Month: December 2013

Whelanslive.com presents

ONES TO WATCH 2014

50+ Bands across 3 venues

Wed 8th – Sat 11th January

Whelan’s & The Village

Confirm on facebook HERE

Whelanslive.com presents

ONES TO WATCH 2014

50+ Bands across 3 venues

Wed 8th – Sat 11th January

Whelan’s & The Village

Confirm on facebook HERE

Whelanslive.com presents

ONES TO WATCH 2014

50+ Bands across 3 venues

Wed 8th – Sat 11th January

Whelan’s & The Village

Confirm on facebook HERE

U:Mack presents

THE NEW MENDICANTS

plus guests

BARRY McCORMACK

We’re delighted the return to Dublin of The New Mendicants, a new project from Norman Blake of Teenage Fanclub and Joe Pernice of Pernice Brothers.Their new album “Into The Lime” comes out on One Little Indian on January 17.

MCD.ie presents

THE MIGHTY STEF

plus guests

SOnance HOtel + THE STATICS

Following a jubilant three-night residency in Whelans upstairs room we are pleased to announce that THE MIGHTY STEF will return to Whelans Main room for a one off performance on Friday January 31st. 2014 looks set to be a big year for the group as they kick off with a brand new single ‘Nightwatchman Of The Iveagh Flats’ and look ahead to the release of their Alain Johannes produced new full-length

The band make euphoric rock n roll music blended with some gothic, folk and electronic elements. Very exciting live performances with an underground following in Europe and the US as a result of touring a string of indie releases. 2013 has seen the group rising to the challenge of a more mainstream plan of attack.

The group is influenced by 60 years’ worth of rock n roll music and culture, by the desert, by the sea and by the endlessness of space. The Mighty Stef write simple songs drawn from personal triumphs and woes, commentaries on the world that surrounds them and works of pure and utter fantasy that interchange seamlessly and beautifully.

LCD Soundsystem / Arcade Fire & Queens of the Stone Age would provide a contemporary triage of popular acts that The Mighty Stef would have an affinity with.  The band have also been compared to anyone from The Bad Seeds to Echo and The Bunnymen and the main songwriting team of Lonergan & Murphy are lifelong disciples of Primal Scream. Tickets on sale at Friday 20^th December from ticketmaster.ie and WAV

TICKETS

€12 available online from WAV Tickets [Lo-Call 1890 200 078] (50c per ticket service charge applies on phone, internet 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).

.

 

Whelanslive presents a new, exciting & exceedingly busy night…

ZEBRA

Every Thursday At Midnight

this week featuring

MOJO GOGO

+ BROTHER Sign up for guest list HERE

“The music world is Mojo GoGo’s for the taking….Their live show has already become the stuff of legend.”- Hotpress Magazine

“Mojo GoGo are on the cusp of Greatness. Boasting a live sound that is as solid as Godzilla’s sofa” – Edwin Mc Fee “Mojo GoGo have much larger testis than Two Door Cinema Club will ever have. Mojo just sound bigger and brasher, and we love that” – Touring and Whoaring Magazine

+ 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***

Whelanslive.com presents

ONES TO WATCH 2014

50+ Bands across 3 venues

Wed 8th – Sat 11th January

Whelan’s & The Village

Confirm on facebook HERE

MCD presents

THE HEAD AND THE HEART

plus guests

PAUL THOMAS SAUNDERS

It wasn’t that long ago that the members of Seattle’s The Head and the Heart were getting acquainted with another at the local pub Conor Byrne, strumming their acoustic guitars, stomping their feet and singing in harmony as they attempted to attract the attention of customers. That unbridled energy informed their earliest original material, which was honed in local performances before eventually being captured on the band’s 2011 debut album for hometown label Sub Pop.

Then, something unexpected happened. That music began to reach audiences all over the United States and the rest of the world, and The Head and the Heart went from playing open mic nights to selling out headlining shows in prestigious venues. The album became one of Sub Pop’s best-selling debut releases in years. And slowly but surely, ideas began to form for the band’s second album, imbued with the experiences of traveling the world and cultivating a listenership with a deep connection to the music.

