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Month: May 2013

THE OLLLAM

Old Flat Top presents

THE OLLLAM

plus guests

Belfast-born uilleann piper John McSherry and Detroit natives Tyler Duncan and Michael Shimmin have been dreaming of .the olllam. for the last decade. With a name inspired by the king’s own ollam bards of Irish lore, the trio wanted an ensemble that naturally represented their combined experiences in a multiplicity of styles.  McSherry, one of the best uilleann pipers in the world and a founding member of legendary Irish group Lúnasa, has been dubbed “a true master” by Irish Music Magazine and is well known for his current work with his group At First Light as well as his ’90s stint with Donal Lunny’s Coolfin.  Duncan and Shimmin have also been busy in the United States performing and recording with their award-winning Irish-jazz crossover group Millish with Duncan doing double-duty in the dance-rock group My Dear Disco/Ella Riot. It seemed that the right moment for collaboration between the three musicians would never present itself.

However, in February 2012 during the calm before the summer festival season, the trio finally wrote and recorded an original album together, overcoming the Atlantic divide by means of the internet — they rehearsed and composed live on Skype and built the tracks back and forth one part at a time between emails. The result, their eponymous debut .the olllam., available Sept. 25 on Compass Records, is lush with trance-like melodies, stunning instrumental virtuosity and a magical marriage of tradition and technology, finding the listener somewhere between Radiohead and Planxty with the ambient emotionalism of Nick Drake or Explosions in the Sky.

Simplicity is key for the trio.  They wanted their musical ideas to mature organically in a controlled environment, rather than produce anything contrived or over-composed. It is their collective sense for arrangement — Duncan (uilleann pipes, whistles, guitar, Rhodes) and Shimmin (drums and percussion) both hold degrees in jazz performance, and the legendary McSherry (uilleann pipes and whistles) has performed and written with a wide variety of artists, from Ornette Coleman to Nanci Griffith — that gives the album its distinct style and form.

The trio’s approach to composition is unique in Irish music as well, foregoing the familiar jigs and reels. “We really wanted to investigate the melodies but focus on simplicity and memorability. Everything had a purpose with no excess,” comments Duncan. “Together we created a feeling of a narrative, each song is highly personal and tells a story. There are verses, pre-choruses and bridges instead of the traditional Irish tune forms.”

These 7 adventurous instrumental tracks are fully engaging, whether the rhythm section gradually adds and builds to a powerful climax as on “the belll” or energetic eighth note bass lines interplay with Duncan’s Rhodes piano and McSherry’s catchy melody as on “the follly of wisdom.” Subtle fuzz bass guitar from guest Joe Dart and stripped-down driving percussion of Shimmin compliment the complex and beautiful tone of both McSherry and Duncan. “Conceptually we took a more pop approach but really wanted to make sure it sounded totally organic at the same time. Basically, I was thinking more as a composer and less as a drummer,” comments Shimmin.

Mysterious and masterful as the legendary ollam Irish bards from which they draw their name, McSherry, Duncan and Shimmin have discovered a synergy within their diverse musical backgrounds – introducing a new Irish crossover group rife with creative brilliance and progressive appeal.  Reflects McSherry, “I think we were all nicely surprised at how quickly and easily our ideas merged together and manifested into the music – everything seemed to fall into place right from the start. It was like we all knew instinctively that this was to be a special musical journey”

Check out the Facebook event page HERE

TICKETS

€19.50 available online from WAV Tickets [Lo-Call 1890 200 078] (50c per ticket service charge applies on phone or creditcard bookings) Strictly over 18′s, I.D. may be required.

AFTER THE GIG

Whelan’s DJ w/ Late Bar from 10:30pm (Free Entry)

LIVE FROM THE WINDOW w/ THE ESKIES

Live from the Window at Whelan’s

THE ESKIES

– PLAY THE FRONT BAR – 7pm – FREE ENTRY  

The Eskies formed not so much as a band but as a gentleman’s club come minor social movement in Germany in late 2006. Known then as Die Bierin Coolers, they passed the long days in the feverish German summer heat herding tourists on and off coaches and each night would retire to their private quarters for often intense rounds of children’s game “Candyland” (see below link).

After several successful and happy hours they decided to further their career by relocating to the neon soaked boulevards of Rathcoole County Dublin, there they began to play local public houses such as the Rathcoole Inn and The Poitin Still and quickly picked up regular gigs around Dublin’s City centre.

Before too long they had amassed a strong set of original material and were beginning to attract attention from music lovers around the capital, they gigged extensively around the country in support of bands such as The Blizzards, Delorentos, Director, The Saw Doctors and Aslan.

The band looked to be on a slow boat to the promised land, however, inconvenient circumstances occurring in late 2010 left their future up in the air, and with the general consensus among the quintet being that their time had come, The Eskies went their separate ways…

After months of wandering aimlessly through streets of notorious Dublin suburb Tallaght drinking milk straight from the carton in the hot sun (much like that now infamous scene in the well known feature length motion picture Anchorman), Ian and Steven began jamming again in August 2011 with the intention of creating something completely different from what they had done before.

Over the next few months, bass player, harmony tycoon and house wives favorite Tim George, mustachioed mandolin Mandarin and hardcore champion of the world Rob Murphy and resolute guitar cavalier/ ‘bit of rough with a heart of gold’ Sean O’Reilly joined to make the band whole again (a la, Atomic Kittens fifth single taken from their debut studio album “Right Now” released in late January 2001).

In 2012, The Eskies brought their unique brand of contemporary country-folk (often segwaying into Poe-esque Gothic lament or sea shanty) and swaggering stage spectacle to several venues around Dublin and beyond, with performances at Knockanstockan, Electric Picnic, NPLD and Jack of Diamonds Rhythm and Roots Festival.

Their EP “Sherry Go Round” is available now on iTunes and CD.

     

TICKETS

FREE ENTRY

AFTER THE GIG

Whelan’s Indie Club w/ Late Bar from 10:30pm or check out the bands playing The Midnight Hour in the upstairs venue (FREE ENTRY, 12am).

THE ESKIES

Whelanslive.com presents

THE ESKIES

9pm – FREE ENTRY – MAIN VENUE  

The Eskies formed not so much as a band but as a gentleman’s club come minor social movement in Germany in late 2006.

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HOGAN

MCD.ie presents

HOGAN

plus guests

KAPITALS & DWELLING FOR JACKALS

**Tickets €10 including booking fee on sale this Friday at 9am**

HOGAN is a band that is constantly evolving music wise & quite clearly not keen on staying in one place for too long or said in another way…. LOVE touring.

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KATE NASH

MCD.ie presents

KATE NASH

plus guests

VULKANO

Tickets on sale Friday at 9am

Kate Nash makes a welcome return to Dublin with a headline show in Whelans on the 15th of October. Tickets €17.50 including booking fee and go on sale this Friday the 31st of May at 9am from Ticketmaster outlets nationwide and online from www.ticketmaster.ie

‘Under-Estimate The Girl’ captured perfectly a moment in Kate’s life. A moment when she wanted to tear up the rulebook and buck the trend for making the kind of benign manufactured pop born of talent shows. The song, with its change of musical direction, immediately caused a minor furore.Kate was, as ever in the face of the press, phlegmatic. ‘Everyone was going crazy and I thought it was great. It created the perfect storm for a comeback. People were talking about me because I’d done something new and crazy and different. In the end the response to Under-Estimate The Girl just showed how conservative the music industry is.’

With her first two albums, 2007’s Made of Bricks and 2010’s My Best Friend Is You, she found both mainstream success and a legion of young female fans. It’s now seven years since Kate released her first single, ‘Caroline’s a Victim’. Her childhood growing up in Harrow, north London, seems a distant dream.

She was a MySpace phenomenon before she even had a record deal. Such was the excitement about her debut album that ‘Made of Bricks’ was released two months ahead of schedule. It went straight to number one.

