Atlantic Sessions

Atlantic Sessions, Music Festival, 9-13th November, Portrush, Portstewart, Portballintrae & Coleraine

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Review of Atlantic Sessions on the North Coast 2011

Residents and visitors to the North Coast recently enjoyed five days of melodic revelry and eclectic sounds as Coleraine Borough Council hosted the Atlantic Sessions on the North Coast Music Festival (9th-13th November 2011).

With over 30 FREE live music acts at various pubs and bistros throughout Portstewart, Portrush and Portballintrae, and at The Listening Post in Coleraine, the line up embraced names well known in the music circuit and some that were relatively new to the scene, including Master and Dog, Sons of Caliber, Paddy Nash and the Happy Enchiladas, Captain Kennedy, The Corncrakes, Venue I, Bettylee, Dave Gibb, Gentry Morris and a range of well known local artists.

Established artists Cara Dillon and Dick Gaughan, were both well received by packed auditoriums and all the venues involved reported to have found new customers who were specifically there attending the Festival gigs.

Speaking about the event, Peter Thompson, Tourism Manager, Coleraine Borough Council commented; “The Atlantic Sessions, now in its fourth year, is growing into an established quality music event, which is inclusive of all age groups and attracting more people year on year.

The Council’s aspiration for the festival is to appeal to a wide and diverse audience and this was reflected in the festival line-up and the varied range of music that was on offer.

I would very much wish to thank all those who contributed to the event, in particular Keith Millar at The Listening Post, Coleraine, who was invaluable in securing the excellent line up of artists, which featured some of the most talented musicians in the Province.”

Feedback from 2011 Festival

2011 Festival Feedback

Some of the feedback received from artists and visitors to this year’s festival:

‘…. I know it was a lot of hard graft for you guys but from what I’ve seen it seems to have paid off. Thanks for the gig & I hope the entire event was enough of a success to carry on for many years, we would definitely be up for playing at any future events…..’ (Hunneysuckle)

Just a short e-mail to say well done with the Atlantic sessions over the weekend, this helps to put the area on the music map.

would just like to say a big thank you to coleraine council for putting on “the atlantic sessions”.

My friends and i had a great night in the portstewart arms listening to “hunneysuckle” and then on to the anchor to see “the murder balladeers”. it’s great to see local talent and to know they write their own material. even better that the it was free admission.

‘Thanks to everyone at the Atlantic Sessions for such a fantastic time on the north coast. Great festival of music!’ (The Corncrakes)

‘ The event was extremely well organised …..The selection of acts was first rate and with the majority free to the public, well in these strained economic times I have to say it was very good to see.’

‘..would just like to say a big thank you to Coleraine Council for putting on “the atlantic sessions”.….. it’s great to see local talent and to know they write their own material, even better that the it was free admission.’

‘….keep up the great work people.’

‘………..one of the most fantastic festivals I have ever been to. The music was superb – absolutely top quality – and the fact that most of the artists were from Northern Ireland makes me very proud to be from here. … ‘

‘….The event was extremely well organized and an absolute pleasure to attend. …..I can only imagine it will go from strength to strength. This is a land-mark that will give music from Northern Ireland the exposure it very much deserves.’

‘For all the lovely folk in the triangle area who supported the Atlantic Sessions over the weekend in Portrush and Portstewart please let the good people at Coleraine Council (who by the way just so happen to put up the money for these gigs) know how much you enjoyed all the bands, singers, musicians who played their hearts out and gave us great nights out. Big salute to Keith Millar whose passion never diminishes……’

‘Fantastic week of music sessions on the North Coast.’

‘Gig of the Week! The return of Master and Dog with Sons of Caliber in Portrush!’ (Across the Line)

‘Just back from the finale gig of the Atlantic Sessions, and what an unbelievable weekend of music it was. Belfast hosted the MTV European Music Awards last weekend, and that event didn’t boast a fraction of the real talent that was performing in Portstewart, Portrush, Coleraine & Portballintrae this weekend…..’

‘…loads of great music & craic, hope it goes from strength to strength……’

‘Last night was fantastic, can’t wait to see what’s coming up next…’

Feedback From Artists

 ‘Possibly one of our best shows in The Springhill Bar in Portrush last night, what a cool crowd!!!……its a real great place to play… great peeps who enjoy their music, we also did very well on cd’s too!’ (The Murder Balladeers)

‘We had a belter night – I like it over that way, the crowd were up for the craic and loads of new faces AND we sold a load of albums and EP’s….success all round…… we had a ball and the sessions were so well organized….….it was rammed to the rafters and we really enjoyed it … I’m sure the feedback about the whole festival is great – you put together a great menu for music lovers to feast on.’ (Paddy Nash and The Happy Enchiladas)

‘We had an absolutely amazing time at our Atlantic Sessions gigs in The Listening Post and Playhouse. Brilliant festival!!’ (Master and Dog)

‘Had an absolute blast at the weekend – a superb festival superbly organised… great fun. Great gigs in nice venues…’ (Dave Gibb)

‘Just back from the North Coast! Met some nice folks as usual! Thanks to everyone involved in the festival! Great stuff! Yeehaw!’ (Malojian)

‘Thanks to Atlantic Sessions and The Play House for having us up the North Coast last night and to all those who came out to supported us, awesome set by Master and Dog, pleasure sharing a stage with y’all.’ (Sons of Caliber)

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Check out some of the performances.

Gentry Morris and Stephen McCartney performing at Kiwis Bar at The Atlantic Sessions Sons of Caliber warming up before going on stage at the Playhouse Theatre, Portrush as part of the Atlantic Sessions festival. Silhouette live at the Atlantic Sessions 2011

2011 Festival Gallery

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Supported by:

P&O Ferries

Atlantic Sessions

Supported by:
Coleraine Borough Council's Tourism Unit

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