Dig With It

I spent some time in Kosovo this summer on a journalist exchange. This is a story about music, post-conflict and restorative energy in Pristina, Mitrovica and Belfast. Thanks to co-author Gent Mehmeti and to @SharedFuture for involving us. Story here: sharedfuture.news/musics-restora…

And much love for Eric Bell, co-founder of Thin Lizzy. his version of 'Whiskey in the Jar' with Tim Wheeler was a thrill. Congrats to @OhYeahCentre for a majestic night.

Brilliant to see Hurtan getting their appreciation for Live Act. They are astounding.

Congrats to Problem Patterns for winning Best Album at the @NIMusicPrize. 'Blouse Club' is a milestone record. you can read the Dig With It review below, by Eleanor Gilmore. "Fights the good fights with wit, depth and joy." digwithit.com/?p=2996

A short Eric Bell appreciation, from the upcoming @NIMusicPrize booklet, written for his Legend Award presentation tomorrow night, A secret guest will join Eric and some #ThinLizzy tunes will resound. Perfect. Read here: digwithit.com/?p=3431

A new EP from @susiesusieblue and a launch height at the Ulster Sports Club this Thursday. Part of the imminent @SoundOfBelfast programme. See below for a Dig With It review of the new songs, by @stu_bailie. digwithit.com/?p=3425

This is a great record.

An amazing night with Huartan at the Empire in Belfast. Every gig pushes the expectations. Politics and heart, style and mesmeric calls from the tradition. All this plus a tincture of hawthorn. Magic. Photos @stu_bailie

Amita Ravikiran, musician & academic, Belfast, 19.09.24. She is staging An Audience With Amita Ravikiran and Guests, @ohyeahcentre Nov 10 – part of @soundofbelfast. Amita is trained in Indian classical vocal music. She often collaborates with @beyondskinmedia. 📷 @stu_bailie

The upcoming album by @LMINL_Music is great. Get a ticket for for The Dance Hall – "ascending, aching Proust-pop". Album listening event is during @SoundOfBelfast, Nov 7 @OhYeahCentre. Click below for a Dig With It review by @stu_bailie: digwithit.com/?p=3410

LINE UP REVEAL With performances from @CaraDillonSings Dana Masters, Huartan @jcstewart @reevahofficial & last year's BBC ATL Artist of The Year TRAMP. PLUS @OhYeahCentre Legend Award recipient Eric Bell, his trio band and special guests 👀 🎟️ waterfront.co.uk/what-s-on/nort…

I've just written a story about Irish music activism for @TheMarkazReview. It mentions Kneecap, Huartan, Lankum and the music on the marches. themarkaz.org/shamrocks-wate…

Also: Becky McNeice, Winnie Ama, Chubby Cat, Amita Ravikiran plus the Breaking Into Music day for 14-21 year olds. Major treats. Full programme online.

Happy 10th birthday to @soundofbelfast festival, Nov 7-17. Many great events: @NIMusicPrize & Eric Bell Legend Award, NI Hip-Hop Conference, Grace & Glory - Harmonies of Hope plus Clash of the New Breeds. 📷 @stu_bailie

Afterwar and Kneecap. Pristina and Belfast. Two stories of music from the margins, films about invisible peace dividends and transgenerational trauma. As directed by Birgitte Stærmose and Rich Peppiatt. A review. Read here: digwithit.com/?p=3391

Friday, Unity over Division. City Hall, 4.30pm. Saturday, Belfast Welcomes Diversity. Writer's Square. Noon. Please support.

Anti-refugee rally and counter-protest. Belfast 03.08.24. Photos @stu_bailie

Review: the first Irish show for BIIRD. Live in Belfast during @BelfastTradF. Story and photos @stu_bailie. Read here: digwithit.com/?p=3380

Last night's fun: @BelfastTradF, Tuesday @Culturlann with Neil Martin, Tara Howley, Dàibhidh Stìubhard, Pádraig Rynne, Mirella Murray, Aimée Farrell Courtney & John McIntyre. Photos @stu_bailie

Review: first night @BelfastTradF with @moyaclannad @belfastEmpire . "The vocal presence is quietly, magnificently here". The chance to witness a trail that’s been meaningful for 50 years. A privilege. Read the story here: digwithit.com/?p=3370 Story & photos:@stu_bailie