Kate has just released her third studio album. ‘Girl Talk’ is a bold, passionate and personal album. ‘If My Best Friend Is You’ was about trust, honest, sexism and growing up, then ‘Girl Talk’ is ‘almost thoughtless’. By which Kate means instinctive. An immediate reaction to the world around her. ‘I wrote songs really quickly. They are ballsy. You can hear the anger. I’ve learned a lot about people. I used to be really naive and trust people too much. Not any more.’

While in LA Kate hung out with Willow Smith. ‘She’d been working with Rihanna and Beyonce’s songwriters, but then decided to write her own material and got in touch with me. She’s an amazing 11-year-old, a tiny shaven-head girl with mind-blowing wisdom. I couldn’t believe that she even knew my B-sides!

Inspired by Rock ‘N’ Roll Camp For Girls, an American bootcamp started in 2001 to show girls that they can ‘play any kind of music they want’, Kate set up Rock ‘N’ Roll for Girls After-School Music Club. She travels to schools around the country, talks to aspiring young female musicians, listens to their ambitions and fears. Kate also performed at London Fashion Week and cites Joan Jett, Karen O and Courtney Love as style icons.

After auditioning for the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School many years ago, Kate is now set to appear in two new films. “In Syrup”, based on a cult novel about a slacker hatching a million-dollar idea, she plays a receptionist and in “Greetings from Tim Buckley” she takes on the role of an English punk.

Tickets for Kate Nash live in Whelans on the 15th of October go on sale this Friday at 9am from Ticketmaster. Tickets are €17.50 including booking fee.

TICKETS

On sale Fri 31st May, 9am: €17.50 available online from WAV Tickets [Lo-Call 1890 200 078], prices may vary from other outlets. (50c per ticket service charge applies on phone or creditcard bookings)

AFTER THE GIG

Whelan’s Indie DJ from 11pm til late or you might even catch some live entertainment in the front bar (Free).

WOB, KAPITALS, RICHARD RICHARD & FEATURING X

Whelanslive.com presents

TUNAGE featuring:

WOB KAPITALS RICHARD RICHARD FEATURING X

3 AMAZINGLY INCREDIBLE BANDS playing under one roof of complete high octane membership!


——————– IT IS LIKE READING OF THE HOT LIST RIGHT NOW. ——————– WOB – www.facebook.com/wobdublin ——————– KAPITALS – www.facebook.com/kapitalsOFFICIAL ——————– RICHARD RICHARD – www.facebook.com/RichardRichardBand ——————– FEATURING X – www.facebook.com/FeaturingX

ROYAL WOOD + PETER KATZ

ROYAL WOOD

plus guest

PETER KATZ

Royal Wood’s career has been established with critical acclaim and impressive musical achievements.His latest release WE WERE BORN TO GLORY debuted in the Top 25 charts in Canada and was recently nominated for “Adult Alternative Album of the Year” at the 2013 Juno Awards. The single “ I Want Your Love” reached No. 1 on the CBC Radio 2 charts for three solid weeks, and remained in the Top 20 for 14 weeks straight. His videos for “Not Giving Up” and “The Glory” both found heavy rotation on Much Music.His music has been used in several TV and Film productions, including major TV shows like Grey’s Anatomy, Private Practice and Being Human.

A 2011 Juno nominee for Songwriter of the Year, a past recipient of the iTunes’ Songwriter of the Year, and finalist in the “International Songwriting Competition”, Royal has been asked to co-write with such notable artists as Randy Bachman (BTO, Guess Who), Colin James and Wayne Petti (Cuff the Duke).

His abilities as a producer and an arranger were recognized on his 2010 release The Waiting, when iTunes and CBC Radio 2 named his record one of The Best Album’s of the year.

His records have been released worldwide on MapleMusic Recordings/Universal and Rounder Europe, and he has successfully toured in Canada, USA, Germany, France, The Netherlands, UK, Ireland and Italy. Wood has also supported national tours with David Gray, Sarah Harmer and Serena Ryder.

    PETER KATZ

2012 JUNO Nominee, Emerging Artist of the Year nominee at the Canadian Folk Music Awards and Winner of the CBC Galaxie Rising Star Award, recording artist Peter Katz captivates listeners with his unique brand of contemporary folk music. Playing 150+ dates a year all over the world, Katz’s remarkable grassroots efforts have resulted in him selling over 15,000 copies of his discs and sharing the stage with such notable artists as The Swell Season, Dan Mangan, The Good Lovelies, Joel Plaskett, Bahamas, Lucky Fonz III, Donovan Frankenreiter (to name a few) and the legendary Garth Hudson from The Band.

Peter’s 2010 studio record ‘First of the Last to Know’ debuted at #1 on the iTunes singer-songwriter charts and features a guest appearance by Academy Award Winner Glen Hansard (The Swell Season, ‘Once’), JUNO Award Winners The Good Lovelies and Melissa McClelland (Whitehorse, Sarah Mclachlan) 2011 saw Peter release a live CD/DVD entitled “Peter Katz and Friends: Live at the Music Gallery”, an intimate snapshot of Peter doing what he does best, playing for a room full of people. The concert was recorded in front of a sold-out crowd and reveals an artist at home on the stage, connecting with an audience like few performers can. It also recently earned him a JUNO nomination for Music DVD of the Year.

Not one to waste any time, Peter has a brand new studio album called ‘Still Mind Still’ which was released on April 24th, 2012. This new collection of songs is Katz’s best writing to date, recorded mostly live off the floor at a cabin in the woods and surrounded by a stunning atmospheric production thanks to producer Rob Szabo.

TICKETS

€10 available online from WAV Tickets [Lo-Call 1890 200 078], prices may vary from other outlets. (50c per ticket service charge applies on phone or creditcard bookings)

AFTER THE GIG

Whelan’s Indie DJ from 11pm til late plus late bar.

LIVE FROM THE WINDOW w/ KIDNAP ALICE

Live from the Window at Whelan’s

KIDNAP ALICE

– PLAY THE FRONT BAR – 7pm – FREE ENTRY       “Astonishingly brilliant” Max Reinhardt
A smokin’ band from East London, mixing up bluegrass, old time, blues and folk. With soulful vocals and tight arrangements from a classic acoustic line up, Kidnap Alice bridge the gap between vintage R’n’B and Appalachian mountain music. Kidnap Alice had their debut festival performance at Glastonbury 2010, opening the Club DaDa stage for the legendary Thursday Night Hoe Down before playing several gigs around the festival. In 2010 the band performed at many other events including LoveBox, Secret Garden Party, Bestival, the Big Chill, the Green Man and the National Theatre Alternative Village Fete. In 2011 the band completed another heaving summer schedule, playing many more festivals, both mainstream and niche Bluegrass/Folk. They also undertook two rural tours of the West Country. In April 2011, the band released their self-titled, debut album. 2012 has included a Global Local supported national Tour, another summer of festivals – in beautiful Italy and Switzerland as well the well-trodden UK circuit. ‘Kidnap Alice are among the happy crop of UK-based bluegrass bands that would add spirit to any festival or club bill. In condensed CD form, there is ample evidence of intelligent songwriting, brooding smoky ballads and both sensitive and butane-propelled instrumental playing.’ FRoots Magazine Album review, Jan/Feb 2012  

TICKETS

FREE ENTRY

AFTER THE GIG

Whelan’s Indie DJ from 11pm til late or you might even catch some live entertainment in the front bar (Free).

THE MIDNIGHT HOUR w/ PUNCH FACE CHAMPIONS

Whelanslive.com presents

PUNCH FACE CHAMPIONS

plus guests 

WOB

The Midnight Hour showcases the best new talent in Ireland. Sign up for guest list on Facebook HERE

TICKETS

FREE before 10:30pm, Club entry applies after 10:30pm (Thur/Fri/Sat)

THE MIDNIGHT HOUR w/ ILENKUS & SHARDBORNE

Whelanslive.com presents

ILENKUS

plus guests  SHARDBORNE (& TBC)

The Midnight Hour showcases the best new talent in Ireland. Sign up for guest list on Facebook HERE

        ILENKUS Ilenkus are a five piece progressive/post metal band from Galway, Ireland. In September 2011 the band released their debut album ‘Rule By Thieves’ on Savour Your Scene Records.

