Gig Guide

2014

• Sun

  05

  Jan

  2014

  Cheap Date featuring Lisa O'Neill, The Salt Flats & Hannah McPhillimy

  Black Box

  Belfast

  

  The Out To Lunch Festival celebrates some of the finest newer voices in Irish music at the Black Box on January 5 on their Cheap Date night.

  Heading the night is Cavan-born, Dublin-based Lisa O'Neill, who recently released new album Same Cloth or Not. The Salt Flats are to do their adaptations of sea shanties, folk songs and more contemporary music by way of a plethora of instruments including vintage synths, rhythm boxes, omnichords, harmonium, and the usuals, while Hannah McPhillimy also brings to the table her stellar brand of sparsely arranged contemporary folk.

  Tickets are available for £5 from the CQAF Ticketsolve. Doors open at 8pm.

• Thu

  09

  Jan

  2014

  Smoke Fairies

  Black Box

  Belfast

  

  London-based female duo Smoke Fairies play the Black Box on January 9 for the Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival's ninth annual Out To Lunch Festival.

  They recently released Ghosts - a double album of their early works - which contains their debut single 'Living With Ghosts', the single that prompted Jack White to take them out to Nashville to record with his Third Man Records label.

  Tickets are available for £8 from the CQAF Ticketsolve. Doors open at 8pm.

• Fri

  10

  Jan

  2014

  Tucan (1pm show)

  Black Box

  Belfast

  

  Formerly a guitar duo, creating instrumental songs that lept from genre to genre without fear of consequence, Tucan are to play at lunchtime at the Black Box on January 10 as part of the Out To Lunch Festival.

  Following extensive touring at home and abroad, they released their debut album Aliquot Strings. Their setlists are peppered with 90s and 00s dance hits from the likes of Faithless, The Prodigy and Daft Punk which gained popularity on Youtube for the Factory Sessions.

  Tickets are available from the CQAF Ticketsolve for £6 and this price includes lunch.

• Fri

  10

  Jan

  2014

  Le Galaxie

  Black Box

  Belfast

  

  Indie dance act Le Galaxie play the Black Box on January 10 as part of the Out To Lunch Festival.

  The Irish four piece had a phenomenal 2013, with shows at Forbidden Fruit, Electric Picnic and a 3D show at Meeting House Square. With collaborations alongside LCD Soundsystem and the likes, 2014 will certainly be their year.

  Tickets are available from the Black Box for £10. Doors open at 9pm. 

• Sat

  11

  Jan

  2014

  Waiting Room Promotions Presents: Dog Will Hunt, Those Ghosts, White Male Actors, Freaks

  Voodoo

  Belfast

  

  Voodoo plays host to a strong bill of alt. rock/post-hardcore on January 11, to be headlined by north coast trio Dog Will Hunt, who recently acquired new drummer Grace Leacock.

  Strabane alt. rock quartet Those Ghosts provide main support, along with ambient pop act White Male Actors and Freaks.

  Entry costs £5 and doors open at 9pm

• Fri

  17

  Jan

  2014

  Deer Tick

  Black Box

  Belfast

  

  Open House and the Out To Lunch Festival have collaborated again to bring Deer Tick to Belfast's Black Box on January 17th.

  The Providence, Rhode Island-based act are off the back of the release of their latest album Negativity, which was written throughout a chaotic period of frontman/guitarist John McCauley's life, in which his father pleaded guilty to federal charges of conspiracy and tax fraud. 

  Doors open at 8pm and tickets are available in advance for £11 from Open House.

• Fri

  17

  Jan

  2014

  The Correspondents

  The Barge

  Belfast

  

  The Correspondents - made up of Mr Bruce and Chucks - play the Belfast Barge on January 17 as part of the Out To Lunch Festival 2014.

  The pair's music is hard to pin down, with Bruce's vocals peppering Chucks' history of dance music thrown into the melting pot, with blues and jazz sitting alongside dubstep and drum'n'bass. With a slightly modified DJ/MC setup, the duo have earned a place on The Telegraph's Top Ten Highlights of Glastonbury two years in a row.

  Tickets are available for £10 from CQAF Ticketsolve. Doors open at 9pm and the Barge has a bring-your-own-refreshments policy.

   

• Sat

  18

  Jan

  2014

  Annabella Chvostek (3pm)

  Black Box

  Belfast

  

  2013 Juno nominee Annabelle Chvostek plays the Black Box on January 18 as part of the Out To Lunch Festival.

  Chvostek is a Montreal alternative/acoustic singer-songwriter who made her on stage debut with the Canadian Opera Company at just seven years old. Her latest album, the aptly-titled Rise, is an anthemic compendium of political protestations and understated gems that confirms her status as a leading voice in songwriting of her ilk. 

  Tickets are available for £5 from CQAF Ticketsolve. The show takes place at 3pm.

• Sat

  18

  Jan

  2014

  Son Yambu

  Black Box

  Belfast

  

  Cuban act Son Yambu play the Black Box on January 18 as part of the Out To Lunch Festival.

  From Santiago de Cuba and now based in London, the troupe play Cuban son - the Afro-Cuban sound that originated in Eastern Cuba and aided the birth of modern salsa.

  Tickets are available from the CQAF Ticketsolve for £10. Doors open at 9pm.

• Sun

  19

  Jan

  2014

  65 Days of Static, Axis Of

  Limelight 2

  Belfast

  

  Sheffield instrumental act 65 Days of Static play the Limelight 2 on January 19 following the release of their fifth album, Wild Light.

  The post-rock/electronica quartet have been releasing music for a decade now and recently released the first track off Wild Light as a free download on Soundcloud.

  Anthemic punk trio Axis Of are supporting at the show.

  Tickets are available for £12.50 from Ticketmaster, Katy's Bar and the usual outlets. Doors open at 8pm.

• Sun

  19

  Jan

  2014

  Jacqui Dankworth

  Black Box

  Belfast

  

  Jazz vocalist Jacqui Dankworth plays a rare and intimate show at the Black Box on January 19 for the Out To Lunch Festival on the back of her recent album Live To Love.

  Northampton-born daughter of jazz musician/composer Sir John Dankworth and singer Dame Cleo Laine, Jacqui released her first album in 2002 and went on to appear in the 2012 remake of Les Misérables.

  Tickets are available for £12 from the CQAF Ticketsolve. Doors open at 8pm.

• Mon

  20

  Jan

  2014

  Nathaniel Rateliff

  McHugh's Basement

  Belfast

  

  Missouri folk balladeer Nathaniel Rateliff returns to Belfast on January 20 for a show at McHugh's Basement Bar.

  His tour coincides precisely with the release of his second album Falling Faster Than You Can Run, which comes out the exact day of his Belfast show. Rateliff has toured with some of the biggest folk/singer-songwriters in the world today including the likes of  Bon Iver, Wilso, Tallest Man On Earth and Mumford & Sons.

  Tickets are available for £11.50 from Shine.net & Ticketmaster. Doors open at 8pm.

• Tue

  21

  Jan

  2014

  City and Colour

  Limelight 1

  Belfast

  

  Canadian singer-songwriter Dallas Green aka City and Colour is to play the Limelight 1 on January 21.

  He's just released 'Thirst', the first single to be taken from new album The Hurry and The Harm. Having formerly been the vocalist and guitarist of post-hardcore act Alexisonfire, he's changed his style considerably towards acoustic folk-influenced music. 

  Doors open at 7pm as it's an early show, and tickets cost £20 from Ticketmaster and Katy's Bar.

   

• Tue

  21

  Jan

  2014

  A Northern Light, The Unprotected, Podracer, The Big Grizzly & Exit Pursued By Bear

  Voodoo

  Belfast

  

  Bearly Organised Promotions are to run their second show to date at Belfast's Voodoo bar on January 21, to be headlined by uplifting pop-rock trio A Northern Light.

  Support comes from sleaze-rock outfit The Unprotected, Dundalk post-punk/grunge act Podracer, recently expanded synth-infused alt. rock quartet The Big Grizzly - some of whom are in charge of the running of the night - and Limavady's Exit Pursued By Bear.

  Doors open at 9pm and entry costs £4 before 10pm and £5 after.

• Fri

  24

  Jan

  2014

  John Newman

  Limelight 1

  Belfast

  

  Fast rising 23 year old English singer John Newman plays the Limelight 1 on January 24.

  His debut album Tribute topped album charts upon its release and follows up on his number 1 debut single 'Love Me Again'. This is Newman's first solo UK tour, having toured previously as special guest and singer on Rudimental's UK tour.

  Tickets are available for £18 from Ticketmaster and the usual outlets. Doors open at 8pm.

• Fri

  24

  Jan

  2014

  Aether Presents: Daniel Avery, REPLETE & Chris Hanna

  Aether & Echo

  Belfast

  

  Electronic artist Daniel Avery plays Belfast's latest up-and-coming venue Aether & Echo on January 24 as part of his Drone Logic tour following his acclaimed 2013 album of the same name.

  Support comes from Kilkenny's REPLETE and Belfast DJ Chris Hanna.

  Tickets are available for £10 on the night or in advance for £8 from Ticketsource. Doors open at 9pm.

• Fri

  24

  Jan

  2014

  De Temps Antan

  Black Box

  Belfast

  

  Québec trio De Temps Antan perform at the Black Box on January 24 as part of the Out To Lunch Festival.

  The three members -Éric Beaudry, André Brunet and Pierre-Luc Dupuis - are all former members of the French-Canadian traditional group La Bottine Souriante. They blend three-part vocals with traditional instruments like fiddle, accordion, harmonica, guitar, bouzouki, mandolin and foot-percussion, while their set arranges classics with deep traditional tunes peppered with contemporary influences.

  Tickets are available for £10 from the CQAF Ticketsolve. Doors open at 9pm.

• Fri

  24

  Jan

  2014

  BREED: Levity Breaks, In An Instant & Paper Man

  The Pavilion

  Belfast

  

  Our own Brian Coney's regular new local music night BREED this month hosts fast-rising indie-rock band Levity Breaks, who released their debut EP Maudlin in October 2013.

  Support comes from hotly-tipped young Bangor synth-driven indie act In An Instant and Ballyclare alt. rock quartet Paper Man, whose debut EP After Effects shows much promise.

  There'll be visuals in the form of film chosen by the bands. Entry costs £5 and doors open at 9pm.

• Sat

  25

  Jan

  2014

  Harvest

  The Barge

  Belfast

  

  As part of the Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival, Harvest are to play the Belfast Barge on January 25 as a celebration of his incoming 75th year. 

  In retaliation to Neil's refusal to play many of his bigger hits, Harvest play the best known songs of his early years from Buffalo Springfield through to Harvest, and some cuts from the late eighties and early 90s period.

  Tickets are available from the CQAF Ticketsolve for £8. Doors open at 8pm.

• Sat

  25

  Jan

  2014

  The Riot Jazz Brass Band

  Black Box

  Belfast

  

  9-piece live outfit The Riot Jazz Brass Band - a namesake of their self-coined genre label - play the Black Box on January 25 as part of the Out To Lunch Festival 2014.

  The band's sound combines aggressive jazz, hip-hop sampling, funk, reinterpretations of dubstep, drum'n'bass and classic dancefloor-fillers (amongst others). They've reportedly been working with Plan B and London Elektricity, on top of their much-anticipated debut LP.

  Tickets are available for £10 from CQAF's Ticketsolve. Doors open at 8pm.

• Sat

  25

  Jan

  2014

  Drew Holcomb and the Neighbours & Malojian (2pm)

  Black Box

  Belfast

  

  Eight years on from releasing his solo album, Washed In Blue, Memphis, Tennessee singer-songwriter - alongside his troupe - Drew Holcomb and the Neighbours will perform Belfast’s Black Box in an early 2pm show on January 25 as part of Out To Lunch 2014.

  Support on the night will come from our very own Stephen Scullion AKA Malojian, who recently released The Deer's Cry, his debut album under the Malojian pseudonym.

  Tickets are available from the CQAF Ticketsolve for a mere £4. The show takes place at 2pm.

   

• Wed

  29

  Jan

  2014

  Less Than Jake, Reel Big Fish & Zebrahead

  Limelight 1

  Belfast

  

  Florida ska-punk-pop pioneers Less Than Jake are to play a joint headline show with their Californian peers Reel Big Fish in Belfast's Limelight 1 on January 29, with additional support from pop-punkers Zebrahead.

  

  Less than Jake formed in 1992 at the University of Florida and released their first album Pezcore in 1995. Since then, the band has continually released new music, with the most recent record being 2012's Greetings and Salutations From Less Than Jake.
  

  Reel Big Fish - perhaps typified by their hit 'Sell Out' - are one of the legendary bands of the 90s ska-punk movement. Following many lineup changes, the only original band member left today is frontman Aaron Barrett, but just last year they released new LP Candy Coated Fury.

  Tickets are available from Ticketmaster and Katy's Bar for £23. 

• Thu

  30

  Jan

  2014

  Killswitch Engage

  Limelight 1

  Belfast

  

  US metalcore five piece Killswitch Engage have announced a show at the Limelight 1 to take place on January 30.

  The band formed in Westfield, Massachusetts in 1999 and released their eponymous debut album in 2000. They've went on to release another 5 albums, with the most recent being April's Disarm the Descent. 

  Tickets priced at £21.50 are on sale from Ticketmaster & Katy's Bar. Doors open at 7pm.

• Thu

  30

  Jan

  2014

  Anamanaguchi

  McHugh's Bar

  Belfast

  

  New York chiptune band Anamanaguchi play McHugh's Bar on January 30. 

  They release their new album Endless Fantasy, their follow-up to the Scott Pilgrim vs. The World soundtrack in 2010.  They teamed up with the Tim & Eric editing crew to make their first video, 'Meow'.

  Tickets are available for £10 from Ticketmaster & Shine.net. Doors open at 8pm.

• Thu

  30

  Jan

  2014

  Independent Venue Week Special: Little Bear, Go Wolf & The Couth

  Oh Yeah Centre

  Belfast

  

  Derry-Londonderry folk act Little Bear headline a show at the Oh Yeah Centre for Independent Venue Week on January 30. They recently released a single on Smalltown America and played Electric Picnic in 2013.

  Belfast-based indie-pop act Go Wolf and Lisburn indie rockers The Couth support at the show. The former were recently included on French Kitsuné Maison label's compilation last year.

  Supported by PRS for Music, Independent Venue Week is a series of gigs from January 28-February 2 which celebrates and supports venues which play a significant role to musicians and fans of local music. The Oh Yeah Centre is Northern Ireland's only venue this year, with 17 other venues scattered across the UK. 

  Tickets are available for £5 from WeGotTickets. Doors open at 9pm.

• Fri

  31

  Jan

  2014

  Tera Melos, Tied To Machines

  Bar Sub

  Belfast

  

  Genre-spanning trio Tera Melos have announced dates in Ireland on their first tour of 2014. They play Bar Sub in the Queen's University SU on January 31 as well as Dublin's Workman's Club on February 1. 

  Having formed in 2004, the Californian trio are known primarily for their jazz-tinged math-rock stylings - a tag which they've eschewed, but deserve much credit for their contributions to the genre. Most recently they released their latest album X'ed Out on Sargent House.

  Banbridge hardcore quartet Tied To Machines are to support on the night.

  Tickets are available for £10 from Ticketmaster and QUBSU. Doors open at 8pm.

• Fri

  31

  Jan

  2014

  Salvation Presents: A Night of Neo-Psych, Shoegaze & Dream Pop

  The Menagerie

  Belfast

  

  The Menagerie host a night of neo-psych, shoegaze and dream pop on January 31 for their Salvation night. 

  DJ sets come from Documenta and the Salvation resident DJs. The first 20 people through the door will receive a free mixtape!

  Entry costs £5 and doors open at 9pm.

• Sat

  01

  Feb

  2014

  Ron Pope with Wakey! Wakey!

  Mandela Hall

  Belfast

  

  Brooklyn singer-songwriter Ron Pope plays the Mandela Hall with support from fellow alternative New York natives Wakey! Wakey! on February 1 following his previous sellout show at the Empire.

  The pop/rock songwriter broke through in 2005 with internet hit 'A Drop in the Ocean'. He's released music at an incredibly prolific rate since 2007, and the first track - 'Lick My Wounds' - from his latest album has just been released. 

  Tickets are on sale from QUBSU and Ticketmaster for £14. Doors open at 7pm.

• Sat

  01

  Feb

  2014

  September Girls & Cruising

  The Menagerie

  Belfast

  

  Hotly tipped Dublin noise-pop act September Girls play Belfast's Menagerie on February 1 in yet another stellar show for Strange Victory Promotions.

  The all-female act just released their debut album Cursing The Sea, which was put out on one of the quintessential noise-pop/post-punk labels going, Fortuna POP! in January. 

  Support comes from Cruising, a new band featuring Sea Pinks' Neil Brogan. There will also be a DJ set from Johnny Carberry (of Cheap Thrills).

  Entry costs £5 and doors open at 9pm.

• Sat

  01

  Feb

  2014

  PIG//CONTROL, Gaze, The Steady Decline & Spitting Teeth

  The Warzone Centre

  Belfast

   

  

  Berlin hardcore noiseniks PIG//CONTROL play the Warzone Centre on February 1. To date, they've released a demo tape, 2 EPs and have been around since October 2011.

  Supporting are Dublin band Gaze - who make their Belfast debut at the show - up-and-coming dark Belfast hardcore five piece The Steady Decline - who have an EP out for free on Bandcamp - and dirtbag Belfast punks Spitting Teeth.

  Distros and stalls from Visions of Warnings and Savour Your Scene will also be present at the show.

  Entry costs £8 and doors open at 9pm. As per the Warzone rules, it's BOYB with no glass permitted. 

• Sat

  01

  Feb

  2014

  Rory Nellis 'The Moon' EP Launch w/Owen Lamont & Meb Jon Sol

  The Sunflower Bar

  Belfast

  

  Prolific songwriter both solo and with Seven Summits, Rory Nellis is to launch his new The Moon EP with a show at the Sunflower Bar.

  Neillis recently released his incredible single 'Mind Control' which we named as one of Ireland's finest songs of 2013. We heartily recommend you hastily download it - it's on a pay-what-you-like basis, so you've no reason not to.

  Support comes from singer-songwriter Owen Lamont and rootsy rock n' roll act Meb Jon Sol.

• Sat

  01

  Feb

  2014

  Million Dollar Reload - As Real As It Gets Live Album Launch

  The Pavilion

  Belfast

  

  Both their first show of 2014 and their last show before they set out off on a brief tour with the fast-rising Blackberry Smoke, Northern Irish rock n' roll five-piece Million Dollar Reload will launch their new live album, As Real As It Gets, at Belfast's Pavilion on Saturday, February 1.

  A show by local promoters SO:NI, support on the night will come from Payola, Yellow Sam and an acoustic set from Stefan Murray. Doors are at 8.30pm, admission is £5.00.

• Sun

  02

  Feb

  2014

  Anna Calvi

  The Empire

  Belfast

   

  

  English guitarist & singer-songwriter Anna Calvi has announced a show in the Empire Music Hall in Belfast on February 2.

  She has to date released 2 albums, her eponymous 2011 debut and the only just released follow-up One Breath. 

  Tickets are available from Ticketmaster for £14. Doors open at 8pm.

• Tue

  04

  Feb

  2014

  The Deep Dark Woods

  McHugh's Basement

  Belfast

  

  Saskatoon alt. country quintet The Deep Dark Woods play McHugh's Basement Bar on February 4.

  The band have just released their fifth album since 2006, Jubilee - recorded in a cabin in the Rocky Mountains - which sees them dabble in psychedelia and electric folk while still maintaining their Canadian country heads. You should check out recent single 'December 18'.

  Tickets are available priced at £9.50 from Ticketmaster & Shine.net. Doors open at 8pm.

• Thu

  06

  Feb

  2014

  Cymbals w/Documenta

  Limelight 2

  Belfast

  

  Synth-led indie act Cymbals play the Limelight 2 on February 6, just a week after the release of their new album The Age of Fracture.

  The London-based four piece spent 12 months writing and recording the album in Hackney, and several singles have been released to date - check out 'The Natural World' and 'Like An Animal' for a hint of the band's New Order-meets-Yo La Tengo sound.

  Support comes from Belfast space rock/drone pop outfit Documenta.

  Tickets are available for £5 from Ticketmaster, Katy's Bar and the usual outlets. Doors open at 8pm.

• Thu

  06

  Feb

  2014

  Radar Presents: Sullivan & Gold, Wild Promises & The Jepettos

  The Speakeasy

  Belfast

  

  The first Radar to be announced in 2014 is to take place on February 6 and will be headlined by Derry acoustic-based duo Sullivan & Gold.

  The pair - Adam Montgomery & Ben Robinson, formerly of The Good Fight - released their new album, For Foes on Smalltown America in November 2013. 

  Support comes from synthy dream-pop Dublin quartet Wild Promises - who have recently completed their debut LP - and whimsical husband/wife-led folk-pop act The Jepettos.

  As always, entry is free & doors open at 9pm.

• Thu

  06

  Feb

  2014

  Little Matador & The Wood Burning Savages

  Atlantic Bar

  Portrush

  

  Snow Patrol guitarist Nathan Connolly's latest project Little Matador play a show at the Atlantic Lounge on 6 February in Portrush as part of a growing Irish tour. 

  The group, also featuring members like LaFaro's Dave Magee, Troy Stewart (of Gary Lightbody's Tired Pony), Gavin Fox of Turn & Idlewild as well as Binzer Brennan of Bell X1 & The Frames. They have to date released one EP, with a free download of their tune 'Liar, Liar' available online.

  Derry alternative indie quartet The Wood Burning Savages support, and there'll be a DJ set from Good Vibrations' creator Terri Hooley.

  Admission costs £4 and the show opens at 9.30pm.

• Fri

  07

  Feb

  2014

  August Burns Red, Hundredth & Being As An Ocean (14+)

  Mandela Hall

  Belfast

  

  Metalcore act August Burns Red are playing a 14+ show in the Mandela Hall on February 7.

  The five piece recently released their sixth studio album Rescue & Restore, which branches out from the usual metalcore trappings and incorporates more of their signature unusual meter changes and diverse instrumental arrangements.

  Tickets are available for £12 from Ticketmaster, QUBSU, Shine.net and The Stiff Kitten bar.

• Sat

  08

  Feb

  2014

  Little Comets

  The Limelight

  Belfast

  

  Indie band Little Comets have announced a show at the Limelight on February 8 - their first show in Belfast since they performed to a sold out Auntie Annie's crowd in April 2013.

  Formed in 2009, the trio released their debut album In Search of Elusive Little Comets in 2011 and just last year released the follow-up, Life is Elsewhere. 

  Tickets are available from Ticketmaster.

• Sat

  08

  Feb

  2014

  Cramps Tribute Night: The Sabrejets, The Groundlings, Los Reyez, Thee Flash Guns

  Black Box

  Belfast

  

  The Black Box hosts the fifth annual Cramps tribute night, which features rockabilly quartet The Sabrejets, classic rhythm n' blues act The Groundlings, surf rockers Los Reyez and Thee Flash Guns, as well as a tribute set from Sunglasses After Dark's Ryan Fitzsimmons. 

  The night is entitled 'Last of the Voodoo Idols' and pays tribute to the sleazy 50's garage punk/psychobilly icons. 

  Entry costs £5 and doors open at 8.30pm. The free tribute EP featuring a cover from each band on the night will be available to the first 200 people to attend the gig.

  

• Sun

  09

  Feb

  2014

  Newton Faulkner

  Limelight 1

  Belfast

  

  Acoustic guitar virtuoso Newton Faulkner plays the Limelight 1 on February 9, having sold out most other venues in Belfast in previous performances.

  Faulkner's debut album Hand Built By Robots was released in 2007 which saw him break out and reach number 1. He released Write It On Your Skin in 2012 and he made some history by live streaming the recording of his latest album Studio Zoo for the 5 weeks it took to record in summer of 2013.

  Tickets are available for £19.50 from Ticketmaster & Katy's Bar. Doors open at 8pm as it is an early show.

• Mon

  10

  Feb

  2014

  The Virgins

  Voodoo

  Belfast

  

  New York indie/post-punk four piece The Virgins play Voodoo on February 10.

  The band - formed in 2006 - recently released their second album Strike Gently which oozes contemporary danceable post-punk and serves as the follow-up to their eponymous 2008 debut album. The band have been confirmed as support to The Killers on their next US tour, and have shared stages with punk and indie rock icons Iggy & The Stooges, Lou Reed, Sonic Youth & Patti Smith. We recommend the first single off Strike Gently, 'Flashbacks, Memories & Dreams'.

  Tickets are available from Ticketmaster, Shine.net and the Stiff Kitten bar for £8. Doors open at 9pm.

• Tue

  11

  Feb

  2014

  The Boxer Rebellion

  Limelight 2

  Belfast

  

  Indie act The Boxer Rebellion have announced a show to take place in the Limelight 2 on February 11. 

  The act, formed in 2001 in London, have members from England, Australia and the US, and have to date released 4 albums, with fifth LP Promises having just been put out.

  Tickets are available from Ticketmaster & Katy's Bar for £12. Doors open at 7pm as it is an early show.

• Tue

  11

  Feb

  2014

  I Am The Grasshopper, Venus Effect, Third Degree & Pete McAuley

  Voodoo

  Belfast

  

  Seize The Day NI - a charity who donate to the Royal Victoria Hospital for sick children - are hosting a 'history of NI music with new bands' at Voodoo on February 11 to be headlined by I Am The Grasshopper who formed in summer 2013. 

  Support comes from alt. rock trio Venus Effect, diverse alternative quartet Third Degree and Pete McAuley. The show will also include a raffle and photographic art gallery.

  Minimum donation is £3 and doors open at 9pm.

• Wed

  12

  Feb

  2014

  Down To Level 'Bounce' EP Launch w/Part Time Pilots, EQ1NIX & Drop Your Guns

  Bar Sub, QUBSU

  Belfast

  

  Funk-influenced alt. rock five piece Down To Level play Bar Sub to launch their Bounce EP.

  Dirty punk rock act from Omagh, Part Time Pilots support, as well as EQ1NIX and pop-punk quartet Drop Your Guns, who just released their debut single 'Pictures of You' - available on a pay-what-you-like basis.

  Entry costs £4 and doors open at 8pm. EP's will be available for £2 on the night too.

• Fri

  14

  Feb

  2014

  Dan Le Sac vs Scroobius Pip

  Limelight 1

  Belfast

  

  Electronic/hip-hop duo Dan Le Sac Vs Scroobius Pip have announced a show in the Limelight 1 to take place on February 14.

  The pair's third album Repent Replenish Repeat is released on October 7 following a hiatus after their second LP to allow for both members to pursue their solos paths. The first single from the album 'Stunner' was released as a free download. The single shows signs of the pair moving with the times, with wordsmith Pip describing the beat as 'sick as hell'.

  Tickets, priced at £13.50,  are on sale from Ticketmaster & Katy's Bar. Doors open at 9pm.

  They also perform in Dublin on February 10 & 11, then Cork's Cyprus Avenue on the following night.

• Fri

  14

  Feb

  2014

  Jarrod Dickenson

  The Sunflower Bar

  Belfast

  

  Following his sell-out show in the Open House Festival earlier in 2013, Texas-born, NYC-based songwriter Jarrod Dickenson returns to Belfast to play a show at the Sunflower Bar - 65 Union St. - on February 14.

  The rootsy Americana/folk singer released his first album Ashes On The Ground in 2009 and has since released Live At Roost House in 2010 and his second studio album, The Lonesome Traveller in 2012.

  Advance online tickets are available from Open House's Ticketsolve for £8. Doors open at 8pm.

• Fri

  14

  Feb

  2014

  Valentine's Day Beat Down: By Any Means & Owlcrusher

  Stiff Kitten

  Belfast

  

  Savour Your Scene Records holds its Valentines day special at the Stiff Kitten. It's co-headlined by hardcore act By Any Means and doom/sludge trio Owlcrusher - formerly known as Dwell In Sun. Expect riffs.

  There will also be a DJ set from the Savour Your Scene Records guys, playing some select metal, punk, thrash and hardcore.

  Entry costs £4 and doors open at 10pm.

• Sat

  15

  Feb

  2014

  The Valentine's Day Massacre: Astro's Hombres

  The Menagerie

  Belfast

  

  Seldom-seen Danzig-era Misfits tribute act Astro's Hombres make their return at The Menagerie on February 15.

  Featuring members of several reputable local bands like Before Machines and Thee Penny Dreadfuls, Astro's Hombres have played barely a handful of shows to date, so it's worth catching the best -and only - Misfits tribute band that we're aware of in the land.

  Entry costs £3 and doors open at 9pm.

• Mon

  17

  Feb

  2014

  The 1975

  Ulster Hall

  Belfast

  

  With a show at the Mandela Hall over a month away at the time of announcement, Mancunian art-pop quartet The 1975 have confirmed their biggest Belfast show to date to be at the Ulster Hall on February 17.

  Formed in Manchester in 2002 as teenagers, the four piece have, to date, released 3 EPs in Facedown, Sex and Music For Cars as the size of their shows over the last year continues to grow. Their eponymous debut album was released at the start of this September.

  Tickets are available from £17 from Ticketmaster & the Ulster Hall. Doors open at 7.30pm and under 16s must be accompanied by an adult.

• Wed

  19

  Feb

  2014

  The Beards

  Black Box

  Belfast

  

  Hirstute Australian folky rock n' rollers The Beards play the Black Box on February 19 as part of their 'Euro-bout To Grow A Beard' Tour of spring 2014. 

  Having formed in 2005, the bearded quartet have released three albums to date with the most recent being 2012's Having a Beard is the New Not Having a Beard, and it looks like they have another album in the works.

  Tickets are available from Ticketmaster & the Black Box for £10. Doors open at 8pm.

• Wed

  19

  Feb

  2014

  Guinness Versus - Heat One: Third Degree, Sorcha & Hannah, Arkham Dispatch & Scream Blue Murmur

  The Pavilion

  Belfast

  

  With £1000 and a slot at this year's Sunflower Fest to offer as a grand prize, The Pavilion Bar's Guinness Versus competition has returned. Heat one takes place on February 19. Judges include Phil from SONI Live, Richard from Panic Dots and our own Brian Coney.

  The four acts in the first heat are alternative rock quartet Third Degree, singer-songwriter duo Sorcha & Hannah, Canadian imports Arkham Dispatch and eight-piece groove-merchants Scream Blue Murmur.

  Admission costs £3 and doors open at 8.45pm.

• Thu

  20

  Feb

  2014

  George Ezra

  McHugh's Basement

  Belfast

  

  Bristol singer-songwriter George Ezra is set to play McHughs Basement on February 20.

  This show sees Ezra touring his debut Did You Hear The Rain EP, from which 'Budapest' and 'You Don't Have To Be In The Army To Fight In The War' are available for free download.

  Tickets are available for £9.50 from Shine.net and Ticketmaster. Doors open at 8pm.

• Thu

  20

  Feb

  2014

  Ed Zealous 'Wired' Album Launch w/GO WOLF & Affleck

  Limelight 2

  Belfast

  

  Indie-electronic quartet Ed Zealous hold the album launch show for their long-overdue debut album Wired at the Limelight 2 on February 20. Snow Patrol's Gary Lightbody has that Wired is “a slice of awesome electro that would fizz in your mouth if you took a bite.” High praise from a reputable source indeed. 

  Support comes from fellow hotly-tipped indie-pop outfit GO WOLF and quirky alt. electronic/pop trio Affleck, whose debut EP must be heard.

  Tickets are available for £6 plus booking fee from Ticketmaster and Shine.net. Doors open at 9pm.

• Fri

  21

  Feb

  2014

  Orla Gartland (14+)

  Oh Yeah Centre

  Belfast

  

  Irish singer-songwriter Orla Gartland is to play the Oh Yeah Centre on February 21 in a 14+ show.

  She received attention at first through her YouTube postings of original songs and covers - she has to date recieved over 9 million views. She specialises in quirky folk pop with a vocals very much tinged by celtic music. 

  Tickets are available for £7.50 from Shine.net, Ticketmaster & the usual outlets. Doors open at 7pm.

• Fri

  21

  Feb

  2014

  The Return of The Dangerfields w/The Steady Decline, No Matter & Acid Age

  The Warzone Centre

  Belfast

  

  For one night only, Belfast cult punk-rock act The Dangerfields play a show for Down by Law at the Warzone Centre on February 21.

  New hardcore five piece The Steady Decline are on support for the night, alongside pop-punk act No Matter and self-proclaimed hyper thrash band Acid Age.

  Entry costs £10, doors open at 9pm and there's a BYOB policy, with strictly no glass allowed.

• Fri

  21

  Feb

  2014

  SONI Presents Four for '14: Nasa Assassin, Escobar, Rocket Propelled Gorillas & Sethway

  The Empire

  Belfast

  

  On February 21, SONI (Sounds of Northern Ireland) run a 'Four for '14' show at the Empire, to be headlined by space metal enthusiasts Nasa Assassin, who launch their album Area 69. Also launching their debut single are alt. rock act Escobar.

  Groove-filled electro-rock outfit Rocket Propelled Gorillas and hook-laden pop-rockers Sethway open up the night.

