A Special kind of Belfast bash

Belfast musician Duke Special is curating a festival this week at his hometowns newest venue, the Metropolitan Arts Centre (Mac).

‘In the Court of Duke Special’ began on Tuesday, but various events continue over the weekend.

Tonight there’s a wine tasting with Czech musician Marek Irgl – father of Swell Season member Marketa Irglova – followed by a special Cathy Davey performance in which she will reprise her show Songs That Scare Children (But in a Very Beautiful Way). Special guests for the gig include Neil Hannon, Lisa O’Neill, David Turpin, Rhob Cunningham and more.

Tomorrow there’s a free exhibition by artist Johanna Billing, during which the live performances of 20 different local artists, bands and ensembles will be filmed covering a Roky Erickson song, as part of Billings ongoing global project.

Neo-vaudevillian Joe Black and Dublin pop duo Nanu Nanu share a bill tmorrow night, while at Sundays closing performance, 'Duke Special and Friends', Special will perform with a host of people with whom he has collaborated over the years. themaclive.com