‘Rule By Thieves’ was recieved excellently by critics. The bands’ sound has been described as “A mix of Metal, Grunge and Noisecore”, while being compared to acts like Mastodon, Isis, Dillinger Escape Plan, Tool and Botch.Thus far Ilenkus have had the pleasure of sharing the stage with international bands such as The Ocean, Rolo Tomassi, James Cleaver Quintet and Xerath, along with a host of talented Irish bands including Rest, Only Fumes and Corpses, Shardborne and Gacys Threads.

Drop-D.ie have described the band as “majestic post-metal”, while Terrorizer Magazine wrote that “you’d have to be pretty thick not to check these guys out – and keep your eyes on them”, while describing ‘Rule By Thieves’ as “expansive and well written”. After extensive touring in Ireland, Ilenkus departed on their first international tour in October 2012, co-headlining a spell of dates around the UK with Shardborne. Simultaneously the band released a new song; ‘Ram’ and provided all attendees of the tour with free download codes.

The band have spent the first few months of 2013 in the recording studio and booking their upcoming tour. They are set to release the follow up to ‘Rule By Thieves’ some time this year and are embarking on a month long European tour in the summer.

http://youtu.be/TojOLV5Nujs   SHARDBORNE

Shardborne are a 4 piece instrumental progressive metal band from Limerick, Ireland. Widely regarded by the underground community as Ireland’s best prog metal act, the instrumental lineup was completed in 2010 when bassist Cormac O’Farrell joined the original lineup of Ciaran and Eoin Culhane (guitars) and Ben Wanders (drums).

They released their debut EP ‘Aeonian Sequence’ in April 2011 to critical acclaim and have toured extensively in Ireland since, sharing the stage with internationally recognized acts such as Cynic, Chimp Spanner, Russian Circles, And So I Watch You From Afar, Rotting Christ, Xerath and Thurisaz, among many more.

‘The quality of the players on show with this release is quite simply brilliant!’ was how Drop-d.ie summarized the E.P, saying that Irish metal has ‘taken another giant step out of the shadows’.The band have had coverage in the Irish Times Newspaper, radio play from numerous stations, and have had great reviews from all corners of the media, scooping an impressive 5/5 from Molten Magazine. Ben recently won Zildjan’s best drummer in Ireland competition and has been featured in Rhythm magazine.

The E.P. was written, recorded and produced exclusively by the band and has been distributed to numerous stores in Ireland and the UK. Each member of the band plays a very important role and are all very dedicated to the music created. The band is very hard working, and has been self sufficient since its inception.

In terms of style, Shardborne draw from a wide range of metal, prog rock and various other influences. Their mix of guitar driven melodies and complex musical structures lead to an exciting and unique sound, the twin guitar players melding lines together with interwoven bass grooves and creative technical drum beats as the band collectively skip from one timing to another and from genre to genre. Their entertaining live show has been seen on stages all over the country, and they are working hard to introduce their music to as broad an audience as possible.

TICKETS

FREE before 10:30pm, Club entry applies after 10:30pm (Thur/Fri/Sat)

CHRISTY MOORE

Conor Byrne presents

CHRISTY MOORE [Benefit gig]

 

Christy Moore first met Philip Chevron when the then 14 year old schoolboy booked Planxty to play an afternoon gig in O’Connell Schools in 1972. 10 years later Christy and Philip shared a stage at The National Stadium when Chevron and Agnes Bernelle played before Moving Hearts. Christy recorded “Faithfull Departed “, Chevron’s classic song, on the first Moving Hearts album. It was always a highlight of live sets in those heady days. Since then their paths have often crossed and they have kept in  touch with each other.

When news came of Philip’s recurring illness Christy expressed a wish to sing for Chevron and Philip gave the nod.

WATCH

TICKETS – SOLD OUT

€36.50 available online from WAV Tickets [Lo-Call 1890 200 078] (50c per ticket service charge applies on phone or creditcard bookings)

Standing with Limited unreserved seating. Strictly over 18′s, I.D. may be required.

AFTER THE GIG

Whelan’s DJ w/ Late Bar from 10:30pm (Free Entry)

SARAH SLEAN

SARAH SLEAN

plus guest IAN KELLY

Described as “one of the most compelling acts Canada has to offer” (TIME Magazine) and nominated three times for her country’s top music prize (The Juno Awards), multi-faceted Canadian singer/songwriter/pianist Sarah Slean is hitting her stride.

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LORD HURON

Harmonic presents

LORD HURON

plus guests CONOR LINNIE

Lonesome Dreams, the first full-length album from rising LA-based band Lord Huron, was released October 2012 on the independent label IAMSOUND Records. Lord Huron is a musical and visual project created by lead-singer and Michigan native-turned-Angeleno Ben Schneider. The new record follows the Mighty EP, which was praised by NPR and that Pitchfork called “an invigorating listen.” Additionally The Los Angeles Times described the EP as “full of lush acoustic guitars and Midwestern-accented harmonies as warm as a winter fireplace.” The teaser trailer for the first single “Time to Run” off the new release can be viewed here:

 

Originally a solo project by Schneider under the alter ego Lord Huron, collaborators now include Mark Barry (percussion, vocals), Miguel Briseno (bass, percussion), Brett Farkas (guitar, vocals) and Tom Renaud (guitar, vocals). Schneider was born in Michigan and started playing music as a child—most often on summer nights around the campfire on Lake Huron. He went on to study art in college and lived in France and New York before moving to Los Angeles in 2005 to pursue a career in the visual arts. His passion for art and music are often intertwined, and Schneider has composed music for various visual art projects over the years. His work is continually inspired by his outdoor explorations, landscape, and water in particular. In 2010, Schneider self-released his first EP, Into the Sun, online, complete with original artwork. The songs gained traction and Schneider set to work recruiting musicians to help him translate the recordings into a live performance.

Lord Huron toured extensively throughout 2011, including stops at SXSW, Outside Lands and Lollapalooza, while continuing to develop their live performances. The first official music video for the song “Stranger,” off the second EP, Mighty, was conceived by the band and shot by Jacob Mendel on the shores of Lake Huron:

“The production of his debut is appropriately epic, its echoing acoustic guitars and yearning, Fleet Foxy vocals mixed with cowboy cattle calls and Pawnee chants.” – The Observer 4/5 “cavernous production, massed campfire guitars and rolling melodies conjure prairies, river and mountains from shore to shining shore.” UNCUT 4/5 “What sets the project apart is the level of their craft and the feeling of travel and discovery in the lyrics and sound.”—LA Weekly “It’s ambitious, beguiling stuff.” – Rolling Stone poised precisely at the edge of weightlessness.” – New York Times “Best of What’s Next”—Paste

TICKETS

€16 available online from WAV Tickets [Lo-Call 1890 200 078] (50c per ticket service charge applies on phone, internet or creditcard bookings)

AFTER THE GIG

Whelan’s Indie DJ in the bar and Sonntags upstairs from 11pm til late or you might even catch the end of Jaime Nanci and the Blue Boys in the front bar (9pm, Free).

SÉAN NEEDHAM & THE RED BAND / NIALL RAINEY & THE DIRTY BULLETS

SÉAN NEEDHAM & THE RED BAND

plus

NIALL RAINEY & THE DIRTY BULLETS

 

Sean Needham & the Red Lake Band bring their own blend of ‘upbeat folk rock’ to Ireland this July. The live show offers uplifting melodies, meaningful lyrics and rocking tunes. The band is a mix of Irish, Australian, Danish and English musicians with Seán Needham (guitar/ vocals), Eamonn Rainey (bass/vocals), Christian Worm (guitar), Jimmy Weston (Drums) & Steve Green (Sax). As well as songs from their new EP their set will include songs from Sean’s earlier albums ‘Time is a Friend’ and ‘Loosely Based on a True Story’ which earned Sean national airplay and support slots with major artists including Tracy Chapman and Diana Krall.

