It’s that time again for everyone’s favourite Galway city gig guide! Well, look, it’s our favourite anyway and we can’t wait to share it with you. This is just a taste of what is happening across the city this November weekend. Sit back and enjoy. And when you do decide to emerge from under your duvet, there is so much on offer on the live music scene. Hello winter, we are ready.
TULCA Gallery
7pm: Official launch of TULCA Festival of Visual Arts TULCA Gallery Saint Augustine Street
This year is a major milestone for the Galway’s TULCA festival of visual arts. Celebrating their 20th year, curator Clare Gormley has devised an exciting programme based on the theme The World Was All Before Them. The festival takes place at various venues across the city including An Post Gallery, Galway Arts Centre, Columban Hall, 126 Artist-Run Gallery, Nun’s Island Theatre, and Pálás Cinema. This Friday, November 4th marks the official launch for this three-week feast of visual culture, right on our doorstep. To download the official programme, log on to www.tulca.ie.
Monroe’s Live
8pm: The Moxie Strings
Having scooped the coveted number one slot in the Billboard classical crossover charts, dynamic duo Moxie Strings are saying goodbye to the band that has shaped their lives. For talented instrumentalists Diana Ladio and Alison Lynn, they will bid a fond farewell to fans at Monroe’s Live on Friday, November 4th as part of their last Irish tour. Tickets: The Moxie Strings Tickets
Leisureland
7:30pm: Bird on a Wire: The Songs of Leonard Cohen
The rich and diverse repertoire of the legendary Leonard Cohen is explored through the musical lens of Galway based band The Whileaways and the melodic tones of singer Pauline Scanlon. They will be joined on the Leisureland stage by the musical expertise of Will Merrigan (bass), Dave Clancy (keys), Matthew Berrill (saxophone) and Eamon Murray (drums) to bring to life the extensive and varied work that is The Leonard Cohen Songbook. Tickets: Bird On A Wire Tickets
Roisin Dubh
8pm: Wallis Bird
The delicate tones of singer-songwriter Wallis Bird will fill the air at the Róisín Dubh this Friday, November 4th. Wallis Bird has delighted audiences since she first burst onto the scene in 2007. With vibrant, upbeat vocals and powerful choruses, Bird’s work charts the personal impact of the wider social upheavals that have directly impacted our lives. With a strong narrative richly intertwined in her lyrics, Wallis delivers moving ballads and high energy beats with strength and originality. Tickets: Wallis Bird Tickets
Skeffington Late Bar
10pm: Evoke
Galway band Evoke are making waves on the local music scene thanks to their high energy and dedication to musicianship. The young band are at the start of their musical career and are renowned for their powerful stage presence that can whip an audience into a frenzy with their rousing beats. Followed by DJ Dave G.
The King’s Head
9pm: Pyramid
Catch one of Galway’s great bands as they bring the beat to the best covers, classics, and all-time hits. A staple on the music scene, Pyramid are one of the most sought-after ensembles, bringing the rhythm to the night. Guaranteed to have you up on the dance floor at this historic location in the heart of the city.
Saturday November 5th
Monroe’s Live
8pm: D Cullen
Fresh from releasing his latest album, Sing My Story, Dublin musician D Cullen is set to bring his lyrical skills to Monroe’s Live this Saturday, November 4th. Cullen’s music reached a large audience when he debuted his first album Alright on the Late Late Show. Since then, the prolific writer has penned dozens of songs, choosing only the best for his most recent album. Not only was he invited back to the coveted Late Late slot, but Cullen is creating a stir on the musical landscape with his storytelling and vocal talent. Tickets: D Cullen Tickets
Skeff Late Bar:
10pm: DJ Ferg
Eyre Square will be hopping this Saturday night as DJ Ferg hits the decks at the Skeff Late Bar.
An Taibhdhearc:
7:30pm: The Black Gate presents Gaby Moreno and Ultan Conlon
Grammy award winning Gaby Moreno brings her warm, soulful sound to An Taibhdhearc this Saturday, November 5th. Moreno’s appeal crosses the spectrum, reaching out to English and Spanish speakers alike. Nominated many times for her talent and lyrical prowess, she was awarded a Latin Grammy for Best New Artist in 2013. Since then, she has delighted audiences across the globe.
Moreno is joined by Irish singer-songwriter Ultan Conlon, who is renowned for his poetic take on society. Ultan speaks from the heart, whether its drawing from his own experience with alcohol addiction and anxiety, or a wider reflection on loneliness in the digital world. With a voice that has been likened to Roy Orbison, Conlon is a unique force on the music scene at home and abroad. Tickets: Gaby Moreno and Ultan Conlon Tickets
Sunday November 6th
Monroe’s Tavern
1pm: The Galway Bay Jazz Band
What better way to swing, jive and jump into Sunday than with the Galway Bay Jazz Band. This high rhythm, energetic band are a guaranteed floor filler. Here, you can fly to the moon and back as the riff of the sax, the high notes of the trumpet and the beat of the drums take you to a time when popular jazz classics topped the charts.
Róisín Dubh
8pm Tick Tick Tunes GUMS fundraiser.
AIMS nominated Galway University Musical Society (GUMS) are holding this epic fundraiser at the Róisín Dubh this Sunday, November 6th. It’s set to be a formidable evening with live music from Pavillion, Hannah Cogan, Rory McLaughlin, and Killian Cogan. All money raised will go to their collaborative production with Dramsoc “Tick, tick……BOOM!”
8pm: John Conneely Inc
Enjoy the swing, jazz and modern vibes of John Conneely Inc and his talented band of musicians. In essence, John’s voice has those distinct gravely tones that cannot be matched. Together with the melodic powerhouse that is Barbara Vulso, a night with John Conneely Inc cannot be replicated anywhere else. Always packed to the rafters, it’s a Sunday night Galway staple that will set your heart alight time and time again.
The Skeff Late Bar and Kitchen
9pm: Beggars Velvet followed by DJ Mark
This three-piece acoustic ensemble are talented multi-instrumentalists. With three men and one box, Beggars Velvet are proving to be a hit on the local music landscape with their ability to interweave their own take on classic tunes. With ingenuity and gusto, Beggars Velvet bring a fresh sound to covers, taking them to new heights. It’s your favourite song with a twist. Together, they are always evolving to ensure your night out is one to remember.
The King’s Head
9pm: Pyramid
So good they are playing twice this weekend! Join Pyramid this Sunday for the ideal opportunity to say a fond farewell to the weekend. Catch the band as they bring the beat to the best covers, classics, and all-time hits. Ultimately, the King’s Head stage comes alive every night of the week with free live music. This is what make the music scene in the city so vibrant and welcoming. At the end of the weekend, don’t miss your chance to catch these Galway greats in action.
