Explore the Music of the 2024 Cork Midsummer Festival
Cork Midsummer Festival 2024
The Cork Midsummer Festival comes back to colour in our world, promising an eclectic mix of arts and culture right in the heart of Cork. This year, in addition to the celebration of all things classical at the Cork Proms, the festival’s alternative music line-up offers a range of gigs and concerts with a focus on showcasing independent talent, a celebration of Cork’s punk and DIY spirit. Here are the top music events to see at the 2024 Cork Midsummer Festival.
New Blood Live at St. Luke’s (21st-22nd June)
Live at St. Luke’s hosts the New Blood series, showcasing emerging talents across a couple of nights in St. Luke’s featuring The Love Buzz, I Dreamed I Dream and more.
Friday, 21st June: Ezra Williams, I Dreamed I Dream, and Rua Rí Live at St. Luke’s
Saturday, 22nd June: The Love Buzz, The Cliffords, and Pebbledash Live at St. Luke’s
9.57 (Sunset): A Curated Experience
Immerse yourself in the unique 9.57 (Sunset) series, curated by Cork Midsummer Festival artist in residence Ellen King aka ELLLL, and Emer Yip for Sample Studios across two weekends, utilising both Triskel‘s Christchurch and more intimate Theatre Development Centre (TDC) auditorium. Keep an eye out for Holy Tongue, a dynamite team-up of percussionist Valentina Magaletti and producer Al Wootton. Throughout both weekends, Berlin-based artist Kayleigh Maimaran will transform the Triskel Sample Project Space into an immersive chill zone, offering visitors a place to relax, reflect, and rejuvenate.
- Friday, 14th June (Curated by ELLL):
- Lineup: Holy Tongue, Fixity, & more at Triskel Arts Centre
- Saturday, 15th June (Curated by ELLL):
- Lineup: Okkyung Lee, Jasmine Wood, Méabh McKenna, surprise DJs & more at Triskel Arts Centre
- Friday, 21st June (Curated by Emer Yip):
- Lineup: Cindytalk, Florence To, Howlbux, & more at Triskel Arts Centre
- Saturday, 22nd June (Curated by Emer Yip):
- Lineup: Kate NV, Felisha Ledesma, 5lowershop Soundsystem, & more at Triskel Arts Centre
Linda Fredriksson’s Juniper (14th June)
Get ready for a night of boundary-pushing jazz at Triskel Arts Centre, as acclaimed saxophonist Linda Fredriksson will perform tracks from the extraordinary album Juniper. Joined by Tuomo Prättälä on keyboards, Mikael Saastamoinen on bass, and Olavi Louhivuori on drums, Fredriksson has become renowned for an unforgettable live experience. Don’t miss this chance to see one of Europe’s leading jazz musicians in action at Triskel on 14th June.
Free St Luke’s Music Trail (22nd June)
Explore the inviting St. Luke’s area while enjoying free live music at various pop-up venues at the cross. Perfect for those who want to soak up the festival atmosphere on a budget.
- Saturday, 22nd June:
- 3pm: Eternal Youth Eternal Beauty at Cork Coffee Roasters
- 4.30pm: Luke O’Neill at St. Luke’s Wine Tavern
- 6pm: Gerron at Henchy’s Bar
- 10.30pm: AbbieLee at Henchy’s Bar
Secret Show (22nd June)
For the risk-takers, take a punt on The Frisky Whiskey Bar on 22nd June for an intimate, one-night-only performance by an acclaimed Irish singer-songwriter at Cork Midsummer Festival. Experience tenderness, grit, and transcendence from a special guest alongside special guest singers and performers.
Solstice Céilí (21st June)
Tap along with a time-traveling band of traditional musicians and dancers as they explore 4000 years of Ireland’s social dancing, from 2024 BC to 2024 AD, at the Solstice Céilí. Guided by the improvised trad band Damhsa Liomsa and Fear an Spraoi Martin O’Donoghue, this unique celebration at Elizabeth Fort will take you from the bronze and stone ages to the 1940s waltz and end with a “polka mosh pit”, making it an unforgettable experience at the Cork Midsummer Festival.
- Cork Midsummer Festival 2024 takes place across various Cork venues from 12th-23rd June.
Info and Tickets available at www.corkmidsummer.com
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