Our guide to what's on in Cork this weekend

Exciting cover band “Gorilla Radio” hit the scene with a killer set mixing commercial rock, hip-hop and rap to name just a few genres which will have crowds coming back for more more more. Familiar faces to the avid Irish rock fan this brand new foursome will definitely shake you to your boots, have you dancing in the streets and bouncing off the walls with high energetic stage performances you won’t forget in a hurry.
Playing live in The Frisky Whiskey Bar, upstairs in The Oliver Plunkett, Ceol Coolroe is the Traditional Irish Music Session and sure to be full of “ceol agus craic”.
Downstairs in The Oliver Plunkett Live Music from the fantastic, ‘Rubbersoul’ band.
The Guilty Judges are a three-piece pop covers band that are quickly making a name for themselves as one of the most coveted wedding bands in the country. With high-energy live shows the Judges perform a wide range of genres that is sure to keep you on the dancefloor from start to finish.
A new band to The Oliver Plunkett, Corca will be playing upstairs and sure to make a splash.
An Irish vocal and guitar duo playing live Upstairs in the Oliver Plunkett.
Latin night event playing the best in, Reggaeton, Salsa, Merengue, Bachata and Samba
Dougie Wardrop started his career in music production with humble means while running Dub Shack Records at Camden lock market. Inspired by early digital steppers such as Warrior stance by Dread & Fred and Seventh seal – Sound Iration (Manasseh), his first attempt at mixing was the instrumental Stepping time – recorded on four-track at Nick Manasseh´s house. It was released under the name Centry in sept 90 and became the launch of his imprint Conscious Sounds. Conscious Sounds is now an independent label in the hands of Dougie and has in recent years seen something of a new golden age.
New means of exposure through the internet has meant that a new market has opened. With a new generation of dubheads taking an interest in the music, the demand has been supplied for re-releasing long out of stock material and the side-label Lovedub has also been launched to feature tunes and remixes previously only heard as dubplates.
Aesthetic Distance, continues.
Exhibition by Cork-based artist Sandra Hickey continues.
An exhibition by Alys Tomlinson, an award-winning editorial and fine art photographer based in London continues.
Aladdin continues at the Opera House until January 20, offering glittering costumes, wonderful dances and lots of fun to enthral the entire family
For tickets, call 021 427 0022 or see www.corkoperahouse.ie
Cinderella has to finish this Sunday, January 13, so hurry up if you haven’t seen its wonders yet
For tickets see www.everymancork.com

The penultimate concert in the series will present two pinnacles of the chamber music repertoire – Beethoven’s so-called “Ghost” Piano Trio and Brahms’ Horn Trio – alongside a work for solo piano, “Comet”, by the featured composer of this year’s Spotlight Series, Sam Perkin. The Piano Trio Op. 70, No. 1 is arguably the most famous trio of Beethoven’s oeuvre, due in no small part to the soaring lyricism and sparkling brilliance of the outer two movements.
Pearl Jem are a 100% Irish tribute to the greatest band on the planet. As Pearl Jam fans first and foremost, we have taken a great amount of time and effort to ensure that our show is nothing but a marker of love and respect to the source material.
Leif are one of Cork’s most popular and dynamic acts. Their song choices range from soft acoustic traditional and folk to rock and roll classics. Expect to hear the likes of James Taylor, Bob Dylan, Cat Stevens, The Everly Brothers, Bill Withers, John Denver and a few surprises.
First and foremost Andy Dunne is an entertainer. He has developed a style of Guitar playing that (although detrimental to any kind of guitar string!) is powerful, full and rhythmic yet when required it can also be tender and touching. The same can be said for his vocals.
The Frets are a guitar/vocals and mandolin duo based in Cork city, who play a wide variety of music, ranging from Jazz swing, Country rock, bluegrass and instrumental traditional music from Ireland, America Scandinavia, Greece and Italy.
First Fortnight’s intimate, eclectic mix of music, poetry and spoken word returns to Cork. The line up includes the six time Munster Slam Champ, Fergus Costello and the rising voice of Alana Daly Mulligan and Kevin P. Gilday, the award-winning writer and spoken word artist from Glasgow. Stephanie Rainey will be the guest music curator for this very special Therapy Session.