Niall Rainey & The Dirty Bullets will be playing songs from his debut album “Roll on Someday”. This album reaches into a part of Niall that anyone seldom sees off stage. Exposing emotions is not something that comes natural to him and each song reads like a page ripped from a diary. Niall says that he “lives his songs, not writes them. Each is a snapshot of my life or those lives around me, some painful and some less so, that I could share”.Few could disagree when The Copenhagen Post wrote “Ireland’s reputation of producing beautiful crafted folk songs remains intact with the release out “Roll on Someday”.

TICKETS

€10 available online from WAV Tickets [Lo-Call 1890 200 078] (50c per ticket service charge applies on phone or creditcard bookings from WaV). Strictly over 18′s, I.D. may be required.

AFTER THE GIG

Whelan’s Silent Disco from 11pm – 2 DJs, just pick the one you like best [Free before 11:30pm, €5 after] plus Late Bar.

LIVE FROM THE WINDOW w/ COMANCHERO

Live from the Window at Whelan’s

COMANCHERO

– PLAY THE FRONT BAR – 7pm – FREE ENTRY      

Since 2003, Comanchero has crafted an Americana sound that combines old traditions with new, Country with Rock, Bluegrass with Blues, Honky Tonk with Funk, and Roots with Rockabilly. While unique in their own sound, there is something strikingly familiar in Comanchero’s songs that weave influences ranging from Led Zeppelin, The Allman Brothers, Little Feat, to today’s contemporaries such as CAKE, Wilco, and Mumford & Sons.

Soulful and edgy, heartbreaking and heart making, Comanchero’s third release, “The Undeserved” will stay in your ears for a long time to come. Boston’s Americana Jam Band takes us through our human landscape of hope and despair, the good times and our lost ways.

This band has deservedly found its way. Comanchero sings us to where we’ve been and where we need to go. Listen to the driving drums and true voice of Greg Moon. Hear the unique licks of his brother, lead guitarist, Bob. And be taken by the sound and voice of rhythm guitar front man, Sam Margolis, all strongly supported by bassist Andrew Kramer and percussionist Jim Levin.

You’ll hear how they know there’s something in our heartache, when we lose faith in our national leaders, and when personal love breaks down. When Comanchero sings, “Oh, you can’t go home again”, it’s the home in their music you’ll find, their house you’ll want to find yourself in, room by room, track by track.

Having played hundreds of shows together, Comanchero travels far and wide from Biketoberfest in Daytona Beach, FL to the Great Falls Hot Air Balloon Festival in Auburn, ME. From clubs, to theaters, to pavilions, to colleges & universities, the band continues to push the boundaries of their live performances and consistently shares the stage with nationally touring artists such as Crosby, Stills & Nash, ZZ Top, Passion Pit, The Yardbirds, Southern Culture on the Skids, Cowboy Mouth, The David Wax Museum, and Girls, Guns, and Glory.

The stage energy, combined with carefully crafted songs and precise execution distinguish Comanchero as one of the rising Americana & jam-influenced bands on the East Coast. The band’s sound is edgy, tangible, eclectic, and totally danceable. As Jane Lindholm, Director and Associate Producer at National Public Radio observed: “Alt-Country Folk Rock melodies combine with great hooks and catchy lyrics to create a thoroughly enjoyable listening experience.”

TICKETS

FREE ENTRY

AFTER THE GIG

Whelan’s Indie Club w/ Late Bar from 10:30pm or check out the bands playing The Midnight Hour in the upstairs venue (FREE ENTRY, 12am).

JOHN FULLBRIGHT

[ON SALE THUR 23 MAY, 9AM]

Aiken Promotions presents

JOHN FULLBRIGHT

plus guests

“I have no doubt that in a short time, John Fullbright will be a household name in American Music” – Jimmy Webb

Introducing John Fullbright – Debut Album ‘From the Ground Up’ out now!

Quite simply, 23-year-old John Fullbright is one of the most exciting singer-songwriters to emerge this decade.

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KACEY MUSGRAVES

MCD.ie presents

KACEY MUSGRAVES

plus guest

Kacey Musgraves has just announced details of an exclusive headline performance at Whelan’s, Wexford Street on Friday, 11th of October 2013

24-year-old Texan singer/songwriter Kacey Musgraves released her debut album, Same Trailer Different Park on April 15. Musgraves co-wrote every track on the album and produced the record with Shane McAnally (Lady Antebellum) and Luke Laird (Tim McGraw, Carrie Underwood) which features her current single, “Merry Go ‘Round” .

Kacey has been the opening act on US tours for the likes of Alison Krauss, Willie Nelson and Little Big Town and was the support for Lady Antebellum for their UK dates last summer.

The 24-year-old Texas native has garnered massive critical acclaim with the single release of “Merry Go ‘Round” with a reputation of portraying an honest and sometimes uncomfortable truth has been featured in multiple press outlets. Rolling Stone named “Merry Go ‘Round” one of their “50 Best Songs of 2012” while NPR named her as their “Best New Artist of 2012” and included her in their “Best Music in 2013 preview”. Musgraves recently received her first Country Music Award nomination for New Female Vocalist for the 48th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards to be held in Las Vegas on Sunday, April 7. Meanwhile her songwriting talents can also be found on the Big Machine Records’ release of Nashville Cast’s The Music Of Nashville Original Soundtrack,as she co-wrote the standout track “Undermine” performed on the show.

After listening to Same Trailer Different Park, the Nashville-based singer-songwriter’s first album for Decca, it’s clear that this is a girl who has something to say. A true language artist, Kacey nimbly spins webs of words to create the quirky puns, shrewd metaphors, and steely ironies that fill the record. The fact that she executes these lingual exercises in a clear, unaffected voice makes the ride all the more fun.

WATCH

TICKETS

On sale Thursday 23rd May: €15 available online from WAV Tickets [Lo-Call 1890 200 078] (50c per ticket service charge applies on phone or creditcard bookings) Strictly over 18′s, I.D. may be required.

AFTER THE GIG

Whelan’s Indie Club w/ Late Bar from 10:30pm or check out the bands playing The Midnight Hour in the upstairs venue (FREE ENTRY, 12am).

LIVE FROM THE WINDOW w/ THE RED BLOOD MOUNTAIN BAND

Live from the Window at Whelan’s

THE RED BLOOD MOUNTAIN BAND

– PLAY THE FRONT BAR –

7pm – FREE ENTRY

    Formed in a cellar during a howling storm, The Blood Reds have been popping up at festivals all over Ireland for the last couple of years. In 2009 they were awarded the accolade of BEST MUSICAL GROUP by the Irish festivals umbrella group AOIFE. “You might expect to encounter a freewheeling bluegrass ensemble such as the Blood Red Mountain Band in the misty backwoods of Appalachia. But in rainy old Dublin in the depths of winter? To their credit the all-Irish outfit side-step the dreary clichés that are too often prevalent whenever a bunch of outsiders set out to investigate American roots music. Yes, their sound is a yammering gumbo of fiddles, mouth organs, mandolins and accordions. Yet there’s more to this crew than dueling banjos and hillbilly yodels. In fact, the Blood Red Mountain Band nurse notably experimental ambitions. Frontman Mark Flynn writes his own material and plays a mean blues guitar; dreamy keyboardist Daniel Shanahan, meanwhile, would seem to harbor notions of one day joining Sufjan Stevens’s backing band. Combine all these disparate elements and what you get is an enticing home-brew of traditional music and left-field rock. Dismiss them as an Oh Brother Where Art Thou? Tribute act at your peril.” Eamon Miller- Metro

TICKETS

FREE ENTRY

AFTER THE GIG

Whelan’s Indie Club w/ Late Bar from 10:30pm or check out the bands playing The Midnight Hour in the upstairs venue (FREE ENTRY, 12am).

THE ANSWER

MCD.ie presents

THE ANSWER

plus guests  

Northern Irish hard rock band THE ANSWER are back in a big way! To celebrate the band will play a number of dates including a headline show at Whelan’s on Saturday 12th October.

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BONGOLOIDZ

BONGOLOIDZ

INVADES DUBLIN! One more chance to catch the Loidz play a solo show in Ireland at the  World Famous WHELAN’S!!!

Come hear songs from the upcoming self-titled debut album & some funky loop improv!

