When it rains, it pours. Thankfully here in Galway, we have plenty to entertain you this Friday, July 14th. From sensual burlesque and delicious drag to comedy all-stars and the best local and Irish bands, there is something to tickle your fancy. Not only that, but you can bop the night away to a debut Kpop night at one of the city’s best nightlife venues. Find out our top tips for your Friday night in the city of the tribes.
Róisín Dubh
8pm: The Stephen Frost Improv All Stars: A Night of Spontaneous Comedy Magic
There is a stellar line up this Friday night at the Róisín Dubh for an evening of unscripted hilarity. With performers who have graced the screens on Blackadder, Bridget and Eamon, Who’s Line Is It Anyway, Father Ted, The Young Ones and Killinaskully, its set to be a night of audience interaction and comedy improv at its finest, as leading comedians at the pinnacle of their stand-up career take to the stage.
This talented troupe, featuring Stephen Frost, Steve Steen, Ian Coppinger, Sharon Mannion, and Joe Rooney, will transform audience suggestions into a hilarious performance.
Stephen Frost: Big, bald, and bushy-browed, Stephen is a comedy legend and an improv maestro. With his expert guidance, he orchestrates the games, incorporating audience suggestions and determining when the laughter has reached its peak before moving on to the next game. He has appeared on iconic shows such as ‘Whose Line Is It Anyway,’ ‘The Young Ones,’ or as the excessively cheerful head of a firing squad on ‘Blackadder.’
Steve Steen: Steve has showcased his improvisational skills in six episodes of ‘Whose Line Is It Anyway.’ His talent has also landed him appearances on ‘Have I Got News For You.’ Considered a mascot of the Galway Comedy Festival, he even portrayed Lord Byron in ‘Blackadder The Third.’
Ian Coppinger: An incredibly busy comedian, Ian has captivated audiences worldwide with his performances at prestigious comedy festivals in Edinburgh, Melbourne, Montreal, Galway, Electric Picnic, Glasgow, Dublin, Adelaide, and Wellington. As a co-founder of The Dublin Comedy Improv in 1992, he continues to entertain crowds every Monday night at Dublin’s International Bar, Ireland’s second-longest running comedy club.
Sharon Mannion: Recognised for her role as ‘Concepta’ in the popular RTE 2 comedy ‘Bridget & Eamon’ and her appearances on ‘Republic of Telly,’ Sharon is a multi-talented actor, comedian, and writer. Currently touring nationwide with her self-penned one-woman show ‘The Curse of the Button Accordion,’ she also showcases her improvisational skills weekly with The Dublin Comedy Improv at Dublin’s International Bar.
Joe Rooney: A well-established figure in the Irish comedy scene, Joe’s energetic blend of stand-up and musical comedy appeals to audiences of all ages and backgrounds. He’s also made a name for himself as an actor, best known for his roles as Father Damo in ‘Father Ted’ and Timmy in the long-running RTE sitcom ‘Killinaskully.’ Joe’s versatility shines through in his collaborative work with Shane MacGowan on ‘The Rockier Road To Poland’ and his acclaimed five-week run in John B Keane’s ‘The Chastitute.’
Don’t miss out on this extraordinary night of improvised comedy gold! Get your tickets now for their performance at Róisín Dubh on July 14th, 2023 by following the link here: Ticket Link to Comedy Improv at the Roisin Dubh
10pm: Club GASS
Club Gass is back for Galway’s favourite drag club night. Join Kiki and the Galway queens as they tear up the Róisín Dubh stage with their striking diva performances and spectacular hijinks. Resident DJ John joins the queens on stage while upstairs, dance it out together with DJ Lil’ Monica from 10pm.
The Quays Music Hall
11pm: Tradstone
Hailing from Tipperary and Galway, Tradstone are set to ignite the stage at the Quays Music Hall in the heart of Galway’s Latin Quarter with their vibrant mix of trad, folk and rock with Celtic overtones. Delve into the captivating melodies of this four-piece with their spirited blend of traditional folk tunes and contemporary hits. Their performances are infused with energy, passion, and authenticity. The band members, each masters of their respective instruments, come together to create a harmonious experience that will set your feet tapping and your soul soaring. Don’t miss the opportunity to be swept away by the melodies and rhythms of this Tradstone at the Quays Music Hall this Friday night.
