Kilkelly,
Rufus Coates & Jess Smith
+ Lifts
Little Whelan’s • Tuesday 21st April 2026
Kilkelly
A songwriter firmly within the firmament of the Irish tradition, with a taste for the strange, narrative-driven lyrical structure and prone to laments.
Cutting his teeth in Berlin’s thriving folk scene, first album, The Prick & The Petal – a concept album about star-crossed lovers in a desolate Ireland – was released independently in 2020, showcased at Liverpool Irish Fest, and lauded by Plattentests.
His sophomore release “Solip” is set for release 2 May 2026
Rufus Coates & Jess Smith
Drawing on the storytelling traditions of their Irish heritage, Coates and Smith write haunting murder ballads that rise, fall, simmer and brood.
Coates testifies like an old world baritone preacher as Smith’s harmonies crescendo with spine-curdling passion electrifying vocals that traverse the primal into ravishing, exorcist-style affliction.
LIFTS
Lifts are a 5-piece art-rock band based in Dublin. Taking inspiration from a wide range of music such as traditional Irish, experimental rock, contemporary classical and jazz, Lifts create a unique blend of music that is as powerful on record as on stage. They are the most recent winners of the TILT Development Deal awarded by John Barker, who has since given them consistent airtime on Dublin City FM. After beginning as a solo project, Lifts put out their debut EP Evergrowing, Overflowing track-by-track on a monthly basis from May to November last year.
TICKETS
€18 available online from Whelan’s – 50c per ticket service charge applies.
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 (€5 cover charge), plus Late Bar