MUSIC NEWS:After headlining Moscow's St Patrick's Day parade in March, Dublin metal band Cruachan continue their domination of eastern Europe when they headline Lithuania's biggest music festival, Menuo Juodaragis, a celebration of Baltic folklore and culture held on Lake Zarasas island from August 24-26. Cruachan, whose brand of metal incorporates paganism and Celtic mythology, are largely unknown in Ireland but have a healthy fanbase in other parts of Europe.
“We were contacted by the festival organisers a few years ago but due to other commitments we couldn’t make it, so 2012 is our year,” the band’s vocalist, Keith Fay, told The Ticket. “They have wanted us there for some time, as we fit perfectly with the ancient theme of the whole thing. We’ll be sharing a dressing-room and stage with Lithuania’s biggest rock star and Eurovision sensation, Andrius Mamontovas – that should be interesting!”
Kim ’n’ Cian Button up
Two of Ireland’s most celebrated independent artists will play Dublin’s Button Factory next week. Young classical guitarist Cian Nugent, whose debut album Doubles generated critical acclaim, will be joined by his backing band The Cosmos on Thursday, while Waterford’s Katie Kim, who released her latest album Cover Flood in March, will provide support. Tickets are €5 on the door.
A collision of ideas
Dublin-based Crash Ensemble have launched a FundIt campaign to finance a commission by acclaimed guitarist and avant-garde composer Glenn Branca. The plan is to host the piece's world premiere in Dublin. Among the items awarded to funders will be Branca's original sketches of the work-in-progress and a meeting with the man himself. tinyurl.com/glennbrancacrash
Workman’s extra long weekend
The Workman’s Club in Dublin is extending the Bank Holiday spirit for another few days. The first Workman’s Club Block Party kicked off last night with the opening of the exhibition Misnomer, while tonight, tomorrow and Sunday will see various gigs, workshops and activities take place at the Wellington Quay venue.
Katie Kim and Last Days of 1984 provide the live entertainment tonight, with DJ Ed Smith playing tunes upstairs from 10pm. Tomorrow from 3-6pm, there is a market on the Terrace with food, clothes, books and music stalls, as well as photography, music software and art workshops (the latter with Don Conroy), a pop-up shop run by labels Richter Collective, Eleven Eleven, Popical Island and Quarter Inch Collective, and acoustic performances by VerseChorusVerse and You Kiss By the Book throughout the afternoon. The live music continues that night with a gig from Alarmist, Overhead the Albatross and Kid Karate, while MayKay of Fight Like Apes will take over DJing duties. Sunday sees the Oxfam Vintage Shop set up in the venue, with free haircuts, a film screening of Cinema Paradiso and a Dress Dance from 11pm until late. Entry to all events is free.
Etc
Gaga capped:Lady Gaga has revealed the title of her new album. It's called ARTPOP, and is due for release in early 2013.
Daft funk:Chic man Nile Rodgers called Daft Punk "geniuses" after working with the electronica duo on their fourth album, due out by early 2013.
Plenti of Paul:Interpol frontman Paul Banks will release his second solo album, Banks, on Oct 20.
Craic on:Fleadh Ceoil na hÉireann kicks off in Cavan tonight, and runs until Aug 20, with Sharon Shannon, Liam Lawton, Altan, Clannad and more. See fleadhcheoil.ie
Sorry, her career is over. Her tour has been a disaster and it couldn't happen to a bigger c***
Elton John sinks his claws into old sparring partner Madonna
