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Month: December 2014

JOEY GAVIN, POCKETS & OISIN FURLONG

Chandelier Sessions Present

JOEY GAVIN

‘Circles’ Ep Fundraiser

plus guests

POCKETS

& OISIN FURLONG

_ Main Venue _

Come for evening of songwriting, psychedelia, indie, and bottomed out basement folk. This gig promises to display the next wave of Irish bands in a craftily considered setting.

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ALDOC

ALDOC

plus guest ^ Upstairs ^ ALDOC – Global Sounds Breaking the Sound Barrier ALDOC is the new band led by ex-Gráda frontman and Lord of the Rings soloist Alan Doherty. Produced by his long time collaborator Gerry Paul

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SHAWN SMITH

Aiken Promotions presents

SHAWN SMITH

plus guest _ Main Venue _ Shawn Smith has been heralded as one of the best Rock Vocalists of all time. (Mojo Magazine). This intimate tour will be his first solo tour in the UK since 2008. Described by Greg Dulli (Afghan Whigs, Twilight Singers) as ‘Seattle’s Best Kept Secret’

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POND

MCD.ie presents

POND

plus guest THE KLARES _ Main Venue _ Australian psychadelic rock group POND have just announced details of a show at Whelan’s Wexford Street on Thursday February 19th 2015

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MIDNIGHT HOUR w/ EXPLODING EYES

featuring –

EXPLODING EYES

plus guests

I <3 THE MONSTER HERO

Upstairs@Whelan’s from Midnight.

Doors: 11:30pm

Sign up for guest list HERE

Whelanslive.com is proud to bring you The Midnight Hour. Showcasing the best new talent in Ireland.

——–

FREE GIG!!! Join us for some festive space jams! Just click attending to the event page to get your self on the FREE guest list. If you need a plus 1, plus 2 etc etc etc? Just comment in the event with the extra names you have for the list. EXPEYES http://explodingeyes.wix.com/explodingeyes https://www.facebook.com/explodingeyes IHTMH https://www.facebook.com/iheartthemonsterhero

TICKETS

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

HVMMINGBYRD

free-entry-butto

HVMMINGBYRD

plus guests SIVE & THE EVERTIDES ^ Upstairs ^ “Hvmmingbyrd have the talent and maturity of sound of a much older, more established band, and their seemingly intrinsic talent for harmony makes their music sound effortless.

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TIG LINN CHRISTMAS CHARITY BUSK

free-entry-butto

TIG LINN CHRISTMAS CHARITY BUSK

plus guests

‹ Whelan’s Bar ›

Forget the presies; scoops and good times with your mates is what you need. Drop in to Whelan’s at 7pm and join our Christmas party of original Irish and African music. Wet your throat and shake your booty.

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GREG BROWN

GREG BROWN

plus guest _ Main Venue _ Greg Brown was born in the Hacklebarney section of southeastern Iowa and raised by a family that made words and music a way of life. His seasoned songwriting, storytelling, and music are deeply rooted in that place.

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CHRIS KENT – CORKED

Lisa Richards presents

CHRIS KENT

CORKED plus guest ^ Upstairs ^ Jan 16th & 17th Back for his third year, Chris deals with his irrational fears and a quirky combination of real life events. Growing up and dealing with Misophonia (hatred of certain sounds-not including laughter…phew!), is only the tip of the iceberg…

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CHRIS KENT – CORKED

Lisa Richards presents

CHRIS KENT

CORKED plus guest ^ Upstairs ^ Jan 16th & 17th Back for his third year, Chris deals with his irrational fears and a quirky combination of real life events. Growing up and dealing with Misophonia (hatred of certain sounds-not including laughter…phew!), is only the tip of the iceberg…

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ONES TO WATCH 2015

Whelanslive.com presents

ONES TO WATCH 2015

60+ Bands across 4 stages Thur 8th – Sun 11th January Whelan’s & Opium Rooms Kindly supported by HMV & Heineken, backline provided by Musicmaker Confirm on facebook HERE //////////// Now in it’s 5th year, Whelan’s Ones to Watch festival continues it’s crusade to champion brilliant new Irish music. From Thur 8th to Sun 11th Jan

