Shh, it’s a secret

West Cork audiences took a leap of faith recently for a music festival that keeps everyone, including the musicians, in the dark.

Hosted at Levis’ Corner House in Ballydehob, Secret Song 22 is a 1 day music festival in which audiences move from room to room and have no idea what musicians will be performing.

The performers themselves do not know who else is playing until the day and are only given a time and a place to be.

Each year, audiences buy tickets for the festival without knowing who is playing. The festival has sold out every year since it began.

The festival took place last Sunday but for those unable to attend, Levis’ will broadcast the entire show, plus behind the scenes footage and chats with the artists, online this Monday.

Tickets for the online show are €15. On purchase, a link will be made available from Monday which can be rewatched.

Joe O’Leary of Levis’ said: “We are so proud to welcome all this talent through the door and grateful that people continue to come out, gather and enjoy. We know all our heads and hearts are the better for it.

“We would love to stream live but this has been too challenging in the past due to wild west internet, time constraints, artist & audience considerations.”

Secret Song guests from previous years include John Blek, Paddy Dennehy, Mick Flannery, Lisa Hannigan, Joan Shelley, Rozi Plain, Niamh Regan, Clare Sands, Lisa O’Neill, Saint Sister, and Duke Special.

The festival was followed by Junior Secret Song for the local schools in Ballydehob, a mini version of the festival, featuring live performances from Secret Song artists and open only to children.

Live At Levis’ 2022 has been supported by The Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media. Levis’ Corner House is a member of livevenuecollective.ie.