & Ireland at arts theatres, arts centres and festivals.

Michael Gray has appeared at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in Ohio, the University of Texas at Austin, was a keynote speaker at Dylan Conferences at the universities of Vienna, Bristol, Cardiff, Munich and Southern Denmark. He has spoken at the Einstein Forum in Potsdam, the University of Oslo, York Festival of Ideas, three times at Goldsmiths College London, and arts festivals from Bath to the Shetlands.

Michael Gray’s events are always lively, spontaneous and acute, and offer a thoroughly entertaining, fresh account of Dylan’s achievement.

Doors 7.30pm | Unreserved Seating

Covid protocol – CQAF small venues*

Current conditions of entry are:

·Temperature check on arrival at the venue.

·Please wear a mask while queuing for indoor events and if you have to leave your seat to move around the venue. No masks necessary when seated.

·Visitors to the venues will be allocated seats as per their booking. (Please email us if there’s someone you’d like to sit with.

·1m physical distancing in line with government guideline.

·Please do not come to the event if you’re displaying any of the symptoms of Covid 19. Email us at info@cqaf.com and we’ll happily refund your tickets.

We hope you enjoy the festival. We will review these conditions of entry if COVID-19 guidelines are updated prior to the event.

* This applies to The Black Box, Oh Yeah Music Centre, The Sunflower, Deer’s Head Music Hall, The American Bar, Ulster Sports Club, 1st Presbyterian Church, The Dark Horse

Camille O’Sullivan’s Cave

Posted on 22nd April 202120th August 2021 by site_admin

Join the world-renowned Irish/French singer Camille O’Sullivan as she explores the dark and light of Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds’ music. In her dangerous yet fragile theatrical style, Camille embarks on a personal discovery of a man of many guises; violent, beautiful, logical, crazy, devout, troubled and religious.

‘Queen of the Edinburgh Festival’ (BBC) and original star of Olivier Award winning La Soirée,Camille O’Sullivan enjoys a formidable international reputation for her stunning vocal performances, at venues including Sydney Opera House, Royal Festival Hall, and the Roundhouse, and was voted one of Later… with Jools Holland‘s top 25 performances of all time by The Telegraph.

Dark, sexy, fierce, amusing and mesmerizing, Camille transforms each song she performs into an intense, emotional and theatrical experience, inextricably drawing her audience into a world illuminated by the dark and the light. Expect joy and pure passion.

★★★★★ “An artist at the top of her game pushing herself to be better and trusting us to keep up. It’s thrilling to watch.” – The Scotsman

★★★★★ “Hypnotic.” – The Independent

Unreserved Seating | Doors 7.30pm

Covid protocol – Marquee

CQAF is committed to facilitating the return of live entertainment and the gradual reopening of events. However the safety of our audiences, artists, volunteers and staff remains paramount.

As a condition of entry, ticket holders are being asked to demonstrate their Covid status on entry by providing ONE of the following;

·Proof of full vaccination: both doses received (with the second at least 14 days prior to the event)

· Proof of a negative NHS Lateral Flow Test taken no more than 48 hours prior to your arrival at the event

· Proof of natural covid antibodies based upon a positive PCR test within 180 days of the event (including 10 days self-isolation following the result)

The Devil Made Me Do It

Posted on 11th December 20208th September 2021 by site_admin

“The Devil is a gentleman” William Shakespeare

Northern Ireland Opera invites you to join us for an hour of devilish arias, duets, and songs in The Devil Made Me Do It.

Our charmingly mysterious host ably assisted by some of Northern Irelands finest operatic and music theatre performers will take you on a ride through opera and music theatre’s most villainous and tempting stories but make sure you don’t follow him any further once the music stops!’

Featuring selections from Faust, Jesus Christ Superstar, Dido and Aeneas, The Rakes Progress, Alcina, The Turn of the Screw and much more.

Covid protocol – CQAF small venues*

Current conditions of entry are:

·Temperature check on arrival at the venue.

·Please wear a mask while queuing for indoor events and if you have to leave your seat to move around the venue. No masks necessary when seated.

·Visitors to the venues will be allocated seats as per their booking. (Please email us if there’s someone you’d like to sit with.

·1m physical distancing in line with government guideline.

·Please do not come to the event if you’re displaying any of the symptoms of Covid 19. Email us at info@cqaf.com and we’ll happily refund your tickets.

We hope you enjoy the festival. We will review these conditions of entry if COVID-19 guidelines are updated prior to the event.

* This applies to The Black Box, Oh Yeah Music Centre, The Sunflower, Deer’s Head Music Hall, The American Bar, Ulster Sports Club, 1st Presbyterian Church, The Dark Horse

The Devil Made Me Do It (Online Event – Live Stream)

Posted on 1st September 20212nd September 2021 by site_admin

“The Devil is a gentleman” William Shakespeare

Northern Ireland Opera invites you to join us for an hour of devilish arias, duets, and songs in The Devil Made Me Do It.

Featuring selections from Faust, Jesus Christ Superstar, Dido and Aeneas, The Rakes Progress, Alcina, The Turn of the Screw and much more.

Anthem by Alice Malseed and Sarah Baxter

Posted on 22nd July 20216th September 2021 by site_admin

We were left with scars of shame when all we wanted to do was sparkle a little in the sunlight.

But I am all cells and nerves and magic and energy and mine.

How can I own this body that you never let be fully mine?

Beginning in girlhood, everyone has had an opinion. They stole bits of me with each look, comment and touch.

This is the fight to reclaim ourselves; our energy, bodies, joy and power.

This is the howl of joy and anger that demands to be heard.

From the creative team behind ‘Jellyfish’ (Out to Lunch 2016) and ‘it’s getting harder and harder for me’ (CQAF 2018)

Supported by Jerwood New Work Fund grant from Jerwood Arts.

Doors 15 minutes before show | Unreserved Seating

Covid protocol – CQAF small venues*

Current conditions of entry are:

·Temperature check on arrival at the venue.

·Please wear a mask while queuing for indoor events and if you have to leave your seat to move around the venue. No masks necessary when seated.

·Visitors to the venues will be allocated seats as per their booking. (Please email us if there’s someone you’d like to sit with.

·1m physical distancing in line with government guideline.

·Please do not come to the event if you’re displaying any of the symptoms of Covid 19. Email us at info@cqaf.com and we’ll happily refund your tickets.

We hope you enjoy the festival. We will review these conditions of entry if COVID-19 guidelines are updated prior to the event.

* This applies to The Black Box, Oh Yeah Music Centre, The Sunflower, Deer’s Head Music Hall, The American Bar, Ulster Sports Club, 1st Presbyterian Church, The Dark Horse

Summer of Soul Screening / Manukahunny

Posted on 5th August 20214th September 2021 by site_admin

This Sundance award-winner is an absolute joy, uncovering a treasure trove of pulse-racing, heart-stopping live music footage that has remained largely unseen for half a century.

While Mike Wadleigh’s Woodstock has long been considered the definitive documents of the highs and lows of 1969 pop culture, Summer of Soul makes it look like a footnote to the main event: a festival in the heart of Harlem that was somehow written out of the history books.

