Take Ten

The only open-format, un-curated arts festival of the city, 10 Days in Dublin is back with a vengeance for a third year running. The little festival that started in semi-defiance to the lack of a genuine ?fringe? representation, has gained legitimacy over the past two years and is set to have a fairly impressive line up. It’s one of the most inspiring festivals in its small way, as artists and practitioners take over venues, theatres and well-known public spaces with resourcefulness and bucket-loads of creativity. Here we recommend 10 acts for 10 days in Dublin.

Ana Gog | They wowed the audience at the launch of their cd at The Unitarian Church in March and are set to do so again. Their music drifts easily from indie rock to folk and has been critically well-received, garnering them praise from critics and crowds alike. See them here first.

Trinity Orchestra | Every time they play they sell-out and people seem to pour out of their gigs walking on air. As the only student-run orchestra they have become famous for their beautiful arrangements of Sigur Ros, Daft Punk & Arcade Fire. This year they’ve gone for a double-wammy – Michael Jackson & Queen. Not to be missed.

Oh Say Can You Swing? | The Hip-Drop collective have been running some of the best soul and funk nights in town at the Sugar Club and elsewhere. Oh say can you swing??will have everybody getting down-low for one mother of a boogie. Wear your dancing shoes.

David O’Doherty | In no need of an introduction, Mr David O’Doherty has become a household name with his combination of song and stand-up that draws on issues topical and biographical to create one of the cleverest comedians at large.

Foil Arms and Hog | Having watched these three young men progress through various gigs ands stages, we feel safe in saying that smart money is on them to make it big in the coming years. Absolute tear inducing stuff.

Dublin Doc Fest | The festival brings a much-needed injection of local and emerging documentary film-making. One of the newer and more adventurous billings for the festival. ?

Playback | These guys have been up and down the town with their unpredictable game and it never gets old – just better. An improv troupe that uses the audience’s stories to create an irreverent show with a great deal of skill and prowess. Hiiarous results.

DiscoPigs | The young guns of Pillowtalk are back with another Enda Walsh two-hander. Anyone who saw the their previous production of Bedbound knows that there is no denying the skill and talent of this young troupe. Undoubtedly one of the highlights of the festival.

The Great Couch Rebellion | The Gonzo Theatre Company always bring a much-needed injection of new writing that tackles the world about us with a thoroughly humorous bent. Their Fringe show last year was an absolute sold-out fire-cracker thanks to the combination of a killer cast and the writing of Philip Doherty.

Lady Luck | Orla Gilsenan is an award-winning body painter who through a series of mediums moved into this niche world. She will be performing a live-art visual performance in Ukiyo, as she substitutes a mannequin with a person and sets about her work.

For all information and booking see 10daysindublin.com

@Roxeenna once put on a rather strange show in a small church for this festival’saynmore.