DerryLiveList.com Magazine [march edition] by Derry Live List

march

s s e n k r a D e th

to land at the Nerve Centre

Plus

David Bestâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Temple Exhibition Previews Music Listings Humdinger

hi!

Hello and welcome to the first edition of the DerryLiveList.com e-zine. Each month we will be bringing you a round up of the must see gigs, theatre and art exhibitions happening throughout the city, as well as interviews and features. There’s so much happening every month in this city between festivals and gigs in our local pubs, that we really are spoilt for choice. But we’ll keep you on the right track as to what to check out so that you don’t miss a thing. We have a busy month ahead with the city gearing up towards the St.Patrick’s Day Carnival of Colour and also the magnificent Temple by David Best which will to be burnt to the ground come Saturday 21st, I’m sure the city will be awash with tourists and locals alike celebrating what this fantastic city has to offer. This e-zine is your e-zine, so feel free to get in touch with your comments, or indeed if you want to submit a review to a gig or show that you have been to, you’re more than welcome to do so. Ed

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LINEUP march 2015

Interview

JOHN DEERY and the heads

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

>>>>>>>>>>>> pages 4,5,6 & 7

Focus On

BENNIGANS BAR pages 16 & 17

Events

ST.PADDY’S DAY FEST pages 28 & 29

Preview

CASH RETURNS >>>>>>> pages 14 & 15

Contents 4,5,6 & 7 John Deery and the Heads exclusive interview 9 The Darkness Nerve Centre gig preview 10,11 & 12 This month’s music listings 14 & 15 Preview to Cash Returns: The Johnny Cash & June Carter Tribute Show which is at the White Horse Hotel this month 16 & 17 Focus On: Bennigans Bar. This month we have a chat with John Leighton of Bennigans to find out what’s coming up in Bennigans 18 & 19 This month’s theatre listings 20 Blood Brother’s The Play preview 21 This month’s Art exhibitions 22 & 23 Project 365: Sean Keddy. Exhibition preview 24 & 25 Temple Project with David Best preview 26 Preview into this month’s Humdinger festival 27 This month’s Irish Language Week listings 28 & 29 St.Patrick’s Day what’s on guide 30 & 31 Days out around Northern Ireland

4 music 6

#MusicCity #DerryLive

5 7

JOHN a catch up with

DEERY & The Heads I

caught up with John Deery, the front man from local Derry band John Deery and the Heads for a chat on all things musical and to find out what 2015 has in store. You guys packed a lot in to 2014... Massive year for us with supporting the Beach Boys at Ebrington and MTV Crashes. We headlined John Ross’ Jammhouse Studio Sessions in the Forum last year, we also got made Sound Cloud Artist of the day to millions of people back in February which was a big deal. We played Ralph McLean’s annual showcase with the Four of Us in the Flowerfield Art Centre, and were also involved in a lot of other Flowerfield gigs too. We were spoilt last year with being involved in Music City, just endless great gigs. 2014 was a brilliant year for us, we really loved it. We were involved in the Other Voices Music Trail during the City of Culture year and again last year, but I think 2014 was

even bigger for us than 2013. We actually got an RTE Radio1 session off the back of our Other Voices gig last year too. It’s just a brilliant time for music in the city at the minute and it’s great to be part of it. This year’s plans? We have a new album almost written and we will be starting to record that soon, we have a big gig coming up on the 27th of March in the EchoEcho Dance Studios where they have a beuatiful big theatre overlooking the city. It’ll be for a small audience, about 100 people tops, so it’ll be an intimate wee gig. We’ll actually be recording that gig live as well which will be lovely. Later in the year we’re playing a gig in Mussenden Temple, and we’ve been invited over to a couple of festivals in Scotland too, so it’ll be a busy year. Not to mention, three of the Heads are getting married this year too, Steve, Oisin and Brads are all getting married so we’ll be juggling a lot of things this year.

6 music

#MusicCity #DerryLive

So you guys went from 4-5 members, what have been the benefits of the extra Head? Yeah we formed with me, Matt, Steve and Sean Haslett in 2010 and then Oisin joined us in 2013, but Sean had other commitments at the start of this year and couldn’t stay on with us, so we had to replace him at the start of last year with Graham Bradley. But the advantages of the another member would be the harmonies and the depth of the arrangements you can do, you have far more dynamic potential when playing with five. The added bonus is Graham has a great voice too so we now have

four part harmonies in the band. How has your song writing developed over the years? I started as a solo artist maybe 15 years ago playing gigs around Belfast, but I think over the years your style progresses, becomes a bit more me, a bit more unique. When you’re writing songs at the start, you’re bound to be emulating other people, people that you admire, trying to fit into their mould. But I think ultimately then, if you’re doing it long enough, you create you’re own style. You recorded you’re first album

Smoke and Mirror’s in the Black Box Studios in France, Grammy awardwinning producer, you must have learned a lot I was actually listening back to Smoke and Mirrors recently in light of this new album, just to see what we sounded like then and it sounds like a totally different record to where we’re at now. I think it was very much coming out of the solo stuff that I was doing. Dave Odlum heard my solo stuff and said he’d like to record with us, so that was brilliant. We went over to France and spent a few weeks out there in a wee french farmhouse. It was beautiful. We

7 quick quiz What would be the most played song or album on your ipod? Oh good question, probably at the minute something like an Iron and Wine album, maybe a Fionn Regan album and actually Bombay Bicycle Club have recently been on repeat. What local band or artist should people check out? We’re spoilt for choice, I recently did the Homegrown gig in the Forum with Paul Casey, Paddy Nash, Best Boy Grip, The Ports, Wood Burning Savages, The Clameens so there’s just tons, it’s a brilliant time for music in the city at the minute. If you could play with any band or artist, living or dead, who would it be? From a musical point of view probably the Beatles, Neil Young, but Hendrix is always up there too. What did you want to be when you were 5? I can’t remember when I was 5, I probably wanted to be an archaeologist or something because I was really into dinosaurs, history and fossils. Or probably something more typically five year old like an astronaut or fireman

were working very close with him all that time, right over his shoulder so I learned a lot too. Where can people come and see you guys next? The last Friday in March, the 27th at the EchoEcho Dance Theatre. It’s going to be in front of a small audience of 100 people, so it’ll be an intimate atmosphere and we’re going to do a live recording off the back of it. It’ll be a special night to be part of because we’ll be filming too. It’s actually going to be our most significant gig time wise because we’ll be playing for

about two hours. Our typical set in the past, for the Beach Boys for example was only 35minutes, so it’s really hard to come up with a playlist. The songs you have to ditch, and the extended versions of songs that you have to cut, also the songs that people want hear, it’s so hard to cut your set down. So the EchoEcho gig will let us play the gig that people want to see, play the songs that people like to hear and some new ones as well. The live recording will also be available to download for the people that will be there too. I’m really looking forward to it, it’s going to be a fantastic night.

