Dingle all the way

It’s been 10 years on the go and Other Voices just gets better. TONY CLAYTON-LEAhas the lowdown on this year’s event and talks to The Staves and Paul Buchanan, two of the acts who’ll be there

IT HAS lasted much longer than either its creators, its admirers or its detractors might have predicted, and indeed the Other Voices event, held in the remote, beguiling town of Dingle, Co Kerry, is now among the most crucial in the country’s cultural calendar.

The trick now, more than 10 years on, is to maintain the event’s intrinsic appeal – the chance to see world-class established and emerging musicians perform not only in a small church but in a variety of off-beat venues – without losing sight of its parallel remit as a television series (which for some doesn’t always transfer the spirit of the live shows).

The quality of the performers is key. We’re not exaggerating when we say that we have been surprised, uplifted and downright blissed-out every time we’ve visited. For four consecutive years now, we’ve watched official gigs in St James’ Church and impromptu performances in pubs, and chatted to and debated with artists you wouldn’t get within an ass’s roar of in Dublin . The mood, as they say, is casual.

But this year, the music has been complemented by side-bar events (see right) that provide something to do during the afternoons. Whether these add-ons will become a staple remains to be seen, but the likes of Salon Banter, Silver Threads and the Other Voices Music Trail look set to enhance an already heady experience.

There are many more goodies yet to be announced: othervoices.iehas up-to-date info.

THE STAVES

Besides performing, what do you intend to do when you’re at Other Voices in Dingle?

Camilla: There are lovely pubs by the waterfront and a few musical mates we have in Dingle, so I plan on combining those things.

Emily: Maybe a boat trip to see Fungi. I can’t believe that dolphin is still alive. I saw him when I was about 12!

Jessica: Go to the pub and listen to some good music with a Guinness.

You’ll be playing in a bona fide church – does that conflict with any religious leanings you might have?

Camilla: No comment.

Emily: Yes, I’m a scientologist.

Jessica: I’m not religious, but churches lend themselves well to music.

What is your all-time favourite Christmas song?

Camilla: Fairytale of New York, all the way.

Emily: Agreed! Although, I’m a sucker for classic Christmas carols, too. They make me cry.

Jessica: The Christmas Song by Nat King Cole.

When you’re on the road, what is the home comfort you miss the most?

Camilla: Usually, it’s a decent cup of tea. Unless we’re in Ireland, which of course has the best tea anywhere.

Emily: Yeah, we don’t struggle to find tea in Ireland, thank goodness. Barry’s all the way! On the road I miss home cooking, though.

Jessica: Watching Murder, She Wrote.

What are the three most important things on your rider?

Camilla: Whiskey, tea bags and whiskey.