All-day inner-city festival returns in just days including four stages, 30 DJs and a stacked lineup
With four stages, over 30 DJs, and a lineup stacked with house royalty including Sam Divine, Todd Terry, Barbara Tucker, The Shapeshifters, and Alison Limerick, it's set to be a huge celebration of house music culture.
Advertisement
2
Victor Simonelli will be spinning some discs
Credit: Supplied
At the heart of it all is the Music Factory Stage, a nod to Love to be…'s original 90s home, where New York house legend Victor Simonelli will deliver a special set packed with soulful energy and deep grooves alongside Alison Limerick performing the hit single 'Where Love Lives', Gatecrasher resident Allister Whitehead, Hacienda legend Tom Wainwright, Love to be… founder Tony Walker and many more.
This is a rewind in time to the glory days of 90s house music. To mark the occasion, Victor Simonelli has curated a playlist titled 'Some of NY's Finest Favorites', showcasing highlights from his extensive label catalogue.
He told us: "It would be more fluid for me doing a chart of some of my favorite releases from my own labels...
"Besides myself, these labels include releases from many well-known artists and producers. So something like, 'Some of NY's Finest Favorites'.'
Advertisement
From timeless vocal collaborations to fresh cuts from new artists (including his son), the playlist is a true celebration of NYC house heritage with Simonelli's signature touch.
Take a dive into Victor's selections below, read what he had to say about the music and get a taste of what's to come when he brings the Big Apple to Sheffield this weekend.
2
His playlist will be a true celebration of NYC house
Credit: Supplied
Groove Committee Feat. Marcie Allen - I Still Believe [Bassline Records]
Advertisement
Marcie Allen - the singer on this - and I have been friends since the 80s. Before She and I met, she was in the group Aquarian Dream and worked with Patrick Adams and many others.
Most read in Music
We have made numerous tunes together including "All Over Me" by Underground Circuit (sampled by Jr Vasquez for "Dream Drums"), "You Need Someone" by Groove Committee, amongst others.
This is our latest release together and will also be included on her upcoming album that we are putting together.
Soul Magic & Ebony Soul Feat. Ann Nesby - Get Your Thing Together (Odyssey Inc. Remix) [Bassline Records]
Advertisement
I wrote this with Lenny D in 1989, and originally recorded it with Martha Wash.
That version was never released, but a version with Roberta Gilliam was in around 1990.
Fast Forward to approx. 2008, and I recorded a version with Ann Nesby, who added some additional writing to it too. Various mixes have been done on it since, and this is the latest - a new release.
NY's Finest, D Train - Stand Up For Your Love (Victor Simonelli Mix) [Bassline Records]
Advertisement
It was a Dream for me do a tune with D Train, and this is it. Here is my Original mix of it, released this year.
Northbound – A Better Way Feat. Mone (Jazz N Groove Vocal Club Mix) [Bassline Records]
This is the first release by Mone. I had met Brian Tappert, one of the owners of Traxsource, and Roy Grant, who later became known as Jazz N Groove, at Winter Music Conference in 1992. At the time, they had not produced or released much. I asked them to send demos when they were ready, and they did.
I had started Bassline records around that time, and this was amongst the first releases I assisted them with. We released numerous works of theirs leading up to 1995 and Brian then started Soulfuric Recordings with Marc Pomeroy.
Advertisement
Ebony Soul - I Can Hardly Wait (Victor Simonelli Mix) [Unkwn Rec]
Released in 1992 initially on Eightball Records, this is a release that is often requested, and another one of my Pseudonyms. There's been an anniversary release of this just recently released with original and various mixes on one of my own labels, Unkwn Rec's.
Blind Truth feat Tata & Toney - Why Can't We See (Odyssey Inc. Feat Louis Latino Remix) [Unkwn Rec]
Arthur Baker and I originally created this tune together in 1991. I am guessing it sets the record for the tune with most remixes and reworks, ever, with approximately 200 or so, to date. This is the latest remix of this treasure by Odyssey Inc.
Advertisement
Brooklyn's Most Wanted - Just A Touch Away [Good Groove Records]
Produced by my eldest son, Immanuele Simonelli, and on his label Good Groove Rec's, I assisted him with mixing and arranging this. Setting dancefloors on fire.
