As hip-hop celebrates its 50th year in 2023, it’s imperative that the pioneering music of De La Soul is widely available, says Stevie G in his Downtown column

Jo Kerrigan looks at what's on Cork stages this week, in her weekly Theatre Nights column

Ronan Leonard looks forward to a pair of concerts at Cork’s Cyprus Avenue featuring eight up-and-coming acts which all seem to have a sense of connection with each other

It’s no surprise to me that other music lovers want to continue this beautiful relationship with the vinyl record, says Stevie G in his Downtown column

What's on the box tonight (Friday)? Here are our four picks

Jo Kerrigan looks at what plays and shows are treading the boards 

What's on the box tonight (Tuesday ? Here's our five top pics 

From globetrotting headliners like The Prodigy, Chemical Brothers and Florence + The Machine, and pop performers like Mimi Webb, to punk legends like Henry Rollins and Hugh Cornwell, and emerging Cork bands like Cardinals, Mossy and The Cliffords, a big year lies ahead for Leeside music. Mike McGrath-Bryan takes a look at gigs in the first quarter - and the big names headed for Indie, the Marquee and Musgrave Park.

I'm looking forward to what we have in store for 2023, says Stevie G in his Downtown column

What's on in Cork's theatres this week? Jo Kerrigan reports in Theatre Nights

What are the big cinema releases of the year ahead? From Indiana Jones to a Scorsese film and Barbie, CARA O’DOHERTY assesses the field

2022 was the year that Cork’s music scene began to rebuild from Covid, and a generation began to stake their claims in the city’s venues, and on record. Mike McGrath-Bryan spoke with a few local music heads about their thoughts, and their hopes for the new year.

B.O.W. making noises as they put a new twist on Irish language poetry for primary school children, writes Don O’Mahony

It’s been another amazing year for great songs, says Stevie G in his Downtown column

We saw the other side of Covid (hopefully); a new generation of artists began to emerge in earnest; and the city’s wider scene has shown its resilience: Mike McGrath-Bryan takes a look at some of the highlights of 2022 in Cork music.

Ian Stephenson fondly remembered in Cork and beyond after his sad passing 

A round-up of the musical shows on TV this Christmas

Stevie G, in his Downtown, looks back at some memorable moments

What does our theatres have in store this Christmas week? Jo Kerrigan finds out

With gigs back in the swing of things, and the vinyl revival somehow withstanding an inflationary bubble, it’s a good time to look out for presents for the music-lover in your life - Mike McGrath-Bryan casts an eye on gift ideas.

There's a great documentary showing, and some music spots that are worth checking out, says Stevie G in his Downtown column

Jo Kerrigan looks at what's coming up in Cork theatres

The evenings have drawn in, whether you’re looking to head out before you head home for Christmas, or spend some ‘Twixtmas time with friends in the company of live music. Downtown’s traditional 12 gigs of Christmas has you covered. Mike McGrath-Bryan casts an eye on the December calendar.

With many of the main acts announced already, and more announcements to come, it looks like being a promising festival year ahead, says Stevie G in his Downtown column

A composer that brought the Irish musical tradition into the 20th Century and became a central figure in the country’s cultural inheritance, Seán Ó Riada’s compositions and rearrangements form the basis of a new piece of work from Dublin composer Neil O’Connor, aka Ordnance Survey. Ahead of a live performance at PLUGD Records in December, Mike McGrath-Bryan finds out more. 

The hunger for music and events remains as strong as ever, but the overall outlook has change in the post-pandemic era, says Stevie G in his Downtown column

From influences of shoegaze and folk, to a preoccupation with religious hymns, Cork upstarts Cardinals have set an interesting tone with debut single ‘Amsterdam’. Mike McGrath-Bryan speaks with the band.

Hopefully some compromise will be reached so that the city can keep its Marina Market, as we need these spaces in Cork, says Stevie G in his Downtown column

Ronan Leonard looks forward to the fifth edition of the Quiet Lights music festival that has always been unafraid to experiment

Reflecting on the career of Nas, it has been remarkable, says Stevie G in his Downtown column

From proud art-rock products of Cork's Northside, to sharing stages with luminaries like Sonic Youth’s Kim Gordon and Pavement - it’s been a wild ride for Pretty Happy, and their new EP ‘Echo Boy’ sees them channel the life and character of their home city. Mike McGrath-Bryan speaks with the band.

For its 67th edition, Cork International Film Festival has served up a selection of cinematic excellence, new and old, including themed strands and broader community engagement - including the Cork Film Trail. Mike McGrath-Bryan speaks with festival head Fiona Clark.

Great news that UK rapper Aitch will play Live At The Marquee 2023, says Stevie G in his Downtown column

The talk-show host, TV presenter and author features on the literary show tonight

The proposals will extend nightclub hours and allow pubs to open later will bring us in line with other countries, says Stevie G in his Downtown column

A feast for the eyes as well as the ears, St. Peter's Church hosts the work of African American fine art photographer Chuck Stewart. Don O'Mahony reports.