  Doors open at 8.30pm and admission costs £5.

• Sat

  22

  Feb

  2014

  John Murry

  The Empire

  Belfast

  

  Mississippi-born singer-songwriter John Murry plays the Empire Music Hall on February 22 for Open House Concerts.

  Having moved to California in 2003, Murry battled prescription drug and heroin addictions before an overdose led to a near-death experience. He went on to release his debut album The Graceless Age shortly after and reviews have been filled with acclaim. 

  Tickets are available from Open House for £10 and will be £15 on the door. Doors open at 7.30pm.

• Sat

  22

  Feb

  2014

  Rechord Presents: The Big Grizzly, Paper Man & R51

  The Pavilion

  Belfast

  

  A new gig night 'Rechord Presents' is to take place at the Ormeau Road's Pavilion on February 22, and will be headlined by synth-driven noisemakers The Big Grizzly.

  Support comes from alt. rock trio Paper Man and shoegaze-inspired popmakers R51.

  Doors open at 9pm and entry costs £4.

• Sat

  22

  Feb

  2014

  Stygmate, Safe Ships, Past Victories & Petty Youth

  Bar Sub, QUBSU

  Belfast

  

  Parisian garage punk rockers Stygmate are coming to QUB's Bar Sub on February 22 as part of their second Irish tour. They've been together since 1994 and have played with some of the biggest names in DIY punk in their time. Their latest album is called Sous Tes Yeux (Before Your Eyes).

  Support comes from hardcore quartet Safe Ships, alt. rock act Past Victories - who feature members of Hornets, Strait Laces, Lantern For A Gale & The Assailants - and DIY garage rock n' roll outfit Petty Youth.

  Entry costs £5 and doors open at 8.30pm.

• Sun

  23

  Feb

  2014

  Damien Dempsey

  Mandela Hall

  Belfast

  

  Dublin singer-songwriter Damien Dempsey plays the Mandela Hall on February 23 to promote his latest compilation, due out shortly.

  Dempsey released his first album in 2000, but had been active since 1995. Mixing Irish traditional with contemporary folk, he comments heavily on the Celtic Tiger era of the Irish economy.

  Tickets are available for £17.50 from Ticketmaster, the QUBSU reception and the usual outlets.

   

• Tue

  25

  Feb

  2014

  Eric Church

  Ulster Hall

  Belfast

  

  Country/southern rock songwriter Eric Church plays the Ulster Hall on February 25.

  Church hails from Granite Falls, North Carolina and is often labelled as 'outlaw country' - that which takes influence from the likes of Kris Kristofferson and Merle Haggard - as well as having some hard rock and metal influences. He releases his fifth album, The Outsiders in 2014.

  Tickets are available from £27.50 from Ticketmaster & the Ulster Hall box office. Doors open at 7.30pm.

• Wed

  26

  Feb

  2014

  Charity Skydive Fundraiser: By Any Means, Safe Ships, Skeletons & Big Strong Man

  Voodoo

  Belfast

  

  Belfast hardcore act Safe Ships' Matt Chambers is to do a skydive in March in aid of the charity organisations Rehability and the Molly & Mia Foundation. In order to raise money, they've put together a suitably aggressive lineup at Voodoo on February 26, topped by stalwarts By Any Means.

  Organisers Safe Ships are also on the bill, alongside More Than Conquerors' impressive hardcore project Skeletons, with the night opening with a performance from Gascan Ruckus drummer Ross McKernan's folk alter ego Big Strong Man.

  Entry costs £5 and doors open at 8.30pm.

• Wed

  26

  Feb

  2014

  Guinness Versus Heat 2: Podracer, Tyrannasonic Deaf Rays, Andrew Martin, Aquatramp & In An Instant

  The Pavilion

  Belfast

  

  With £1000 and a slot at this year's Sunflower Fest to offer as a grand prize, The Pavilion Bar's Guinness Versus competition has returned. Heat one takes place on February 19. Judges include Phil from SONI Live, Richard from Panic Dots and our own Brian Coney.

  The five acts in this heat are alt. rock trios Podracer and Tyrannasonic Deaf Rays, singer-songwriter Andrew Martin, heavy rock outfit Aquatramp and young Bangor synthy indie-pop quartet In An Instant.

  Entry costs £4 and doors open at 8.45pm.

• Thu

  27

  Feb

  2014

  Hidden Machine 01: Master & Dog, The Jepettos & Patrick Gardiner

  Voodoo

  Belfast

  

  Brand new gig night Hidden Machine run their first show on February 27 at Voodoo with alt/folk act Master and Dog to headline. They have - to-date - released two excellent albums, one under the Master & Dog name and one with their previous moniker, John, Shelly & The Creatures.

  Support comes from quirky folk-pop outfit The Jepettos and singer-songwriter Patrick Gardiner. Hidden Machine organiser and Blast 106 & The Thin Air contributor James Magill is to DJ the show.

  Entry costs £5 or £4 from the cheaplist. Doors open at 9pm.

• Thu

  27

  Feb

  2014

  Radar Presents: Chocolate Love Factory, Making Monsters & Green Monkey

  The Speakeasy

  Belfast

  

  Increasingly groovy, recently expanded quartet Chocolate Love Factory headline Radar's second night of the semester at the usual venue in QUBSU on February 27.

  Support comes from female-fronted Derry 4 piece alt. metal outfit Making Monsters - who recently revealed the video for their single, 'Limits' - and rap-rock enthusiasts Green Monkey.

  As always, entry is free and doors open at 9pm.

• Fri

  28

  Feb

  2014

  The Jezabels

  Limelight 2

  Belfast

  

  Australian pop noir four piece The Jezabels play the Limelight 2 on February 28 following a successful support slot with Depeche Mode on their late 2013 UK tour, which took in a show at Belfast's Odyssey Arena.

  They released a trilogy of EPs from 2009 to 2010 and went on to put out their debut album Prisoner in 2011. They go on to release their debut album in early 2014.

  Tickets are available from Ticketmaster and Katy's Bar. Doors open at 7.30pm.

• Fri

  28

  Feb

  2014

  Kryptic State, Bellos & more

  Regan's Bar

  Maghera

  

  Mid-Ulster's latest young outfit, alt rock quartet Kryptic State - who recently released a debut EP - play a headline show at Regan's Bar in Maghera. 

  Grunge power trio Bellos are also on the bill, with more to be confirmed.

  Entry costs £5 and doors open at 8.30pm.

   

• Sat

  01

  Mar

  2014

  Maximo Park

  Limelight 2

  Belfast

  

  Indie quintet Maximo Park return to Belfast with a show at Belfast's Limelight 2 on March 1.

  They return with their fifth album Too Much Information, released in January 2014. They've recently released a video for single 'Brain Cells', which is available for free download.

  Tickets are available for £16.50 from Ticketmaster and doors open at 7pm as it is an early show.

• Sat

  01

  Mar

  2014

  SHINE: Green Velvet, Midland, Dense & Pika, Phil Kieran, Space Dimension Controller

  QUBSU

  Belfast

  

  The Queen's University Students' Union plays host to SHINE on March 1, with 3 rooms playing some of the finest electronica artists of their kind on offer.

  Chicago's Green Velvet is to headline Room 1 of the show, which also features London-based Midland and Belfast's own Phil Kieran. Room 2 features London techno act Dense & Pika, Schmutz and Chris Hanna. Space Dimension Controller is in all-night command of Room 3, which is billed as a return to Mikrosektor 50, with special guests and visuals by DSNT.

  Tickets are available now for £18 as a student or £20 elsewhere, from The Stiff Kitten, Shine.net, QUBSU and Ticketmaster.

• Sat

  01

  Mar

  2014

  Music City Roots Show: Chip Taylor, Gareth Dunlop, Jim Lauderdale & Donovan

  The Empire

  Belfast

  

  The Music City Roots Show (MCR) is coming from Nashville to Belfast for the first time, and will record a live show at the Belfast Nashville Songwriters Festival. The show will be included on a series of one-hour specials on US network PBS.
  

  The show itself showcases Americana and roots music from four artists. Americana/country singer-songwriter Jim Lauderdale is to MC at the event, and it will feature reknowned country artist Chip Taylor, local songwriter Gareth Dunlop and iconic Scottish singer-songwriter Donovan.

  Tickets are available for £15 from Ticketmaster & The Empire. Doors open at 6.30pm & the show starts at 7.30pm.

• Sat

  01

  Mar

  2014

  Chewing On Tinfoil, Maladroit, The Murderburgers, We Grow Beards, Some Sort Of Threat & Kev Jones

  The Warzone Centre

  Belfast

  

  Irish punk rock act Chewing On Tinfoil play the Warzone Centre on March 1 following the 2013 release of their new album Marrowbone Lane.

  The impressive European support bill consists of French punk act Maladroit, Scottish pop-punk trio The Murderburgers, Dorking-based history-referencing WeGrowBeards, Exeter folk punk outfit Some Sort Of Threat as well as Empty Lungs' Kev Jones opening with an acoustic set.
  

  Tickets are available for £8 in advance from One Ton Bison or £10 on the door. Doors open at 7pm and it's BYOB with no glass allowed.

• Sat

  01

  Mar

  2014

  No Tomorrow: Girl Band, Cruising & Not Squares DJ Set

  Voodoo

  Belfast

   

  We're very happy to announce the birth of No Tomorrow, our brand new gig/club night at Voodoo Belfast starting on Saturday, March 1st.
  
  Joining us for the launch party on the night will be headliners, Dublin noise rock band Girl Band, the already very promising CRUISING and a DJ set from the one and only Not Squares. We will also be DJing ourselves, there will be some kickass visuals for your sensual perusal and the first fifty people through the door will get a special No Tomorrow goodie bag (disclaimer: not necessarily Haribo in a bag).

  Entry costs £5. Doors open at 9pm.

• Sun

  02

  Mar

  2014

  Twenty One Pilots (14+)

  Oh Yeah Centre

  Belfast

  

  Piano-driven indie-rocktronica-making pair Twenty One Pilots play a 14+ show at the Oh Yeah Centre on March 2.

  This news follows the pair's well-received shows at Reading & Leeds over the summer and the likes of Zane Lowe have been championing the pair. Their debut major label album Vessel was released at the start of 2013, but the pair had self-released albums in 2009 & 2011.

  Tickets are available for £12 from Shine.net, Ticketmaster & the Stiff Kitten Bar. Doors open at 7pm.

• Mon

  03

  Mar

  2014

  James Bay (14+)

  Oh Yeah Centre

  Belfast

  

  English singer-songwriter James Bay is to play the Oh Yeah Centre on March 3 in a 14+ show.

  This follows his stint of several sold out shows with Kodaline and the likes of Laura Mvula. He released his debut EP in summer 2013 and is now working on his first album.

  Tickets are available for £8.50 from Shine.net and Ticketmaster. Doors open at 7pm.

• Tue

  04

  Mar

  2014

  John Grant

  Mandela Hall

  Belfast

  

  US singer-songwriter John Grant has announced a show for Open House at the Mandela Hall on March 4.

  Formerly of Denver alt. rock outfit The Czars, Grant released his first solo LP, the highly acclaimed Queen of Denmark in 2010, before this year's equally respected Pale Green Ghosts. 

  Tickets are available from Open House for £16.50 and on the door for £20. Doors open at 8pm.

• Wed

  05

  Mar

  2014

  Rachel Sermanni w/Mo Kenney

  Black Box Green Room

  Belfast

  

  Scottish folk musician Rachel Sermanni plays for Open House Concerts at the Black Box Green Room on March 5.

  The singer-songwriter last played Belfast at Voodoo last year in support of her debut album Under Mountains, which she followed up in early 2013 with the Everything Changes EP.

  Support comes from fellow young female singer-songwriter, Canada's Mo Kenney who has to date put out one LP.

  Tickets are available from Open House's Ticketsolve for £10 in advance. Doors open at 8pm.

• Wed

  05

  Mar

  2014

  Guinness Versus - Heat 3: The Wood Burning Savages, Sethway, The Remedy, Deadlights & Sons of Encouragement

  The Pavilion

  Belfast

  

  With £1000 and a slot at this year's Sunflower Fest to offer as a grand prize, The Pavilion Bar's Guinness Versus competition has returned. Heat one takes place on February 19. Judges include Phil from SONI Live, Richard from Panic Dots and our own Brian Coney.

  The five (not literally) combatants this time are Derry indie act The Wood Burning Savages, pop-rock five piece Sethway, indie/alternative quartet The Remedy, alt. rock outfits Deadlights and Sons of Encouragement.

  Entry costs £4 and doors open at 8.45pm.

• Wed

  05

  Mar

  2014

  The Thin Air Presents: Slint - Breadcrumb Trail Screening and Lance Bangs Q&A

  The Garrick Bar

  Belfast

  

  We're very happy to announce the Northern Irish premiere of Breadcrumb Trail, the eagerly-anticipated forthcoming documentary on enigmatic Louisville post-rock pioneers, Slint. As well as screening the documentary in full, we will also have a very special Q+A with its director, Lance Bangs, on the night. 
  
  Taking place upstairs in Belfast's The Garrick Bar on Thursday, March 27, the event will also be followed with a full vinyl playback of Spiderland and various Slint-related tracks until late. 
  
  Breadcrumb Trail is the feature length documentary about the band Slint and the Louisville music culture they emerged from. Throughout the 1980s, a group of friends in Louisville, Kentucky grew up forming bands, breaking up, and reforming in different configurations. They were playing hardcore shows at ages 10-12, touring with Samhain as 14 year olds, recording for Homestead as Squirelbait at age 15, then formed Slint in their late teens and recorded the classic album Spiderland before they were 21. They broke up before the album’s release, giving no interviews and vanishing into their own shadows. Two decades passed as filmmaker Lance Bangs assembled unseen footage of the teenagers writing and arranging Spiderland as well as the first on camera interviews with the band members and their contemporaries trying to decipher what they had been through. 
  
  The documentary features, aside from Slint: Steve Albini, Ian Mackaye, David Grubbs, David Yow, James Murphy and archival material from Will Oldham. 

  Doors are at 8pm and admission is £8. As the room is quite small, capacity is limited to around 60 people, so we'll be working on a first come, first serve basis on the night. 

• Thu

  06

  Mar

  2014

  Gareth Dunlop Band in Concert

  The Empire

  Belfast

  

  The 10th Annual United Airlines Belfast Nashville Songwriters' Festival features Gareth Dunlop & his band live at the Belfast Empire on March 6.
  

  Having been awarded the 'Young Songwriter of the Year' back in 2011, Dunlop has a history with the festival and secured a publishing deal in Nashville at a showcase. Since then, his music has featured on several US hit television series. 

  Tickets are available for £12 from Ticketmaster and the Empire. Doors open at 8pm with the show to begin at 8.30pm.

• Thu

  06

  Mar

  2014

  Mojo Fury's Tenth Anniversary w/Emerald Armada & Two Glass Eyes

  Limelight 2

  Belfast

  

  Lisburn progressive alternative quartet Mojo Fury hold a tenth birthday show at the Limelight 2 on March 6 to celebrate the anniversary of their getting together.

  Mojo recently released their phenomenal second album The Difference Between, the follow-up to their debut Visiting Hours of a Travelling Circus.

  Support comes from alt. folk outfit The Emerald Armada and up & coming  north coast alt. rock trio Two Glass Eyes.
  

  Tickets are available for £8 from Ticketmaster, Katy's Bar and the usual outlets. Doors open at 8pm.

• Thu

  06

  Mar

  2014

  Radar Presents: The Wood Burning Savages, In Their Thousands & Down To Level

  The Speakeasy

  Belfast

  

  Derry indie quartet The Wood Burning Savages headline Radar at the Speakeasy on March 6. The act have just announced that their new single 'America' will be released as a single from all major online retailers from March 18.

  Support comes from alt. folk/rock outfit In Their Thousands, who have to-date released 4 EPs & groove-fuelled alt. rock five piece Down To Level.

  As always, entry is free and doors open at 9pm.

• Fri

  07

  Mar

  2014

  DevilDriver w/Sylosis & Bleed From WIthin

  Limelight 2

  Belfast

  

  Californian groove metaller DevilDriver include a show in Belfast's Limelight 2 on April 7 as part of their 2014 UK tour to promote their latest album Winter Kills.

  Their aforementioned latest album -their sixth since their eponymous 2003 debut LP - was released in August 2013 and this tour will be the only chance to catch Devildriver onstage in Europe in 2014. 

  On support for the UK leg of the tour are Reading metal act Sylosis and Glasgwegian outfit Bleed From Within, both of whom have 3 albums under their belts.

  Tickets are available for £18.50 from Ticketmaster, Katy's Bar and the usual outlets. Doors open at 8pm.

• Fri

  07

  Mar

  2014

  De La Soul - 25 Years Celebration

  Festival Marquee, Custom House Square

  Belfast

  

  Unquestionably important Long Island hip-hop act De La Soul play the Festival Marquee at the impressive Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival lineup.

  This performance marks 25 years since their debut album 3 Feet High and Rising and is a good time to reflect on the eclecticism and thoughtfulness that De La Soul offered up to their genre.

  Tickets are available for £15 from the CQAF Ticketsolve. Doors open at 8pm.

• Sat

  08

  Mar

  2014

  Plane Crasher, Bucolic Spectre, No Matter & Stuart Watson

  The Pavilion

  Belfast

  

  Down By Law Presents a rescheduled show from last November to be headlined by raw UK garage punk act Plane Crasher, who put out their Bob Weston-aided 12" EP in 2013. The show takes place at the Pavilion on March 8.

  Support comes from Om-influenced bass and drum duo Bucolic Sphere - who comprise members of Comply or Die & Slomatics - pop punk act No Matter and experimental/noise artists Stuart Watson.

  Entry costs £8 and doors open at 8pm.

• Sat

  08

  Mar

  2014

  Gama Bomb, Gacys Threads, Scimitar & Acid Age

  Voodoo

  Belfast

  

  Newry/Dublin speed thrash act Gama Bomb play Voodoo on March 8. They released their fourth album The Terror Tapes in 2013 and they made some history in 2009 when their album Tales From The Grave In Space was the first ever album released for free by a signed band.

  Support at the show comes from chaotic hardcore quartet Gacys Threads, thrash metallers Scimitar and self-proclaimed hyper thrash band Acid Age.

  Tickets are available from WeGotTickets for £12. Doors open at 9pm.

• Sat

  08

  Mar

  2014

  Unholy Trinity: War Iron, Okus & Owlcrusher

  Limelight 2

  Belfast

  

  The Distortion Project hosts a crushing metal at the Limelight 2 on March 8 to be headlined by twin-bass snail-paced sludge act War Iron.

  Drogheda crust-doom quartet Okus and doom trio Owlcrusher support at the show.

  Entry costs £5 and doors open at 5pm.

• Sat

  08

  Mar

  2014

  The Bonnevilles, The Murder Balladeers & No Oil Paintings

  Atlantic Bar

  Portrush

  

  Filthy blues-rock duo The Bonnevilles play a show at the Atlantic Bar in Portrush as part of their current UK/Irish tour on March 8 following their 2012-13 launch of second album Folk Art & The Death of Electric Jesus.

  Support comes from alt. country act - formed in the wake of Derry bluesmen Here Comes The Landed Gentry's demise - The Murder Balladeers and Belfast folk/country/bluegrass quartet No Oil Paintings.

  Entry costs £4 before 10pm and £6 after. Doors open at 9pm.

• Sat

  08

  Mar

  2014

  This Woman's Work - A Kate Bush Celebration: The Dandy Horses, Fiona O'Kane, Suzanne Savage, Decomposing In Paris & Shannon O'Neill

  Oh Yeah Centre

  Belfast

  

  The Oh Yeah Centre hosts a free International Women's Day event on March 8 celebrating the work of Kate Bush, featuring music and film, kicks off with an 'Under Review' documentary about the woman herself at 1pm in an all-ages event which runs until 4pm and also contains a performance from Americana/folk act Wookalily. 

  The artists performing at the evening event - beginning at 9pm - are to play live interpretations of Kate Bush songs in addition to their original material. Headlining the show are folk act The Dandy Horses, with performances from Runaway GO singer/guitarist Fiona O'Kane, jazz-influenced songstress Suzanne Savage, atmospheric orchestral pop trio Decomposing In Paris & organiser/Kate Bush enthusiast Shannon O'Neill

  Entry to the event is free, with the all-ages part taking place from 1pm-4pm, and the 9pm-1pm event being strictly over 18s.

• Mon

  10

  Mar

  2014

  Haim

  Olympia Theatre

  Dublin

  

  Female trio Haim have just released their debut album Days Are Gone after a lot of hype and as a consequence, they've announced a UK tour which includes a date in Dublin's Olympia on March 10.

  The three sisters Alana, Este & Danielle Haim were raised on classic rock and Americana, having formed a family band while at school. They became Haim in 2006 and played locally up until Danielle became guitarist in Jenny Lewis' band then with Julian Casablancas. They released their debut EP in 2012 for free online and gained the group some popularity, which has continued to grow since.

  Tickets are available from Ticketmaster. Doors open at 7.30pm.

• Wed

  12

  Mar

  2014

  Getting To Know: Robyn G. Shiels

  Oh Yeah Centre

  Belfast

  

  The Oh Yeah Centre hosts another PRS-supported 'Getting To Know...' night with dark alt. folk singer-songwriter Robyn G. Shiels on March 12.

  The wordsmith most recently released his EP Underneath The Night Of Stars last May, following up on his debut album and Great Depression EP - as well as his 2012 single 'Hello Death', from the NI-set film Cherrybomb. At the event, Robyn will be interviewed onstage by Chris Jones, then he's to give a live performance.

  Entry is entirely free and Doors open at 8pm.

• Thu

  13

  Mar

  2014

  Axecatcher EP Launch w/Lantern For A Gale, By Any Means & By Conquest Or Consent

  Voodoo

  Belfast

  

  Derry hardcore quartet Axecatcher launch their new EP We Watch The Sun Burn at Voodoo on March 13 with a strong support bill.

  Melodic hardcore five piece Lantern For A Gale play, as well as By Any Means and metal act By Conquest Or Consent.

  Entry costs £5 and doors open at 8.30pm.

• Fri

  14

  Mar

  2014

  The 4 Of Us

  The Empire

  Belfast

  

  Newry act The 4 Of Us play a headline show at Belfast's Empire Music Hall on March 14 to celebrate 25th anniversary of their debut album Songs For The Tempted on CBS Records in 1989.

  Their debut LP went double platinum in Ireland and won the Irish Music Award for best album, beating U2 in the same year. The 4 Of Us have consistently released music since then. The quartet last played The Empire 7 years ago and they play to release a new album in 2014. 

  Tickets are available for £14.50 from Ticketmaster. Doors open at 8pm.

• Fri

  14

  Mar

  2014

  The Damned, The Outcasts & Suckin' Diesel

  Beechmount Leisure Centre Site

  Belfast

  

  As part of Feile Belfast, legendary English punk band The Damned play the Beechmount Leisure Centre site on March 14.

  Having formed in 1976, The Damned were the first punk rock act to release a single - 'New Rose'. With their debut album Damned Damned Damned they remain one of the most highly regarded of the first wave British punk bands. They went on to dabble in psychedelic rock and were highly successful when they turned towards the post-punk & gothic movement with the likes of 1979's Machine Gun Etiquette and 1985 album Phantasmagoria, which remains their best-selling album.

  Support comes from classic Belfast punk act The Outcasts - whose exploits are well-documented on the Terri Hooley-based film Good Vibrations - and Suckin' Diesel.

  Tickets are available for £15 from the Feile Belfast Ticketsolve. 

• Fri

  14

  Mar

  2014

  Stiff Little Fingers

  Ulster Hall

  Belfast

  

  One of Belfast's all-time great exports, punk band Stiff Little Fingers play the Ulster Hall on March 14.

  Having formed in 1977 at the height of the Troubles, SLF recorded and released the single 'Suspect Device' which got picked up by John Peel and subsequently Rough Trade. It ended up being the first independent release to reach the UK charts. The band have released 9 albums since then and recently succeeded in a PledgeMusic campaign to fund a new album to be released in March 2014.

  Tickets are available from £22.50 from Ticketmaster. Doors open at 7pm.

• Fri

  14

  Mar

  2014

  Distillation 08: Axis Of, TVVINS & Affleck

  Oh Yeah Centre

  Belfast

  

  The eighth instalment of the Oh Yeah Centre's Distillation night is to be headlined by north coast punks Axis Of.

  Support comes from new duo TVVINS - comprised of Conor Adams from The Cast of Cheers and Lar from Adebisi Shank - and Belfast electronic trio Affleck.

  Tickets are available from WeGotTickets and the Oh Yeah Centre for £5. Doors open at 8.30pm.

• Fri

  14

  Mar

  2014

  The 4 Of Us

  Empire Music Hall

  Belfast

  
  
  Seven years since the band last played Belfast's legendary Empire, and 25 years on from the release of their debut album, Songs For The Tempted, Newry quartet The 4 of Us will return to the aforementioned music hall on Friday, March 14.
  
  The band has notched up over two decades of radio hits and 6 top 20 Irish charting albums, and their music has also been featured extensively on American, British, and Irish TV soundtracks.

  The new album by THE 4 OF US is due for release in mid 2014. Lyrically the album explores the brothers early years growing up in Northern Ireland and musically it focuses on the trademark interplay of their acoustic guitars.
  
  Tickets are £14.50 and doors are at 8.00pm.

• Sat

  15

  Mar

  2014

  Kodaline

  Ulster Hall

  Belfast

  

  Dublin alternative quartet Kodaline have continued their upward spiral with the announcement of a March 15 show at the Ulster Hall as well as a show at Dublin's O2 the following night.

  Kodaline released their debut EP in September 2012 which spread via word of mouth, and their debut album In A Perfect World was put out in June of 2013, just before an insanely busy summer for the band. The band already have several sold out shows in the Olympia and a show at the Limelight scheduled at the time of this gig announcement.

  Tickets are available from Ticketmaster. 

• Sat

  15

  Mar

  2014

  David O'Doherty: Will Try To Fix Everything

  Mandela Hall

  Belfast

  

  Comedian/musician/author/actor/playwright David O'Doherty performs his latest show 'Will Try To Fix Everything' at the Mandela Hall on March 15 as part of a lengthy UK & Ireland tour.

  The multi-faceted performer has won two awards at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, a Perrier Award as well as released a children's book, comedy albums as well as two plays. 

  Tickets are available from Ticketmaster & QUBSU. Doors open at 8pm.

• Sat

  15

  Mar

  2014

  7 Weeks, Baleful Creed & Chocolate Love Factory

  Limelight 2

  Belfast

  

  The Distortion Project is to bring over French stoner rock act 7 Weeks to the Limelight 2 on March 15. 

  Support comes from classic rock quartet Baleful Creed and the increasingly groovy, recently updated Chocolate Love Factory.
  

  Admission costs £6 and doors open at 5pm.

• Sun

  16

  Mar

  2014

  Lee 'Scratch' Perry w/Boss Sound Manifesto

  Beechmount Leisure Centre Site

  Belfast

  

  Legendary Jamaican frontiersman of reggae & dub Lee 'Scratch' Perry plays the Feile Belfast Festival on March 16 at the Beechmount Leisure Centre site on the Falls Road.

  Perry gets much credit for his work in the pioneering of dub music, both as an artist and for his studio techniques and production values. Super Ape, his 1976 album with The Upsetters still stands up as one of, if not the  definitive dub album.

  Ticket are priced at £15 from the Feile Belfast Ticketsolve.

• Mon

  17

  Mar

  2014

  St Patrick's Day with The Emerald Armada, Fatherson, In Their Thousands & Conor Scott

  Voodoo

  Belfast

  

  Voodoo plays host to a St. Patrick's Day celebration with a collection of appropriately folky acts, to be headlined by St. Paddy's Day regulars The Emerald Armada. 

  On support are Glasgow four piece Fatherson, who you might already know from More Than Conquerors' album launch back in 2013. Donegal's In Their Thousands also play, as does acoustic-pop songwriter Conor Scott, complete with full band.

  Doors open at 8pm.

• Mon

  17

  Mar

  2014

  Blood or Whiskey, More Than Conquerors, The Unprotected & BeeMickSee

  Lavery's Pool Room

  Belfast

   

  

  As usual, Lavery's hosts a massive St. Patrick's Day live show on this year's celebrations again in its pool room. Headlining the sure-to-be-packed gig are Dublin punk-folk act, the inevitably Rip-fuelling Blood Or Whiskey, followed up by hooky alt. punk rockers More Than Conquerors.

  Also on the bill are debauched glam punks The Unprotected and a full band set from our Portland-born, Belfast-based hip-hop artist BeeMickSee.

  Admission costs £5 on the door. Live music begins at 5pm.

• Mon

  17

  Mar

  2014

  Paddy's Day Punk Rock: Uniforms, Vamos, Sept Semaines, Past Victories & Spitting Teeth

  The Warzone Centre

  Belfast

   

  

  The Warzone Centre hosts a D.I.Y. punk rock St. Patrick's Day celebration, to be headlined by melodic Dundee cowpunk act Uniforms, who come to NI for the first time.

  Upbeat punk rock n' roll Galway veterans Vamos play, as well as Cannes sludgy stoner-grunge Sept Semaines, anthemic alt. rockers Past Victories and hardcore act Spitting Teeth.

  Entry costs £8 and doors open at 8pm. As per the Warzone policy, it's a BYOB event with no glass allowed.

• Wed

  19

  Mar

  2014

  Guinness Versus- Semi-Final 1: Arkham Dispatch, Sethway, Sons of Robert Mitchum & Aquatramp

  The Pavilion

  Belfast

  

  With £1000 and a slot at this year's Sunflower Fest to offer as a grand prize, The Pavilion Bar's Guinness Versus competition has returned. Heat one takes place on February 19. Judges include Phil from SONI Live, Richard from Panic Dots and our own Brian Coney.

  The semi-finalists for the first wave of the stage are Arkham Dispatch, pop-rock act Sethway, neo-noir act The Sons of Robert Mitchum and alt. rock act Aqualung.

• Thu

  20

  Mar

  2014

  Radar Presents: We Cut Corners, Amidships & Cordials

  The Speakeasy

  Belfast

  

  Radar on March 20 brings up Dublin-based guitar-drums duo We Cut Corners to the regular gig night at the Speakeasy. They have to-date released the Choice Music Prize-nominated album Today I Realised I Could Go Home Backwards. Their new record Think Nothing is scheduled for release in April.

  Support comes from atmospheric folk/indie rock act Amidships and new north coast nostalgia-laced power-pop trio Cordials. You can grab their debut EP for free on Bandcamp.

  As always, entry is free and doors open at 9pm.

• Sat

  22

  Mar

  2014

  The Thin Air Presents: Solar Bears (DJ Set), Ryan Vail & Blue Whale

  Voodoo

  Belfast

  

  Oh boy, are we excited for this one! Currently writing material for their third album, Dublin electronic duo Solar Bears will headline our next showcase at Belfast’s Voodoo Bar on Saturday, March 22.

  Having released the exquisite Supermigration last year and recently signed a published deal with Warp, the two-piece’s DJ set will follow sets from Derry electronic twosome Ryan Vail and Belfast-based jazz-punk quartet Blue Whale - two of the finest acts of their respective genres currently based in Northern Ireland.

  Entry costs £8 on the night and doors open at 8.30pm.

• Sat

  22

  Mar

  2014

  The Dandy Horses EP Launch w/Saffyre

  Black Box

  Belfast

  

  Irish folk/alt. country five piece The Dandy Horses launch their new EP with a show at the Black Box on March 22. The multi-instrumentalist group released their eponymous debut EP little over a year ago and led to significant local airplay.

  Support at the show comes from Co. Down country/Americana female family trio Saffyre.

  Tickets are available for £5 from the Black Box. Doors open at 8pm.

• Sat

  22

  Mar

  2014

  Volume Control: The Late Twos, Hurdles & The Quartel

  Oh Yeah Centre

  Belfast

  

   Young event organisers Volume Control present a family friendly show at the Oh Yeah Centre on March 22, to be headlined by indie act The Late Twos.

  Support comes from indie pop four piece Hurdles and The Quartel. As well as this, the event will feature some performers on an open mic.

  The show runs from 1pm-5pm and admission is completely free.

• Sun

  23

  Mar

  2014

  Stu Larsen

  Black Box

  Belfast

  

  A troubadour in the truest sense, Stu Larsen has been a journeyman for the last 7 years, travelling with little other than his instrument, and amongst his stops he counts a gig at the Black Box on March 23.

  He met Mike Rosenberg - better known as Passenger - and they travelled together for the last three years across the world. In between, he has toured with Japanese harmonica player Natsuki Kurai, with whom he's just released an acoustic EP.

  Tickets are available from the Black Box for £9. Doors open at 8pm.

• Wed

  26

  Mar

  2014

  Deaf Havana

  Mandela Hall

  Belfast

  

  Alternative British sextet Deaf Havana play the Mandela Hall on March 26.

  Having played across an array of festivals in 2013, the band released their third album Old Souls in September to a very positive reaction, even spawning a Zane Lowe Hottest Record In The World in 'Boston Square'.

  Tickets are available for £13.50 from Ticketmaster, QUBSU and the usual outlets. Doors open at 7pm as it is an early show.

