Paperboys ready for special Box delivery

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Friday, May 09, 2008

The Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival has saved much of the best till last. Catch it while you can, urges Damien Murray

Yet again, this year's Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival has been a roaring success, but there are still some impressive performers to come this weekend.

For me, one of this year's highlights must be the inclusion of The Paperboys with a Sunday afternoon gig at the Black Box (3pm).

This astonishing group slide effortlessly from Celtic, Mexican, Latin, folk, acoustic, alt.country, roots, soul to pop and this sound has garnered them rave reviews and industry accolades. There's a real buzz about this Canadian band, and, because all who see them become instant fans, they have developed a growing cult-like following in recent years.

The Paperboys are also appearing at The Playhouse, Londonderry (Wednesday), Omagh's Strule Arts Centre (Thursday), Rathfriland's Bronte Music Club (Friday) and The Ulster American Folk Park, Omagh (afternoon gig on May 18). Read our interview with the band on P8-9.

Meanwhile, remaining Festival musical highlights include tomorrow afternoon's annual Crossroads Ceili outside of the Duke Of York (or the Festival Marquee in Custom House Square, if it should rain).

This free all-ages event features Caroline Fegan (accordion), Martin Dowling (fiddle), Chris Dowling (flute), Ian Carmichael (banjo) and dance caller, Mary Fox.

More laid-back music is on offer tomorrow afternoon at the Black Box when acclaimed Canadian trio, The Wailin' Jennys, bring their trademark three-part harmonies to town.

Led by soprano Ruth Moody (guitar, banjo, accordion, bodhran), and mezzo Nicky Mehta (guitar, harmonica, ukulele, percussion), the latest recruit to the 'Winnipeg Wailers' is Heather Masse, while local singer-songwriter, Anthony Toner, brings male equality to this otherwise all-female bill (The Wailin' Jennys are also at Omagh's Strule Arts centre tonight).

Having spent the last few weeks at the top of the Irish charts with her version of The Galway Girl, Sharon Shannon is certain to be a big draw when she appears at the Festival Marquee tomorrow night with a heady mix of traditional Irish, hip-hop beats, ragga, jazz and world inflections from Renegade, her first studio album since 2003.

Joining her are Michael McGoldrick of Fused and Capercaillie (flute and whistles), Dezi Donnelly (fiddle) and Jim Murray (guitar) with Ruby Colley as support.

ZZ Blues aficionados are in for a treat this weekend with a two-day festival kicking off tonight at the Spring & Airbrake.

The 12 Bar Blues Festival is the brainchild of Rab Braniff, who is president of The Belfast Blues Society and an accomplished vocalist and harp player in his own right.

Braniff once played with a band called The Aztecs and other artists from that era who will feature at the event are Billy McCoy (ex Just Us), Paul Divito (ex Interns) and Devogue McClean (ex Mad Lads).

The full line-up is Henry McCullough Band/Ronnie Greer Band/Ultimate Blues Band (tonight), Roy Fulton Band/Mike Wilgar Band/Greg Coyle Band (2pm matinee show tomorrow) and Don Baker Band/Rab McCullough Band/Maritime Blues Band and Paul Divito (tomorrow night).

The good news is that a weekend pass for all three shows is available for £22.

ZZ Other gigs include Eleanor McEvoy at the Real Music Club at the Errigle Inn on Thursday as part of a promotional tour for her new album, Love Must Be Tough.

The album features a band of Ireland's finest session players and songs from a wide range of writers and represents a completely new departure for McEvoy.

Brendan Quinn is at Omagh's Strule Arts Centre tomorrow and Ballymena's Braid Theatre on Thursday to promote his new album, Sinner Man.