IF you're looking for the alternative this weekend, you won't find it in Millstreet. The Green Glens Arena is the venue for tomorrow's one day festival of popular music and grungers, gangstas and metalheads need not bother making the trip to Cork tomorrow.
Not that The Millstreet Music Fair doesn't have its fair share of interesting and innovative acts, who are closer to the cutting edge than many of rock's axegrinders. Sure, the big attractions on the main stage include The Sawdoctors, The Corrs, The Kelly Family, Paul Brady and Sharon Shannon acts who have been absorbed into Ireland's mainstream like rain into the soil. But on the two other stages you'll find the likes of Gavin Friday, Shane MacGowan, Cowboy Junkies, Cassandra Wilson and Mundy, performers who are so far off the middle of the road, they're practically in the ditch.
This is the first Music Fair to be held in the place which normally hosts the Eurovision Song Contest, Riverdance and Meat Loaf. The promoters of the event, MCD, have invoked the spirits of Siamsa and Lisdoonvarna, creating a line up which should appeal to music lovers across the board, and not just teenage Oasis fans.
In fact, the promoters are hoping the Millstreet Music Fair will become a family day out, and to this end they are giving free admission to children under 10 (accompanied by an adult).
Headlining the Arena's main stage is that ol' r & b devil himself, Van Morrison. An act to watch out for earlier on is Van's sometime cohort Brian Kennedy, who enjoyed chart success in his own right with the recent Better Man single. And a new talent to watch out for is Naimee Coleman, whose good looks and Ruthless Affections single have made the industry sit up and take notice.
THE World Stage features two of America's finest exponents of country rock, Emmylou Harris and Cowboy Junkies. With last year's Wrecking Ball album, Harris has proved she still packs artistic clout, while Cowboy Junkies, led by Margo and Michael Timmins, cast an atmospheric spell wherever they go.
Gavin Friday will cast an altogether more malevolent spell when he headlines the Examiner Stage, and the deliciously decadent songs from his superb Shag Tobacco album will feature highly in his 21st century cabaret. Cassandra Wilson has been breaking down the jazz/pop divide since 1985, and this accomplished jazz singer will surprise and impress with her covers of U2, Neil Young, Hoagy Carmichael and Hank Williams.
Also on the Examiner Stage is Ireland's newest folk hero, Mundy, fresh from supporting such past icons as Neil Young and Arlo Guthrie, and Ron Sexsmith, the Canadian singer songwriter who amazed all and sundry at the Galway Arts Festival.
ALONG with the musical entertainment, there will be a circus, a children's play area, a craft village and a percussion workshop, and you and your young uns can also delight in a fireworks display which is planned for the evening. For information on tickets, transport and camping, phone Green Glens Arena at 029-70707.