What was your first album or single that you bought? The first one that was bought to me was Michael Jackson’s Bad, but the first one that’s jumping into my head as the first I bought, was maybe a Hendrix album. If you could be a cartoon character, which would it be? Maybe Ironman A-Team or Knightrider? A-Team all the way, I remember in nursery school I had an A-team jewellery set, gold shinny Mr-T Jewellery

#MusicCity #DerryLive music

Saturday, 07March Nerve Centre, @ 8PM £SOLD OUT

s e k a C t omandolins H and The Darkness in town this month with a bit of Glam

lam rockers The Darkness hit the Nerve Centre this month for a sold out gig and what is sure to be a night to remember. Having reformed in 2011 after a five year break, members of the original line-up including Justin Hawkins (vocals/guitars), Dan Hawkins (guitars/backing vocals), Frankie Poullain (bass) are joined by Emily Dolan Davies on drums who replaced founding member Ed Graham in late 2014. With their new album ‘Cliffhanger’ due for release this month, the

Suffolk rockers have been touring extensively. Speaking about the new album, front man Justin Hawkins called it “brutal,” saying “it’s definitely stripped back – with the exception of some mandolins. But when you’re doing medieval rock you should have a mandolin on it.” The Darkness came to prominence in 2003 with their debut studio album ‘Permission to Land’ selling 1.5million copies in the UK. Their outrageous costumes combined with their catchy glam-rock tunes, made them an instant hit, and a must see band.

Their new album ‘Cliffhanger’ follows their 2012 comeback album ‘Hot Cakes’ and speaking about reforming, Justin Hawkins stated “the main thing for us is to make sure that musically we turn the experience into something positive again. We’ve been remembering why it was so much fun in the first place, just four men making loud music in a room.” So what to expect from the Darkness at the Nerve Centre I hear you ask? Powerful riffs, tight trousers and catchy tunes delivered by one of the most distinctive voices in rock.

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#MusicCity #DerryLive

Gypsy Folk Klub feat Dominic Kirwan and Balkan Alien Sound Mary Duff in Concert Culturlann Ui Chanáin

Millennium Forum

Time: 8.30pm Tickets from £7

Time: 8pm Tickets from £16

Sunday, 01 March

Balkan Alien Sound is a ‘dance driven, folk fusion outfit that offer a mix of Irish, Klezmer, Gypsy and Balkan styles to create a distinctive and infectious music, setting them apart as world music trail blazers in Northern Ireland”. With a passion for travel, Balkan music and culture brought the group together, united by an ethos fuelled by the exploration and celebration of cultural diversity through music.

Nerve Centre

Saturday, 07 March Time: 8.30pm Tickets SOLD OUT

Sunday, 01 March

Two of Ireland’s finest entertainers have combining to tour the UK and Ireland this year, and with fifty years of experience between them they certainly need no introduction to audiences young and old. Dominic Kirwan and Mary Duff will join forces in an all new show that has already been eagerly anticipated with a real step up in quality and class.

Cash Returns The ‘CASH RETURNS’ Johnny Cash & June Carter Tribute Show has been hailed the greatest and most exciting Johnny Cash Tribute in the UK and Ireland by fans and club owners alike. Now with a fantastic live and energetic six piece band, including the award winning JP Mac as Johnny Cash, who’s baritone voice and tone is scarily

NTWRK presents 18 Numbers Album Catz ‘N Dogz + Launch The Queen & Disco Nerve Centre Saturday, 14 March

The Darkness

Nerve Centre

Time: 7.30pm Tickets £4.50(Advance)

Saturday, 07 March

Set The Stage presents the launch night of ‘18 Numbers’, the eighteen-track release written and recorded for ‘Create an Album’, an event which paired young musicians with Nerve Centre’s in-house producers and songwriters for a week of creative collaboration. Featuring a headline set from The Wood Burning Savages plus special guests Ethnick and the Docs and more.

Time: 11pm Tickets £10(Advance) We return to the Nerve Centre to bring you a Derry debut in the form of Catz ‘N Dogz. As DJs you are likely to find them playing disco/deephouse at the small parties they organize frequently in Berlin and Szczecin as well as tech-house and techno at festivals and big clubs all over the world.

The Darkness land in Derry this month for what is sure to be a rock’n gig in the Nerve Centre. With a new album due to be released soon, the Suffolk rockers have been touring the UK and Ireland playing songs new and old. Unfortunately this gig is now sold out, so the lucky ones who got tickets... enjoy!

White Horse Hotel Saturday, 07 March Time: 9pm Tickets £12

uncanny to the Man in Black’s himself. JP is then accompanied by his sister Caroline Parker, who takes on the role as June Carter with her larger than life on stage presence and fantastic voice. The combination of the two and their fantastic band are wowing audiences all over Ireland.

Dance for the Hospice with Danny Howells The Basement Saturday, 07 March Time: 9pm Tickets: £11

Dance for the Hospice with Danny Howells at the Strand Bar Basement. One of the world’s finest DJ’s Danny Howells performs a 4 Hour set with all the proceeds going to charity. DJ Support from Stephen Porter (Jika Jika!)

11 Women’s Word and Music

St.Columbs Cathedral Sunday, 08 March

Time: 4pm Tickets: £10

Featuring Lynne Edgar, Anita Robinson, Freya McClements, Julieann Campbell, Deirdre Donnelly and more St Columb’s Cathedral provides the magnificent setting for a special evening to mark International Women’s Day 2015 with a celebration of women’s words and music. Hosted by local writers Lynne Edgar and Felicity McCall, the evening features some of the North West’s most gifted women performers and will be followed by light refreshments. Proceeds from the evening will go towards the purchase of a hand crafted seat in memory of local historian, writer and cathedral member Annesley Malley.

McPeake

Joe McElderry

Millennium Forum

Waterside Theatre

Time: 8pm Tickets from £14.50

Time: 8pm Tickets: £15

Monday, 16 March

Tuesday, 17 March

X-Factor winner Joe McElderry is coming to the Millennium Forum with a brand new show after the sellout success of last year’s nationwide tour. Since winning the X-Factor in 2009, Joe McElderry has released four top 20 albums, with two of them reaching the UK top three, and has sold more than 2 million records worldwide. The Evolution Tour features new numbers and new routines which will entertain his fans, old and new. His unmistakable voice, easy wit and warm rapport have endeared him to all ages from 5 to 95.

John Deery & the Heads

Ask Bob Dylan, Van Morrison, or Bono about the roots of Irish Music, and they will point you to the McPeake Family! The four generations are one of those rare Irish gems that have been described as folkroyalty. Their beloved song Wild Mountain Thyme has been covered by music superstars such as Glen Frey The Eagles, Rod Stewart, Bob Dylan and Judy Collins, to name but a few.

Echo Echo Dance Theatre

John Deery and the Heads will play an intimate gig this month at the EchoEcho Dance Theatre in front of a small audience. A beautiful setting overlooking the city, the venue is an ideal location for the band’s first ever 2hour set. With only 100 tickets on sale, the audience will be

Friday, 27 March Tickets £10

treated to songs from the new album as well as old favourites. The local Derry band are also planning to record the gig, and the lucky 100 who are there will then receive it as a free download. A great opportunity to see a local Derry band in such an intimate setting.

Ward Thomas

Talent North West

Friday, 20 March

Sunday, 29 March

Millennium Forum

Nerve Centre

GRAND FINAL

Time: 7pm Tickets: £11

Complete Madness Waterside Theatre

Ward Thomas may well be on the verge of becoming one of the first genuine major British Country acts. They are proving to be one of the most exciting and talented of the new crop of names to have appeared on the international Country music scene in recent years. One listen to the vocal cadences and close harmonies on their debut album ‘From Where We Stand’ and Nashville and Hampshire suddenly don’t seem all that far apart.

