trans 09 launched Tuesday with what we think is our best music, arts and comedy line-up so far. Taking place from 4th to 31st July we promise to liven up your summer…

Acts announced today include Daddy G, one half of the Ivor Novello ‘Lifetime Achievement Award’ winning Massive Attack, a DJ set from the acclaimed Simian Mobile Disco and electro-punker Ebony Bones will play her debut Irish date. Renowned for their incendiary live performances, Dananananaykroyd will be playing in the Waterfront Studio, not to mention performances from Brooklyn electronic duo, Telepathe, Rough Trade’s Micachu and the Shapes, Freeland, Logistics, FM Belfast, Thomas Tantrum, Super Extra Bonus Party and lots more.

As well as these fantastic international artists there are also appearances from established local heroes as trans opens this year with trans:mission, a three day festival to showcase the best of Belfast’s homegrown talent. Over 20 local bands will play throughout the three days, including And So I Watch You From Afar, Moon Unit, Panama Kings, Lowly Knights, Panda Kopanda, Desert Hearts, When Pilots Eject and Continuous Battle of Order.

Using the connections forged with international street artists over the past three years trans has partnered with street artists in Manchester to create the first ever trans Eurocultured Weekend. The street festival will take over the Cathedral Quarter for two days of live art and music entertainment.

Supporting the awesome live entertainment talked about will be trans’ signature events including the annual Belfast Lap Off, Money Back Guarantee and, new this year, is the Smalltown America VS The Richter Collective showcase. In the blue corner is the Richter Collective label from Dublin with Not Squares and The Vinny Club while in the red corner is Northern Ireland’s very own Smalltown America with Calories and LaFaro. The two indie labels will be pitting their rosters against each other in this heavyweight champion bout.

Ulster Hall Free Fringe Events Announced

Ulster Hall Free Fringe celebrates the return of Northern Ireland’s most celebrated rock venue with over 30 free events programmed by trans to celebrate Belfast`s alternative culture.

Taking place from 7 - 28 March, Ulster Hall Free Fringe includes music showcases hosted by some of Belfast`s finest independent record labels; community arts seminars; live literature events and innovative lunchtime recitals.

Full details of all events taking place as part of Free Fringe are listed on www.transbelfast.com The programme is also available from Belfast Waterfront. Telephone: 028 9033 4455.

First batch of courses on sale Monday

The first batch of courses for the 2009 Urban Arts Academy have been announced and details are up on www.transbelfast.com

Some of the finer details are being ironed out, but what's up are the week long courses taking place at the Waterfront in July 09. (we've some other new and exciting stuff going up in the following weeks and months)

Courses will be going on sale on Monday at noon, so those of you who missed out last year will want to get on the good foot.

Also we've upped the cost a tad this year, mostly due to feedback and benchmarking with other courses. We are still far and away the cheapest and best value summer arts training course out there, but to soften the blow we're keeping the price at £50 for early birds until the end of March and please don't forget about our bursary scheme if you can't afford this fee, (its in the about section of the trans website)

UAA Box Office 028 9033 4455

See you in the summer

Due to reasons beyond my control the date of the trans Christmas drink has had to be changed.

Format and free booze still remain it's just we're going to have to have it next Thursday the 18th, something to do with the Messiah or something, (the gig not the actual second coming).

Penthouse Bar
Waterfront Hall
Thursday 18th December
5.00 - 7.30pm
Free admission

So that'll be the perfect pre-gig drink for the awesome line up at Two Step that night or Pigeon and Plum, or several other things probably.
http://twostepclub.com/ http://www.blackboxbelfast.com/event...

See you there