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BATS, JOGGING & CROUPIER

BATS JOGGING CROUPIER

 

BATS

BATS are a group of mammals comprised of various molecules based mainly on carbon. They began their musical quest in 2006, releasing an EP ‘Cruel Sea Scientist’ in 2007 and their debut LP ‘Red In Tooth & Claw’, produced by Converge’s Kurt Ballou, in 2009. Sporting their own brand of science inspired post-hardcore and danceable post-punk, they’ve played support to such big-name acts as The Locust, These Arms Are Snakes, Gang Gang Dance, Sebadoh and Chrome Hoof. BATS released their sophmore album ‘The Sleep of Reason’ in October 2012. Produced by These Arms Are Snakes’ Chris Common, BATS seek to continue their ongoing quest of promoting science and reason while combating superstition and pseudoscience with blastable riffage and erudite hookage. Watch this space-time.

JOGGING

‘Take Courage’ is Jogging’s follow-up to the much-acclaimed Minutes (2010, Richter Collective), taking a leap in fidelity having been recorded in June 2012 with U.S. producer Chris Common (ex-These Arms Are Snakes, with production credits for Minus The Bear, Pelican, Mastodon, and Tiny Vipers under his belt). It will be Jogging’s first release for Out On A Limb Records, coming out on vinyl(with download) and digital on Friday, August 24th.

Jogging awakened in 2009 and quickly gained a formidable live reputation. They have toured Ireland and the UK, sharing the stage with Wire, Polvo, Ponytail, And You Will Know Us By The Trail Of Dead and Themselves amongst others. Jogging’s music has been described as “an intense, raw blend of post-hardcore and gutsy indie rock”.

‘Take Courage’ sees Jogging dealing with constantly rearranging social structures, the aging process, and the effects of living out an extended teenhood throughout one’s twenties, all served up with a hefty dollop of malice and spite (albeit mostly directed towards same selves). The composition and collaboration is a marked progression on Minutes, where no part overstays its welcome and every transition is seamless yet startling. Sonically, it is worlds apart from the first record, as drums thunder their way through each turn, the well-rounded yet distorted bass rumbles and drives the melodies and the guitars cut though like ice-picks. The band’s trademark call-and-response vocals are barked with authority and conviction down to their last breath, and every word has resonance. A rare thing for an Irish record in 2012.

CROUPIER

‘Croupier’ are a five-piece from Co. Wicklow incorporating broad influences, from Talk Talk to The Redneck Manifesto to Liars, into a collaborative musical effort that defies basic categorisation. This is energetic, melodic, purposeful music that refuses to exist within a vacuum.

Consisting of Charlie Mooney (guitar/vocals), Harry Burton (keyboard/piano/vocals), Niall O’Kelly (drums), Oisín Murphy (vocals/guitar) and Rob Reid (bass), Croupier are five friends with differing musical backgrounds, foregrounds and convictions, come together in shared purpose: to make music which speaks of themselves and, hopefully, speaks to some.

TICKETS

€6 before 9PM – €8 after (on the door)

€6 advanced tickets available online from WAV Tickets [Lo-Call 1890 200 078] (50c per ticket service charge applies on phone or creditcard bookings from WaV).

Strictly over 18′s, I.D. may be required.

AFTER THE GIG

Whelan’s Indie Club w/ Late Bar from 10:30pm or check out the bands playing The Midnight Hour in the upstairs venue (FREE ENTRY, 12am).

LIVE FROM THE WINDOW w/ SONG CYCLE

Live from the Window at Whelan’s presents

KEVIN RYAN

RUFUS COATES

WOODLARK

LUCKY BONES

 

  “Songs stay alive …… and being alive they grow up and undergo changes and develop. .” Nick Cave – The Secret Life Of The Love Song Well into it’s second year, Whelans Singer songwriter night ‘Song Cycle’ continues to offer a platform for local and non local acts to experiment, sing and share in the friendly informal setting of Whelans front window. Taking our cues from our favourite artists musings on the creative process (Van Dyke Parks lends us the title from his seminal 1967 opus) this night offers artists a fresh new stage to breath life into songs, experiment with ideas or simply just play for the sheer enjoyment of it. The Format of Song Cycle has developed a little since moving downstairs earlier this year.  Regular hosts Ollie Cole and John Byrne help us curate the evening and take part as well by performing some of their works in progress as well as old standards. Needless to say an impromptu session is never too far away if some of their special guests feel like playing a song or two.  

TICKETS

FREE entry.

AFTER THE GIG

Whelan’s DJ in main room w/ Late Bar from 10:30pm (Free Entry)

FULLSET [Album Launch]

FULLSET

[Album Launch]

plus guests 

All accomplished young musicians in their own right, FullSet create a stunning and unique sound that is full of energy and innovation, whilst all the time remaining true to their traditional roots.

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TRASH TALK

***POSTPONED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE***

REFUNDS AVAILABLE FROM POINT OF SALE

MCD.ie presents

TRASH TALK

+ guests

WOUNDS & VACANT

“Trash Talk took the stage with pounding drums, searing guitars and screaming vocals.The crowd immediately jumped into a frenzy of stage dives and mosh pits” Rolling Stone magazine.

Formed in the fall of 2005, Trash Talk hit the ground running. 3 years of relentless touring, 5 releases and 4 vans later, they are still running at the same frantic pace that has established them as one of the hardest working bands today. With live performances deeply rooted in chaos and a track record to match, Trash Talk is a band to be seen as well as heard. Nomadic, outcast and poised to release their 6th chaotic outburst, and first LP, Trash Talk is hungry for more. Trash Talk is coming to Dublin this July. Bear witness
DON’T MISS ONE OF THE HEAVIEST PUNK BANDS YOU’LL EVER WITNESS WHEN THEY PLAY WHELANS.

TICKETS: POSTPONED

€12.50 available from WAV Tickets [Lo-Call 1890 200 078] (50c per ticket service charge applies on phone or creditcard bookings) ***POSTPONED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE*** REFUNDS AVAILABLE FROM POINT OF SALE

AFTER THE GIG:

Whelan’s Indie Club w/ Late Bar from 10:30pm or check out the bands playing The Midnight Hour in the upstairs venue (FREE ENTRY, 12am).

CASSIA AND MILO [EP LAUNCH]

Pickled Onion Records present

CASSIA and MILO

[‘Boo Radley’s Tree’ EP Launch]

plus guests DITCHIN QUINCY & UNDERGROUND FOXES Cassia + Milo release their debut EP “Boo Radley’s Tree” on Pickled Onion Records on Monday 24th June and will be perform upstairs in Whelan’s on Wednesday 26th to launch the EP.

While they describe themselves as One Black, One Ginger, One guitar, perhaps Amelia Conophy from Roqueandrolle put it better when she wrote:

“…a Dublin based band who sell themselves on Milo’s nimble guitar work and Cassia’s gorgeous vocals that just ooze soul. Their songs are built upon quirky lyrics and delicate vocal harmonies, whilst featuring an array of instruments including tambourines and bongos.”

Cassia + Milo formed in May 2012, performing the original songs of Milo’s solo project Sasquatch Fortnight. What followed proved to be a whirlwind 12 months playing sold out gigs in the Grand Social, dates in The Academy and Whelan’s alongside recent radio exposure surrounding their Block C Sessions performance of Kid Cudi’s pursuit of happiness. Proud to boast The Vaccines as fans following their midnight appearance at ZEBRA in Whelans, Justin and Freddy from the English indie rock band told John Caddell on Phantom’s Finest Worksongs that they thought Cassia + Milo were “too good for them to get up on stage and perform”.

With a theme of past relationship experience strongly running through Boo Radley’s Tree, both Cassia and Milo shared song writing responsibilities on the EP. While many would consider their writing styles to differ in many ways, when heard together they complement each other perfectly.

The EP was engineered, mixed and mastered by the team at Wavefarm Productions in Station Studios, Balbriggan. Windmill Lane Academy B.A. Honours Degree graduates Tom Corry, Kevin Brennan, and Stephen White founded Wavefarm Productions in 2012. Prior to working with Cassia and Milo the guys had worked with various different acts including ‘Nova Collective’, ‘Matt Martin, ‘Will Nolan and The Wayward Sinner Boys’ and ‘The Tommy Moore Band’.