Capturing Stevie Wonder at a turning point in his career, Mavis Staples duetting with Mahalia Jackson and Nina Simone at the height of her performing powers, director Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson’s feature debut intertwines music and politics in one of the best concert movies of all time.

Manukahunny
NI based Soul Artist Manukahunney (Siobhan Brown) is a singer and songwriter whose sound is a powerful blend of contemporary soul, neo soul, jazz, blues and gospel. Manukahunney has been championing authentic soul in NI since 2012 with her dynamic, full house, sold out, live soul nights across the province.

Likened to Nina Simone, Angelique Kidjo and the late Sharon Jones, the energy of her performances, supported by her talented Manukahunney band, make for a joyful live experience.

Manukahunney has been the driver and catalyst for the broader appreciation and dissemination of soul music across the Island of Ireland with Siobhan soon to host series 3 of her own soul show on BBC Radio Ulster.

Recently awarded the prestigious MOBO Help Musicians Funding, Manukahunney is currently embarking on her third single and EP Release set for release later in the year.

Doors 7.00pm | Unreserved Seating

Covid protocol – CQAF small venues*

Current conditions of entry are:

·Temperature check on arrival at the venue.

·Please wear a mask while queuing for indoor events and if you have to leave your seat to move around the venue. No masks necessary when seated.

·Visitors to the venues will be allocated seats as per their booking. (Please email us if there’s someone you’d like to sit with.

·1m physical distancing in line with government guideline.

·Please do not come to the event if you’re displaying any of the symptoms of Covid 19. Email us at info@cqaf.com and we’ll happily refund your tickets.

We hope you enjoy the festival. We will review these conditions of entry if COVID-19 guidelines are updated prior to the event.

* This applies to The Black Box, Oh Yeah Music Centre, The Sunflower, Deer’s Head Music Hall, The American Bar, Ulster Sports Club, 1st Presbyterian Church, The Dark Horse

The Sabrejets

Posted on 5th August 202120th August 2021 by site_admin

They’re back! A decade on from their last album, Sin-Sational, the Sabrejets have just unleashed another high-octane long-player of timeless rock’n’roll. Featuring fifteen foot-stomping tracks, The Restless Kind is greaser heaven from start to finish.

The Restless Kind is in many ways an appropriate title for the band as well as the album. Core members Brian Young (ex Rudi) on guitar and lead vocals, Liam Killen on guitar and vocals, and “Wild” Bill Johnston on bass have been together for a quarter of a century and show no sign of picking up their pensions anytime soon. Joining the rock’n’roll veterans on this long-player is the newest Sabrejets member Lou Steele on drums and vocals.

Songwriting duties on the album are shared between Young and Killen. The subject matter is classic old-school greaser rock. Faster Than The Eye Can See is a driving epic featuring guns, booze, and fast cars while Zorita pays tribute to the famous burlesque dancer.

The music throughout is tight and perfectly executed with energetic abandon as guitars twang and riff out blazing solos alongside pounding drums and buoyant bass. The Killen-penned instrumental Lightnin, the Western-inspired Train To Hell, and the deceptively upbeat Don’t Turn Your Back On Love could sit easily on the soundtrack of a Tarantino movie.

With subject material that harkens back to the silver age of cinema and black and white movies about fast cars, alcohol, women, and motorcycles, The Restless Kind delivers entertainment in glorious technicolor with rip-roaring music and style.

Doors 7.30pm | Unreserved Seating

Covid protocol – CQAF small venues*

Current conditions of entry are:

·Temperature check on arrival at the venue.

·Please wear a mask while queuing for indoor events and if you have to leave your seat to move around the venue. No masks necessary when seated.

·Visitors to the venues will be allocated seats as per their booking. (Please email us if there’s someone you’d like to sit with.

·1m physical distancing in line with government guideline.

·Please do not come to the event if you’re displaying any of the symptoms of Covid 19. Email us at info@cqaf.com and we’ll happily refund your tickets.

We hope you enjoy the festival. We will review these conditions of entry if COVID-19 guidelines are updated prior to the event.

* This applies to The Black Box, Oh Yeah Music Centre, The Sunflower, Deer’s Head Music Hall, The American Bar, Ulster Sports Club, 1st Presbyterian Church, The Dark Horse

Mojo Mickeybo by Owen McCafferty

Posted on 5th August 202120th August 2021 by site_admin

Bruiser Theatre Company is proud to present the critically-acclaimed Mojo Mickybo by Belfast playwright, Owen McCafferty.

Mojo Mickybo shows the friendship between two boys growing up in Belfast – a friendship that at first is immune to the sectarian violence taking place around them, but which nonetheless is ultimately destroyed by it.

“Belfast. The summer of 1970. The heat’s meltin’ the tarmac on the street, the buses are burning bright and punters are drinking petrol outta milk bottles”.

Mojo and his mate Mickybo are two nine-year-old boys from opposing sides of the sectarian divide. They are ‘thick as two small thieves’, playing headers, being mouthy, building huts, spitting from cinema balconies and re-enacting their favourite movie, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.

They are young cowboys in the making, with the violence of The Troubles only obliquely impacting on them – until finally their friendship is destroyed in a way that they only later come to understand.

This is pure, undiluted storytelling in Bruiser’s trademark dynamic physical style. Fast-paced, darkly funny and action-packed. Not to be missed!

‘A glorious, vivid play full of verbal swagger…creates vast emotional ripples…lethal’. THE GUARDIAN

Doors 7.30pm | Unreserved Seating

Covid protocol – CQAF small venues*

Current conditions of entry are:

·Temperature check on arrival at the venue.

·Please wear a mask while queuing for indoor events and if you have to leave your seat to move around the venue. No masks necessary when seated.

·Visitors to the venues will be allocated seats as per their booking. (Please email us if there’s someone you’d like to sit with.

·1m physical distancing in line with government guideline.

·Please do not come to the event if you’re displaying any of the symptoms of Covid 19. Email us at info@cqaf.com and we’ll happily refund your tickets.

We hope you enjoy the festival. We will review these conditions of entry if COVID-19 guidelines are updated prior to the event.

* This applies to The Black Box, Oh Yeah Music Centre, The Sunflower, Deer’s Head Music Hall, The American Bar, Ulster Sports Club, 1st Presbyterian Church, The Dark Horse

John Blek

Posted on 22nd July 202120th August 2021 by site_admin

John Blek is much loved for his enthralling live shows full of humour, pathos and his impassioned musical delivery. A master storyteller and a stunning fingerstyle guitar player,

Although only 34 he has a catalogue of music that would represent a life’s work for many musicians. He began his solo career in 2014, and over the last seven years has created a reputation as a singer songwriter who is sure to leave a legacy of timeless music that will speak to generations.

At his heart he is a storyteller, influenced by experience and the natural world around him, with tones of compassion and sometimes sorrow, with a voice that sounds purposefully introspective and intimate – a voice that compels you to listen. With often haunting layers of music and lyrics he creates an incredibly atmospheric and inspirational arrangement that lingers with you long after you hear it.

