Scene and Heard: Countdown to live at the marquee

GIG WISE: The countdown has begun for Live at the Marquee in Cork, with young whippersnapper Cliff Richard kicking it all off on Monday, June 9, followed by the equally youthful Dolly Parton (June 12).

In the meantime, Cork gig-goers may be interested to hear that Mick Flannery has added a second appearance at the Pavilion in his native city. The Blarney troubadour plays next Thursday and Friday. Experimental guitarist Jon Gomm is also at the Pav next Saturday. Jinx Lennon and Wasps v Humans play Bradleys on Barrack St in Cork tomorrow.

Luka Bloom is at Triskel Christchurch on May 31, and while announcing the gig, referred to his long history of playing in the southern city. “Ever since I first sang in Douglas GAA club in 1976, I’ve always loved singing in Cork. So many places through the years: The rowing club, The Phoenix, Flynn’s, The Half Moon, de Lacey’s, Opera House; metropole, Sir Henry’s, Savoy, Kenny Lee’s place, UCC....to name a few.” Ah memories. Matt Cardle has been booked for an acoustic set at Cyprus Avenue on July 10. In Dublin, the biggie this weekend is One Direction at Croke Park over the next three days, and anyone braving it in the company of little ‘uns might do well to read the safety blurb on the MCD website. The first of the big summer events for more grown-up people is Forbidden Fruit, which takes place at Kilmainham over the bank holiday weekend with Flaming Lips, War Paint and Little Dragon.

MUSIC NEWS: Of all the things you’d expect Miley Cyrus to do at her gigs in Ireland, performing a Smiths cover would feature way down the list. But that’s exactly what she did in Dublin and Belfast with a version of ‘There Is A Light That Never Goes Out’. It’s a tune that seems popular on the touring circuit right now, with Neil Finn also giving it a lash last month at Cork Opera House.

Hozier is the man of the moment, with recent appearances on Letterman and The Ellen Show in the US boosting a rapidly growing profile. The 24-year-old Bray native will release his debut album in September. Also on the release trail are Deep Purple, with Made In Japan — once a staple in any young hard rock fan’s collection — about to get a ‘deluxe’ re-issue. For something with far less guitar, Gilles Peterson released his latest compilation Brazil Bam Bam Bam this week. Recorded over a month in Rio, it features some of the big names on the World Cup host’s music scene, including Seu Jorge and Elza Soares.

ALL AND SUNDRY: Upcoming comedy at Cork Opera House includes Irish funnywoman June Rodgers on June 8; Panti Bliss on June 14; and Lee Evans on June 26-27. There’s a feast of jazz on BBC Four, beginning with a documentary on Nat King Cole tonight, and several shows tomorrow, including Jazz Legends In Their Own Words, with BBC archive footage and interviews with the likes of Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington and Dizzy Gillespie. Imelda May is on Later Live With Jools on BBC Two on Tuesday, alongside the likes of Arcade Fire and Hank Marvin.

FILM TIPS: Films at Triskel Christchurch from Sunday include A Thousand Times Goodnight with Juliette Binoche and Nikolaj Coster-Waldau; and British filmmaker Joanna Hogg’s typically original offering, Exhibition. Postman Pat is the main kids’ release this week, while the next ‘live’ event at various Omniplexes is an English National Opera production of Berlioz’s Benvenuto Cellini on June 18, directed by Terry Gilliam.