Sounds like a special edition
It’s almost time! The 10th edition of Sounds from a Safe Harbour (SFSH) is kicking off next week running from 11–14 September.
The festival runs across Cork city in a number of venues and is a multidisciplinary event featuring music, language, art, and ritual, according to organisers.
This year’s edition is curated by Festival Director Mary Hickson, alongside actor Cillian Murphy, composer Bryce Dessner of The National, author Max Porter, and folklorist Billy MagFhloinn.
On the opening day is 37d03d Opening Ritual taking place in the atmospheric location of Elizabeth Fort at 8pm.
Following the festival’s sold out lead event Remembering Talos at Cork Opera House on 11 September, the festival will host their inaugural Opening Ritual, where festival curator Billy Mag Fhloinn will direct and create a very special experience. The ritual will feature performances by Bobby Fingers, Brìghde Chaimbeul, the Dingle Druid, Dónal O’Connor, Dyrt, Edel Fox, Fish Go Deep, Jimmy Southward, Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh, Neil Byrne, RÓIS, Sally Cinnamon, Súil Amhain, + more surprise guests from the 37d03d residency.
Think Pagan Rave in the amazing surroundings of the Elizabeth Fort. An unforgettable, transformative celebration awaits.
Organisers say SFSH headline shows are shaped by the collaborative spirit of the 37d03d residency — the creative engine behind the festival’s signature sense of experimentation and connection.
SFSH 37d03d Mixtape takes place at 8pm on Friday 12 September at Cork Opera House.
This flagship concert brings together the Cork Opera House Concert Orchestra and the SFSH Choir in a stunning once-off collaboration, with new arrangements by Bryce Dessner and Kate Ellis and others. Expect reinterpretations and original works by artists including Jon Hopkins, Ben Howard, The Staves, David Kitt, Leif Vollebekk, Amanda Bergman, Sam Amidon, Efterklang and more.
On Saturday at 6pm, Sirens hosted by Lisa Hannigan takes place at St Anne’s Church, Shandon.
With choral arrangements by Theodora Byrne, Sirens is a celebration of female artists with performances by Amanda Bergman, Victoria Canal, Rosie Carney, La Force, Gemma Hayes, Charlotte Cornfield, Méav Ní Mhaolchatha, Beth Orton, Eve Owen, and Niamh Regan. These extraordinary artists will perform their own songs alongside interpretations of works by Adrianne Lenker, Feist, Lana Del Rey, Sinéad O'Connor, Gillian Welch, and more.
There’s something quite different on Sunday at 4pm in Cyprus Avenue. It’s called Sounds from a Honty Tonk - a live country music dance club hosted by Amanda Bergman.
This is a celebration of country music hosted by Swedish singer-songwriter Amanda Bergman with musical director Petter Winnberg.
This one-off special transforms the venue into a cozy, beer-lit dance floor - part tribute, part throwback, and all heart. Amanda, alongside an all-star crew of musicians from this year’s SFSH residency, will lead a shindig of twangy ballads, foot-stomping anthems, and tender tearjerkers. Think Nashville by way of Cork, with a wink and a whole lot of groove. Hear beloved country gems from legends like Gram Parsons, Bonnie Raitt, Lucinda Williams, Dolly Parton, and more, sung by a rotating cast of festival favourites including The Staves, Sam Amidon, Ye Vagabonds, La Force, Charlotte Cornfield, David Kitt, Caroline Rose, Memorial, Victoria Canal, and some surprise guests.
The festival finale is hosted by Danish group Efterklang featuring a number of special guests on Sunday 14 September at Cork Opera House.
The band said: “We took part in the People/37d03d residency in Berlin 2018 and we’ve played SFSH in 2019 – both times feeling we were part of something very special and life changing in fact! We are humbled and excited to be hosting the finale this year!”
Tickets on sale via soundsfromasafeharbour.com. There is also a free music trail.