Right Here, Right Now: this weekend's highlights

Irish Examiner arts editor Des O'Driscoll picks his top gigs from the weekend's event, at venues around Cork City.

FRIDAY:

Toucan

Cyprus Avenue, 7.30pm

Conor Clancy leads his 10-piece funk-pop outfit in a set that’s likely to include their hit, ‘We Fell for Miles’.

Marlene Enright

Coughlan’s, 9.30pm

A measure of popularity of the Bantry-born singer-songwriter is that this gig is sold out already. Following on from her Choice-prize nominated debut album Placemats and Second Cuts in 2018, this gig will see the launch of a new EP, Petrichor.

Donal Dineen

Green Room, Cork Opera House, 11pm

The Kerry veteran provides a late night option with one of his famously eclectic DJ sets.

SATURDAY:

Junior Brother

Coughlan’s, 3.30pm

Ronan Kealy’s offbeat incarnation has been building a serious head of steam over the past year as more people attune to a voice that some find challenging on the first listen. This afternoon set is another of the festival’s early sell-outs, but at the time of going to press there were tickets available for his Sunday gig.

Anna Mieke and Caoilian Sherlock

Green Room, Cork Opera House, 6pm

Another early gig that might suit those with later appointments or babysitting issues. Mieke is part of a new generation of alt.folk singers emerging on the Irish scene at the moment, while Cork music stalwart Sherlock has been gigging and releaseing under his Saint Caoilian moniker.

Mick Flannery and Valerie June

Cork Opera House, 8pm

One of the headline gigs of the festival, the Blarney troubadour continues his rapport with the Tennessee songstress. Plugging away for a number of years, Flannery’s career has underdone something of a resurgence recently with the release of his self-titled fifth album – also nominated for the Choice Music Prize - and a stage musical adaptation of his debut, Evening Train. If you haven’t tuned into Valerie June yet, check out such tracks as ‘Workin’ Woman Blues’ and ‘Give Me Water’ for a taste of what’s in store.

SUNDAY:

Junior Brother

Coughlan’s, 3.30pm

With his Saturday gig sold out, this show offers another chance to see the buzzy Kerryman.

Donal Lunny, Máirtín O’Connor, Nell Ní Chróinín

Cork Opera House, 8pm

Among the highlights of previous Right Here Right Now events have been the pairing of various singers with the Cork Opera House Concert Orchestra. This concert, curated by Cork based musician Cormac McCarthy, features the living legend of Donal Lunny, along with the likes of Muskerry sean-nós singer Nell Ní Chróinín, and accordian player Máirtín O’Connor. Several other acts will also appear on the night, in what is a fine way to close the festival.