Enjoy a night of beautiful jazz and the astonishing vocals of US Born Dana Masters at Larne Town Hall on Friday 3^rd October, 7.30pm.

Dana will be backed by some of Northern Ireland finest jazz musicians in what promises to be a night of fantastic musical entertainment.

South Carolina-born Dana Masters has an extraordinary range and velvety vocals that can make anything from Nina Simone’s ‘My Baby Just Cares for Me’ to the jazz standard ‘My Funny Valentine’ her own. Her version of Etta James’ At Last is an absolute highlight and a must hear for any audience. Dana most recently wowed the crowds at Titanic Slipway in Belfast when she performed Proms in the Park event as part of the BBC’s Prestigious Last Night of the Proms celebrations in September.

This special performance forms part of Larne Borough Councils’ art programme of events which take place on a regular basis throughout the year bringing many theatre performances, workshops and exhibitions to various venues around the borough. Check out www.larnemuseumandartscentre.com for all the latest information or join Larne Museum and Arts Centre on facebook for regular updates.

Do not miss out on hearing this exceptional talent in the beautiful surroundings of Larne Town Hall. Tickets cost £12 and includes light refreshments. Tickets are available from Larne Visitor Information Centre, call 02828260088 or email TICreception@larne.gov.uk . Seats are not allocated. Cabaret Style Layout. This show will no doubt sell out so book early to avoid disappointment.

If you think ‘The Woman in Black’ was scary … be prepared to be petrified!

A new adaptation of Bram Stoker’s iconic masterpiece on vampirism sees Gerard McCarthy playing both Jonathan Harker, whose diaries chronicle the bloody tale, and the greatest supernatural character of all time: Dracula … and several other characters!

Using multiple cameras, backing screens, projections, surround sound and a newly commissioned score, this solo tour de force will make audiences scream.

Adapted and Directed by Michael Poynor with original music by Mark Dougherty, ‘Jonathan Harker and DRACULA’ will stop off on its autumn tour at the Burnavon, Cookstown just in time for Halloween on Thursday 30^th October.

GERARD McCARTHY is one of Northern Irelands most exciting and versatile young actors. He is best known for TV roles in The Fall, Hollyoaks, Vikings and the new BBC comedy Puppy Love. Gerard recently starred in The Globe’s production of The Merry Wives of Windsor in London and New York and his debut feature film A Nightingale Falling is due for general release in the autumn of 2014.

ITV soapstar KYM MARSH, who played Annette in the West End production of Saturday Night Fever and recently performed in Eve Ensler’s The Vagina Monologues along the RACHEL TUCKER who played Elphaba in West End production Wicked and is soon about to open on Broadway in The Last Ship and JAYNE WISENER from Tim Burdon’s Sweeny Todd will appear in pre-recorded cameo roles, as the ‘Brides of Dracula’.

Craving for a great night out, and something to really sink your teeth into – this show is not to be missed! Tickets for the one night only performance at the Burnavon are priced £16 (£14 concession – over 12’s recommended) and are on sale now from the Burnavon Box Office on 028 8676 9949 or online at www.burnavon.com

Harry Hamilton is better known to most of us who follow the local music scene as the charismatic front man of Flash Harry, the Queen Tribute band. Anyone who has seen the band in action will know Hamilton’s uncanny and powerful rendition of many a Freddie Mercury classic.

Mid-Ulster audiences have a chance this October to hear that amazing voice applied to a different type of music as Harry and his Swing Band take you on a musical journey through a century of the Great American Songbook, a tradition in which songwriters wrote songs and singers sang them.

One of the most productive periods of song-writing in history started with composers such as Gershwin, Kern, Berlin and Porter in the early 1920s, and continued through to the early 1960s. In a new concert tour, Harry Hamilton and his Swing Band bring their own unique performance style to this wonderful music and those songs that have survived the vagaries of time and are still popular and well recognized by artists and the general public alike.