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ONES TO WATCH 2015

Whelanslive.com presents

ONES TO WATCH 2015

60+ Bands across 4 stages Thur 8th – Sun 11th January Whelan’s & Opium Rooms Kindly supported by HMV & Heineken, backline provided by Musicmaker Confirm on facebook HERE //////////// Now in it’s 5th year, Whelan’s Ones to Watch festival continues it’s crusade to champion brilliant new Irish music. From Thur 8th to Sun 11th Jan

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ONES TO WATCH 2015

Whelanslive.com presents

ONES TO WATCH 2015

60+ Bands across 4 stages Thur 8th – Sun 11th January Whelan’s & Opium Rooms Kindly supported by HMV & Heineken, backline provided by Musicmaker Confirm on facebook HERE //////////// Now in it’s 5th year, Whelan’s Ones to Watch festival continues it’s crusade to champion brilliant new Irish music. From Thur 8th to Sun 11th Jan

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ONES TO WATCH 2015

Whelanslive.com presents

ONES TO WATCH 2015

60+ Bands across 4 stages Thur 8th – Sun 11th January Whelan’s & Opium Rooms Kindly supported by HMV & Heineken, backline provided by Musicmaker Confirm on facebook HERE //////////// Now in it’s 5th year, Whelan’s Ones to Watch festival continues it’s crusade to champion brilliant new Irish music. From Thur 8th to Sun 11th Jan

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BEN FOLDS & BAND

SOLD OUT WHELANS

Aiken Promotions presents

BEN FOLDS & BAND

plus guest _ Main Venue _ Tickets on sale Friday December 12th @ 9am priced €40 (including booking fee) from www.ticketmaster.ie & outlets natiownide Ben Folds has confirmed a very special intimate performance at Whelan’s Dublin on February 21st. Multi-platinum selling singer/songwriter/producer Ben Folds first found mainstream success as the leader of the critically acclaimed Ben Folds Five. He has gone on to have a very successful solo career, recording multiple studio albums, a pair of records documenting his renowned live performances, a remix record, music for film and TV, as well as numerous collaborations with artists from Sara Bareilles to William Shatner. In 2012, Folds reunited with the Ben Folds Five, released a new album and toured the world in 2012-13. In early 2013 they released their first LIVE album. Folds returned to his solo career in 2013. Folds has also achieved critical acclaim for his insight as a judge on NBC’s a cappella competition “The Sing-Off,” which aired for five seasons. Over the past year, he’s also made a cameo appearances in film and TV, including a role on Comedy Central’s “Community.” He’s also written and recorded several songs for film and TV consideration. A Nashville resident, Folds owns and operates the historic RCA Studio A, once managed by Chet Atkins, and the home to thousands of legendary recording sessions in all genres of music – from Elvis Presley to the Monkees, Dolly Parton to Kacey Musgraves, Tony Bennett to the Beach Boys, Brian Setzer to Hunter Hayes. The studio is Folds’ creative hub, where he composes, collaborates, produces and records his works, as well as those of others in the industry. Folds, who serves as a member of the Board of Directors of the Nashville Symphony, has composed a highly acclaimed 25-minute, three movement concerto for piano and orchestra. He premiered the concerto in Nashville, and has been performing it and other orchestrations of his pop hits with major symphonies before sold out crowds across the nation. He is also touring Europe, the Pacific Rim and Australia this year. A member of the distinguished Artist Committee for Americans for The Arts, Folds is a leading outspoken advocate for music therapy and music education, and recently participated in a special conference at Sundance Resort hosted by Robert Redford that explored how music and art therapy can help our nation’s military veterans. Folds is also an avid photographer, whose work has been featured by Imaging Edge Magazine, National Geographic and the Weather Channel. He currently shoots images which he sells and distributes online through his platform: www.benfoldsphotography.com.

TICKETS – SOLD OUT

€40 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).  

