The sounds of jazz, 80s cheese junk and 70s punk were heard across the city last night with three very different festival experiences, each of which played to a capacity crowd.
The plush surroundings of Belfast Harbour Commissioners was the scene for Robert Altman’s 70s take on film noir, The Long Goodbye. Guests were welcomed with soulful vibes, canapés and a gin-based cocktail from new Northern Ireland supplier, Jawbox, and inspired by the ‘gimlet’ in the film itself.
At the Black Box, audiences sipped a Velvet Hammer while enjoying a screening of Tom Cruise 80s classic Cocktail. Following the film, Yacht Rock, Belfast’s infamous karaoke crew, kept the party going with Dion, Bolton, Christopher Cross and other greats of the era.
Over in East Belfast at the Strand Arts Centre, Northern Ireland’s music scene, including Terri Hooley and David Holmes, turned out in force for the world premiere screening of Paul and Kate McCarroll’s documentary Outcasts by Choice. The legendary 70s punk band were in attendance and no better man and bigger fan than Joe Lindsay hosted a lively Q&A.