Sound Of One - I Know A Place (Neapolitan Soul Remix) [Unkwn Rec]
Originally released in 1993 and often imitated, here is the latest remix by Neapolitan Soul. Available on Traxsource by another one of my many Pseudonyms, so new there is no Youtube link yet!
Advertisement
Serena May - Tell Me Is This Love (Victor Simonelli Mix) [Bassline Records]
Serena May is a young new artist and a great songwriter, working with her Dad and Mom on her own tunes. She is from the UK and when her Mom presented me with a downtempo version of this song, I said I would like to remix it. This it the result - just released on Bassline Records.
Read more on the Irish Sun
Interaction - Move To The Beat (Deep Dub) [Vendetta Records]
One of my first solely produced releases, made in 1988 and released in 1989. This Dub version still works.
Advertisement
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Irish Independent
a day ago
- Irish Independent
Loss of younger sister will be to the forefront of Mayo Rose Clara Gardiner's thoughts as she takes part in the Rose of Tralee
Nestled in the heart of north Mayo, Kilfian has a population of around 600. 'We've never had a Rose from my area. It's a first for them, so I feel like it's really exciting and I feel like I'm bringing them all along with me,' Clara says. Since becoming Mayo Rose, Clara has attended functions across the county, from the Lady of the Moy in Ballina to the Queen of the Lakes in Ballinrobe. She sat down with the Irish Independent upstairs in the Thatch Bar in Crossmolina, away from the well-wishers who came out on the August Bank Holiday Sunday to see her off to Tralee. Earlier that day, Kilfian held a similar gathering. Being at many events in such a short space of time is not unusual for a Mayo Rose. But it is particularly challenging for a mother of a three-year-old-child. 'There is a lot of things you have to think about like child minding and different events that might not be suitable to bring him with me and all that,' Clara explains while her partner, Oisín, keeps an eye on their son, Noah. 'I have great support at home, my mum, my family, my sister coming home from Canada a few weeks ago - they surprised us - she's just been a great help as well. I'm really blessed with all the support around helping me out.' In April, Clara became the first mother to be crowned Mayo Rose. However, she will not be the first mother to enter the Rose of Tralee, a competition which excluded unmarried mothers until 2008 and married women until 2021. She won't even be the only mother contesting this year's Rose of Tralee. 'I think it's a positive thing,' says Clara, 'It's a good thing to show other young mothers that something like this is possible for you as well.' Though maligned for being stuck in the past, Clara insists the 65-year-old Rose of Tralee competition has moved with the times. 'I think it's evolved from the notion of a beauty pageant. It definitely focuses on the women on stage, who they are, their personalities, what they stand for, and there's definitely a lot more awareness of all sorts of different issues,' says Clara. 'I think it's a really good platform now for women to actually speak about who they are and what they stand for as opposed to just their physical appearance.' Clara is studying home economics at St Angela's College in Sligo. Since becoming Mayo Rose, she's advocated for mothers, mental health, and her home village. One cause has been particularly close to her heart. In 2019, Clara's 16-year-old sister, Jemma, died from a neurological condition called hydrocephalus. She carried Jemma's memory into the Mayo Rose competition with Spina Bifida Hydrocephalus Ireland (SBHI) as her sponsor. As the Mayo Rose, she has continued to advocate for SBHI. She has also fundraised for North West STOP, a charity that gave her counselling while she mourned her sister's passing. 'I just really want to use the platform to spread awareness about things that are important to me like that, and mental health would be one, definitely,' she says. 