Indeed, The Head and the Heart’s new release, Let’s Be Still, is a snapshot of a band that didn’t exist just four short years ago. Virginia native Russell and California transplant Johnson formed the core song writing partnership, which was rounded out by drummer Tyler Williams, keyboardist Kenny Hensley, vocalist/violinist Charity Rose Thielen and bassist Chris Zasche, who’d met Russell and Johnson while tending bar at an open mic they frequented “The first record was very thematic. It just had to do with all of us being together and writing songs, and leaving home to come to Seattle,” says Thielen. “I honestly don’t know if there is a theme this time around. There are things that stick out, like the idea of going from busking to becoming a full-on band and touring like crazy.” Adds Williams, “Before we started recording, I wondered, ‘What if this doesn’t work? What if the momentum dies down?’ But once we got in there, we realized that we felt so good together doing it. The weight was lifted. It was like, ‘Right! This is what we do.’”

“The first record was written and recorded with a lot of limitations. It’s almost easier that way,” says Zasche. “This time around, with more time and resources, there were few limitations, so we had to be in charge of keeping a focus and not getting distracted but at the same time exploring the options available. It wasn’t easy, but from this I think a clearer, more focused record has been made.”

Band members point to “Another Story” as a moment that embodies their collective creative spirit. Russell wrote the song shortly after the elementary school shooting in Sandy Hook, Conn., but hadn’t showed it to anyone in the band except Johnson. “One day everyone was taking a break from tracking and I was sitting in my booth and started to play this song,” Russell recalls. “You could hear what I was doing in the control room and then one by one, a bandmate would walk in, grab their instrument and start playing along. We didn’t talk about it. We didn’t have to go back and rearrange anything. It was all there.” Adds Williams, “Jon is so smart about waiting to introduce new ideas. He knows when the mood will be right.” Says Johnson, “The song was undeniable, and the vibe didn’t change from when he was playing it acoustically. Everybody just lifted it up, in the way that this band does.”

TICKETS – SOLD OUT

€16.50 available online from WAV Tickets [Lo-Call 1890 200 078] (50c per ticket service charge applies on phone, internet and credit card bookings)

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

AFTER THE GIG

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

SIMON McBRIDE

plus special guests

“McBride is now among the best blues-rock players anywhere in the world.” GUITARIST MAGAZINE

Fast becoming the next Irish blues guitar hero in the footsteps of Rory Gallagher and Gary Moore, former Young Guitarist of the Year Simon McBride has undeniable guitar artistry combined with a fine voice and a knack for creating memorable hooks and great melodies.

Rewind to the early-’90s, and you didn’t have to squint to spot future greatness in the unassuming kid from Belfast, who picked up his first guitar at ten and eschewed formal lessons to bend his fingers around the music of Free, Jeff Beck and Hendrix. At 16, he turned pro, leaving education behind to wow the world as a hired gun in projects that ranged from filling Vivian Campbell’s shoes in Sweet Savage, to R&B and soul with ex-Commitments vocalist Andrew Strong.

Even by the lofty standards of Northern Ireland, where drinkers still raise a toast to the audacious talent of the late Rory Gallagher and Gary Moore, this young maestro’s name was soon starting to be dropped in the same reverential breath. Certainly, Simon is a fan, and the energy and aggression of his live show recalls those much-missed Irish masters, but McBride’s sound is own – as demonstrated on his much acclaimed latest album Crossing The Line. He has supported such great names as Joe Satriani, Jeff Beck and and Joe Bonamassa. Now it’s his turn. Step-forward a new world-class talent.

“Hugely accomplished.” MOJO

“Ireland has a knack of throwing up diamonds, of which McBride most definitely is one… this boy’s going places.” HIFI+

TICKETS

€14.50 available online from WAV Tickets [Lo-Call 1890 200 078] (50c per ticket service charge applies on phone, internet or credit card bookings from WaV).

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

AFTER THE GIG

Whelan’s Indie DJ in the bar and Sonntags upstairs from 11pm til late, Free Entry.

Whelanslive.com presents

CARA DILLON

plus guest

Cara Dillon has one of those rare talents you only come across a handful times in your whole life. Her staggeringly beautiful voice has the ability to reach inside the soul of a song and imbue material with not only profound sweetness but also poignancy and depth.

Born in Dungiven in 1975, she was brought up in a close musical family immersed in the rich cultural heritage of her native County Derry. Having won the All Ireland Traditional Singing Trophy aged only 14 she went on to sing with Oige, De Dannan and then Equation. It was in this band that she met her husband and musical collaborator Sam Lakeman. The combination of Cara’s expressive vocals and Lakeman’s rippling piano and fresh production squeezed new life into ancient material. Their original songs sit happily alongside the traditional, reinforcing the debt they owe, whilst pointing to a distinct and distinguished musical identity all of their own.

