Blog by Andrea McVeigh

July has arrived. But can we really call this summer? Today alone, there's been rain, sunshine, clouds and strong winds. That's all four seasons in one afternoon! The only thing missing was snow! Hopefully, the weather will improve over the coming months because it's not just getting me down, but everyone I know too. We're all grumbling about the miserable weather. Like the old joke says, my two favourite days in Northern Ireland are Christmas and summer!
Even though the temperature isn’t hotting up that much, my social life is. It's been the season of concerts recently, with some huge names hitting Ireland, north and south, and I've been lucky enough to see not one, but five, musical legends in action. First up was Leonard Cohen, who played an open air gig in the grounds of Dublin's 17th century Royal Hospital Kilmainham (now home to the Irish Museum of Modern Art). It was the 1960s folk scene survivor's first tour in 15 years and it was a magical night, even if it did pour with rain!
Back in Belfast I caught another living legend and another artist whose music defined the 1960s. Lou Reed was in town to perform his entire album, Berlin, from start to finish. I've been into Reed's music since I was a teenager, and I'm glad to say it was a fantastic gig. The subject matter is a bit dour and serious, but the show was like a piece of theatre.

The following night's concert couldn’t have been more different - Dolly Parton! The Backwoods Barbie put on a brilliant show, and I was up and dancing to all the big hits, including Jolene and 9 to 5. I didn’t know I knew so many words to Islands in the Stream, until I caught myself singing along to all the verses!
I also caught The Police at Stormont - an arresting performance if ever there was one (pardon the pun!) and most recently, I caught Kylie in action. The Aussie pop princess's show was an amazing spectacle, filled with dramatic stage sets and elaborate costume changes.
Summer is when Belfast really seems to come alive, rain or no rain. The Gourmet Burger Bank on Belfast's Malone Road hosted its official launch recently, and the wine and burgers were flowing. It's a fab spot and the weather, for once, was quite nice, so lots of people chomped down on their free mini burgers while they chatted outside.
Another celebration came in the form of the first birthday party of The House bar on the Stranmillis Road, where the champagne and Guinness flowed and guests enjoyed an outside bar and barbecue, along with cocktails and canapés.
The House, which is renowned for its delicious cocktails and expert mixologists behind the bar, recently launched its new cocktail menu and I must admit, I'm enjoying working my way through it.
The House is regular haunt for me, because I'm lucky enough to have bagged a job DJing there every Saturday night, and have been doing so for the past year now. The music is a mix of soul, funk, Motown, disco, R&B, chart and 80s - and whatever else gets the party started! Next time you're out and about call in and say hi - one of the nicest parts of working the decks is getting to meet so many of the chatty, friendly people who go there. And feel free to ask for a request. Unlike some DJs who insist on doing their own thing, even if no-one is appreciating their playlist as much as they are, if I have it, I'll play it!