'You always hear me saying, 'If you have a broken bone, you wouldn't wait to get it checked out and fixed'. I think it's very relevant as well with mental health, the exact same way, so I really want to spread awareness about that after going through a rough patch with grief and hard times myself.' Clara already has plenty in common with her fellow Roses. She'll also rub shoulders with five other women with Mayo connections: London Rose Shauna Sammon, Ohio Rose Fiona Conway, Washington DC Rose Soracha McGrath, Boston and New England Rose Maeve Kelly, and Tyrone Rose Cloideach Donaghy. Three Mayo women have been crowned Rose of Tralee in the competition's 66-year history: Shrule's Maria Walsh (2014), Castlebar's Luzeminda O'Sullivan (1998) and Carnacon's Aoibhinn Ní Shúilleabháin (2005). Of the three, Dr Ní Shúilleabháin is the only Mayo Rose to win the Rose of Tralee – Maria Walsh and Luzeminda O'Sullivan represented Philadelphia and Galway respectively. Carnacon could barely hold the crowds when local children gave Dr Ní Shúilleabháin a green and red guard of honour as a horse and carriage carried her home to a village that became the centre of the world in the late summer of '05. The thought of Kilfian seeing similar scenes hasn't crossed Clara's mind. Indeed, for many years, the thought of even entering the Mayo Rose hadn't crossed her mind, never mind winning it. 'It takes a bit of getting used to as well,' she says when asked how her personality matches with being in such a public-facing position. 'Because I usually would be a quiet and kind of reserved person, I would keep to myself. This role has really helped me personally in developing my confidence and communicating.' But whatever name Daithí Ó Sé pulls out of the golden envelope, the Clara Gardiner that entered the Mayo Rose will be the same as the Clara Gardiner that entered the Rose of Tralee. 'To be honest, especially since having a child, it's quite exhausting trying to be anybody else,' she says. 'I still am a young girl myself, so I still have a lot of learning and growth and developing to do. 'I'm also quite proud of myself for going into something like this. Because, I suppose, especially as a mum, you might like to shoot yourself down and think, if you think about something like the Rose of Tralee, that's not an option for you, because you have a child. 'It's really good to push yourself outside of your comfort zone. Going for the Mayo Rose selection would have been something completely out of my comfort zone, and I'm so glad I did it.' The selection of the Rose of Tralee will be broadcast on RTE from August 19-20.
Irish Independent
a day ago
- Irish Independent
Ticket demands surge to pre-Covid levels for Kennedy Summer School as sessions sell out
New Ross local and Festival Co-ordinator, Sharon Doyle commented on this year's demand: 'Audiences are clearly eager to experience everything the Kennedy Summer School has to offer this year. What has very much surprised us is the pace of ticket sales. In pre-COVID times, we would usually reach this level of demand around the August Bank Holiday weekend—but it has been years since sales moved at this pace.' " We are very much looking forward to welcoming all our audiences and guest speakers very soon. And if you're quick, you might still be able to join us for a Thursday or Friday evening session,' she added. The 2025 Kennedy Summer School will officially open on the evening of Thursday, August 28, with a special ceremony at St Michael's Theatre in New Ross. Esteemed broadcaster and Chair of the Kennedy Summer School, Eileen Dunne, will lead a fireside chat with President of the GAA, Jarlath Burns. Following the official opening, attendees are invited to a special film screening and panel discussion of From That Small Island – The Story of the Irish. This thought-provoking documentary explores the enduring global impact of the Irish diaspora. The post-screening discussion lead by Eamonn Hore promises to be a highlight of the evening, featuring insights from leading historians and cultural commentators including Professor Bríona Nic Dhiarmada, originator of the acclaimed 1916: The Irish Rebellion series; Professor Jane Ohlmeyer, a prominent historian of early modern Ireland; historian and author; and Colm Mac Con Iomaire, musician and storyteller whose work reflects the emotional texture of Irish identity. The programme continues on Friday morning with a centenary celebration of The Great Gatsby, marking 100 years since the publication of F. Scott Fitzgerald's classic American novel. This special Schools Masterclass Session is designed to engage secondary students and the wider public with fresh perspectives on the novel's relevance today. The panel will feature leading International literature scholars — Professor Kirk Curnutt, Professor Sarah Churchwell, Professor Philip McGowan and Dr Martina Mastandrea — and moderated by Dr Brian Murphy, will unravel the magic, mystery and timeless charm of Fitzgerald's masterpiece. Later on Friday, attention turns to the scenic setting of the JFK Arboretum for the sold-out Speakers' Lunch, which will host Minister James Lawless TD as guest speaker. After lunch, the focus shifts back to St Michael's Theatre for a compelling panel on the role of local journalism in Irish society today. This discussion, moderated by Alan Corcoran