FFF Universal Pictures Ireland and the IFI will present a special preview screening of Ex-Machina, a chilling vision of the not-too-distant future of artificial intelligence, on January 19 at 7pm. The screening will be followed by a Q&A with writer/director Alex Garland and top Irish actor Domhnall Gleeson. Tickets for the preview screening cost €9 and are available now from the IFI Box Office or online at www.ifi.ie.

FFF New York-based bluegrass quintet Punch Brothers, featuring mandolinist Chris Thile, will perform the first concert of the Perspectives 2015 series at the National Concert Hall on January 21, 2015. The band, who have just released their new album - Phosphorescent Blues - have performed on the biggest talk shows in America including The Tonight Show with Jay Leno and in 2010 the band performed Rye Whiskey on the Late Show with David Letterman with Steve Martin guesting on banjo. Tickets for their concert are €25 and are on sale now from www.nch.ie.

FFF Jazz fans should note that Nordic jazz trio Phronesis will be on a six-date Irish tour from February 4 to 9. The group have toured widely and have been hailed as one of the most exhilarating jazz groups in Europe. Their tour is hosted by the Music Network and tickets for all regional concerts are available from individual venues around the country. Single tickets for their gig at Whelan's in Dublin are available from €13 and can be purchased by booking online at www.musicnetwork.ie.

FFF Lippy by Dead Centre is set to open the new season at Dublin's Abbey Theatre from January 29 to February 14. Lippy premiered at the 2013 Fringe Festival and have travelled the world since. Tickets from €18 are on sale now and are available from www.abbeytheatre.ie.