It’s Friday and we are currently in the midst of the most energetic and vibrant Galway International Arts Festival, with theatre, dance, music and spectacle. Every nook and cranny of the city is hopping to the rhythm of the festival, as thousands descend on Galway to enjoy this marathon feast of colour and culture. Not only that, but all of our favourite venues continue to champion the very best of live music and comedy. With lunchtime trad at Monroe’s Live, to lunchtime comedy with Colm O’Regan at the King’s Head, this Friday, July 21st begins with a bang. Tonight, enjoy performances from GiftHorse, the London Astrobeat Orchestra, Reggaeton vibes and classic acoustic gigs that will ignite your soul with your favourite songs performed with panache. Delve into the soul of the city and enjoy our Friday gig guide.
Monroe’s Live:
1pm: Lunchtime Trad Session:
On Friday, July 21st at 1pm, harpist Laoise Kelly will be joined by Caoilte Ó Cuanaigh on guitar for this afternoon treat. It’s all part of a series of lunchtime concerts celebrating Irish traditional music and song. The Traditional Music Showcases bring together some of Ireland’s finest musicians, many of whom are joining forces especially for these festival concerts as part of the Galway International Arts Festival.
11pm: GiftHorse
From the streets to the stage. Galway’s favourite buskers return to Monroe’s Live this Friday night, July 21. 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
7:30pm: London Astrobeat Orchestra perform Talking Heads
London Astrobeat Orchestra perform songs from the iconic Talking Heads’ ‘Stop Making Sense’ movie, live. Focusing on tracks from the cult classic albums ‘Remain In The Light’ and ‘Speaking in Tongues’ the London Astrobeat Orchestra are a funky, rhythmic, hypnotic, anthemic, band from West Africa, Europe and beyond.
This is a unique, razor sharp, and jaw-droppingly tight take on the finest of Mr David Byrne and Co’s timeless compositions. With legendary band leader and bassist Edd Bateman hosting rhythmic influences from Senegal, Guinea Conakry, Mali, Cameroon and Congo. Featuring Lingala singer and soukous aristocrat King Fire, blues rock guitarist and vocalist Julian Burdock, Guinean Master Griot kora player Mosi Conde and the mbalax rhythm machine Badou N’Diaye. For tickets, follow this link: Ticket Link to London Astrobeat Orchestra
Midnight: Strange Brew presents : Pavillion
Support: The Pages
Indulge in the ultimate rock experience at the Róisín Dubh during the Galway International Arts Festival, brought to you by Strange Brew. First, let The Pages mesmerise you with soulful blues-rock melodies and captivating riffs. Then, get ready to be enthralled by Pavillion’s extraordinary performance, blending high-octane moments with enchanting acoustic segments. Don’t miss this electrifying celebration of music and artistry on the upstairs stage.
DNA
11pm: Reggaeton Friday.
It’s back. One of Galway’s favourite club nights is back with Reggaeton Friday at DNA. Join DJ Blazehitta for the ultimate Reggaeton, Brazilian and Spanish vibes at the city’s hottest spot. With special guest performers and dancers, get ready for a sizzling fusion of Latin rhythms, as the dance floor transforms into a pulsating carnival of colour and energy. As the driving beat of Reggaeton blends seamlessly with the sultry allure of Spanish flamenco and the irresistible drive of Brazilian samba, DJ Blazehitta will have you moving all night to the hypnotic tunes, while vibrant dancers set the stage ablaze. Experience the passion and spirit in one electrifying celebration.
Seven on Bridge Street
9:30pm: Beggars Velvet
This three-piece acoustic ensemble are talented multi-instrumentalists and vocalists. With three men and one box, Beggars Velvet are set to ignite the crowd at Seven on Bridge Street as they 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. Afterwards, dance the night away with DJ Paul Belton.
The Skeff Late Bar and Kitchen
10pm: Evoke
Four-piece Loughrea band, Evoke have a strong reputation for their fresh and innovative approach to music, blending various sounds and genres to create a dynamic musical experience. Their fusion of folk roots with Motown-style rhythm and soul has earned them both a growing fan base and critical acclaim. As they continue to gain momentum, Evoke is poised to become one of the most exciting new acts in the country.
Tonight, Evoke will be performing at The Skeff, located in Eyre Square, Galway. The band’s performance promises to entertain with a captivating mix of banjo leads, layered vocals, and guitar melodies, storming through pop and rock classics with flair. With their energetic and engaging stage presence, they always leave a lasting impression on the crowd.
The King’s Head
1pm: Colm O’Regan
It’s live comedy once again in the famous Ruby room of the historic King’s Head as part of the Galway International Arts Festival. The ever popular Laughter Loft presents Colm O’Regan. The award winning, critically acclaimed stand-up and broadcaster is set to take centre stage in this intimate, and daunting small venue. As a comedian, Colm has performed all over the world. He has written and presents the multi-award winning RTE 1 Radio show Colm O’ Regan Wants A Word since 2016. He is also is the creator of the twitter phenomenon @irishmammies with over 200,000 followers. Not only that, but he is the author of six best-selling books. And now, Galway audiences are in for a treat with this lunchtime show.
The Cellar Bar
9:30pm: Live Music with 3 Legged Dog
This Friday, join 3 Legged Dog at The Cellar Bar on Eglington Street. This vibrant acoustic band are renowned for their classic covers with a folk twist that is quintessentially Galway. Don’t miss your chance to catch this talented and experienced band live in action at The Cellar. Think the fast call of the fiddle, with the riffs of the guitar and mandolin playing your favourite tunes with a vibrant twist. Upbeat and rousing, 3 Legged Dog are a must see on the Galway live calendar.
