Leeside rock and metal stronghold Fred Zeppelin’s reopens in October - and Dead Cult Promotions, run by Cork musician Evan Prendergast, is ready to help fill the live-music void that’s been at the heart of the genre for over 18 months. Mike McGrath-Bryan chats with the Worn Out drummer about their upcoming November gig.

In her weekly Theatre Night column Jo Kerrigan tells us what's on around the city

Singer-songwriter Gerald Ahern shoots video for new offering in Greece

With the Spook Screen Film Festival getting ready to kick off in Cork, Cara O’Doherty looks forward to seeing full-length feature ‘Krampus’

Restrictions have been lifted, including some of the more ridiculous guidelines regarding live music, and while it's miles behind other countries let's try to be optimistic, says Stevie G in his Downtown column

In her weekly Theatre Nights column Jo Kerrigan looks at some of the highlights on Cork's stages

Cara O’Doherty looks forward to the Cork French Film Festival and a reacquaintance with some classics as well as to some new cinematic voices at one of the city’s oldest festivals

While it is far too long, there are loads of sublime moments on this much-hyped record, says Stevie G in his Downtown column

In her weekly Theatre Nights column, Jo Kerrigan looks at the highlights across Cork's theatres this week

After a long and bitter legal battle, all of Aaliyah's music is finally available to the masses, on streaming services, says Stevie G

While the Irish music industry awaits a firm date for a return to gigging, Downtown got to remembering the buzz and anticipation behind some of the big moments in the city’s musical life in the past few decades. Mike McGrath-Bryan delves into the Echo and Irish Examiner archives, with help from Eoghan Dinan.

In her weekly Theatre Nights column, Jo Kerrigan tells us what's on and what's on the horizon for Cork's theatre venues

Jack O’Rourke chats to Downtown's Don O’Mahony about his new single and plans for the future

2021 is halfway gone, but it doesn’t look like it will be remembered as one of the more iconic music years of the century, unless something spectacular happens soon, so says Stevie G

In her weekly Theatre Nights column, Jo Kerrigan looks at what's coming to the stage in Cork, in the days and weeks ahead

After releasing ‘Sowing Acorns’, her second album, last year at the height of lockdown #2, Limerick singer-songwriter Emma Langford is finally about to hit the road to promote it - but not before a meaningful stop at Mallow Castle next Saturday. Mike McGrath-Bryan finds out more.

Here we highlight free outdoor performances as part of the Cork CoCo Pops underway across the county of Cork throughout August  

There doesn’t seem to be any roadmap regarding how we are going to get the music industry started again, says Stevie G in his Downtown column

The Great Beyond, in Ballinacurra House, in Kinsale, is a welcome first return to live performance in 18 months for its musicians and comedians. Read Ronan Leonard's report in Downtown

In his Downtown column this week, Stevie G describes the Summer of Soul documentary as "an incredible testament to an incredible time"

In her weekly Theatre Night column Jo Kerrigan looks at what's hot on the ticket front this week

Having signed to a deal with a US label right as the pandemic’s impact was becoming apparent, Cork outfit Rowan got down to business - and their new EP is a focused slice of indie as a result. Mike McGrath-Bryan speaks with Dylan Howe and Fionn Hennessy-Hayes.

In his Downtown column this week, Stevie G reflects on the impact Andrew Mac Donagh had on the Cork music scene, following his passing

Formed out of friendship and a shared love of a disparate variety of metal bands and subgenres, Hashmaker’s very beginnings were cut off by the pandemic - but their debut EP stands as a testament to their love for their craft - and a nod to B-movie disaster flicks. Mike McGrath-Bryan speaks with guitarist Jim Spillane.

Stevie G, in his Downtown column, remembers Amy Winehouse on the 10th anniversary of her death

In 2018, composer Robert Curgenven took the 32-foot pipe organ in St Fin Barre’s Cathedral and lined it into a full-on dub soundsystem. The result was  ‘Bronze Lands’  and as a recording of the event finally surfaces, Curgenven talks to Mike McGrath-Bryan about the project.

Lockdown saw Cobh grunge/psych trio This Place is Death come back from indefinite hiatus and finally release an extended-player that had been shelved a number of years ago. Mike McGrath-Bryan catches up with Eoin Leahy and Frank O’Brien over Zoom to talk about the release, and the intervening years.

One thing that Cork hasn't been lacking during the pandemic is new music, says Stevie G in his Downtown column

In her weekly Theatre Nights, Jo Kerrigan looks at some upcoming shows

As people continue to flock to the cinema to see her new Marvel movie Black Widow, its star Scarlett Johansson tells the world’s media about her delight at finally getting her solo moment to shine — and has a special answer to Downtown film critic CARA O’DOHERTY’s question

Cork performers come forth at Elizabeth Fort 

With new EP 'Loud Demure', Sarah-Beth O'Mullane flips the switch from alternative pop to piano-driven ruminations and flights of fantasy. The Cork singer-songwriter speaks with Mike McGrath-Bryan about how it's come together, and collaborating over the course of the Covid crisis.

