Fancy volunteering at The Cat Laughs Comedy Festival this year?

(Yes, that is me, Anto and Darren performing live. Really. Kinda.)

It was one of the best events I've ever volunteered at. I had so much fun with comedians, fellow volunteers and friends and it's happening again this year. Next weekend in fact!

Yep, it's the Carlsberg Cat Laughs Comedy Festival in Kilkenny and they're looking for volunteers.



There are OOODLES of comedians performing this year - Tommy Tiernan, Des Bishop, Dermot Whelan, Andrew Maxwell, Barry Murphy, David O'Doherty, Karl Spain, Jarlath Regan, Andrew Lawrence, Lee Mack, Ricky Grover, PJ Gallagher, Dom Irrera, Maeve Higgins, Dave Gorman, Ian Coppinger, Neil Delamere, Otis Lee Crenshaw... so yes, there's loads.

The full list and programme is over on their website - http://carlsbergcatlaughs.com

Last year I met the comedians, I met some really cool people (that I'm still in touch with) and got to see a good few shows, all for showing people to their seats, getting the place ready and clearing it after it was done.

Yes, it's a bit of manual work; no, it's not uber glamorous but it's worthwhile for something that brings as much money to Kilkenny as the Festival does and I enjoyed it. I enjoyed it lots. I blogged about it here last year.

So yes, they're looking for volunteers older than 18 to come help. As well as the cool and funky t-shirt and lanyard, you get show passes, festival club passes and drinks vouchers. Well, we did last year...

All you gotta do is click here or email volunteers@carlsbergcatlaughs.com for more info. The volunteer manager is Deirdre. Tell her I said hello :)



If you're in the area or free over the Bank Holiday weekend and want to do something really worthwhile, I can't recommend it enough :) Truly an epic weekend.

Festival of World Cultures, Dun Laoighre, this weekend

This is where I'll be today and tomorrow, hopefully bringing you a taste of what's to be seen.

For the events today, I'm most looking forward to:

From 11am to 7pm there's 3D Pavement Art on the East Pier and the Sand Sculptures on Newtownsmith Green.

There's a Cool Earth, Environmental Fair and a Global Village to visit. I'll be at the Music and Second Hand Book Fair and visiting the International Food Traders too. Yum!

I'm looking forward to trying some Indian Kite Flying (noon to 4pm) or partaking in an authentic Japanese Tea House ceremony.

In the Workshops, the Capoeira display by the Dance Theatre of Ireland on from noon to 1pm sounds like fun. There's an introduction of Manga in the Royal Marine Hotel from 1.30pm to 3pm and Japanese Calligraphy from 3.30pm to 5pm.

Some of the other cool stuff includes:

2pm - 2.45 - The tale of the Krakow Shoemaker

3pm - 3.45 - Kings Court Gospel Choir - People's Park Stage

3.15pm - 4 - Liam Ó Maonlaí - Newtownsmith Main Stage

4.15pm - 5.15 - Senses - Newtownsmith Main Stage

8pm - 9.30 - Geisha performance - Martello Suite, Royal Marine Hotel

10.30pm - 11.30 - Liam ó Maonlaí / Hiralaj and Ramji Gaine - Festival Club

Full day's programme here and it's available for download on their website too.

If you see me there, please do say hello :o)

(net)Working hard at 2gether08

Honestly, I am. It's all about the charity you know.







It's a hard life, all this volunteering. Like, seriously



Millie Robson, a specialist photographer for pole dancers, performance artists and portraits, nude and non nude acted in Web 2.0, the musical yesterday. The bottom picture are my friends from UnLtdWorld.com :)

Full report to come tomorrow and over the next few days. It was great.

At 2gether08 in London this week

I'm volunteering at, blogging for and participating in the 2gether08 conference this week.

Check out the 2gether08 website where the conference - which is meeting of social entrepreneurs, journalists and other media related minds - is being streamed live.

How volunteers helped make the Dublin Writers Festival great

Over the past few years I've volunteered with a number of festivals, events and charities because I enjoy the experience. Each person I meet, each event I attend and each lesson learned all contribute towards my enthusiasm and anticipation of the next opportunity I get to help make a difference.