The Jazz Fest will be full on this year — after Covid years — and it will be brilliant to see and hear so much local music streaming out of so many doors. Ronan Leonard reports

With a career spanning over three decades that spans the development of modern UK soul, singer and songwriter Omar isn’t content to rest on his laurels, throwing himself into a collaborative gig at the Everyman on Saturday October 29, with Dublin’s Mås Exödus and US rap legend Jeru the Damaja - he speaks with Mike McGrath-Bryan.

Ronan Leonard caught up with the people behind the Guinness Cork Jazz Festival, as they were fine-tuning this year’s festival

The biggest weekend of the music calendar in Cork is finally upon us and it's going to be great, says Stevie G in his Downtown column

One of the foremost exponents of a new generation of jazz to emerge from the UK in recent years, Manchester trio GoGo Penguin are set to wow gig-goers at the Everyman on Friday, October 28. Mike McGrath-Bryan speaks with pianist Chris Illingworth.

Prince’s New Power Generation accompanied the Minneapolis rock legend through albums and touring through the 1990s - six years after his passing, members of the band reassemble at Cork’s Opera House to celebrate his legacy. Mike McGrath-Bryan speaks to NPG keyboardist and former Prince musical director Morris Hayes.

While he bears the responsibility and legacy of his legendary father Fela Kuti’s work with respect and aplomb, Nigerian singer and songwriter Seun Kuti has long forged his own path, working with members of Egypt 80 to move messages of empowerment and change forward. Ahead of his late-night show at the Everyman on Saturday, October 29, he talks with Mike McGrath-Bryan.

Cork's theatres gear up to host gigs as part of the Cork Jazz Festival this weekend

Cork’s marquee music weekend is nearly upon us - and for the first time since 2019, it’ll be the full Guinness Cork Jazz Weekend experience, with music and more in venues right around the city and county. Mike McGrath-Bryan speaks with some of the city’s music professionals about the buzz heading into it.

The old school deserves maximum respect but this is arguably the golden age for women in rap, says Stevie G in his Downtown column

In her weekly Theatre Nights column Jo Kerrigan looks at what is on in Cork's theatres and arts centres

New Cork theatre company Loom starts as it means to go on, with one-woman play ‘Strain’ exploring climate anxiety in the modern age in the surrounds of Cork’s Myrtleville Beach. Mike McGrath-Bryan speaks with actor Rosa Makela, director Éadaoin Fox and Elaine Malone, who has composed the soundscapes of the piece. 

Selló’s debut mixtape SellóTape drops tomorrow and it might well prove to be a landmark release for Irish rap, says Stevie G in his Downtown column

Jo Kerrigan looks at what's on in Cork theatres this week

After the passing of his beloved grandmother at the age of 96, Trick Mist singer and songwriter Gavin Murray found himself in a period of introspection, regarding the nature of time, change and our relationships to each other. Mike McGrath-Bryan talks to Murray and HowlBux’ Elaine Howley, ahead of their Coughlan’s gig on Sunday, October 23.

Coolio's death has struck a big chord here, and across the world, says Stevie G in his Downtown column

What's on Cork stages this week? Jo Kerrigan finds out

Covid-19 set the entire music business back - but for Northern noisemakers Therapy?, the crisis crashed their 30th-anniversary proceedings. Bassist Michael McKeegan talks to Mike McGrath-Bryan about their rescheduled 32nd anniversary extravaganza, including a Cyprus Avenue gig on Wednesday October 5.

Sport and music will continue to be bedfellows, and it can be a win win, says Stevie G in his Downtown column 

Jo Kerrigan shares highlights of what is on around Cork's theatres this week, in her Theatre Nights column

Ronan Leonard says Jimmy Crowley and Mary Black are among the performers from the first Cork Folk Festival, in 1979, returning again this year, and they will be ‘accompanied’ by younger musicians, and new talent such as Clare Sands and Emma Langford

Cork's long-running and renowned folk festival is back again with over 50 events taking place across four days

This year’s Culture Night programme in Cork is very impressive, says Stevie G in his Downtown column

Here's Jo Kerrigan's Weekly theatre wrap up

In part two of an extended deep-dive into the city’s music scene, Mike McGrath-Bryan takes a look at everything from singer-songwriters and the city’s emerging hip-hop generation, to ambient music, sound-art and traditional ballads by way of shoegaze…

So you'd like to hear some good music in Cork... well, here are some good spots to check out

If you like your music, then you should check these out

After Covid, it's an opportunity for reinvention, and to make the festival even better, says Stevie G in his Downtown column

What is on in Cork's theatres this week? Jo Kerrigan reports

In part one of an extensive two-week scene report, Mike McGrath-Bryan takes a look at the local psychedelic, punk, post-punk and metal scenes - with folk, electronica, ambient, hip-hop and more to follow in next Thursday’s edition.

