2 tips that might have got lost in the madness

I hadn't intended on sending out a tips blog since there is so much stuff to choose from with the midsummer festival and all, but I've been asked to draw attention to two truly excellent fundraising gigs....

First though I'd just like to take this opportunity to offer all readers a special 2-for1 deal on this Sunday's Midsummer night's gig in the Spiegeltent when Niwel's new band Song of the Nations will play. Just quote the top-secret code 'CSE2007' at the box office in Triskel (or by phone on 4273944) to avail of this generous offer! Hope to meet you there....


Friday 19th June
8pm Aula Maxima, UCC A truly stellar classical concert in aid of the Vanbrugh Quartet Scholarship Fund which allows the masterclasses at West Cork Chamber Music festival to take place. The RTÉ VANBRUGH QUARTET with special guests: HUGH TINNEY, piano; KIRSTEN CAP, piano; CIAN O’DUILL, viola; BRIAN O’KANE, cello; CARA O’SULLIVAN, soprano; DAVID WHITLA, double-bass and THE CAIRDE QUARTET. Tickets €35 and worth every cent!!

Monday 20th July
8pm Cork School of Music In support of the fabulous Irish-led Unacorda project (which is establishing a training programme for a new generation of Cuban piano-tuners and technicians) the legendary Chucho Valdés - definitely not one to miss: “[He] put Cuban jazz on the world map long before the Buena Vistas” John Fordham, The Guardian "Valdés's command of the keyboard is so technically staggering as to be stupefying” All Music Guide Tickets are €28 and available from Pro-Musica and Ticketmaster.


I'll be off west for the West Cork Chamber Music festival from 27 June - 5th July... see you sometime soon I'm sure