of Southeast Radio, will explore how regional media continues to inform, connect, and hold power to account. Panellists include journalist and columnist Brenda Power, Wexford People reporter Jessica O'Connor, editor and broadcaster Dave O'Connell, and Bill Forry, editor of the Boston Irish Reporter, who brings an Irish-American media perspective. One of the most anticipated events of the summer school follows, which is the prestigious Noel Whelan Interview, named in honour of the school's co-founder and visionary political analyst. Introduced by Seamus Whelan, this year's interview will feature Colm Tóibín, internationally celebrated author of Brooklyn and The Magician, in conversation with Sinéad McSweeney. Their discussion is expected to explore themes of literature, identity, censorship, and the global reach of Irish storytelling. The evening concludes with a timely and provocative panel titled President Trump & Us, moderated by RTÉ Europe Editor Tony Connelly. With the 2024 U.S. presidential election still reverberating globally, this session will include a diverse mix of insightful Americans and Europeans from the worlds of politics, business, journalism, economics and academia, who will assess the far-reaching ramifications for the world of the second Trump presidency. Contributors include economist Dan O'Brien, European affairs journalist Shona Murray, former Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard, Latino political strategist Gilberto Ocanas, and Ukrainian political analyst Tanya Gordiienko. Their diverse perspectives promise a nuanced and wide-ranging conversation at the intersection of politics, diplomacy, and public sentiment. The 2025 Kennedy Summer School promises a dynamic and timely series of conversations and cultural events in the historic town of New Ross. With issues ranging from US politics to housing, Irish-America to literature, the programme continues the festival's mission to foster informed public debate. For further information and tickets, visit
The Irish Sun
5 days ago
- The Irish Sun
‘Surprise visitor' who's ‘very chatty' arrives at Dublin Airport as fans say ‘what a cutie!'
A SURPRISE visitor made their appearance at the bustling airport in the capital - and fans were left in awe with their adorable snaps. Dublin Airport was in the middle of reeling from the chaos of the August Bank Holiday weekend, where over half a million people passed through for their travels. 3 Dublin Airport shared their surprise visitor on social media Credit: Dublin Airport 3 Fans were left in awe over the gorgeous snaps of the parrot with Dave Credit: Dublin Airport And during the chaos, a surprise visitor landed on the west apron at the airport on Tuesday, who "clearly wasn't booked on any flight". Taking to social media, Dublin Airport chiefs said: "A surprise visitor landed on the west apron tonight - a very chatty parrot who clearly wasn't booked on any flight! "Thankfully, Dave from our AOSO team made a new feathered friend and brought him to the Dublin Airport Fire Station, where he'll hang out until we can reunite him with his owner. "No holiday to the Canaries for this guy - not just yet anyway!" One of the snaps shows the colourful parrot trying to steal Dave's ring while he laughed at his attempts. After his mischief around the airport site, another snap shows the tired parrot being comfortable and resting on Dave's hand. It is currently unknown if the parrot has reunited with his owner. Dublin Airport's fans were left gushing over the photos and rushed to the comments to share their thoughts about the surprise visitor. One person commented: "Awhhh that's so cute!" Another person wrote: "Aw, what a cutie! Thanks for looking after him." Dublin Airport announce arrival of two new food options ahead of busy summer season as passengers say it 'looks lovely' The third person said: "What an adorable little guy!" Another fan added: "Aw adorable! I hope he is reunited with his owner, I would say he misses them." RECORD-BREAKING MONTH Meanwhile, Dublin Airport took to social media to announce that July was another record-breaking month for their flights. They said: "July was another record-breaking month at Dublin Airport with more than 100k passengers going through every single day. "It all added up to more 3.75 million passengers in the month - a 6.9 per cent increase year-on-year." The top destinations were Heathrow, Amsterdam, Malaga, Manchester and Faro. And there were 24,596 flights recorded during the busy month, with 126,620 passengers passing through on the busiest day, which was July 27. Dublin Airport also reported that 95 per cent of the passengers went through security in less than 20 minutes.
