On Cork’s busiest weekend of the year, jazz reigns supreme. But for those more used to the thump of a kick drum than the pluck of a double bass, there’s still plenty to keep you two-stepping, with electronic music events popping up all over the city.

Tiarnan Guinee gives you his insights on what electronic gigs to look out for this Jazz Weekend.

FRIDAY

Encrypted Presents: Bailey Ibbs

Dali, 11PM

If a dark, gritty club vibe is your thing - you should consider Dali. The club is running events each night, and with a late license for the weekend you can be sure you’re getting bang for your buck.

Friday night is a highlight as techno collective host Tresor resident and co-founder of London’s Night Service, Bailey Ibbs. The British DJ/producer’s music is known for seamlessly blending elements of techno, breaks, and rave music - the perfect fit for a club atmosphere.

Bailey is joined by Encrypted founders Hooligan and Ashes so expect a night of deep unrelenting rhythm.

Recommended For: Techno fans who are looking for a dark, ravey atmosphere.

Tickets: €15 from https://www.tickettailor.com/events/kriptik/1883950

Electronic Music Council,

Rising Sons, 10PM

If you’re looking for more of a bar atmosphere, the Rising Sons is a good shout this weekend. While it is always a great place for pizzas and pints, this weekend they are holding some serious electronic music events to boot, with a stacked itinerary for the jazz. The fact that it’s free-in all weekend is a major bonus too.

The Electronic Music Council kicks things off on Friday night, as they play their first night as a collective with Debhial, Steamlite, NATMAC, Gwada Mike, Miko, Bagheera & SWNY all on the lineup.

What’s particularly appealing is the eclectic nature of the lineup, meaning that there is something for the whole crew to enjoy.

Recommended for: Those who like a bar atmosphere, different genres, and free in.
Tickets: Free Entry

Switch Up

An Spailpín Fánach, 8PM

The upstairs in An Spailpín Fánach has hosted many a legendary night out. What I particularly like about the space is how promoters are given license to make it their own, in terms of bringing their own lighting, sound and decor.

Friday night sees the turn of “Switch Up”, a collaboration from Saint Luciana and Taly Murr with a lineup including themselves, Lill, AMR and ROM. If you like a steady build-up of pace throughout the night, this could be the choice for you, with sets expected to flow from tech-house, to techno, to gabber.

Recommended For: Those who want to two-step first, and fist pump later.

Tickets: €10+BF from https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/saint-luciana-x-taly-murr-switch-up-tickets-1640675216739

SATURDAY 26th October

Le Boom

Cyprus Avenue, 2PM, 7PM (Sold Out)

For a high-energy gig with a party atmosphere - Le Boom are a safe bet. The two brothers from Navan have brought their trancey-rave, electro-pop vibe to venues across Europe, festivals like Forbidden Fruit and All Together Now, and now return to Cork for a Jazz weekend double header.

They sold out two shows at last year’s Jazz Festival - and it’s looking like they could repeat the feat this year too. The 7pm show is sold out, but a 2PM show has been added. This presents a unique opportunity for early-afternoon raving, which could be just what you’re looking for on a Saturday.

Lunch then let loose? Sounds good to me.

Recommended for: High-energy, day-time ravers.
Tickets: €27.50 + BF from https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/le-boom-extra-show-added-due-to-demand-tickets-1636840537109

Jim Sharp
Bru Bar, 5PM (FRIDAY)
The Vicarstown, 6PM (SATURDAY)

Hip-Hop Head? You like the DJ scratching 45-rpm records?
Then the Vic is the place for you to be on Saturday evening.

Stepping up to the decks is Jim Sharp. Known for his Funk, Soul and Hip-Hop edits and remixes, the London-based Canadian DJ is sure to deliver the beats that will keep you feeling funky. He is joined by fellow scratch-enthusiasts Jus’Me and Baz Hickey.

If you find yourself up on McCurtain Street on Friday evening, you can also catch the crew in the Bru Bar.

Recommended for: Vinyl-Scratching lovers.
Tickets: Free Entry

PolyAmber presents: Amber Nights

The Roundy, 8PM

The Roundy is a favourite among Corkonians, and if you haven’t visited the upstairs you’ll be sure to have been happy to uncover a great space - an ideal setting for electronic music. What’s more, it’s super convenient for those who want to go for a chill pint outside first.

On the Saturday of Jazz, PolyAmber showcases a night of electronica, progressive house and deep melodic house right through to 2:30, with a lineup including Fitz, Electric Foxx, Nalón, R.E.E.V.

Recommended for: Deep house lovers, those looking to enjoy some tunes with their drinks.
Tickets: Free Entry.

SUNDAY

Jeff Mills presents "Tomorrow Comes the Harvest" feat. Jean Phi Dary & Prabhu Edouard
Cork Opera House, 11:30PM

A true highlight of the weekend sees Jeff Mills present “Tomorrow Comes the Harvest” at Cork Opera House. Conceived by the Detroit techno maestro and the late afrobeat pioneer Tony Allen, the project’s mission is to explore the unknown through improvisation, rhythm, and the intersection of diverse musical worlds.

Joined by keyboardist and producer, Jean Phi Dary, Mills and Allen toured the project internationally, until Allen’s passing away in 2020. Mills and Dary thought that maybe a good idea to continue with the project and decided to invite Prabhu Edouard, who already had an experience of working with Mills for classical concerts in France.

In the fitting surroundings of Cork Opera House, this promises to be a must-see for those interested in exploring the cross section of different genres of music. Support on the night comes from Cork’s Shane Johnson, from Fish Go Deep.

Recommended for: Those into the exploration of sound.
Tickets: €40 from https://www.corkoperahouse.ie/whats-on/gcjf-jeff-mills-presents/

Sunday Times

Aye, 4PM

This gig stands out to me for a few reasons.

First, the early start gives you the option of getting your Jazz on without staying out too late should you wish. Secondly, it’s nice to go to a venue outside the city centre (I consider the bridge the border).

But most of all it stands out to me because the Sunday Times is a guaranteed good time. With Colm K, Barry Walsh and John Hennessy digging deep into their record bags, you will be sure to enjoy the grooves right the way true.

A no-brainer if you are jazzing on the Sunday evening.

Recommended for: Vinyl enthusiasts, Jazzers who want to get their groove on early.

Tickets: €10 on the door

Carmina x Looptown: Cáit & Flo Dill

The Pav, 10PM

In terms of aesthetic, The Pav captures the jazz vibe more so than any other venue in Cork. The 1920’s cinema is the perfect setting for you to spend your Jazz Weekend Sunday, and local collectives Carmina and Looptown duly oblige by hosting Cáit and Flo Dill on the night.

Fresh from Club RAUM in Amsterdam, Cáit brings her signature blend of energy and narrative, shaped by sets at Berlin’s Radiant Love and London’s Adonis. Flo Dill, NTS Breakfast Show host, delivers her trademark eclecticism — from disco to post-punk — with warmth and ease.

This is a perfect gig for those who like an expansive selection of tunes. I personally would also recommend the Intermission Bar downstairs for a warm up.

Recommended for: Those who like Feel-Good tunes in a perfect jazz setting.

Tickets: €17 from https://ra.co/events/2203092