NIGHT HOWL w/ DOGS & VOXX

Pickled Onion Records presents

DOGS & VOXX

Sign up for guest list HERE Upstairs@Whelan’s from Midnight. Doors: 11:30pm //////

DOGS

https://www.facebook.com/dogstheband DOGS are a four-piece from Dublin formed in early 2011. They play an innovative brand of guitar & synth driven electronica. The live set is an action-packed series of floor-filling beats and relentless energy, neatly cut together with custom visual displays. //////

VOXX

https://voxx1.bandcamp.com VOXX are a Dublin based Rock n’ Roll band with a unique sound. With raving reviews of their first track “Stuck on My Mind” and featuring at EP on the Oxjam stage, these guys are not to be missed.

TICKETS

Sign up for guest list HERE FREE before 10:30pm, Club entry applies after 10:30pm (Thur/Fri/Sat)

DOC BROWN

***

THIS GIG HAS BEEN CANCELLED, REFUNDS FROM POINT OF SALE

Sorry for any inconvenience caused

***

Aiken Promotions present

DOC BROWN

The Weird Way Round plus guest _ Main Venue _ Fresh from his sell-out UK tour Of Mic And Men, a starring role in the hit show Law and Order, as well as singing with Ricky Gervais on the youtube viral Equality Street, Doc Brown is back with his unique take on Life, Love and Lyricism.

