Summer soundz

Summer isn't the time to be spending every evening racing from venue to venue as is my habit and I have devoted a little of my listening time to more outdoorsy pursuits - tonight sees my tag rugby team (the Multiple Scoregasms) compete in the final for the, er, much-coveted winners title in the beginners league out at Stiofain Naofa.

A whole heap of fresh air and fun was had at the Cork Cycling Festival last week too which turned out to be a great success altogether. We had the biggest turnout ever (I'd say) for the Critical Mass cycle (last Friday of every month from Daunt Square at 6pm) and the exhibition in the Unitarian Church had some cool stuff in it - good luck to sculptor Rob Ireson as he heads for 6 months to work in residence at Mantua. The cycling picnic was on of the nicest Sundays I've had this summer, messing around at the Atlantic Pond with a big gang and loadsa bikes, what more could you want? And the festival was not without its musical highlights. I heard not one but two (wildly different) versions of The Bells of Shandon - one from Hammy Hammond at the foot of the bells on his quirky Historical/musical tour on the Wednesday night, and one from Tony Desmond as we took time out to chill at Sli Cumann na mBan on Saturday evening. At the Pimp My Bike workshop on Saturday I jazzed up my steed with some homemade bells, thereby turning bumpy badly finished roads and potholes (the bain of my cycling life) into a source of jingly amusement - cycling arts how are ya. And the Red Singing Bikes was a gas highlight that I was delighted to be part of as we 12 performers raced round town with our great groaning pipes and pimped bikes just as shops were closing on Saturday night - looking forward to seeing the festival film in due course.

ok you want a few good musical tips for theis coming week? go on then, just a few....

Friday 1st
6.30pm, Sin É - I'm a regular at this great trad session but noticed that it wasn't as terrifyingly packed as usual last week (as in you can see the bar from the door) what with people making weekend trips, so now's a good time of year to head down. Messy as ever of course!

Monday 4th
11.30pm, Crane Lane - yes, it will be the night before back-to-work day but it has been impressed upon me in no uncertain terms that this free gig by cult hero Jeff Lewis (http://www.thejeffreylewissite.com) is not one to miss so don't be saying you didn't know. This is the biggest band he's taken to Cork so far I understand... here's a video taster http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NSdZ_yZP8bk

Wednesday 6th
9pm, The Pavillion - Are they brilliant or what? Mick Flannery and John Spillane are playing a benefit gig for Free the Old Head of Kinsale. Definitely one to make a date for and I am happy to be a designated ticket outlet. Drop me a mail or call me and i'll be happy to sort you out with a ticket for the tidy sum of €15.

That's it for this week. See you next Wednesday!