The bands influences range from MGMT and The Strokes to Johnny Cash and Rihanna. As a result Boo Radley’s Tree is a fusion of Indie, Rock and folk with a heavy dose of soul present throughout.

Over the past year Cassia + Milo have supported a range of diverse acts including Nanu Nanu, Deaf Joe, Autumn Owls, Cara Sebastian, Dem Fools and The Ourz to name but a few.

WATCH

TICKETS:

€5 available online exclusively from WAV Tickets [Lo-Call 1890 200 078] (50c per ticket service charge applies on phone or creditcard bookings from WaV). Strictly over 18′s, I.D. may be required.

AFTER THE GIG

Whelan’s Silent Disco from 10:30pm – 2 DJs, just pick the one you like best [Free before 11:30pm, €5 after] plus Late Bar.

LIVE FROM THE WINDOW w/ THE GREASY COAT STRINGBAND

Live from the Window at Whelan’s

THE GREASY COAT STRINGBAND

– PLAY THE FRONT BAR – 7pm – FREE ENTRY     The Greasy Coat Stringband comprise a melange of fiddles (sawmill and standard), cello, banjos (5-string and tenor), guitar, rising the roots of the music which makes them tick, from the holler of the old oak tree, to the cottage by the grove.    

AFTER THE GIG

Whelan’s Silent Disco from 10:30pm – 2 DJs, just pick the one you like best [Free before 11:30pm, €5 after] plus Late Bar.

LIVE FROM THE WINDOW w/ DONNA DUNNE

Live from the Window at Whelan’s

DONNA DUNNE

– PLAY THE FRONT BAR – 7pm – FREE ENTRY  

Donna Dunne is the most exciting artist on the Irish music scene today!Born and bread Dublin girl Donna, has been inspired by Elvis Presley and other 1950’s icons throughout her life and it is only after a trip to Memphis in 2011 that she decided to do something about it.

Donna has been performing & singing  in many different bands for years but  in 2012, we seen Donna going from strength to strength performing in all top venues and festivals around Ireland. Donna supported Jedward in Tramore at the pop picnic festival, she was a special guest for Elvis’s 35th Anniversary in the Red Cow Inn in Dublin and performed 3 times down at The Cork Jazz Festival.
Donna also released her first single Woman In Black & produced a music video for the edgy rockin song. She had a launch night for Woman In Black in her hometown Palmerstown at the end of October which raised over 1000euro for Stewarts Care Ltd. If it wasnt for Stewarts, Donna wouldnt of been able to release her first single as soon as she could they sponsored and believed in Donnas ambition and dedication for her  music.  Half the proceeds for Woman In Black will be donated to Stewarts, which is a residential and day service for people with intellectual disabilities. Please visit www.stewartscare.ie

AFTER THE GIG

Whelan’s Indie Club w/ Late Bar from 10:30pm or check out the bands playing The Midnight Hour in the upstairs venue (FREE ENTRY, 12am).

NIALL THOMAS

NIALL THOMAS

plus guests BAKER JNR. and RUFUS COATES

Niall Thomas has just released his debut album Breathe Easy in April 2013. It was engineered and produced by Karl Odlum who has worked and performed with artists such as Gemma Hayes, The Frames, Declan O`Rourke. The album was mastered in Abbey Road Studios by Steve Rooke Mastering Engineer for The Beatles, The Cure and Wilco.  Breathe Easy is a collection of ten songs and features Karl Odlum, Martin McCann, Petra Odlozilikova, Scott Davis, Kevin Murphy, Aidan Courtney and Christophe Capewell  all of whom have lent their time and talent to the recording.

With an engaging vocal style, not unlike that of Wilco’s Jeff Tweedy (with echoes at times of Tim Buckley and Canadian legend Gordon Lightfoot), his songs are in the main melancholic and moving, with more shade than light; although ‘Spillin’ Diamonds’, a recent single, is an exception. A jaunty shuffle, with a country fiddle, it comes across like something from The Band’s Basement Tapes. The Dylan-esque title-track is another tune rooted in classic Americana, while ‘Handle It’ could be a Crosby, Stills & Nash outtake. Beautifully produced by Karl Odlum and mastered at Abbey Road, it’s a fine sounding record.” HOTPRESS

The first single from the album “Spillin` Diamonds” is available now on iTunes.

WATCH

Live video of the single:

TICKETS

€8 door / €6 adv available online from WAV Tickets [Lo-Call 1890 200 078] (50c per ticket service charge applies on phone or creditcard bookings from WaV). Strictly over 18′s, I.D. may be required.

AFTER THE GIG

Whelan’s Silent Disco from 11pm – 2 DJs, just pick the one you like best [Free before 11:30pm, €5 after] plus Late Bar.

FLING

FLING

plus guests TWIN HEADED WOLF

Fling is a coming together of like-minded individuals who share a joy in both music and travel, each one an accomplished musician in their own right. The resultant music is a blend of traditions and styles, a ‘world’ music, that has twangs of Bluegrass, Irish Trad and good ol’ Rock and Roll.

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THE MIDNIGHT HOUR w/ TEN-PAST-SEVEN & FAMILY PLANNING

Whelanslive.com presents

TEN-PAST-SEVEN

plus guests

FAMILY PLANNING

The Midnight Hour showcases the best new talent in Ireland.

Sign up for guest list on Facebook HERE

   

TICKETS

FREE before 10:30pm, Club entry applies after 10:30pm (Thur/Fri/Sat)

A LAZAROUS SOUL

A LAZAROUS SOUL

+ guests

THE INSTRUCTIONS & THE HEDGE SCHOOLS

While Brian Brannigan, the driving force behind Dublin’s A Lazarus Soul, has built a reputation for being one of Ireland’s finest lyrical commentators, combining the heartbreaking details of lives lived in the margins with warmth and a very particular gallows humour (he was famously quoted in one interview as saying, “In the fields where we played you used to find burnt-out cars. Now you find dead bodies.”), what really marks him out from his contemporaries is his restless stylistic wanderlust and knack for the most beautiful and surprising melodies.

They released his understated debut, the “alazarussoulrecord” in 2001 and spent the following years sharing the stage with the likes of Gallon Drunk, Ex-Girl, Echo & the Bunnymen, The Fall, Grandmaster Flash, Schneider TM, Director, Dave Couse, Amusement Parks on Fire, The Hold Steady, CSS, Fun Loving Criminals & The Third Eye Foundation.

Having recruited the Future Kings of Spain into the line-up, ALS released “Graveyard of Burnt Out Cars” in 2007 to a very warm reception. The debut single “Icon” adorned the airwaves and its accompanying video, directed by Shimmy Marcus (Headrush, Aidan Walsh, Master of the Universe) , featuring footage from the late Paddy Jolly, enjoyed heavy rotation on TV3 & Propeller TV. The second single “The Day I Disappeared”, with its depiction of Martin Cahill on the cover, caused a storm with Sinn Fein TD, Dessie Ellis. He ironically slammed it in the media, misinterpreting it as a glorification of gangland violence. The album was voted in the top 200 Irish album of all time by Hot Press readers. Following the albums underground success, the band was invited to play a 2FM session, the Trinity Ball, HWCH 06/ 08 & Brannigan co-hosted music documentaries on Today FM including an overview of the Irish underground scene and a Factory Records night.

In 2011 ALS released “Through a Window in the Sunshine Room” to exceptional reviews including 5/5 in Hot Press & 8/10. Currently working on a fourth album with a new line up, featuring Anton Hegarty (Future Kings of Spain), Julie Bienvenu (Lines Drawing Circles/ Time the Revelator) and Joe Chester (The Waterboys/ 10 Speed Racer), 2012 has been notable for a low key return to live performance for A Lazarus Soul after a three year sabbatical, with performances at local art gallery, The Joinery and a short, if triumphant set at HWCH, 2013 should see A Lazarus Soul return to their rightful place as one of Ireland’s most essential and treasured artists.

