Scene and Heard: Hozier’s ever rising star

MUSIC NEWS:

Meanwhile, Ed Sheeran has been an extremely busy boy over the past year or so, so it probably makes sense that he’s planning a little break from music when his current world tour ends. In the meantime, however, the popular troubadour has announced he’ll be releasing the song ‘Thinking Out Loud’ for the Christmas market. Ed v Simon Cowell for the Xmas number one?

Eminem is also on the release trail for the buying season, with a greatest hits compilation combined with some newer material.

GIG WISE:

Many of the major summer events will be rolling out ticket sales before Christmas, but now is the time for announcing gigs for the festive season itself.

Little Green Cars are one of the acts with a busy December, and have announced a seven-date tour of Ireland with gigs including Glór, Ennis (19), Everyman Cork (22) and Theatre Royal Waterford (23). Lisa O’Neill is also doing the rounds, with appearances at Triskel in Cork on Dec 13, and Dublin Unitarian Church on Dec 19.

Looking further ahead, The Coronas will play the 3Arena in Dublin on February 21, and Noel Gallagher returns to the same venue on March 4. And don’t throw away your Halloween masks – Slipknot are at the 3Arena on January 14, supported by fellow-Americans Korn.

Next weekend is the biggest music event on Leeside’s calendar as the Guinness Cork Jazz Festival rolls into town.

ALL AND SUNDRY:

John Behan’s exhibition of new bronzes and monoprints continues at the Lavit Gallery in Cork until October 28. Subjects range from the Famine to English Market fishmonger Pat O’Connell’s encounter with Queen Elizabeth II.

Jools Hollandhas had a lot of Irish content on his show in recent weeks, and on Tuesday that trend will continue with an appearance from U2.

FILM TIPS:

Mike Leigh is in Dublin on Sunday for a special screening at the IFI of Mr Turner, his already-lauded film about the great British artist. We’ll be taking the opportunity to chat to him during his trip, so watch out for an interview in these pages next week.

The IndieCork festival will close on Sunday with a screening of French film Girlhood at the Gate Cinema. Other upcoming highlights include the programme of shorts at the Gate tomorrow at noon and 4pm.

Next Thursday, Cork Cine Club at St John’s College has In Bloom, the Georgian tale of two teenagers coming of age amidst the backdrop of a civil war; while Triskel Christchurch has Northern Soul, a feature set in that wonderful music scene in the north of Britain. On Sunday evening after the screening, Gulpd café in the Triskel will host a night of music from the film. At mainstream cinemas, Gone Girl will probably be the biggie again this weekend, while Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles is the main draw for children.

COMEDY CAPERS:

Kevin Bridges sold out his original two gigs at the Olympia in the space of a few minutes, so two more shows – November 25 and 26 – have been added.

Neil Delamere has announced a gig for Vicar Street in Dublin for Feburary 20, while tickets are on sale now for Des Bishop at the Everyman in Cork from November 6-8.

Barry Murphy (Irish Pictorial Weekly/Apres Match) is at City Limits in Cork tomorrow.