Saturday, 28 March

Time: 8pm Tickets from £10

Complete Madness bring the nutty sound of Madness to the live stage, with a wonderful reminder of the Ska/Two Tone period of the late 70’s and early 80’s. The crazy, fun packed, outrageous performance is delivered at a blistering pace with a few Ska classics by The Specials, Bad Manners etc thrown in, inspiring audience participation throughout.

In six locations across the Northwest, local heats are taking place looking to find the two acts that will go forward to represent their community. There are 6 local heats, leading to an amazing grand final on Sunday 29th in the Millennium Forum, where some outstanding singers, dancers, comedians or performers will ultimately be crowned the 2015 Winner and receive a massive Cash Prize and a host of amazing performance and special appearance opportunities.

12 music WEEKLY PUB AND CLUB MUSIC IN MARCH #MusicCity #DerryLive

BENTLEY BAR AND STEAKHOUSE MONDAY Jamie Noonan TUESDAY Audrey WEDNESDAY Conka’s Quiz and Disco THURSDAY Dougie BReslin FRIDAY DJ Joe SATURDAY DJ John Henderson Main bar SATURDAY Ricky Nixon- Linen Room SUNDAY DJ Joe

CASTLE BAR

THURSDAY Open Mic Night 11pm1am FRIDAY Noelle Hutton 11pm-1am SATURDAY James McLaughlin 11pm1am & Upstairs Disco with DJ Caolan SUNDAY Ricky And Kev 7-9pm & Niamh Cregan 10-12 MARCH 06 - Cruncher O’Neill followed by Gary Lawlor MARCH 07 - Spazer kelly (spirit of freedom) and Gary Lawlor (ex Druids) MARCH 08 cruncher o neill MARCH 09 cruncher o neill

RIVER INN

SATURDAY - Dj B.M.C Drink Promotions. Doors open 9.30pm. Over 21’s

CARRAIG BAR

MONDAY Dstraction Monday’s with drink promotions.

STRAND BAR

MONDAY Magic Mondays with the cheapest Monday Club in town. Admission is free and there are a great selection of drinks for £1.50 all night long. Music begins at 10pm with a selection of Deep House, Hip Hop, Chart and Classic tunes. THURSDAY - Jack’s House with DJ’s Shay Healey & Jay Quigley. 99p drinks all night quality house & techno. Admission:£3 before 11, £5 after (£3 with student card all night)

METRO BAR

ONDAYS - The Mindbenders TUESDAYS - Hard to Handle WEDNESDAY - Live Music: The Real Thing THURSDAY - With DJ Smitty. New cocktail menu and drink promos FRIDAY - DJ Jim Healy @ The Metro SUNDAY - Jim Healy @ The Metro

LIFT NIGHTCLUB

TUESDAYS - Skint Tuesdays Electric Jungle with drink promotions all night. £3 Students/ £5 others THURSDAY - Unique Thursday’s at Lift Nightclub with dress code of ‘Dress to Impress’ Admission:£5, with wrist band £3 Time:10.30p

ENVY NIGHTCLUB

TUESDAY - Skint Student Night Drink Promotions. 9pm-2am Free entry WEDNESDAy - Karaoke Live THURSDAY - All Inclusive Thirsty Thursday Doors 10pm-2am £12 admission (includes drinks) FRIDAY - Play Your Cards Right With Drink Promotions, £1 drink promos until 11pm, music until 2.30am. Free admission SATURDAY - Just Dance Playing all the best in high energy, Top 40, Dance and Classic hits. Drink promos untill 11pm. Admission:Free Doors:9pm

MASONS BAR

MARCH 12 - Heat 2 of Battle of the bands FRIDAY - Beat the Clock @ Masons Venue. All drinks start at £1 and increase by 50p every hour. Admission:£5 Doors:9pm SATURDAY - Purple Rain We love the 80’s Purple Rain disco. All Cocktails B.O.G.O.F. Admission £5, Doors 9pm

CAFE ROC

SATURDAY - Music Saturday’s at Cafe Roc Live Music: Gary McEvoy & the Rockin ‘n’ Robins @ Cafe Roc. Admission: Free before 11, £3 after

BENNIGANS BAR

TUESDAY - Bennigans Introducing: Another great night of local musicians.Admission:Free Time:10pm FRIDAY - Original Fridays continue this week at Bennigans Bar. Admission:Free Time:10.30pm SATURDAY - Local Jazz legend Gay McIntyre plays every saturday afternoon from 4.30 - 6.30. Free entry Saturday night Live Music: Admission:Free Time:10.30pm SUNDAY - Derry Jazz Society presents Jazz at Bennigans. Admission includes complimentary food. Admission:£5 Time:9pm

THE GRAND CENTRAL

TUESDAY - Every Tuesday night at the Grand Central Bar is quiz night, why not pop along and see how smart you are.Admission: Free SUNDAY - Sunday Sessions: Irish Traditional Music presented by Cultúrlann Uí Chanáin. Admission:Free Time:9pm

TRACEYS BAR

WEDNESDAY - Live acoustic set from Dougie Breslin. Admission:Free

DUNGLOE BAR

WEDNESDAY - Live Music: Noella Hutton @ Live music every Wednesday night in The Dungloe from Noella. Admission:Free Time:10pm-12am

SANDINOS FRIDAY - Dance yourself clean Playing the best party music we will bring you only the best house, disco, indie and hip-hop. Drink Promos. Admission:£3 Doors:10pm SATURDAY - Club Havana Indie, Dance, Rock and HipHop. Admission £5, Doors open 10pm

11 Conversation Circle

The Story of Irish

Wednesday, 04 March

Mon, 09 - Fri 13 March

Culturlann Ui Chanáin Time: 2-3pm Admission £FREE

Conversation Circles at three different levels offering local learners the opportunity to meet up and practice their Irish

Culturlann Ui Chanáin & Local Irish Schools Thursday, 05 March

Time: Varied Admission £FREE

World Book Day:

The Little Festival of Books

Culturlann Ui Chanáin & Verbal Arts Centre Thursday, 05 March

Time: Varied Admission £FREE

The Little Festival of Books invites young Irish speakers in the city to celebrate World Book Day as part of Seachtain na Gaeilge.

St.Mary’s College

Culturlann Ui Chanáin Mon, 16 - Fri 20 March

Time: Varied Admission £FREE

An exhibition illustrating the history of the Irish language in Derry up until the present day.

Exhibition:

The Living Language

Culturlann Ui Chanáin Mon, 09 - Fri, 20 March Admission £FREE

An exhibition exploring the heritage and history of the Irish language in the two major communities in the North of Ireland.

Family Session

Culturlann Ui Chanáin Tuesday, 10 March

Time: 7-9pm Admission £FREE

Children from Cultúrlann Uí Chanáin’s music classes will come together to perform a family session for the public.

Fáinne Scheme

Fáinne Scheme for Council Learners

Derry City Council Offices Wednesday, 11 March

Time: 1-4.30pm Admission £FREE

Contact:Pól Ó Frighil, Tel: (028) 7126 4132. gaeilge@derrycity.gov.uk

Fáinne Presentation and Quiz

Culturlann Ui Chanáin Thursday, 12 March

Time: 9-11pm Admission £FREE

A great night’s craic is promised at the Irish Language Week Quiz. There will also be a Fáinne presentation for those who succeeded in the Fáinne scheme.

Teenagers’ Disco

Culturlann Ui Chanáin Friday, 13 March

Time: 8-10pm Admission £FREE

A fun filled night for young Irish speakers aged 11-16 years – bring your dancing shoes!