“A post-apocalyptic, Dublin-bedsit-based Pet Shop Boys” Hotpress Magazine

“Truly one of Dublin’s best kept secrets, a lazarus soul combine beautiful, buoyant melodies with haunting lyrics and depictions”. Zeitgeist

“Fine songs not a million miles from John Cale’s solo work”. Irish Times

“Through A Window… is an important record, as Brannigan distills the anger of Whipping Boy, The The and Fatima Mansions with the musical sensibility of Aphex Twin or UNKLE. John Walshe – state.ie

THE INSTRUCTIONS:

The Instructions are Eileen Gogan, Dez Foley, Michael Stanley (Richer than Astronauts and Niall McCormack (Jubilee Allstars)

The Instructions’ Facebook page

THE HEDGE SCHOOLS:

“Even in the days of Penal Law, they were the places where children were taught, musicians played and poetry was read, but you had to go looking for them. This album is similar in that it’s not in your face, I’m quite happy for people just to go out and find it.”

The beautifully understated confection, Never Leave Anywhere, comprises 12 tracks of heart-wrenching melancholy.

TICKETS

€7 available on the door. Over 18’s, I.D. may be required

AFTER THE GIG

Whelan’s Indie Club w/ Late Bar from 10:30pm or check out the bands playing The Midnight Hour in the upstairs venue (FREE ENTRY, 12am).

IN THIS MOMENT

***THIS GIG HAS BEEN CANCELLED, REFUNDS FROM POINT OF SALE*** MCD.ie proudly presents

IN THIS MOMENT

plus guests

Change. Some people welcome it. Others resist it. Some seek it out. Others fear the unknown. Sometimes it happens beyond our control. Whatever one’s mindset, change is inevitable.

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RAGLANS

RAGLANS

+ special guests DAITHI Raglans launch their new single Natives with a gig in Whelans on Friday the 28th of June. “The sounds currently flooding my ear canals are so goddam cheerful. With their charging guitars and all-conquering “da da da” refrains, Raglans certainly recall the golden era of indie rock”  (Hot Press)
“Big things await Raglans in 2013 with an exciting summer schedule planned for the lads. There is arguably no other band in Ireland that possess such an instantly accessible and and memorable live show than these guys.  Having wowed the crowds at our coast to coast finale gig we can guarantee these guys will make you jump outta’ those wellies and start screaming the choruses to all the songs”  (Golden Plec)
Raglans are set to release their highly anticipated single ‘NATIVES’ on Friday 28 June 2013.
‘NATIVE’S’ is the follow up to Raglans’ highly successful “Long Live” EP and is released through Faction Records, it was produced by Kieran Lynch, (Elvis Costello, U2, Declan O Rourke) and mixed by Rob Kirwan (Depeche Mode, U2, The Horrors). Raglans have teamed up with acclaimed director Finn Keenan again for the video which will be airing soon.
Renowned for their energetic, crowd embracing live shows, Raglans have gigged constantly during the last twelve months amassing a huge following around the country.  This summer will see them performing at virtually every festival, fitting for a band that came together in a festival tent three years ago.
 

WATCH

TICKETS

On sale Thursday 16th May– €12.50 available online from WAV Tickets [Lo-Call 1890 200 078] (50c per ticket service charge applies on phone or creditcard bookings) Strictly over 18’s, I.D. may be required.

AFTER THE GIG

Whelan’s Indie Club w/ Late Bar from 10:30pm or check out the bands playing The Midnight Hour in the upstairs venue (FREE ENTRY, 12am).

THE PAPERBOYS

Whelanslive.com presents

THE PAPERBOYS

plus guests

The Paperboys were formed by Mexican born, Tom Landa in the mid nineties in Vancouver. In a music scene dominated by flannel and grunge, Tom had a vision of forming a band that fused Folk, Celtic and Bluegrass music with Pop and Rock. He was armed with a dozen of self penned tunes and a lot of drive and ambition. After finding a group of musicians who shared common musical interests, they recorded their 1st CD and set to tour across Canada in a used van they bought for 500 bucks. What has happened since is 7 albums, countless tours of North America and Europe, TV and Movie appearances, Movie Scores, Industry Accolades, Rave Reviews by Press & Media, and several Music awards including Canada’s version of The Grammy’s, The JUNO Award.

The sound of the band has evolved a lot since the early days, and these days it includes a 3 piece horn section and digs deep into Tom’s Mexican heritage by adding Son Jarocho and Afro-Mexican grooves to the mix. The band’s true uniqueness is and has always been the live shows. It is here where the only opinion that matters is that of the fans that have been supporting since it’s inception. For the past 15 years, The Paperboys have been selling out venues throughout the globe, without the aid of major labels or commercial radio play. It is word of mouth and independent print and radio that have fuelled the success of this band. This has made it possible for Tom and co to take musical chances and expand their musical horizons. Although there are many common threads and themes on their albums, not one of their 8 CD’s sound the same. It is a sign of a band with a musical curiosity who wont rest on past success or a formula.

The band’s latest CD, Callithump, is a perfect marriage of all the different styles The Paperboys play. Producer Joby Baker captured the essence and the energy of the band in a way not done before. The infectious hooks of the horns blended with the lyrical sounds of the fiddle and flute, make for a melodic delight, while the influence of Latin and African rhythms make the groove on this album truly dance worthy.

“One of the most exciting bands to come out of the folk-roots corner” – fRoots Magazine

“Astonishing eclectic folk-rock from acclaimed Canadian quintet.” – Mojo’s Jonny Black

“It’s like Guinness with a tequila chaser while listening to an Americana Jukebox.”  “A place where Irish, Mexican and Roots music collide.” – The Seattle Weekly

“If you don’t believe a jig can shred, listen to The Paperboys.” – Seattle Rocket

“A mix of Eagles laced alt-country, Tower of Power horns and gospel choirs, reminiscent of early Elton John and Van Morrison.” – Americana UK Magazine

“The most exuberant record I’ve heard in ages…breathtaking.” – Folk Roots Magazine

“Once heard, you will cross mountains, valleys, floods and tempests to see this band wherever they play. Be ready to travel – even if they play at the ends of the earth, it will be worth the journey!” – David Shipley, CD BABY

“This release surely places Tom Landa in the vanguard of Canadian song writers. And rightfully so. There is so much good on Dilapidated Beauty. It is courageously adventurous, compelling and immensely enjoyable…With a bit of luck, the title track may wind up a bona fide hit. That’s the least the Paperboys deserve for such a brazen but thoroughly intriguing release.” – Roddy Campbell, Penguin Eggs Magazine

http://youtu.be/9soLhF4Alfs

TICKETS

€12 available online from WAV Tickets [Lo-Call 1890 200 078] (50c per ticket service charge applies on phone or creditcard bookings) Strictly over 18′s, I.D. may be required.

AFTER THE GIG

Whelan’s DJ w/ Late Bar from 10:30pm (Free Entry)

THE JIGSAW JAM

THE JIGSAW JAM

plus guests

THE MISSING LINKS + GRAHAM McCLEAN

The Jigsaw Jam return to the Whelans stage for their final headline show before embarking on recording their debut album. Their style fuses the singer/songwriter genre with generous and tantalising helpings of traditional/ country folk and pop.

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BENNY GALLAGHER

Oldflattop.com presents

BENNY GALLAGHER

plus guest

For sheer quality and distinction you need look no further than the career of Benny Gallagher. One half of hit makers and blue chip songwriters Gallagher & Lyle; he began his career as a staff writer with the Beatles Music Publishing Co.

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BITTER RUIN

 BITTER RUIN

+ guest

Bitter Ruin return to Dublin to launch their latest album. Their show will include album tracks as well as some classic Bitter Ruin material. For those unfamiliar with their sound, Bitter Ruin are a darkly tinged acoustic duo with energetic, bluesy songs that will take you on an unpredictable journey.

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ANA GOG

ANA GOG

plus guests MYLES MANLEY

Following on from the successful launch of their debut album Making Trails and a sold out gig in Dublin Unitarian Church, Ana Gog will play their first headliner in Whelans, 6th of June.