• Wed

  26

  Mar

  2014

  Guinness Versus - Semi Final 2: Patrick Gardiner, The Wood Burning Savages, In An Instant & Scream Blue Murmur

  The Pavilion

  Belfast

  

  The second round of the Guinness Versus Semi Finals takes place on March 26 with the opportunity to win £1000 cash and a guaranteed slot at this year's Sunflower Fest at stake.

  The acts involved in this round are Patrick Gardiner, Derry indie quartet The Wood Burning Savages, young Bangor indie-pop outfit In An Instant and groovy soulful eight piece  Scream Blue Murmur will take to the stage compete against one another.  and, as ever, the audience vote will play a significant role in the final outcome.

  Admission is £3 and doors open at 9pm.

• Thu

  27

  Mar

  2014

  Radar Presents: Meb Jon Sol, Rory Nellis & Patrick Gardiner

  The Speakeasy

  Belfast

  

  The QUB SU's Speakeasy hosts a decidedly singer-songwriter-based Radar on March 27, to be headlined by folk singer & guitarist Meb Jon Sol, who is to play songs written on the road between Madrid and Galyway, eventually finding a home in Belfast. 

  Support comes from one ridiculously talented quarter of Seven Summits - Rory Nellis - and Magheralin's Patrick Gardiner, who put out his first Ep in late 2012 and has been hotly-tipped ever since.

  As always, entry is free and doors open at 9pm. The first act starts around 10.15.

• Thu

  27

  Mar

  2014

  Joshua Burnside Single Launch w/Affleck & Carriages

  White's Tavern

  Belfast

  

  Eclectic singer-songwriter Joshua Burnside launches his new single, an extended version of 'Desert Wine' alongside brand new track 'Platonia' with a show at Whites Tavern on March 27.

  The single was recorded with up and coming Belfast-based label Broken Melody Records, and support comes from electronic alt-pop trio Affleck and Dublin electro-folk outfit Carriages.

  Entry costs £4 and doors open at 8pm.

• Fri

  28

  Mar

  2014

  Daughtry

  Limelight 1

  Belfast

  

  Multi-platinum-selling US act Daughtry play the Limelight 1 on March 28. 

  The quintet's self-titled debut was the fast selling rock debut in Soundscan history and its following 2 albums went straight up the charts. They've achieved four no. 1 hits, and several Grammy nominations.

  Tickets are available for £16 from Ticketmaster, Katy's Bar and the usual outlets. Doors open at 7pm as it's an early show.

• Fri

  28

  Mar

  2014

  BREED: Astralnaut, Escobar & R51

  The Pavilion

  Belfast

  

  The next instalment of Breed at The Pavilion, Belfast, on Friday, March 28 will see a varied line-up of homegrown, riff-based talent. Headlined by behemothic sludge-doom wizards Astralnaut - hands down one of the best acts of their kind in the country - the show will also features sets from self-proclaimed Belfast art-rockers R51 and fast-rising alt-rock quartet Escobar UK.
  
  As ever, visuals chosen by each band (thus far varying between the brilliantly absurd to the downright inspired), mid-set tunes of the highest order and the Pavilion's legendarily good drinks promotions will also make an appearance on the night.
  
  Doors are at 9pm and admission is £5.

• Sat

  29

  Mar

  2014

  UB40

  Limelight 1

  Belfast

  

  Best-selling British reggae act UB40 have announced that they're to play the Limelight 1 on March 29. 

  Formed in 1978, they released their twentieth studio album Getting Over The Storm in September 2013. It comes complete with some country covers from the likes of Willie Nelson and Vince Gill, but is still very much a UB40 reggae album.

  Tickets are available for £27.50 from Ticketmaster. Doors open at 7pm as it's an early show.

• Sat

  29

  Mar

  2014

  Slomatics 'Estron' Album Launch w/Zlatanera & Lurch

  Voodoo

  Belfast

  

  Crushingly heavy sludge-doom trio Slomatics launch their fourth studio album Estron at Voodoo on March 29.

  Support comes from Zlatanera and the Dublin sludgy early-Sub Pop-esque Lurch.

  Doors open at 9pm and entry costs £7.

• Sat

  29

  Mar

  2014

  Royal Blood

  Limelight 2

  Belfast

  

  Ahead of their show at Marlay Park supporting the Arctic Monkeys, Brighton garage rock/indie duo Royal Blood play a headline set at Belfast's Limelight 2 on March 29.

  The band, having only formed in 2013, released their debut single 'Out of the Black' in November and were nominated in the following month for the  prestigious BBC Sound of 2014.

  Tickets are available for £12 from Ticketmaster, Katy's Bar and the usual outlets. Doors open at 7pm.

• Sun

  30

  Mar

  2014

  Simone Felice

  The Empire

  Belfast

  

  Open House Festival is bringing over Americana artist Simone Felice for a show at the Empire on March 30. 

  He's currently touring to support his new album Strangers which was recorded in the Catskills alongside a variety of collaborators. Felice has toured - in The Felice Brothers or The Duke & The King - with the likes of Levon Helm, Conor Oberst & Bright Eyes, Mumford & Sons, The Old Crow Medicine show and many more reputable names in his time.

  Tickets are available in advance from Ticketsolve for £12.50 or £15 on the night. Doors open at 7.30pm.

• Sun

  30

  Mar

  2014

  The Maine (14+)

  Oh Yeah Centre

  Belfast

  

  Arizona act The Maine are to play a 14+ show at the Oh Yeah Centre on March 30.

  The pop-rockers formed in 2007 and have released 4 albums to date, with the most recent being 2013's Forever Halloween, plus an five track acoustic EP released in December.

  Tickets are available from Ticketmaster, Shine.net and the Oh Yeah Centre for £12.50. Doors open at 6pm.

• Tue

  01

  Apr

  2014

  Foreigner w/FM

  The Waterfront

  Belfast

  

  One of the classic AOR bands, Foreigner, play the Waterfront Hall on April 1 with support from FM.
  

  Responsible for some of the biggest hits of the late '70s and '80s, Foreigner have sold over 75 million records - having released 10 multi-platinum records and 16 Top 30 hits - since their formation by Mick Jones in 1976. They were inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in June of 2013.

  Fellow AOR act FM formed in 1984 and have released 8 albums to date, and rose to prominence playing with bands like Bon Jovi in their Slippery When Wet heyday.

  Tickets are available from Ticketmaster and The Waterfront.

• Wed

  02

  Apr

  2014

  Miles Kane

  Limelight 1

  Belfast

   

  

  Miles Kane has announced a solo show at the Limelight 1 on April 2 following the October 2013 release of his second album Don't Forget Who You Are.

  As well as his two solo albums, the Merseysider has been in several acts including The Little Flames, The Rascals, and most prolifically, with Alex Turner in The Last Shadow Puppets.

  Tickets are available from Ticketmaster, priced at £19.50. Doors open at 8pm.

• Wed

  02

  Apr

  2014

  Beardyman

  Limelight 2

  Belfast

  

  Beatbox wizard Beardyman plays the Limelight 2 on April 2 following the release of his 'Freestyle Project' album and movie. 

  The project brought together some of the UK's finest MCs with Beardyman in the centre of things. He released his debut album in 2011 after ten years in the circuit and has sold out his last 2 shows in Belfast.

  Tickets are available from Ticketmaster & Katy's Bar for £16. Doors open at 9pm.

• Wed

  02

  Apr

  2014

  Guinness Versus - Final: Patrick Gardiner, Arkham Dispatch, Aquatramp & The Wood Burning Savages

  The Pavilion

  Belfast

  

  The grand final of the Pavilion's Guinness Versus Battle of the Bands competition takes place on April 2. The prize is £1000 and a slot at Sunflower Fest, and judges include Phil from SONI Live, Richard from Panic Dots and our own Brian Coney.

  The four finalists are Derry indie quartet The Wood Burning Savages, alt. rock five piece Aquatramp, singer-songwriter Patrick Gardiner and Canadian rock n' rollers Arkham Dispatch.

  Entry costs £3 and doors open at 9pm.

• Thu

  03

  Apr

  2014

  Radar Presents: Go Swim, Thee Penny Dreadfuls & Skip Moses

  The Speakeasy

  Belfast

  

  Radar on April 3 brings us a triple bill of talented picked from Shizznigh Promotions, with headlining duties resting on the young and talented shoulders of indie pop-rock five piece Go Swim.

  Support comes from psych-garage-rock outfit Thee Penny Dreadfuls and Lafaro frontman Jonny Black's rootsy project Skip Moses.

  As always, entry is free and doors open at 9pm.

• Fri

  04

  Apr

  2014

  Documenta - The Happening

  Black Box

  Belfast

  

  Documenta, Belfast's premier drone pop act, have created a piece of performance art, of sorts. 'The Happening' takes place at the Black Box as part of the Belfast Film Festival on April 4.

  For this show, they've composed a one-off piece in two 45-minute sets that they've both never played before and never will again. This performance will be accompanied by a multi-screening of Andy Warhol's 'Empire', 'Blowjob' and 'Kiss'.

  It will be followed by a 'Factory' DJ set from Palookaville/Shit Disco/Disgraceland DJ Joe Lindsay and Sunglasses After Dark's Ryan Fitzsimmons.

  Tickets costs £6 from the Belfast Film Festival. Doors open at 8pm.

• Sat

  05

  Apr

  2014

  Kurt Cobain Tribute Night: Chocolate Love Factory, PigsAsPeople, Bellos, Junior Johnson & Conchur White

  Bar Sub, QUBSU

  Belfast

  

  In commemoration of Kurt Cobain's untimely passing 20 years ago, Bar Sub plays host to a tribute night on April 5 which features 3 bands playing cuts from each of their 3 studio albums and the Incesticide compilation as well as some unplugged performances from Junior Johnson and Conchur White.

  Alt-rock trio Bellos cover Nevermind, Chocolate Love Factory perform In Utero, sludgy post-hardcore act PigsAsPeople play Incesticide, as well as an assortment of others. There'll also be MTV unplugged sets from a host of artists between electric sets. 

  Entry costs £5 and proceeds go towards suicide awareness charity PIPS. Doors open at 6.30pm and the first act is on at 7.30pm.

• Sat

  05

  Apr

  2014

  Empty Lungs 7" Vinyl Release w/Bangers, Women's Christmas & Hello Newman

  The Menagerie

  Belfast

   

  Anthemic punk rock quartet Empty Lungs have put together the lineup for the launch of their new 7" double A-side single 'From Russia With A Lack of Love/Cabin Fever'. The show takes place at The Menagerie on April 5.

  Support at the show comes from UK punk rock act Bangers, Dublin-based lo-fi indie rock act (featuring members of Villagers, Jogging & No Monster Club) Women's Christmas and gruff pop-punk Hello Newman, live debutants for the show. DJ Ryan Fitzsimmons (Sunglasses After Dark) will be spinning tunes at the show.

  Entry costs £6 and doors open at 9pm.

   

• Mon

  07

  Apr

  2014

  Palma Violets

  Voodoo

  Belfast

  

  South London four piece Palma Violets play Voodoo on April 7.

  The internet-eschewing rock n' roll act recently released their debut album 180 to great acclaim after lead single 'Jesson' was named NME's Track of the Year in 2012.

  Tickets are available for £13.50 from Ticketmaster and Shine.net. Doors open at 8pm.

• Thu

  10

  Apr

  2014

  The Strypes

  Limelight 1

  Belfast

  

  Cavan R'n'b revivalist quartet The Strypes play the Limelight 1 on April 10.

  The group formed in 2008 due to their shared love of blues & rock'n'roll, and have went on to accumulate celebrity fans like Dave Grohl, Noel Gallagher, Roger Daltrey & Jeff Beck, to name a few. They released their debut album Snapshot in September 2013 on Virgin EMI.

  Tickets are available for £14 (plus booking fee) from Ticketmaster, Katy's Bar & the usual outlets. Doors open at 7pm.

• Thu

  10

  Apr

  2014

  Radar Presents: Two Glass Eyes, Past Victories & The Stonemasons

  The Speakeasy

  Belfast

  

  North coast alt. rock/post-hardcore trio Two Glass Eyes headline Radar at the Speakeasy on April 10. They've started work on their debut album so far, but check out their latest single 'Mend', released in January.

  Support comes from fellow Belfast alt. rockers Past Victories and The Stonemasons.
  

  As always, entry is free and doors open at 9pm.

• Fri

  11

  Apr

  2014

  Dutch Schultz, PigsAsPeople & Bellos

  Voodoo

  Belfast

  

  Noise/alt. rock act Dutch Schultz headline a rather riff-laden show at Voodoo on April 11. The act released their second album Tonight We Hunt in 2012, which featured 'Big Dime' with Kerbdog/Wilt man Cormac Battle.

  Support comes from sludgy post-hardcore trio PigsAsPeople - who recently released their second EP Idles & Us, with more in the pipeline - and fellow grunge-indebted alt. rock trio Bellos. There will also be a DJ set from DJ Trampcorpse.

  Doors open at 9pm and entry costs £5.

• Fri

  11

  Apr

  2014

  Belfast Roller Derby's 'Block N' Roll' Open Mic Night

  Lavery's

  Belfast

  

  Belfast Roller Derby host an open mic night at Lavery's on April 11, with encouragement towards any and all genres, be it musician and/or singer.

  Free entry will be given to all performers to the Gigantic Club night afterwards. There will be an award for best performers on the night, decided by a crowd vote, so support is recommended! As well as this, there'll be a raffle for prizes.

  Entry costs £4 for non-performers. Doors open at 6.30pm.

• Sat

  12

  Apr

  2014

  Chocolate Love Factory - Last Show & Live Album Recording

  Bar Sub, QUBSU

  Belfast

  

  Fuzzy groove-laden trio Chocolate Love Factory are unfortunately to shut their doors with a final show in the QUBSU's Bar Sub on April 12. 

  Support comes from movie-influenced Belfast-based busker The Steve Experiment, I Am The Grasshopper and horror-punks Little Miss Stakes. The whole show will be recorded - as well as filmed - for a live album.

  Entry costs £5.

• Sat

  12

  Apr

  2014

  The Wood Burning Savages

  White's Tavern

  Belfast

  

  Derry indie quartet The Wood Burning Savages play a headline set at White's Tavern in Belfast on April 10.

  They're currently riding on the wave caused by their latest single, 'America', and are supported at the show by Donal Scullion.

  Entry costs £3 and the show kicks off at 10pm.

• Tue

  15

  Apr

  2014

  PØRTS Live EP Recording & Launch

  Smalltown America Records Studio

  Derry-Londonderry

  

  Derry's Little Bear have just underwent a name change to PØRTS, and will launch themselves with the recording of a live EP of new music - the performance of which will also be filmed - at Smalltown America's new studio - located at:

   6 Bay Road Industrial Estate, Derry, BT48 7SH

  All attendees will get a copy of the EP when it's finished, as well as a free digital download of 'Ancient Wave'.

  Tickets are limited to 50, available for £10 from Derry's Cool Discs and IndependentMusic.com. Doors open at 8pm and the show runs until 10pm. This is a BYO event.

• Fri

  18

  Apr

  2014

  Desert Hearts & Blue Whale

  The Menagerie

  Belfast

  

  Local alternative veterans Desert Hearts headline a show at the Menagerie for an altogether more tasteful Good Friday on April 18. They've already released three albums, with the most recent being 2013's Enturbulation=No Challenge.
  

  Experimental math-rock/krautrock/post-punk quartet Blue Whale are also on the bill. We recommend you check out their stuff. There will also be DJ sets on the night.

  Admission costs £5 and doors open at 9pm.

• Sat

  19

  Apr

  2014

  By Any Means 5th Anniversary Show w/Cursed Sun & All The Kings Ashes

  Limelight 2

  Belfast

  

  Hardcore quartet By Any Means play a special fifth anniversary show for The Distortion Project at the Limelight 2 on April 19.

  Progressive thrash metal five piece Cursed Sun support at the show, and metalcore act All The Kings Ashes - currently recording their debut EP - open the show.

  Admission costs £5 and doors open at 5pm.

• Sun

  20

  Apr

  2014

  King Khan and The Shrines

  Black Box

  Belfast

  

  Montreal/Berlin garage rock and psychedelic soul act King Khan and The Shrines play the Black Box on April 20.

  The troupe - formed in 1999 by Quebec native King Khan - have been based out of Germany since 2005 and have released 8 albums to date, with the most recent being 2013's Idle No More.

  Tickets, priced at £11, are available from the Black Box. Doors open at 8pm.

• Mon

  21

  Apr

  2014

  Amidships w/Secret Support

  McHugh's Bar

  Belfast

  

  Atmospheric indie-folk outfit Amidships play a show with a secret support bill at McHugh's Bar Easter Monday. 

  The show signals the start of the band's spring UK tour. You can check out their latest single, 'Oceans', on Bandcamp.

  Tickets cost £5.50 and are available from SeeTickets.

• Thu

  24

  Apr

  2014

  Hidden Machine 02: New Ancestors, Silences & His New Atlas

  Voodoo

  Belfast

  

  New gig night in town Hidden Machine has announced its second show, to be headlined by folk duo - a quartet for live purposes - New Ancestors on April 24. 

  Support comes from folk-inspired Armagh alternative act Silences and 18 year old solo artist Eoghan O'Hagan, aka His New Atlas.

  Entry costs £5 and doors open at 9pm.

• Thu

  24

  Apr

  2014

  Radar Presents: PigsAsPeople, Mutiny On The Bounty & Small Hawk Orchestral

  The Speakeasy

  Belfast

  

  Sludgy post-hardcore trio PigsAsPeople headline Radar at The Speakeasy on September 24. Last time they played Radar, they launched their second EP Idles & Us, which is available from Bandcamp on a pay-what-you-want basis. 

  Also on the bill are Luxembourg post-hardcore/math-rock band Mutiny On The Bounty, who have played over 400 shows since 2004, with appearances including SXSW. Opening the show are Belfast-based heavy rock quartet Small Hawk Orchestral, who have impressed with their debut double A-side, free on Bandcamp.

  As always, entry is free and doors open at 9pm.

• Fri

  25

  Apr

  2014

  Volume Control: MakingMonsters, Serotonin, The Empires & Manifesto

  Oh Yeah Centre

  Belfast

  

  Derry-based, female-fronted contemporary metal quartet Making Monsters headline the next Volume Control show at the Oh Yeah Centre on April 25. The group have been on an upward spiral as of late, following the release of their single 'What It's Worth'.

  Support comes from fellow female-voiced alt. rock five piece Serotonin, The Empires and Dundalk alternative trio Manifesto.

  Tickets are available for £5 from WeGotTickets. Doors open at 7pm.

• Fri

  25

  Apr

  2014

  BREED: Rory Nellis, Sons of Caliber & DANI

  The Pavilion

  Belfast

  

  Our very own Brian Coney's Breed night at the Pavilion takes place again on April 25 with a headline set from Seven Summits member & Belfast-based folk-pop singer-songwriter Rory Nellis.

  Also on the show are Andrew Farmer's mellow folk band Sons of Caliber and fast-rising Belfast folk/instrumental artist DANI.

  Admission is £5 and doors open at 9pm.

• Sat

  26

  Apr

  2014

  Hornets 'No Faith' EP Launch w/Slomatics & Spittin' Teeth

  Voodoo

  Belfast

  

  Having just released their second EP No Faith, thrashy hardcore quartet Hornets officially launch it with a show at Voodoo on April 26.

  The strong supporting bill comprises unyieldingly heavy sludge/doom trio Slomatics and raw hardcore five piece Spittin' Teeth.

  Entry costs £5 and doors open at 9pm.

• Tue

  29

  Apr

  2014

  The Amazing Snakeheads

  Voodoo

  Belfast

  

  Glasgow trio The Amazing Snakeheads are to play Voodoo on April 29 as part of their latest tour. 

  The garagey post-punk revivalists released their debut album, Amphetamine Ballads on Domino Records in April and it's worth checking them out ahead of the show.

  Tickets are available for £11.25 from Ticketmaster. Doors open at 8pm.

• Wed

  30

  Apr

  2014

  Young Kato w/Pixel Fix

  Limelight 2

  Belfast

  

   

  Six piece British indie-pop act Young Kato play the Limelight 2 on April 30.

  To date, the band of former schoolmates have released a handful of singles and a debut EP which made the top 40, having garnered praise from the likes of Simon Pegg. 

  Tickets are available from Ticketmaster & Katy's Bar. Doors open at 8pm.

• Thu

  01

  May

  2014

  Joan As Police Woman

  Limelight 2

  Belfast

  

  Joan Wasser, aka Joan As Police Woman is to play the Limelight 2 on May 1 to the March release of her fourth studio album The Classic.

  Having played with the likes of Lou Reed, John Cale, Sparklehorse, Elton John, Antony & The Johnsons and many more, Joan released her first album - Real Life -  as a singer-songwriter in 2006. Interestingly, she recorded an album with Jeff Buckley's band called Black Beetle - she was his partner at the time of his death - which never saw the light of day.

  Tickets are available for £17 from Ticketmaster, Katy's Bar and the usual outlets. Doors open at 8pm.

• Thu

  01

  May

  2014

  Fuck Buttons

  Festival Marquee, Custom House Square

  Belfast

  

   

  Bristol electronic duo Fuck Buttons headline the Festival Marquee on May 1 as part of the ever-improving Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival lineup.

  Andrew Hung and Benjamin John Power got together in Bristol in 2004, released their first album in 2008 and most recently put out their third studio album Slow Focus in July 2013. 

  Tickets are available from CQAF's Ticketsolve for £10 or £12 on the door. The doors open at 8pm.

• Thu

  01

  May

  2014

  SOAK & Lisa O'Neill

  Black Box

  Belfast

  

  Derry singer-songwriter Bridie Monds-Watson aka SOAK plays a show at the Black Box as part of the Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival. She recently released her latest EP Blud, a more textured, mature release than previous work.

  Also playing the show is Cavan songstress Lisa O'Neill, who returns to the Black Box following her immensely well-received performance at the Out To Lunch festival earlier in the year. 

  Tickets are available for £8 from CQAF's Ticketsolve. Doors open at 8pm.

• Fri

  02

  May

  2014

  Salvation Presents: The Altered Hours & Documenta DJ Set

  The Menagerie

  Belfast

  

  Neo-psych/shoegaze/dream pop night, Salvation, returns with a show at the Menagerie on May 2 featuring a performance from hypnotic psychedelic act The Altered Hours.

  The five piece have toured with the likes of White Hills, and have played Electric Picnic and the Liverpool Festival of Psychedelia for the last 2 consecutive years. They release their new 7" single 'Dig Early' this spring on Art For Blind Records. They head to Berlin in the coming months to record their debut album at the Funkhaus studio. In the meantime, you should check out their last EP, Sweet Jelly Roll.

  Documenta will provide a DJ set on the night, as well as the resident DJs.

  Admission is £5 and doors open at 9pm.

• Fri

  02

  May

  2014

  Yuck w/Bouts

  Black Box

  Belfast

  

  Playing as part of the Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival at the Black Box on May 2, Yuck come over with a helping their rose-tinted take on hook-laden fuzzy indie rock.

  Having released their immense eponymous 2011 debut, they followed it up after the departure of lead singer Daniel Blumberg with the altogether more dream-pop/shoegaze of Glow and Behold - led by the essential single 'Rebirth' - and the recently-released EP, Southern Skies.

  Support comes from Dublin grunge-pop noiseniks, Bouts.

  Tickets are available for £7 from the CQAF Ticketsolve. Doors open at 8pm.

• Sat

  03

  May

  2014

  Wilko Johnson & The Mercy Lounge

  Festival Marquee, Custom House Square

  Belfast

  

  Endlessly influential pre-punk guitarist Wilko Johnson - notable for his work with Dr Feelgood - plays the Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival's Marquee on May 3. 

  Wilko Johnson was the innovator of the jagged, angular, tight guitar style that went on to inspire the likes of Gang of Four's Andy Gill and countless other punk and post-punk musicians. Despite his statements in early 2013 of his terminal cancer, he's just recorded an album with Roger Daltrey. This show sees him accompanied by long-time pals Norman Watt-Roy and Dylan Howe.

  Tickets are available from the CQAF Ticketsolve for £12. Doors open at 8pm.

• Sat

  03

  May

  2014

  Girls Names, Princess & DJ Set

  Black Box

  Belfast

  

  Indie/post-punk quartet Girls Names play their first hometown headlining show in almost a year at the Black Box on May 3 as part of the Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival. They released their second album, the Choice Music Prize-nominated The New Life in 2013, which was one of the finest albums to emerge from the isle last year.

  Support comes from Dublin retro pop trio Princess.

  Tickets are available from CQAF Ticketsolve for £7. Doors open at 9pm.

• Sat

  03

  May

  2014

  No Tomorrow: We Cut Corners, Liza Flume & Deadman's Ghost

  Voodoo

  Belfast

  

  Following on from our Autumns, Not Squares & Cruising launch, No Tomorrow returns On May 3 with a headline set from fast-rising Dublin duo We Cut Corners, whose forthcoming second album, Think Nothing, looks propel them further upwards. 

  Support comes from delicate acoustic Australian-born, Dublin-based songstress Liza Flume, while Belfast-based electronic producer Deadman's Ghost offers up a set from midnight, sure to be peppered with some of his cinematic scope and stylistic experimentation.

  As always, there'll be visuals and our own Thin Air DJs spinning tunes between sets, and goodie bags will be available for only the first twenty people through the door.

  Admission is £5 and doors open at 9pm.

• Sun

  04

  May

  2014

  Tinariwen

  CQAF Marquee

  Belfast

  

  South Saharan Tuareg act Tinariwen play the Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival Marquee on May 4.

  The band formed in 1979, but really only gained a following outside their region in 2001 with the release of their Radio Tisdas Sessions as well as some festival performances. Rebels in their own country, Tinariwen recorded their new album Emmaar in Joshua Tree National Park with Josh Klinghoffer and Fats Kaplin of Jack White fame.

  Tickets are available for £14 from the Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival Ticketsolve. Doors open at 8pm.

• Sun

  04

  May

  2014

  The Rubberbandits - Continental Fistfight

  Black Box

  Belfast

  

  Limerick musical comedy duo The Rubberbandits are to bring their brand new musical 'Continental Fistfight' to the Black Box on May 4 as part of the Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival.

  They broke with the single 'Horse Outside' but have since continued to rise in popularity, gaining a television series, among other things.

  Tickets are available for £10 from CQAF's Ticketsolve. Doors open at 7pm and the show starts at 7.30pm - and runs for 70 minutes.

• Mon

  05

  May

  2014

  The Handsome Family

  Black Box

  Belfast

  

  The Handsome Family are to play a fully-seated intimate show at the Black Box on May 5 as a joint show from the Open House Folk Club & the Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival.

  The Chicago-formed, Albuquerque-based husband-wife duo play their own blend of alt. country & americana, and have recently released their tenth album since their 1993 formation, Wilderness.

  Tickets are available from Ticketsolve for £12.50 or £15 on the night. Doors open at 7.30pm.

• Mon

  05

  May

  2014

  Every Everything: The Life, Times and Music of Grant Hart w/Empty Lungs, Abandcalledboy & The Groundlings

  Voodoo

  Belfast

  

  We’re getting involved in this year’s Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival, hosting a special night Hüsker Dü tribute night at Belfast’s Voodoo on Monday, May 5. As well as sets from Dü enthusiasts in classic rhythm & blues act The Groundlings, hook-laden punk quartet Empty Lungs and grungy post-hardcore trio Abandcalledboy, there will also be an exclusive screening of the film on their drummer/singer/co-songwriter, Everything Everything: The Life, Times and Music of Grant Hart on the night.

  Tickets for the film are available for £3 and it costs £7 for both film and gig, from the CQAF Ticketsolve. The screening begins at 7pm, with the gig kicking off from 9pm.

• Wed

  07

  May

  2014

  Ginger Baker Jazz Confusion

  Festival Marquee, Custom House Square

  Belfast

  

  Madcap genius drummer Ginger Baker plays with his latest project, a funk/jazz group, to the Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival on May 7.

  Best-known for his work with 60s psychedelic blues-rock Cream, Ginger returns with Pee Wee Ellis on tenor sax, Alex Dankworth on bass and Abass Dodoo on percussion. The music combines some classics by the likes of Thelonious Monk and Sonny Rollins, as well as some Ellis and Baker originals.

  The marquee is fully-seated on the night, and tickets are available from CQAF's Ticketsolve for £15. Doors open at 8pm and the show starts at 8.30pm.

• Thu

  08

  May

  2014

  Clutch w/Lionize

  Limelight 1

  Belfast

  

  Straight-up Maryland rock n' rollers Clutch play the Limelight 1 on May 8.

  Their tenth and latest album Earth Rocker eschews the stoner-rock/metal tags and cuts straight to the point, with publications like Metal Hammer declaring it their number 1 album of the year, with even the band proclaiming it as potentially "the best Clutch album that has ever existed".

  Support comes from DC quartet Lionize, a dark reggae-inflused stoner-groove-metal act who Clutch have championed from the offset.

  Tickets are available for £14.50 from Ticketmaster, Katy's Bar and the usual outlets. Doors open at the earlier time of 7pm.

• Thu

  08

  May

  2014

  Wild Beasts

  Festival Marquee, Custom House Square

  Belfast

  

  English indie rock quartet  Wild Beasts play at the Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival on May 8 in the Marquee at Custom House Square.

  Having formed back in 2002, Wild Beasts got around to putting their debut album Limbo, Panto in 2008. The act just put out their fourth album Present Tense, and released the video for their excellent single, 'Wanderlust'. 

  Tickets are available from CQAF's Ticketsolve for £14, or £12 concession. Doors open at 8pm.

• Thu

  08

  May

  2014

  The Dum Dum Girls w/Crocodiles

  Black Box

  Belfast

  

  In another excellent show from Strange Victory Presents, they've  booked female pop group Dum Dum Girls to play the Black Box on May 8 as part of the ever-expanding Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival lineup.

  Formed in 2008 by Dee Dee as a solo project - with the name referencing both The Vaselines' 'Dum-Dum' and Iggy Pop's 'Dum Dum Boys' - The Dum Dum Girls just put out their third LP, Too True. 

  On support are San Diego lo-fi indie rock act Crocodiles.

  Tickets are available for £10 from CQAF's Ticketsolve. Doors open at 8pm.

• Thu

  08

  May

  2014

  Radar Presents: The Late Twos, 20 Second Century & Jamie Neish

  The Speakeasy

  Belfast

  

  Indie pop-rock act The Late Twos headline Radar at the Speakeasy on May 8. They have to date released a self-titled EP. 

  Fellow pop-rockers 20 Second Century play the show as well. The Banbridge quartet are still young and won Citybeat's Next Big Thing competition, along with working alongside the Oh Yeah Centre's 'Scratch My Progress' scheme. Singer-songwriter - as well as drummer of More Than Conquerors - Jamie Neish opens the show.

  As always, entry is free and doors open at 9pm.

• Fri

  09

  May

  2014

  Shonen Knife

  Black Box

  Belfast

  

  Legendary Japanese all-female punk-pop trio Shonen Knife play the Black Box for the Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival on May 9.

  Formed in Osaka 33 years ago, the trio went from DIY independent beginnings to playing along with Nirvana on the Nevermind tour, acquiring fans like Kurt Cobain, John Peel, Thurston Moore, Dan Hegarty among others. They're approaching their 1000th show, and are gigging as steadily as ever.

  Tickets are available for £9 from the CQAF Ticketsolve. Doors open at 9pm.

• Sun

  11

  May

  2014

  Jimi Goodwin (Doves)

  Black Box

  Belfast

  

  Multi-platinum selling member of Doves, Jimi Goodwin plays the Black box on May 11 as part of the Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival.

  Having released 4 albums with Doves so far, Manchester-born bassist/guitarist/vocalist Jimi Goodwin just released his first solo album Odludek.

  Tickets are available from CQAF's Ticketsolve for £12. Doors open at 8pm.

• Tue

  13

  May

  2014

  Panic! At The Disco (14+)

  Mandela Hall

  Belfast

  

  Icons of the mid-noughties emo-pop scene Panic! At The Disco have announced they'll play the Mandela Hall in a 14+ show on May 13.

  The Las Vegas trio released their latest and fourth album to date, Too Weird To Live, Too Rare To Die! in October 2013 and it continues in their increasingly quirky pop direction.

  Tickets are available for £22.50 from Ticketmaster, Shine.net and QUBSU as well as the usual outlets. Doors open at the earlier time of 7.30pm.

• Tue

  13

  May

  2014

  Jon Spencer Blues Explosion

  Black Box

  Belfast

  

  In addition to their already-stellar list of imports, Strange Victory has announced a headline show from the Jon Spencer Blues Explosion.

  Tickets are available from Ticketmaster and the Black Box. Doors open at 8pm.

• Wed

  14

  May

  2014

  Only Rivals

  Voodoo

  Belfast

  

  Hotly-tipped, pop-conscious Dublin alt. rock quartet Only Rivals headline a show at Voodoo on May 14.

  They recently released their debut EP Details and have toured with the likes of Lonely The Brave, Royal Blood and Max Raptors, as well as Derry peers MakingMonsters.

  Tickets are available for £8 from Ticketmaster and Shine. Doors open at 8pm.