These have their fingers on the pulse and keep spotlight on local and Irish talent

Check out these spots in Cork and keep up to date with the latest offerings

Cork based Artivists Creativity and Change collaborated with the Reclaim Project and the Dublin Ecofeminists plus Leargas Ireland, hosting a number of important conversations, says Stevie G in his Downtown column

A new documentary airing tonight, talks to various outsiders - including three from Cork - who have made Dingle in Kerry their home. CARA O’DOHERTY talks to Cork-based film-maker Ben Kavanagh about how it came about, and the unique Irish territorial attitude to blow-ins

What's on in Cork's theatres this week? Jo Kerrigan tells us in her weekly column, Theatre Nights

Coming together as a response to its founders’ gig withdrawals amid the Covid crisis, Glounthaune’s Upstart Festival enters its second year and intends to stay on the festival calendar, with a mix of new and established Leeside bands, plus an emerging Limerick favourite. Mike McGrath-Bryan speaks with founder Jesper Pedersen.

While the forecast may be poor, it won’t deter the thousands of music fans making the trip to Stradbally, says Stevie G in his Downtown column

What's on Cork stages this week? Jo Kerrigan takes a look in her weekly Theatre Nights column

August is typically a quiet time for film in the city - the 33rd annual Cork French Film Festival will be bringing a certain élan to the local scene. Mike McGrath-Bryan speaks with Alliance Française’ Valérie David-McGonnell and Josselin Le Gall.

This weekend there’s a soul music festival in Cork, with a jam-packed programme of soul and funk, says Stevie G in his Downtown column

In her weekly Theatre Nights column Jo Kerrigan looks at what is on Cork stages this week

Cork-based crew Relapse Promotions have ambitions on placing the city on the national map for punk and metal - and with two major gigs on the way at St. Peter’s and The Kino, they’re continuing to make and underline that mission statement. Mike McGrath-Bryan speaks to members of the group.

It is remarkable that LF System, a little-known dance outfit from Scotland, have been dominating the UK singles charts, says Stevie G in his Downtown column

Cork Soul Fest returns later this month - getting the city into the groove for the end of the summer, and further solidifying a new entry in the annual festival calendar. Mike McGrath-Bryan speaks with director Sinéad Dunphy and headliner Karen Underwood.

What's on Cork's stages this week? Jo Kerrigan reports in her Theatre Nights column

Curator Ava Hayes has brought together work from Cork artists and craft creators, all of whom have graduated from craft arts courses around the county, for the Emerge New Makers Exhibition, currently underway at the MTU Gallery on Grand Parade. Mike McGrath-Bryan finds out more.

The summer of 2022 will go down as a very hot one, and one where we really and truly got back to festivals following the Covid-19 pandemic, says Stevie G in his Downtown column

In her weekly Theatre Nights column Jo Kerrigan takes a look at what is on in Cork's theatres and beyond

After getting reacquainted with her childhood home of Ballydehob over lockdown, musician and sound-artist Muireann Levis is expressing her “relearning” of her surroundings with a special sonic installation along the rivers that flow through the village. MIKE McGRATH-BRYAN finds out more. 

With new music making its way into the world in the form of new single ‘O Theremin’, Galway singer and songwriter Maija Sofia follows her recent Cork Opera House appearance in support of Sharon Van Etten with gigs at Coughlan’s in Cork City and Prim’s Bookshop in Kinsale. MIKE McGRATH-BRYAN finds out more.

Renaissance has been the most heavily anticipated album in pop music for ages, and is hasn't disappointed... says Stevie G in his Downtown column

What's on Cork stages this week? Jo Kerrigan finds out in her weekly Theatre Nights column

The first in-person Indiependence Festival since the outbreak of Covid-19 happens this weekend, and Saturday night sees the return of UK pop-rockers Bastille in the headline spot. Mike McGrath-Bryan speaks with drummer Chris “Woody” Wood

Rising from the ashes of Dublin metalcore veterans Red Enemy, Dublin outfit The Scratch fit somewhere between the groove and prowess of heavy music and the fervent energy of a good seisiún. They’re set for the Saturday of INDIE22, and Mike McGrath-Bryan gets a chat in with lead singer and guitarist Jordan O’Leary.

Get ready for Indiependence, Cork Pride, and All Together Now, says Stevie G in his Downtown column

The fifth annual Mallow Arts Festival sees the week-long event return to its usual July spot, with music, visual art, book signings, workshops and more. Hometown music hack Mike McGrath-Bryan speaks with committee member Tadhg Curtis and musical guest Johnny Duhan.

Just a teaser as the town plans a festival to remember

“Are you still at the music?” is a familiar question for anyone who works in the music industry, upon meeting someone for the first time in years, says Stevie G in his Downtown column

Cork-based independent label FIFA Records celebrates its 100th release with a compilation of tracks from the band’s current roster. Mike McGrath-Bryan speaks with label honchos Ashley Keating and Eddie Kiely, as well as some of the label’s artists.