Over the weekend and beyond

It's very short notice I know but...



Firstly, if you can get tickets to the Dublin City Soul Festival, starting in a few hours, then please, please go. Last year was an amazing fusion of artists and sounds, culminating in one of the best concerts I have ever been to.



The Rance Allen Group, supported by the Gardiner Street Gospel Choir were amazing in the Mansion House last year and this year they're in the Sugar Club on Saturday 24th at 8pm, performing alongside the undisputed Queen of Beale Street – Miss Ruby Wilson. Tickets are €40 and available here.

Last year was the first time they performed in Ireland and I'd imagine the fans, Chris Maher and the organisers are delighted to have them back. The show last year was amazingly vibrant and full of life, ending up in Niamh and I dancing (sober and all!) the last 40 minutes and three encores in front of the stage with most of the rest of the audience.

There's also a free Soul Picnic in Merrion Square Park on Sunday. More details here.



To celebrate Africa Day and the culmination of Irish Aid's Africa Week also on Sunday the Gardiner Street Gospel Choir; Kila; Mundy, Sinead O' Connor, Republic of Loose and more are playing at a FREE event in Dublin Castle.



The IFI have also got free screenings on. Check out the full programme here.



Thirdly; the Smithwicks Cat Laughs Festival are looking for volunteers for this year's festival on the June Bank Holiday Weekend in - of all places - Kilkenny.



There's an amazing lineup of comedians and it really seems like it will be - pardon the obvious - a great laugh. I know Darren's looking forward to it!

Find out more about the festival on their website and for more information about volunteering drop Trish Duffe, the very friendly Volunteer Coordinator (and all around Wonderwoman) a line on thecatlaughs@gmail.com.

You can also download the Volunteer application forms here.



Finally, speaking of volunteering, the Darklight Film Festival - as covered by Jazzbiscuit yesterday - are also looking for volunteers. The Festival runs from Thursday 26th to Sunday 29th June.

As a non-profit organization, a crack team of willing and eager volunteers are crucially important to making Darklight happen - if you think you have what it takes, contact sinead at darklight dot ie.

I did this last year (and hope to this year, if they'll have me) and have to say it was one of the most interesting, varied and fun events to work on ever. The beautiful girls I got to work with were the added bonus.



Whatever you get up to, have fun :)

I'd love to be around for the events over the weekend but have been dragged away. No consideration, some people, eh? Needless to say, I'm not happy.



Tee hee hee

(Typed on a keyboard with French layout - most of the keys aren't where they should be!)