iced coffee

The Festival of Fools took place between Thurs 29th Apr & 3rd May; a street performance/comedy festival with acts wooing audiences in various locations in Belfast’s city centre for the last seven years. Once again under threat of losing funding — yet pieces of crap like this Jug get giving far too much money!

Origins of Phrases
Lesson One: He’s Having a Laugh
Lesson Two: Laughing All The Way To The Bank

Arthur Square, known to citizens of Belfast as Cornmarket is home to a new shiny bit of public art. This was designed by artist Dan George from his home in America. Apparently it reflects the great industrial heritage of Belfast. It was manufactured in the USA at a cost of £250,000. The title for this imported work of art? The Spirit of Belfast.

And who says Americans don’t do irony?

It’s a great festival for Belfast, bringing so many people to laugh together in the sun while others go about their shopping/working day. Hopefully someone will see sense.

This years Belfast Festival has been launched, with events taking place in various locations around the city from 16th – 31st October.

Below are a few that have caught my eye.

Music
Fionn Regan
Venue: Spiegeltent
Times: Tuesday 20 October 8.00pm £13.75

Ludovico Einaudi Nightbook Tour
Venue: Ulster Hall
Wednesday 21 October 7.30pm £22.50

Josh Ritter
Venue: Empire Music Hall
Sunday 18 October 8.00pm (Doors 7.00pm) £17.50

Visual Arts
Constantinople or the Sensual Concealed
Venue: Ulster Museum
23 October 2009 – 14 February 2010 Free

Collective Histories IV
Venue: Golden Thread Gallery
16 October – 7 November Free

HABITUS by Xavier Ribas
Venue: PLACE
7 – 31 October Free

Floodlit Tour of Belfast
Venue: University Square
Thursday 29 October 7.30pm £10.00

This Is What We Sang
Venue: Belfast Synagogue
Thursday 22 & Sunday 25 – Thursday 29 October at 8.00pm Preview Wed 21 8.00pm; Matinee Wed 28 3.00pm
£12.50 / £10.00 conc. Preview & Matinee £10.00 / £7.00 conc.

Belfast City Cemetery Tour
Venue: Belfast City Cemetery
Sunday 25 October 1.00pm £5

Comedy
Tim McGarry’s Irish History Lesson
Venue: Waterfront Studio
Thursday 29 & Friday 30 October 8.00pm £14.00 / £12.00 conc.

Hans Teeuwen
Venue: Spiegeltent
Saturday 24 October 8.00pm £12.00 / £10.00 concession

A quick rundown of what’s to come this week in Oscillations. I’m giving it so much attention ‘cos so many of the events look great, and although my weekend was pretty busy, and cold still lingering, I didn’t manage to get to any I wish I had.

Tuesday 7th October

Play Ping Pong
Black Box Café 7.30pm £3
Games begin with everyone round the table, one hit, move on…one foul and you’re out. Continues until there are only 2 people left, best of 3 to see who wins, then all back in again for a new round.
Music is provided by DJs from local label, cAFF/FLICK Records.
www.caff-flick.com

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