Scottish Gaelic Taster Course

Éigse Cholm Cille

Culturlann Ui Chanáin

Time: 1-4.30pm Admission £FREE

Fri, 06 & Sat 07 March

An opportunity for Irish learners to undertake the Fáinne Challenge to earn the Fáinne fluency pin.

Time: 10am-4pm Admission £10 A one day taster course for those who have an interest in Scots Gaelic and want to start learning the language.

UU, Magee Campus

Time: Varied Admission £FREE The annual festival of Irish language and literature returns to explore the theme: ‘Gaelic Scholars of Ulster’

Mon, 09 - Tues 10, March

Fáinne Scheme

Costume Design Workshop

Culturlann Ui Chanáin

Culturlann Ui Chanáin Saturday, 07 March

Time: 1-4.30pm Admission £FREE

Time: 2-4pm Admission £FREE

An opportunity for Irish learners to undertake the Fáinne Challenge to earn the Fáinne fluency pin.

An opportunity to design and create their costumes for the St. Patrick’s Day Parade

Mon, 09 - Tues 10, March

Saturday, 14 March

Conversation Circle

Culturlann Ui Chanáin Monday, 16 March

Time: 2-3pm Admission £FREE

Conversation Circles at three different levels offering local learners the opportunity to meet up and practice their Irish

12 music 14

#MusicCity #Derrylive

13 15

The Man Comes Around this month in the award winning tribute act Cash Returns

ohnny Cash was regarded as one of the most influential American musicians of the 20th century and adored by music lovers of all ages with his tunes spanning a range of genres from county to rock. When he died in 2003 at the age of 73, Cash left a repertoire of songs that will be forever enjoyed by future generations and he will always be considered a music great. JP Mac is the Man in Black in ‘Cash Returns: Johnny Cash & June Carter Tribute Show’ which has been hailed as the greatest and most exciting Johnny Cash Tribute act in the UK and Ireland by fans and club owners alike.

He has also received an official seal of approval by none other than WS ‘Fluke’ Holland, who was Johnny Cash’s very own drummer with the Tennessee Three, when he said “if anyone hears JP Mac, they will know why he is an award winning Johnny Cash act” and speaking about JP’s similar baritone voice he called it “quite amazing”. WS Fluke has been so impressed that he actually went as far as to say he would like to share a stage with JP in the future, and has invited him to come to Tennessee to play some shows. In his ‘Cash Returns’ tribute show JP is joined on stage by

his sister Caroline Parker, who takes on the role as June Carter with her larger than life on stage presence and fantastic voice. The combination of the two and their fantastic band have been wowing audiences all over Ireland and they are now due to take to the stage at the White Horse Hotel this month. JP is currently writing his own tracks, which he says are in a “Johnny Cash style” and he is looking forward to performing them in his latest tour. For any Cash fan, or indeed any music fan, Cash Returns is a must see gig and you will leave believing you have just seen the Man in Black.

>> Cash Returns: The Johnny Cash & June Carter Tribute Show is at the White Horse Hotel on Saturday, 07 March. Tickets are priced at £15 and are available via the hotel reception. You can also check out JP Mac’s website cashreturns.net and his Facebook page facebook.com/CashReturns to hear his music and latest news.

#MusicCity #DerryLive

All photos by Iñaki Basterretxea

16 music

Bennigans Bar focus on

easeholder John Leighton describes Bennigans as a “traditional pub with a friendly atmosphere which has a focus on high quality live music from both local and international musicians.” And you can see why. Bennigans is bursting at the seams with live music every week. Attracting some big names such as Duke Special and Nigel Mooney, who is widely regarded as Ireland’s leading jazz singer and guitarist and who had recently performed to a full house in the Royal Albert Hall, Bennigans attracts bands and musicians of all genres and has

become Derry’s go to pub for live music. Since taking over the lease from Joe Neilis in November 2014, John has put his own stamp on the pub with an emphasis on high quality music throughout the week, and as John say’s, “I’m not in this for the profits, but for my love of music.” And there is no better man than John to take Bennigans on this musical journey as he is an accomplished Jazz musician in his own right. He released his debut album in 2011 titled ‘Dramatic Life’ which drew praise through-

out Ireland including a review in The Irish Times describing him as a “fine pianist/composer whose music has distinction and individuality.” An intimate little venue, I can see the draw for musicians and bands to play Bennigans, alongside the friendly atmosphere, so friendly that no doormen are needed. “We’re a responsible bar” says John, “we take care of customers... we haven’t had the need for any doormen.” Spanning all genres, Jazz, Folk, Classical, Rock, there really is something for everyone in Bennigans throughout the week.

Every Tuesday’s ‘Bennigans Introducing’ brings to the forefront three local musicians or bands who each perform for 30 minutes. On Friday, its ‘Tapas Friday’ in the evening, authentic Spanish tapas served with each drink. Then from 10pm, more local acts take to the stage. Saturdays at Bennigans comprises of local Jazz legend Gay McIntyre in the evening, followed by more live music from musicians based not only in Northern Ireland, but further afield such as Bukahara who recently headlined Bennigans having travelled all the way from Germany. Bennigans Jazz Club supported by the Dery Jazz Society takes over

Sunday with the best Jazz musicians from all over Ireland as well as International talents with complimentary tapas served at the interval. John has big plans for Bennigans during the Jazz Festival this year and music lovers will be in for a treat. “We’re planning on having three live gig’s a day during the festival”, John tells me “we’re also planning to have an open jam session in the evening with all the musicians invited to come and hang out.” The Jazz festival have also recently confirmed that Bennigans will be one of three core “Jazz Hubs” at this years festival. A great recognition for the bar overflowing with music.

weekly in bennigans Tuesday - ‘Bennigans Introducing’ three local acts @ 10pm Fridays - Original Fridays: with great live bands @ 10.30pm Saturdays - Jazz Legend Gay McIntyre @ 4.30pm followed by more live music at night. Sundays - Bennigans Jazz Club @ 9pm

18 theatre

#DerryLive #LoveTheArts

Mark Thompson Stargazer Waterside Theatre Sunday, 01 March

Time: 2.30pm Tickets £8/£25 family

The Universe is shrouded in mystery, yet through the centureis mankind has slowly unravelled many of its dark secrets. Mark Thompson reveals the hidden nature of the Universe, brough to life with mindblowing demonstrations. Best known for copresenting the BBC’s popular, Stargazing Live, Mark Thompson is sought after for taking complex scientific concespts and bringing them to life in an engaging and entertaining way. He is a frequent broadcaster, appearing on The One Show, The Alan Titchmarsh Show, and many news networks.

North West Irish Language Drama Festival Waterside Theatre

Roald Dahl’s The Three Little Pigs Foyle Arts Centre Saturday, 07 March

Time: 10.30am & 1.45pm Tickets: £5

Thursday, 05 March

Time: 10am Tickets from £1

Feile Dhoire is the North West’s Irish language drama festival. Schools from all over Derry, Tyrone and Donegal will take part in the festival with the winners going on to represent the North West in the Ulster Final. Feile Dhoire is in its seventh year and its continued growth reflects the growing appetite for high quality Irish drama.

Quercus Ensemble presents Roald Dahl’s Three Little Pigs, a musical story telling event for all the family. Come along and experience this fantastic musical adaptation by the composer Paul Patterson. A day of music and activities starting at 10am, musical performance at 10.30am followed by activities and picnic and another performance at 1.45pm.