While Blek is a solo artist he regularly collaborates, and indeed will write new music with collaborators in mind. As a result, it never feels like another artist is merely gate crashing his music instead it works as a beautiful harmonious meeting of artists who understand each other.

Recent collaborations include Kris Drever and Kit Downes who both join John on his album On Ether & Air, Joan Shelley who embodies Laura, one of the characters in Blek’s duet The Body, and fellow Corkonian Mick Flannery who duets with him on Revived a single from the 2020 album The Embers.

“A lovely sounding thing” – Roddy Hart, BBC

“A force of nature” – The Irish Times

“A master of subtlety in realms of folk-informed pop.” – The Thin Air

‘His talent is shining brighter with every album.’ – John Creedon, RTÉ

Doors 7.30pm | Unreserved Seating

Covid protocol – CQAF small venues*

Current conditions of entry are:

·Temperature check on arrival at the venue.

·Please wear a mask while queuing for indoor events and if you have to leave your seat to move around the venue. No masks necessary when seated.

·Visitors to the venues will be allocated seats as per their booking. (Please email us if there’s someone you’d like to sit with.

·1m physical distancing in line with government guideline.

·Please do not come to the event if you’re displaying any of the symptoms of Covid 19. Email us at info@cqaf.com and we’ll happily refund your tickets.

We hope you enjoy the festival. We will review these conditions of entry if COVID-19 guidelines are updated prior to the event.

* This applies to The Black Box, Oh Yeah Music Centre, The Sunflower, Deer’s Head Music Hall, The American Bar, Ulster Sports Club, 1st Presbyterian Church, The Dark Horse

Brigid Mae Power

Posted on 5th August 202120th August 2021 by site_admin

Brigid Mae Power paints expansive songs that are effortless, hypnotic and folk-oriented like Judee Sill, Bill Callahan and Sharon Van Etten.

The third album from the celebrated singer/songwriter, Head Above The Water is a coming of age opus featuring a ground-breaking amalgamation of traditional folk and country – an engaging blend of strings, bouzouki, piano and Power’s distinctive vocal make this an achingly beautiful body of work.

Recorded in analogue studio The Green Door in Glasgow with Alasdair Roberts co-producing alongside Brigid and Peter Broderick. It’s a continuing tale of everyday survival; more diverse, different, a bigger canvas, with broader brushstrokes.

Country and traditional folk rub shoulders, making for a juxtaposition of threads, with added instrumentation from five musicians lured into the studio to provide larger dynamics. After two lauded albums for Tompkins Square, Brigid Mae Power released her new album on 5th June via Fire Records.

“Power meditates on the dichotomy that’s always existed in her work, melding atmospheric bliss and stark desperation.” Pitchfork

“Power invokes the elements, either in contrast to internal weather or in sympathy with it.” The Guardian.

Covid protocol – CQAF small venues*

Current conditions of entry are:

·Temperature check on arrival at the venue.

·Please wear a mask while queuing for indoor events and if you have to leave your seat to move around the venue. No masks necessary when seated.

·Visitors to the venues will be allocated seats as per their booking. (Please email us if there’s someone you’d like to sit with.

·1m physical distancing in line with government guideline.

·Please do not come to the event if you’re displaying any of the symptoms of Covid 19. Email us at info@cqaf.com and we’ll happily refund your tickets.

We hope you enjoy the festival. We will review these conditions of entry if COVID-19 guidelines are updated prior to the event.

* This applies to The Black Box, Oh Yeah Music Centre, The Sunflower, Deer’s Head Music Hall, The American Bar, Ulster Sports Club, 1st Presbyterian Church, The Dark Horse

King Kong Company

Posted on 22nd April 202123rd August 2021 by site_admin

The story so far: King Kong Company are a band from Waterford – five blokes and a Boxhead.

In 2011 they started putting out one video a month, put on their first gig in 2012 and played Indiependence on the back of a truck at 2am to 20 people.

Soon after Body & Soul heard a track and booked them for an early Sunday evening at Electric Picnic where they got lucky and played to, maybe, thousands.

Thinking they had now made it, they tried to get a Dublin gig and, a well known, but won’t be named, Dublin venue turned them down saying they’d be lucky to get 100 people to it. But the Sugar Club offered them a gig, and it sold out. Then the Button Factory sold out (5 times so far), The Academy (4 times) and they sold out The Olympia, but only the one time (they’re not The Script).

They’ve also stuck 13,000 people in a tent at Electric Picnic for Sunday Mass, had thousands of hedonists lay siege to the Body & Soul arena for their stuffed to the gills lock in that closed the legendary stage.

And in between there’s been tracks, an album produced by The Prodigy’s producer Neil McLellan, a Buckfast beer, Glastonbury, a robot, All Together Now, late nights, parties, early mornings, ferries, Prague, London, Newcastle, the Cork Opera House, the proposal, broken down vans, Spraoi, a Best Band in Ireland award and stuff that should never end up in print. Now you’re all caught up.

But are you ready for the next bit? Catch KKC in our Festival Marquee in CQAF 2021 for an unforgettable experience.

Doors 7.45pm | Limited Unreserved Seating

Covid protocol – Marquee

CQAF is committed to facilitating the return of live entertainment and the gradual reopening of events. However the safety of our audiences, artists, volunteers and staff remains paramount.

As a condition of entry, ticket holders are being asked to demonstrate their Covid status on entry by providing ONE of the following;

·Proof of full vaccination: both doses received (with the second at least 14 days prior to the event)

· Proof of a negative NHS Lateral Flow Test taken no more than 48 hours prior to your arrival at the event

· Proof of natural covid antibodies based upon a positive PCR test within 180 days of the event (including 10 days self-isolation following the result)

The Handsome Family – Rescheduled

Posted on 1st November 201911th September 2021 by site_admin

This show has been rescheduled to Thursday 15 September 2022, 8.00pm. More info.

The Handsome Family have written some of the most haunting and beautiful songs in American music. During a 30-year career, Brett and Rennie Sparks have created songs that transform the mundane landscape of modern life into a place of mysterious portent.

Handsome Family songs take place in parking lots and big box stores, under overpasses and in airports. They sing about Custer’s last stand and automatic lawn sprinklers in the same song. Rennie’s lyrics often focus on the myriad creatures that live at the edges of the man-made world: the sparrows, rats, cockroaches and crows that share our cities.

Handsome Family shows are famously relaxed. Their songs can be dark, but there’s always laughter on stage. Rennie sings as well as plays Autoharp, banjo, and uke bass. She often introduces songs with seemingly unrelated stories. Brett, with his stentorian voice, is a powerful presence at center of the stage.

There are a lot of new faces at shows these days, lured by Far From Any Road, which became a global hit after it was used as the theme to season one of True Detective.

In 2020 Loose Music released their first two records, Odessa (1995) Milk & Scissors (1996), on vinyl LP. This will be the first time these records have been released in Europe.

