Question of Taste: Joe Carey

Joe Carey owns The White Horse venue which will host the Ballincollig Winter Music Festival in the Cork suburb from January 25-28. A keen musician himself, he is also a member of the White Horse Guitar Club and Jodavino.

Best recent book you’ve read

Reading Inisvickillane by Mícheál Ó Dubhshláine over Christmas — a historical account of life on the Blasket Island. Lovely to be transported there as the rain rails against the window.

Best recent film

I have a habit of re-watching favourites, so I had the guilty pleasure of watching Glengarry Glen Ross recently, a masterpiece of tension and dialogue by David Mamet.

Best recent show/gig you’ve seen

I loved Lankum live recently — earthy, visceral and passion filled stuff from the Dublin four-piece.

Best piece of music you’ve been listening to lately (new or old)

Enjoying Iron & Wine’s Beast Epic at the moment — soothing and warm winter listening.

First ever piece of music or film or gig that really moved you

I vividly remember hearing ‘Nessun Dorma’ for the first time as a child and being spellbound.

The best gig or show you’ve ever seen at the White Horse (if you had to pick one!)

It would be like choosing a favourite child! Without dodging the question, I’ve loved every one and each brings it’s own energy, subtlety and beauty. The venue is really a place of solace and musical sustenance for me.

Tell us about your TV viewing

Our household viewing pattern is built around Peppa Pig and Paw Patrol as the linchpins, with liberal sprinklings of the History channel and movies when permitted.

Radio listening and/or podcasts

I love the flexibility and accessibility of podcasts, so listen to the likes of TedTalks, Bill Burr and Blindboyboatclub whilst driving mostly.

We have our own venue podcast — From The Horses Mouth — coming soon. John Creedon stills delivers on the radio, so love a long road trip with him along as company.

You’re curating your dream festival — which three artists are on the bill, living or dead?

The Band, Elvis and The Highwaymen (Cash, Jennings, Nelson, Kristofferson — separate them out first and draw them together as an encore!)

Your best celebrity encounter

We recorded an album in Nashville as Jodavino with Jay Joyce, and Emmylou Harris popped in to say hello!

Emmylou Harris.

You can portal back to any period of human cultural history — where, when, and why?

Woodstock, as a four-day festival in 1969, had a profound impact at the time and ever since.

A stellar lineup playing to 400,000 people lit a fire that prompted a cultural movement and heralded a new energy and freedom of expression, musical and otherwise.

Do you have any interesting ancestors or family?

My Dad would always contend that we had a direct lineage to Niall of the Nine Hostages, once High King of Ireland, I choose to second his contention.

Unsung hero — individual or group you think don’t get the profile/praise they deserve

I think Cork Penny Dinners is a wonderful organisation, with a beautifully simple and caring aim.

You are king for a day — what’s your first decree?

I’d start with making sure everyone has shelter and work from there.