RTÉ New Season: Audition Dates for ‘The Voice’ Being Decided

Maybe you already know that smash hit show The Voice is coming to Ireland. If you don’t, here’s the skinny: Four famous coaches who are at the top of their game in the music business will be competing to secure the best vocalists from the auditions to mentor and guide to victory.   Different to all other talent shows, The Voice is looking for real vocal talent only. The first stage in the contest is the unique Blind Audition, where coaches hear contestants perform but don’t see them, meaning everyone is judged on vocal talent alone. Appearance, age, style don’t come into it-this competition is all about the Voice, not the looks! The blind auditions are followed by the battle stages, where each coach pits two of their contestants against each other, where only one will make it through to the live stage shows. Our four coaches, together with their professional teams, will use their knowledge and … There’s more

New FLORENCE on the way

She has red hair. She looks vaguely like she wanders the moors looking for Heathcliff. She played every venue and festival to the point where we all thought ‘come off it, let’s hear some new stuff’. It can only be Florence Welch. Flo returns with her machine all dusted down with a new sound. Still debating on whether I like this or not. It is definitely reminiscient of the track on Twilight’s Eclipse soundtrack. (Which was the last outing of new material consequently.) The harps are still here but perhaps not as dominant. ‘What the Water Gave Me’ heralds an emergence of a slightly darker sound. No funtime ‘Kiss With A Fist’ or swooningly in love sounding ‘Cosmic Love’ vibes are to be found here, no sir. We are expecting a new album eventually, and it is long overdue. But for now, the single is available to download from here … There’s more

Events: Spirit of Folk Festival 23 - 25th September 2011

post update: the culch.ie guide to: the spirit of folk If I was ever to find an alternate to the early days of Electric Picnic, I think this is the closest I will get…. I say I think, coz it is Year 1 [of many, I hope] for the event. Before you might ask: yes, I shall be going to the ball. Never heard of it ? Here’s the low down….. Type: Boutique Festival Name: Spirit of Folk festival Dates: September 23 to 25 2011 Venue: The stunning grounds of Dunderry Park, Co. Meath More important bullet points: Tickets: €95 for w/e camping pass, €59 Saturday Only. Kids under 12 free. Buy them at: tickets.ie or direct from Dunderry Park - call 046 90 74455 NOTE: no alcohol will be sold on site - those who enjoy a tipple should bring their own [organisers official note]. They say: the friendliest … There’s more

New Comedy: Niamh Marron

So I love my comedy, I really do. I love good comedy. I have yet to find many good female comedians. So imagine my delight when I came across Niamh Marron supporting Gearoid Farrelly in Whelan’s last Thursday night? She is possibly one of the funniest female comedians I have seen in a long time, her sense of humour is filthy but somehow is not uncomfortable…. She is definitely one to watch out for! Hilariously funny and she’s from Monaghan which I am reliably told means she’s just mad anyway! Here she is in action (I couldn’t find a decent video of her so she’s at 1.59) Enjoy!