For Handsome Family fans these records are a must. Odessa reveals the early style of the band and Milk & Scissors illustrates how their songwriting transformed after Rennie began writing lyrics. On their spring 2021 tour they plan to play selected gems from these new/old records.

Doors 7:30pm | Unreserved Seating

Covid protocol – CQAF small venues*

Current conditions of entry are:

·Temperature check on arrival at the venue.

·Please wear a mask while queuing for indoor events and if you have to leave your seat to move around the venue. No masks necessary when seated.

·Visitors to the venues will be allocated seats as per their booking. (Please email us if there’s someone you’d like to sit with.

·1m physical distancing in line with government guideline.

·Please do not come to the event if you’re displaying any of the symptoms of Covid 19. Email us at info@cqaf.com and we’ll happily refund your tickets.

We hope you enjoy the festival. We will review these conditions of entry if COVID-19 guidelines are updated prior to the event.

* This applies to The Black Box, Oh Yeah Music Centre, The Sunflower, Deer’s Head Music Hall, The American Bar, Ulster Sports Club, 1st Presbyterian Church, The Dark Horse

Deptford Northern Soul Club Versus Superfly Funk and Soul

Posted on 22nd July 202110th September 2021 by site_admin

Support by DJ Sarge

After years of parties in Belfast, Superfly Funk and Soul Club are joining forces with Deptford Northern Soul Club with support from DJ Sarge.

Doors 10.00pm | Limited Unreserved Seating

Covid protocol – CQAF small venues*

Current conditions of entry are:

·Temperature check on arrival at the venue.

·Please wear a mask while queuing for indoor events and if you have to leave your seat to move around the venue. No masks necessary when seated.

·Visitors to the venues will be allocated seats as per their booking. (Please email us if there’s someone you’d like to sit with.

·1m physical distancing in line with government guideline.

·Please do not come to the event if you’re displaying any of the symptoms of Covid 19. Email us at info@cqaf.com and we’ll happily refund your tickets.

We hope you enjoy the festival. We will review these conditions of entry if COVID-19 guidelines are updated prior to the event.

* This applies to The Black Box, Oh Yeah Music Centre, The Sunflower, Deer’s Head Music Hall, The American Bar, Ulster Sports Club, 1st Presbyterian Church, The Dark Horse

Belfast Noir Walking Tour

Posted on 18th December 202023rd August 2021 by site_admin

Belfast Noir is the innovative walking tour that explores both Belfast’s influence, and its rich history in Film, TV and Literature. The tour guide Simon Maltman, is a local Crime Fiction writer and will introduce you to the bizarre and ‘noir’ side of Belfast. Featured on UTV Life and Good Morning Ulster, Belfast Noir will give you a tour like no other.

We are pleased that a bespoke version of the tour is being put on for the Out To Lunch Festival. You will visit locations from Film and T.V featuring amongst others Line of Duty, Odd Man Out and The Fall.

The tour also features locations from our rich literature heritage. As an Ulster Noir author himself, Simon will discuss the boom in the genre with the beginnings from the likes of Colin Bateman, leading onto the international success from many local writers such as Adrian McKinty, Steve Cavanagh and Stuart Neville.

After various stops in the centre of Belfast, Simon will guide you to one of our most picturesque and historic parts of Belfast; Queens University and Botanic Gardens, as you explore the quirky and strange that our city has to offer. As Lee Child has said, “Belfast is the most noir place on earth.”

This tour begins at the Visit Belfast centre (opposite City Hall) and finishes at the legendary No Alibis Bookstore.

All walking tours will take on current and relevant Covid-19 regulations and guidelines.

Covid protocol – CQAF small venues*

Current conditions of entry are:

·Temperature check on arrival at the venue.

·Please wear a mask while queuing for indoor events and if you have to leave your seat to move around the venue. No masks necessary when seated.

·Visitors to the venues will be allocated seats as per their booking. (Please email us if there’s someone you’d like to sit with.

·1m physical distancing in line with government guideline.

·Please do not come to the event if you’re displaying any of the symptoms of Covid 19. Email us at info@cqaf.com and we’ll happily refund your tickets.

We hope you enjoy the festival. We will review these conditions of entry if COVID-19 guidelines are updated prior to the event.

* This applies to The Black Box, Oh Yeah Music Centre, The Sunflower, Deer’s Head Music Hall, The American Bar, Ulster Sports Club, 1st Presbyterian Church, The Dark Horse

The Henry Girls – SOLD OUT

Posted on 28th May 202125th August 2021 by site_admin

Sisters Karen, Lorna and Joleen McLaughlin, collectively known as The Henry Girls, make music that will give you goosebumps. The harmonising, lilting, melting voices imbue their music with overwhelming romanticism, although the very classic and traditional folk sound is given an edge with Americana, bluegrass and blues sounds.

Recent album Far Beyond the Stars has won massive praise, not least for the sister’s knack of creating authentic original material rich in traditional values. Their tight three-part harmonies are matched by soulful musicianship across a range of instruments including harp, fiddle, accordion, ukulele, piano and a few more in-between.

In our view there are few better ways to spend a Saturday afternoon

– With Support from Reevah

Doors 1.30PM | Unreserved Seating

Covid protocol – CQAF small venues*

Current conditions of entry are:

·Temperature check on arrival at the venue.

·Please wear a mask while queuing for indoor events and if you have to leave your seat to move around the venue. No masks necessary when seated.

·Visitors to the venues will be allocated seats as per their booking. (Please email us if there’s someone you’d like to sit with.

·1m physical distancing in line with government guideline.

·Please do not come to the event if you’re displaying any of the symptoms of Covid 19. Email us at info@cqaf.com and we’ll happily refund your tickets.

We hope you enjoy the festival. We will review these conditions of entry if COVID-19 guidelines are updated prior to the event.

* This applies to The Black Box, Oh Yeah Music Centre, The Sunflower, Deer’s Head Music Hall, The American Bar, Ulster Sports Club, 1st Presbyterian Church, The Dark Horse

Without Getting Killed or Caught – Guy Clark film

Posted on 19th August 202131st August 2021 by site_admin

Followed by short set by Barry Johnston (Illegal Smile)

Without Getting Killed or Caught follows Guy Clark, Susanna Clark, and Townes Van Zandt as they rise from obscurity to reverence: Guy, the Pancho to Van Zandt’s Lefty, struggling to establish himself as the Dylan Thomas of American music, while Susanna pens hit songs and paints album covers for top artists, and Townes spirals in self-destruction after writing some of Americana music’s most enduring and influential ballads.

Based on the diaries of Susanna Clark and Saviano’s 2016 book Without Getting Killed or Caught: The Life and Music of Guy Clark, the film tells the saga from Susanna’s point of view, with Academy Award-winner Sissy Spacek voicing Susanna’s narration.

Saviano, a longtime figure on the Americana scene as journalist, publicist, artist manager, and Grammy-winning producer, had the complete cooperation of Clark, who sat for interviews on and off camera. Without Getting Killed or Caught (the title comes from Clark’s song, L.A. Freeway) also offers poignant reflections from Clark’s closest friends and musical allies, most prominently Rodney Crowell, Steve Earle and Vince Gill.

