Galway’s most successful literary export

Thu, May 14, 2009

KEN BRUEN is one of the few Galway based writers whose books sell in large quantities worldwide. This fact on its own would lead some of the more tragic purists among us to view him with suspicion.

One Croatian woman’s humorous perspective on life under Communism

Thu, May 07, 2009

“COMMUNISM IS the death of the soul. It is the organisation of total conformity - in short, of tyranny - and it is committed to making tyranny universal.” So said American politician Adlai E Stevenson. It is the Western view of Communism, but not necessarily the view of everyone who experienced life in a Communist country.

Andrew Lawrence-King and Harp Consort at Galway Early Music Festival

Thu, May 07, 2009

THE 14TH Galway Early Music Festival takes place from May 15 to 17, and is organised around the theme ‘Islands and the Waters Between.’ It promises to bring audiences on an exciting voyage to Ireland, Guernsey, and Cyprus.

Lloyd Cole’s passion for golf, music, and being amusing

Thu, May 07, 2009

LLOYD COLE first came to attention in the 1980s with his band The Commotions, with whom he enjoyed hit singles like ‘Brand New Friend’, ‘Lost Weekend’, and ‘Are You Ready To Be Heartbroken?’. In the 1990s he disbanded the group and embarked on a successful solo career in America.

This year Lloyd released a four CD retrospective boxset and as part of his current Irish tour he plays Róisín Dubh on Sunday at 9pm.

Water Donkey go Pigeon Racing at Town Hall

Thu, May 07, 2009

IN RECENT years Galway’s theatre scene has been enlivened by a steady flow of young talent emerging from NUI Galway, its MA programme in theatre studies in particular. Mephisto, Dragonfly, and Fregoli have all managed the transition from campus to city with aplomb and made their mark with notable productions.

Can a big night out save a marriage?

Thu, May 07, 2009

BILLY FARRELL spends his time drinking, being envious of his friends, and lusting after Imelda. His wife yearns for romance and pins all hope of reconciliation on one big night out.

This is Eden by Eugene O’Brien, which will be performed by Rain, Rocks’n’Reeks in the Town Hall studio on Saturday at 8.30pm.

Derby Browne’s musical Roman holiday

Thu, May 07, 2009

IRISH CHANTEUSE Derby Browne is back in the Town Hall next week with her show La Dolce Roma which promises to transport audiences to sunny and sensuous Italy.

Derby will be performing a sizzling summer selection of the best songs from Italy, featuring the hits: ‘Volare’, ‘Quando Quando Quando’, ‘Mambo Italiano’, ‘Americano’, ‘The Godfather’, and ‘Time To Say Goodbye’, as well as songs by Nino Rota and Henry Mancini.

Celebrate five years of music with the Róisín Dubh this May

Thu, May 07, 2009

IT’S BEEN five years since the Róisín Dubh was taken over by Kevin Healy, Gugai, and Co, and in that time it has become the leading music venue in the city, and to celebrate that fifth birthday milestone, the venue is hosting a major party.

Anti-Pop Consortium @ Róisín Dubh

Thu, May 07, 2009

ANTI-POP CONSORTIUM, widely regarded as cutting edge innovators by b-boy purists, experimental electronic heads, and indie rockers, play the Róisín Dubh on Friday May 15 at 9pm.

Cinema Review - X Men Origins: Wolverine

Thu, May 07, 2009

The gorgeous and rugged Hugh Jackman is certainly great at getting his claws out in this action-packed flick but is let down by a rather rushed ending.

Readings and book launches

Thu, May 07, 2009

Galway writers Maureen Gallagher and Alan McMonagle will read at An Spidéal Library this evening at 7.30pm. Maureen will read from her first collection of poetry Calling The Tune, while Alan will read from his new collection of short stories Liar, Liar. Both writers are published by WordsontheStreet.

Introduce children to the world of music

Thu, May 07, 2009

MUSIC MAKING For Families is a series of workshops for children to discover the world of music through songs, games, and listening.

A jazz poet for North Beach Nights

Thu, May 07, 2009

SALENA GODDEN is known to music fans as the lead singer with underground ska/jazz band SaltPeter. She is also a slam poet and the Londoner will be the guest performer at North Beach Nights in The Crane Bar, Sea Road on Monday at 9pm.

Creative writing classes at Westside Library

Thu, May 07, 2009

THIS MONTH the Westside Library will hold creative writing classes for beginners with the acclaimed Galway poet Kevin Higgins.

The class will run for eight weeks, starting on May 11, and continuing each Monday from 10.30am to 12.30pm. The cost is €70. Places must be paid for in advance. To book contact the library on 091 - 520610 or email [email protected]

Love, hate, and The Von Bondies

Thu, Apr 30, 2009

THE VON Bondies are from Michigan but aren’t really into The Stooges. They are called ‘garage rock’ but don’t play that kind of music. They always have two women in the band, but it’s not a gimmick. It’s no wonder band leader Jason Stollsteimer feels he has a point to prove.

Moby Dick at Town Hall

Thu, Apr 30, 2009

ACTOR CONOR Lovett of Gare St Lazare Players, best known for his acclaimed stagings of Beckett’s prose works, makes a welcome return to the Town Hall the week after next with his latest one-man show; Herman Melville’s classic tale Moby Dick.

Bon Iver confirmed for Galway

Thu, Apr 30, 2009

Some weeks ago the Galway Advertiser reported the great Bon Iver (aka Justin Vernon - pictured), the man behind one of 2008’s great albums, For Emma, Forever Ago, was due to play Galway this summer. Now it has been confirmed. Bon Iver will play the Galway Arts Festival on Thursday July 23. A venue and start time has yet to be confirmed but this is certainly going to be one of the must see concerts of the year.

Brooker T to play the Róisín

Thu, Apr 30, 2009

The legendary Brooker T (pictured), best known for leading the MGs and for the classic hit ‘Green Onions’ plays the Róisín Dubh on Tuesday July 21. Tickets are available from the Róisín Dubh and Zhivago.

Celebrate a milestone with Gigantic

Thu, Apr 30, 2009

CLUB GIGANTIC, the independent alternative club night at DeBurgo’s, Augustine Street, will celebrate its 300th night this Saturday with a major party starting at 10pm.

Sean Keane to headline benefit concert for Tanzania

Thu, Apr 30, 2009

THE GREAT Sean Keane will be among a host of Galway trad and folk greats who will be performing in the Town Hall Theatre at a benefit concert for Return to Tanzania.

E-paper

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