Meeting House Sq, Dublin Fri- Sun rhythmweekender.com
As we’ve seen with Hard Working Class Heroes and Down With Jazz, the addition of giant umbrellas in Dublin’s Meeting House Square has turned the space into an ideal all-weather venue. This weekend Choice Cuts take over with their Rhythm Weekender.
Friday’s bill features Finland-based soul diva Nicole Willis and her band The Soul Investigators playing songs old (President Obama is a fan) and new (her sixth album, Tortured Soul, is released in January). Support from New Orleans’ brass ambassadors the Hot 8 Brass Band and homegrown Balkan rabblerousers the North Strand Kontra Band.
Saturday’s bill features regular Irish visitors the Hypnotic Brass Ensemble and local Afro enthusiasts the Dublin Afrobeat Ensemble. After-show bashes both nights in the Twisted Pepper, with Detroit innovator Derrick May at the helm on Saturday. Also check out an exhibition of Mati Kiarwein’s work in Filmbase all weekend, including his artwork for Miles Davis’ Bitches Brew album.
Can't see that? Catch this:Andrew Weatherall's sounds of the electronic universe (Fri, Cork); Nero help the Stiff Kitten turn 7 (Sat, Belfast); and the Beatyard kicks off with Laurel Halo and Annie Mac (Thurs, Dublin)
JIM CARROLL