The film, partially funded by a Kickstarter campaign, makes good use of Clark’s songs, family photographs and archives, vintage film footage, and radio talk shows on which Clark appeared solo and in tandem with Van Zandt. The real emotional zing, however, comes from Susanna’s pained remembrances, culled from her private journals and secret audio diaries, as well as taped conversations that Susanna made of the trio and of the “salon” that regularly gathered around them–all serving as witnesses to this seemingly fated intersection of love, art, and tragedy.

Covid protocol – CQAF small venues*

Current conditions of entry are:

·Temperature check on arrival at the venue.

·Please wear a mask while queuing for indoor events and if you have to leave your seat to move around the venue. No masks necessary when seated.

·Visitors to the venues will be allocated seats as per their booking. (Please email us if there’s someone you’d like to sit with.

·1m physical distancing in line with government guideline.

·Please do not come to the event if you’re displaying any of the symptoms of Covid 19. Email us at info@cqaf.com and we’ll happily refund your tickets.

We hope you enjoy the festival. We will review these conditions of entry if COVID-19 guidelines are updated prior to the event.

* This applies to The Black Box, Oh Yeah Music Centre, The Sunflower, Deer’s Head Music Hall, The American Bar, Ulster Sports Club, 1st Presbyterian Church, The Dark Horse

John Martyn Birthday Celebrations

Posted on 16th August 202111th September 2021 by site_admin

It’s over 12 years since John Martyn departed this life leaving us a massive legacy in the form of his catalogue of songs and recordings. Some of this material is very well known beyond his fan base; other songs are more loved by Martyn aficionados.

To mark the big man’s birthday on 11th September Old Flat Top agency have invited some Belfast singers/ musicians/fans to perform his music in The American Bar for a one-off celebration as part of the CQAF ’21.

Leading the proceedings will be Cliffy McKernan, a devoted John Martyn fan forever. Cliffy uses electric guitar and loop effects to recreate some of the sounds that John incorporated with his use of the Echoplex effects unit that featured on many of his recordings and live performances.

Cliffy’s involvement with his hero went beyond his love of John’s music. In 2003 his skills as a prosthetics technician were called upon to create a prosthetic leg for John after his amputation.

Expect to hear classic John Martyn songs like One World, Big Muff, May You Never, Couldn’t Love You More, Sweet Little Mystery and more from Cliffy with a supporting line-up that will include Tim Cobain.

Doors 7.30pm | Unreserved Seating

Covid protocol – CQAF small venues*

Current conditions of entry are:

·Temperature check on arrival at the venue.

·Please wear a mask while queuing for indoor events and if you have to leave your seat to move around the venue. No masks necessary when seated.

·Visitors to the venues will be allocated seats as per their booking. (Please email us if there’s someone you’d like to sit with.

·1m physical distancing in line with government guideline.

·Please do not come to the event if you’re displaying any of the symptoms of Covid 19. Email us at info@cqaf.com and we’ll happily refund your tickets.

We hope you enjoy the festival. We will review these conditions of entry if COVID-19 guidelines are updated prior to the event.

* This applies to The Black Box, Oh Yeah Music Centre, The Sunflower, Deer’s Head Music Hall, The American Bar, Ulster Sports Club, 1st Presbyterian Church, The Dark Horse

Christine Bovill’s Piaf

Posted on 1st July 202120th August 2021 by site_admin

“There is always one moment in childhood when the door opens and lets the future in.” Graham Greene

No glamour. No gimmicks. No pretence. Nothing but a voice, singing of life’s triumphs and tragedies. Piaf is both a personal narrative and a powerful musical homage to one of France’s most endearing icons.

Christine Bovill threads her remarkable journey through the world of French Song with the life and works of Edith Piaf.

An award-winning songwriter in her own right, Bovill has toured throughout Europe with her self-penned homage to the Little Sparrow, appearing on BBC News, ITV and on BBC Radio 4’s series Soul Music.

During her sold out run at the famous Spiegeltent at the 2012 Edinburgh Festival, Bovill realised a lifelong dream when she shared the stage with Charles Dumont, great friend of Piaf and, most famously, composer of Non, Je ne Regrette Rien.

They performed several songs together to close the show. The publicity around the event drew articles from the national press, culminating in Christine’s live appearance on BBC’s Newsnight.

Piaf has been awarded the Fringe Laurels for Total Sell Out Show and received five star reviews from some of the most respected publications.

Doors 7.30pm | Unreserved Seating

Covid protocol – CQAF small venues*

Current conditions of entry are:

·Temperature check on arrival at the venue.

·Please wear a mask while queuing for indoor events and if you have to leave your seat to move around the venue. No masks necessary when seated.

·Visitors to the venues will be allocated seats as per their booking. (Please email us if there’s someone you’d like to sit with.

·1m physical distancing in line with government guideline.

·Please do not come to the event if you’re displaying any of the symptoms of Covid 19. Email us at info@cqaf.com and we’ll happily refund your tickets.

We hope you enjoy the festival. We will review these conditions of entry if COVID-19 guidelines are updated prior to the event.

* This applies to The Black Box, Oh Yeah Music Centre, The Sunflower, Deer’s Head Music Hall, The American Bar, Ulster Sports Club, 1st Presbyterian Church, The Dark Horse

Christine Bovill’s Piaf (Online Event – Live Stream)

Posted on 1st September 20212nd September 2021 by site_admin

“There is always one moment in childhood when the door opens and lets the future in.” Graham Greene

Christine Bovill threads her remarkable journey through the world of French Song with the life and works of Edith Piaf.

They performed several songs together to close the show. The publicity around the event drew articles from the national press, culminating in Christine’s live appearance on BBC’s Newsnight.

Piaf has been awarded the Fringe Laurels for Total Sell Out Show and received five star reviews from some of the most respected publications.

Reevah – Artist in Residence

Posted on 22nd July 202125th August 2021 by site_admin

CQAF is proud to announce Reevah as this year’s Artist in Residence. Reevah will be supporting a number of artists across the festival; including Bronagh Gallagher, Lisa Hannigan & The Henry Girls. Aswell as her own headline show.

Derry based Indie-pop artist Reevah grew up surrounded by music and art her mother is an artist and her father is a musician. Her latest single, You Said, Tell Me was released in April 2020 along with her highly anticipated E.P A Different Light.

Both releases garnered substantial backing from key influencers at BBC Introducing, RTE Radio 1, RTE 2FM, BBC Radio Ulster and more. You Said, Tell Me also received significant support from Spotify tastemakers featuring in New Music Friday and several other Spotify editorial playlists.

In May 2020 it was announced that Reevah was longlisted for the Glastonbury Emerging Talent competition out of 1000’s of entries across the UK. Reevah’s striking vocal and unique presence as a performer also earned her a slot at Ireland Music Week 2020which celebrates Ireland’s most exciting new talents.