• Thu

  15

  May

  2014

  Neutral Milk Hotel w/Laetitia Sadier

  Limelight 1

  Belfast

  

  Following the announcement of their show in Dublin's Vicar Street, cult indie icons Neutral Milk Hotel have added a Belfast date to their 2014 tour. They play the Limelight 1 on May 15.

  The band, formed by reclusive frontman Jeff Mangum, recorded 2 albums On Avery Island and the iconic In The Aeroplane Over The Sea before going on indefinite hiatus. Based in Athens, Georgia, they're part of the Elephant 6 Recording Company. Their Irish dates will feature the classic lineup of Jeff Mangum, Scott Spillane, Jeremy Barnes & Julian Koster.

  Support comes from Stereolab singer Laetitia Sadier.

  Tickets are available for £20 on Friday November 29 from Ticketmaster, Katy's Bar & the usual outlets. Doors open at 7pm as it is an early show which starts at 8pm.

• Thu

  15

  May

  2014

  Old Fang Records Launch Party w/More Than Conquerors

  The Menagerie

  Belfast

  

  New Belfast-based label Old Fang launch at the Menagerie with a set from local hook-filled post-hardcore/alt. rock quartet More Than Conquerors. 

  The inaugural show is there to promote the label which, in its mission statement, emphasises the boutique, creative image it hopes to perpetuate, free of genre limits and with very much a collective ethos in its organisation. Little else has been released about the label, but their enthusiasm in the promotion of honest, exciting music and promises of the finest shows, artists and merchandising in Belfast. 

  Tickets, priced at £7, are available for the event here. Doors open at 9pm.

• Thu

  15

  May

  2014

  Radar Presents: Seven Summits, Master & Dog, Viola Dust

  The Speakeasy

  Belfast

  

  Belfast-based alt. pop quartet Seven Summits headline Radar at The Speakeasy on May 15. It's almost 2 years since they released their album Fossils, led by single 'The Worrier'.

  Also on the bill are alternative quartet Master & Dog and Viola Dust.

  As always, entry is free and doors open at 9pm. 

• Thu

  15

  May

  2014

  Penetration, The Duel, Stop Stop Start Again & Steven VX

  Voodoo

  Belfast

  

  Punkerama Presents a show from classic Durham punk band Penetration at Voodoo on May 15. 

  The band, formed in 1976, are best known for their debut album Moving Targets, from which their biggest tune and debut single 'Don't Dictate' is taken.

  Support comes from Belfast punk outfit Stop Stop Start Again, who initially formed for a one-off show at the Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival. They have to date released 3 EPs on local punk label Time To Be Proud Records, and have a 12" out on Punkerama Records. 

  Also on the bill are UK new wave punk rock act The Duel and solo self-proclaimed electro acoustic punkabilly artist Steven VX.

  Tickets are available for £10 from Ticketmaster & Voodoo. Doors open at 9pm.

• Fri

  16

  May

  2014

  Neutral Milk Hotel

  Vicar Street

  Dublin

  

  Lo-fi cult indie band Neutral Milk Hotel are to play a select few UK & Irish dates which include a show at Vicar Street in Dublin on May 16. 

  The band, formed by reclusive frontman Jeff Mangum, recorded 2 albums On Avery Island and the iconic In The Aeroplane Over The Sea before going on indefinite hiatus. Based in Athens, Georgia, they're part of the Elephant 6 Recording Company. Their Irish dates will feature the classic lineup of Jeff Mangum, Scott Spillane, Jeremy Barnes & Julian Koster.

  Tickets are available for €25 from Ticketmaster from Friday October 11. Doors open at 7.30pm.

• Fri

  16

  May

  2014

  Clown Parlour, Amidships, The V Necks & Allie Bradley

  Voodoo

  Belfast

  

  Mojo Fury frontman Mike Mormecha's side-project Clown Parlour headline a show at Voodoo on May 16. The eclectic alternative collective - very much Mormecha's brainchild - have so far released a couple of EPs and an album.

  Support comes from atmospheric alt. folk act Amidships, veteran quartet The V Necks and mid-Ulster singer-songwriter Allie Bradley.

  Doors open at 9pm and entry costs £5.

• Sat

  17

  May

  2014

  Banned It Aid: Bunny & The Banned Its, Chocolate Love Factory (Last Show), I Am The Grasshopper & Hydrogen Jukebox

  Bar Sub, QUBSU

  Belfast

  

  Belfast-based five piece Bunny & The Banned Its play Bar Sub at QUBSU on May 17. They release their latest EP, available for £4.2o from Bandcamp.

  Also on the bill are proggy, groove-laden quartet Chocolate Love Factory in their last official show, alt. rock mentalists I Am The Grasshopper and pop-rock act Hydrogen Jukebox.

  Entry costs £4 (with the option to pay an apt 20p extra). Doors open at 9pm.

• Sun

  18

  May

  2014

  Start Together Singles Club Presents: Joshua Burnside w/Rachael Boyd & Arborist

  Black Box

  Belfast

  

  The Start Together Singles Club run a launch show for their latest release, a song from experimental folk singer-songwriter Joshua Burnside. The show takes place at the Black Box on May 18. 

  This one-off single is something of a departure from Burnside's usual experimental, electro-acoustic productions, and comes more from the ragged live school of the likes of Mark Kozelek and Will Oldham. Typically for the singles club, the release comes in the special form of a poster with a download. It's limited to 100 copies. 

  Support at the show comes from Rachael Boyd and a solo acoustic set from low-key folk act Arborist.

  Admission is £3 and doors open at 8pm.

• Fri

  23

  May

  2014

  Malibu Shark Attack w/Oh Volcano

  McHugh's Basement

  Belfast

  

  Malibu Shark Attack - consisting of musician/producer Rocky O'Reilly of Oppenheimer and Start Together Studios as well as Atlanta hip-hop artist Tribe One - play the McHughs Basement in Belfast on May 23.

  They previously released single 'Doing It Wrong' in late 2013 and their new track 'Better Off As Friends' features backing vocals from Irish indie-rockers The Dudley Corporation. Their debut LP is due for release in May.

  Support comes from Oh Volcano, in what's to be the live debut of the new project formed from General Fiasco's dissolution.

  Tickets are available for £6 from Shine.net and Ticketmaster. Doors open at 9pm.

• Sat

  24

  May

  2014

  Low Street, 1000 Drunken Nights, Thee Flash Guns & Spittin' Teeth

  The Warzone Centre

  Belfast

  

  Anthemic Wigan punk rockers Low Street - featuring former members of The Crownings - headline a show at the Warzone Centre on Little Victoria Street on May 24.

  Also on the bill are 5 piece hardcore punks 1000 Drunken Nights, garage punks - featuring current/past members of Runnin' Riot & Monkhouse - Thee Flash Guns and sludgy, crusty punks Spittin' Teeth.

  Admission is £6 and doors open at 8.30pm. As always, the Warzone has a BYOB policy, with no glass allowed.

• Sun

  25

  May

  2014

  La Dispute

  Bar Sub, QUBSU

  Belfast

  

  Michigan hardcore five piece La Dispute headline a show in Belfast as part of their 2014 European tour. The gig takes place at Bar Sub on May 25.

  Having formed in 2004 and put out their debut EP Vancouver in 2006, the quintet release their third album Rooms of the House on March 18. 

  Tickets are available for £10 from Ticketmaster, the QUB Students' Union reception and the usual outlets. Doors open at 8pm.

• Tue

  27

  May

  2014

  Scott Matthews

  Limelight 2

  Belfast

  

  Ivor Novello-winning singer-songwriter Scott Matthews has announced a return to Belfast, with a show at the Limelight 2 on May 27.

  He has to-date released three studio albums, with the latest being 2011's What The Night Delivers. He's just recently made his new album "Home" Part 1 available to pre-order, so expect new material from his upcoming shows.

  Tickets are available from Ticketmaster, Katy's Bar and the usual outlets. Doors open at 7pm as it's an early show.

• Thu

  29

  May

  2014

  Astralnaut EP Launch w/Bad Boat & AquaTramp

  The Menagerie

  Belfast

  

  Groove-laden stoner riff lords Astralnaut launch their new EP Thieves, Beggars & Swine into the wild with a show at the Menagerie. This follows up on their 2013 In The Gaze Of The Gods EP.

  Support comes from sludge/doom quartet Bad Boat and alternative rock act AquaTramp.

  Admission is £3 and doors open at 10pm.

• Thu

  29

  May

  2014

  Hidden Machine 03: In An Instant EP Launch w/Affleck & C-Beams

  Voodoo

  Belfast

  

  Voodoo plays host to the third instalment of newly-established gig night Hidden Machine, which doubles as an EP launch for young Bangor electronica-tinged indie-pop quartet In An Instant.

  The anthemic, ambitious youths have to date only put out a couple of demos, and this, their debut EP Light You Know And Love is sure to propel them up a few rungs in the local ladder.

  Support comes from electronic alt. pop trio Affleck and electronic pop audio/visual three-man project C-Beams, who make their first and only appearance for the foreseeable future. Blast 106 DJ James Magill will be spinning tunes on the night too.

  Admission is £5 and doors open at 9pm.

• Fri

  30

  May

  2014

  R51 'Slowhound' Single Launch w/Master & Dog

  Aether & Echo

  Belfast

  

  Shoegaze-inspired alt. pop tunesmiths R51 launch their latest single 'Slowhound' with a show at Aether & Echo on May 30.

  The five piece have underwent major positive change in recent months with the acquisition of new guitarist Aaron Black, and every subsequent release has seemed to built upon the last. The show will have 100 limited edition copies of the single on entry.

  Support comes from alternative folk/rock outfit Master & Dog.

  Doors open at 10pm.

• Fri

  30

  May

  2014

  Basement Torture Killings, Scimitar, Zombified & Rabid Bitch of the North

  Voodoo

  Belfast

  

  Gore & murder-obsessed death metal act Basement Torture Killings play Voodoo on May 30. 

  From a combination of London & Stockholm, the band released their debut EP The First Cumming in 2008, followed by their debut album The Second Cumming in 2010. The serial killer-fixated act released their latest album A Night of Brutal Torture just this year.

  Also on the bill are Belfast thrash act Scimitar, death metal five piece Zombified and straight-up heavy metal trio Rabid Bitch of the North.

  Admission is £5 and doors open at 9pm.

• Sat

  31

  May

  2014

  Electric Eel Shock

  Voodoo

  Belfast

  

  Japanese garage punk trio Electric Eel Shock are to play Belfast's Voodoo on May 31, thanks to Strange Victory Presents.

  Formed in Tokyo in the late '90s, Electric Eel Shock have just released a Best Of & Covers album which is made up of some of fan-chosen tracks.

  Support comes from Belfast punks The Dangerfields.

  Tickets are available for £9.90 from WeGotTickets. Doors open at 8.30pm.

• Sun

  01

  Jun

  2014

  Cian Nugent & The Cosmos w/Ryley Walker

  McHugh's Bar

  Belfast

  

  Dublin singer-songwriter Cian Nugent, along with backing back The Cosmos are to play McHugh's Bar on June 1 thanks to Strange Victory Presents.

  Evidently inspired by the instinctive likes of John Fahey and Bert Jansch, among others, he released his first LP - Born With The Caul - with his quartet in 2011. We urge you to check them out on Bandcamp.

  Support comes from Chicago contemporary folk guitarist and songwriter Ryley Walker, who most recently released his debut album All Kinds Of You in April of this year.

  Tickets are available for £6 on WeGotTickets. Doors open at 8pm.

• Wed

  04

  Jun

  2014

  Sat

  07

  Jun

  2014

  The Eagles

  The O2

  Dublin

  

  Californian rock legends The Eagles play shows at Dublin's O2 Arena on June 4, 5 & 7. They're currently playing as a four piece, with the classic lineup of Glenn Frey, Don Henley, Joe Walsh and Timothy B. Schmit.

  With five number ones, Grammy Awards, American Music Awards and six number one albums - with Their Greatest Hits (1971-1975) and Hotel California among the top 20 best-selling albums in US history - The Eagles are one of the most successful bands in any genre. They released 6 albums in their initial run from 1971-1980 and regrouped in 1994, with one album - 2007's Long Road Out of Eden - released since.

  Limited tickets are available from €79.50 from Ticketmaster. Doors open at 6.30pm.

• Thu

  05

  Jun

  2014

  The Emerald Armada EP Launch w/Hurdles & Dani

  Limelight 2

  Belfast

  

  Alt. folk outfit The Emerald Armada launch their latest EP Five Beating Hearts with a big show at the Limelight 2 on June 5.

  Support comes from fast-rising Belfast-based indie-pop quartet Hurdles and singer-songwriter Dani. Be careful to order tickets quickly as their last 3 shows have sold out early.

  Tickets are available for £6 from Ticketmaster. Doors open at 8pm.

• Fri

  06

  Jun

  2014

  Paul Heaton & Jacqui Abbott

  Limelight 1

  Belfast

  

  The Beautiful South's Paul Heaton & Jacqui Abbott headline a show at the Limelight 1 on June 6 following the release of their new album What We Have Become.

  Their first since the multi-million selling days of The Beautiful South, the collaborative album recalls their successful dynamic, with Heaton's lyrical content focusing more heavily on the change in Britain's social climate as well as the music business.

  Expect to hear material from The Beautiful South & The Housemartins on top of their latest LP.

  Tickets are available for £15 from Ticketmaster & Katy's Bar. Doors open at 8pm.

• Sat

  07

  Jun

  2014

  Spectrum Festival: Mojo Fury, A Plastic Rose, Kasper Rosa, New Ancestors, The Late Twos, Affleck, Hurdles & Go Swim

  The Speakeasy

  Belfast

  

  Spectrum Festival, an eight-band event has been announced to take place in the Speakeasy on June 7, with headliners in alt. rock act Mojo Fury and now-Nottingham-based pop/post-hardcore quartet A Plastic Rose, who play a rare Belfast return gig.

  The impressive support bill comprises progressive post-rock outfit Kasper Rosa, folk duo New Ancestors, indie-pop acts in The Late Twos, Hurdles and Go Swim as well as low-key electronic trio Affleck.

  Tickets are available for £10 for students and £12 otherwise. Doors open at 6.30pm.

• Sat

  07

  Jun

  2014

  Conjuring Fate EP Launch w/Astralnaut, Donum Dei & September Cross

  Limelight 2

  Belfast

  

  True heavy metal act Conjuring Fate return to the scene with a new lineup and EP House on Haunted Hill for their first show in over a year, to take place at the Limelight 2 for The Distortion Project on June 7.

  Groove-laden stoner metal act Astralnaut support - who recently released their In The Gaze Of The Gods EP - as well as Donum Dei and September Cross.

  Admission is £5 and doors open at 5pm.

• Sun

  08

  Jun

  2014

  Angel Olsen

  McHugh's Bar

  Belfast

  

  Strange Victory Presents have brought over yet another phenomenal act with the announcement of an Angel Olsen show at McHugh's Bar on June 8.

  The singer-songwriter has just released her second album Burn Your Fire For No Witness, which takes in lo-fi, folk and indie rock influences, among others. She released her debut album, the haunting Half Way Home in 2012.

  Tickets are available for £10 from WeGotTickets. Doors open at 8pm.

• Tue

  10

  Jun

  2014

  Natives (14+)

  Oh Yeah Centre

  Belfast

  

  British pop-rock five piece Natives play a 14+ show at the Oh Yeah Centre on June 10.

  Their debut album Indoor War was recently released on Transmission Records, and is an ambitious concept album. Their ambitions look to be sky-high at the moment though, having played with acts like the Red Hot Chili Peppers and Empire of the Sun.

  Tickets are available for £8.50 from Shine.net and Ticketmaster. Doors open at 7pm.

• Thu

  12

  Jun

  2014

  The Runaway Bears 'Crash' EP Launch w/Dutch Schultz, Uncle Social & I Am The Grasshopper

  Bar Sub

  Belfast

  

  Lisburn/Belfast-based synth-peppered alt. rock trio The Runaway Bears play Bar Sub in QUBSU on June 12 when they launch their new Crash EP.

  Riffy trio Dutch Schultz - check out 'Big Dime' featuring Kerbdog's Cormac Battle - Uncle Social and the rather interesting I Am The Grasshopper.

  Admission is £4 and doors open at 8.30pm.

• Thu

  12

  Jun

  2014

  Lantern For A Gale, Two Glass Eyes, TeamRKT & Cordials

  Voodoo

  Belfast

  

  A north coast invasion of sorts takes place at Voodoo by way of a charity fundraiser for Zoe's Sensory Room fund - a type of room used to develop young children's senses, and as therapy for children with limited communication skills. Headlining the night are melodic hardcore five piece Lantern For A Gale. 

  Alternative/post-hardcore trio Two Glass Eyes are on the bill, along with chiptune pop-rock duo TeamRKT - who have their music available free on Bandcamp - and indie power-pop act Cordials, who too have released their excellent debut EP free on Bandcamp.

  Admission costs £5 and all proceeds go to charity.

• Fri

  13

  Jun

  2014

  Distillation 09: Silhouette, Sleep Thieves & The Clameens

  Oh Yeah Centre

  Belfast

  

  The Oh Yeah Centre hosts the ninth instalment of their regular gig night Distillation on June 13 and it's to be headlined by songstress Shauna Tohill's Silhouette.

  Support comes from Dublin-based indie electropop trio Sleep Thieves - who release their debut album You Want The Night this month - and Derry indie quartet The Clameens.

  Admission is £5 and tickets are available from WeGotTickets or on the door. Doors open at 8.30pm.

• Fri

  13

  Jun

  2014

  Glastonbury Fundraiser: The Wood Burning Savages w/Paddy Glasgow & Stephen McCauley DJ Sets

  Sandino's Back Bar

  Derry

  

   

  Indie/post-punk quartet The Wood Burning Savages play a hometown show at Derry-Londonderry's Sandino's Back Bar on June 20 to raise money for their upcoming trip to Glastonbury for their BBC Introducing stage appearance at 1.45pm on the Friday of the festival.

  The band will be supported by DJ sets from the figurehead of Glasgowbury, Paddy Glasgow and BBC Radio's Northern Guru of Taste, Stephen McCauley.

  Admission is £5 and doors open at 10pm.

• Sat

  14

  Jun

  2014

  Gascan Ruckus, Michael Mormecha & Kris Platt

  Bar Sub

  Belfast

  

  Catchy Armagh alt/punk quartet Gascan Ruckus play Bar Sub in the QUB Students' Union on June 14 in what's to be their first Belfast headline show in over a year.

  The band promise to showcase a lot of the new material they've been writing and are joined by a supremely talented bunch of fellow artists, and a photography exhibition from respected local music photographer Ciara McMullan.

  Mojo Fury's Michael Mormecha plays the newest incarnation of his other project Clownparlour in a full band show, while Kris Platt of More Than Conquerors plays his first solo acoustic show.

  Admission is £6 and doors open at 9pm.

• Sun

  15

  Jun

  2014

  Wye Oak w/Bachelorette

  McHugh's Bar

  Belfast

  

  Baltimore duo Wye Oak - comprised of Jenn Wasner and Andy Stack - play a show for Strange Victory Presents at McHugh's Bar on June 15.

  Starting work on their latest album Shreik - the more multi-layered follow-up their 2011 album Civilian - Wye Oak have been around since 2006, accumulating an indie rock pedigree that's taken them across the world.

  Support comes from Bachelorette.

  Tickets are available on WeGotTickets for a total of £11. Doors open at 8pm.

• Tue

  17

  Jun

  2014

  Jurassic 5

  Vicar Street

  Dublin

  

  Not content to simply reunite for Coachella 2014, classic LA hip-hop group Jurassic 5 return to Ireland for a show at Vicar Street on June 17.

  Formed in 1993 and disbanded in 2007 with four studio albums under their belt, Jurassic 5 announced their reunion in 2013 and announced not only a Coachella appearance, but a gig in London, then Dublin as the tour dates expand across the world.

  Tickets are available for €36 plus booking fees from Ticketmaster. Doors open at 8.30pm.

• Tue

  17

  Jun

  2014

  We Came As Romans & Silverstein (14+)

  Mandela Hall

  Belfast

  

  US metalcore band We Came As Romans play the Mandela Hall in a 14+ show on June 17.

  The six piece have so far released 3 albums, with the most recent being 2013's Tracing Back Roots, which added a more melodic side to band's canon.

  Tickets are available for the show from Ticketmaster & the QUB Students' Union for £17.50. Doors open at 7pm.

• Tue

  17

  Jun

  2014

  The Treatment

  Limelight 2

  Belfast

  

  Cambridge hard rock five piece The Treatment play the Limelight 2 on June 17.

  The ridiculously young classic rock-recalling act released their album Running With The Dogs on Spinefarm Records in January. Check out their single 'The Doctor' for an introductory taste of the band.

  Tickets are available priced at £10 from Ticketmaster & Katy's Bar. Doors open at 7pm as it's an early show.

• Wed

  18

  Jun

  2014

  MakingMonsters, Drop Your Guns, Deadlights & Paper Man

  Voodoo

  Belfast

  

  Derry female-fronted alt. rock/metal quartet MakingMonsters headline a Shizznigh Promotions show at Voodoo on June 18.

  Support comes from young pop-punk quartet Drop Your Guns, Lisburn alt. rockers Deadlights and extremely youthful alternative rock trio Paper Man.

  Admission is £5 and doors open at 9pm.

• Wed

  18

  Jun

  2014

  MakingMonsters, Drop Your Guns, Deadlights & Paper Man

  Voodoo

  Belfast

  

  Derry female-fronted modern metal outfit MakingMonsters headline a Shizznigh Promotions show at Voodoo on June 18. Check out the video for their single 'Limits'.

  Support comes from up-and-coming pop-punk act Drop Your Guns, who just released their EP Hearts To Break & Plans To Make - available on Bandcamp for free. Also on the bill are Lisburn alt. rockers Deadlights and young fellow alternative trio, Paper Man - who also have their free After Effects EP on Bandcamp.

  Admission is £5 and doors open at 9pm.

• Wed

  18

  Jun

  2014

  Jagermeister Battle of the Bands - Heat One: Green Monkey, Villanova Junction, DANI, Surfhouse and Car Chase City

  The Pavilion

  Belfast

  

  With the grand final set for Wednesday, August 6, the Jagermeister Battle of the Bands kicks off on Wednesday, June 18 with the first of four five-acts heats. 
  
  Playing on the night and vying for a spot in one of the competition's semi-finals are Belfast four-piece, Green Monkey, Bangor rock/blues three-piece Villanova Junction, fast-rising singer-songwriter DANI, Antrim electro-rock trio Surfhouse and Belfast pop punk quartet Car Chase City.
  
  With £1000 cash and a much-prized slot at this year's Sunflower Fest in August, each heat is important as the next so make sure to come down and support your favourite act!
  
  Admission is £3, doors are at 8.45pm.

• Fri

  20

  Jun

  2014

  The Waterboys

  Ulster Hall

  Belfast

  

  Mike Scott's The Waterboys play the Ulster Hall on June 20 in the biggest show of the Open House Festival from mid-late June.

  The band formed in 1983 and broke up in 1993, before regrouping in 2000. They were comprised mainly of people from Scotland, Ireland and England. They blended several styles, but primarily mixed Celtic folk with rock n' roll. 

  Tickets are priced from £30 available from Ticketsolve, or £35 on the door on the night. Doors open at 7.30pm.

• Fri

  20

  Jun

  2014

  Rock Against Racism: ASIWYFA, The Answer (Acoustic), Mojo Fury, General Fiasco (Acoustic), Empty Lungs, Kasper Rosa & more

  Limelight 1

  Belfast

  

  Belfast venue The Limelight have announced a hugely impressive Rock Against Racism line-up for Friday, June 20.

  Set to play on the night is the veritable cream of the crop of Northern Irish music: North Coast post rock quartet And So I Watch You From Afar, rockers The Answer (Acoustic), General Fiasco (also acoustic; a rare appearance from a band on hiatus), Lisburn alt-rock masters Mojo Fury, Belfast-based prog-rock band Kasper Rosa, alt-punk four-piece Empty Lungs and more acts yet to be announced.

  According to the organisers, the special fundraiser – presented for The Northern Ireland Council for Ethnic Minoriries – owes “to the recent prevalence of racist attitudes, and the marked increase in racist attacks across Northern Ireland. This is a non religious, non partisan event designed to offer support and [...] solidarity with those from other cultures living across the country.”

  Doors are at 7pm & tickets – priced at £10 + booking fee - are available from Ticketmaster Outlets.

   

• Sat

  21

  Jun

  2014

  Wonder Villains Album Launch w/Be Like Pablo

  Bar Sub

  Belfast

  

  Derry popmakers The Wonder Villains play the 18+ launch of their long-awaited debut album Rocky at Bar Sub in QUBSU on June 21. This show follows their all-ages rooftop launch in the afternoon, and as the band's Eimear Coyle put it: "It's not on a roof-top but there is beer". 

  Support at the show comes from Scottish power-pop act Be Like Pablo in their first ever Irish show.

  Tickets are available from the Wonder Villains' site for £8 with album or £5 for just the ticket. Doors open at 9pm.

• Sat

  21

  Jun

  2014

  The Emerald Armada, Empty Lungs, Sons of Burlap & Queer Giraffes

  Voodoo

  Belfast

  

  Contemporary folk five piece The Emerald Armada play another headline show in Belfast, this time in the name of the Creative Humanity Partnership - A Humanitarian Aid Convoy from Ireland to Shatila Refugee Camp.

  On support are usual punk quartet Empty Lungs - in a one-off stripped back three piece with acoustic guitar, bass and drums - as well as Axis Of/ASIWYFA folk side-project Sons of Burlap and collective Queer Giraffes.

  Admission is £5 before 9.30pm and £6 afterwards. Doors open at 8pm.

• Sat

  21

  Jun

  2014

  Touch Sensitive: Autumns & Dirty Talk DJs

  The Menagerie

  Belfast

  

  Derry no-wave trio Autumns play The Menagerie's 'Touch Sensitive' night on June 21. Having just released a debut mini-album and with UK & Irish tour plans, they have planned their next released through Belfast's CF Records - home at various points to sonic brethren Girls Names and Sea Pinks.

  There will also be Dirty Talk DJs JC and Mark's Diskotekken - a New York & European disco underground - before and after the set.

  Admission is £5 and doors open at 9pm.

• Sun

  22

  Jun

  2014

  Sons of Caliber 'Albatross' Album Launch

  Black Box

  Belfast

  

  Led by bearded storyteller Andrew Farmer, folk act Sons of Caliber play Belfast's Black Box on June 22 to mark the launch their debut album Albatross.

  Often themed around the more tranquil aspects of this land, the songs are an obvious progression from 2012's The Tundra, and we highly recommend you get down to check out the show.

  Tickets are available from the Black Box for £8. Doors open at 8pm.

• Tue

  24

  Jun

  2014

  Mick Flannery

  Limelight 2

  Belfast

  

  Having hit number one in the Irish charts with new album By The Rule, singer-songwriter Mick Flannery plays the Limelight 2 in an early show on June 24.

  By The Rule is his fourth album since 2007 debut Evening Train, which was written following Flannery's wins at the International Songwriting Competition in Nashville and ultimately proved to be the artist's big break. 

  Tickets are available, priced at £12, from Ticketmaster and Katy's Bar. Doors open at 7pm.

• Wed

  25

  Jun

  2014

  Elbow w/Mick Flannery

  Royal Hospital Kilmainham

  Dublin

  

  Joining The Coronas and Biffy Clyro as headliners at various shows at Kilmainham Royal Hospital in June are Elbow. The five piece have announced a show to take place on Wednesday, June 25 at the venue, following a show at Cork's Opera House on Tuesday, June 24.

  The band's sixth album - The Take Off and Landing of Everything - is out March 10 and was recorded at Peter Gabriel's isolated Real World Studio in Bath.

  Tickets are available for €49.50 from Ticketmaster. Gates open at 6.30pm.

• Wed

  25

  Jun

  2014

  Radkey (14+)

  Oh Yeah Centre

  Belfast

  

  Missouri punk trio Radkey have annouced a 14+ show to take place at the Oh Yeah Centre on June 25. 

  Growing up on the likes of Misfits, The Ramones, The Who and the underappreciated Death, the three brothers - Dee, Isaiah and Solomon - who make up Radkey, bring a rawness to modern punk music, and have played the likes of SXSW and alongside Fishbone and other contemporaries.

  Tickets are available for £11 from Shine.net and Ticketmaster. Doors open at 7pm.

• Wed

  25

  Jun

  2014

  Pierre Bensusan

  Black Box

  Belfast

  

  Award-winning DADGAD-tuning fingerstyle guitarist Pierre Bensusan plays the Black Box on June 25 as part of his 40th anniversary tour.

  Often called the 'Mozart of guitar', Bensusan has played over 3000 shows in his 40+ year career, and is the biggest exponent of the DADGAD guitar tuning - a versatile tuning, often applied to classic British folk. His latest album Encore is a triple album with tracks taken from the last 40 years as well as songs never previously released.

  Tickets are available from the Black Box for £12. Doors open at 7.30 and the show starts at 8pm.

• Wed

  25

  Jun

  2014

  Jagermeister Battle of the Bands - Heat 2: Aidan Logan, Plague Artists, The Quartel, Past Victories, The Titanic

  The Pavilion

  Belfast

  

  With the grand final set for Wednesday, August 6, the second instalment of the Jagermeister Battle of the Bands at the Pavilion will take place on Wednesday, June 25.
  
  Playing on the night and vying for a spot in one of the competition's coveted semi-finals are singer-songwriter Aidan Logan, Belfast alt-rock four-piece Plague Artists, blues rockers The Quartel, Past Victories and The Titanics.
  
  Admission is £3 & doors are at 8.45pm.

• Thu

  26

  Jun

  2014

  Midlake

  Mandela Hall

  Belfast

  

  Denton, TX contemporary folk rock group Midlake play the Mandela Hall as part of the Open House Festival on June 26.

  Following the 2012 departure of vocalist, guitarist and primary songwriter Tim Smith, fellow guitarist and backing vocalist Eric Polido stepped up to take the helm, and released their fourth album, the altogether more progressive Antiphon in late 2013.

  Tickets are available from Open House Festival for £25. Doors open at 8pm.

• Thu

  26

  Jun

  2014

  Hands Up Who Wants To Die, Magneto & PigsAsPeople

  The Menagerie

  Belfast

  

  Dublin-based noise rock act Hands Up Who Wants To Die headline a show at The Menagerie as part of their Irish tour with French post-hardcore three piece Magneto. Hands Up Who Wants To Die have released one album to date, their excellent Buffalo buffalo buffalo Buffalo buffalo, available for free on Bandcamp.

  Opening the show are Belfast-based sludgy post-hardcore/noise rock trio PigsAsPeople - who have their 2 EPs available on Bandcamp on a pay-what-you-like basis. 

  Admission is £5 and doors open at 9pm. There will be pre and post-set tunes by The Thin Air DJs.

• Thu

  26

  Jun

  2014

  Modern Life Is Rubbish: Echo Raptors, The Sass & Surfhouse

  The Pavilion

  Belfast

  

  For their second Modern Life Is Rubbish night at the Pavilion, Encore NI have booked an aptly British-sounding lineup, topped by Belfast-based rock n'rollers Echo Raptors. To date, the quartet have supported the Happy Mondays and The Charlatans and played Terri Hooley's Good Vibrations relaunch.

  Support comes from '60s revivalists The Sass and alt./psychedelic trio Surfhouse.

  Admission is £5.

• Thu

  26

  Jun

  2014

  Terrorpockets 'Trying My Luck' Single Launch w/The Twenty, Ryan Mills & Aidan Logan

  McHugh's Basement

  Belfast

   

   

  Terrorpockets play McHugh's Basement Bar on June 26 to launch their new 'Trying My Luck' single.

  Support comes from garage-punks The Twenty as well as singer-songwriters Ryan Mills and Aidan Logan.

  All proceeds will be donated to Help The Homeless. Admission costs £5 and doors open at 8.30pm.

• Fri

  27

  Jun

  2014

  Volume Control Presents: A Northern Light, The Left Backs, Team RKT & Callum Stewart

  Oh Yeah Centre

  Belfast

  

  Young gig organising collective Volume Control hold a post-school term show at the Oh Yeah Centre on June 27. On headlining duties is anthemic electronica-tinged alternative trio A Northern Light.

  Belfast indie quartet The Left Backs play the night, as well as north coast chiptune/rock duo Team RKT who kindly have their music on Bandcamp for free.. Young Mid-Ulster singer-songwriter Callum Stewart  - who recently put out the video for his single 'Free' - opens the show.

  Admission is £5 and doors open at 7pm.

• Fri

  27

  Jun

  2014

  Go Swim - 'Animal' EP Launch w/Gavin Ferris

  White's Tavern

  Belfast

  

  Local indie-pop-rock act Go Swim launch their new EP Animal with a show at White's Tavern  on June 27. They have to date released a few singles online which you can check out on Soundcloud.

  Support comes from intricate local instrumental percussive guitar player and songwriter Gavin Ferris.

  Tickets are available in advance from WeGotTickets for £5. Doors open at 9pm.

