A question of taste: Leslie Dowdall

Leslie Dowdall is the former lead singer with In Tua Nua. Nowadays, as well as performing solo, she is a music teacher with Music Generation Wicklow.

She’s part of the bill for a gig at Tradfest in Temple Bar, Dublin, next Friday that also features Stockton’s Wing. Tradfest runs from January 22-26.

Best recent book you’ve read:

The Librarian of Auschwitz, based on the true story of Dita Krauss, by Antonio Iturbe. Facinating read about the smallest library in the world and its librarian based in the children’s block in the Auschwitz- Birkenau concentration camp. Not for the faint hearted but a real story from a harrowing time in history.

Best recent film you’ve seen:

Another classic by Scorsese The Irishman, with great performances by Joe Pesci and Robert De Niro.

Best recent gig you’ve seen:

I saw pint sized ‘LP’ as she is known at The Olympia, great singer songwriter perform with a kick ass band!

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

Tinsel town in the Rain’ by The Blue Nile, pure magic and craftsmanship all in one song.

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

I used to watch Little House on the Prairie every Sunday as a teenager, and I usually ended in tears! I met Michael Landon (the father) years later in the foyer of The Sunset Marquis and I told him I thought he was the kindest and best father I had ever seen on the screen.

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

Laurie Anderson at the National Concert Hall.

Looking back on all the gigs you’ve played over the years, which one stands out as the most special?

Well I guess it would have to be supporting Bob Dylan at Slane Castle many moons ago [1984]. It was made all the more special by meeting him face to face backstage and been asked to join him on stage for his song ‘Leopard-Skin Pill-Box Hat’.

Tell us about your TV viewing:

I don’t get the time to watch too much TV, but I’ll always make way for a good series… eg The Handmaids Tale come to mind.

Radio listening and/or podcasts:

I like to listen to RTÉ Radio 1 or Lyric FM when I’m driving ( which is a lot).

Your best celebrity encounter:

Did I mention Bob Dylan!? I also got to meet two of my female heroes, Annie Lennox and Bonnie Raitt.

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

The Great Gatsby comes to mind… Love the fashion, the music and those decadent parties.

You are curating your dream festival – which three artists are on the bill (living or dead)?

The Who, The Blue Nile, Prince.

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

A lot of women in the music industry.

You are queen of the music industry for a day — what’s your first decree?

That women get to rule the world and plan A Global Women’s Music festival.