My experiences to date have been varied. You very much see where the whole swan analogy has come from - serene on the surface, flapping like mad underneath. However you deal with that simply - a quick evaluation of the situation, an idea of what to do and how to get it done and above all keep smiling.



When the opportunity to volunteer for the Dublin Writers Festival came up recently I was initially hesitant. After all, this isn't something "fun" like St Patrick's Day or The Cat Laughs, this is serious literature, conversations, awards and discussions.

There are many great authors in attendance, it's run by the Dublin City Arts Office and it is, no doubt, for the serious scholars and literary addicts who can quote someone like Tom Stoppard with ease.

That was not me.



However I decided to give it a go. New experiences and all that.

To be frank (perhaps a little more than I should be) I'm surprised the Writers Festival doesn't get more support. The people in the Arts Office deserve great praise for managing such an important event (in what's supposed to be a literary city) with limited resources at their disposal.



Programme director Liam Browne, himself an author, put together a superb event featuring:

over 40 Irish and international writers and poets, journalists, political commentators, and even lawyers for a series of readings, discussions, debates and public interviews. The Festival will explore the themes such as war, loss, national identity, Irish values, childhood, crime, and the art of the short story.

That's no mean feat. Léan Ní Chléirigh took the mantle of volunteer coordinator for the first time and rose to the challenge admirably, ensuring each person knew where their venue was, what they were doing and keeping swanlike calm throughout.

What happened over the next 4 days were a whirlwind of meeting people, making friends, having discussions and pints and laughs and getting things done. I was based at Project in Temple Bar and there authors, presenters, staff and volunteers all worked together to get things done.



From even before the opening event, a conversation between authors John Boyne, Claire Kilroy and Lloyd Jones right through to the closing with Ian Rankin and Colin Bateman, the volunteers put up posters, met authors at the airport and hotels, greeted the audience, tore tickets, directed people, ensured venues were ready, escorted people, answered queries, readied for changeovers and more, all keeping cheerful, polite and calm throughout.

What's more, we/they were all happy to. In return we got to attend the events and post-festival celebrations for free. They have been very generous in recognition of our contribution.

As Léan said in an email to us:

Just a quick mail to say thanks a mill for the last week. At the party on Sunday there were a lot of compliments from Liam, Jack (Gilligan, Dublin City Arts officer) and the Ladies in the Arts Office about what a lovely bunch you were and I'd just like to add my voice to that chorus.

... Being able to rely completely on you all was fundamental to the success of the festival.

And there-in lies the invitation to everyone. You can use your experience, your skills and your resources to help make any event successful.


A quick snap with JP Donleavy.

Volunteers have a wide range of skills, talents and expertise to bring to any situation. Even enthusiasm can be of great benefit, especially when all you seem to see is spreadsheets, proposals and issues. We are happy to help with ideas for marketing, for fulfillment, for spreading the word. All you have to do is ask.

Equally, volunteers, remember you can get involved in whatever way you can. Most of the festivals out there have low budgets and resources and would be happy to have your suggestions and skills. Know some way you can help? Put your hand up and suggest it. Think you've got a good idea? Tell the people who can make it happen and make it so.

Darren has written great posts about his first time involvement and I think he enjoyed it. I know Niamh did as well.

My personal take? I got to meet some lovely people, listen to fantastic authors speak and have a chat with writing superstars like JP Donleavy, John Boyne, Evelyn Conlon, Roy Foster, Alan Gilsenan, Ivana Bacik, Lloyd Jones, Claire Kilroy, Hugo Hamilton and Justin Cartwright for free - all I had to do was do what I like doing.

Even Tom would have to applaud an opportunity like that.



I may not have met all the volunteers or those involved but my congratulations to Maura Carty, Vicky Kearney, Catherine Neville in the Arts Office, Jack Gilligan, Liam Browne, Ian the photographer, Léan Ní Chléirigh and the other people who made the magic happen - Niamh, Darren, Agata, Andrew, Caoimhe, Gisela, Hannah, Kevin, Li, Mary, Melanie, Niamh B, Randall, Sarah and anyone else who helped make this an unforgettable experience.

Thanks to you all :) I'll be back!

