BANDON singer Áine Duffy is bringing an all-female night of music, comedy and DJs to De Barra’s Folk Club next month as part of her ‘Don’t Touch My Knob’ (DTMK) movement.

The event uses humour and art to tackle what she says is the systemic issues of disrespect, gender inequality and the lack of representation in the arts and nightlife.

It will feature comedian Breda Hegarty, Aideen McQueen, DJ and activist Dizziray and Áine herself.

Áine previously partnered with Cork City Council  to host this event at the iconic Elizabeth Fort and she also partnered up with Louth County Council to host a gig in Drogheda.

Speaking to The Southern Star, Áine is quick to point out that the struggle for space is shared.

‘It isn’t easy for the men either or the independent venues. We are all being fleeced by huge corporation that care more about the bottom line than the actual culture of stories and craic. Art is not meant to be an imitation. We’re losing the morals and the soul of the industry to corporate greed.’

She added that the movement also highlights how the mainstream ‘same-same’ sound suppresses diversity.

‘Whether it’s the LGBTQ+ community or our own lovely accents, the algorithms are designed to hide anything that isn’t a polished neutral product. We’re fixing the levels ourselves to make sure the real voices are heard.’

‘DTMK is about bringing everyone into the room to show people a great time.

It’s an invitation to all genres and all genders to join us for a night of raw skill, zero apologies and serious craic.’

Áine Duffy presents: Don’t Touch My Knob at De Barra’s Folk Club, Clonakilty on Friday May 22nd. Doors 8.30pm and tickets are €17.50.