• Fri

  27

  Jun

  2014

  The Couth EP Launch w/The Crossfire Hurricanes, Two-Tone Revolver & The Racks

  Bar Sub

  Belfast

  

  Lisburn indie band The Couth launch their new EP with a show for Shizznigh Promotions at QUB Students' Union's Bar Sub on June 27.

  Bluesy rock n' roll quartet The Crossfire Hurricanes are main support at th show, alongside indie/garage act Two-Tone Revolver and The Racks. There will also be a DJ set from indie pop-rock act The Late Twos

  Tickets are available from WeGotTickets for £6. Doors open at 9pm.

• Sat

  28

  Jun

  2014

  Biffy Clyro

  Royal Kilmainham Hospital

  Dublin

  

  After the hugely successful summer of 2013 which saw the band play their first headline sets at Reading, Leeds and Radio 1’s Big Weekend, Scottish alt-rock three-piece Biffy Clyro have announced they will play Dublin’s Royal Kilmainham hospital on June 28, 2014.

  This news follows the confirmation that Biffy are to play Cork’s Live at the Marquee the day before on Friday, June 27. The Pixies, Elbow, Robert Plant and Neil Young are amongst others acts set to play the festival.

  Tickets are priced €44.50 from Ticketmaster.

• Sat

  28

  Jun

  2014

  Maya Jane Coles, Clouds, Jovonn, Phil Kieran & more

  QUBSU

  Belfast

  

  Shine wrap up for the summer with another massive three-room night across the Queens University Students' Union on June 28. Following her acclaimed Fabric mix release, Maya Jane Coles returns to Belfast for the first time since she sold out the Stiff Kitten in 2012. Alongside her in the main room is local DJ Phil Kieran and Belfast-based 4LUX act JC Williams.

  Local techno collective DSNT take over Bar Sub on the night, bringing young Scottish duo Clouds with them, as well as Schmutz. The Bunatee Bar hosts the debut Shine appearance of Belfast-based underground house/techno collective Beat Barbeque as well as US house icon Jovonn, who headlines the night, having just released an EP for French trio Apollonia. The show goes on to 3am.

  Tickets are available - priced at £18 for students and £20 for everyone else - from Katy's Bar, the QUB Students' Union reception, Ticketmaster & Shine.net. Doors open at 9.30pm and last entry is at 12.20am.

• Sat

  28

  Jun

  2014

  Siorai Geimhreadh, Spittin' Teeth, Nomadic Rituals & Black Spring

  The Warzone Centre

  Belfast

  

  Experimental Wexford noise rock/doom act Siorai Geimhreadh, who have their 2-track Tape online on a name-your-price basis.

  Also on the bill are unbelievably heavy sludge/doom trio Nomadic Rituals, who recently released their debut LP Holy Giants - also available on a name-your-price basis, crusty hardcore act Spittin' Teeth and new sludge band Black Spring.

  Admission is £10 and there's a BYOB policy - no glass will be permitted. Doors open at 9pm.

• Sat

  28

  Jun

  2014

  PigsAsPeople, The Last Generation, Cold Clean Dirt & Space Biters

  The Underground

  Draperstown

  

  Sludgy noise rock/post-hardcore trio PigsAsPeople play a headline show on June 28 in Draperstown's The Underground (formerly The Cellar Bar) ahead of their upcoming jaunt to the UK. You can download their two EPs on a name-your-price basis on their Bandcamp.

  They're accompanied by three local bands, with youthful, riff-fuelled quartet The Last Generation, recently-established laid-back rockers Cold Clean Dirt - who just released their debut Beyond The Hills EP - and the immensely young psych-influenced garage rock of Space Biters, who release their new EP shortly.

  Admission is £5 and doors open at 9pm.

• Sun

  29

  Jun

  2014

  Arcade Fire, Pixies

  Marlay Park

  Belfast

  

  Arcade Fire's ridiculous world tour for 2014 has reached levels never seen before with the addition of a Marlay Park show on June 29 with support from one of, if not the most influential alternative rock band of all time in the Pixies.

  Montreal act Arcade Fire released one of the most critically acclaimed albums of 2013 - as expected - in double album Reflektor.

  Pixies had their most eventful year in recent times with the release of a new EP and the addition of a new bassist in Zwan's Paz Lenchantin, following the departure of Muffs bassist Kim Shattuck, who herself replaced Kim Deal.

  Tickets are available from Ticketmaster. Gates open at 3pm.

   

• Sun

  29

  Jun

  2014

  Mon

  30

  Jun

  2014

  Slayer

  Limelight 1

  Belfast

  

  Following consecutive sellout shows, one of which sold out in a venue record time of 3 minutes, American thrash metal icons Slayer return to the Limelight 1 on June 29 & 30. June 30 sold out almost instantly.

  The quartet are one of '80s thrash's Big Four - alongside Metallica, Megadeth and Anthrax - but few have maintained their consistency over the years. They've been together for the past 3 decades, and really broke with their third album, 1986's Reign In Blood. Slayer's eleventh album has been held up following the untimely death of Jeff Hanneman and contractual disputes with drummer Dave Lombardo, which ultimately resulted in his departure. Their last show at the Limelight, however, showed few signs of rust.

  Tickets are available for £35 from Katy Daly's and Ticketmaster on Friday April 25. We recommend early booking. Doors open at 8pm.

• Mon

  30

  Jun

  2014

  Pixies

  Live at the Marquee

  Cork

  

  It's another great score for Cork's 2014 lineup for Live at the Marquee with alt. rock demigods Pixies headlining a show on June 30.

  It's one of only 2 Irish dates confirmed in 2014 for the Pixies, with the other being alongside Arcade Fire at Marlay Park. The four piece recently replaced Kim Shattuck - of The Muffs, who replaced Kim Deal - with Zwan and A Perfect Circle bassist Paz Lenchatin.

  With Neil Young & Crazy Horse, Robert Plant and Elbow confirmed, Live at the Marquee is one of the hottest tickets in summer 2014.

  Tickets are available for €44 from Ticketmaster. Doors open at 8pm.

• Mon

  30

  Jun

  2014

  The Frames

  Whelan's

  Dublin

  

  Well, now here’s an exciting piece of news: The Frames are getting back together for a one-off show next Monday - 30 June.

  The legendary indie-folk rock outfit will be assembling themselves for a show next Monday, June 30. Whelan’s will be celebrating their 25th birthday this year, and this gig is part of the celebrations.

  Tickets cost €20 and are on sale now.

• Tue

  01

  Jul

  2014

  Anti-Flag

  Mandela Hall

  Belfast

  

  Celebrating their 20th anniversary this year are Pennsylvania punk rock legends Anti-Flag with a tour which features a stop-off at the Mandela Hall on July 1.

  Their first album - 1996's Die For The Government - propelled them into the height of the socially aware, left-leaning 90s US punk rock scene. To date, they've released nine albums, with the most recent being 2012 LP The General Strike.

  Tickets costs £15 and are available from the QUBSU reception and Ticketmaster. Doors open at 8pm.

• Tue

  01

  Jul

  2014

  Anthrax

  Limelight 1

  Belfast

  

  One of thrash metal's Big Four, New York legends Anthrax play the Limelight 1 on July 1 as part of their summer tour. 

  Over 30 years on from their inception, Anthrax are still one of the must-see metal acts in the world. They're currently touring as a five piece with their core group of Scott Ian, Charlie Benante, Frank Bello, Joey Belladonna and touring guitarist Jonathan Donais.

  Tickets cost £24 from Katy's Bar and Ticketmaster. Doors open at 7pm as it is an early show.

• Wed

  02

  Jul

  2014

  Comeback Kid, Napoleon & By Any Means

  The Speakeasy

  Belfast

  

  Canadian modern hardcore five piece Comeback Kid play the Speakeasy on July 2.

  They put out their debut LP Turn It Around in 2003 and are currently touring their well-received latest album Die Knowing, their March release.

  Support at the show comes from UK melodic hardcore quartet Napoleon and local hardcore noisemakers By Any Means.

  Tickets are available, priced at £14 plus booking fee, from Dragon Records, Ticketmaster and WeGotTickets. Doors open at 7.30pm.

• Wed

  02

  Jul

  2014

  Darling, Amidships & Go Swim

  McHugh's Bar

  Belfast

  

  Anthemic Dublin indie duo Darling play a series of Irish shows in July, including one at McHugh's Bar on July 2, following a rescheduled May gig at the venue.

  Following shows with White Lies and ahead of the Indiependence Festival in Cork, Darling are making serious waves around the island. Check out the video for Darling's latest single 'Sail Away'.

  Support comes from atmospheric folk act Amidships - who just released new single 'Oceans' - and indie-pop-rock outfit Go Swim, who launch their Animal EP a week prior to this show.

  Tickets are available, priced at £5, from Shine.net and Ticketmaster. Doors open at 8pm.

• Wed

  02

  Jul

  2014

  Jagermeister Battle of the Bands - Heat 3: Ryan McMullan, Robocobra, Altus, Cuba 66 & The Left Backs

  The Pavilion

  Belfast

  

  With the grand final set for Wednesday, August 6, the third installment of the Pavilion's Jagermeister Battle of the Bands will take place on Wednesday, July 2 with £1000 cash and a much-prized slot at this year's Sunflower Fest in August at stake.
  
  Playing on the night and vying for a spot in one of the competition's coveted semi-finals are singer-songwriter Ryan McMullan, Robocobra Quartet, Belfast metallers Altus, bluesy alt. rock act Cuba 66 and indie quartet The Left Backs.
  
  Admission is £3, doors are at 8.45pm.

• Thu

  03

  Jul

  2014

  SONI Presents: Escobar, The Titanics, Lipstik Lizards, On Parole & Darren Hill

  King's Head Live Lounge

  Belfast

  

  SONI Live have their regular 'All The Best' showcase at the King's Head Live Lounge - opposite the King's Hall on the upper Lisburn Road - on July 3. Headlining the show are alt. rock act Escobar. Check out the video for their recent single, 'Sirens' from debut EP Rise//Fall.

  On support are alternative rock quartet The Titanics, sleazy rock'n'rollers Lipstik Lizards, rock'n'roll trio On Parole and Americana-tinged singer-songwriter Darren Hill.

  Admission costs £4.50 and doors open at 8.30pm.

• Thu

  03

  Jul

  2014

  New Found Glory

  Limelight 1

  Belfast

  

  Second-wave pop-punk act New Found Glory play the Limelight 1 on November 13 in an early show as part of their Pop Punk's Not Dead Tour.

  Having served essentially as the musical blueprint for the archetypal early-noughties pop-punk band alongside the likes of Blink-182 & Sum 41, New Found Glory formed in 1997 in Florida, having just graduated high school. They quickly amassed a following, releasing their debut LP Nothing Gold Can Stay before signing with Drive-Thru Records, who released their reputation-making self-titled 2000 album and its 2002 follow-up Sticks and Stones. Just last year they lost founding member, lyricist and rhythm guitarist Steve Klein, but their eighth album is expected to come out in late 2014.

  Tickets are available from Ticketmaster & Katy's Bar. Doors open at 7pm.

• Fri

  04

  Jul

  2014

  Voodoo Fiend Club #12 - One Year Anniversary Night

  Voodoo

  Belfast

  

  D.I.Y. hardcore/metal label Savour Your Scene's Voodoo Fiend Club, in association with Purebred Apparel, holds its twelfth instalment on Independence Day, July 4 to celebrate its one year anniversary. 

  Expect the likes of Converge, Misfits, The Chariot, Rammstein, Ministry, Killing Joke, White Zombie, Exodus, Soulfly, Dillinger Escape Plan, Slayer and more.

  Entry costs £3 and the night runs from 10pm-2am.

• Fri

  04

  Jul

  2014

  Nyt Bloomer 'Old Toys' EP Launch w/Welfare, Colpey, Eagles Shadow & Destitute

  The Menagerie

  Belfast

  

  Belfast DJ and label manager of You Can't Break It Records Conor McNamee aka Nyt Bloomer launches his upcoming Old Toys EP with a show at the Menagerie on July 4. He debuts a live set of hazy, bass-heavy beats from his new release as well as some chilled samples and loops for upcoming projects.

  This will be followed by a B2B set with Colpey, known for his weekly 'Colpey Calling' podcase as well as radio show on Future Music FM, so expect house, world music, funk & disco.

  Also on the bill is Galway-based electronic music artist/producer Welfare as well as fellow Galway man Donncha Walsh, aka Destitute and Belfast-based home studio music maker Eagle Shadow, who lists among his influences '70s kung-fu movie soundtracks and neo-soul.

  Admission is £4 and doors open at 9pm.

• Sat

  05

  Jul

  2014

  The Vals Single Launch w/Pretty Cartel

  Bar Sub

  Belfast

  

  Belfast-based The Vals play Bar Sub on July 5 to launch their latest single 'Quiet Part Of Town', taken off their upcoming debut album Wildflower Way, due out in September, led by songwriter Paul Doherty. This will be the Vals' first hometown show in a long time.

  Support comes from Lisburn-based British indie-influenced five piece Pretty Cartel.

  Tickets are available from The Vals for £5 and will come with a free CD at night.

• Sat

  05

  Jul

  2014

  No Tomorrow: The Bonnevilles & Rhinos

  Voodoo

  Belfast

  

  The next installment of monthly gig/club night No Tomorrow at Voodoo Belfast on Saturday, July 5 sees two of the country's finest garage-rock duos lay masterful waste to eardrums, limbs and everything in between. 
  
  Headlined by bourbon-fuelled garage-blues twosome The Bonnevilles - a duo with an incredible live reputation, bursting with energy and sweaty zeal - the show will also feature the Paul Currie-fronted Rhinos, a new fangled Belfast garage-noise duo who have had tongues wagging and ears rattling from the get go. Providing tunes of the very highest order before and after the live acts will be The Thin Air DJs. 
  
  Doors are at 9pm, admission is £5, the drink offers will be ludicrously good and there will be really cool visuals projected on a wall for your enjoyment and/or amusement. Ye-o.

• Tue

  08

  Jul

  2014

  The Sisters of Mercy

  Mandela Hall

  Belfast

  

  Iconic gothic post-punk act The Sisters of Mercy have announced a show at Mandela Hall, to take place on July 8.

  The band formed in 1977 and went on to achieve an underground following before achieving commercial success in the mid '80s. They released only three studio albums as they fell out with their record company in the nineties and from then on remained a touring outfit only. Each album was recorded with a different lineup, always revolving around primary songwriter and lyricist Andrew Eldritch (and drum machine).

  Tickets are available from Ticketmaster and the QUBSU reception. Doors open at 7pm.

• Wed

  09

  Jul

  2014

  Society Sessions Summer Special - Acoustic Showcase NI: The Rising, James Hickey, Jimi Cullan, Michael Kerr, Johnn Nixon & Alice McCullough

  The Empire

  Belfast

  

  Acoustic Showcase NI are to have their Society Sessions Summer Special at the Empire on Wednesday, July 9, to be headlined by country-tinged pop-rock trio The Rising, who use the showcase as a platform to launch the latest single - 'Still Coming Home To You' - off their upcoming debut album, recorded in NI, LA and Nashville.

  Also on the bill of acoustic performers are Australian singer-songwriter James Hickey, Wexford man Jimi Cullen - who recently released his third album - Michael Kerr, Johnny Nixon and performance poet/standup comedian Alice McCullough.

  Doors open at 9pm.

• Thu

  10

  Jul

  2014

  Drop Your Guns, Dream State, Old Bean & more

  Bar Sub

  Belfast

  

  An Irish punk show takes place at QUBSU's Bar Sub on July 10, headlined by young Belfast pop-punk quartet Drop Your Guns, who just released their debut EP Hearts To Break & Plans To Make, available on Bandcamp.

  Support comes from Galway punk/pop-punk acts Dream State and Old Bean, with more to be announced.

  Admission is £5 and doors open at 7.30pm.

• Fri

  11

  Jul

  2014

  Soulfly, Lody Kong

  Whelan's

  Dublin

  

  Arizonan groove metal outfit Soulfly play Dublin's Whelan's on Friday, July 11.

  Led by Max Cavalera - former frontman of Sepultura and current frontman of Cavalera Conspiracy and Killer Be Killed - Soulfly formed in 1997 in Phoenix. They released their eponymous debut in 1998 and have went on to put out another 8 albums, with the most recent being 2013's Savages. Check out its lead single 'Bloodshed'.

  Tickets are priced €24. Doors open at 8pm.

• Sat

  12

  Jul

  2014

  Arctic Monkeys, Jake Bugg, Miles Kane & Royal Blood

  Marlay Park

  Dublin

  

  Sheffield's biggest indie export, Arctic Monkeys will play a massive show at Dublin's Marlay Park on July 12 following their successful 2013, with the release of AM.

  Support comes from Nottingham singer-songwriter Jake Bugg, Alex Turner's frequent collaborator Miles Kane and Brighton bass/drum duo Royal Blood.

  Tickets are €61.50 plus booking fee from Ticketmaster. Gates open at 3pm.

• Sat

  12

  Jul

  2014

  XSLF, Wasted Talent, Stiff Little Busker, Full Retard & DJ Terri Tooley

  Voodoo

  Belfast

  

  Belfast independent promoter and label Punkerama Presents hosts a show at Voodoo on the apt date of 12 July, to be headlined by XSLF.

  Formed by half of Stiff Little Fingers' original lineup - members Henry Cluney and Jim Reilly - the trio are completed by Good Vibrations actor and Outcasts bassist Petesy Burns. Expect a night of classic SLF with a few surprises thrown in.

  On support are Bangor punk rock quartet Wasted Talent - formed in 1982 and reunited in 2012 - as well as Stiff Little Busker, Full Retard and a DJ set from iconic Belfast music head Terri Hooley.

  Admission is £5 and doors open at 9pm.

• Tue

  15

  Jul

  2014

  Cat Power

  The Empire

  Belfast

  

  US singer-songwriter Chan Marshall aka Cat Power has announced a show at the Empire on July 15.

  Discovered in 1994 supporting Liz Phair, Cat Power released her debut Dear Sir the following year. Since the she's underwent many phases across the span of her nine studio albums, with the most recent being 2012's Sun, which was self-financed and in progress from 2006.

  Tickets are available for £20 from Ticketmaster. Doors open at 8pm.

• Tue

  15

  Jul

  2014

  Inquisition, Mathusian & Zom

  Voodoo

  Belfast

  

  The Distortion Project are bringing Colombian black metallers Inquisition to Belfast's Voodoo on July 15. 

  Starting as a thrash act in 1988 and moving into raw black metal territory in the early-mid nineties, Inquisition dropped their debut LP Into the Infernal Regions of the Ancient Cult in 1998 after a move to the US and have just put out their sixth, equally as ambitiously-titled Obscure Verses for the Multiverse.

  Death/black/doom act Malthusian play, as well as black/death metal trio ZOM. 

  Admission is £12 and doors open at 8pm.

• Wed

  16

  Jul

  2014

  RedBeard Presents: Bunny and the Banned Its, Green Monkey, Midnight Transmission & more

  Voodoo

  Belfast

  

  The first show from the new RedBeard Promotions takes place on July 16 at Voodoo. Headlining are comedic hip-hop five piece Bunny and the Banned Its , who just released their new EP on Bandcamp for the appropriate price of £4.20.

  Hip-hop/hard rock quartet Green Monkey provide support at the show, as well as alternative rock act Midnight Transmission. Special guests are yet to be announced.

  Doors open at 9.30pm and admission is £5.

• Wed

  16

  Jul

  2014

  Jagermeister Battle of the Bands - Heat 4: Hot Cops, Serotonin, The Empires, Treehome & Lipstik Lizards

  The Pavilion

  Belfast

  

  With the grand final set for Wednesday, August 6, the fourth and final qualifying heat of the Pavilion's Jagermeister Battle of the Bands will take place on Wednesday, July 16.
  
  Playing for the semi-finals - the next step towards the grand prize of £1000 cash and a slot at this year's Sunflower Fest in August - are indie-punks Hot Cops, alt. rockers Serotonin, The Empires, soul-jazz-funk-rockers Treehome and sleazy rock'n'rollers Lipstik Lizards.

  Admission is £3, doors are at 8.45pm.

• Fri

  18

  Jul

  2014

  Arborist 'Border Blood' Single Launch w/Special Guests

  Flow Yoga Studio, Hill Street

  Belfast

  

  Belfast-based folk five piece Arborist release their latest single, 'Border Blood', with a special show at the Flow Yoga Studio on Hill Street in the Cathedral Quarter of the city on July 18.

  Led by songwriter Mark McCambridge, the mellow and wistful Arborist have released a few singles to date, including the Start Together Singles Club's 'Hundreds Of Ways'.

  There's a suggested donation of £5 for admission, and there's a Bring-Your-Own policy at the show. Doors open at 8pm.

• Fri

  18

  Jul

  2014

  Salvation Presents: DIG!

  The Menagerie

  Belfast

  

  One of the all-time great music films 'DIG!' is to be screened at The Menagerie on July 18 by garage/psych/shoegaze/dream-pop-oriented showrunners Salvation.

  The film was the winner of Documentary Grand Jury Prize at the 2004 Sundance Film Festival and was written, directed & produced by Ondi Timonder - who won the same award for her phenomenal documentary film We Live In Public.

  Compiled from seven years of footage, it charters the relationships and careers of The Dandy Warhols and The Brian Jonestown Massacre and their frontmen - Courtney Taylor-Taylor and Anton Newcombe, respectively - and how their career paths diverged for commercial, artistic, creative, personality and chemically-fuelled reasons. 

  Salvation Residents Darren and Johnny will be playing sets inspired by the aforementioned 2 acts after the film is shown.

  Admission is £3. Doors open at 9pm, with the screening to begin at 9.15pm.

• Fri

  18

  Jul

  2014

  Distillation 10: Runaway GO, BeeMickSee & Viola Dust

  Oh Yeah Centre

  Belfast

  

  Anthemic indie-pop quartet Runaway Go headline the Oh Yeah Centre's tenth Distillation gig night, set to take place on July 18. Most recently, the band put out their latest single 'Jump Start' at the end of 2013.

  Support comes from US-born, Belfast-based rapper BeeMickSee who launches his debut album The Belfast Yank with a show at Bar Sub at the end of September. Check out the video for his new single 'Belfast Slang'. Opening the night is electropop act Viola Dust, who just made available his track 'The Big Hop' on Soundcloud.

  Tickets are available from WeGotTickets or on the door for £5. Doors open at 8.30pm.

• Sat

  19

  Jul

  2014

  Million Dollar Reload, Maverick, Midnight Transmission & Villanova Junction

  The Empire

  Belfast

  

  80s-recalling hard rock act Million Dollar Reload headline a SO:NI Rocks show at The Empire on July 19.

  Currently working as a quartet following the loss of guitarist Andy Mack, the band have been touring relentlessly as of late and providing support to a multitude of top-drawer acts. They have to date released 2 albums in 2008 debut Anthems of a Degeneration and the 2012 follow-up, A Sinner's Saint. Check out the video for single 'Broken' from their 2013.

  Support comes from classic rock act Maverick, riffy alt. rockers Midnight Transmission and bluesy rock n' roll trio Villanova Junction.

  Entry costs £6 and doors open at 8.30pm.

• Sat

  19

  Jul

  2014

  Becks Rhythm Weekender: Hot 8 Brass Band & more

  Aether & Echo

  Belfast

  

  New Orleans genre-fusers the Hot 8 Brass Band play Aether & Echo on July 19 for the increasingly impressive Becks Rhythm Series that's already seen announcements of Pharcyde and Roy Ayers, among others at Aether & Echo.

  Blending hip-hop, jazz & funk with tradition New Orleans brass sounds, they were formed in 1995 by Bennie Pete, Jerome Jones and Harry Cook, merging 2 of their previous brass bands. They've seen many lineup changes and unfortunate deaths of their members through handgun violence.

  They have to date released 2 albums - 2007 debut Rock with The Hot 8 and 2012's follow-up The Life and Times of the Hot 8 Brass Band.

  Tickets cost £12 from Ticketsource or £15 on the door. Doors open at 10pm.

• Sat

  19

  Jul

  2014

  Punks for PIPS: Fubar, Ex-Producers, Buck Eejit, Acid Age & Hooligan

  Voodoo

  Belfast

  

  Punkarama Records host a show for suicide prevention & awareness charity PIPS at Voodoo on July 19 with a selection of local punk bands.

  On the bill are punk covers act Fubar, first wave Belfast punk/new wave outfit Ex-Producers, the self-proclaimed worst punk band in Lisburn Buck Eejit, Dublin punk/oi! act Hooligan and thrash act Acid Age.

  Admission is £5 and doors open at 9pm.

• Sat

  19

  Jul

  2014

  Back Track Northern Soul Night

  Oh Yeah Centre

  Belfast

  

  Back Track Soul night aims to bring a slice of that electric atmosphere once found at legendary venues like Wigan's Wheel to Belfast’s Oh Yeah Music Centre on Sat 19th July.

  The underground soul music and dance culture that rose to popularity popular in 1970s Britain has once more found itself in the media spotlight due to the eagerly awaited release of Elaine Constantine's feature film. ‘Northern Soul’.

  Expect a potent brew of up-tempo Northern Soul Classics delivered by some of Belfast and Dublin's finest soul DJs, including Jim McCracken, Tony Doyle & Roger Dixon.

  This is a great opportunity for anyone curious about the cult of Northern Soul to 
  sample a taster of the music and vibe in a superb venue night in the heart of Belfast's 
  Cathedral Quarter. 

  Admission is £7. Doors open at 8.30pm with the first record being spun at 9.15pm.

• Mon

  21

  Jul

  2014

  The Shires

  McHugh's Bar

  Belfast

  

  Hertfordshire country duo The Shires - comprising Ben Earle and Crissie Rhodes - play McHugh's Basement in Belfast on July 21.

  Signed to Decca after just a pinch of shows in the UK, they went on to get picked up by the Nashville Universal Music Group, making The Shires the first UK country act to ever sign to a major Nashville label. Check out their first single 'Nashville Grey Skies'.

  Tickets are available - priced at £10.50 - from Shine and Ticketmaster. Doors open at 8pm.

• Mon

  21

  Jul

  2014

  Bullhead Promotions Present: Astralnaut, THVS & The Empires

  The Goat's Toe

  Bangor

  

  The launch night of new Bangor showrunners, Bullhead Promotions, takes place at the Goat's Toe on July 21 and is to be headlined by Armagh stoner/groove metal outfit Astralnaut. They just released their new EP, Thieves, Beggars & Swine, available on Bandcamp.

  Also on the bill are sludgy hardcore act comprising former members of Comply Or Die, THVS - who have replaced original Bellos in the lineup - and Bangor indie-punk act The Empires.

  Entry is completely free and doors open at 9pm.

• Mon

  21

  Jul

  2014

  Jake Bugg

  Odyssey Arena

  Belfast

  

  Nottingham singer-songwriter Jake Bugg plays the Odyssey Arena on October 16.

  The 20 year old released his eponymous debut in 2012 - co-written by local songwriter Iain Archer - appearing on Later... with Jools Holland in classic breakthrough style, with singles 'Trouble Town' and 'Lightning Bolt'. His album reached number one and he released the follow-up Shangri La the following year. He's currently working on his third album, which may or may not see the light of day this year. 

  Tickets cost £30 from Ticketmaster and the Odyssey box office and doors open at 6.30pm.

• Thu

  24

  Jul

  2014

  Hidden Machine 05: Ciaran Lavery, Spies & Runabay

  Voodoo

  Belfast

  

  Regular Voodoo local gig night Hidden Machine has its fifth instalment on July 24, to be headlined by singer-songwriter Ciaran Lavery, accompanied by a full band. His new EP Kosher has racked up over a million listens on Spotify, and is genuinely one of the freshest, most talented solo artists on the local circuit at the moment. Check out his EP and its single 'Left For America'.

  Dublin indie rock five piece Spies support at the show and have been picked by the likes of Zane Lowe, The Guardian and NME. Cushendall-based folk act Runabay open the show. Check out their free single, 'Sequences'. James Magill will DJ before and after sets.

  Entry costs £5 and doors open at 9pm.

   

• Thu

  24

  Jul

  2014

  Shopmobility Fundraiser: Storm Tree, Ciderfish & The Acoustic

  Black Box

  Belfast

  

  The Black Box hosts a charity gig in aid of Shopmobility Belfast - a non-profit organisation which provides free daily and long-term hire of mobility gear to those with difficulties - on August 8.

  Playing the show are folk-inspired rock five piece StormTree, rock four piece Ciderfish and alternative duo The Acoustic Collective, featuring Gavin Ferris and Matthew Malcolm.

  Tickets are available, priced at £5, from WeGotTickets. Doors open at 8pm.

• Fri

  25

  Jul

  2014

  Thee Dreadfuls, Stonemasons, The Keep & Ravine

  Voodoo

  Belfast

  

  Garage/psych rock five piece Thee Dreadfuls (formerly Thee Penny Dreadfuls) play Voodoo on July 25 in a show for Shizznigh Promotions.

  Support for the show comes from alt. rock trio The Stonemasons -from whom you can download the Angst & Spiders EP on a pay-what-you-want basis - The Keep and Ravine. DJ set will be by Sunglasses After Dark's Ryan Fitzsimmons.

  Entry costs £5 and doors open at 9pm.

• Fri

  25

  Jul

  2014

  Volume Control Presents: The Emerald Armada,

  Oh Yeah Centre

  Belfast

  

  Young gig organisers Volume Control have announced another show at The Oh Yeah Centre to take place on July 25, to be headlined by folk-pop act The Emerald Armada, who recently released their Five Beating Hearts EP to wide acclaim.

  Support comes from folk quartet Feet For Wings and More Than Conquerors sticksman Jamie Neish in an acoustic set.

  It's an all-ages show, admission costs £5 and doors open at 7pm.

• Fri

  25

  Jul

  2014

  BREED: Spittin' Teeth, Acid Age & THVS

  The Pavilion

  Belfast

  

  After a few relatively civilised outings outings, Breed returns with a suitably rowdy triad of Belfast-based bands on Friday, July 25. 
  
  Stemming from the demise of Comply or Die, new-fangled heavy rock trio THVS will make their Belfast debut, playing their second ever show as openers. Second up are Acid Age, a self-proclaimed hyper thrash trio who count Motörhead, ZEKE, Toxic Holocaust, English Dogs and Red Alert as main influences. Sludge-punk five-piece Spittin' Teeth top the bill, an act balancing scathing hardcore riffage with masterful contempt and ire.
  
  As always, the Pavilion's drink promotions will make an appearance and, as is now tradition with Breed, bands will be performing in front of a visual backdrop of their making (a choice made via their very own DVD collection).
  
  Admission is £5 and doors are at 9pm. Bring gumshields.

• Sat

  26

  Jul

  2014

  Arnocorps w/Scimitar

  The Speakeasy

  Belfast

  

  Arnold Schwarzenegger-themed action-adventure hardcore rock and roll act ArnoCorps will be back to the Speakeasy on July 26 as part of 'The Fantastic Tour'.

  The self-proclaimed 'Greatest Band Of All Time' formed in 2000 and have released  several EPs as well as an album, with anthems such as 'Terminator', 'Commando', 'Predator' and 'Total Recall'.

  Support comes from Belfast thrash act Scimitar, whose debut EP, The Act of War, is available from their site.

  Tickets are £15 from the QUBSU reception and Ticketmaster. Doors open at  8pm.

• Sat

  26

  Jul

  2014

  Cadaver Club, Eighty Four & With Grace and Charm

  Limelight 2

  Belfast

  

  The Distortion Project hosts a show from infectious funeral punks - hailing from Fermanagh, of all places - Cadaver Club, who just last year released their debut album - A Fate Worse Than Life - having formed in 2012. They go on to play Blackpool's Rebellion festival a fortnight later.

  Support comes from punk quartet Eighty Four and Kilkeel metalcore five piece With Grace & Charm.

  Admission is £5 and doors open at 5pm.

• Thu

  31

  Jul

  2014

  The Jesus and Mary Chain

  Vicar Street

  Belfast

  

  Seminal lo-fi shoegaze-inspiring quartet The Jesus and Mary Chain have announced a short-notice show at Vicar Street to take place on July 31.

  The show will act as a rehearsal for their Psychocandy tour, on which they'll perform their abrasive-yet-melodic 1985 magnum opus. Listen to 'Just Like Honey'.

  Tickets are out now for €30 for Ticketmaster. Doors open at 8.30pm.

• Fri

  01

  Aug

  2014

  The Midnight Beast (14+)

  Mandela Hall

  Belfast

  

  Comedic trio The Midnight Beast play the Mandela Hall in a 14+ show on August 1.

  The upstarts made their impact at the end of 2009 with their viral hit 'Tik Tok', a parody of Ke$ha's single of the same name. The Londoners have had 46 million Youtube views as well as a couple of sold out tours, having been the fastest unsigned act to sell out KOKO.

  The band released a spoof boy band annual and have a self-titled narrative comedy series coming out on E4. The album - which runs parallel to the series - is released on the band's own label, Sounds Like Good, and was recorded in the parents of member Stefan Abingdon.

  Tickets are available from Katy's Bar, the QUBSU reception, Shine.net and Ticketmaster for £12.50. Doors open at 7pm.