Look Mammy, he's standing on his head! SPWC 2008

Fair play to Conor McCarthy and Mark Duckenfield, two ambitious, enthusiastic guys who are bringing back one of THE BEST free festivals to Dublin this year.



Over three days and two nights from June 13 to 16, Merrion Square will once again be transformed into a huge playground where some of the best Street Performers in the world will do their best to entertain the crowds at the 2008 Street Performance World Championships.

I went last year with a group of friends and it was just brilliant. The performers were amazing and the crowd reaction was fantastic.



From the legend who is Australian Space Cowboy (balancing, juggling, sword swallowing) to performers from Ireland, Russia, Canada, England, Japan, Tanzania, Somalia and the USA this will be a great festival of juggling, acrobatics, comedy, magic, street theatre and balancing that will just defy belief.

Here's Space Cowboy from last year:



But that's not all. No siree bob. There's also face painting, a clay workshop for children, a 30 foot long sleeping pig (!) and an Elvis Simulator dotted around the Square.



One of the best features I think will be the hard of hearing performance area, where sign interpreters from the Centre of Deaf Studies will be helping out all day Saturday and Sunday to make sure that even people who can't hear all the craic can still very much be part of it.



Finally, there'll be two Once In A Lifetime (!) FREE "Bravoshos" on at Dublin Castle with all of the performers on stage doing their acts!

The shows are on Friday 13 and Saturday 14 June in the garden outside the Chester Beatty Library at 6pm for people aged 14+. You should arrive as early as possible to get their wristbands that will allow you entry.

All the performances will be free, though the customary hat will be doing the rounds to allow you to show your appreciation for some of the best performers in the world.

I was lucky enough to be at the volunteer meeting last night and saw these guys in action - the video's on one side and not great quality, but you'll get the idea:



You can check out all the great action on the website: http://www.spwc.ie

Hope to see you there!

Part of the Cat Crew

Being a Kilkenny man it was only fitting that I take my own recommendation and volunteer for this year's Cat Laughs Festival in Kilkenny.



If you happen to be around Kilkenny this weekend, keep an eye out for the volunteers in their fetching blue t-shirts - they'll be more than happy to help if they can. Headed up by wonderwoman herself Trish Duffe, there's friendly people at every venue.



I have to admit it's the first time I've been in Kilkenny for the Festival for a few years and the place looks great. The buzz and atmosphere in the town is one of enthusiasm, humour and people who - pardon the pun - are out to have a laugh. The massive queue for yesterday's train is a testament to the draw of the Festival.



I'm full of admiration for anyone who can get up in front of an audience armed only with a sharp wit, keen observation and enough charisma and courage to keep an audience laughing along. And last night they certainly did that.



I have the great pleasure of working in the Rivercourt Hotel, where last night we had on the bill:

• Compére, host and extremely funny man Ian Coppinger from Dublin
  
  
• The outrageously camp, leather kilt wearing hilarious Craig Hill from Glasgow
  
  
• Geeky just-out-of-high-school and first time to Ireland Josh Thomas from Australia
  
  
• and the ever likable, most popular and tear inducing comedian Neil Delamere

It's funny (not ha ha) but I was incredibly shy last night. Granted I was busy with the volunteering (yes I was!) but I found it difficult to go and say hello to some of them, to ask for a photo or to be so bold as to bother them for an interview. I can only imagine how difficult getting up there must be, the mental preparation, the stress and the come down.

I've spotted Ed Byrne, Kevin Gildea, Matt Kirshen and Andy Parsons all out and about. Tonight I get to work with (ahem) Des Bishop, John Lynn, Maeve Higgins and one of my personal favourites Tommy Tiernan. I'm going to keep an eye out for PJ Gallagher too.

I cannot wait.

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!)

People who volunteer

People who volunteer for events and charities inspire me. I always think Fair play, because a lot of the time it's hard, demanding work that people should be paid for, but it's from the goodness of their hearts that all they want is to feel involved and use their talents to create a difference. They take time out of their schedule to make things a bit better for people.

Damien Mulley, 31 today - (Happy Birthday, sir!) did so with many others at the recent Blog Awards. The volunteers at Barretstown who come every year to work, live and play with the children give so much of themselves too. Those who volunteer with St Patrick's Festival help make the events that much more special for everyone who enjoys the many events.

