Sunset arrives at 9.57pm on the summer solstice so to mark and celebrate the height of summer, Cork Midsummer Festival, Sample-Studios and Triskel Arts Centre have curated two weekends of exhilarating performers and DJs running each night from 9.57pm until late. The first weekend of 9.57 (Sunset), Saturday 15 and Sunday 16 June, are curated by ELLLL, while Emer Yip from Sample-Studios curates the second weekend, Friday 21 and Saturday 22 June.

On Saturday 15 June, immerse yourself in the psychedelic, free-form, and spiritually-charged dub-dance music of Holy Tongue. Originally a studio collaboration between percussionist Valentina Magaletti and producer Al Wootton, Holy Tongue has evolved into a dynamic live trio with the addition of Susumu Mukai. Opening for them is the experimental music ensemble Fixity, led by composer, improviser, and drummer Dan Walsh. After the evening’s live performances, surprise guest DJs takeover the CTC at TDC space.

Keeping the momentum going on Sunday 16 June, experience the unpredictable stylings of cellist, composer, and improviser Okkyung Lee. With a repertoire that seamlessly blends noise, improvisation, jazz, classical and traditional Korean music, Lee’s performances form a highly distinctive approach. Joining her is pianist, composer, producer and artist Jasmine Wood from Portland, now based in Dublin, whose craft incorporates her love of noise and distortion, blending analog instruments with electronic manipulation. Rounding out the Sunday lineup is harpist Méabh McKenna, whose explorations span contemporary techniques, electronics and a fusion of genres rooted in the rich tradition of Irish music and song collections.

Emer Yip said, “I am thrilled to be able to platform these amazing artists in the beautiful surroundings of Triskel Christchurch as part of Cork Midsummer Festival in partnership with Sample-Studios. It is very exciting to welcome Kate NV and Cindytalk to play their first Irish gigs in Cork, supported by Cork’s own Howlbux and Portland’s Felisha Ledesma – all of whom are operating on the forefront of audio experimentation and boundary pushing electronic music composition. The opportunity to extend the event late into the night and into multiple spaces in the venue presents a unique opportunity to Cork audiences to experience multi-faceted programming after-hours in one of the city’s foremost cultural hubs. I would encourage anyone who is curious about immersive electronic music and digital art in general to come and explore the possibilities with us at 9:57 (Sunset).”

Kicking off the weekend on Friday 21 June, performing what will be their debut Irish gig, post-punk ambi-dustrial stalwarts Cindytalk will take to the stage on Friday night. Vocalist and producer Cinder (This Mortal Coil) will be joined by bassist Massimo Pupillo (Italian band Zu) and keyboardist Thighpaulsandra (Spiritualized, Coil) for an evening of poetic, emotionally charged sonic exploration. UK artist and director Florence To will respond to the band with a live visual performance. Cork duo Howlbux (Elaine Howley, Irene Buckley) will set the tone for the evening, opening a portal of atmospheric textures with their signature ghosted vocals and hypnotic synths.

On Saturday 22 June, bringing her infectious synth pop to an Irish audience for the first time, artist Kate NV presents her brand of polished, playful instrumentals and surreal songs served with equal parts wit and chintz in Triskel Christchurch. She will be joined by US sound artist and NTS resident Felisha Ledesma who will open the evening with a shimmering sonic warm-up exercise in musical meditation, found sounds and field recordings.

Across both weekends, Berlin-based artist Kayleigh Maimaran will create an immersive chill space in the Triskel Sample Project Space where audiences can relax, reflect, and refresh while a programme of experimental moving image works from Sample-Studios artists will be on display in the Triskel Atrium.

Tickets on sale now from corkmidsummer.com & triskelartscentre.ie

9.57 (SUNSET) is supported by the Arts Council and the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media under the Night Time Economy programme.