Festivals

Firmly entrenched in the Irish festival calendar as the biggest and best blues event of the year, it seems that the Dublin-based Guinness Blues Festival - which takes place from next Friday to Sunday, July 25th - just keeps getting bigger and better. That said, sense prevails: it's a good idea to have it no longer than three days. Potential excess is reined in, focus is maintained, and only premier blues acts are signed up. The inspirational Nina Simone (left) headlines the festival next Saturday at The Point. Other acts performing over the weekend include the not-to-be-missed Screamin' Jay Hawkins, Ben Harper, The Blind Boys of Alabama, Geoff Muldaur, Terry Callier, Eric Bibb and a host of (mainly workmanlike) Irish blues bands. The Festival office can be contacted at 01-6713060.