A question of taste: Edel Curtin

By Des O’Driscoll

Edel Curtin is from Mitchelstown, and is a publican/promoter/booker at Coughlans Bar in Cork.

Over this weekend, Coughlans has teamed up with Cork Opera House to present the Right Here, Right Now music festival.

It features the Frank and Walters, Marlene Enright, Wallis Bird, Iarla O’Lionaird, etc.

Best recent book you’ve read:

Blink by Malcolm Gladwell. It’s about that split second where you make a decision entirely based on instinct rather than logic or reason, and how it can often be more effective.

Best recent film:

I really enjoyed The Big Short. It’s pretty scary to see how easily a country’s economy can be brought to it’s knees by just a few people.

Best recent gig you’ve seen:

Bon Iver in the Cork School of Music last September as part of Sounds from a Safe Harbour.

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

Marlene Enright’s album Placemats and Second Cuts.

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

I can distinctly remember being at a piano competition when I was eight or nine and hearing Dr Gradus ad Parnassum from a Children’s Corner by Debussy being played and it was the first time I can really remember feeling moved by a piece of music. It’s still one of my favourites both to play and listen to.

Favourite moment from last year’s inaugural RHRN festival?

Anna Mitchell walking onto the stage to perform with the Cork Opera House Concert Orchestra. I’ve known Anna for a long time and to see how far she has progressed as a songwriter and musician has been amazing to watch. Her gig was fantastic and she definitely belonged on that stage.

The best gig or show you’ve ever seen (if you had to pick one!):

Interference playing in Coughlans back in 2012. I don’t think I’ll ever be able to properly explain how I felt during that gig and what the atmosphere in the room was like. It was a really, really special moment.

It was the late Fergus O’ Farrell’s words of encouragement after the gig that spurred me on to really make a go of Coughlans as a venue, he was a real inspiration.

Tell us about your TV viewing:

I like Irish comedy, there’s been some great new shows over the past while. I liked The Young Offenders and it was brilliant to see something being made on our own doorstep. Derry Girls was very funny too.

Radio listening and/or podcasts:

I don’t consciously listen to the radio to be honest. It’s always something that’s on in the background for me, I would usually throw on an album to listen to instead.

If I was to pick a show to listen to though it would probably be John Creedon’s show on RTÉ Radio One, he’s got a very eclectic taste in music and to be fair he’s great to play local musicians and show support.

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

Tom Waits, Joni Mitchell and Queen.

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

It would probably be Queen’s performance at Live Aid in Wembley. The atmosphere must have been incredible. They’re a band I would love to have seen live.

Unsung hero – individual, organisation or group you think don’t get the profile/praise they deserve:

I think this generation as a whole has a lot to be proud of. There’s a huge amount wrong with our country but I do think there are a lot of people of our own age group genuinely trying to make a difference and right some very serious wrongs.

Younger people are getting out more and letting their voices be heard on topics that really matter to them that will shape our children’s future. Equality has never been discussed and campaigned for so much in this country, and is long overdue.

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

Equality for all.