Quiet Lights Festival 2019 - A Focus on the Soft on Wintery Evenings By Fiona O’ Connell
In its second year of existence ‘Quiet Lights’ is a festival that aims to give a platform to new waves of both Irish traditional and folk music. Taking place from the 22nd-24th November in the heart of Cork City, this festival is unique in both its outlook and aims. The beautiful venues in use throughout the three-day festival are sure to tackle that I-can’t-feel-my-toes kind of weather, and darker evenings! Friday 22ndFor a festival that is still in its infancy, the lineup for the three days is second to none. Kicking things off on, the acclaimed Cormac Begley and Liam O’Connor take to the stage of St. Peter’s church. The teaming up of one of Ireland’s leading fiddle players with one of the country’s most popular concertina players is sure to be a knockout traditional performance in a unique and intimate setting. This gig is also being marketed as part of the FUAIM concert series which takes place in UCC every Friday afternoon and is only €10 entry. Saturday 23rdOn evening Dublin-based Lankum play the gorgeous St. Luke’s as one of the festival’s headline acts. For those who are unaware of the blossoming quartet, Lankum blur the line between experimental and folk to create an entirely unique sound. It was this rare, enticing sound that got the band signed to Rough Trade records who saw the experimental, almost punk side to the traditional folk band who’s persistent uilleann pipe drone could be compared to the feedback from an electric guitar. Tickets for this gig are on the pricier side at €27 but the chance to see this quickly rising experimental yet traditional band in such a perfectly fitting venue doesn’t come around too often. Sunday 24thIt would be rude not to mention one of the brightest upcoming talents in the folk realm, the wonderful Junior Brother (this week’s byline interview!) takes to the stage of The Kino for what is set to be a perfect closing to 2019’s Quiet Lights. The Kerry native has had an utterly triumphant year with his eclectic mix of alternative upbeat as well as stunningly bare folk-influenced tunes. With tickets at only a tenner a pop, be sure to head down to witness one of Ireland’s greatest emerging folk talents in one of the best new venues in Cork. The gorgeous venues include the cosy Coughlans, and entirely intimate Upstairs at The Roundy and The Chapel at Griffith College, all in keeping with the promise of warmth and light through beautiful music on cold Winter nights.