Reevah’s music is supported by Help Musicians UK, Arts Council Northern Ireland and the PRS Women Make Music Fund marking her assuredly as not only an artist to watch but as an act in high demand.

Reevah’s music is immersive and reflective allowing the listener a chance to escape the speed of life. But it’s her voice, pure, understated and fearless, that stays in the heart and the mind long after the music is over.

‘One of the best talents emerging up North’–Hot Press Magazine

“A great band from Derry/Londonderry that’s emerged in the last few years called Reevah, primarily the work of Aoife Boyle. They have an EP out this year called ‘A Different Light’ and it’s fantastic.”-Gary Lightbody Snow Patrol

‘New Light on Reevah as Derry star releases new E.P’ –Northern Ireland – Sunday World

‘Rising Star Reevah first to the punch with a musical one-two’–Sunday Life

‘Reevah E.P trips Light fantastic’–Daily Mirror Northern Ireland

‘Reevah manages to stand out from the scene of talented young songwriters.’–The Daily Mirror

– Also supporting Bronagh Gallagher, Lisa Hannigan & The Henry Girls.

Doors 08.30pm | Limited Unreserved Seating

Covid protocol – CQAF small venues*

Current conditions of entry are:

·Temperature check on arrival at the venue.

·Please wear a mask while queuing for indoor events and if you have to leave your seat to move around the venue. No masks necessary when seated.

·Visitors to the venues will be allocated seats as per their booking. (Please email us if there’s someone you’d like to sit with.

·1m physical distancing in line with government guideline.

·Please do not come to the event if you’re displaying any of the symptoms of Covid 19. Email us at info@cqaf.com and we’ll happily refund your tickets.

We hope you enjoy the festival. We will review these conditions of entry if COVID-19 guidelines are updated prior to the event.

* This applies to The Black Box, Oh Yeah Music Centre, The Sunflower, Deer’s Head Music Hall, The American Bar, Ulster Sports Club, 1st Presbyterian Church, The Dark Horse

From the Specials – Neville Staple

Posted on 28th May 202120th August 2021 by site_admin

+ Support: The Skallions

Neville Staple is credited with changing the face of pop music not only once but twice.
His 40-year career in the music business is well documented. From the early days with his Jah Baddis Sound System, The Coventry Automatics, The Specials, and Fun Boy Three in the ‘70s and 80’s, to The Special Beat and various other collaborations during his solo career from the 90’s up to the present day.

Following on from the 2009 Specials reunion and his departure from the band in late 2012, he continues to be a forerunner of the Ska movement, and continues to thrill audiences with his own excellent band at venues and festival appearances worldwide.

His highly celebrated album Return of Judge Roughneck was released in 2017 to outstanding reviews.

Doors 7.30pm | Mostly Standing

Covid protocol – Marquee

CQAF is committed to facilitating the return of live entertainment and the gradual reopening of events. However the safety of our audiences, artists, volunteers and staff remains paramount.

As a condition of entry, ticket holders are being asked to demonstrate their Covid status on entry by providing ONE of the following;

·Proof of full vaccination: both doses received (with the second at least 14 days prior to the event)

· Proof of a negative NHS Lateral Flow Test taken no more than 48 hours prior to your arrival at the event

· Proof of natural covid antibodies based upon a positive PCR test within 180 days of the event (including 10 days self-isolation following the result)

Bell X1 – Acoustic with Dowry Strings – Rescheduled

Posted on 29th November 201911th September 2021 by site_admin

This show has been rescheduled to Monday 2 May, 8.00pm. More info.

A rescheduled show but it will be worth the wait – Bell X1 live is always a magical experience. The band are constantly evolving and changing things up for themselves and their fans. Collaborating with Dowry Strings has resulted in an incredible and quite moving live experience.

This long awaited show for CQAF will debut new material along with a lot of the favourites spanning over the last 20 years.

“It’s been a joy to work with Éna and the strings on some more songs from the catalogue, and also some brand new tunes that we’re itching to play live” says Paul.

Bell X1 are Paul Noonan, Dave Geraghty & Dominic Philips.

Dowry Strings specialise in cross-timbral & cross-genre collaborations. The ensemble is run by Éna Brennan (Dowry) and includes musicians Gareth Quinn Redmond, Nozomi Cohen and Yseult Cooper Stockdale.

✮✮✮✮ ‘Another marvelous piece of work from a band that continues to gently, respectfully startle.’ – IRISH TIMES

Doors 7.45pm | Unreserved Seating

Covid protocol – CQAF small venues*

Current conditions of entry are:

·Temperature check on arrival at the venue.

·Please wear a mask while queuing for indoor events and if you have to leave your seat to move around the venue. No masks necessary when seated.

·Visitors to the venues will be allocated seats as per their booking. (Please email us if there’s someone you’d like to sit with.

·1m physical distancing in line with government guideline.

·Please do not come to the event if you’re displaying any of the symptoms of Covid 19. Email us at info@cqaf.com and we’ll happily refund your tickets.

We hope you enjoy the festival. We will review these conditions of entry if COVID-19 guidelines are updated prior to the event.

* This applies to The Black Box, Oh Yeah Music Centre, The Sunflower, Deer’s Head Music Hall, The American Bar, Ulster Sports Club, 1st Presbyterian Church, The Dark Horse

Gay Chorus Deep South – Film Event

Posted on 22nd July 202120th August 2021 by site_admin

In response to a wave of discriminatory anti-LGBTQ laws and the divisive 2016 election, the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus embarks on a tour of the American Deep South.

The tour brings a message of music, love and acceptance to communities and individuals confronting intolerance.

Over 300 singers travelled to Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee, South Carolina and North Carolina. They performed in churches, community centres and concert halls in hopes of uniting us in a time of difference.

The journey also challenges Chorus members who fled the South to confront their own fears, pain and prejudices on a journey towards reconciliation. The conversations and connections that emerge offer a glimpse of a less divided America, where things that divide —faith, politics, sexual identity—are set aside by the soaring power of music, humanity, and a little drag.

“To heal the country and move on, we must reach across the divide and listen to one another…But the big surprise of the film is how its progressive-minded main characters…do most of the growing here.”

— PETER DEBRUGE,VARIETY

“…engaging and colourful…the film [signals] that hope and humanity can prevail, even in the darkest of times.”

— NIKKI BAUGHAN,SCREEN DAILY

Doors 1.45pm | Unreserved Seating

Supported by Film Hub NI, part of the BFI Film Audience Network, awarding funds from National Lottery.

Covid protocol – CQAF small venues*

Current conditions of entry are:

·Temperature check on arrival at the venue.

·Please wear a mask while queuing for indoor events and if you have to leave your seat to move around the venue. No masks necessary when seated.

·Visitors to the venues will be allocated seats as per their booking. (Please email us if there’s someone you’d like to sit with.

·1m physical distancing in line with government guideline.

·Please do not come to the event if you’re displaying any of the symptoms of Covid 19. Email us at info@cqaf.com and we’ll happily refund your tickets.

