It’s Saturday and we are right into the heart of the weekend. There is so much live music on offer from an intimate, relaxed music festival at Claregalway Castle organised by Strange Brew, to the belting sounds of classic anthems with Big Digger at the iconic Quays Music Hall. Not only that, internationally renowned Italian guitar virtuoso, Luca Stricagnoli will perform at Monroe’s Live. It’s a chance to see the guitar innovator in the west of Ireland with his take on popular contemporary and classic pieces. Quiz aficionados can delve into the world of cheesy pop with ‘The Big F*ck Off Music Quiz: Mmm…Pop!’ at the Róisín Dubh. Meanwhile, the talented Tobi Kaye is back at the Skeff Late Bar and Kitchen for a rocking acoustic set with soul, while you can end the night with two of Ireland’s top DJs at DNA. It’s all happening here in the west. Oh and there’s some international rugby too!
Monroes Live
7pm: Italian Acoustic Guitar Virtuoso Luca Stricagnoli to Perform at Monroe’s Live
The multiple award winning Italian guitar phenomenon, Luca Stricagnoli, has not only vastly contributed to the modern evolution of the acoustic guitar, his work has garnered him huge international success, both online and with sell out concerts across the globe.
He delves into classical and pop anthems from the likes of Smooth Criminal by Michael Jackson to Eine Kleine Nachtmusik by Mozart. The classical guitar prodigy began his music career at the age of 10 before discovering fingerstyle guitar.
By developing his own technique, he has grabbed the attention of rock giants such as the Red Hot Chili Peppers and Metallica. Through the invention of his own instruments, including the reversed triple neck guitar and reversed side neck, Luca Stricagnoli has created a ‘first of its kind’ in guitar’s history.
His breakthrough came when his arrangement ‘The Last Of The Mohicans’ was picked up by Candyrat Records, the most influential fingerstyle label, and quickly reached streaming numbers in the millions. After this success, Luca released his debut album. The lead single, a brilliant rendition of ‘Thunderstruck,’ went viral with over 14 million views in just a few weeks, which led to him being invited to perform all around the world.
This is a unique opportunity to catch an artist of the calibre and raw talent of Luca Stricagnoli in Galway at Monroe’s Live on Saturday, September 16th at 7pm.
Tickets to this unmissable event cost €22.50 and are available from Ticket Link to Luca Stricagnoli
Claregalway Castle
2pm: Fall Right Into Place Music Festival
Galway based indie and alt-rock record label and agency, Strange Brew, present the third Fall Right Into Place festival at Claregalway Castle this Saturday and Sunday. On Saturday, September 15th, Pillow Queens will headline the show at 9:15pm taking to the Courtyard stage. They will be supported by a host of acts in a weekend that will bring a friendly, small festival vibe.
Their uniquely curated list of acts are described as “immensely cool” and “a masterclass” as it “offers attendees an escape”. Other bands include Bees and Sawdust, The Pages, Autre Monde, Slow Place Like Home, The Love Buzz, Junior Brother on the Courtyard Stage. Meanwhile, Calmea, T.A. Narrative, Proper Micro NV, Feather Beds and Elaine Malone will play on the Róisín Dubh stage.
There is a full craft bar from the good people at Galway Bay Brewery, a Valentia Vermouth cocktail bar, wine and cheese bar, oyster stall and tasty food from the Dela Foodtruck and Weird Dough Pizza. All ages welcome but under 16s must be accompanied by an adult.
Tickets are €36 (+charges) per day and are available from Fall Right Into Place Tickets and Strange Brew Website
11pm: Afterparty at the Róisín Dubh
Afterwards, join the after party at the Róisín Dubh where you will never know who will drop in! Ticket Link: Roisin Dubh Ticket Link
Róisín Dubh
7pm: The Big F*ck Off Music Quiz: Mmm…Pop!
Back at the Róisín Dubh, the ever popular WOMP Events are back with the Big F*ck Off Music Quiz: Mmm…Pop! Put your know-how on all things pop to good use. If you reckon you know everything about the hits, chart toppers, throwbacks, the next big star, K-POP, one hit wonders, girl and boy bands, or guilty pleasures – you could lead your team to stardom. There will be great prizes for the top two teams, plus plenty of spot prizes throughout – including exclusive event tickets, bar tabs, pints & bragging rights over your fellow pop music aficionados.
Mmm…Pop! will be a celebratory, multimedia trip through pop music including trivia rounds, photo rounds, song games & music video rounds spanning many genres and decades. So get your group of pals together and see if your collective music wisdom gets you to the top of our charts. This will be a safe space to embrace that cheesy pop hit that you’ve never admitted to loving before. Let it all out here and earn prizes.
DNA Nightclub
10:30pm: We Love Saturday
We Love Saturday is back with a bang, and it’s bringing two incredible DJs to spin the decks at Galway’s premier nightlife venue. From the sun-soaked shores of Ibiza to the hills of Donegal, DJ Darren B will spin thumping club anthems inspired by his DJ adventures at home and abroad. He’s back once again with the best heavy hitters and old school anthems. Expect familiar classics intertwined with modern hits to create a seamless fusion of nostalgia and contemporary sound, as he effortlessly blends genres and eras.
Not only that, DJ Andy Eff is set to light up the basement with his specially curated set of high energy tunes. No stranger to international gigs, Andy Eff has set the stage on fire in BCM Mallorca and many more iconic venues. Keep the energy going this Saturday night at DNA in the heart of the Galway city.
The Skeff Late Bar and Kitchen
9pm: Tobi Kaye followed by DJ Mark K
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
8pm: Ireland vs Tonga followed by Big Digger
Upstairs in the Music Hall, the Quays will be showing Ireland take on Tonga on one of the biggest screens in Galway. Afterwards, Big Digger takes to the iconic stage in the city’s Latin Quarter for a night of covers, classics and stomping tunes.
They’re loud, they’re raucous and they are returning once again to the Quays Music Hall to raise the roof off the venue this Saturday night. Big Digger are renowned for their electric live shows, rocking the night away with the best anthems solidified with their strong guitar driven power and dynamic performance style.
This four piece are a staple on the Irish music scene and one of the venues ‘go to’ rock and covers band. Guaranteed to have you on your feet all night long this Saturday night. It’s late night revelry with Big Digger at the Quays Music Hall.