The concert will take in a great selection of American standards, some old from the pens of composers such as Gershwin and Porter, and some more recent hits from the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s from artists such as Ray Charles, Billy Joel and Michael Bublé.

Tickets for this concert at the Burnavon, Cookstown on Saturday 18th October are priced £15, and are on sale from the Burnavon Box Office at the Burn Road, Cookstown; by telephone on 028 8676 9949 or online at www.burnavon.com.

The Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB) has put together a list of 10 exciting things to do in Northern Ireland next week (October 6-12).

• Belfast Restaurant Week, various locations, Belfast, Co Antrim, October 4-11. Enjoy a tasty celebration of local food and culinary events in fabulous restaurants across the city.  Restaurants will be serving up a selection of special menus and hosting foodie events throughout the week.

• Phantom & The Musicals, The Market Place Theatre & Arts Centre, Co Armagh, October 8.  Immerse yourself in this mash up of music from ‘The King And I’, ‘Les Miserables’, ‘Phantom Of The Opera’, ‘Grease’ and Abba’s ‘Mamma Mia’.  Then add in nostalgic classics such as ‘Calamity Jane’ and ‘The Sound Of Music’ and you can see why this show has something to offer the whole family.

• Fermanagh Walking Festival, various locations, Co Fermanagh, October 11-12.  Get your walking shoes on and come and enjoy the beauty and tranquillity of some of Fermanagh’s finest landscapes highlighting it as a key destination for the walking enthusiast.  There are a variety of walks on offer and there is sure to be something for everyone.

• Cinemagic, various locations around Belfast, until October 17. The action packed Cinemagic Belfast Film and Television Festival for under 12 year olds, returns to the silver screen for its 25th Anniversary Edition, with new film previews from around the world along with film and television workshops.

• Omagh Antiques and Collectables Fair, Silver Birch Hotel, Omagh, Co Tyrone, October 12.  Presenting a wide variety of Antiques and Collectables including: militaria, fine art, jewellery both Georgian and Victorian, ceramics, early glass, vintage retro items, furniture, coins and rare books. There will be upwards of 20 stands offering both variety and affordability with free valuations also available on the day.

• Silver Sunday Age Friendly Museums Day, Ulster American Folk Park, Omagh, Co Tyrone, October 5.  Meet new people, try new things and get active at this annual national event with fun free activities for older people.

• Thrills and Spills, Foylehov Hovercrafting and Leisure, Limavady, Co Londonderry, October 11. Get outdoors and try your hand at a few brilliant activities, such as laser clay pigeon shooting, archery and max combat.

• Northern Ireland Potato Festival, Innisfree Farm, The Giant’s Causeway, Bushmills, Co Antrim, until October 6. Enjoy cookery demonstrations, exhibits, craft and food stalls and music at this free family fun event.

• Full Moon Paddle Power on Strangford Lough, Clearsky Adventure Centre, Strangford, Co Down, October 8. Take in the beautiful surroundings while paddling on Strangford Lough by moonlight for a truly unique experience.  Learn kayaking skills and have fun under the watchful eye of the expert instructors.

• Family Fun: Offbeat Orchestra, MAC, Belfast, October 11. 7-11 year olds are invited to come along and make music with objects that you never knew could be instruments as part of the MAC’s Unusual Orchestra.  The kids will create a marvellous musical masterpiece and perform in the MAC.

Down

For guitar and music lovers everywhere, this year’s Ards International Guitar Festival 2nd to 5th October, is jam packed with slap tapping, plectrum plucking, foot stompin’ gee-tar playing to suit everyone’s taste.  Featuring internationally renowned musicians including Pierre Bensusan, Frank Vignola & Vinny Raniolo, Flamenco Fiesta, Colin Reid & Brian Keenan,  The 4 of Us, Chris Woods, The Sabrejets, Rab McCullough, Amanda Agnew, The Acoustic Collective, and more.  You’ll also find free fringe concerts, clinics with guitar professionals and an intimate performance session with the Classical Guitar Society of Northern Ireland and Pat Coldrick. www.ardsguitarfestival.co.uk