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SOUTHERN TENANT FOLK UNION

SOUTHERN TENANT FOLK UNION

no support

^ Upstairs ^

Award winning UK collective SOUTHERN TENANT FOLK UNION new album ‘THE CHUCK NORRIS PROJECT’ out Feb 16th Irish tour 3- 8 March visits Dundalk, Portstewart, Lisburn, Manorhamilton, Thurles & Dublin “the latest album demonstrates a willingness to take folk beyond the usual boundaries…the sonics are as adventurous as the lyrics”8/10 Hot Press “another strong performance…warm complex melodies and frequently haunting melodies” *** Irish Times “hailed for years as a great live act…definitely worth catching on their Irish tour” **** Irish Mail on Sunday “I feel little sympathy, they’ve panic in their eyes, as they stand behind the state police they secretly despise” – The Octagon This February sees the Irish release of the sixth Southern Tenant Folk Union album ‘The Chuck Norris Project’, the band’s most ambitious album to date. Conceptually the tracks are all named after different movies from the actor’s career (though have nothing to do with the plots and contain no reference to car chases, explosions or karate chops) with each song taking the title as a starting point to discuss political ideas. Band leader Pat McGarvey came upon the idea in autumn 2012 during the last US presidential election when Mr Norris and his wife released a campaign video urging voters to come out for Mitt Romney saying that a vote for Obama would lead to “a thousand years of darkness”, a statement he felt unhelpful to the debate. Musically eclectic the album remains an all-acoustic affair but takes in influences like 70’s disco, folk and soundtrack music mixing elements of composers like John Carpenter, Gene Clark and Fabio Frizzi. The album also features guest vocals from cult Americana songwriter Mike Ferrio (from the bands Tandy & Good Luck Mountain). With this idea McGarvey and the band began to write and demo material to see if it would work not only as a concept but also as something musically interesting. Subsequently most of the album was written during 2013 but delays to recording meant the sessions didn’t take place until summer 2014. Featuring an expanded sound with orchestrated fiddle, clarinet and cello on top of the band’s regular 5 string banjo, double bass, cajon, mandolin and acoustic guitars the songs each explore different subjects that expand upon the original movie title in unexpected ways. Also influential was the work of 70’s soul composer/arrangers such as Isaac Hayes, J.J. Johnson and Barry White on songs like the epic Martial Law or the relentless folk disco of Walker, both tracks using those big soundtrack stylings to emphasise and reflect the emotion of the lyrical content. The subjects of the songs are diverse but have subtle and common threads linking them outside of the framing device. A few songs touch on the gun laws in USA and their consequences, one being the continuing horror of school shootings (in Slaughter In San Francisco) written from the point of view of a young girl trapped in time beneath her desk. Equality is another thread linking the songs with zero hour contracts and the need to organise labour the basis for the song Delta Force (referencing Aldous Huxley’s Brave New World caste system) and the forces ranged against it in The Octagon. And even as the songs discuss issues of social conscience it’s always done with beauty, space and clarity. Leading each piece of music are the compelling vocals from Rory Butler, a voice powerful and fragile, soulful and honest. He is accompanied by the thrilling dexterity of Adam Bulley on Mandolin and the innovative fiddle playing of Katherine Stewart who manages to effortlessly combine elements of her backgrounds in Scottish traditional music and classical training into a sometimes beautiful and often disturbing sound. Chris Purcell whose sublime songwriting contributions have been highlights of the last four STFU albums has composed The Wrecking Crew – Parts 1 & 2 – (Eyes Right and Eyes Left), a song suite noting the parallels of paranoia on both the extreme right and left. On the left Utopian ideals that end in disappointment and on the right the fear of losing power via equality and social progress. Other tracks on the album include a dissonant string based riff on a possibly future homosexual or female occupant of the White House where it’s just business as usual (The President’s Man) and appropriately for a band named for a union they present in Expendable Too a scenario where workers decide to reverse the norm and outsource their Managing Director’s job. Once again recording and mixing, on his fourth consecutive album with the band, is Lau sound engineer Tim Matthew. Tim’s expertise in sound techniques has produced this most fully realised album where each song’s tone reflects the subject matter. It contains atmosphere and subtlety but when a groove needs to be hard the full force of the big acoustic band sound is deployed. Album artwork comes again from Irish designer Jonathan McClean and this time he’s devised a set of bold, eye catching and memorable images reminiscent of 70’s action movie posters. The band have once again taken another leap in sound, structure and tone as they marry social conscience and comment on the world around them with songs, melodies and performances that engage. This album has achieved what it set out to and now on release STFU invite all to listen for themselves, although maybe it would be for the best if Chuck Norris never got to hear it. An essay with more detailed information about the concept and thinking behind the album can be found on the STFU website This album is also being released in a ten track version on 12” Vinyl (catalogue number JOROCK 020) The Chuck Norris Electronic Project album, a synth based spin-off album by The Southern Tenant, will be released later in 2015 Southern Tenant Folk Union are: Adam Bulley – Mandolin Rory Butler – Acoustic Guitar/Lead Vocals Steve Fivey – Cajon Drum/Percussion Chris Purcell – Acoustic Guitar/Vocals Craig Macfadyen – Double Bass Pat McGarvey – 5 String Banjo/Vocals Ciaran Ryan – Fiddle/Vocals WHAT THE PRESS SAID ABOUT THE BAND’S PREVIOUS ALBUMS ‘HELLO COLD GOODBYE SUN’ & ‘PENCAITLAND’: “The Scottish folk group Southern Tenant Folk Union presents its most potent offering since 2010’s excellent The New Farming Scene” – Andy Gill, 4 Stars, The Independent “The Scottish band’s harmonies dance and drone, tackling songs that embrace the traditional ambience of The Unthanks and the experimentation of Tunng” – Andy Fyfe, 4 Stars, Q Magazine “The band just keep going from strength to strength…with Hello Cold they’ve hit a new stride and when you have a product as fine and accessible as this, it’s just hard to imagine it staying on the shelves for very long” – Rob Lavender, Metro “Hello Cold Goodbye Sun, like all the recent work from this band, has its particular surface ripples but lasting depth beneath”- Alan Morrison, The Herald ‘The band knock up a fierce, raw and earthy music that is the stuff of Mumford & Sons’ dreams…the results are as compelling as they are oppressively bleak’ – The Guardian ‘Pencaitland is their most serious and ambitious album yet’ – UNCUT ‘A Fascinating union of Celtic and American influences’  – The Sun ‘Atmospheric, with sonorous rumbles of bowed double bass and melancholy harmonica against a stealthy ticking of strings’ – The Scotsman ‘Honest, thoughtful and admirable’ – The Irish Times ‘One of the finest Celtic roots albums you will hear this, or any other, year’ – Americana UK ‘There’s clearly a lot more to come from this act, given their desire to push the boundaries of folk music rather than stubbornly stick to its traditional basics.’ – 8/10, Neon Filler ‘Offering an alluring Scottish folk/old-time string band mix, it’s still stamped with a provocative charm that makes it an effective slow burn…beautiful recording quality, subtle arrangements and involving, melancholic songs are powerfully persuasive’ – MOJO ‘There was more heart in the room last night than you’d find in a whole tour of Mumford & Sons. And art. Nothing too flashy to begin, just lovely interwoven mandolins and fiddles, driven by guitar rhythms and their trademark bluegrass banjo. Southern Tenant Folk Union might have been playing in a boozer, but if people call these guys a jumped-up pub band, they’ve got it all wrong.’ – The Arts Desk.

