The North this summer has seen a series of once-in-a-lifetime gigs, from Bono and Ash sharing a stage with John Hume and David Trimble to Elton John in concert at Stormont. The next groundbreaking event is Into The West on August 9th, when Brian Kennedy, Mary Black and Shane McGowan and The Popes play Beechmount Leisure Centre on Belfast's Falls Road. This is the first major open-air concert to be staged in West Belfast, an area culturally rich despite notorious economic deprivation. The gig is the finale of the annual West Belfast Feile An Phobail, a street festival designed to reclaim the streets which have been the scene for so much violence. No better man, then, to headline this event than Brian Kennedy, who grew up just yards from the concert site. He is very excited about playing close to his old home, saying: "hopefully it will just be a huge party about how positive things are, how my journey has been fairly extraordinary from 200 yards to where I am now. I'm really looking forward to it. I think it will be very emotional."
Kennedy is working on a new album which is due for release this autumn. He has added more of a pop edge to his melting-pot of folk, jazz, country, blues and soul and will be showcasing some of his new tracks at Into The West.
He will be joined by Mary Black who, during her 15-year career has become one of the seminal figures in contemporary Irish music, renowned for her passionate performances and her earthy voice. Her 1997 album Shine saw her moving in a fresh direction, when she worked with American producer Larry Klein, whose previous clients include Joni Mitchell and Tina Turner.
The party kicks off with the irrepressible Shane McGowan & The Popes. From raucous drinking songs to cynical poeticism, McGowan's unpredictable performances certainly demand attention and are sure to fire up the crowd.
Another Feile first is the inclusion of a festival campsite at Pairc Lamh Dhearg, so even the financially challenged can make it to this historic gig in the shadow of the Black Mountain.
Into The West takes place At Beechmount Leisure Centre, Belfast on August 9th. Tickets cost £10. For information about B&B accommodation, phone 08 01232 220666