Blood Brothers Millennium Forum

Monday, 02 & Tuesday, 03 March Time: 8pm/ 10.30am Tickets from £12

Coming off the back of three sell-out biennial provincial tours, Premier Theatrical Productions are presenting the iconic production by Willy Russell.

Give My Head Peace Live 2015

Baby It’s Cold Outside

Colin Fry: Voices from Heaven Tour

Millennium Forum

Time: 8pm Tickets £14.50

Time: 8pm Tickets from £12.50

Time: 8pm Tickets from £18.50

Uncle Andy takes his annual week off from the Kneebreakers to bring sophistication, Protestant culture and laughs to the Millennium Forum. He’ll be ably assisted by Pastor Begbie (Paddy Jenkins) as well as Billy, Dympna, Ma and Cal. Da will be there too unless he gets an invite to the Palace. Why is he the only Shinner who’s not allowed to meet the Queen?Give My Head Peace Live will feature Ulster’s favourite dysfunctional family, up to the minute satire and hilarious standup from Tim McGarry. Show contains adult references. Responsibility for allowing under 12s to view lies with the accompanying adult.

The hilarious new comedy from awardwinning playwright, Brenda Murphy. Set in an isolated cottage on the snowtrapped Black Mountain, the play tells the story of a bizarre love triangle. Pregnant Patsy from West Belfast has gone there to have her baby with the support of her two friends: older woman and academic Sally and beautiful American Law student, Madison. But when Patsy’s exboyfriend and baby’s father, Joe, arrives on the scene to try and win her back, Patsy announces she’s now in love with Sally. Get set for a monumental tug of war. Please note: Contains adult material suitable for ages 16+

Being one of the World’s most recognised Spiritualist Mediums and Healers, Colin’s TV series “6ixth Sense” has now been broadcast worldwide for twelve years and his public performances are in demand internationally. year’s tour will once again see Colin Fry bring his own unique form of comfort to ordinary people living ordinary lives, proving once again he is very much the People’s Medium. Evenings of Mediumship are not scientifically proven and are presented for education and entertainment purposes only. `

Sunday, 08 March

Thursday, 12 March

Friday, 13 March

19 One Sandwich Short of a Genius The Playhouse

Me Da’s Suit

Millennium Forum

Wed 18 to Saturday, 21 March Time: 8pm Tickets: £10

Saturday, 14 March

Waterside Theatre

Time: 8pm Tickets from £9

A normal family in absolute denial. Mum is so determined to keep up appearances that when Dad leaves her ‘to find himself’, she hires an actor to replace him. It’s a perfect solution to an embarrassing situation. Mum’s the word. Luckily, the daughter’s far too busy planning the happiest day of her life to notice, but the son smells so many rats he’s become a loose cannon. Will keeping the cat in the bag, and the skeletons in the cupboard, whilst avoiding the elephant in the room... tip them all over the edge? Or is it the best move she’s ever made...

Friday, 20 March

This is Ireland, pre ‘Credit Union’ days. A time when the pawn shop was the only place people could get a ‘len’ to see them through to Friday and pay day. Jim’s suit, tailor made by himself, is in the pawn, where it has resided from Monday to Saturday for the last two years. Kitty, his downtrodden wife, is thrown into panic when Jim comes home on Tuesday and tells her to iron it for a ‘do’ he is going to that night.

Arrivals2

Dalloway

The Playhouse Saturday, 21 March

Time: 8pm Tickets from £9

1923: The War is over. While Clarissa Dalloway prepares a party in Westminster, veteran Septimus Smith is diagnosed with shellshock, and their memories and dreams magically intertwine with those of 15 other disparate souls. Conjuring the hopes and regrets of middle and upperclass London, this adaptation of Virginia Woolf’s celebrated map of hearts, minds and memories offers a compellingly feminine response to the aftermath of the First World War. Written and directed by Elton Townend Jones (The Unremarkable Death of Marilyn Monroe).

William Caulfield Live! The Me, Myself and I tour Time: 8pm Tickets: £16 The ever popular comedian William Caulfield is back on tour again with yet another brand new show. This year he leaves aside the comedy characters and does what he does best – great standup comedy about our everyday lives here in Northern Ireland. A master story teller with great skill at picking out the extraordinary humour from the ordinary this will be a night of laughter that you cannot afford to miss. Well known from his comedy shows both on BBC NI and Radio Ulster this is William’s first return visit to the Waterside Theatre in over eight years. A

The Playhouse Friday, 20 March

Time: 8pm Tickets £10

From the company that brought you last year’s acclaimed production Arrivals, about the lives of immigrants to Northern Ireland, the story continues with Arrivals2, all about their children. Five plays by five of Northern Ireland’s most exciting local writers, including awardwinning playwright and screen

writer Daragh Carville, James Meredith and Deirdre Cartmill, and newcomers Maggie Cronin and Finn Kennedy. Composer and Singer Songwriter Anthony Toner will provide a new score for the night. A night of tasty ‘theatre tapas’ that will leave you entertained, amused, moved and thoughtful.

Those you Pass on the Street

LMS presents The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas

Waterside Theatre Tuesday, 24 March

Time: 8pm Tickets: £7.50

Elizabeth walks into a Sinn Fein constituency office seeking assistance regarding antisocial behaviour in her area. Frank takes her details and promises to look into it. He later learns she is the widow of an RUC man killed by the IRA, and is warned to tread carefully. This brief encounter poses challenges for personal preconceptions and beliefs, straining family and political loyalties. Those You Pass on the Street explores the complexities of dealing with the legacy of conflict, especially when that conflict is localised and personal. It contrasts party political positioning with individual needs. It challenges the view that any mechanism for dealing with the past is simply about ‘whose side gets what’.

Millennium Forum Wed, 25 - Sat, 28 March Time: 8pm Tickets from £11.50

This Tony Awardwinning musical is inspired by the reallife Chicken Ranch in La Grange, Texas. Miss Mona, the madam of beloved “ Chick, chick, chicken Ranch!” finds her business suddenly under attack from television evangelist & local politician.

20 theatre

#DerryLive #LoveTheArts

s r e h t o r B Bond of Willy Russell’s iconic play never disappoints

Blood Brothers The Play makes it’s way to the Forum this month with Premier Theatrical Productions presentation of Willy Russell’s musical. Blood Brothers has received a cult following throughout the world and continues to draw the crowds across the globe from Broadway to Australia. It was also one of the longest running musical productions in the West End having played more than

10,000 performances over 24 years, receiving numerous awards. Set in Liverpool in the 1960s, it follows the heartbreaking story of twins Eddie and Micky who are separated at birth when their mum could not afford to care for them both. Her situation forces her to give Eddie away to her wealthy boss, Mrs Lyons, who is unable to bear her own children. This leads the brothers to grow up on either

end of the social class divide but as circumstance draws them back towards each other, when they eventually meet and instantly become friends. Pricking their fingers, they swear that they will always be Blood Brothers, unaware of their true past and how tragically their future will play out. The show has everything, comedy, drama and love. A must see this month at the Millennium Forum.