• Sat

  02

  Aug

  2014

  Oh Volcano, Different Ghosts, Serotonin & Matthew Duly

  Voodoo

  Belfast

  

  Electronic popmakers Oh Volcano - formed from ex-members of General Fiasco - play Belfast's Voodoo on August 2 in their debut headline show. To date, they've played with Malibu Shark Attack at their album launches and have remained thoroughly tight-lipped apart from the free single 'Oceans'.

  Support comes from Different Ghosts, alt. rock five piece Serotonin and singer-songwriter/member of Sons of Encouragement Matthew Duly - the latter two having been just selected for the Oh Yeah Centre's Scratch My Progress programme. 

  Admission is £5 and doors open at 9pm.

• Sat

  02

  Aug

  2014

  Scimitar, Owlcrusher & more

  Limelight 2

  Belfast

  

  The Distortion Project run a strong local night of metal - as usual - at the Limelight 2 on August 2, headlined by Belfast thrash act Scimitar, whose debut EP, The Act of War, is available from their site.

  Support comes from sludge/doom trio Owlcrusher, as well as one more act, yet to be confirmed.

  Admission is £5 and doors open at 5pm.

• Tue

  05

  Aug

  2014

  Steve Earle

  Bangor Abbey

  Bangor

  

  A talisman of Americana, singer-songwriter Steve Earle plays Bangor Abbey on August 5 as part of the Open House Festival, which runs in Bangor throughout the month of August.

  The San Antonio country-rocker has been married seven times, is a recovering heroin addict and has dipped his hands into acting  - playing a character not too dissimilar from his own in HBO's The Wire. He's released 13 studio albums since his 1986 debut Guitar Town, with the most recent being 2013's The Low Highway.

  Tickets are available for £36 from Ticketsolve. Doors open at 8pm.

• Tue

  05

  Aug

  2014

  Public Enemy

  Limelight 1

  Belfast

  

  Legendary New York hip-hop group Public Enemy are set to play Belfast’s Limelight 1 on Tuesday, August 5.

  Consisting of Chuck D, Flavor Flav, DJ Lord and more, the show will mark pioneering Long Island outfit’s debut show in the city, thirty two years after they formed. Lauded for albums including Fear of a Black Planet and It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back, the group released their twelfth studio album, The Evil Empire of Everything, back in 2012.

  Tickets - priced at £27 plus booking fee - are available from Katy's Bar & Ticketmaster at 9am on Monday June 30. Doors open at 7pm as it's an early show.

• Tue

  05

  Aug

  2014

  David C. Clements, Arborist & Ryan McMullan

  Voodoo

  Belfast

  

  Magill Promotions - run by former Hidden Machine showrunner James Magill - has its inaugural show at Belfast's Voodoo on September 4 and is to be headlined by singer-songwriter David C. Clements. Check out his 2012 solo EP The Longest Day In History on Bandcamp, available for free download.

  Support comes from Mark McCambridge's five piece folk project Arborist and Portaferry singer-songwriter Ryan McMullan, who recently impressed with his voice and ability at the Pavilion's Battle of the Bands competition.

  Admission is £10 and doors open at 9pm.

• Wed

  06

  Aug

  2014

  Jagermeister Battle of the Bands - Grand Final: Robocobra Quartet, Treehome, Ryan McMullan & The Titanics

  The Pavilion

  Belfast

  

  After 6 weeks of heats and semi-finals, the final of this year's Jagermeister Battle of the Bands concludes at the Pavilion on Wednesday, August 6. 
  
  With £1000 cash and a slot at Sunflower Fest 2014 up for grabs, singer-songwriter Ryan McMullan, jazz-influenced hip-hop genre-spanners Robocobra Quartet, alt. rock four piece The Titanics and soul/jazz/funk-rock trio Treehome will battle it out one last time to be crowned winners of this year's competition. 
  
  Admission is £3 and doors open at 9pm.

• Fri

  08

  Aug

  2014

  VerseChorusVerse

  Atlantic Lounge

  Portrush

  

  Tony Wright, aka VerseChorusVerse plays a long-awaited homecoming show to the Atlantic Lounge - formerly the Retro Bar - on Portrush Main Street on August 8.

  Moving into singer-songwriter territory following his axe-wielding instrumental rock days, Wright released his Iain Archer-produced debut album earlier this year to an excellent reception. Check out the video for single 'No More Years'.

  Admission costs £4 before 10.30pm and £5 afterwards. Doors open at 9.30pm.

• Sat

  09

  Aug

  2014

  Féile an Phobail: Kaiser Chiefs, Go Swim

  Falls Park

  Belfast

  

  The Falls Road Féile an Phobail event on August 9 is to be headlined by Leeds indie five piece Kaiser Chiefs.

  The band broke with their 2005 debut album Employment, and followed it up with the 'Ruby'-featuring Yours Truly, Angry Mob, and a further three albums with the most recent being their 2014 offering Education, Education, Education & War, released in March. It was their first album without drummer and lyricist Nick Hodgson.

  Support at the Falls Park event comes form local indie-pop-rock act Go Swim. Be sure to check out their new EP Animal, released at the end of June.

  Tickets are available from Ticketmaster for £25. Doors open at 8pm.

   

• Sat

  09

  Aug

  2014

  Headless Kross, Slomatics, Wild Rocket & Tusks

  Limelight 2

  Belfast

  

   Glasgow psychedelic doom act Headless Kross - heavily influenced by the usual stoner & sludge suspects, as well as some of the heavier krautrock acts - play a show for the Distortion Project  at Limelight 2 on August 9. Check them out on Bandcamp.

  Also on the bill are Belfast's finest heavy rock/sludge trio Slomatics - who earlier this year released Estron, their fourth album - as well as heavy Dublin space rockers Wild Rocket and fuzz-rock quartet Tusks, comprising former members of Howlin' Widow & Comply or Die.

  Entry to the gig costs only £5 and doors open at the early time of 5pm.

• Mon

  11

  Aug

  2014

  Tim 'Ripper' Owens, Sinocence, Sandstone & Rabid Bitch of the North

  Voodoo

  Belfast

  

  Tim 'Ripper' Owens of Judas Priest, Iced Earth & Malmsteen fame - among others - is to play a show in Voodoo on August 11, thanks to the Distortion Project.

  On this tour, Owens is to play the entire Judas Priest Jugulator album, alongside some of his other career highlights. The Ohio man is famous for making headlines in 1996 when he went from being lead singer of a Judas Priest tribute act to becoming their lead singer when Rob Halford left the band - the inspiration behind the film Rock Star.

  Support comes from metal band Sinocence, Derry's Sandstone and classic heavy metal trio Rabid Bitch of the North.

  Tickets are available from Ticketmaster for £12.50. Doors open at 8pm.

• Mon

  11

  Aug

  2014

  Bellos' Last Ever Show

  Voodoo

  Belfast

  

  Grunge-heavy Belfast trio Bellos play their last ever show together before their guitarist, Aidan McAllister departs for two years to Giza in Egypt. The show takes place at Voodoo on August 11.

  The band's self-titled EP is available on Bandcamp on a name-your-price basis.

  Special guests are yet to be confirmed.

  Admission is £3 and doors open at 9pm.

• Tue

  12

  Aug

  2014

  Amon Amarth w/Darkest Era

  Limelight 1

  Belfast

  

  Swedish melodic death metal five piece Amon Amarth play the Limelight 1 on August 1. 

  Named after Tolkien's Mount Doom, they theme their music on the Vikings and their mythology. The band formed in 1992 and have to date released nine albums, with the most recent being 2013's Deceiver of the Gods.

  Support comes from celtic metal act Darkest Era.

  Tickets are available for £25 from Ticketmaster, Katy's Bar and the usual outlets. Doors open at 7pm as it is an early show.

• Wed

  13

  Aug

  2014

  Big House Management Showcase: Two Glass Eyes, Race The Flux, Animal Beats & Yellowbridge

  The Menagerie

  Belfast

  

  A showcase night from Youth of a Nation Promotions and Mt. Avalanche under the banner of Big House Management takes place on August 13 at the Menagerie

  The bill features north coast post-hardcore trio Two Glass Eyes, Galway electro-rock outfit Race The Flux, Limerick indie rock act Animal Beats and singer-songwriter Ciara Donnelly's indie/folk project Yellowbridge.

  Check out this promo video for the showcase.

  Admission is £5 and doors open at 8pm.

   

• Thu

  14

  Aug

  2014

  The Grainne Duffy Band w/Voodoo Hounds

  Black Box

  Belfast

   

  From Castleblayney in Monaghan, guitarist Grainne Duffy plays with her band at the Black Box on August 14 as part of the Woodstock Rhythm & Blues Festival. 

  Influenced by the likes of legends like BB King and Bonnie Raitt, Duffy has performed with some iconic names like Joan Baez and Robben Ford. She'll be joined onstage by former Thin Lizzy axeman Eric Belly, Billy Boy Miskimmin of the Yardbirds and Nine Below Zero as well as local blues legend Ronnie Greer.

  Support comes from local five piece pub/blues rock act Voodoo Hounds.

  Tickets cost £10 and are available from the Black Box. Doors open at 7.30pm.

• Thu

  14

  Aug

  2014

  Petty Youth EP Fundraiser w/Thee Dreadfuls, Two Tone Revolver & The Racks

  Voodoo

  Belfast

  

  Garage rock/post-punk quartet Petty Youth play Voodoo in a fundraising show on August 14 to pay for the recording of a new EP as a follow-up to their self-released 6-track EP, available on a pay-what-you-like basis on Bandcamp.

  Support comes from garage-psych-rock five piece Thee Dreadfuls - formerly known as Thee Penny Dreadfuls - as well as garage rockers Two Tone Revolver and Lisburn revivalists The Racks.

  Admission costs £5 and doors open at 8.30pm.

• Thu

  14

  Aug

  2014

  Gallery Circus & Travis Is A Tourist

  The Menagerie

  Belfast

   

  New independent Belfast label Old Fang's next show takes place on August 14 at the Menagerie, and is to be headlined be twin-rock duo Gallery Circus. 

  The blues-rock pair were initially formed in Chicago, where they built up something of a DIY scene in the city - playing rooftops, landmarks and illegal venues - before relocating to Newcastle-upon-Tyne. Check them out on Soundcloud or live at Glastonbury.

  Support comes from former Colly Strings frontman & singer-songwriter Travis Gilbert. aka Travis Is A Tourist. Check out the video for his single, 'Shaking'.

  Admission is £5 and doors open at 9pm. 

• Fri

  15

  Aug

  2014

  Blue Whale, Gross Net w/Venus Dupree & The Thin Air DJs

  Platform Arts

  Belfast

   

  Experimental, danceable indie-math quartet Blue Whale play their final show with their bassist, Elder, following the birth of a child and commitments to the Fellow Bicycle Company. The show takes place on Friday August 15 at Platform Arts, located at 1 Queen Street, Belfast. 

  Support comes from the electronic post-punk act Gross Net, for whom this will be the first show. They feature amongst their ranks members of Girls Names and Autumns, and have released one demo track, so far - 'Violence'. There will also be DJ sets from Venus Dupree and ourselves at The Thin Air.

  Admission costs £10 and doors open at 9pm. The show will operate on a BYOB policy.

• Sat

  16

  Aug

  2014

  Bangor's Ghost: Songs, Stories and Sea Shanties from Duke Special, Farriers and their friends

  The Windsor

  Bangor

  

  The Open House Festival in Bangor, held throughout August, hosts a somewhat unique event on August 16 entitled Bangor's Ghost, and promises to include songs, stories & sea shanties, as well as some tales of Bangor's past, performed 'in the round' at The Windsor.

  Those confirmed for the event are vaudevillian singer-songwriter Duke Special and alt. folk act Farriers as well as a selection of their (generally extremely talented) friends.

  Tickets are available for £14.50 from Ticketsolve. Doors open at 8pm.

• Sat

  16

  Aug

  2014

  Drumology DnB: Spree, Tamen, Komplex Therapy & Bonz w/Resident DJs

  Voodoo

  Belfast

  

  Belfast underground drum & bass showrunners Drumology have a night at Voodoo on August 16, with sets from 4 new DJs as well as their 2 residents. Jungle D'n'B DJ Tamen plays, having been around since 2000, as well as Spree, Cork's Komplex Therapy and Dublin's Tribe DJ Bonz.

  Drumology residents Point Blank and MC Kat also DJ at the show. 

  Admission is £5. The show runs from 10pm-2am.

• Sat

  16

  Aug

  2014

  Gangs & The Universal

  Bar Sub

  Belfast

  

  Retrospective Promotions hosts a show from two hotly-tipped acts at QUBSU's Bar Sub on August 16.

  The first act is Dublin Britpop-recalling quartet Gangs, who were nominated as Hot Press Magazine's Most Promising Irish Act 2014. Check out their new single 'Daisy'.

  Also on the bill is Liverpool act The Universal, who are Galaxy Music Prizewinners for Best Album 2013 for The Outsiders. The band are led by singer, songwriter & guitarist Terry Shaughnessy and they have an air of vintage British pop-rock-revival.

  Tickets are available for £15 on the door or from WeGotTickets priced at £13 - with a discount for NUS members. Doors open at 8pm.

• Sun

  17

  Aug

  2014

  Deafheaven & No Spill Blood

  Mandela Hall

  Belfast

  

  San Franciscan shoegaze-inspired post-rock/black metal five piece Deafheaven headline a show at the Mandela Hall on August 17. 

  Their second album, 2013's Sunbather, propelled them into the spotlight, and ended up popping up on almost any end-of-year list worth reading. This will be their first show in Belfast since they supported Russian Circles in the Speakeasy around the time they released their debut LP, 2011's Roads To Judah.

  Support comes from Sargent House-signed, Dublin-based thrashy electronic supergroup of sorts, No Spill Blood.

  Tickets are available for £13 from Ticketmaster & the QUBSU reception (without booking fee). Doors open at 8pm.

• Sun

  17

  Aug

  2014

  Belsonic: Biffy Clyro, Little Matador & more

  Custom House Square

  Belfast

  

  Scottish trio Biffy Clyro have announced that they'll headline one of the Belsonic shows at Custom House Square on August 17.

  Breaking through with 2007's Puzzle, Biffy have continually trotted the globe with their subsequent two albums, Only Revolutions and Opposites. 

  Support comes from Snow Patrol guitarist's project Little Matador, who made their live debut supporting Nine Inch Nails last year at Belsonic.

  Tickets are available from £27.50 from Ticketmaster. Gates open at 6pm.

• Mon

  18

  Aug

  2014

  Belsonic: Kodaline, Tom Odell & Black Rivers

  Custom House Square

  Belfast

  

  Dublin indie quartet Kodaline look set to continue their upward spiral with a headline show at Belsonic on August 18. 

  Originally known as 21 Demands, the band became the first to get an independently released track to top the Irish Singles Chart in 2007 with 'Give Me A Minute'. After changing their name in 2011 to Kodaline, they released their self-titled EP in 2012, followed by their debut album In A Perfect World the following year.

  Also on the bill is British indie-pop singer-songwriter Tom Odell - who last year released his debut album Long Way Down - and Black Rivers.

  Tickets are available for £30 from Ticketmaster. Gates open at 6pm.

• Mon

  18

  Aug

  2014

  Slint w/Girl Band

  Limelight 2

  Belfast

  

  As part of a forthcoming European leg of their tour to promote the deluxe reissue of their landmark 1991 album, Spiderland, Louisville post-rock legends Slint have announced their long-awaited debut Belfast show, set to take place in the altogether intimate Limelight 2 on Monday, August 18.

  The show - in association with yours truly -  will see Slint return to Ireland for the first time since their 2007 appearance at Dublin’s Tripod. Having first reunited back in 2005 to curate All Tomorrow’s Parties at Camber Sands, the band regrouped again in 2007 before disbanding once more until December last year.

  In our interview with him back in March, the band’s frontman, Brian McMahan, said: “We don’t have this big touring and production machine is always running but when we get the opportunity to do a gig, it’s usually just spare of the moment. Belfast, though – we would love come. Let’s see what happens there.”

  Support comes from Dublin noisemakers Girl Band. Download 'The Cha Cha Cha' from their Bandcamp for free.

  Tickets are for Slint’s Belfast show – priced at £21 & booking fee – are available from Ticketmaster & Katy’s Bar.

• Mon

  18

  Aug

  2014

  Bullhead Promotions #002: Petty Youth, Cold Clean Dirt & Gone All Year

  The Goat's Toe

  Bangor

  

  Following the successful debut of Bullhead Promotions at The Goat's Toe in Bangor, the second night takes place on August 18, to be headlined by garage-punks Petty Youth. Check out their tunes on Bandcamp, available on a name-your-price basis.

  Support comes from laid-back mid-Ulster classic rock-recalling quartet Cold Clean Dirt - who recently released their debut EP Beyond The Hills - and Belfast pop-punk five piece Gone All Year, in what's to be their debut show.

  The gig is free entry and doors open at 9pm.

• Tue

  19

  Aug

  2014

  Belsonic: Chic

  Custom House Square

  Belfast

  

  Having had quite a remarkable rebirth over the last couple of years, funk/disco legends Chic have been announced to play Belsonic festival at Custom House Square on Tuesday, August 19.

  With several other shows from the likes of Queens of the Stone Age and Biffy Clyro set to place at the annual Belfast festival in mid-August, Chic’s performance will be their only Northern Irish show of 2014. The Nile Rodgers-fronted band last played Belfast at the Waterfront Hall last October.

  Regarding themselves as a rock band in a disco movement, the group released an almost-inappropriate number of classic disco/funk/soul singles in their original run from '76-'83. Nile Rodgers and bassist Bernard Edwards had been playing together for years, finally releasing Chic's debut single 'Everybody Dance' in 1977.

  Tickets for the show are on sale from Friday, June 20 from Ticketmaster. Gates open at 6pm.

   

   
• Tue

  19

  Aug

  2014

  Deafheaven w/No Spill Blood

  Whelan's

  Belfast

  

  San Franciscan shoegaze-inspired post-rock/black metal five piece Deafheaven headline a show at Whelan's in Dublin on August 19. 

  Their second album, 2013's Sunbather, propelled them into the spotlight, and ended up popping up on almost any end-of-year list worth reading. This will be their first show in Belfast since they supported Russian Circles in the Speakeasy around the time they released their debut LP, 2011's Roads To Judah.

  Support comes from Sargent House-signed, Dublin-based thrashy electronic supergroup of sorts, No Spill Blood.

  Tickets are available for €16 from Ticketmaster. Doors open at 7.30pm.

• Wed

  20

  Aug

  2014

  Belsonic: Queens of the Stone Age & more

  Custom House Square

  Belfast

  

  One of the flagbearers in US rock music, Queens of the Stone Age, headline Belsonic on August 20 following their last show in Belfast at the Odyssey Arena.

  The band released their latest album ...Like Clockwork last year, which was their sixth since their prototypical eponymous 1998 debut, and displayed a maturity and measured approach which had previously remained in the background. It was revealed this year that the band will start recording a new album once they've finished their current tour, so a productive spurt looks possible.

  Support for the bill is yet to be announced.

  Tickets are available from Ticketmaster for £30. Gates open at 6pm.

• Wed

  20

  Aug

  2014

  The Front Bottoms

  Bar Sub

  Belfast

  

  US indie pop-punk duo The Front Bottoms play Bar Sub in QUB's Students' Union on August 20. 

  The New Jersey pair self-released a couple of albums before signing to Bar/None Records and releasing their eponymous breakthrough. Most recently, they released 2013 LP Talon of the Hawk. Check out the video for 'Twin Size Mattress'.

  Tickets are available for £10 from Ticketmaster and the QUBSU reception. Doors open at 8pm.

• Thu

  21

  Aug

  2014

  Tennent's Vital: The Killers, Bastille & more

  Boucher Road Playing Fields

  Belfast

  

  World-dominating Las Vegas quartet The Killers headline Tennent's Vital on August 21 at the Belfast's Boucher Road Playing Fields.

  Support comes from one of 2013's biggest breakthrough acts, Bastille.

  Tickets are available for £49.50 from Ticketmaster. Gates open at 4pm.

• Thu

  21

  Aug

  2014

  Safe Ships - Belfast Farewell Show w/Lantern For A Gale, Small Hawk Orchestral & Spittin' Teeth

  Voodoo

  Belfast

  

  Hardcore quartet Safe Ships unfortunately have to bid Belfast a fond farewell as brothers J and Matt Chambers - drums/vocals and guitar, respectively - move back to England. They celebrate their time here with a final show at Voodoo on August 21.

  During their time here, they released 2 EPs  - Pipelines and The Greatness Inside - and the Fighting Fit single, all of which are available on Bandcamp.

  Support comes from melodic hardcore act Lantern For A Gale, sludgy alt. rock quartet Small Hawk Orchestral and sludge/crust/hardcore five piece Spittin' Teeth.

  Admission costs £3 before 10pm and £5 afterwards. Doors open at 9pm.

• Fri

  22

  Aug

  2014

  The Old Firm Casuals

  Voodoo

  Belfast

  

  One of Rancid frontman Lars Frederiksen's projects The Old Firm Casuals have announced a show at Voodoo on August 22, to be run by local label Punkerama Records.

  The band have released many songs on split 7" for Indiana's Oi! the Boat Records -  among others - and released their first EP last year on Rebellion Records.

  Tickets are available from Ticketmaster for £17. Doors open at 9pm.

• Sat

  23

  Aug

  2014

  Roy Ayers

  Aether & Echo

  Belfast

  

  LA's Godfather of Neo-soul Roy Ayers plays Aether & Echo on August 23 as part of the Becks Rhythm Series.

  The vibraphonist, singer and composer - as well as one of the most sampled artists in history - is 73 and still performing over 5 decades into his career, which started out in post-bop jazz. Ayers is credited with revolutionising and bringing crossover appeal to funk, soul and jazz, notably pioneering jazz-funk in the 70s while on Polydor Records with his group, Ubiquity. Just listen to his 1977 megahit 'Running Away'.

  Tickets are available from Ticketsource for £15 plus booking fee. Doors open at 10pm.

• Sat

  23

  Aug

  2014

  Volume Control Summer Fest: The Wood Burning Savages, BeeMickSee, Those Ghosts, Sullivan & Gold, LORIS, Freak's, Owen McGarry, Jamie Brown & more

  Oh Yeah Centre

  Belfast

  

  Young event organisers Volume Control have announced their summer fest lineup at the Oh Yeah Centre on August 23. It's to be headlined by indie pop/rock act The Wood Burning Savages, who are just off the back of a slot at Glastonbury's BBC Introducing stage. Check out the video for their single, 'America'.

  Support comes from an eclectic mix of acts, including US-born rapper BeeMickSee who launches his debut album in September, alt. rock act Those Ghosts, indie pop group Sullivan & Gold - whose album For Foes is out on Smalltown America, electropop newcomers LORIS, Freak's, electronic-pop-rock creator Owen McGarry and singer-songwriter Jamie Brown. More acts to are to be announced.

  Tickets are available for £10 from WeGotTickets. The show is scheduled to run from 2pm-10.30pm.

   

• Sat

  23

  Aug

  2014

  Mordred, Furyon & more

  Limelight 2

  Belfast

  

  San Francisco thrash-funk metal act Mordred play the Limelight 2 for the Distortion Project - with their classic In This Life lineup - on August 23.

  Originally gaining popularity through their unique take on the thrash sound, incorporating funk-inspired basslines and turntables. They released three albums in their time together, with several hiatuses happening until the reunion of their In This Life lineup was announced just last year.

  Support comes from Brighton metal/prog/classic rock-influenced quartet Furyon. Further support is yet to be announced.

  Tickets are available for £16.50 from Ticketmaster, Katy's Bar and the usual outlets. Doors open at 5.30pm as it's an early show.

• Sun

  24

  Aug

  2014

  The Pharcyde perform Bizarre Ride II

  Aether & Echo

  Belfast

  

  Alternative South Central LA hip-hop group The Pharcyde perform their landmark debut album Bizarre Ride II the Pharcyde in its entirety at Aether & Echo as part of the Beck's Rhythm Series on August 24.

  The original 4 members are Imani, Bootie Brown, Slimkid3 and Fatlip -  the latter of whom unfortunately are no longer with the group - and have had DJs Mark Luv, J-Swift, then the ultra-talented J Dilla. Their aforementioned 1992 debut album yielded breakthrough single 'Passin' Me By', which helped establish alternative hip-hop on the West Coast, paving that which was to come.

  Tickets area available for £15 from Ticketsource. Doors open at 10pm.

• Sun

  24

  Aug

  2014

  Moving On Music Presents: Väsen

  Black Box

  Belfast

  

  Swedish folk trio Väsen play the Black Box in a show presented by Moving On Music on August 24.

  A four piece only in their native Sweden - due to percussionist André Ferrari's reluctance to tour internationally - the three have released at least 15 albums since Olov Johansson's nyckelharpa - a 'keyed fiddle' - Mikael Marin's viola and Roger Tallroth's 12-string guitar came together in 1989, leading to the release of Vásen's eponymous 1990 debut. Check out 'Väsen Street'.

  Tickets are available for £10 concession and £12 full-priced - plus fees - from WeGotTickets. Doors open at 8pm.

• Mon

  25

  Aug

  2014

  Tue

  26

  Aug

  2014

  Foy Vance

  Bangor Abbey

  Bangor

  

  As part of August's Open House Festival lineup, singer-songwriter Foy Vance returns to his hometown to play Bangor Abbey on August 25 & 26 - with the former added following the sellout of his 26th show.

  He has to date released 2 albums, with a large number of EPs coming in between, since his 2000 debut Blueprints EP. His 2013 LP Joy Of Nothing won the Northern Ireland Music Prize.

  Tickets are available for the 25th for £26 from Ticketsolve. Doors open at 8pm.

• Tue

  26

  Aug

  2014

  Fat Judas & Friend or Foe?

  Black Box

  Belfast

  

  Rock act Fat Judas play the Black Box on August 26 for an end-of-summer party to prepare, apparently, the emergency care teams and their friends for another winter of discontent.

  Support comes from Derry veteran punk/blues rock act Friend or Foe?

  Tickets are £10 from Ticketsolve. Doors open at 8pm and entry comes with a beer and a slice of pizza.

• Wed

  27

  Aug

  2014

  Eddi Reader

  Bangor Abbey

  Bangor

  

  Glaswegian singer-songwriter Eddi Reader plays Bangor Abbey on August 27 as part of the ongoing Open House Festival in Bangor throughout the month.

  As part of acoustic pop band Fairground Attraction, Reader launched her career with hits like their breakthrough no. 1 single 'Perfect'. She really made it as a solo performer with her eponymous '94 LP and most recently released her tenth album Vagabond in January.

  Tickets area available for £26 from Ticketsolve. Doors open at 8pm.

• Wed

  27

  Aug

  2014

  Russian Circles, ASIWYFA, Tera Melos, Emma Ruth Rundle, Mylets & No Spill Blood

  Button Factory

  Dublin

  

  Sargent House (US) and Sargent House Europe have put together a lineup with 5 of their finest acts to play the Button Factory in Dublin on August 27.

  With the running order to be confirmed on the day of the show, six artists will play at the show: post-metal trio Russian Circles - who just last year put out their excellent Memorial - north coast globetrotting instrumental quartet And So I Watch You From Afar, math-rock act Tera Melos, LA singer-songwriter/member of Marriages, The Nocturnes and Red Sparowes Emma Ruth Rundle, Dublin synth/bass/drums power trio/indie supergroup No Spill Blood and loop-based artist Henry Kohen aka Mylets.

  Limited early bird packages are available from Sargent House Europe which come with a free 12-track 2014 label sampler for €22. Doors open at 7pm and the first act starts at 7.15pm sharp.

• Thu

  28

  Aug

  2014

  Bonnie 'Prince' Billy

  Bangor Abbey

  Belfast

  

  Will Oldham aka Bonnie 'Prince' Billy plays Bangor Abbey on August 28 as part of the Open House Festival which takes place in the town throughout the month.

  Oldham emerged from Louisville in the same scene that spawned the likes of Slint, with a D.I.Y. punk ethos, and his music has been likened to rootsy Americana, folk, country, punk and indie rock. He first started performing under the name Palace Music and Palace Brothers between the years of 1993 and 1997, then took on his current moniker in 1998.

  He's rather prolific, and as such, has released - at least - 20 studio albums since his 1993 debut album There Is No-One What Will Take Care Of You under Palace Brothers name.

  Tickets are available, priced at £26, from Ticketsolve. Doors open at 8pm.

• Fri

  29

  Aug

  2014

  The Orwells & Hot Cops

  Voodoo

  Belfast

  

  Chicago indie/garage rock revival five piece The Orwells play an early show at Belfast's Voodoo on August 29.

  Having appeared on the likes of David Letterman, the youngsters have risen fast with 2 EPs and a debut album. They recently put out the video for new track 'Let It Burn' from their second LP Disgraceland - out in June.

  Support comes from young 90s-recalling slacker-rock trio Hot Cops.

  Tickets are available from Ticketmaster and Shine for £10. Doors open at 7pm as it's an early show.

• Fri

  29

  Aug

  2014

  Pocket Billiards, Gascan Ruckus, The Greased Palm, The Late Twos, The Couth, Loris, The Sun Shadows & In An Instant

  Limelight 1

  Belfast

  

  Shizznigh Promotions' most ambitious show to date, entitled 'Shizz The Fest', is to take place at the Limelight 1 on August 29. Belfast ska-punks Pocket Billiards headline the massive bill. We urge you to listen to either of their superb albums, if you haven't already.

  Also on the bill are hook-laden punk rock quartet Gascan Ruckus, soulful, groovy rock n' roll outfit The Greased Palm, indie pop-rock five piece The Late Twos - who just put out new EP Get Down Before I Pull You Down - indie/garage rock outfit The Couth, electro-pop trio Loris - check out their single 'I've Been Quiet' - rock n' rollers The Sun Shadows and fast-rising Bangor electronic indie-pop act In An Instant.

  Admission is £10 and doors open at 6.30pm.

• Fri

  29

  Aug

  2014

  The Flatliners, Empty Lungs, Past Victories & Hello Newman

  Bar Sub

  Belfast

  

  Toronto punk rock quartet The Flatliners play QUB's Bar Sub on August 29 for Margin Walker Promotions. 

  This tour marks the first time they've toured over here for their latest release, Dead Language. The band have been together, plying their trade - D.I.Y. punk rock across any venue the band could play - for over a decade now, and elaborates on their well-received and highly regarded 2010 LP, Cavalcade. 

  Support comes from anthemic punks Empty Lungs - who just put out politically charged single 'From Russia With A Lack Of Love' - as well as alt. rockers Past Victories and fresh new punk rock quartet Hello Newman.

  Tickets are available for £10 from Dragon Records, WeGotTickets and Ticketmaster. Doors open at 8pm.

• Sat

  30

  Aug

  2014

  The Wailers

  Limelight 1

  Belfast

  

  Roots rock reggae pioneers The Wailers play Belfast's Limelight 1 on August 30 in an early show. 

  Along with Bob Marley, The Wailers sold over 250 million albums worldwide, and playeed with acts like Stevie Wonder, Sting, The Fugees and Santana. They formed in 1969 with Marley, Bunny Wailer and Peter Tosh recruiting Aston & Carly Barrett as the rhythm section for their first set of songs. The Barrett brothers claimed the Wailer name and continued until Carlie passed away in 1987, leaving his brother as the Wailers' torchbearer.

  Tickets are available for £26 plus booking fee from Katy's Bar and Ticketmaster. Doors open at 7pm.

• Sat

  30

  Aug

  2014

  Punkerama Presents: Drongos For Europe w/DJs

  Voodoo

  Belfast

  

  Classic Birmingham punk quartet Drongos For Europe play Belfast's Voodoo on August 30. 

  Formed in 1979, playing with the likes of GBH, Exploited, Dead Kennedy, Crass, The Pogues and the UK82 bands of the era, Drongos For Europe self-released their debut single 'Hope and Glory' in 1981, which was followed up by 2 1982 EPs on Inferno Records, which made the top 50 in the UK charts at the time. They split, and reformed in bursts from 1985 onwards with sporadic releases, including a couple of albums.

  On the night, there'll be DJ sets from Ray Gange, star of Clash film 'Rude Boy' and Belfast punk/new waver Tony Spence.

  Admission is £8 and doors open at 8pm.

• Sat

  30

  Aug

  2014

  Open House Festival Finale: In An Instant w/Special Guests & DJs

  The Windsor

   Bangor

  

  With the release of their debut, the Light You Know And Love EP - produced by Kowalski's Paddy Baird - young Bangor quartet In An Instant are to close the Open House Bangor Festival which lasts the duration of August with a show at The Windsor on August 30.

  The anthemic, electronically-inclined indie-pop group perpetuate the 'Bangor' sound, drawing influence from some of the most successful acts to emerge from the town in recent years, like Snow Patrol and Two Door Cinema Club as well as the aforementioned Kowalski.

  The show will also feature special guests and DJs.

  Tickets are available from Ticketsolve for £6 and doors open at 8pm.

• Sat

  30

  Aug

  2014

  Zlatanera & Astralnaut

  Limelight 2

  Belfast

  

  Formed in summer 2012 by former members of Residual Effect, Stand Up Guy, Interrogate and No Grace Given, Zlatanera play Belfast's Limelight 2 in a Distortion Project show on August 30.