Tyrone

The Age Collective Museums host new Age Friendly Museums Day on Silver Sunday.  Silver Sunday is an annual national event with fun free activities for older people to celebrate their contribution to communities in addition to providing an opportunity to be active, try new things and meet other people.  At the Ulster American Folk Park experience the emigration story with first person interpretation and demonstrations.  Explore life in rural Ulster and discover the emigration story of the Mellon Family before taking the opportunity to hear the gossip from our resident shopkeepers in Murray’s Drapery and O’Doherty’s Grocery.   After travelling to the New World call into the General Store to see what supplies you will need for your new life in America.  Travel to Pennsylvania to catch up with the Mellon Family and hear their news before travelling down to Tennessee to meet some new friends, the Rogan’s.  Sit around the fire and listen to their adventurous and romantic family emigration story.  Bring the family and while exploring the museum spot some new woollen additions in the form of some knitted dolls and see how many you can find.  Free entry after 12pm for those over 50.

Fermanagh

Now in its fifth year the Model and Collector’s Fayre is back in Irvinestown Friday 3rd and Saturday 4th October. Packed to capacity with models and displays of all descriptions. Farm layouts, trains, crafts, cars, motorbikes, aircraft to name a few!  Adults £4, Children £1.50, Family £10.

Derry

The Guildhall Derry/Londonderry Wedding Fayre, presented by Perfect Bliss Wedding Events, takes place this Sunday 5th October 2pm-5pm with a Catwalk Show @ 4:30pm.  Admission is free.

Armagh

‘Beoga’ is a five-piece band based in County Antrim, Ireland. Formed in 2002, they have become one of the most popular and influential ensembles in modern Irish music. Their unique sound features the twin duelling accordions of Damian McKee and multi-instrumentalist Seán Óg Graham, pianist Liam Bradley, four times All-Ireland bodhrán champion Eamon Murray and Niamh Dunne, one of Ireland’s premier young talents, on vocals and fiddle. With their unique blend of inventive arrangements, instrumental talents and beautiful vocals, Beoga’s popularity continues to flourish as they captivate audiences globally. See them perform live this Friday 3rd October at the Market Place Theatre.

Antrim

There will be lots of fun For all the Family at this year’s Northern Ireland Potato Festival at the Giant’s Causeway this Saturday 4th October from 10.30 am to 6.00pm. Celebrate the humble spud at a day full of exhibitions, cookery demonstrations, a farmers market, arts and crafts and much more.

Belfast

Use the force with Crazy Cat Comedy on Friday 3rd October 2014 at the Belfast Barge, not so far far away when they present to you their Star Wars themed Murder Mystery Comedy Night ‘No Sith Sherlock!’  Doors open 8pm and tickets are £15 including a Jedi supper plus it’s BYO!  That means Bring your own beverages or an ewok if you are driving.  There is plenty of free parking nearby for speeder bikes.  Book your tickets online at www.crazycatcomedy.com/tickets.  Prizes will be given for the best fancy dress!

For more details on these and other events across Northern Ireland, news and competitions see www.whatsonni.com, follow us @whatsonni and like us at fb.com/www.whatsonni. Add your  events FREE OF CHARGE at www.whatsonni.com

It’s Autumnal Arts in abundance as Banbridge District Council have announced details of their ever popular annual arts event.

‘Autumn Arts’, which is supported by the Department of Social Development, runs from Wednesday 8 October to Friday 31 October, features a pulsating programme of musical, theatrical and literary performances plus a host of workshops and events for all ages offering the opportunity to harness your creative and artistic talents.

This year’s highlights include Ulster Poetry Slam Champion Colin Hassard who presents his hilarious acclaimed one man show “Quantum of Sonnets” on Saturday 11 October in Banbridge Old Town Hall.  Be prepared to be shaken and stirred as Colin explores the universal themes of love, relationships and learning from your mistakes (not)!  Admission is £5 and booking essential.