We hope you enjoy the festival. We will review these conditions of entry if COVID-19 guidelines are updated prior to the event.

* This applies to The Black Box, Oh Yeah Music Centre, The Sunflower, Deer’s Head Music Hall, The American Bar, Ulster Sports Club, 1st Presbyterian Church, The Dark Horse

https://youtu.be/4Nc_VZr3Vdk

Kíla

Posted on 5th August 20219th September 2021 by site_admin

Bringing down the curtain on the Festival Marquee in some style are one of Ireland’s truly great live bands. Formed at school in Dublin’s late 1980’s, Kíla are legendary for their innovative and euphoric shows. Their unique sound has been ever evolving, rooted in tradition, yet inspired by a myriad of influences and ideas from all around the world.

Often defined as contemporary Irish World music, Kíla fuse the effects of their own melodies and Irish (Gaeilge) lyrics, Irish folk instruments such as whistles, fiddles, Uilleann pipes, bones and bodhrán with djembe, congas, drums, mandolins, brass and acoustic/electric/ bass guitars.

Kíla’s eight members come from the differing musical backgrounds of traditional, classical and rock. The result is a fresh blend of freewheeling instrumentals, furious jigs, and primal rhythms that transcend the traditional boundaries of Irish music.

Kíla are widely renowned for their live energetic performances and have played in over 30 countries in North America, Asia, Australia, Africa and Europe, notable festivals include The Montreux Jazz festival, WOMAD, the Sziget festival and closer to home Glastonbury and the Electric Picnic. Kíla have also had the privilege of playing the Opening Ceremony of the Special Olympics, Dublin and Possibilities, the event that welcomed the Dalai Lama to Ireland. Kíla have worked extensively in TV and film. Their music has been placed in many documentaries on RTÉ, TG4 and most recently in several BBC2 Timewatch documentaries. Their most notable involvement in film is their collaboration with French composer Bruno Coulais on the soundtracks for Cartoon Saloon’s Oscar nominated and Annie winning animations The Secret of Kells and The Song of the Sea.

‘One of the most beautifully euphoric live experiences’
– BBC World Review

‘All the wonderful, shamanistic energy of the amazing Kíla’
– The Guardian

Doors 2.30pm | Unreserved Seating

Covid Protocol – Marquee events

CQAF is committed to facilitating the return of live entertainment and the gradual reopening of events. However the safety of our audiences, artists, volunteers and staff remains paramount.

As a condition of entry, ticket holders are being asked to demonstrate their Covid status on entry by providing ONE of the following;

·Proof of full vaccination: both doses received (with the second at least 14 days prior to the event)

· Proof of a negative NHS Lateral Flow Test taken no more than 48 hours prior to your arrival at the event

· Proof of natural covid antibodies based upon a positive PCR test within 180 days of the event (including 10 days self-isolation following the result)

Keeping it Mouldy: A Faculty Lecture with Mike’s Fancy Cheese

Posted on 5th August 202111th September 2021 by site_admin

Come learn how Young Buck cheese is made and taste it as it evolves.

November 26th, 2013 was the date that Mike Thomson made his first Young Buck cheese, in a room in an industrial estate on the outskirts of Newtownards, in County Down.

Young Buck is iconoclastic, for it is a raw milk blue cheese. No one in Northern Ireland had ever done this before, which is what makes the date of the start of production of the first cheese so significant.

Mike, founder of Mike’s Fancy Cheese, will talk us through the process from the milk at the farm, to production in Ards, how cheese ripens and the factors that affect it.

For those tasting, there will be samples of Young Buck at 1 month, 2 months and then 4 months when fully ripened and ready to eat.

Doors 5.30pm | Unreserved Seating

Covid protocol – CQAF small venues*

Current conditions of entry are:

·Temperature check on arrival at the venue.

·Please wear a mask while queuing for indoor events and if you have to leave your seat to move around the venue. No masks necessary when seated.

·Visitors to the venues will be allocated seats as per their booking. (Please email us if there’s someone you’d like to sit with.

·1m physical distancing in line with government guideline.

·Please do not come to the event if you’re displaying any of the symptoms of Covid 19. Email us at info@cqaf.com and we’ll happily refund your tickets.

We hope you enjoy the festival. We will review these conditions of entry if COVID-19 guidelines are updated prior to the event.

* This applies to The Black Box, Oh Yeah Music Centre, The Sunflower, Deer’s Head Music Hall, The American Bar, Ulster Sports Club, 1st Presbyterian Church, The Dark Horse

The Remedy Club

Posted on 5th August 20218th September 2021 by site_admin

The Remedy Club, an Americana/Roots duo based in Wexford, Ireland comprising KJ McEvoy and singer Aileen Mythen have been described as ‘Ireland’s best kept musical secret’by HOTPRESS journalist Jackie Hayden who also described their music as “a marriage of folk and country with a hint of the blues with delicious harmonies and nimble guitar playing’’.

Their critically acclaimed album True Hand True Heart has been gaining them a lot of new fans around the globe.

The album was recorded in Room and Board studios, Nashville and produced by 5 – time Grammy award winner Ray Kennedy (Steve Earle, Lucinda Williams).It hosts an array of Nashville based stalwarts including Lex Price on bass (Neko Case, KD Lang), Lynn Williams on drums (The Wallflowers, Delbert McClinton) and multi-instrumentalist and Rodney Crowell’s go to musician, Rory Hoffman.The album has been receiving wonderful reviews across the board including being chosen as album of the week on RTE Radio One and HOTPRESS magazine including the album in their top 10 folk albums of the year while their single, ‘Sweet Symphony, was included as hottest track of the week in The Sunday Times Culture

The Remedy Club will be performing as a duo on the night and playing a selection of songs from their first and second albums with a few country /roots surprises thrown in.Fans of Americana /Roots music do not want to miss this!

‘Ireland’s best kept musical secret’
(HOTPRESS)

‘My new favourite duo of all time’
(ROCKING MAGPIE, UK)

****‘A rocking firecracker of an album’ / ‘Spectacular’
(MAVERICK MAGAZINE, UK)

‘Among today’s top roots artists’
(YOUR LIFE IN A SONG)

‘One of the most exciting European acts around right now’
(SLLIM CHANCE, NETHERLANDS)

‘A solid gold winner’
(FATEA, UK)

Doors 7.30pm | Unreserved Seating

Covid protocol – CQAF small venues*

Current conditions of entry are:

·Temperature check on arrival at the venue.

·Please wear a mask while queuing for indoor events and if you have to leave your seat to move around the venue. No masks necessary when seated.

·Visitors to the venues will be allocated seats as per their booking. (Please email us if there’s someone you’d like to sit with.

·1m physical distancing in line with government guideline.

·Please do not come to the event if you’re displaying any of the symptoms of Covid 19. Email us at info@cqaf.com and we’ll happily refund your tickets.

We hope you enjoy the festival. We will review these conditions of entry if COVID-19 guidelines are updated prior to the event.