  Also on the bill are stoner/groove metal five piece Astralnaut, who have just released their new EP, Thieves, Beggars and Swine. One more act is yet to be confirmed.

  Admission is £5 and doors open at 5pm.

• Sat

  30

  Aug

  2014

  El Ten Eleven

  Bar Sub, QUBSU

  Belfast

  

  L.A.-based instrumental duo El Ten Eleven play Bar Sub on Saturday, August 30 following their last show here at Radar in October.

  Having formed in 2002 by Kristian Dunn - who plays a double necked 6-string/bass hybrid - and drummer Tim Fogarty, the pair make genre-defying music together, and most recently released their For emily EP earlier in the year, available on Bandcamp as the follow-up to their fifth album, 2012's Transitions.

  Check out 'Falling' live on KEXP.

  Tickets are available for £10 from Ticketmaster and QUBSU's reception. Doors open at 8pm.

• Sat

  30

  Aug

  2014

  RedBeard Presents a Secret Show: Runaway Bears, The Stonemasons, I Am The Grasshopper & Robocobra Quartet

  Secret Venue

  Belfast

  

  RedBeard Promotions are running a unique show on Saturday, August 30 in a yet-to-be-announced small capacity venue. Headlining the show at quirky alternative rock trio The Runaway Bears.

  Also on the bill are fellow alt. rockers The Stonemasons, I Am The Grasshopper and hip-hop/jazz/punk outfit Robocobra Quartet.

  Admission is £4 and doors open at 8pm. The show has a BYOB policy, with no glass allowed.

• Sat

  30

  Aug

  2014

  Jun Tzu 'The Troubles' Album Launch w/Prose & BeeMickSee

  Crumlin Road Gaol

  Belfast

  

  Crumlin Road Gaol is home to the ambitious album launch from NI hip-hop artist Jun Tzu on August 30.

  The launch for Jun Tzu's debut album The Troubles - aptly titled, given his life experience and lyrical subject matter - is especially poignant in that his father, David 'Packie' Hamilton who was imprisoned in the Gaol for over 6 years, hosts the show. Expect stories of his family on the night.

  Check out his single, 'Born In Belfast'.

  Support comes from three-piece hip-hop band Prose - check out 'I'm Sick' - Belfast based rapper BeeMickSee - check out 'Single' - and Jun Tzu's uncle, folk singer/musician Billy Smith with friends.

  Tickets are available from Ticketmaster for £12. Doors open at 8pm.

• Sat

  30

  Aug

  2014

  Kryptic State EP Launch w/Frank n' Beans & Rocket Propelled Gorillas

  The Underground

  Draperstown

  

  Young mid-Ulster literal garage-rock quartet Kryptic State play Draperstown's Underground - formerly the Cellar Bar - on August 30 as an end-of-summer blowout and launch for their new EP, Vomiting and Power Chords, recorded over summer as the follow up to their debut Acidophilus EP, available free on Bandcamp.

  Support comes from young blues/surf/indie rock duo Frank & Beans and alternative act Rocket Propelled Gorillas.

  Admission is £5, as is their new EP. Doors open at 9pm.

• Mon

  01

  Sep

  2014

  Karma To Burn, Desert Storm & Astralnaut

  Voodoo

  Belfast

  

  West Virginia stoner riff lords Karma To Burn play Belfast's Voodoo on September 1 for Margin Walker promotions. 

  Having recently gotten bassist Rob Irish of The Exploited fame for this upcoming tour, the mostly instrumental trio have been recording new material for what we assume to be their sixth album since their 1997 self-titled debut.

  On support duties are English heavy blues rockers Desert Storm and increasingly impressive Armagh stoner/groove metal five piece Astralnaut.

  Tickets cost £14 from Ticketmaster. Doors open at 8pm.

• Wed

  03

  Sep

  2014

  Nik Kershaw - Me Myself & I: A Solo Retrospective

  The Waterfront

  Belfast

  

  English guitarist and singer-songwriter Nik Kershaw plays a part-musical, part-spoken word show at Belfast's Waterfront on September 3 in celebration of the 30th anniversary of his first chart success.

  As a teen idol, he spent 62 weeks in the UK singles chart and is a prolific jazz-funk guitarist, as well as a songwriter for other artists, having penned Chesney Hawkes' 'The One and Only' in 1991. Elton John has described him as being one of the best songwriters of a generation. 

  Expect this show to contain a selection of some of the best-loved songs from Kershaw's career, as well as tales and a Q&A with the audience.

  Tickets are available from The Waterfront for £20. Doors open at 8pm.

• Thu

  04

  Sep

  2014

  Getting To Know...Oh Volcano

  Oh Yeah Centre

  Belfast

  

  The Oh Yeah Centre's regular interview/gig event Getting To Know... has its next instalment on September 4th and features recently formed act Oh Volcano.

  Check out the video for their first released track 'Oceans' to give you a taster of what the former General Fiasco guys are about.

  Admission is free and the show runs from 8pm until 10pm.

• Thu

  04

  Sep

  2014

  Israel Nash

  McHugh's Basement

  Belfast

  

  With his new album out in mid-August, Americana songwriter Israel Nash plays McHugh's Basement Bar on September 4 as part of a worldwide tour.

  Evidently influenced by the finest alt. country, psychedelia and Americana, Nash recently relocated to just outside Austin, which led to the creation of his new album Rain Plans, seemingly an amalgamation of the aforementioned ingredients. 

  Check out his recent, measured performance of 'Just Like Water' live on KEXP.

  Tickets are available for £10.50 from Shine.net and Ticketmaster. Doors open at 8pm.

   

• Thu

  04

  Sep

  2014

  Thee Dreadfuls, THVS & Tusks

  The Menagerie

  Belfast

  

  The Menagerie plays host to a show of inter-band relations and cross-pollination to be headlined by rock n' roll outfit Thee Dreadfuls on September 4 as a goodbye for multi-band member, Dave.

  Fuzzed-out riff-mongers TUSKS and THVS.

  Admission is £4 (or £3 for those donning a fez). Doors open on 9pm.

• Fri

  05

  Sep

  2014

  Robin Williams Tribute Night

  The Pavilion

  Belfast

  

  Out of nowhere, we've lost one of the finest comedians of our generation. Gone at a sickeningly young age, Robin Williams has moved plains - instantly elsewhere, tragic, unfortunate but "what would he have wanted?"

  A party/gathering of aficionados raising funds for charity, that's what. 
  
  The night - which takes place at the Pavilion Bar on Friday, September 5 - will feature film, music, stand-up and everything in between. Let's raise awareness/money for suicide awareness charities, and revel in the sheer comedic majesty of Robin McLaurin Williams, one of the greatest people to have ever existed.
  
  Entrance will be free but donations are welcome. Doors open at 8pm.

• Sat

  06

  Sep

  2014

  Sinocence 13th Birthday Show w/Collapse, Two Tales of Woe, Defyed & more

  Limelight 2

  Belfast

  

  To celebrate the 13th birthday of one of the most enduring metal acts on the local circuit, The Distortion Project hosts an anniversary show for Belfast four piece Sinocence at the Limelight 2 on September 6. They recently released their new album No Gods, No Masters Vol. 1.

  Also on the bill are English metallers Collapse, sludgy old school doom act Two Tales of Woe and hardcore act Defyed, with one more band yet to be announced.

  Admission is £5 and doors open at 4pm.

• Sat

  06

  Sep

  2014

  No Tomorrow #004: SlowPlaceLikeHome, Somadrone & Documenta DJs

  Voodoo

  Belfast

  

  Presented by The Thin Air, the next instalment of No Tomorrow at Voodoo Belfast on September 6 will see a totally transfixing triad from Donegal, Dublin and Belfast unite in the name of some first-rate cosmic alleviation. 
  
  Headlined by fast-rising Donegal producer Keith Mannion AKA SlowPlaceLikeHome - a self-proclaimed "cosmic forest-dweller" whose forthcoming album Romola will secure his reputation as one of the finest acts in the country.

  The show will also feature support from the utterly masterful Neil O'Connor AKA Dublin-based electronic producer/musician Somadrone and a DJ set from Belfast-band drone pop governors Documenta.
  
  Admission is £5 and doors are at 9pm. The drink offers will be ludicrously good and there will be really sweet visuals projected on a wall somewhere for your enjoyment and/or amusement.

   

• Sat

  06

  Sep

  2014

  Tweedfest 2014

  28 Loughabin Road

  Ballymoney

  

  Annual north coast one-day-festival Tweedfest takes place at its usual farm on 28 Loughabin Road, just outside Ballymoney, and is to be headlined by hip-hop outfit The BeeMickSee Band, the live band of Belfast-based American rapper.

  The rest of the bill comprises post-hardcore trio Two Glass Eyes, anthemic punk quartet Empty Lungs, ASIWYFA side-project, the multicultural trad. act Sons of Burlap, LA math-rock duo 100 Onces, doom/sludgers 7.5 Tonnes of Beard, alt. metallers Small Hawk Orchestral, The Rupture Dogs, Abandcalledboy, English hardcore act Felix Champion, Good Friend, The Geneva Experiment, The Bayonettes and Johnny Marvel.

  There is a minimum admission donation of £5 - as it's a not-for-profit venture with an available campsite and a BYOB policy.

• Sun

  07

  Sep

  2014

  Gig For Gaza: Best Boy Grip, Wood Burning Savages, Glenn Rosborough, Conor O'Kane, Lo Mejor, Bulrush, Digger Browne, Murder Balladeers, Rozza, Music Asylum, Colm Bryce, Junior Johnston, Conor Kelly & Caolan McLaughlin

  Sandinos

  Derry-Londonderry

  

  Some of the finest musicians performing in the general north-west area perform at Sandinos on Sunday September 7 in a Fundraiser for Gaza, organised by the Derry Anti-War Coalition. Headlining the show is singer-songwriter Best Boy Grip, whose single, 'Barbara' is one of the finest pop songs this country has seen in recent years.

  Also on the bill is a host of other talent, including The Wood Burning Savages, plenty of singer-songwriters, such as Intermission's Glenn Rosborough, Conor O'Kane, the folky Lo Mejor, Bulrush, comedic country singer Digger Browne, Americana troupe The Murder Balladeers, Rozza, some tunes from Music Asylum, Colm Bryce, Junior Johnston, Conor Kelly and Caolan McLaughlin.

  Admission is a mere £5 and doors open at 8pm.

• Tue

  09

  Sep

  2014

  Bullhead Promotions #004: 100 Onces, Chasing Lennon & Hello Newman

  The Goat's Toe

  Bangor

  

   

  LA math-rock duo 100 Onces return to Ireland, and as part of their tour - which has taken in sets a Arctangent and Tweedfest - they're to play The Goat's Toe in Bangor on September 9 for Bullhead Promotions, for whom this is the fourth show. 

  Having released 2 albums since their 2010 inception, and their second album, 100 One Says is available from Bandcamp for free.

  Support comes from Bangor pop-punks Chasing Lennon as well as punk four piece Hello Newman.

  Admission is completely free and doors open at 9pm.

• Thu

  11

  Sep

  2014

  RedBeard Promotions Presents: Exit Pursued By Bear, Black Sonnet, Seneron & Mere Moths

  The Menagerie

  Belfast

  

  RedBeard Promotions hosts a show at Belfast's Menagerie on September 11 to be headlined by Limavady's own atmospheric alternative/indie rock quartet Exit Pursued By Bear. You can check out their self-titled EP, available on a name-your-price basis.

  Fellow Limavady rock n' rollers Black Sonnet also play on the night, along with Derry riffers Seneron and acoustic/indie rock performer Patrick Wright, aka Mere Moths. Check him out.

  Admission is £3 and doors open at 9pm.

• Thu

  11

  Sep

  2014

  Magill Promotions Presents: Jun Tzu Album Launch w/Prose & BeeMickSee

  Voodoo

  Belfast

  

  NI hip-hop artist Jun Tzu launches his debut album The Troubles - aptly titled, given his life experience and lyrical subject matter - with a show for Magill Promotions at Voodoo on September 11 almost a fortnight after his ambitious Crumlin Road Jail performance.

  Support comes from three-piece hip-hop band Prose - check out 'I'm Sick' - and Belfast-based rapper BeeMickSee - check out 'Single'.

  Admission is £5. Doors open at 9pm.

• Fri

  12

  Sep

  2014

  We Were Promised Jetpacks w/Fatherson

  Limelight 2

  Belfast

  

  Scottish indie rockers We Were Promised Jetpacks are to headline a show at the Limelight 2 on September 12th. 

  They have to date released 2 LPs, 2009's These Four Walls and 2011's In The Pit Of The Stomach, with another possibly on its way for this tour. Most recently, they put out a live album from their 2012 tour, called E Ray: Live In Philadelphia.

  On support are fellow Scotsmen, indie/power-pop quartet Fatherson. They recently released their debut album I Am An Island. Check out the single 'I Like Not Knowing'.

  Tickets are available from Ticketmaster & Katy's Bar for £10. Doors open at 7pm as it's an early show.

• Fri

  12

  Sep

  2014

  Freebase, By Any Means, Gacys Threads, Defyed & Spittin' Teeth

  Voodoo

  Belfast

  

  Northampton crossover hardcore band Freebase play Belfast's Voodoo in their first show here in over 10 years.

  They were founded in 1995, playing their first show with G.B.H. and subsequently releasing their England demo, which was followed up with several contributions to various compilation CDs, notably the UKHC compilation, released on Household Name Records. They released their debut album Nothing To Regret in 2000, and its follow-up, My Life, My Rules in 2002. They went on a self-declared semi-permanent hiatus shortly after and regrouped in 2012 for some summer festival slots, and now they're back recording for a much-awaited third LP.

  Also on the bill are four Belfast hardcore-tainted bands in By Any Means, the final Belfast show from four piece Gacys Threads, Defyed and the crusty filth of Spittin' Teeth.

  Admission is £7 and doors open at 8pm.

• Fri

  12

  Sep

  2014

  His New Atlas 'Torn Out Lungs' EP Launch

  Platform 1 Bar

  Belfast

  

  Singer-songwriter Eoghan O'Hagan, aka His New Atlas, launches his new EP at Armagh's Platform 1 on September 12. 

  Torn Out Lungs is his third EP to-date, which is impressive given that His New Atlas has only been in existence since the start of 2013. Since then, he's played many shows across the UK and Ireland, with further English shows to come.

  Check out the video for new single 'His Young'.

  Support is yet to be confirmed.

• Sat

  13

  Sep

  2014

  Sabotage Debut Night

  Voodoo

  Belfast

  

  Belfast's latest monthly gig/club night, Sabotage, makes its debut at Voodoo on Saturday, September 13. With a one-band-plus-DJs format, in the style of classic Auntie Annie's night Animal Disco, Sabotage has the potential to take a previously empty, but much-needed top Saturday night gig night in Belfast.

   

• Sat

  13

  Sep

  2014

  Breaking Bands #4: Escobar, Hydrogen Jukebox, Third Degree & Tyrannasonic Deaf Rays

  Oh Yeah Centre

  Belfast

  

  The Oh Yeah Music Centre, alongside Matchett's Music host the fourth Breaking Bands showcase, which gives four fresh acts a slot, this time at the Oh Yeah Centre on Saturday, September 13.

  Headlining are alt. rock/indie quartet Escobar - check out the video for their single 'Sirens' - as well as Hydrogen Jukebox, who soon release their new EP, fellow alt. rock four piece Third Degree and Kilkeel alt. pop/rock trio Tyrannasonic Deaf Rays, 

  Admission is £3 and doors open at 8pm.

• Sun

  14

  Sep

  2014

  Amidships & Lauren Shera

  Katy's Bar

  Belfast

  

  Atmospheric indie-folk act Amidships play a free-entry show at Katy's Bar on Sunday, September 14. The band have been relatively quiet recently as they've been recording, but for the uninitiated, check out an acoustic session of 'Oceans & Layers'.

  Support comes from Nashville-based singer-songwriter Lauren Shera, who makes her NI debut at the show. She just released her third album - and label debut - Gold and Rust. Check out 'Blood Lust', taken from her aforementioned third album.

  Admission is free and doors open at 8pm.

• Wed

  17

  Sep

  2014

  First Aid Kit

  Mandela Hall

  Belfast

  

  Swedish sisters Johanna & Klara Söderberg, aka First Aid Kit are to play the Mandela Hall on September 17 following a venue change from the Empire. Tickets from the Empire remain valid.

  The Americana-folk-pop duo spread their name with a 2008 YouTube video cover of Fleet Foxes' 'Tiger Mountain Peasant Song'. Check out single 'My Silver Lining'.

  Tickets are available for £20 from the QUBSU reception and Ticketmaster. Doors open at 8pm.

   

• Wed

  17

  Sep

  2014

  Hidden Machine: Matua Trap, 100 Onces & The Stonemasons

  Voodoo

  Belfast

  

  Progressive rock trio Matua Trap - who count amongst their ranks members of Kasper Rosa & Affleck - make their live debut at Voodoo on September 17 for Hidden Machine. They just made their debut track, 'Cleave' available on Bandcamp.

  Support comes from US math-rock duo 100 Onces - get their second album for free on Bandcamp - and local alt. rock act The Stonemasons.

  Admission is £5 - although tweeting @hiddenmachineNI gets you on the cheaplist - and doors open at 9pm.

• Thu

  18

  Sep

  2014

  Anathema

  Limelight 2

  Belfast

  

  Liverpool progressive rock act Anathema play a show at the Limelight 2 on September 18 for The Distortion Project.

  Initially formed in 1990 as a doom band under the name 'Pagan Angel', they recorded some demos and EPs which garnered label interest and an ensuing tour with Cannibal Corpse. They went on to release their debut LP Serenades in 1993, and Distant Satellites marks the milestone of their tenth album, out June '14.

  Tickets are available from Ticketmaster for £20. Doors open at 8pm.

• Thu

  18

  Sep

  2014

  Action For Children Charity Show w/Red Empire, Part Time Pilots, Down To Level & Kryptic State

  Voodoo

  Belfast

  

  Dublin-based five piece Red Empire play Voodoo on September 18 in a fundraiser for Action For Children, a charity to help disadvantages and neglected children in the UK. Check out Red Empire's single, 'The Truth of You'.

  Support comes from punk act Part Time Pilots, alt. rockers Down To Level and young mid-ulster based garage/indie band Kryptic State.

  Admission is £5 and doors open at 8.30pm.

  All proceeds go to Action For Children.

• Fri

  19

  Sep

  2014

  Carcass

  Limelight 1

  Belfast

  

  The Distortion Project has booked extreme metal quartet Carcass to play the Limelight 1 on September 19.

  The Liverpool band formed in 1985, and stayed together for 5 albums before disbanding in 1995 for a variety of reasons - largely due to label difficulties rising from the Swansong, the final album of their first run. They regrouped in 2007 without their original bassist for health reasons and just last year released a new album, Surgical Steel.

  Tickets are available from Ticketmaster for £25. Doors open at 8pm.

• Fri

  19

  Sep

  2014

  Culture Night 2014: Go Wolf, Cruising & Rhinos

  Oh Yeah Centre

  Belfast

  

  One of the most reliable venues on Belfast Culture Night - which this year takes palce on September 19 - the Oh Yeah Centre hosts a show with a trifecta of three acts riding the crest of a wave at the moment. 

  The show will be headlined by electropop trio Go Wolf, who release their single 'Talk To You' on August 12.

  They will be accompanied on the bill by post-punk quartet Cruising and hardcore/garage rock duo Rhinos. Check out the video for 'Rhino'.

  Admission is free and doors open at 7pm.

• Sat

  20

  Sep

  2014

  Dragonforce

  Limelight 2

  Belfast

  

  British power metal six piece Dragonforce play Belfast's Limelight 2 on September 20 ahead of the release of their 2014-scheduled new album.

  Now with just 2 of their original members - guitarists Herman Li and Sam Totman - they release their sixth studio album later in the year, which will be their first with new lead singer Marc Hudson.

  Tickets are available for £16.50 from Katy's Bar and Ticketmaster. Doors open at 7pm as it's an early show.

• Sat

  20

  Sep

  2014

  DSNT is Three - Free Party

  Voodoo

  Belfast

  

  Multi-faceted label DSNT hold their third birthday celebrations in Voodoo with a free show.

  DSNT run a variety of creative disciplines besides being a record label, including management, graphic & motion design, filming & editing services, art exhibition, the visual arts, VJing and more.

  Admission is completely free and doors open at 9pm.

• Sun

  21

  Sep

  2014

  Vance Joy

  Limelight 2

  Belfast

  

  Australian singer Vance Joy has been announced for a show at the Limelight 2 on September 21.Having just topped the year's Hottest 100 with his hit 'Riptide', he takes his ukelele and runs with it throughout this tour.

  Tickets costs £12 and are available from Katy's Bar and Ticketmaster. Doors open at 8pm.

• Sun

  21

  Sep

  2014

  Dick Gaughan

  Black Box

  Belfast

  

  Scottish folk/protest singer-songwriter Dick Gaughan plays the Black Box on September 21.

  With his masterful command of the guitar, heavily influenced by the greats like Bert Jansch, Doc Watson and so on, but his approach coming from the same school of thought as Woody Guthrie and the likes, Dick Gaughan's one of the essential protest singers of the last 50 years.  He started his career with a solo album before joining The Boys of the Lough, then Five Hand Reel, as well as maintaining his solo career since the early seventies. Billy Bragg and Mary Black, among others, have covered his material.

  Tickets, priced at £16.50, are available from Ticketsolve. Doors open at 8pm.

• Mon

  22

  Sep

  2014

  Modern Baseball

  Voodoo

  Belfast

  

  Philadelphia punks Modern Baseball play Belfast's Voodoo on September 22 as part of their late summer tour.

  Formed in 2011, the quartet self-released their The Nameless Ranger EP in the same year while at high school. They put out their debut LP Sports out the following year themselves, and its follow-up You're Going To Miss It All.

  Support comes from Pennsylvania's Spraynard and Tallaght, Dublin pop-punk act Chewing On Tinfoil.

  Tickets are available from Katy's Bar, Shine.net & Ticketmaster for £10. Doors open at 8pm.

• Tue

  23

  Sep

  2014

  James Taylor

  The O2

  Dublin

  

  Classic '70s US singer-songwriter James Taylor plays Dublin's O2 on September 23

  Taylor has sold over 100 million records since his eponymous 1968 debut, which was the first non-British album to be signed to the Beatles' Apple Records. He has to date released 16 albums with the most recent being 2008's Covers. His warm baritone characterised the Laurel Canyon scene in the 1970s, alongside the likes of Carole King, The Doors and Neil Young.

  Tickets are on sale now priced at €86 from Ticketmaster. Doors open at 8pm.

• Wed

  24

  Sep

  2014

  James Taylor

  Waterfront Hall

  Belfast

  

  Classic '70s US singer-songwriter James Taylor plays the Waterfront on September 24.

  Taylor has sold over 100 million records since his eponymous 1968 debut, which was the first non-British album to be signed to the Beatles' Apple Records. He has to date released 16 albums with the most recent being 2008's Covers.

  Tickets are on sale now priced at £55 & £70 from Ticketmaster. Doors open at 8pm.

• Wed

  24

  Sep

  2014

  Mojo Fury, Flaws & Abandcalledboy

  Voodoo

  Belfast

  

  Voodoo plays host to an impressive lineup on Wednesday September 24, headlined by Lisburn alt. rock maestros Mojo Fury. Check out the video for 'Iris Influential' off their second album, The Difference Between, one of the finest albums to be released from this island in recent times.

  Support comes from Belfast-based alternative trio FLAWS - check out their debut EP Harsh Words Through Tangled Wires - and recently expanded grungy post-hardcore four piece Abandcalledboy, who released their new, eponymous EP earlier in the year, available on Bandcamp.

  Admission is £6 and doors open at 9pm.

• Thu

  25

  Sep

  2014

  Adebisi Shank - Album Launch

  Whelan's

  Dublin

  

  Having just released their new LP, the album launch for This Is The Third Album By A Band Called Adebisi Shank takes place at Whelan's on September 25.

  This is a rare Dublin outing for the trio, whose third album is more ambitious than anything they'd tried up until this point. They wrote and recorded the album in a secluded house in Wicklow in 2013, and the result yields a brew of video game soundtrack, '80s movies, the Rock Anthem and the art of dance.

  Stream the album now.

  Tickets are available for €19 from WAV Tickets. Doors open at 8pm.

• Thu

  25

  Sep

  2014

  The Juan MacLean, Timmy Stewart & Twitch DJs

  Bunatee Bar

  Belfast

  

  Kicking off the Red Bull Academy Weekender in Belfast, which runs from September 25-28 is dance act The Juan MacLean at QUBSU's Bunatee Bar on September 25.

  John MacLean - the man behind the pseudonym - releases his new album In A Dream just a week before the Bunatee show. He cut his teeth on the post-hardcore scene until he was urged by LCD Soundsystem's James Murphy to get into production and mixing. He released his debut album Less Than Human was released in 2005 and the upward spiral began.

  Check out 'A Place Called Space'.

  The Juan MacLean will be accompanied not only by Red Bull Music Academy alumni, but by Belfast DJ Timmy Stewart and a selection of Twitch DJs. 

  Tickets are available for £6 from Ticketmaster. Doors open at 10pm.

• Thu

  25

  Sep

  2014

  PigsAsPeople Mini-album Launch w/The Emerald Armada, Gascan Ruckus, Team RKT & Spittin' Teeth

  Mandela Hall

  Belfast

  

  Belfast-based sludgy post-hardcore/noise rock trio PigsAsPeople release their mini-album – entitled The Plot Against Future Plans – with a free-entry show at the Mandela Hall on its launch date of September 25.

  This will be the follow up to their First Four Months and Idles & UsEPs, released in autumn 2012 & 2013 respectively (each of which are available on Bandcamp on a name-your-price basis).

  The album was recorded at Start Together Studios by Niall Doran earlier this year, and the tracklisting – featuring all-new songs, some of which have been played at recent shows – is as follows:

  1. Rooks
  2. Bleeder
  3. Rashida
  4. After The Destroyer
  5. The Duke of Flies
  6. Dismemberments
  7. Foundling
  8. Those Rocks Have Hearts

  'Foundling' is now available to stream from their Bandcamp.

  The launch has support from folk act The Emerald Armada, Gascan Ruckus, chiptune duo Team RKT and the crusty Spittin’ Teeth.

  Admission is free and doors open at 7pm.

• Fri

  26

  Sep

  2014

  Ekko Park & Stephen Park Band

  Voodoo

  Belfast

  

  Based in Auckland, New Zealand, anthemic indie act Ekko Park do their first Irish tour in September, with a show at Voodoo on September 26. 

  Fronted by a Belfast man, the band released their debut album Tomorrow Tomorrow Today, which was successful in many New Zealand record charts, as well as the singles. Check out the video for 'My Crime'.

  Admission is £8 with tickets available from Voodoo. Doors open at 8pm.

• Fri

  26

  Sep

  2014

  Blitz Kids (14+)

  Oh Yeah Centre

  Belfast

  

  Indie-punk-pop four piece Blitz Kids play a 14+ show at the Oh Yeah Centre on September 26 as part of their biggest headline tour to date.

  They released their third album, The Good Youth - the first full LP to be released on Red Bull Records - to a Kerrang! Magazine album of the week award back in January. Check out the video for 'Sometimes'.

  Tickets are available for £10.50 from Shine and Ticketmaster. Doors open at 7pm.

• Fri

  26

  Sep

  2014

  Overoth & Ceaseless Blight

  Limelight 2

  Belfast

  

  Belfast death metal band Overoth play the Limelight 2 in a Distortion Project show on September 26.

  Also on the bill are black metal act Ceaseless Blight.

  Admission is £5 and doors open at 7pm.

• Fri

  26

  Sep

  2014

  Skream, Chez Damier & Special Request

  Limelight 1

  Belfast

  

  Croydon-based electronic producer Skream plays Belfast's Limelight on September 26 as part of the Red Bull Academy weekender, taking place in the city between September 25-28. 

  As not just one of the prominent British dubstep producers, Oliver Jones is credited with being one of the first of his kind, playing a pivotal role in its development with the release of 2006 debut Skream! His only other studio album, Outside The Box, was released in 2010, while he has consistently released a stream of singles, EPs and collaborations.

  Joining Skream are New York garage producer Chez Damier, as well as house/techno stalward Paul Woolford, aka Special Request.

  Tickets are available for a mere £6 from Ticketmaster. Doors open at 9pm.

• Fri

  26

  Sep

  2014

  PigsAsPeople Mini-album Launch #2 w/The Last Generation, Kryptic State & Men of Mountains

  The Underground

  Draperstown

  

  Sludgy post-hardcore/noise rock trio PigsAsPeople play leg 2 of their mini-album launch in Draperstown's Underground Bar - formerly the Cellar - on September 26, following their Mandela Hall show on the previous night.
  
  The mini-album 'The Plot Against Future Plans' is available to stream now on Bandcamp.
  
  Support comes from a selection of locals in hard rock quartet The Last Generation, up-and-coming garage/alt. rockers Kryptic State and young ambient post-rock act Men of Mountains.

  Admission is £5 and doors open at 9pm.

• Sat

  27

  Sep

  2014

  Bipolar Sunshine

  Limelight 2

  Belfast

  

  Manchester indie-pop artist Bipolar Sunshine plays the Limelight 2 on September 27.

  Also known as Adio Merchant, formerly of Kid British before creating Bipolar Sunshine, he most recently released single 'Where Did The Love Go'.

  Tickets are available for £12, available from Ticketmaster & Katy's Bar. Doors open at 7pm as it's an early show.

• Sat

  27

  Sep

  2014

  BeeMickSee - 'We Took A Dive w/Aggressors B.C., The Late Twos & Hot Cops

  Bar Sub

  Belfast

  

  Portland-born, Belfast-based rapper BeeMickSee launches his new single, 'We Took A Dive' on September 27 in the QUB Students' Union's downstairs venue, Bar Sub.

  The album - recorded throughout summer 2012 in the Start Together Studio - features tracks from his January 2013 Birds Over Nupes EP, as well as the remainder of the songs recorded in those productive sessions. The launch show will feature a full live band onstage to support the release.

  Support comes from ska/reggae/dub six piece Aggressors B.C., indie-pop act The Late Twos as well as the young upcoming indie-rock trio Hot Cops.

  A limited number of advance tickets are available from WeGotTickets for £6. Doors open at 9pm.

• Sat

  27

  Sep

  2014

  alt-J

  The O2

  Dublin

  

  Indie rock band alt-J have announced a show at Dublin's O2 on September 27, mere days before the release of their much-anticipated second album, This Is All Yours.

  Formed in 2007 in Leeds, alt-J released their debut LP An Awesome Wave in 2012 and ended up winning the 2012 British Barclaycard Mercury Prize. 

  Check out the video for their new single, 'Hunger Of The Pine'.

  Tickets are available from €31.50 from Ticketmaster. Doors open at 6.30pm.

• Sat

  27

  Sep

  2014

  The White Mansions' Album Launch w/The Sabrejets

  Black Box

  Belfast

  

  Belfast-based country & bluegrass outfit The White Mansions launch their debut album The Crossing at the Black Box on September 27 in a show for the Belfast American Folk & Roots Club.

  Influenced by some of the finest in Americana & country music - think Neil Young, Hank Williams and The Byrds' Sweetheart of the Rodeo - the six piece have had a busy summer, playing Forfey, the Maiden City Festival, their John Hewitt residency, the Omagh Bluegrass festival and a further, to-be-confirmed album launch at the Ulster American Folk Park.

  Support comes from rockabilly quartet The Sabrejets.

  Admission is £6. Doors open at 8pm.

• Sat

  27

  Sep

  2014

  Hands Up Who Wants To Die Album Launch w/Katie Kim & Turning Down Sex

  Block T

  Dublin

  

  Dublin noise rock quartet Hands Up Who Wants To Die release their second album Vega In The Lyre through Art For Blind Records, with a show at Dublin's Block T on September 27. This will be the follow up to their phenomenal 2012 debut Buffalo buffalo buffalo Buffalo buffalo.

  Support comes from ambient folk-pop songstress Katie Kim and instrumental Dublin trio Turning Down Sex.

  Admission is €10 with a BYOB policy. Doors open at 8pm.

• Sun

  28

  Sep

  2014

  The Magic Numbers

  Mandela Hall

  Belfast

  

  Pop-rock quartet The Magic Numbers play the Mandela Hall on September 28.

  Made up of the Stodart and Gannon siblings, the Magic Numbers formed in 2002 and released their eponymous debut album in 2005, and broke out with the upbeat, harmony-filled single 'Love Me Like You'. They release their fourth album - and first in four years - Alias in August. Check out its lead single 'Shot In The Dark' here.

  Tickets are available for £15 from Ticketmaster and the QUBSU reception. Doors open at 8pm.

• Sun

  28

  Sep

  2014

  New City Kings & His New Atlas

  Voodoo

  Belfast

  

  Alternative Essex trio New City Kings play Belfast's Voodoo on September 28. Only in their second year as a band, this date comes as part of a lengthy UK tour. Check out the video for 'How Long'.

  Accompanying them on the bill is Armagh singer-songwriter His New Atlas. Having only been founded in early 2013, he's built up a serious run of shows and has released 2 EPs to date.