Queen of Pop compares Britney Spears conservatorship to slavery 

Publican Benny McCabe will return the venue to its glory days as a cinema, says Stevie G in his Downtown column

"I do prefer someone a lot more chilled" explains the islander 

Who Do You Think You Are has been named most-played track

Booking is now open for the live events set to take place in venues, both indoor and out in the weeks ahead

Hugo apologises after sparking upset with comments on "fake" personalities and looks — "I didn't mean anything malicious"

Contestant disappointed to leave Mallorcan villa after Rachel chose to couple up with Brad — "I had a lot more to give"

Talent manager says he will always be proud of what they accomplished over their 25 years together

Following the release of a special 40th anniversary edition, it's heading for the top of UK charts for the first time since 1981

Kioko musician Matt Doyle will replace Duncan Campbell after he announced his retirement from music last week following a seizure

Singer reveals he is expecting baby with fiancée Rhea Bailey

Cliffhanger leaves fans waiting to see who luxury travel specialist Rachel Finni chooses in dramatic recoupling

New single 'Renegade' to feature on forthcoming Big Red Machine album

Open to events and community groups throughout the summer on Kyrl’s Quay, the TEST SITE project functions as a public space and an outdoor venue, complete with a purpose-built, reusable stage - a look at how we can best use unoccupied and forgotten spaces in the city. Mike McGrath-Bryan talks with artist Aoife Desmond and architect Ailbhe Cunningham.

Female contestants get to choose who they want to partner up with after Chuggs and Liam shake things up on their arrival into the villa

I'm looking forward to Cosha's new album, says Stevie G in his Downtown column

Contestant predicts that Faye and Brad won't be a couple until the end — "heads are going to be turned"

A judge has denied Britney Spears' request to remove her father from his role overseeing her conservatorship, a court filing reveals.

In her weekly Theatre Nights column, Jo Kerrigan looks at the highlights this week

"If we don't do it, I'll be very, very cross!" says Sporty Spice as pop band celebrate their 25th anniversary

As the city slowly re-emerges from the depths of the Covid-19 crisis, the city’s venues are beginning to make plans for the post-pandemic picture. Cyprus Avenue on Caroline Street is among the handful of Cork venues selling tickets for gigs this autumn - we speak with owner Ger Kiely and booker Eoin Aher about what lies ahead.

US actress points to gloomier tone in upcoming season of the Netflix sci-fi series

Lettings manager Faye Winter picked by three of the five male islanders before ending up with labourer Brad

Singer dons pink suit and glitter as he transforms into glamorous vampire on wild night out 

Downtown looks forward to Cork's Cabaret Connects and catches up with the organisers ahead of the grand finale

Pop star apologises to fans for putting on a brave face and not sharing the trauma over her conservatorship sooner 

A new Netflix documentary about the murder of Sophie Toscan du Plantier 25 years ago focuses on the victim, says CARA O’DOHERTY

Talent manager says he offered to sell catalogue back to Swift after his company acquired the rights to her first six albums but her team refused

Engaging festival is capturing the imagination of many in Cork, says Stevie G in his Downtown column

Singer says he has months of treatment ahead of him but is trying to remain hopeful and positive

We look at some of the theatre highlights this week in Theatre Nights by Jo Kerrigan

US actress describes new role as 'a dream come true'

Talent show supremo fooled the former Modern Family star into believing she had shot him

BBC drama sees actor dirty-faced with long dark hair and a beard 

Host excited to see the villa in Mallorca for the first time

'This Morning' doctor shares details of 'beautiful' moment her first baby was born

It's a sound that can't be stopped, says Stevie G in his Downtown column

Kardashian-Jenners discuss their regrets, insecurities and failed marriages in Keeping Up With The Kardashians reunion

Singer starts to make his comeback — "Feels great to be back!"

From walks around the city in the company of authors and musicians, to the gift of a random artist turning up at your doorstep, Cork Midsummer Festival has found ways for Cork’s creatives to innovate and continue to create. Downtown engages some of the curators and artists involved, as the festival goes about approaching the conversation of art in a changed city.

Check out these offerings at Cork Midsummer Festival, which runs from June 14 to 27

Festival runs from June 14 to June 27 - here are some of the highlights

Stranger Things star Harbour says: "My heart is just broken wide open and I have a new love I never had"

Cast hop into Warner Bros cart with Corden and sing along to 'I'll Be There For You' during filming for reunion special

"Kourtney wouldn't even let us mention it," says Khloe ahead of Keeping Up With The Kardashians reunion special

The 76-year-old is the sixth presenter of Countdown and first female to take the role

The singer was part of a group who were aiming to climb 24 peaks in 24 hours in a bid to raise awareness and funds for suicide prevention charity Samaritans 

Cork singer-songwriter Jack O’Rourke on his latest work, ‘Opera on the Top Floor’, in conversation with Downtown

"I just want total happiness" Kim tells her mother in final episode of Keeping Up With The Kardashians

'The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim' explores the story of Helm Hammerhand, King of Rohan

Young people need an escape; we all do! But let's do it right and use the expertise available to us, says Stevie G in his Downtown column

Popstar wins best family feature at CMT Music Awards

Kourtney reveals the reason behind split from ex-boyfriend Scott Disick — while Kim says she owes one man an apology

In her weekly column, Theatre Nights, Jo Kerrigan tells us about some upcoming shows

The Weeknd's 'Blinding Lights' named the most-played song

Reality TV star posts 'Love U for life' message as West turns 44.

Singer says audiences had grown bored of Oasis towards the end of their time together  — "now we're seen as up there with all the greats"

The one-off ITV film, entitled Diana, will use never-heard-before testimony and rarely seen archive footage, as well as photos and letters from those close to her to trace her journey from nursery assistant to royal family

Jamaican actress Shantol Jackson to play ambitious young sergeant 

Singer/songwriter hints at something new coming out later this year with beach picture titled 'Solar Power'

Canadian singer proud to be part of 'exciting project'

The group will climb 24 peaks in 24 hours in a bid to raise awareness and funds for Samaritans 

Movie is "surreal" says the woman who, with a syndicate of friends, raised a horse on an allotment in Wales that went on to win the Welsh Grand National