It’s Friday and we are all set to welcome Galway’s festival season as July quickly approaches! The Galway Arts Festival, The Galway Races and the Galway Film Fleadh will bring so many to this magical city of the tribes. In between the festival shenanigans, lots of our local and award winning venues are continuing to foster Galway’s live music scene, with dynamic DJ sets championing world cultures, to innovative comedic storytelling and a plethora of local talent bringing a new flavour to well-known pop and rock classics. With 80’s and 90’s battles to Bollywood, expect the unexpected this Friday night.
Monroe’s Live:
9pm: Bollywood Night with DJ Darshan and 11pm Latino Mix with DJ Matt KV
There’s a feast of international dance tunes at Monroe’s Live this Friday night! The ever popular Bollywood night returns with DJ Darshan at the decks from 9pm on the Main Stage. Expect a packed dance floor and a night of exciting world music with the charismatic and vibrant Darshan. Passionate about music in all its forms, he is driven by mixing music and moving people both emotionally and on the floor. For tickets log on to Tickets to Bollywood Night at Monroe’s Live
Meanwhile, DJ Matt KV will bring the best of Latino vibes with Reggaeton Dembow, Bachata Mambo and Electro Latino at the intimate setting of the backstage venue from 11pm. For tickets log on to Tickets to Latino Mix at Monroe’s Live
Seven on Bridge Street
9:30pm: Pyramid
A weekend in Galway couldn’t be complete without a few tunes by the legendary Pyramid. A staple on the music circuit in the city, Pyramid bring their experience and love for live music to the stage at the bustling Seven bar on Bridge Street . With old school tunes and modern covers, this band perform with high energy and professionalism, bringing a modern twist to classic hits that ensures you will be singing along all night long. Their audience interaction and ability to read a crowd has garnered them a place in the hearts of the city. For the best of pop – rock and everything in between, it has to be Pyramid this Friday night in Seven on Bridge Street.
The Róisín Dubh
8pm: The Steven Sharpe Show
Steven Sharpe is back in The Róisín Dubh. And this time, they’ve brought some friends. Join Sharpie as they perform their legendary debut live album, ‘Hot Mess: Live in The Róisín Dubh’ for its 10-year anniversary. Described as a songwriter, storyteller and raconteur, the flamboyant Steven challenges traditional gender and sexual roles with his multi-talented persona. He delivers witty tales of contemporary gay life with “Led Zeppelin influenced blues stompers and dexterous acoustic numbers.” Ticket link here: Tickets to Steven Sharpe at the Róisín Dubh
12 Midnight: Strange Brew presents: The Rosecaps
The Rosecaps are an independent rock band who, after selling out their debut headline show in Dolans, and landing slots at Sea Sessions and Indiependence, have been tipped by The Irish Times as one of the most promising up and coming artists of 2023. The three Loughrea musicians, Daniel O’Malley, Emmet Feerick, and Shane Fahy, deliver indie-rock with soul and a touch of brit-pop flair. With a strong work ethic and professionalism, their distinctive sound is garnering a wave of new fans and is sure to enthral a new audience at this free gig at the Róisín Dubh.
DNA Nightclub and Venue
80’s vs 90’s the Ultimate Battle:
It’s the ultimate battle between the ‘80s and the ‘90s at DNA this Friday night. With our very own Gary Vaughan, aka DJ XL-R8 spinning the decks with the soundtracks of the decades with DJ EC and DOR ready to kick start your weekend.
From Footloose to Walking on Sunshine, ABBA to Insomnia, these three top DJs with throw down the tunes across two dance floors. They will pump out the classic anthems guaranteed to have you out on the dance floor. It’s a non-stop mix of tracks that defined a generation. Relive the era that brought synth-pop and electronica to life, with fashions that swept from legwarmers to power dressing.
With four bars, three levels, two dance floors, two outdoor terraces and a plush VIP Lounge named ‘The Attic’, DNA will be transformed into a venue that reignites the timeless chart toppers in true ‘80s and ‘90s style. And this throwback night will have professional dancers and the best retro décor for that authentic nostalgia party.
Join DJ XL-R8, DJ EC and DOR for this incredible night of ‘80s and ‘90s floor fillers at DNA nightclub this Friday, June 30th. Tickets are available from Eventbrite and on the door on the night.
The Cellar:
Beggars Velvet:
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 Skeff Late Bar and Kitchen
10pm: THE CEO’s
East Galway band The CEOs will entertain the crowds at the Skeff Late Bar in the heart of Eyre Square. Renowned for their professionalism and musical talent, this high energy group will take you through chart hits with their own acoustic panache. It’s set to be a night of music and song as The CEO’s delve into the best of classic anthems to the delight of fans. Hailing from Loughrea, this three-piece group are garnering a strong base with every gig and are certain to keep you on the dance floor this Friday night at the Skeff Late Bar. Afterwards, join DJ Dave G until late.
The Quays Music Hall:
11pm: Big Generator
Fresh from releasing their new single and music video titled ‘Nothing’, Big Generator are celebrating 30 years this year and will bring their timeless fusion of raw power and dynamic, catchy hooks to the Quays Music Hall this Friday night.
Renowned in the industry for exceptional sound and raucous performances, Big Generator deliver a top-quality covers set while also writing, recording, and releasing their own original material. With hard work and experience, Big Generator continuously strives for growth and progression.
Having performed in 12 countries, including the United Arab Emirates, USA, Holland, Germany, Bahrain, England, Switzerland, and Sweden, the band has established a strong global presence.
Their dedication to hard work has resulted in several chart-topping singles and the opportunity to showcase their original material in prestigious venues worldwide. From Arlene’s Grocery in the vibrant Lower East Side of Manhattan to London’s infamous Marquee Club, and even supporting Joe Satriani at Dublin’s O2 Arena, Big Generator has left a lasting impression.
As the band constantly evolves and stays attuned to current trends, their future shines as brightly as ever. Experience the compelling journey of Big Generator as they continue to captivate audiences at the Quays Music Hall this Friday night.
The Kings Head
10:30pm: Red Tape
Red Tape will rock the King’s Head this Friday night with their rousing, raw and edgy take on classic covers and anthems. It’s set to be a night of hard rock to the best beats, as Red Tape power through the ultimate setlist to ensure you will be on your feet and dancing. Described as Galway’s rockiest, funkiest and ‘poppiest’ band, this driving four-piece will entertain the night through at the historic King’s Head in the heart of Galway city.
