Lots to see in Cork aside from de Jazz, boy

We’re entering the flagship entertainment weekend of the year on Leeside, as the Guinness Cork Jazz Festival begins today, October 22, and runs to Bank Holiday Monday, October 26.

But there are plenty of non-jazz events lined up for the long weekend, and into next week.

One highlight will appeal to the punks out there, as El Clash Combo play at Sea Church in Ballycotton on Saturday, October 24 at 8pm.

Formed in 2005, the four-piece band’s mission is to revive the passion, energy and music of The Clash, playing a wide selection of songs from all five of the iconic band’s albums as well as singles and B-sides.

In an era where political protest and revolution is widespread, the music of The Clash is as relevant today as it was back in their heyday.

Tickets are €22.50, with advance tickets available at www.seachurch.ie/event/el-clash-combo/

Before that at the Sea Church venue, you can see pop/soul artist Tolu Makay today, October 22, and The Whileaways next Thursday, October 29 - the singing trio’s fifth album was recently released.

If you prefer drama, then catch Babylon West at Cork Arts Theatre, which started last night, October 21, and runs to Saturday, October 28. 8pm daily.

Written by and starring Tommy Harris, it is a new black comedy about local politics, paranoid conspiracy, and the sacrifices people will make to get what they want.

The Improv Halloween Murder Mystery then runs at the theatre next week, from Tuesday, October 27 to Saturday, October 31. Before the curtain rises, the audience will secretly decide who dies and who kills. Armed with your hilarious suggestions and devious secrets, the cast of talented improvisers will create a one-of-a-kind mystery on the spot.

It’s jazz festival tunes all the way at the Opera House, but, looking ahead, the UCC Commerce Ball takes place there next Thursday, October 29, with tickets at €51 each selling fast.

The Everyman is also going jazz crazy for the next few days, but the return of that classic play Disco Pigs is getting closer.

It is due to open at the venue on October 31, running to November 14.

Looking ahead at Triskel Arts Centre, and its annual Halloween film line-up is back from next Thursday, October 29.

This year the focus is on four classics from the 1990s: on Thursday, The Crow, starring Brandon Lee, and Nadja, from executive producer David Lynch, while on Friday, October 30, there is Wes Craven’s Scream (celebrating its 30th anniversary) and Candyman with the late, great Tony Todd.

There is a charity screening of the play I Shame The Devil at the Briery Gap in Macroom tonight, October 22. Set in 1921, it explores the truth behind one man’s service and one woman’s duty, at a pivotal moment in Cork’s history.

Before the screening, co-writer and producer Alan Kiely will give a short introduction from the stage. All proceeds go to the Irish Cancer Society.

You can then see Hermitage Green at the venue on Friday, October 23.

Over at the Glen Theatre in Banteer, folk musician Dan McCabe is in the house tonight, Thursday, October 22, while the final night of the Festival of One-Act Plays takes place there on Friday, October 23, at 7.30pm.

If you’re a fan of culinary fare, head to the Ballymaloe Grainstore on Friday, October 23 for the latest installment of its Food Sessions, this time featuring chef and musician Scott Leigh.

Enjoy a welcome drink, an exquisite multi-course feast, and an evening of effortless rural charm, at these pop-up dining experiences celebrating the people behind exceptional food.