The Cellar
9:30pm: Beggars Velvet
This three-piece acoustic ensemble are talented multi-instrumentalists and vocalists. 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. This Galway band wanted to create something different, something new, something versatile, while still keeping a certain amount of integrity within the set. They are always evolving to ensure your night out is one to remember.
The Skeff
10pm: Evoke
Formed in 2019, Evoke comprises of four talented musicians who bring a fresh and innovative approach to their music. The band’s fusion of sounds have won them a growing fan base and critical acclaim, earning them a reputation as one of Galway’s hottest emerging acts. As such, the Loughrea four-piece continue their rise to prominence. And it’s testament to their hard work, dedication, and undeniable talent. As the band continues to make waves in the Irish music scene, they’re poised to become one of the country’s most exciting new acts. Alongside their folk roots, they also incorporate Motown style rhythm and soul. With a strong banjo lead layered with vocals and guitar, Evoke are set to entertain a Galway audience tonight at the Skeff in Eyre Square.
DNA Nightclub:
11pm: KPOP Friday
With the aim to bring you something that bit different every weekend, DNA are lining up a fantastic night of Kpop this Friday, July 14th. For the first time ever at the venue, DJ Blue 9 is making his debut on the DNA Main Stage playing the very best of Kpop and more. Expect the full club experience with games, dance battles, confetti blasters and CO2 Jets for the ultimate night out.
With rousing beats, Kpop music has transcended cultural boundaries to become a global phenomenon. With its catchy melodies, high-energy choreography, and visually stunning music videos, Kpop offers a unique blend of pop, hip-hop, R&B, and electronic sounds. The genre showcases a diverse range of talented artists, who captivate listeners with their powerful vocals, impressive dance skills, and charismatic stage presence.
Whether you’re drawn to the addictive hooks or the captivating energy, Kpop has proven to be a cultural force that continues to evolve and leave an indelible impact on the global music scene. And it’s set to be a night to remember at the ultimate Galway club venue.
Not only that, but downstairs, DJ DOR will be rocking The Basement with nothing but the best of commercial hits, throwbacks and cheese.
An Taibhdhearc
8pm: New Beast
Following the release of their latest single, Censored, New Beast have an ethereal sound with a driving guitar riff that merges pop with rock, the eclectic with raw lyrical power. The three friends located ‘somewhere in the west’ have been creating original music that is both visually and acoustically expressive, garnering a strong fan base that is going from strength to strength. Moving effortlessly from soothing melodies to catchy choruses, this band have elements of folk with delicious melodies, with rousing rhythms that are deserving of radio airplay.
Their rock edge, dynamic vocals and powerful, relatable lyrics, yield a delicious international fusion that will leave audiences wanting more. Don’t miss the irresistible blend of pop, rock and more with New Beast at An Taibhdhearc. “It’s like rain in your brain.” Ticket link here: Link to New Beast at An Taibhdhearc
The King’s 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.
Seven on Bridge Street
The Converse Allstars
One of Galway’s hottest spots, Seven on Bridge Street hosts a feast of music this Friday night. With top tunes from the Converse Allstars, to DJ Mulvey and DJ Trigzx house club night upstairs, there’s an eclectic line up that will set your weekend up in style. For the best of rock, blues and funk, the Converse Allstars are a classic covers band with soul.
With a wealth of experience gigging at venues across Ireland, this talented five-piece bring the alternative to the party scene. Covering artists such as James Brown, Vampire Weekend, Tom Waits, Led Zeppelin, The Smyths, these professional musicians are passionate about music with heart.
With rousing electric guitar riffs and driving drum beats, this is one of Ireland’s best alternative party bands. Join the Converse Allstars this Friday night at Seven on Bridge Street.
