In a new column called How Music Works, Niall Byrne talks to those who make a living in the Irish music industry, who shape the musical landscape and who build up the country’s musical reputation, at home and abroad. This week, manager, agent, producer Úna Molloy

It’s not actors whose way you need to stay out of behind the scenes at a theatre but stage managers, the key crew who subtly crack the whip from the wings

We listened, we watched, we tasted, we argued: here’s our pick of the Picnic’s best bits

Traditional music, David Gray, viking boat trips and aqua sphering among weekend events

He may have reunited with former Beautiful South bandmate Jacqui Abbot for a new album and tour, but Paul Heaton will never, ever, get the band back together. "My only pang of regret was that I didn’t disband it early enough"

It’s summertime, which means it’s time to hit the fields, parks, GAA stadiums and forests for a blast of live music. Here’s our guide to the 25 festivals and music events you have to see this year

The master of the festive performance cooks up a christmas brunch with a difference

Festival Fit puts the money down