World music from Guadeloupe in Ballycastle!

Some of the group are now based in Ireland.

They are part of the shifting musical dynamic which contributes to expanding cultural horizons here.

PITAK will be joined by local musicians Michael and Catherine Sands and Aodan Jeffries who between them play banjo, whistle, flute, accordion, pipes, bouzouki and more.

They are all well known in folk and traditional music circles throughout Ireland and internationally.

In this double bill both groups explore the differences and similarities between two contrasting cultures which find meeting points through the power of music.

Playing a set sung entirely in French-Creole, Pitak are the sound of the French-Caribbean. Combining elements of Reggae, Jazz, Soul, Samba and West African rhythms, Ines Khai’s voice rises above like an eagle soaring on the warm Caribbean breeze. It is easy to see that every second of her performance comes straight from the heart, you may not understand the lyrics but you will still be taken on the journey. There will also be a short performance by Ballycastle Comhaltas which promotes Irish music in the area.

Elaine Gaston, the Arts Officer from Moyle District Council who is promoting the event said: “The Arts Programme is delighted to be able to offer this opportunity to hear authentic live music from Guadeloupe in the Caribbean alongside local traditional musicians. It is worth buying tickets in advance.”

This is part of the Cultural Crossings Festival which is promoted by the Provost of the Coleraine campus, University of Ulster, in partnership with Causeway Coast Arts of which Moyle District Council Arts Programme is a member.

The event will be held on Friday 14 March in the Marine Hotel , 1-3 North Street, Ballycastle, at 7.30pm.

Tickets are £6/£5 (students, senior citizens and other discounts). Advance bookings 028 207 62024.