TICKETS

€12 advance / €14 door

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

Over 18’s only, 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).

PRISON LOVE

PRISON LOVE

plus guest

^ Upstairs ^

Prison Love bring their barnstorming bluegrass, outrageous old time and confounding Cajun music to the intimate surroundings of Whelans’ Upstairs Stage.

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KAREN EGAN (Album Launch)

Headline Agency presents

KAREN EGAN

& band ALBUM LAUNCH _ Main Venue _ Karen Egan ‘Charlatanne’ album launch in Whelan’s on Fri. 6th March After a three-year absence from Ireland, Dublin’s drollest diva returns to her homeland to launch her second album.

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GRACE WILDE

GRACE WILDE

plus guest

^ Upstairs ^

A new phenomenon on the Irish music scene, Grace Wilde are a North Co. Dublin based band showcasing the music of singer songwriter Audrey Fay. Although elements of jazz, blues, soul, folk and rock can be detected, the songs are highly original and the voice is stunning.

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PETE CUMMINS

Buy-now-button-master2

PETE CUMMINS

plus guest ^ Upstairs ^ Following the release of his critically acclaimed second solo album, ‘Crooked Highway’ Pete Cummins brings his band of top musicians to Whelans on Dec 30th.

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SONNTAGS (DJs)

SONNTAGS (DISCO/HOUSE)

[EVERY SUNDAY 11PM TIL LATE]

Upstairs @ Whelan’s

Introducing Sonntags!

A weekly Sunday night event held in the upstairs venue of Whelans, concentrating on a mix of underground electronic music with some throwback classics and future favourites. Geared towards the like minded Sunday revellers who don’t want to finish their weekend so early whether you want to simply chill and talk nonsense in the heated smoking area or get your boogie on inside…

Curated each week by 3 resident DJ’s breevil, Basic Tone & James Kirwan to create that Sunday vibe and party atmosphere that is expected to top off the best of weekends.

Expect to hear the likes of…

SONNTAGS

SONNTAGS (DISCO/HOUSE)

[EVERY SUNDAY 11PM TIL LATE]

Upstairs @ Whelan’s

Introducing Sonntags!

A weekly Sunday night event held in the upstairs venue of Whelans, concentrating on a mix of underground electronic music with some throwback classics and future favourites. Geared towards the like minded Sunday revellers who don’t want to finish their weekend so early whether you want to simply chill and talk nonsense in the heated smoking area or get your boogie on inside…

Curated each week by 3 resident DJ’s breevil, Basic Tone & James Kirwan to create that Sunday vibe and party atmosphere that is expected to top off the best of weekends.

Expect to hear the likes of…

NATALIE PRASS

Whelanslive.com presents

NATALIE PRASS

(Spacebomb Records, USA)

plus guest

^ Upstairs ^

WhelansLive are very proud to announce the debut Irish performance of Cleveland singer-songwriter NATALIE PRASS. Her deeply unique music transcends folk, pop, country and rock with her soulful voice one that the listener never forgets.

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SIMI CROWNS
(OPIUM ROOMS)

Whelanslive.com & September Child Presents

SIMI CROWNS

plus guests ProFound & The Deuces All Stars Company Live in the OPIUM ROOMS Saturday 20th December, 7:30pm Tickets €10 incl booking fee available from Wavtickets.ie It’s been quite a year for Simi Crowns. From his appearance at the State Faces of 2014 launch in January

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