Quiet Lights illuminates Cork

By Finnian Cox

November’s usual cold and drizzle is to be injected with warmth and energy this week with the return of the Quiet Lights Festival.

Presented by Islander, the festival returns for its 5th outing this year, running from 21-24 November across a number of venues in Cork city.

Quiet Lights is a celebration of a range of genres, placing an emphasis on contemporary folk, traditional, and experimental music from both Irish and international artists.

Kurdish/Syrian musician Mohammad Syfkhan will open the festival, displaying his mastery of the bouzouki in Coughlan’s tonight.

Across the river, joining Syfkhan in his opening duties is Muireann Bradley, a blues musician from Ballybofey. She will be performing at the same time in St Luke’s Cathedral.

Lemoncello, a dynamic duo will defy genre as always in Coughlan’s on Friday, while Aoife Ní Bhriain and Cormac McCarthy will bring a more classical beauty to the Triskel.

Saturday will see a double performance from Rachael Lavelle and Elaine Howley in St Lukes; Howley is known for blending (and sometimes contrasting) traditional songwriting techniques with electronic instruments. Lavelle comes from a similar school of thought – a composer and singer, she too experiments with classical techniques through using electronic tools.

The final evening will see a total of seven performances across the city, including Cormac Begley, Fionn Regan, Eimear Reidy, and more.

Begley’s mastery of the concertina has led to a sold-out show in St Lukes on the Sunday. Coming from trad-music royalty, he is supported at the show by Zoe Basha.

Quiet Lights’ usual fare of presenting the best in upcoming folk and traditional music is the main strand throughout the festival again this year, welcoming artists Joshua Burnside & Memorial, who have both been trailblazing a name for themselves in the folk world.

Stages will come alive with live performances from Aoife Ní Bhríain and Catrin Finch, Cormac McCarthy, Seamas Hyland, David Murphy, Eimear Reidy, Morgana (Saint Sister) and The Kates, as well as Zoe Basha, Ana Palindrome, The Tan Jackets, Catrin Fince, Cormorant Tree Oh, and Julia Maria.

Tickets and further information for Quiet Lights Festival can be found at ww.quietlights.net, with details on showtimes, other acts and ticket prices available.