THE THIRD annual Irish Soundsystem Gathering Weekender takes place in the Commercial Boatclub, Woodquay, and will see the venue transformed into a pressure cooker of reggae, dub, dubstep, and drum'n'bass.
The event takes place this Friday [December 6] and Saturday, and will see towering, custom-built, Soundsystems from around Ireland converging to provide a vibrant celebration of the music, culture, and history of the Soundsystem world.
Soundsystem culture was born and bred on the streets of Jamaica from the 1950s onwards, with DJs playing reggae, dub, and ska music, before later coming to Britain via the 'Windrush' migrations from the Caribbean in the 1960s and 1970s.
Friday and Saturday evening feature a literary and pictorial 'History of Soundsystem Culture' exhibition; a record and merchandise stand together; and freshly prepared, traditional Jamaican and Caribbean cuisine with an Irish twist.
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Both nights culminate with the Sound Clash, a friendly competition with Soundsystem crews selecting and playing music (often exclusives ) via custom-built equipment. Friday centres around the Roots Soundsystems, powering up in a traditional style playing reggae, dub, ska, and dancehall. Saturday will focus on contemporary Soundsystem music – dubstep, drum & bass, and jungle, with some techno and electro featuring for the first time this year.
Doors are from 6pm Friday. Tickets are available via tinyurl.com/isg19tix for €17.50 each night. A weekend pass is €30. See also www.facebook.com/irishsoundsystemgathering