* This applies to The Black Box, Oh Yeah Music Centre, The Sunflower, Deer’s Head Music Hall, The American Bar, Ulster Sports Club, 1st Presbyterian Church, The Dark Horse

An Evening with Foy Vance (Sold Out)

Posted on 7th September 20217th September 2021 by site_admin

Foy Vance has today announced details of his forthcoming fourth studio album Signs Of Life and released new single “Time Stand Still.” Vance’s second studio album on Ed Sheeran’s Gingerbread Man Records and the follow-up to 2016’s The Wild Swan, Signs Of Life will be released on September 10 on CD, LP and digital formats and is available to pre-order. Additionally, Vance has announced details of an An Evening With Foy Vance, an intimate UK & US tour to celebrate the album’s release.

Hailing from Bangor in Northern Ireland, Vance independently released his debut album Hope in 2007, quickly garnering acclaim from fans and fellow musicians alike. His second full-length album, Joy of Nothing, released in 2013 on Glassnote Records, won the inaugural Northern Ireland Music Prize and saw Vance tour the globe with Ed Sheeran, Bonnie Raitt, Marcus Foster, Snow Patrol and Sir Elton John, as well as his own solo headline tours. 

In 2015 Vance was became the second signing to Gingerbread Man Records, Ed Sheeran’s label division within Atlantic Records. His debut recording for the label, The Wild Swan – Executive Produced by Sir Elton John – contained the BBC Radio 2 playlisted singles “Coco”, “Upbeat Feelgood”, and “Noam Chomsky Is A Soft Revolution”, and saw Vance perform on NBC’s Today and CBS’s The Late Late Show with James Corden.

As a songwriter, Vance’s collaborations include co-writing four cuts including “Galway Girl” on Ed Sheeran’s 2017 album Divide. He has also worked with Alicia Keys, Rag N Bone Man, Keith Urban, Kacey Musgraves, Miranda Lambert, Plan B and Rudimental among many others, effortlessly switching between genres.

Last year, Vance launched the podcast series The Vinyl Supper in which he talks music, food and life stories with special guests and friends from the world of music, poetry and film. Recorded remotely during the global pandemic, series one featured Anderson East, Atticus, Benny Blanco, Blake Mills, Bruce Cockburn, Chrissy Metz, Courteney Cox, Devin Dawson, Josh Groban, Keith Urban and Passenger.

Foy Vance has headlined globally to sell-out crowds and splits his time between London and the Scottish Highlands with his family.

Modelle für eine Stadt (Model for a City)

Posted on 5th August 202125th August 2021 by site_admin

Since moving back to Belfast from Germany in 1998 Declan Hill has assembled an eclectic mixture of Art.

Some bought, some given, some won and some found includes Helen Sharp, Zoe Murdoch, Gemma Anderson, Ursula Burke, Lisa Malone, Lenka Davidikova, Gary Shaw, Dan Shipsides, Oliver Jeffers, Paddy Bloomer and Nicky Keogh.

The Exhibition with over forty pieces represents a high point in Northern Irish Art when in 2005 Northern Ireland first exhibited in the Venice Biennale.

The Exhibition also includes three architectural models and a video piece by Declan Hill.

9.00am – 5.00pm Monday – Saturday

Exhibition Launch 6.00pm, Thursday 2 September.

This is a free un-ticketed event, walk ins welcome

Covid protocol

Current conditions of entry are:

·Please wear a mask while queuing for indoor events.

·1m physical distancing in line with government guideline.

·Please do not come to the event if you’re displaying any of the symptoms of Covid 19.

We hope you enjoy the festival. We will review these conditions of entry if COVID-19 guidelines are updated prior to the event.

Emma Brennan

Posted on 5th August 202125th August 2021 by site_admin

Emma Brennan (She/Her) is an award winning performance artist originally from Dublin where she graduated with a B.A(Hons) in Fine Art Media from NCAD in 2016.

Now based In Belfast, Brennan is a former Co-Director and Chairperson of Catalyst Arts Gallery and is a current studio member of Flax Art Studios, Belfast.

She has recently been chosen as one of the BBeyond performance collective’s new commissioned artists of 2021 to present a new work as part of the Cathedral Arts Festival, Belfast.

At the core of her practice is the persistent draw of the material of dough. Her work is currently occupied with the cyclical processes of breathing/living things, formed upon the four pillars of; gestation, birth, life and death. https://www.emmabrennanartist.com/

This is a free un-ticketed event, walk ins welcome.

Covid protocol

Current conditions of entry are:

·Please wear a mask while queuing for indoor events.

·1m physical distancing in line with government guideline.

·Please do not come to the event if you’re displaying any of the symptoms of Covid 19.

We hope you enjoy the festival. We will review these conditions of entry if COVID-19 guidelines are updated prior to the event.

Hattie Godfrey

Posted on 5th August 202125th August 2021 by site_admin

Hattie Godfrey’s work questions how, both individually and collectively, we conceptualize and engage with illness. She is particularly interested in the role of institutions in causing, caring for and curing physical and psychological conditions.

‘Both the body and the institution are at their most unruly and unstable after sundown. The cover of night creates a hunting ground filled with stale, heavy-hanging time.’

Each act of her most recent work, Put Into Flight begins at sundown and eases at sunrise. The work casts illness as a form of supervisory staff, a single authority that oversees work, play and sleep.

Consisting of three acts over three consecutive nights, this 36-hour performance offers a window into the artist’s fluctuating relationship with illness. We see as she denies its existence, surrenders to its power and attempts to escape its confinement. Chase, Capture, Escape.

This is a free un-ticketed event, walk ins welcome.

Covid protocol

Current conditions of entry are:

·Please wear a mask while queuing for indoor events.

·1m physical distancing in line with government guideline.

·Please do not come to the event if you’re displaying any of the symptoms of Covid 19.

We hope you enjoy the festival. We will review these conditions of entry if COVID-19 guidelines are updated prior to the event.

Fergus Byrne – ‘Coming out for air’

Posted on 5th August 202125th August 2021 by site_admin

Fergus Byrne, in ‘Coming out for air’ will make a performance incorporating psycho-geography and bodily-centered elements of explorations, within Cathedral Quarter.

‘Coming out for air’ is an open invitation to look for the poetic and alternative ways of looking at our way of inhabiting the city.

Psychogeography is a term that has stemmed from a time when artists were seen as Flaneurs (wanderers mainly in Paris), for their attempts to ‘re-conquest’ the public space in early capitalistic societies via the subversion of its purpose-based movements.

Psychogeography was defined in 1955 by Guy Debord and has its historical roots in post WWII France. Guy Debord described it as

“the study of the precise laws and specific effects of the geographical environment, consciously organized or not, on the emotions and behavior of individuals.”

This is a free un-ticketed event, walk ins welcome.

Covid protocol

Current conditions of entry are:

·Please wear a mask while queuing for indoor events.

·1m physical distancing in line with government guideline.

·Please do not come to the event if you’re displaying any of the symptoms of Covid 19.

We hope you enjoy the festival. We will review these conditions of entry if COVID-19 guidelines are updated prior to the event.

Search Results for: