7 things to do this week
Today: You're never too old to learn is the message of Cork's Lifelong Learning Festival. A variety of free events from beauty makeovers to wheelchair sports are taking place all over the city, with learning opportunities for everyone, whatever their age, ability or background. Phone 086-6035552 for details.
Sunday: The Salsa Congress is swinging along at the RDS with classes all day and the finals of the Salsa competition tonight. Classes, which last an hour-and-a-half, €25. Book on 087-2024573.
Monday: Stray and Dahlia are two bands battling it out at the Unsigned Band Contest at Temple Bar Music Centre, Dublin. Find out whether they are Top of The Pops or if they should have stayed in the garage. 7.30 p.m. Admission €6. www.tbmc.ie.
Tuesday: The brightest young talent of the trad scene can be found in Monaghan's Market House tonight. Whistler Gavin Whelan, fiddler Zoe Conway, concertina player Aogán Lynch and guitarist Donncha Moynihan are wowing crowds at the Best of Irish Trad tour. Tickets €10. 9 p.m. For details phone 047-38158.
Wednesday: Members of the biggest, newest EU State are trying to help us all learn a little more about Polish culture with a series of lectures in the Central Library, ILAC Centre, Dublin. This evening, Seamus Heaney gives a lecture on "Apollo's Heralds: Reading from Polish Poetry". 6 p.m. Call 01-8734333 for more information.
Thursday: James Joyce wasn't just a scribe, he could more than hold his own in a sing-song. Listen and join in with some of his favourites at an evening of Ulysses animated with music and song. The O'Reilly Theatre, Belvedere College, Dublin. 7.30 p.m. Tickets €8. Bookings on 01-8721122.
Friday: My, my how could we forget them? Mama Mia, the hit show about Abba, comes to the Waterfront Hall in Belfast tonight. Rumour has it original band member Agnetha might be turning up in the audience for one of the Irish dates, so you can thank her for the music personally. 7.45 p.m. Tickets £14.50 to £18.50. Bookings on 048-90334455.