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VERSE CHORUS VERSE

VerseChorusVerse

[FULL BAND] no support *****FREE SHOW****** With Invite – Win tickets HERE

VerseChorusVerse (aka Tony Wright) will be taking to the stage on June 13th upstairs at Whelans for a very special show,  Tony will be performing  tracks from his forth coming debut album, with for the first time, a full band in toe

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INNERCITY, MODULATOR ESP & RAISING HOLY SPARKS

INNERCITY MODULATOR ESP RAISING HOLY SPARKS

Innercity (Bel) Innercity is the prolific synth-based project of Belgian Hans Dens, joined on this tour by Sylvester Anfang II guitarist Youngherr Sloow. Though associated with the ambient / synth underground, Dens eschews the prevailing escapist vibes of that scene in favour of a more visceral, rough-hewn and disorientating soundworld, characterised by sleep-deprived hysteria and bad-trip paranoia.

http://innercitydiscography.blogspot.ie/

Modulator (UK) Modulator ESP is Nottingham resident Jez Creek’s vehicle for improvised electronica. While most obviously indebted to Kosmische pioneers Tangerine Dream and Klaus Schulze, Creek’s long-form, mercurial and intensely psychedelic explorations veer unpredictably between noise, drone and new age.

http://www.modulator-esp.co.uk/music.htm

Raising Holy Sparks (Irl)

David Colohan is a founder member of United Bible Studies. In 2011, he retired long-running solo project Agitated Radio Pilot and initiated Raising Holy Sparks. Informed by Hasidic mysticism and the landscapes of rural Ireland, this new incarnation sees Colohan enlist various guests to achieve an ecstatic outpouring of drone, folk song, and free jazz.

http://agitatedradiopilot.bandcamp.com/

VIDEOS

Innercity (Bel)

Modulator ESP (UK)

Raising Holy Sparks (Irl)

Raising Holy Sparks – A Stretch Of Haunted Road from No Longer Reel on Vimeo.

TICKETS

€8 available from WAV Tickets [Lo-Call 1890 200 078] (50c per ticket service charge applies on phone or creditcard bookings)

AFTER THE GIG

Whelan’s Indie Club w/ Late Bar from 10:30pm or check out the bands playing The Midnight Hour in the upstairs venue (FREE ENTRY, 12am).

BIG SEPTEMBER

BIG SEPTEMBER 

plus guests

The five-piece have just announced a nationwide tour which will also see them play the Groove Festival in Killruderry Estate in Bray, Co Wicklow where they will share the bill with Imelda May and James Morrison.

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LIVE FROM THE WINDOW w/ THE ESKIES

Live from the Window at Whelan’s

THE ESKIES

– PLAY THE FRONT BAR – 7pm – FREE ENTRY  

The Eskies formed not so much as a band but as a gentleman’s club come minor social movement in Germany in late 2006. Known then as Die Bierin Coolers, they passed the long days in the feverish German summer heat herding tourists on and off coaches and each night would retire to their private quarters for often intense rounds of children’s game “Candyland” (see below link).

After several successful and happy hours they decided to further their career by relocating to the neon soaked boulevards of Rathcoole County Dublin, there they began to play local public houses such as the Rathcoole Inn and The Poitin Still and quickly picked up regular gigs around Dublin’s City centre.

Before too long they had amassed a strong set of original material and were beginning to attract attention from music lovers around the capital, they gigged extensively around the country in support of bands such as The Blizzards, Delorentos, Director, The Saw Doctors and Aslan.

The band looked to be on a slow boat to the promised land, however, inconvenient circumstances occurring in late 2010 left their future up in the air, and with the general consensus among the quintet being that their time had come, The Eskies went their separate ways…

After months of wandering aimlessly through streets of notorious Dublin suburb Tallaght drinking milk straight from the carton in the hot sun (much like that now infamous scene in the well known feature length motion picture Anchorman), Ian and Steven began jamming again in August 2011 with the intention of creating something completely different from what they had done before.

Over the next few months, bass player, harmony tycoon and house wives favorite Tim George, mustachioed mandolin Mandarin and hardcore champion of the world Rob Murphy and resolute guitar cavalier/ ‘bit of rough with a heart of gold’ Sean O’Reilly joined to make the band whole again (a la, Atomic Kittens fifth single taken from their debut studio album “Right Now” released in late January 2001).

In 2012, The Eskies brought their unique brand of contemporary country-folk (often segwaying into Poe-esque Gothic lament or sea shanty) and swaggering stage spectacle to several venues around Dublin and beyond, with performances at Knockanstockan, Electric Picnic, NPLD and Jack of Diamonds Rhythm and Roots Festival.

Their EP “Sherry Go Round” is available now on iTunes and CD.

CONOR QUINN

CONOR QUINN

[acoustic session]

  plus guest MARK CAMPBELL    

Singer-songwriter Conor Quinn, has a unique voice that elevated him to becoming a popular contestant on “The Voice” with Bressie as his mentor. His fantastic talent and the encouragement of Conor’s ever increasing loyal fan base, he progressed to the live shows. This platform and experience confirmed that the music industry is where he belonged. With his unique lyrics and sensational voice, Conor will officially release his debut EP, “Golden Kids” early this summer.

“Golden Kids” is an incredible collection of unique lyrics and unforgettable melodies filled with honesty, insight and emotion. Songs include AtlanticaWolf WatchingFade To Grey, and the title track from his EP, Architects.

His musical influences include The National, Arcade Fire, Cat Power, Tom Waits, Radiohead, Jeff Buckley and Florence and the Machine. Coming from a family who loved singing and who played a variety of musical instruments, Conor’s introduction to music began at an early age.

Conor’s natural ability to write heartfelt lyrics and wonderful music has earned him a reputation of being a unique artist in the music industry in Ireland.

TICKETS

€5 available online from WAV Tickets [Lo-Call 1890 200 078] (50c per ticket service charge applies on phone or creditcard bookings) Strictly over 18′s, I.D. may be required.

AFTER THE GIG

Whelan’s Indie DJ from 11pm til late plus late bar.

LIVE FROM THE WINDOW w/ THE STONEY BROKES

Live from the Window at Whelan’s

THE STONEY BROKES

– PLAY THE FRONT BAR – 7pm – FREE ENTRY       ”Propelled by the jaw-droppingly dynamic vocals of front woman Amy Kelly” The Stoney Brokes are Tallaght’s retort to burnt-out cars and pyjama fashion chic. The band endeavours to provide a spectacle for their live audiences. The vivacity that died with the drain-pipe wearing, trendy hair-cut bands of the new Millennium is alive here, making The Stoney Brokes one of the most exciting bands on the Irish scene today. Their catalogue of catchy choruses, fearless drive and precise delivery also transcends the stage and makes for quality listening on record, The band features Amy Kelly on Vocals, Dan McKenna on guitar and vocals, Ciaran Redmond on lead guitar and vocals, Dave Penny on Bass and Ollie Jordan-Kelly on Drums. The Stoney Brokes debut album is due early summer 2013.

AFTER THE GIG

Whelan’s Indie Club w/ Late Bar from 10:30pm or check out the bands playing The Midnight Hour in the upstairs venue (FREE ENTRY, 12am).

ZEBRA w/ NANU NANU, WE ARRIVE ALIVE, MORE THAN CONQUERORS, JET SETTER & THE CAST OF CHEERS DJ SET

Whelanslive presents a new, exciting & exceedingly busy night…

ZEBRA

  this week featuring NANU NANU (IRL) WE ARRIVE ALIVE (IRL)  MORE THAN CONQUERORS (NI) JET SETTER (IRL) CAST OF CHEERS DJ SET     Tonight is a monthly special so ///ZEBRA/// will be starting at 9pm instead of midnight.  

WATCH

    + CLUB ZEBRA DJs [main room] + LIVE VISUALS [everywhere] + DRINKS PROMOTIONS [everywhere]

TICKETS

FREE before 10:30pm, Club entry applies after 10:30pm (Thur/Fri/Sat) ***email zebra@whelanslive.com for free entry***
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