Whether she’s singing her native traditional songs of lost love and emigration, or their original compositions, you will be hard pressed to find a more emotive and captivating performer. Her Autumn tour will showcase the songs on her new album scheduled for release in October 2013. “Cara Dillon is one of Ireland’s truly great singers” The Guardian

“Quite possibly the world’s most beautiful female voice…” Q Magazine

TICKETS

€20 available online from WAV Tickets [Lo-Call 1890 200 078] (50c per ticket service charge applies on phone, internet 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.

DUBLIN AFROBEAT ENSEMBLE

& Dancers.

Dublin Only 16 piece experimental Afrobeat Band

Ajo Arkestra (Dublin Afrobeat Ensemble) are a 14 strong outer-national group of Afrobeat exponents from the four corners of the world. They are a musical crossroads made up of musicians that have washed up on our shores and share an ancestral understanding of the Underground Spiritual Game playing a blend of free flow Afrobeat riddims and heavy dance-floor Afro funk. The band was founded in 2012, when a group of Afro-beat enthusiast started meeting up regularly at down-town jam sessions. They began making plans to form a new collective that would combine their various musical interests with their particular world view.

TICKETS

Free Entry

AFTER THE GIG

Whelan’s Indie DJ w/ Late Bar from 10:30pm.

Whelanslive.com presents

JARROD DICKENSON

plus guests

MICHAEL MacLENNAN & GAVIN GLASS

“Texas-born, New York City-based songwriter, Jarrod Dickenson’s road worn melodies and lyrics invoke a mid-Western post-war America, when cars ran on leaded gas, television hadn’t yet kidnapped the country’s imagination, and men wore hats every day.

THE BARLEY MOB

plus guests

The BaRLey MOB are a 6 piece group who’s collective influences have fused to create a unique style of music. Described as one of the hardest working bands in Ireland, they bring a fresh blend of uplifting music to their listeners, embellished and delivered with equal measures of rock riffs, soulful melodies, folk jigs and infectious beats.

Since forming in April 2010, The BaRLey MOB have played over 200 gigs from the smallest snugs to the illustrious Electric Picnic, where they performed 6 times in one weekend. Every gig, rehearsal and road trip resulted in the band being described by the Irish Daily Star as “One of the tightest live bands on the circuit today” in 2011.

The BaRLey MOB are: Adam Daly, Neil Butler, Andy Moore, John Heraghty, Conor Byrne and Sean Behan

Reviews:

“..but for us the headliner came hours earlier. The Barley Mob are a true rarity: reggae isn’t exactly storming the fort of the Irish music scene, but there’s far more to this impressive grouping than a clever play on words.” AU Magazine – Vantastival 2012 review

“The Barley Mob are as good if not better than any band on the gig circuit in Ireland right now, make it your business to check them out.” Goldenplec – Vantastival 2012 review

“..if Ireland need a voice for the modern day generations, The Barley Mob are that voice..” (Online Live Review)

TICKETS

€10 available online from WAV Tickets [Lo-Call 1890 200 078] (50c per ticket service charge applies on phone, internet 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 Melted Lady presents

FOXGLOVE

[EP LAUNCH]

plus guests

The Melted Lady presents Foxglove EP launch.

Foxglove was formed in 2011 and is the musical brainchild of Niamh Murphy. Having spent the last two years recording, writing and playing select gigs, Foxglove is now launching her 2nd EP.

* * *

THIS GIG HAS BEEN CANCELLED, REFUNDS FROM POINT OF SALE

“Due to a sudden and unforeseen schedule conflict” Twin Forks have cancelled the forthcoming UK/EU tour.

* * *

MCD presents

TWIN FORKS

plus guests

IVAN AND ALYOSHA

*** TICKETS ON SALE FROM TICKETMASTER and WAV TICKETS, FRIDAY 13^TH DECEMBER AT 9AM***

I use my gut, and my gut don’t lie to me” is more than just a lyric in TWIN FORKS exuberant “Something We Just Know,” it is a kind of mission statement

Harmonic presents

PLANNINGTOROCK

plus guest

Tickets on sale now priced €16.50 from www.tickets.ie, www.whelanslive.com www.ticketmaster.ie & ticket outlets nationwide

“Misogyny Drop Dead might just be the best thing that 2013 has had to offer so far” Dummy Mag

SHOUTING AT PLANES

plus guests

Shouting at Planes is five individuals, who’ve come together to define and develop an original sound that mirrors their considerably broad tastes.

