While the weather may be blue, the weekend is full of colour here in the magical city of the tribes. Find out what’s on this Saturday and Sunday in our gig guide roundup to the weekend. Don’t forget, this is just a sample of what is taking place. From the vibrant Westend, to the charming Latin Quarter, the Galway Continental Christmas Market in Eyre Square and beyond. It’s all happening this festive season.
Saturday, November 19th
Tiny Traders Village
‘til 4pm: The Tiny Traders are back after almost three years. Enjoy a veritable feast of handcrafted gifts, trinkets and more at their new location – the lane between Monroes and Kashmir in the heart of Galway City Centre.
Galway City Museum
4pm: Live Performance and Talk:
Songs from An Open Road are thrilled to welcome Rocío Romero Grau and Jaimie Harris to Galway City Museum for an intimate, contemporary engagement that explores Turlough O’Carolan’s music as a space of transition between two eras: the ancient Irish musical tradition and the new European Baroque influences. https://www.songsfromanopenroad.com/rocio-romero-grau.html
An Taibhdhearc:
5pm/7:30pm:
Continuing to explore the influences of world music, Songs from an Open Road continues at An Taibhdhearc with Trio Mandili at 5pm and John Hoban – From the Rising Sun to the Open Road at 7:30pm.
5pm: Trio Mandili reveal the unique spirit of Georgia and the soul of the Georgian people. Rising from internet fame, they’ve performed at international folk festivals and solo concerts Belgium, Poland, Ukraine, Bulgaria, Switzerland, Austria, Hungary, and Russia.
Meanwhile at 7:30pm, join John Hoban – From the Rising Sun to the Open Road. The multi-instrumentalist merges between the guitar, harmonica, banjo, whistles, bodhran and violin. Not only does he sing, but he composes songs, poetry, stories. This is a candid insight into how Irish traditional music has brought two cultures together. The night features Sarah Ghriallais (vocals), John Hoban (mandocello), Kanako Machida (accordion), Mareka Naito (harp), Desi Wilkinson (flute), Mayo Yanachi (fiddle), and Gearóid Devaney (dance).
Monroe’s Live
8pm: HamsandwicH
Ireland’s best-known indie-pop band, HamsandwicH will showcase their latest album, Magnify, at Monroe’s Live on Saturday, November 19th. The popular and much-loved group from Co Meath are a leading voice in the alt-pop world. Garnering a legion of fans since their inception, they are renowned for their exciting performances and ability to capture their audience with their delivery and musicianship.
8pm: Big Sleep
Fresh from playing at Electric Picnic and releasing their debut EP, Big Sleep are on their way to Monroe’s Live as part of their Ireland and UK tour on Saturday, November 19th. Already, their indie-alternative vibes are making waves on the Irish music scene, thanks to the meeting of music minds between Dubliner Rónán Connolly and Italian-born Matteo Poli.
The Big Sleep style is a fusion of classic rock with indie, funk, and a dash of R&B. Not only have they sold out shows in Whelans and Bellobar, but they are becoming a tour-de-force on the international stage following a successful stint at La Cairola in Rome. It’s fun, with fervour, and a touch of light-hearted banter.
Monroe’s Tavern
10pm: The Good Life
For the best of rock, covers and classics, with the flair of talented musicians, discover the Good Life at Monroe’s Tavern. This band will take you from your seat to the floor with their rousing beats and energetic style. Hit after hit, you will be singing along to the rhythm. With the Good Life, the vibe is electric. And it’s free.
Skeff Late Bar and Kitchen
10pm: It’s DJ Ferg until late at the Skeff Late Bar and Kitchen.
Sunday November 20th
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.
An Taibhdhearc
7:30pm: Continuing to explore the influences of world music, Songs from an Open Road brings folk gems Trio Mandili to An Taibhdhearc. This critically acclaimed group reveal the unique spirit of Georgia and the soul of the Georgian people. Rising from internet fame, Trio Mandili have performed at international folk festivals and solo concerts Belgium, Poland, Ukraine, Bulgaria, Switzerland, Austria, Hungary, & Russia.
Monroe’s Live
8pm: Mark Geary
Irish singer-songwriter, Mark Geary, has supported major artists across the globe, from Josh Ritter, Bell X1 and the Frames, to Coldplay, Elvis Costello, and The Pretenders. Not only that, but his work has appeared on the big screen in film and on popular television series One Tree Hill and Bones. And yet, it is through his intimate live performances that his unique connection to his audience shines.
His storytelling ability and distinct vocal flair is renowned, enhanced by his love for the guitar. A night with Mark Geary at Monroe’s Live on Sunday, November 20th will take you through the spectrum of human emotion. Geary’s lyrics have a searing honesty drawn from his life experience. His tales of love, loss and frailty speak from the heart, as his own personal journey sparks his creativity.
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.
Roisin Dubh
11pm: John Conneely Inc
Enjoy the swing, jazz and modern vibes of John Conneely Inc and his talented band of musicians. 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.
