Diana Ross, former Beach Boy Brian Wilson and moody Australian rocker Nick Cave are among a series of artists who will play concerts in Cork this summer as part of a special two-week music festival. It is earmarked to coincide with Cork's tenure as European Capital of Culture.
Aiken Promotions yesterday outlined the international and Irish performers who will participate in the Cork Music and Comedy 2005 Live in the marquee gigs between June 30th and July 17th.
The concerts, which begin with Brian Wilson on June 30th and will feature Diana Ross, Van Morrison, Nick Cave and the Gypsy Kings, will be held in a specially imported 4,500-seater marquee in the Showgrounds at Monaghan Road in Ballintemple.
Among those lined up for the festival are American soul singer Al Green and US country star Dwight Yoakam as well as Irish singer-songwriters Paul Brady, Christy Moore and Paddy Casey.
Former Boyzone member Ronan Keating will also perform as will ex-Westlife singer Brian McFadden, veteran rockers, Aslan and comedian Tommy Tiernan, who plays the marquee on July 10th.
Tickets are on sale from Ticketmaster and usual outlets nationwide.
Meanwhile, Cork 2005 yesterday presented details of Ireland's largest-ever rowing race when up to 300 traditional coastal rowing and paddling craft will participate in the Ocean to City race from Crosshaven to Cork city quays on June 4th.
The race - being organised by Cork-based traditional boat builders Meitheal Mara with the support of Cork 2005 Official Partner, AIB - will see an expected 350 rowers race from Crosshaven past Roches Point before turning back up the harbour to the city quays.