Together since early 2010, this quintet have had a particularly anomalous up-bringing. Their first gig – the 1st round of heats at a competition to play at Glastonbury 2010. Their 8th gig – The Queen’s Head Stage at Glastonbury. A baptism of fire to say the least. Since, they have gone on to release two singles and an EP and have shared stages with several of Ireland’s venerable acts including Imelda May, Fight Like Apes, Ash, BellX1 and Ham Sandwich to name a few.

They are currently working on their debut album due for release late 2012. Working title – “Keep Kicking The Darkness Until It Bleeds Light.”

TICKETS

FREE

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).

PIA DUNNE

& THE ELEUSIANS

plus guest

MORGAN MacINTYRE

This December 21st sees Soul Diva Pia Dunne and The Eleusians return to Whelans to play a mix of old and new original soulful tunes. This gig is not to be missed! 

Whelanslive.com presents

SORCHA RICHARDSON

plus guests

Sorcha richardson is a New York based Irish singer/songwriter whose atmospheric folk has been poetically described as “bedroom songs sung from a big city window”(bitzlr.com). She released her debut EP, Sleep Will Set Me Free, in June 2012 and her follow up EP, Last Train, on September 30th through Parisian indie label Crosswalk Records. Sorcha is also an active member of New York City collaborative indie-pop project CON VOS.

TICKETS

€10 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 in the bar and Sonntags upstairs from 11pm til late, Free Entry.

DAHI JIM

plus guests CATHRYN GREEN CONOR LINNIE GYPSY REBEL RABBLE

Dahí Jim launches his debut album, ‘Shine’, upstairs in Whelan’s on Saturday the 28th of December at 8pm. Accompanying him on stage will be The Adelaide Band which consists of cello, viola, violin, drums, bass, electric guitar and piano. Dahí Jim has been signed by independent music label Toast Office Records since last year.

‘Shine’ is a 9 track album that explores what it means to be a young person living in Ireland today. The first track, ‘Somewhere’ calls for a a reinvention of thought regarding identity and spirituality while the second track ‘Tomorrow’ explores the difficulties in doing so. Track 5, ‘Australia’, was written after a chance meeting with a man on the number 7 bus who spoke to me about his own son living in Australia. The final track is ‘Shine’ and it conjures into the imagination a banal, everyday scene of rainy days Dublin only for the album’s true, fierce optimism to burst through.

 

TICKETS

€10 on door + FREE Album

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).

MCD.ie presents

MAXIMO PARK

plus guests

SLEEP THIEVES

Maximo Park are pleased to announce a headline show in Whelans on the 28th of February. Tickets €22.50 including booking fee go on sale this Wednesday at 9am from Ticketmaster.

The band return early next year with their fifth album, ‘Too Much Information’. Recorded and self-produced by the band in Newcastle and Sunderland with additional production duties from The Invisible’s Dave Okumu and from Field Music’s David and Peter Brewis, the album is the follow up to 2012’s critically acclaimed ‘The National Health’, and sees the band reach new heights in their remarkable songwriting and sonic experimentation.

The Dave Okumu produced BRAIN CELLS is the first track off the album and you can download the track for FREE from the bands website http://www.maximopark.com/

Watch the video for BRAIN CELLS:

From the beautiful weirdness of Brain Cells, to the poetic Leave This Island and Midnight On The Hill, and the refined rock of Give, Get ,Take, ‘Too Much Information’ sees the band keen to challenge the listener with some of their most adventurous musical and lyrical work to date.

Paul Smith says “Our lyrics and our music will never be too-cool-for-school – we are an emotional band even if it might be too much information for some.”

‘Too Much Information’ will be available on vinyl, CD and digitally via all reputable outlets through Daylighting.

Maximo Park are pleased to announce a headline show in Whelans on the 28th of February. Tickets €22.50 including booking fee go on sale this Wednesday at 9am from Ticketmaster.

TICKETS – SOLD OUT

€22.50 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).

GRACE WILDE

plus guests

VYVIENNE LONG

Every so often, a band comes along that makes you sit up and take notice. Dublin based outfit Grace Wilde, are one such band.

Blending a bewildering mix of jazz, soul, folk, and rock while keeping their Irish roots, they’ve earned their stripes out on the road bringing their music – both originals and carefully-chosen covers to ever-increasing audiences.

With the powerhouse Audrey fay on vocals and guitar. the charismatic Mr Enda Duffy on lead guitar,the great Ellen O Reilly on bass and the beautiful Danielle Nolan on drums. Grace Wilde will perform their unique tapestry to all who listen

Grace Wilde will sing straight to your soul and will no doubt leave you feeling weak at the knees…..

TICKETS

€10 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 in the bar and Sonntags upstairs from 11pm til late, Free Entry.