Home grown talent influenced by music and dance from across the globe
Located at the bandstand in Botanic Gardens, the Showcase Stage promotes local artists in the community and this year we’ve assembled a fantastic line up of artists from India, Ireland, Bulgaria and Brazil.
WHAT'S ON
Utropiks
Utropiks is Israh Castro, a Brazilian songwriter and producer based in Belfast. He is one of the most original international highlights as an emerging artist in Belfast from the last year 2023. His unique miscelanneous compositions has being taken inspirations from a variety of Brazilian rhythms, Spiritual Jazz, Jamaican Dub music and Afrikans polyrhythm grooves.
Chemshir Bulgarian Dance Group
Inspired by pure love for the folk dance, the Bulgarian Folk Dance Club 'Chemshir' was set up by members of the Bulgarian Association of Northern Ireland in September 2013. The Club brings together people of different ages and skill level from across Northern Ireland who enjoy the folk dance. It strives to showcase the beauty of the Bulgarian traditional folk dance and music and promote Bulgarian culture.
Tradala
Bouzouki players Nikos Petsakos (Greece) and Martin Coyle (Ireland) explore the journey of the bouzouki from early 1900's Greece, across Europe and it's entry into Ireland. You can watch live as this dynamic duo create unique and intriguing musical compositions in the popular music form Rebetiko, traditional arrangements from various European countries as well as modern compositions presented on Greek Tri-chordo, Irish four course and Baglama.
The Belfast Wren Boys
The Belfast Wren Boys were founded to promote the tradition of indigenous mumming. The group works in the medium of the ancient house visiting tradition of the Wren Boys. They celebrate the Celtic festivals and keep the ancient rituals of Ireland alive.
Dhol Belfast
Get in the party mood with the fanfare of Indian Dhol Drummers with their exciting rhythms and traditional outfits. Dhol Belfast work with local drummers across Ireland to create the ultimate drumming experience with performances and hands on workshops. The dhol is a drum or percussive instrument, widely used in Bangladesh , India and Pakistan, usually the Punjab region, the Indian/Pakistani province of Punjab, Maharastra and Gujarat.
Citadels of the Sun
Citadels of the Sun is a two-part creative collaboration emerging from the many folk and historical connections between India and Ireland, from the origins of the Irish and Indian fiddle to their shared colonial past. Come and learn more about the stories behind these fascinating instruments.