21 art exhibitions & projects coming up in march #DerryLive #LoveTheArts

art

Horse

call and also invited artists. This exhibition examines diverse themes ranging from the suffragette movement in the early 20th Century to contemporary horse trading and the horse fairs of Ireland. Work by George Stubbs, Henry Moore, Mark Wallinger, Sat 21 February - Sat 18 April Tim Macmillan, John Stezaker, Kenneth O’Halloran, Brian Hand, Christopher £:Free Entry Barr, Bronagh Corr, Selma Makela, Gary Shaw, Maria McKinney, Michael Conlon, Currently on display at the Void Gallery is Horse, an exhibition exploring the rep- Debi O’Hehir, Alison Lowry, Lauren resentation and role of the horse in con- McKenna,Darran McGlynn, Stephen McCollum, Annabel Konig, Daisy Delaney, temporary and historical society along John Murray, John Kelly, John McDaid, with its profound relationship to man. Helen Sharp, David Haughey, Stephen Consisting of artwork from 28 differSexton, Mieke Van Mechelen and Ferent artists, Horse combines work from historical collections, an open submission gus Byrne.

Various Artists Void Gallery

365 Project Sean Keddy

The Playhouse

Crooked Rain Artist

Tea Dance & Art Exhibition

Sat, 03 - Sat 07 March

Sat, 07 Feb - Sat, 21 March

CCA

Waterside Theatre

£:Free Entry

The 365 project is a unique autobiographical day by day visual representation of the year 2013, Derry~Londonderry’s year as UK City of Culture. Exhibition launch Tuesday 3rd March at 7pm. All are welcome.

Currently on display at the CCA DerryLondonderry is Crooked Rain. The exhibition consists of works by artists who address relationships to the natural world through video, sculpture, photography, and drawing.

Monday 30 March

The Waterside Theatre’s Inter generational Art Project partnering up Care Homes, Community Groups with local Primary Schools are hosting a tea dance to celebrate the end of their project and displaying their inspiring and creative pieces of textile art work that they have produced over the past 26 weeks with artist Hilary Doherty. Rectory Field Care Home worked with Oakgrove Integrated Primary School, the Diamond Diners partnered with St Colmcille Primary School and Longfield Care home have worked alongside Broadbridge Primary School. The project was funded by The Arts Council of Northern Ireland, Arts and Older People Programme and the Honourable the Irish Society. For more details contact AJ on 02871 314004 or emailaj@watersidetheatre.com

22 art

#LoveTheArts #DerryLive

project

365 One piece of art for every day in the year

roject 365 is the first solo exhibition of local artist Sean Keddy. Comprising of 365 individual pieces of artwork, the exhibition is an autobiographical day to day visual representation of 2013 and is inspired by particular events or situations relative to each day of Derry’s year as UK City of Culture, while also being influenced by his family. The images in the series, measuring 21cm square, are mostly hand drawn with pen and ink and then transferred to Adobe Photoshop where they are digitally coloured and manipulated, and Sean would often add other creative practices such as photography, mark making, typography, textiles and paint. Since graduating from the University of Ulster with a

First-class honours degree in Illustration and Animation, Sean has produced numerous works such as animations, comics, greetings cards and children’s picture books. “My artwork is heavily influenced by 20th century pop culture such as 80’s movies, classic cartoons, music, comics, tattoos, people and last but not least, fellow artists” Keddy states about his approach to illustration. This influence is apparent not only from his illustration style, but also within the subject matter he draws. “My love of art began at a very young age with my earliest artistic memory being a sketch of a Ninja Turtle I drew on the cover of a school jotter when I was 5 years old” he recalls about how it all started. Having made the decision to exhibit his work, Sean ap-

proached The Playhouse to see if they would be interested in exhibiting his work. “They have been really supportive, and the space they have for exhibiting is great.” Speaking about his debut exhibition he says, “it will be interesting to see what images people are most drawn to”, and he is looking forward to telling the stories about how he arrived at his designs. “A few of the pieces are metaphorical or abstract, so their meaning isn’t always clear. It will be interesting to see how people react and interpret those.” >> The exhibition will be on display at the Playhouse from Tuesday 3rd March to Saturday 7th March, with a reception at 7pm on the opening night. You can check out Sean’s artwork at facebook.com/seankeddyart.

24 temple

#DerryLive

14 - 21 March: An Artichoke Project

Location: Corrody Road Country Park (‘Kelly’s Field’), Bards Hill, Top of the Hill, Derry~Londonderry, BT47 2EW Times: midday-8pm daily Entry: Free BURNING CEREMONY Date: Saturday 21st March Time: 8pm (Site opens 6pm. Visitors are advised to arrive early) Entry: Ticket holders only: £3 and £8 family tickets incl booking fee (Undersixteens must be accompanied by an adult) Tickets: Available now from the Millennium Forum, online, by phone or in person from the box office. Website: www.millenniumforum.co.uk Phone: 028 7126 4455 www.templederry-londonderry.com

Photo by Luke Szczepanski

emple David Best Burning Man is a legendary week long festival which takes place each year in the heart of the Nevada desert. The festival is described as an experiment in community, art, radical self-expression, and radical self-reliance and takes its name from the ritual burning of a large wooden effigy, which is set alight on the Saturday evening. Since 2000, there has been an addition of the burning of a Temple which takes place the following evening and festival goers have the opportunity to inscribe messages of joy, sadness, pleasure, and pain on the surfaces of the piece. Then on the final night of the festival it is set alight releasing its messages of hope into the sky. David Best is the original Temple creator. Between 20002004, and in 2007 and 2012 he created the Temples that adorned the Nevada site and again in 2014 when he came out of retirement to build the Temple of Grace. Following the success of last year’s Lumiere Derry-Londonderry, Artichoke have managed to bring David Best and his crew to Derry to create a structure that will tower over the city. With help from the people of Derry themselves who have volunteered their services, and will learn new skills, they will create possibly the most impressive piece of sculpture Derry has ever seen, and just like in Nevada, it will be set alight. The Nerve Centre’s Fablab have been training young people

in Computer Aided Design (CAD) in order to cut the temple’s intricate panels. There has also been training in local schools with students as part of their ICT classes, and a team of unemployed builders have joined the build in what is a back-to-work scheme to help with the construction of the temple. For David Best, the Temple is about the people. “I know what makes a temple.” he says, Photo by Zipporah Lomax

WITH

“The crew has to be sacred. The people you work with have to be honoured. And if they’re sacred they’ll build a sacred structure. It doesn’t matter what the temple looks like, it’s the intent.” This event is one not to be missed. So put it in your diary, after a week long celebration beginning March 14th, Derry’s Temple which once soared high above the city will be ceremonially burnt.

26 art

#LoveTheArts #DerryLive

YOU’LL HAVE A

g n i g n humdi GOOD TIME!

27 March- 28 March In venues throughout the city

umdinger! 2015 makes a welcome return to the city this month and is sure to keep the kids entertained over the weekend of the 27th. Now in it’s third year, the Humdinger! festival celebrates words, stories and imagination and has featured some of the biggest and best loved names in children’s stories including Julia Donaldson and Oliver Jeffers. This year the festival will also take place in schools and libraries in a week-long outreach programme with events culminating in the Guildhall on the final weekend. Ever year the festival just get’s bigger and bigger and I’m sure this year will be no different. The festival gives children the

chance to meet their favourite authors and illustrators as well as having the opportunity to take part in workshops which will help to unleash their creativity

and develop new skills. Headlining this year’s Humdinger! festival is the multi award winning stand-up comedian David O’Doherty and Chris Judge who are co-authors of ‘Danger is Everywhere: A Handbook for Avoiding Danger’, Chris Judge who is also the award winning author/illustrator of The Lonely

Beast, Catlin Moran, bestselling author of ‘How to build a girl’ and Nick Sharatt who has illustrated more than 200 books, including over 40 books by award-winning author Jacqueline Wilson, among them being The Lottie Project, Little Darlings and The Story of Tracy Beaker. Friday 27th sees a performance of The Wimpy Kid Stage Show which is a must for all Diary of a Wimpy Kid fans as host Alastair Watson brings the books to life with fun activities including The Wimpy Kid Draw-Along and the Wimp Wars! Quiz. >> Check out www.cheersdogears.com for further information and full lineup. Tickets are available to buy now for Humdinger! 2015.

