4 August 2005 Edition

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Basque band to play Derry's Sandino

Derry Féile 2005

Derry Féile 2005

This year's Derry Féile '05 will see a unique combination of traditional Irish and Basque music as the city pays host to Urgabe, the Basque Country's top selling indie/rock outfit. In a series of sessions in the city Urgabe will perform in both the Gweedore Bar and Sandino's Café Bar this Thursday with their unique blend of traditional Basque instruments and modern beats and harmonies.

Urgabe, which means 'without water' in Euskara, the Basque language, incorporate traditional Basque instruments such as the txalaparta, triki, and alboka in an eight piece line-up which produces a massive, melodic sound akin to the Frames or the Waterboys.

Speaking prior to their arrival in Derry Benat Hiriderri, the organiser of the band's Irish tour said: "The band are so excited about these gigs. This is our first trip to this country, having heard so much about the people, the politics, and of course, the world famous music scene here."

Benat continued: "Before the band storm through their set of crowd-pleasing songs, they are very keen to get together in a session with local traditional musicians and any local musicians wishing to join in are more than welcome."

Urgabe will perform in the Gweedore Bar from 4.30pm on Thursday 4 August.

The traditional Irish/Basque session will start at 7.30pm in Sandino's Café Bar, Water Street, and Urgabe will then go on stage at 9.30pm, admission £3. The night's musical entertainment will be rounded off by DJ One Shot, with his cultured and mellow blend of ska and reggae.


An Phoblacht
44 Parnell Sq.
Dublin 1
Ireland