The Bronte Centre, Rathfriland, plays host to the best of local talent on Saturday 11October with a wonderful World Music concert with VioLeeN and Friends featuring Nikolay and Veselka Ivanovi, Lee Lawson, Sergei Ussenko, Amita Ravikiran, Kim Lennon and Gavin Donnelly plus the Banbridge Chamber Orchestra. This world music showcase is a must for anyone who enjoys classic, traditional and diverse sounds.

World renowned Mayobridge native Colum Sands takes to the stage at the Bronte Centre on Friday 17 October. Colum has been described as a poet disguised as a songwriter and his ninth album Turn the Corner has been enchanting audiences with his undisputed poetic style.

On Saturday 25 October Pat Dam Smyth supported by Catherine Hatt will grace the stage in the Bronte Centre. His music is an eclectic collection falling somewhere between Bowie, Beck and Lou Reed. His album, The Great Divide, released earlier this year has earned him the accolade of the ultimate solo artist.   Both this and the Colm Sands shows are strictly ticket only priced £5 and are available from the F. E Mc William Gallery.

Calling all musicians, poets and comedians!  On Saturday 18 October Banbridge Old Town Hall is giving up the stage for a special Open Mic Session which offers the chance to win a fantastic recording session with Big Space Studios. The evening will end with Acoustic Collective, featuring Gavin Ferris and BuskFest 2014 winner Matthew Malcolm. Tickets are priced £5 and booking is essential for this enigmatic event which asks you to be prepared for the unexpected. To book a slot on the Open Mic Session, please contact luciloo62@hotmail.com .

Other events will include poetry readings, storytelling sessions, movie making workshops, craft events and exhibitions plus a very special antiques talk and valuation session with BBC TV’s David Harper.

Tickets for all performances are limited, and early booking is strongly advised by contacting Banbridge District Council on T: 4066 0605, Banbridge Old Town Hall, on T: 028 4062 0232 or where highlighted the F.E. McWillam Gallery on 028 4062 3322

The Autumn Arts brochure detailing all events and activities are widely available from a number of outlets across the district and also available to view online at as a pdf  at  http://bit.ly/autumnarts

For further information about Autumn Arts, contact Banbridge District Council’s Leisure and Development Department on 028 4066 0605.

Larne Museum and Arts Centre are helping to remember and celebrate the life of one of Larne’s most famous past residents, Richard Hayward.

Richard Hayward film actor, musician and writer was born in Southport but lived in Larne for a while, attending Larne Grammar School.  He appeared in such films as The Luck of the Irish (1935) and A Night to Remember (1938).  His travel books include In Praise of Ulster (1938) and This is Ireland (1949-64).  His best known songs were ‘The Humour is on Me Now’ used in The Quiet Man, and ‘Six Miles from Bangor to Donaghadee’.

The Linenhall Library and Public Record Office of Northern Ireland (PRONI)  are presenting a free symposium celebrating the life of Richard Hayward.  Journalist and author Paul Clements will outline the life and work of the celebrated writer, actor and singer who died in 1964.  Larne Museum and Arts Centre are organising a group visit for anyone interested in attending this special talk. The event takes place on Friday 17^th October 2014, 1pm-2.30pm at PRONI, Titanic Quarter, Belfast.  A free bus will leave Larne Museum & Arts Centre at 12.00pm returning after the talk.

As part of this celebration of Richard Haywards Life, Larne Museum and Arts Centre also plan to show one of his films in the Museum in the upcoming months. Please watch local press for further details.

Places for the free symposium and bus are limited and must be booked in advance.  To book your place contact Larne Museum & Arts Centre  by Friday 3^rd October 2014 at 4.00pm by telephoning  028 28 279482 or E-mail:  kelsom@larne.gov.uk .

Classical aficionados rejoice! This autumn the Ulster Bank Belfast Festival at Queen’s serves up ten stunning performances of classical music, in association with Belfast Harbour, with the majority of concerts starting at an affordable £10.