27 Seachtain Na Gaeilge 2015 |Irish Language Week 2015 From 01-17 March Conversation Circle

The Story of Irish

Wednesday, 04 March

Mon, 09 - Fri 13 March

Derry City Council Offices

Mon, 16 - Fri 20 March

Time: 1-4.30pm Admission £FREE

Culturlann Ui Chanáin Time: 2-3pm Admission £FREE

Conversation Circles at three different levels offering local learners the opportunity to meet up and practice their Irish

Irish Language Week Schools Art Comp Culturlann Ui Chanáin & Local Irish Schools Thursday, 05 March

Time: Varied Admission £FREE

An art competition for local Irish medium schools on the theme ‘My Favourite Story’.

World Book Day:

The Little Festival of Books

Culturlann Ui Chanáin & Verbal Arts Centre Thursday, 05 March

Time: Varied Admission £FREE

The Little Festival of Books invites young Irish speakers in the city to celebrate World Book Day as part of Seachtain na Gaeilge.

St.Mary’s College

Culturlann Ui Chanáin Time: Varied Admission £FREE

An exhibition illustrating the history of the Irish language in Derry up until the present day.

Exhibition:

The Living Language

Culturlann Ui Chanáin Mon, 09 - Fri, 20 March Admission £FREE

An exhibition exploring the heritage and history of the Irish language in the two major communities in the North of Ireland.

Family Session

Culturlann Ui Chanáin Tuesday, 10 March

Time: 7-9pm Admission £FREE

Children from Cultúrlann Uí Chanáin’s music classes will come together to perform a family session for the public.

Fáinne Scheme

Fáinne Scheme for Council Learners

Wednesday, 11 March

Contact:Pól Ó Frighil, Tel: (028) 7126 4132. gaeilge@derrycity.gov.uk

Fáinne Presentation and Quiz

Culturlann Ui Chanáin Thursday, 12 March

Time: 9-11pm Admission £FREE

A great night’s craic is promised at the Irish Language Week Quiz. There will also be a Fáinne presentation for those who succeeded in the Fáinne scheme.

Teenagers’ Disco

Culturlann Ui Chanáin Friday, 13 March

Time: 8-10pm Admission £FREE

A fun filled night for young Irish speakers aged 11-16 years – bring your dancing shoes!

Scottish Gaelic Taster Course

Éigse Cholm Cille

Culturlann Ui Chanáin

Time: 1-4.30pm Admission £FREE

Fri, 06 & Sat 07 March

An opportunity for Irish learners to undertake the Fáinne Challenge to earn the Fáinne fluency pin.

Time: 10am-4pm Admission £10 A one day taster course for those who have an interest in Scots Gaelic and want to start learning the language.

UU, Magee Campus

Time: Varied Admission £FREE The annual festival of Irish language and literature returns to explore the theme: ‘Gaelic Scholars of Ulster’

Mon, 09 - Tues 10, March

Fáinne Scheme

Costume Design Workshop

Culturlann Ui Chanáin

Culturlann Ui Chanáin Saturday, 07 March

Time: 1-4.30pm Admission £FREE

Time: 2-4pm Admission £FREE

An opportunity for Irish learners to undertake the Fáinne Challenge to earn the Fáinne fluency pin.

An opportunity to design and create their costumes for the St. Patrick’s Day Parade

Mon, 09 - Tues 10, March

Saturday, 14 March

Conversation Circle

Culturlann Ui Chanáin Monday, 16 March

Time: 2-3pm Admission £FREE

Conversation Circles at three different levels offering local learners the opportunity to meet up and practice their Irish

28 st.patrick’s festival

#DerryLive

Spring Carnival 2015

Wednesday, 11 March Aras Cholmcille

Aras Cholmcille Admission: Free Children’s Activities from 1-4pm music by Ruth McPhillips

Wednesday, 11 March St Patrick - Myth, Man or Misunderstood?

Verbal Arts Centre @ 11.30am - 2.00pm Admission: Free This event will comprise of a talk on St Patrick by the eminent speaker Dr Brian Lacey. Lunch will be provided. To register, contact Michaela Devine: 028 7136 5151 ext 8225 or Michaela.devine@ derrycity.gov.uk.

Sunday, 15 March The Green Paddle

Far and Wild, Sunday 15th – Tuesday 17th March Admission: £20 per person Join a kayak trip on the Foyle

in our stable double kayaks no prior experience required and get a unique perspective on the City. Learn about the

Tuesday, 17 March history of St Patrick and the ecology of the river, making the experience a truly ‘green’ paddle. Advance booking required. Contact 07775911198 or hello@farandwild.co.uk to book.

Mayor’s Family Fun Day

Guildhall Square, @ 12 - 5pm Admission: Free Live Music & Céilí at the Bandstand on the Square with picnic area, market stalls, interactive crafts, entertainments and activities for young and old.

Lá Teaghlaigh | Family Fun Day

Cultúrlann Uí Chanáin @ 11am - 2pm & 4pm - 5pm Admission: Free Crafts, face painting, balloon

modeling and shamrock planting for children (11am - 2pm). Kids Céilí after the parade and a session in Caifé Fáilte (4pm - 5pm)

National Trust Leprechaun Hunt

Starting Point: 1 Bishop Street 11am-2pm Admission: £1 per trail We need your help! Can you find the Leprechauns who are hiding around the city walls? Crack the code and be rewarded at the end.

St Patrick’s Day Spring Carnival Parade 2015 A Curious Carnival

Assembly Point: Derry City Council Car Park. @ 2.30pm Admission: Free Carnival Route: Commencing at Queen’s Quay car park, travelling over Boating Club Lane towards the Strand Road, turn left towards the City Hotel, moving along Queen’s Quay before return-

ing to Derry City Council car park.

The Big Dig

Guildhall Square, @ noon 5pm Admission: Free Suitable for: 5 - 12 year olds Come and join us in the Guildhall Square for ‘The Big Dig’ and get to meet some real archaeologists. Excavate a replica Viking house and get to learn about life during Viking times.

Traditions and Legends of Ireland

Between the Guildhall & the Tower Museum @ noon -5pm Admission: Free A short comedic sketch show on how our traditions and legends have developed down the years.

Face Painting & Meet Frozen’s Elsa and Olaf

Quayside Shopping Centre

@ 12 – 2pm. Admission: Free Enjoy face painting and meet Frozen’s Elsa and Olaf all at the Quayside Shopping Centre this St Patrick’s Day from 12-2pm.

Irish Dancers & Traditional Music

Foyleside Shopping Centre @ 11am – 4pm Admission: Free Irish dancers and traditional music between 11am and 4pm.

Aras Cholmcille

Aras Cholmcille Admission: Free Traditional Irish Music

Explore the Tower Museum The Tower Museum Admission: £1 per person

Explore Your Heritage

The Guildhall @ 12 – 4pm Admission: Free Bring your family and friends along to the Guildhall for an afternoon of discovery and fun.