The Boom Band are a Cork based rock and covers band, consisting of four accomplished musicians. The band, popular for their strong acoustic roots, first came together as a two-piece in 2009, and have since been joined by a bass guitarist and drummer to become one of the most sought-after live cover bands on the circuit today.
Upstairs at The Frisky Irish Whiskey bar — Clann Eireann is a traditional Irish folk/ballad band from Cork city that plays songs of culture, resistance, history and of course peace and reconciliation. Clann Eireann meaning “family of Ireland” are a politically outspoken band from the working class northside of Cork city with foot-stompin’ rhythm, sing-along choruses and humorous banter.
The Ill Winds are a three piece traditional/contemporary band featuring well-established musicians from home and abroad.
The Lee Sessions is the umbrella term for all authentic, traditional Irish music sessions in Cork city. Supported by Cork City Council, this trad session series runs all year round, and features world-class musicians and singers.
Mixed and scratched by Fadd Jnr, an alternative musical take on Saturday night club music. Expect classic electro cuts, indie fused pop and a mixture of Rock’n’Roll staples, along with plenty of new upbeat tunes for your dancing pleasure.
Exhibition continues by Vera Ryklova.
This exhibition will contain two bodies of work by Cork based artist Sandra Hickey.
Exhibition by Alys Tomlinson, award-winning photographer.
Ally’s Three Wishes is presented by the Trish McCarthy School of Modern Dance at the Firkin Crane this Saturday and Sunday, Jan 12/ 13, showcasing the talents of these lively young dancers. It’s on Saturday at 7pm and Sunday at 2pm. Booking at the box office on 021 450 7487 or www.firkincrane.ie.
Aladdin continues at the Opera House until January 20, offering glittering costumes, wonderful dances and lots of fun to enthral the entire family
For tickets, call 021 427 0022 or see www.corkoperahouse.ie
One of the longest running traditional music sessions is in Charlies bar every Sunday. The session is hosted by Cork’s own Sean O’Driscoll, both a sweet and rhythmic banjo player and a fine hand on the old style button accordion, along with his wife Mary O’Driscoll on the fiddle. To keep the session fresh and real, each Sunday features a different guest musician.
The Gables has had a rich history of traditional Irish music sessions in the city of Cork for almost four decades. The Gables has been the recipient of many awards including Oireachtas na Gaelige music award for pub session. The walls are lined with framed posters from past Cork Folk Festivals, the history of the music of a city, with some featured names of those appearing having played the Gables on many occasions. The session has been visited by travelling musicians from far and wide with many diverse cultures.
A lively fun Sunday jazz session, joined by some of Corks best swing dancers, this weekly event offers a relaxed end-of-weekend, with the space to bop along too! With influences including Django Reinhardt, Stéphane Grappelli, Oscar Peterson and a plethora of many other jazz giants, Pinky Trolley bring a classic approach to equally classic music.
Formed in 2005 the Boogie Band quickly established themselves as an exciting live act and gained a large following throughout Munster. The Boogie Band specialise in providing 100% live music entertainment for weddings and corporate events.
Born in the Folk House and a neighbouring apartment in Kinsale in the hot summer of 2013, the Big Swingin’ Mikeys are a band that was set up as a “non Saturday night” band.
What’s that sound are a four piece Funk and Blues acoustic outfit consisting of four well established singer songwriters (Joey Ryan, Pierre Morrisey, Evan Prendergast and Clare Sands).
Upstairs at the Oliver Plunkett’s ‘Frisky Whiskey’ bar ‘Ceol Coolroe’ will be playing. The traditional Irish music session.
Ceili By The Lee is running this special event in Aid of Aware. Learn some Salsa moves in a fun and relaxed atmosphere.
Blues Jam session every Sunday from 9pm to 11pm. All players are welcome to the stage. Featuring Gerry Quigley & The Dirty Blues Band as the house band. All blues musicians welcome to join the band. If you have never played with a band it doesn’t matter, give it a go! They have a Fender Tele and Marshall 100w amp for visiting guitarists. Or bring your own instrument, all instruments welcome.