From the impressive Great Hall at Queen’s University to the beautiful surroundings of the Ulster Hall and the sublime, magnificent settings of St Gerard’s Church and Clonard Monastery, prepare to be awe-filled as this series of enchanting classical concerts begins on 16^th October – 31^st October.

Richard Wakely, Director, Ulster Bank Belfast Festival at Queen’s, said, “As an arts Festival which aims to reach out to all and engage with new audiences, offering events at an accessible price is both ethical and essential.  We’re so pleased to be able to offer the majority of our classical programme concerts starting at £10, with some a little less, so join us in Belfast this October for some wonderful classical music at Ireland’s leading contemporary International Arts Festival.”

Belfast Harbour’s CEO, Roy Adair, added: “The arts are an important element of the Harbour’s community engagement programme and we are delighted to support such an impressive calendar of classical music for this year’s Ulster Bank Festival at Queen’s. The Festival is a great opportunity for both long-standing lovers of classical music and first-time concert goers to savour outstanding artists at outstanding prices.”

Classical highlights at this year’s Festival includes;

• Join the multiple award-winning, Schubert Ensemble (UK), in the beautiful surroundings of St Gerard’s Church for a string and piano combo of chamber music that will put the colour back in your cheeks.
• Let world acclaimed pianist, Roland Pöntinen, take you away to another place with music by Ravel, Prokofiev, Chopin and Granados.
• Festival links up with the Northern Lights Mini-Festival to present the Agnew McAllister Duo (flute and classical guitar), the dynamic and outstandingly talented, Quercus Ensemble, and local rising opera star, Emma Morwood with pianist Jonathan Fisher.
• Switzerland’s Trio Rafael, piano trio, plays Ireland for the first time as part of Festival and also the Swiss Ambassador’s Award Tour.
• Northern Ireland’s symphony orchestra, The Ulster Orchestra, performs four outstanding concerts starting off proceedings with ‘Four Moods in Music’ featuring Ukrainian violinist Valeriy Sokolov.
• The very special ‘Emerging Conductors Programme’ lunchtime concert sees the Ulster Orchestra and Irish Soprano Aoife O’Sullivan under the direction of three young conductors who have been chosen from an international search.
• This final note from the Ulster Orchestra at this year’s Festival comes in the concert ‘A Fanfare to Fate’, bringing together a selection of local musical talent with the Ulster Orchestra, including world-renowned pianist Barry Douglas and local composer Simon Mawhinney’s work.

*This year’s Festival has a special Passport Deal saving offer of two classical shows for £20 which includes performances from Roland Pontinen and Schubert Ensemble. Visit www.belfastfestival.com/booknow/PassportDeals for details.

The Ulster Bank Belfast Festival at Queen’s presents great and diverse works of art from home and abroad, bringing audiences something very special that they cannot see elsewhere, all combining to deliver one unique festival which runs throughout the city from 16 October – 1 November.  The 2014 festival features 110 events with performers from 18 different countries and 26 premieres, covering classical and contemporary music, film, dance, theatre, talks and visual arts.

The festival would not be possible without the support of our sponsors and public sector funders including Title Sponsor, Ulster Bank, Principal Funder, Arts Council of Northern Ireland, Northern Ireland Tourist Board, Queen’s University, Belfast City Council, British Council, O2 International Sim, Belfast Harbour, Arts & Business NI and Department for Social Development, plus, the many venues, performers and partner organisations whose commitment and passion bring the arts to life for all to enjoy.

The Ulster Bank Belfast Festival at Queen’s box office is now open with some shows sold out.  Check-in at www.belfastfestival.com

A series of decadent Fashion Teas will return to The Merchant Hotel, Belfast this October, serving up the hottest trends from some of Northern Ireland’s top independent boutiques and designers to tantalise fashion taste buds for autumn/winter 2014.

On Saturday 11^th and Sunday 12^th October, the  5*star hotel’s Rita Duffy Suite will provide a striking setting for five individual Fashion Teas, showcasing cutting edge autumn/winter collections alongside sumptuous champagne afternoon teas.

