The Irish for Alternative
Shannon McNamee
An Taobh Tuathail presented by Cian Ó Cíobháin has been broadcasting since 1999, championing alternative voices late into the night on the Irish-language station RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta. Shannon McNamee reviews a 20th anniversary concert in Galway (3 May) featuring Mount Alaska and Ships.
A Harp at Home
Tim Diovanni
RTÉ Lyric FM celebrated its twentieth year with a gala concert on 1 May featuring the premiere of the very first concerto for Irish harp, written by Ryan Molloy. Tim Diovanni reviews.
Berating Bystanders
Jake Tiernan
Derry band Touts' rapid-fire sociopolitical commentary resonates with a despondent generation, writes Jake Tiernan, in the second review from our new Music Writer Mentoring Scheme, supported by Galway City and Galway County Arts Offices.
Skating Around New Audiences
Adrian Smith
Crash Ensemble continue to reach out to new listeners, most recently in a concert dedicated to music related to skateboarding. Adrian Smith reviews the film and music event which featured new work by Sam Perkin and Jennifer Walshe.
Playing for an Inside-Out World
James Fleming
In the first review from our new Music Writer Mentoring Scheme, supported by Galway City and Galway County Arts Offices, James Fleming reviews a performance by Sarah Nicolls of her new political work 'Twelve Years'. Presented by Galway Jazz Festival at the Mick Lally Theatre on 29 March, the composition by the British pianist and composer is a direct call for action at a time of crisis.
Adventures in the New Music Fringe
Adrian Smith
The Music Current contemporary music festival – which took place last week in Dublin – has a radicalism in curation that can give listeners a real feeling of discovery. Adrian Smith reviews the four days and asks: can it grow its 'fringe' status in the Irish new music scene?
Some People are Frightened
Don O'Mahony
The second Cork Sound Fair took place last week. Spread over four days (28–31 March), the festival displays the fascinating diversity of Irish electronic music. Don O'Mahony reviews a selection of performances from Saturday night and Sunday.
When Concertina Meets Concerto
Tim Diovanni
The RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra marked St Patrick's Day with a performance of a new concerto for concertina by Niall Vallely, a set by the group Moxie, and Seán Ó Riada's 'Mise Éire'. The concert highlighted the different directions in which Irish traditional music is developing, writes Tim Diovanni.
Pages
Uncomfortable Story Beautifully Told
Irish National Opera's current production of 'Madama Butterfly', exploring themes of exploitation and naïveté, works extremely well – sometimes disconcertingly so, writes Brendan Finan. 
Life is Beautiful if You Leave it Alone
From expressive audience participation with the Brian Irvine Ensemble to people unenthused by Finnish experimental jazz, Tim Diovanni reviews two nights of the recent Spectrum festival in Dublin.