Live Music over St.Patrick’s Weekend The Corinthian Ballroom

City Hotel Admission: Free Live music with Siobhan Molloy from 3pm and Missing Time from 5pm

68 Clooney Bar

Best Western plus White Horse Hotel Admission: Free Live Traditional Irish Music 14 March, 10am - noon 15 March, 4pm - 6pm 17 March, 7pm - 9.00pm

The Lyric Bar

Maldron Hotel Admission: Free

Bentley Bar & Steakhouse 15 March, Superstition @ 8pm. DJ Joe @ 10.30pm 16 March, Jamie Noonan @ 8pm. John Henderson @ 10.30 17 March, Cuba @ 2-4pm,

5-7 Hallions @ 5-7pm, Jamie Noonan @ 8-10pm, DJ Joe @10.30pm

Cosh Bar

17 March, Cuba @ 5-7pm, Hallions @ 8-10pm, Jamie Noonan @ 11pm

Magnet Bar

17 March, Jamie Noonan @ 5-7pm Cuba @ 8-10pm, Hallions @ 10.30pm

McPeake

17 March, Waterside Theatre @ 8pm

JikaJika at the Basement

Huxley Aus Music - 3 Hour set and resident DJs. Free outdoor pre-party

Pandemic

Full Tilt Timmy and Tommy plus support from residents Hasson Bros, Bornrisky, Nathan McGinley and Dee Conaghan. Tickets £8, or at the door £10

30 around NI this month 07-08 March W5, Belfast

Strabane Drama Festival Fri, 13 - Sat 21 March

Strabane Drama Festival 2015 13th March 2015 - 21st March 2015 The Ally Theatre will be hosting one of Ireland’s leading drama festivals and will attract productions from all over the country. With a festival ticket from only £30, it’s a great opportunity to make the most of this great festival.

Féile an Earraigh, Belfast Tues, 10 - Tues 17 March

Féile an Earraigh, Belfast’s Spring Festival returns from 10-17 March and features the very best music, spoken word, debates, discussions as well as a series of musical headlining nights at Writer’s Square. The Writer’s Square big top will be open on St Patrick’s day plenty of family fun, including music, face painting and family games. Log on to feilebelfast.com for a full programme of events

he Emerald Garrison, Ireland’s premier Star Wars customs club returns to W5 this month for what will be yet another weekend of fantastic Star Wars celebration in Invasion Belfast: Episode VII. Their props and replicas exhibition, which has proved to be very popular in the past will also be on show, as well as having a new lineup of actors, talks, and other fun interactive activities. With over 40 costumed characters, such as legions of Storm Troopers, Jedi Knights, Bounty Hunters, Clone Troopers, Darth Maul, Darth Vader, Wookies, kids of all ages will love meeting the iconic figures. Everyone can mingle with the costume guests and get their picture taken with them or even on one of the custom fan built sets that adore the various levels in W5 and there may even be a guest or two from The Expanded Universe. >> The Emerald Garrison is an independent non profit organisation supporting charities all over Ireland.

lionel richie Tuesday, 10 March Odyssey Arena, Belfast. Tickets from £44

Motown legend Lionel Richie is set to return to the Odyssey Arena in Belfast. The five-time Grammy winner launched his current tour in the US in September 2013 and has since played an incredible 70 shows in stadiums, arenas and festivals. Speaking about returning to Belfast he said “I can’t wait to get back to Belfast. The audiences are always so great and I always have an incredible time when I’m there. The show feels like a great big sing-along most nights so I’m looking forward to singing along with the people of Ireland once again!”

31 Spring Concert @ Downhill Demesne and Hezlett House

Brian Ballard Retrospective

Saturday, 14 March, 7-10pm An evening concert of traditional Irish music from across the island of Ireland performed by musicians from the area. Take part in a ceilidh dance, a new addition to this years concert. Booking is essential. Tickets: £18. Tel: 02870 848728

Leprechaun Hunt @ Downhill Demesne and Hezlett House Tuesday, 17 March, 10am- 4.30pm

Leprechauns have escaped from their homes in Downhill forest and hidden themselves around Hazlett House. Come along with the whole family to help us seek out the leprechauns at this fun event. Adult £4.95, Child £2.50, Family £12.40

06 March - 25 April Roe Valley Arts & Cultural Centre

One of Northern Ireland’s most loved artists, Brian Ballard, will be exhibiting a selection of his works which span a 50 year career at the Roe Valley Arts and Cultural Centre this month. All of his artistic styles will be on show, from abstract paintings, figure studies, still life, land-

scape, and portraiture and the exhibition will show how his work has progressed from figuration to abstraction in the sixties and seventies and back to figuration. Brian, and exhibition curator Marianne O’Kane Boal, will also be holding activities and workshops on Tuesday 14th.

Discover Fermanagh Open Day

Waggy Races @ Portstewart Strand

Fri, 06 - Sun, 08 March

Sunday, 22 March, 12pm Waggy Races is a cross country fun run where you compete as a team alongside your dog! Participants run, jog or walk a 5km course attached to their 4-legged team mate on a lead or waist belt. Entry is with 1 or 2 dogs or in the team category (2 people &1 dog). The next race will take place along the beach of the beautiful Portstewart Strand on the North Coast.

Shamrock Shenanigans @ Springhill

Tuesday, 17 March Shamrock Shenanigans at Springhill in Moneymore is alternative place to spend St.Patrick’s Day this year, especially for anyone called Patrick, as they’ll get in free! Discover the Shamrock Trail around the grounds and enjoy crafts, food and music from the Armagh Rhymers. Adult £5.25 Child £2.50 Family £13 Members Free Admission

>> 10.30am-12noon / Painting with Brian Ballard for Schools / No cost – this workshop is booked on a first come, first served basis. >> 11am-12noon / Curator’s Talk / Free admission but advance booking essential >> 1-2.30pm / Painting Workshop for Adults / Free admission but advance

On the weekend of the 6th, many of Fermanagh’s tourist attractions are opening their doors for free. It’s a great opportunity to see the best of Fermanagh’s tourist attractions on a budget…or in most cases for free!

Ulster Orchestra Sci Fi Weekender @ Ulster Hall Sunday, 22 March, 7.45pm

This will be a truly spectacular evening of music from one of the greatest cinematic composers of all time, Tim Burden. The Ulster Orchestra presents the second of its Sci-Fi series, and the first of two special Star Wars concerts in advance of the much-anticipated release of Episode 7. This concert celebrates Episodes 1-3, featuring the operatic Duel of the Fates from The Phantom Menace, the soaring love theme, Across the Stars from Attack of the Clones, the choral showdown from Revenge of the Sith, Battle of the Heroes and the many familiar themes for which John Williams has won countless awards. Tim Burden will also give a pre-concert talk about the famous Star Wars score from 6.45. Come dressed as your favourite character and be prepared to be transported to a galaxy far, far away. Tickets: £20 (£15 Kids, £60 family)

Benone Run to Remember Saturday, 14 March

This month for you can take part in a 10km or 5km beach run on the North Coast’s beautiful Benone Strand. This will be a tough but fabulous challenge, professionally organised by 26 Extreme and will include full Champion Chip timing, water stations and medals for all finishers. You may wish to Run to Remember someone you’ve lost to a chest, heart or stroke illness or to run for someone in your family who is living with one of these conditions every day. Or you may want to just show your support for the work we do caring for people and families, and funding research into the prevention of chest, heart and stroke illnesses.