Models from Style Academy will provide a round table fashion show, allowing guests to get up close and personal to the new season collections, whilst sipping Moet et Chandon champagne and enjoying melt in the mouth patisseries. Guests will also have the opportunity to shop the collections hot off the catwalk, with pop-up boutiques for all five retailers housed in The Merchant for the whole weekend.

A packed schedule of three shows will kick off The Merchant’s autumn/winter Fashion Teas on Saturday 11^th October with decadent accessories from designer boutique, Harper and leading milliner and jewellery designer, Grainne Maher (12.30pm); stunning autumn/winter collections from quirky homegrown label, Art on Fashion (3pm) and beautiful bridal collections from Castle Couture (5.30pm). On Sunday 12^th October, Dungannon boutique, The Boudoir will present two fashion-forward shows at 1pm and 3.30pm.

This autumn/winter is all about the accessories and in a fitting fashion pairing, luxury designer boutique, Harper at The Merchant Hotel and top NI designer, Gráinne Maher are joining forces to open this season’s Fashion Teas in style. Exclusive Northern Ireland stockists of Christian Louboutin, Charlotte Olympia and Rachel Zoe, Harper at The Merchant’s coveted red soled heels will be a key feature in this opening show, with a mix of classic shapes and colours and fashion forward styles ensuring fashion lovers are well heeled for A/W 14.

Alongside Harper, renowned Belfast based milliner and jewellery designer, Gráinne Maher will showcase a range of striking pieces at The Merchant’s Fashion Teas including a selection from her new SS15 collection, which recently made its debut at London Fashion Week. The collection, entitled ‘Bláthanna’ (Irish for flowers), includes a range of statement Perspex millinery, jewellery and limited edition bags with a colour palette punctuated by rich pinks and pale greys. Combining traditional materials with Perspex and Swarovski, her work is sultry, sculptural and perfectly balances form with function.

In an exciting first, niche homegrown online clothing brand, Art on Fashion will showcase an exciting new collection at The Merchant’s Fashion Teas. Taking the work of cool and edgy international artists and transforming it into stunning garments, Art on Fashion creates wearable pieces of art for your wardrobe.  Their latest collection is characterised by sophisticated elegance, featuring digital placement prints of original artworks fused with faux-leather and embroideries to create a look that is suitable for all occasions. Staking out new territory with the latest bodycon silhouettes and asymmetric dresses, the A/W 14 Art on Fashion collection offers unique, stand-out contemporary pieces that would be a timeless addition to any capsule wardrobe.

Closing the series of Saturday Fashion Teas, Castle Couture presents a show with stunning new designs from a host of award-winning bridalwear designers including Amanda Wakeley, Suzanne Neville, Jenny Packham, Badgley Mischka and David Fielden.  Taking guests on a glamourous journey, the Castle Couture Fashion Tea will feature an eclectic mix of vintage and more modern styles in beautiful fabrics and trimmings. Ranging from intricate to simplistic designs, this show is sure to provide inspiration for all brides to be searching for their perfect dress.

The Boudoir at The Linen Green Designer Village, Dungannon, specialises in occasion and casual ladies fashion and accessories.  Owners Anita and Donna Ross have travelled extensively to create a stunning autumn/winter collection. Their two Fashion Teas shows on Sunday 12^th October will feature an array of the latest trends including, fur, leather and sequin pieces in ruby, navy and purple and will showcase Milly Mackintosh’s new clothing range and an extensive collection from Kate Middleton’s milliner, Jane Taylor, which is exclusive to The Boudoir in Ireland.

Tickets to The Merchant’s Fashion Teas cost £35 per person and include an exclusive fashion show of your choice, served with champagne afternoon tea.  Tickets can be purchased by calling The Merchant Hotel’s events team on 028 9026 2717. Funds raised from a luxury ballot at the events will be donated to The Merchant’s 2014 charity partner, Northern Ireland Chest, Heart & Stroke.