Saturday in the city and there is a feast of musical talent awaiting you across Galway’s lively venues. From the busking talents of GiftHorse at Monroe’s Live to a songwriters showcase at the Róisín Dubh, the power sound of The Good Life at The Cellar and Billy and The Kids at Seven on Bridge Street, bringing the best pop and rock anthems, to the aptly named The Shift at The Quays Music Hall, it’s set to be a myriad of originals, folk, trad and your favourite tunes. Not only that, but renowned singer Tobi Kaye is back in The Skeff and you can dance the night away at DNA with Ireland’s leading DJs. Welcome to Galway. The west is awake and jumping to the beat of talented musicians.
Monroe’s Live:
Midnight: GiftHorse
From the streets to the stage. Galway’s favourite buskers return to Monroe’s Live for a midnight show this Saturday night, July 8. GiftHorse are the ultimate Galway band, playing on the streets of the city since 2018. For the four-piece, the dynamic interplay between musician and audience is paramount, creating an energy that is unique to the live experience. Together, this band epitomise Galway’s music scene, of which busking plays a key role. Gift Horse deliver a seamless show, filled with their take on classic pop and rock with their own twist.
Róisín Dubh:
8pm: Rodney Owl Support: Emma Lohan, Jack Vanderklauss
The Black Gate is bringing together three exceptional songwriters from Galway – Rodney Owl, Emma Lohan, and Jack Vanderklauss – for an unforgettable evening at the Róisín Dubh on July 8th.
Rodney Owl, also known as Mark McConville, hails from Lurgan in Co. Armagh but has been immersed in the Galway music scene since 1996. Growing up during the Troubles in Northern Ireland, Mark turned to music in his teenage years after a successful boxing career.
Rodney Owl’s latest album, ‘Truth Is Broken,’ released in April 2023, showcases McConville’s exceptional songwriting and musicianship. Produced by renowned Alex Borwick and the Black Gate Label, the album features 12 remarkable songs influenced by the likes of Aldous Harding, Lumen Drones, Velvet Underground, The Smiths, and Sly and The Family Stone. It establishes Rodney Owl as a distinct and compelling presence in the Irish music landscape.
Emma Lohan, a versatile musician, composer, writer, and poet, is known for her captivating blend of Electronic Minimal Folk. With a background in West African percussion and a Masters in Community Music, Emma’s musical expertise is vast. Her debut album, ‘Black Atlantic,’ released in 2018, received critical acclaim and showcased her fearless exploration of sound.
Jack Vanderklauss, the sunny space groover, is renowned for crafting breezy reverb-drenched love songs infused with silky jangle pop and a touch of the absurd. Having played a vital role in Galway bands such as The Cartoon Thieves, No Banjo, and Canaries, Jack’s latest incarnation as Jack Vanderklauss channels the energy and experience from his previous musical endeavours into something fresh and magnificent.
The Cellar:
The Good Life
Whether you are knocking on heaven’s door or sitting on the dock of the bay, spend this Saturday night with The Good Life. The strum of electric guitars, the rousing beat of percussion and your favourite pop and rock tunes delivered with dynamism of this stomping four-piece band. With gravely tones and harmonies, this high-energy band deliver an exhilarating blend of pop sensibility with rock intensity.
Their electric guitars serve as the driving force behind their sound, providing a fiery backdrop with blazing solos to rhythmic power chords. Whether they’re delivering anthemic sing-alongs or heart-pounding rock ballads, The Good Life resonate with music lovers of all ages. Their music combines the best of both worlds, fusing the catchy hooks of pop music with the raw energy and grit of rock. Find them at The Cellar on Eglinton Street this Saturday night.
Seven on Bridge Street:
Billy and The Kids
The call of the fiddle combined with the blues rock riff of the acoustic guitar and driving beat of the drums heralds the sound of Billy and The Kids. This three-piece band play an eclectic mix of trad, folk, pop and rock, creating an energetic atmosphere thanks to their interplay with their audience. Fast and furious, it’s your favourite songs loud and live at Seven on Bridge Street this Saturday night. From rousing traditional folk to modern day hits, Billy and the Kids have the crowd on their feet, with rollicking tunes that set your heart alight. They can seamlessly deliver anthems from the Cranberries to Mumford and Sons, to the catchy chorus of Galway Girl with ease as they storm through back to back classics during their set.
The Skeff Late Bar and Kitchen:
Tobi Kaye
Describing himself as “Marvyn Gaye if he sang weird pop tunes”, Galway’s Tobi Kaye is set to perform tonight at The Skeff Late Bar and Kitchen in the heart of Eyre Square. A regular at the bustling venue, Kaye writes original music, having played since he was 4-years-old. The singer-songwriter released his single ‘Another Love Song’ earlier this year to critical acclaim. An artist with a vision, Kaye’s versatility is such that he channels the lyrical soundscapes of the likes of Coldplay and Sam Smith, with a searing emotional intensity and overtones of blues, rock and gospel influences. Kaye also gives classic songs his unique twist ensuring his audience is always calling for more. Renowned for his work ethic, this rising star came to prominence following his appearance on ‘The Voice UK’ and has been busy behind the scenes, writing, and recording alongside his regular Galway gig appearances. Don’t miss your chance to catch Galway’s answer to Marvyn Gaye this Saturday night at the Skeff.
The Quays Music Hall:
11pm: The Shift
This lively Dublin band are heading west to the famous Quays Music Hall for a night of your favourite pop and rock anthems. From Massive Attack’s Teardrops to Groovejet by Spiller and the anthemic Kings of Leon, The Shift will take you through timeless tracks with a rousing beat and roaring heart. Driven by strong female vocals and shuddering guitar riffs, this band will have you on the dance floor with their soul-stirring take on your favourite covers.
Experience the ultimate musical tribute, as The Shift transport you through the greatest hits. This talented group of musicians brings an authentic and energetic performance, faithfully recreating the sound and spirit of iconic songs. With a diverse repertoire spanning across genres and decades, these multi-instrumentalists captivate audiences as they breathe new life into familiar tunes, paying homage to the music that has shaped generations.
DNA Nightclub:
11pm: We Love Saturday
Two of Ireland’s leading DJs are set to take to the decks at Galway’s plush DNA nightclub in the heart of the city. Take your dancing into the early morning as DJ Trevor White is back on the Main Floor playing nothing but the best of heavy hitters and old school anthems, while Aodan F is on a Basement takeover dropping the very best of r n’b, hip-hop and cheese.
The tunes will be thumping and the bass jumping as DJ Trevor White ignites the dance floor with a curated mash of old school and new music. A staple on the DJ scene across Ireland, he turns up the heat with flair and panache, generating a melting pot of rhythm and beats that build to the all-important crescendo of dance on the main floor.
