Festival back for summer 2023
A renowned DIY arts and music festival is coming back to Leeside this summer with tickets going on sale today, Thursday.
The 2023 edition of Quarter Block Party will take place in various venues around Cork city from 14-16 July, it was announced this week. This festival will bring together a vibrant community of artists, musicians, and creative enthusiasts to celebrate the spirit of DIY culture in Ireland and showcases a diverse range of artistic expressions.
The opening night of the festival takes place around the trendy setting of St Luke’s Cross on the northside of Cork city.
Among the notable acts gracing the stages this year are the Belfast based group Junk Drawer, an indie rock band known for their infectious energy and eclectic sound. Fans can expect a captivating performance filled with their signature blend of melodic hooks and introspective lyrics. They play The Nest at Coughlan’s Bar on Douglas Street on Saturday 15 July, alongside Listening Face, something of a supergroup featuring members of Cork bands such as Hope Is Noise, Slow Motion Heroes and The Frank & Walters.
Earlier that afternoon Elaine Howley, a rising star in the Irish music scene will mesmerise the audience with her soulful vocals and heartfelt songwriting. Her captivating performances have garnered praise for their emotional depth and ability to connect with listeners on a profound level. She shares the indoor stage at Coughlan with Maija Sofia, a critically acclaimed singer-songwriter whose haunting melodies and poetic storytelling have earned her a dedicated following.
On Saturday 15 July at 1pm, Circus Factory on Centre Park Road, will host Brus Performance Marathon, an open mic for all art forms including spoken word, circus, music and everything in between.
Finally on Sunday 16 July there are concerts at The Green Room in Cork Opera House, Plugd Records and Crane Lane Theatre. Limerick’s His Fathers Voice play alongside Fermanagh’s idiosyncratic composer Róis who blends folk, jazz, and Irish traditional music. Independent music collective Sunwell Tapes will host a showcase at Plugd Records in the early evening. Craic Boi Mental will headline the final ticketed show alongside the distinctive hip hop sounds of Raja Baal and An Cárthach.
The weekend will finish off with a closing party at Crane Lane Theatre with the North Kerry’s biggest pop exports Messyng playing with another supergroup of the Cork music scene, Crying Loser.
Tickets for all shows go on sale today, 1 June, on eventbrite.ie.