And those wonderful people who are out there today in the cold wind and the rain for Daffodil Day also deserve a(nother) mention!

I was running for the bus to work this morning across O' Connell Bridge when I spotted a vision in yellow from the corner of my eye. Of course I went back to investigate...


I bought some daffodils from him


and then on my way up for the Luas I met Ann and Annie who have been in the same pitch spot (corner of Westmoreland and Aston Quay) for the past 12 years


And then there were Jackie and Laura at the corner of Westmoreland and College Green (just outside the Bank of Ireland)


And even up around the Molly Malone Statue, I found it very apt that there should be flower sellers doing a brisk trade.


Given the fact my Dad has undergone treatment for prostate cancer at St Luke's in Dublin and that cancer has robbed our family of many members, as it has done to too many others, I think it's only fitting I look into becoming a volunteer with the Irish Cancer Society. I'm also a supporter of the Friends of St Luke's and I'll support the Marie Keating Foundation whenever I get a chance.

Everytime I volunteer, be it for Darklight, for St Patrick's or with MovieExtras.ie I'm always left with a feeling of more - I want to do more, help more, contribute more, give more back. But I know it can be a slog too - the relief on Maman Poulet's face after all the goodie bags were packed at the Blog Awards was a reminder of that.

I've been in touch with Ken about the Creative Camp tomorrow - hopefully I can give a hand there too but I doubt there'll be any shortage of helpers.

So volunteers, well done from me at least. What you do is inspiring.

Everyone else, please give it a go! You'll have fun, I guarantee it!


PS: Kathy is the Festival Volunteer Coordinator at St Patrick's Festival. She's lovely and would love to hear from anyone who'd like to be involved. Find out more here or email volunteers@stpatricksfestival.ie.

There's also a Volunteers Meeting Tomorrow (Saturday 7th) at 4pm in the Royal Dublin Hotel, O’Connell Street (near the Ambassador) where you can sign up if you're available.

Hpapy St Pctriak's Day - sometimes you win...

Could having the courage to say something instead of nothing result in a better online experience for people?

It's tough sometimes being an editor, cos your job is pretty much criticising the work that other people do. (Cue sad violin music there)

Yes you're doing it to improve the ultimate project - Seth Godin refers to us as tweakers - but still someone's put a lot of hard work into a project (at times!) and here you are criticising it.

It's all about how you phrase something and communicate your idea, no matter how absurd or petty it seems I guess. You'd be surprised by how many times I've been given this book.

Is editing a valid job? I mean after all, we've all read (and been forwarded) the Cambridge research that it deosn't mttaer in waht oredr the ltteers in a wrod are, the olny iprmoetnt tihng is taht the frist and lsat ltteer be at the rghit pclae. The rset can be a toatl mses and you can sitll raed it wouthit porbelm. Lovely. So much for paying attention in English class!

Still and all I like to think I'm passionate about what I do, and so as annoyed as I get about things (and you'll see lots of examples of this), when something like the below happens I just have to smile...

I've worked with the crew at St Patrick's Festival for three or four years, doing general volunteer work - skyfest marshalling, walking with the Parade, the Denny's Treasure Hunt ... really good fun.

I have a lot of respect for what they do. They put a huge amount of effort in and it's a great time for Ireland. I was in London last year but volunteered for 2007.

So when I got the email below from them recently, I was in two minds whether to do or say anything...

No it's not the capitals I'm complaining about (but good guess!) - it's the fact my email address was visible in the To field, along with a couple of hundred others...

I mean on the one hand I'm not employed by them, and the email may have been sent by a junior volunteer with a hundred million things to do... but on the other hand it did have my email address there as plain as day for anyone to read/copy/spam. Jonathan Jensen over at Sevendotzero recently posted about the same thing.

So I politely dropped a line suggesting they look at it for the next mailing. Very politely. Got a nice reply thanking me for the email. And lo and behold, yesterday evening... From info @ to info @...

Now it may not have been my advice or anything, but still, it could have been, and it looks more professional. The end project is a little better. I smiled anyhows.

If anyone can help the festival out, please do so. You'll have fun, guaranteed!