  Check out the video for new single 'His Young'.

  Tickets are available for £5 from Music Glue. Doors open at 8pm.

• Sun

  28

  Sep

  2014

  Nils Frahm & Ryan Vail

  City Hall

  Belfast

  

  As part of the Red Bull Academy Weekender, German musician/composer/producer Nils Frahm performs live at Belfast City Hall on Sunday, September 28. 

  Known for combining electronic and classical music, he was taught classical piano at a young age from one of the last proteges of Tchaikovsky. To date, he has released several albums, but really broke through with 2011's Felt. His most recent album is 2013's Spaces, is a compilation of live recordings from the previous two years.

  His minimalist approach and incorporation of electronics into the classical format has led many to draw comparisons with 20th century composers like Steve Reich and Philip Glass. Check out his performance at St. John-at-Hackney Church in London.

  Also on the bill is Derry electronic producer Ryan Vail.

  Tickets are available for only £5 from Ticketmaster. Doors open at 5pm.

   

   

• Wed

  01

  Oct

  2014

  Red Rock 2014: The Emerald Armada, Hurdles & Freak's

  Limelight 2

  Belfast

  

  Red Rock 2014 at the Limelight 2 takes place on October 1, and is to be headlined by folk five piece The Emerald Armada, who recently released their new Five Beating Hearts EP. 

  Red Rock is in aid of the Northern Ireland Chest Heart and Stroke charity, which campaigns for, researches and supports healthy living, as well as offering support groups by the affected.

  Also on the bill are indie pop-rock act Hurdles - from whom you should check out our live session - and Strabane indie-pop quartet Freak's. You can check out their new single 'A Minute More' on Bandcamp.  

  Tickets are available from Ticketmaster for £8. Doors open at 8pm.

• Thu

  02

  Oct

  2014

  Coilguns, Nomadic Rituals, Cutter & Acid Age

  The Warzone Centre

  Belfast

  

  Swiss hardcore act Coilguns play Belfast's Warzone Centre for Down By Law Promotions on October 2 just following the September 20 release of their latest split. Check out their stuff on Bandcamp.

  Support comes from Belfast's sludgiest export Nomadic Rituals, riff-heavy Belfast outfit Cutter - whose No Light EP is available for free on Bandcamp - and hyper thrashers Acid Age, who release their second album Drone Shark Ethics in November.

  Admission is £10 and doors open at 8pm. The show is BYOB with no glass allowed.

• Sat

  04

  Oct

  2014

  No Tomorrow #005/The Thin Air Magazine Launch: Not Squares, Kab Driver & The Thin Air DJs

  Bar Sub

  Belfast

  

  The first No Tomorrow of the new semester - and the official launch of The Thin Air physical magazine - will see the highly-anticipated hometown return of one of the country's finest ever live acts, Not Squares.

  Having been very busy working on their second studio album - the follow-up to the Richter Collective released 'Yeah, OK' - the Belfast trio will bring the party and then some at QUBSU's Bar Sub - downstairs - on Saturday, October 4. Listen to 'Fall Far'.
  
  As well as suitably awesome tunes from The Thin Air DJs throughout (that's us, too) Belfast-based DJ and RESET co-founder David Baxter AKA Kab Driver will be bringing the funk-inflected beats late into the night. Expect dancing - lots and lots of dancing.
  
  Everyone through the door gets a copy of the first ever, limited edition Thin Air Magazine and a high five. There will also be sweet visuals for you to look at and drink offers.
  
  Come celebrate the return of Not Squares, the awesomeness of Kab Driver and the birth of a new, nationwide music and culture magazine. 
  
  £5 admission//doors 9pm.

• Wed

  08

  Oct

  2014

  Sylvan Esso

  Black Box

  Belfast

  

  Comprising Amelia Meath of Mountain Man and Nick Sanborn of Megafaun, electronic duo Sylvan Esso play the Black Box on October 8 as part of the all-year-round Open House Festival.

  Happening completely by chance, the pair came together when sharing a bill at a small club show when Meath needed someone to work a remix of her altogether folkier project Mountain Man's song 'Play It Right'. Sanborn's production clicked and the pair relocated to Durham to record their eponymous debut, which is out now on Partisan Records. This version of 'Play It Right' became the duo's first single.

  Tickets are available from the Open House Ticketsolve for £10. Doors open at 8pm.

• Wed

  08

  Oct

  2014

  Abandoman

  Mandela Hall

  Belfast

  

   

  Musical comedian Rob Broderick, aka Abandoman, plays the Mandela Hall on October 8. 

  The multi-award winning wordsmith creates freestyle songs on the fly, based upon unique interactions with audience suggestions. He's supported major artists like Ed Sheeran, and played almost every major comedy and music festival on the British Isles.

  Tickets are available for a mere £7 from Ticketmaster or the QUBSU. The show kicks off at 10pm.

• Wed

  08

  Oct

  2014

  The High Dials

  The Workman's Club

  Dublin

  

  Montreal psych-pop act The High Dials are to support the Besnard Lakes on their UK tour, with a series of dates in Ireland, including one at Dublin's Workman's Club on October 8.

  Formed from the ashes of The Datsons in 2003, the High Dials released their debut album in the same year. They're to release their new PledgeMusic-funded album in autumn. The last time they were in Ireland was many years ago with the Brian Jonestown Massacre.

  Support comes from Exploding Eyes and Sissy, followed by DJ sets from the Perfect Prescription DJs. 

  Entry costs €8 and doors open at 8pm.

• Thu

  09

  Oct

  2014

  Fox Jaw 'Ghosts Parade' Album Launch w/Gascan Ruckus

  Voodoo

  Belfast

  

  Bluesy Limerick rock five piece Fox Jaw (formerly known as Fox Jaw Bounty Hunters) launch their second album, Ghosts Parade at Voodoo on October 9. 

  The soulful, dark rock-pop act release their new album on September 19, the follow-up to 2011's The Devil In Music. Check out 'Hijack', the latest single off Ghosts Parade.

  Support comes from Armagh alt. punks Gascan Ruckus.

  Admission is £5. Doors open at 8pm.

• Thu

  09

  Oct

  2014

  Sick Records Presents: The High Dials & Thee Dreadfuls

  Aether & Echo

  Belfast

  

  Montreal psych-pop act The High Dials are to support the Besnard Lakes on their UK tour, with a series of dates in Ireland, including one at Aether & Echo on October 9, thanks to Sick Records. 

  Formed from the ashes of The Datsons in 2003, the High Dials released their debut album in the same year. They're to release their new PledgeMusic-funded album in autumn.

  Support comes from garage rock act Thee Dreadfuls, and there'll be a DJ set from Ryan Fitzsimmons.

  Entry costs £7 and doors open at 7.30pm.

• Fri

  10

  Oct

  2014

  The Wood Burning Savages 'Boom' EP Launch w/Freak's, Hot Cops & His New Atlas

  Bar Sub

  Belfast

  

  Derry-based indie quartet The Wood Burning Savages play QUBSU's Bar Sub on October 10 to launch their new EP, Boom, following a venue change from The Bar With No Name.

  The Savages enjoyed a busy summer, chock full of festival appearances (such as Glastonbury). Check out the the title track, 'Boom'.

  Support comes from Freak's, young indie/slacker rock trio Hot Cops and hotly-tipped singer-songwriter His New Atlas - check out the video for 'Pillars'.

  Admission is £5 and doors open at 9pm.

   

• Fri

  10

  Oct

  2014

  Hooligan, Spittin' Teeth, Robocobra Quartet, Orkka & Hello Newman

  The Warzone Centre

  Belfast

  

  In a rather mixed bill, Belfast's Warzone Centre hosts on October 10 a show from Dublin street punk act Hooligan, who recently released their new Criminal Damage EP.

  Filthy hardcore foot-stompers Spittin' Teeth share the bill, along with noisy, jazz-influenced hip-hop outfit Robocobra Quartet - check out their name-your-price debut release on Bandcamp - grunge trio Orkka and Belfast lo-fi punks Hello Newman.

  Admission costs £6 before 10pm and £8 afterwards, with a BYOB and glass-free policy. Doors open at 9pm.

• Fri

  10

  Oct

  2014

  Blackstaff Sessions: Mojo Fury, The Emerald Armada, Freaks, Loris & more

  Blackstaff Studios

  Belfast

  

  BBC Across The Line's Rigsy is to host a show on October 10 at Blackstaff Studios, which will feature live performances and interviews by the likes of folk-pop five piece The Emerald Armada, indie act Freak's, electropop trio Loris and Lisburn's finest, the brilliant Mojo Fury.

  The show is to be recorded for broadcast on BBC Radio Ulster.

  Tickets are randomly allocated, but you can apply here for no more than 2 per person. Doors open at 7pm.

• Sat

  11

  Oct

  2014

  Sage Francis

  Voodoo

  Belfast

  

  Dubbed the Forefather of Indie-hop, Sage Francis performs at Voodoo on October 11. 

  His career, based almost entirely on his lyrical ability and wordplay, started gaining momentum in the early noughties after winning the most highly coveted emsee battle titles. He sold handmade "Sick Of" mixtapes to make money while still living in Providence, which led to the creation of Strange Famous Records in 1999.

  He released his debut album Personal Journals in 2002 and went on to become one of the highest-selling independent artists of his genre. He continues to expand his label, following his departure from Epitaph records - the label to which he became the first hip-hop signing. He most recently released his fifth LP Copper Gone, the first album since his 4-year hiatus.

  Tickets are available for £15 from Ticketmaster and Shine (for £13). Doors open at 7pm.

• Tue

  14

  Oct

  2014

  George Ezra w/Rae Morris

  Limelight 1

  Belfast

  

  Singer-songwriter George Ezra has announced a show at the Limelight 1 on October 14. 

  This is the biggest tour to date for the Bristol-based artist who's known for the weathered voice that belies his years. He debuted last year with his Did You Hear The Rain EP, and his debut album Wanted On Voyage was released this year to much acclaim.

  Young singer-songwriter Rae Morris supports Ezra, having recently signed to Atlantic Records.

  Tickets are available for £18 from Ticketmaster, Katy's Bar and the usual outlets. Doors open at 7pm.

• Wed

  15

  Oct

  2014

  The Subways

  Limelight 2

  Belfast

  

  Indie/punk trio The Subways make their Belfast return with an early show at the Limelight 2 on October 15.

  Having toured for the last decade and released 3 albums to date since 2005's Young For Eternity - and a plethora of EPs - The Subways should have a fourth album ready for release.

  Tickets are available, priced at £14.50, from Katy Daly's and Ticketmaster. Doors open at 8pm.

• Thu

  16

  Oct

  2014

  Radar Presents: New Ancestors, The Young Folk & The Holy Innocents

  Bar Sub

  Belfast

  

  Following their foray into the Mandela Hall, Radar have announced that this year's events will no longer be weekly Speakeasy shows, but more spread across the QUBSU's Mandela Hall and Bar Sub throughout the month. The next Radar takes place in Bar Sub on October 16 and is to be headlined by folk duo New Ancestors who have just moved back from Glasgow full-time.

  Support comes from Irish alt. folk  five piece The Young Folk and Belfast rock n' roll outfit The Holy Innocents.

  As always, admission is free and doors open at 9pm.

• Thu

  16

  Oct

  2014

  The Thin Air & Nialler9 Present: Altered Hours, Contour, Autumns & Ships

  Black Box

  Belfast

  

  Northern Ireland’s largest ever one-day conference and showcasing event, taking place throughout Belfast’s city centre and Cathedral Quarter on Thursday, October 16, it will see a series of free talks, workshops and pop-up gigs, attending by around 350 artists, businesses and creative students.

  We’re very happy to be involved, too. Teaming up with tastemaker par excellence Niall Byrne AKA Nialler9, we will host a most awesome showcase in the Black Box main room with Cork psych rock five-piece Altered Hours, Dublin electronic duo Contour, Derry noise-pop wizards Autumns and another Dublin duo: Simon Cullen and Sorca McGrath AKA Ships.

• Thu

  16

  Oct

  2014

  David C. Clements, Viola Dust, The Clameens & Go Wolf

  Aether & Echo

  Belfast

  

  As part of the Belfast Output showcase on Thursday, October 16, Aether & Echo plays host to a David C. Clements solo set, electropopmaker ViolaDust, Derry indie-pop quartet The Clameens & fellow indie-pop act Go Wolf.

  Admission is free. 

• Thu

  16

  Oct

  2014

  Electric Mainline & Smalltown America Present: PØRTS, Ryan Vail, Ciaran Lavery & Slow Place Like Home

  Black Box Café Green Room

  Belfast

  

  As part of the Belfast Output Conference & Showcase on October 16, Electric Mainline and Smalltown America run a show in the Black Box Café/Green Room. It's to be headlined by Derry folk act PØRTS - formerly Little Bear - who are currently recording their much anticipated debut album.

  Support comes from fellow city man and electronic artist Ryan Vail, Americana-tinged singer-songwriter Ciaran Lavery and Kieth Mannion, aka Donegal 'psychedelectronica' act Slow Place Like Home - check out the debut album, Romola.

  Admission to the event is free, with each act starting on the hour, beginning with Slow Place Like Home at 8pm.

• Thu

  16

  Oct

  2014

  Old Fang & Sentric Present: More Than Conquerors, Callum Stewart, In An Instant & Hurdles

  Duke Of York

  Belfast

  

  The Duke of York hosts an Old Fang & Sentric-run gig as part of the Belfast Output Conference and Showcase on October 16. Indie-tinged post-hardcore act More Than Conquerors - whose excellent debut album is on the NI music prize shortlist -for this year - headline.

  Also on the bill is young pop singer-songwriter Callum Stewart, Bangor indie-pop outfit In An Instant and indie quartet Hurdles.

  Admission is free, and the first act are on at 8.30pm.

• Thu

  16

  Oct

  2014

  Forfey & Four Acre Music Present: Emerald Armada, Mike Mormecha, Joshua Burnside & Exit Pursued By Bear

  Voodoo

  Belfast

  

  Forfey & Four Acre join forces to run one of the many shows as part of the Belfast Output Conference & Showcase on October 16, at Voodoo. 

  Headlining the show are folk-pop five piece The Emerald Armada, with a solo performance from Mojo Fury frontman Mike Mormecha, experimental folk artist Joshua Burnside and Limavady alternative act Exit Pursued By Bear.

  Admission to all official events is free and the first act are on at 8.30pm.

• Thu

  16

  Oct

  2014

  Broken Melody Records & The Colleges Present: Team RKT, White Male Actors, Lipstik Lizards & R51

  The Hudson

  Belfast

  

  As part of the Output Belfast Conference & Showcase, the Hudson Bar - following a change from the original venue announcement of White's Tavern -  hosts a gig from  recent local company Broken Melody Records on October 16. Headlining are chiptune-pop-rock duo Team RKT - check out their single, 'Cat Island'.

  Also on the bill are alternative ambient pop trio White Male Actors, as well as sleaze-rock five piece Lipstik Lizards and shoegaze-inspired alternative act R51.

  Admission is free, and the first act (R51) are on at 8pm.

• Fri

  17

  Oct

  2014

  The Hold Steady w/The So So Glos

  Limelight 2

  Belfast

  

  Brooklyn-based five piece The Hold Steady play the Limelight 2 in an early show on October 17. 

  Just off the back of the release of their sixth album Teeth Dreams and first Belfast show since the tour behind their previous album, 2010's Heaven Is Whenever. A noticeable shift in their sound has set in following the departure of keyboardist Franz Nicolay for their fifth LP, with the music less laced with edgy barroom blues and more signs of stadium aspirations, with some huge songs to match.

  Support comes from Brooklyn punk rock quartet The So So Glos.

  Tickets are available for £16 from Ticketmaster and Katy's Bar. Doors open at 7pm.

• Fri

  17

  Oct

  2014

  Elvis Costello

  The Waterfront

  Belfast

  

  Pop encyclopaedia Elvis Costello plays a solo show at the Waterfront Hall as part of Ulster Bank's Festival at Queen's on October 17.

  Having emerged from the early '70s pub rock circuit as something of a wizened statesman, with his first run of albums being up there with the finest. He gradually moved on to become associated with the punk and new wave scene toward the onset of the eighties. He has released several era-defining albums - This Year's Model and Armed Forces are fine examples - solo or alongside his classic backing band, The Attractions, among others.

  Costello has stated of this upcoming European tour that: "this show may contain any song I've written, some you will know already, some are the hits of tomorrow."

  Tickets are available - priced at £30 and £35 - from the Waterfront. Doors open at 8pm.

• Fri

  17

  Oct

  2014

  Alestorm w/Lagerstein, Red Rum & Rainbowdragoneyes

  Mandela Hall

  Belfast

  

  True Scottish Pirate Metal act Alestorm play the Mandela Hall on October 17 as part of their 2014 Piratefest Tour, with a host of other acts.

  Most accurately, Alestorm are a pirate-themed power/folk metal act. Formed in 2004, they debuted in 2008 with Captain Morgan's Revenge, and their fourth album Sunset On The Golden Age is out in August on Napalm Records. Check out the video for new single 'Drink'.

  Aussie drinking folk pirate metal seven piece Lagerstein, British neoclassical pirate metal sextet Red Rum ("It's like Captain Pugwash meets Anthrax" - NCN) and US extreme chiptune dance metal creator Rainbowdragoneyes are also on the bill. 

  Tickets are on sale for £16 from QUBSU's reception and Ticketmaster. Doors open at 7pm.

• Fri

  17

  Oct

  2014

  Bad Boat 'Drown The Phoenix' EP Launch w/Rhinos & Raum Kingdom

  Voodoo

  Belfast

  

  Sludgy stoner metal quartet Bad Boat launch their new EP Drown The Phoenix with a show at Voodoo on October 17. You can check out their previous material on their site.

  Support comes from garage/noise duo Rhinos and Dublin-based riff-mongers Raum Kingdom - you download their 5-track debut EP on Bandcamp for free.

• Fri

  17

  Oct

  2014

  The Bonnevilles, Firebobbies, Thee Penny Dreadfuls, Decomposing in Paris & Giraffe Stairs

  Voodoo

  Belfast

  

  Shizznigh Promotions have announced a pop-up show to take place this Friday, October 17 at Voodoo. Lurgan garage/blues/whiskey-fuelled-night-out-soundtracking duo The Bonnevilles headline the show, who play their first Belfast show in quite some time, in order to raise funds to fix guitarist Andy's amp, which has unfortunately suddenly broken.

  Support comes from alternative/pop punk act Firebobbies, garage/psych rock five piece Thee Penny Dreadfuls, piano-driven atmospheric pop trio Decomposing In Paris and folk/jazz/blues singer-songwriter Giraffe Stairs.

  Admission is £5 and doors open at 9pm.

• Fri

  17

  Oct

  2014

  Lady Gaga's ArtRave - The Artpop Ball

  3Arena

  Dublin

  

  As part of Lady Gaga's extensive artRave: The ARTPOP Ball tour, she performs at Dublin's 3Arena on October 17.

  Having kicked off with 7 sold out shows at the Roseland Ballroom in New York (a record, and the last before its demolition), she is now in the European leg of her mammoth tour for third studio album, Artpop. Expect a typically dramatic and memorable stage set for the show.

  Limited tickets are available from Ticketmaster. Doors open at 8pm.

• Sat

  18

  Oct

  2014

  New Secret Weapon

  The Button Factory

  Dublin

  

  The Button Factory hosts Irish alt. rock act New Secret Weapon, who headline on October 18.

  The trio, who allegedly formed on a makeshift stage at the KnockanStockan Music Festival in 2007, released their eponymous debut album earlier this year, available on Bandcamp. Check out the excellent city-spanning video for their single, 'Look At The State Of It'.

  Tickets are available for €10 from Tickets.ie. Doors open at 7pm.

   

• Sat

  18

  Oct

  2014

  The Hold Steady w/The So So Glos

  The Academy

  Dublin

  

  Brooklyn-based five piece The Hold Steady play Dublin's Academy on October 18. 

  Just off the back of the release of their sixth album Teeth Dreams and first Belfast show since the tour behind their previous album, 2010's Heaven Is Whenever. A noticeable shift in their sound has set in following the departure of keyboardist Franz Nicolay for their fifth LP, with the music less laced with edgy barroom blues and more signs of stadium aspirations, with some huge songs to match.

  Support comes from Brooklyn punk rock quartet The So So Glos.

  Tickets are available for £16 from Ticketmaster and Katy's Bar. Doors open at 7.30pm.

• Sun

  19

  Oct

  2014

  The Amazing Snakeheads

  The Grand Social

  Dublin

  

  Glasgow trio The Amazing Snakeheads are to play The Loft in Dublin's Grand Social on Sunday, October 19.

  The garagey post-punk revivalists released their debut album, Amphetamine Ballads on Domino Records back in April and it's worth checking them out ahead of the show.

  Tickets are available, priced at €15 from Ticketmaster. Doors open at 8pm.

• Mon

  20

  Oct

  2014

  Bullhead Promotions Present: Venus Effect, Thee Flash Guns & Third Degree

  The Goat's Toe

  Bangor

  

  Recently established Bangor-based gigmaker Bullhead Promotions holds its next showcase at the Goat's Toe on October 20. Grunge revivalists Venus Effect headline the show.

  Support comes from rock'n'roll quartet Thee Flash Guns and alternative/punk four piece Third Degree.

  Admission is completely free and doors open at 9pm.

• Tue

  21

  Oct

  2014

  Old Crow Medicine Show

  Mandela Hall

  Belfast

  

  As part of the Ulster Band Belfast Festival at Queens alongside Open House Concerts, string-based Nashville troupe, Old Crow Medicine Show play the Mandela Hall on October 21.

  The old-time act play pre-WWII blues and folk, having recorded since 1998. They've since spawned some variations on their banjo string-picking style, and their biggest hit, 'Wagon Wheel', written by frontman Ketch Secor along with Bob Dylan, has generated some pseudo-country success in recent years.

  Tickets are available for £22.50 from Open House Festival or £25 on the door. Doors open at 8pm.

• Wed

  22

  Oct

  2014

  Ella Eyre

  Mandela Hall

  Belfast

  

  Ella McMahon, aka Ella Eyre plays the Mandela Hall as part of her biggest tour to date.

  The 20 year old West Londoner rose to popularity with her collaboration with Rudimental on their number 1 single 'Waiting All Night' in April 2013. To date, she has released only her Deeper EP, and recent single 'If I Go', released just prior to the announcement of her tour.

  Tickets are available from Ticketmaster and the QUBSU reception. Doors open at 8pm.

• Wed

  22

  Oct

  2014

  Eagulls

  Limelight 2

  Belfast

  

  Leeds post-punk five piece Eagulls play the Limelight 2 on October 22 in their first show since the release of their self-titled debut, which came out in early 2014.

  With elements of noise-pop and slacker rock but their roots in post-punk, their songs are drenched in deeply reverberant, yet jaunty qualities. Check out the video for single 'Tough Luck'.

  Tickets are available for £10 from Katy's Bar and Ticketmaster. Doors open at 8pm.

• Wed

  22

  Oct

  2014

  Civilisation Presents: Meb Jon Sol 'Southpaw Niños' Album Launch w/Bronagh Broderick & Ross Maguire

  Voodoo

  Belfast

  

  Omagh native & folk artist Meb Jon Sol launches his debut album, Southpaw Niños with a show for new gig night Civilisation at Voodoo on October 22. The album will be available via all the usual online retailers.

  Check out the Americana-meets-trad of 'Leave All Your Troubles With Me', a cut from his debut LP.

  Folk singer-songwriter Bronagh Broderick does support on the night, as well as Ross Maguire. Folky DJs provide tunes before/between and after sets.

  Tickets are available, priced at £5 on the door, or in advance from WeGotTickets. Doors open at 9pm.

• Thu

  23

  Oct

  2014

  Black Stone Cherry

  The Academy

  Dublin

  

  Contemporary hard rockers Black Stone Cherry play The Academy on October 23rd in Dublin.

  This news comes ahead of the impending release of their latest album Magic Mountain, the follow up 2011's Between The Devil and the Deep Blue Sea, and their fourth album since their eponymous 2006 debut. Check out preview track 'Fiesta Del Fuego'.

  Tickets are available for €20.40 inclusive of booking fee from Ticketmaster Doors open at 7.30pm.

   

• Thu

  23

  Oct

  2014

  UB40 Reunited

  Limelight 1

  Belfast

  

  Best-selling Birmingham reggae/pop crossover act UB40 have announced that they're to play a reunited show at the Limelight 1 on October.

  Formed in 1978, they released plenty of hits in their three-decade existence, most notably the chart-topping 'Red Red Wine' and 'I Can't Help Falling in Love'. It must be noted that this show includes a vastly different group to the other currently going by the name, fronted by the brother of original vocalist Ali Campbell, who left in 2008. UB40 Reunited includes trumpet player/vocalist Astro and keyboardist Micky Virtue, members who acrimoniously also left the band since 2008.

  Tickets are available for £37.50 from Ticketmaster. Doors open at 7pm as it's an early show.

• Thu

  23

  Oct

  2014

  Snoop Dogg

  Ebrington Square

  Derry-Londonderry

  

  Multi-million selling hip-hop artist Snoop Dogg performs at Derry's Ebrington Square on October 23 as part of his Snoopadelic European Tour.

  This comes following the news of the MTV crashes event in September, as part of some Derry City Council plans to rebuild Derry as a landmark city for international acts.

  Tickets are available from Ticketmaster for £27.50 from Saturday September 6.

• Thu

  23

  Oct

  2014

  7.5 Tonnes of Beard, Hornets & Zlatanera

  Voodoo

  Belfast

  

  Undeniably slow & sludgy five piece 7.5 Tonnes Of Beard play Belfast's Voodoo on October 23 as part of a 4-date Irish tour with hardcore four piece Hornets, who have recently underwent a lineup change, with frontman Sib being replaced. Opening the show are groove metal act Zlatanera.

  Doors open at 9pm and admission is £5.

• Thu

  23

  Oct

  2014

  Rainy Boy Sleep w/Chelsey Chambers

  Black Box

  Belfast

  

  Stevie Martin, aka Rainy Boy Sleep plays the Black Box on October 23 in his first Belfast headline show in a quite a while.

  The hook-laden folktronica artist has recently released his Ambulance EP, from which you can check out a live version of the title track.

  Support comes from Moneymore songstress Chelsey Chambers, who has recently been selected to join Don McLean's UK & Ireland tour in spring 2015.

  Tickets, priced at £10, are available through Ticketmaster. Doors open at 8pm.

• Fri

  24

  Oct

  2014

  Framing Hanley (14+)

  Oh Yeah Centre

  Belfast

  

  Contemporary pop-laced alt. rock quartet Framing Hanley play a 14+ show at the Oh Yeah Centre on October 24. 

  They released released their third album The Sum of Who We Are earlier in the year - check out its lead single 'Criminal'.

  Tickets are available for £12 from Shine.net, Ticketmaster & the Stiff Kitten Bar. Doors open at 6pm.

• Fri

  24

  Oct

  2014

  Lee Ranaldo

  Bello Bar

  Dublin

  

  Sonic Youth guitarist & accomplished solo artist Lee Ranaldo is to play an intimate acoustic show in Dublin's Bello Bar on October 24.

  While members of his usual backing band - The Dust - are busy, Ranaldo has decided to tour solo in much smaller venues, with selections from their two albums, as well as some covers and some new songs he's been working on.

  In the meantime, check out Lee Ranaldo and The Dust Live at KEXP.

  Tickets, priced at €17, are available from Eventbrite. Doors open at 8pm.

   

• Fri

  24

  Oct

  2014

  7.5 Tonnes of Beard, Hornets & Raum Kingdom

  Fibber Magee's (Downstairs)

  Dublin

  

  Undeniably slow & sludgy five piece 7.5 Tonnes Of Beard play Carnage, downstairs at Fibber Magee's on October 24 as part of a 4-date Irish tour with hardcore four piece Hornets, who have recently underwent a lineup change, with frontman Sib being replaced by new guy Rich.

  Opening the show are Irish prog/psych-influenced metal act Raum Kingdom. To whet your appetite, their eponymous single is available for a free download from Bandcamp.

• Fri

  24

  Oct

  2014

  Squash Bowels, Abaddon Incarnate, Zombified & more

  Voodoo

  Belfast

  

  Grindscene Records bring Polish goregrind act Squash Bowels to Belfast's Voodoo on October 24 as they prepare for a European tour. Check out some live footage.

  Support comes from Dublin grindcore quartet Abaddon Incarnate and one of Belfast's finest death metal bands, Zombified.

  Admission is £6 on the night. Doors open at 8pm.

• Sat

  25

  Oct

  2014

  Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings

  Mandela Hall

  Belfast

  

  Red Roof and Strange Victory have announced that Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings play their first ever show in Northern Ireland at the Mandela Hall on October 25.

  A mere three months before funk & soul band releaased their fifth studio album Give The People What They Want, frontwoman Sharon Jones was diagnosed with cancer, but it managed to see the light of day in January this year, and they're to continue touring this new release. Check out the single 'Retreat!' from the group's latest LP.

  Tickets are available from Ticketmaster. Doors open at 7.30pm.

• Sat

  25

  Oct

  2014

  999, The Defects & Hardcase.

  Voodoo

  Belfast

  

  Punkerama bring English punk rock act 999 to Voodoo on October 25 for a one-off show. 

  Having formed in 1976, they went on to release a series of singles, drawing to mind the pop-punk brought to mainstream consciousness by the Buzzcocks and The Undertones. Check out their early single, 'I'm Alive' as evidence. Their legacy remains in the collection of strong singles they amassed.

  Support comes from classic Belfast punks The Defects - who formed in 1978 and reunited in 2010 for a Blackpool Punk and Disorderly festival - and local punk five piece Hardcase.

  Admission is £10 and doors open at 9pm.

• Sat

  25

  Oct

  2014

  Sabotage #2: Empty Lungs

  The Bar With No Name

  Belfast

  

  New Belfast gig night Sabotage holds its second instalment at the recently-reopened Auntie Annie's, now known as The Bar With No Name on October 25. On headlining duties are anthemic punk quartet Empty Lungs. Check out their most recent single, 'From Russia With A Lack of Love'.

  North coast-based heavy alt. rock act Small Hawk Orchestral and Apartments.

  The night also features a DJ set faceoff between the fellow punks of Gascan Ruckus and Axis Of.

  Admission is £4 before 10pm and £6 after. Doors open at 9pm.

• Mon

  27

  Oct

  2014

  Royal Blood

  The Academy

  Dublin

  

  Brighton bluesy garage rock duo Royal Blood play Dublin's Academy on October 27.

  Formed in 2013, they released their debut single 'Out of the Black' in November 2013, the same month in which they were selected to support the Arctic Monkeys at their May '14 Finsbury Park shows, and were nominated for the BBC Sound of 2014 poll. They released their eponymous debut album in late August.

  Tickets are available, priced at €20, from Ticketmaster. Doors open at 7.30pm.

• Tue

  28

  Oct

  2014

  Asking Alexandria, The Ghost Inside, Crown The Empire & Secrets (14+)

  Ulster Hall

  Belfast

  

  English metalcore quintet Asking Alexandria play the Ulster Hall in their biggest Belfast show to date on October 28.

  The band's third and latest album From Death To Destiny was released earlier in 2013 and is their highest charting album to date. The band round off 2013 with some high-profile support slots before their mammoth 2014 tour.

  Support comes from three US acts - The Ghost Inside, Crown The Empire and Secrets.

  Tickets are available for £22.50 from Ticketmaster, The Ulster Hall & the usual outlets. Doors open at 6pm and it is a 14+ show.

• Wed

  29

  Oct

  2014

  Asking Alexandria, The Ghost Inside, Crown The Empire & Secrets

  Olympia Theatre

  Dublin

  

  English metalcore quintet Asking Alexandria play Dublin's Olympia Theatre in a 14+ show on October 29.

  The band's third and latest album From Death To Destiny was released earlier in 2013 and is their highest charting album to date. Check out their most recent single, 'Moving On'.

  Support comes from three US acts - The Ghost Inside, Crown The Empire and Secrets.

  Tickets are available from €24 from Ticketmaster. Doors open at 6pm.

• Wed

  29

  Oct

  2014

  Louis Moholo-Moholo Quartet

  Crescent Arts Centre

  Belfast

  

  Legendary percussionist and Blue Notes member, Louis Moholo-Moholo will play with a lineup of Alex Hawkins, Jason Yarde and John Edwards, Thurs 30th October at the Crescent Arts Centre for Moving On Music.

  The South African musician is the last surviving member of both the Blue Notes and their big-band sibling, Brotherhood Of Breath, and is the primary flame-keeper of a hugely important body of music that drew its inspiration from a unique integration of progressive jazz and the rich musical heritage of South Africa.

  This is a rare opportunity to experience fireworks in an intercontinental conversation between four brilliant musicians who will play a passionate and enthralling mix of free jazz, South African melodies, Ellington and much else.

  Tickets are available - £12 general admission and £10 concession - from the Crescent Arts Centre Ticketsolve. Doors open at 8pm and there's a BYOB policy.

• Thu

  30

  Oct

  2014

  Band Of Skulls w/DZ Deathrays

  Limelight 2

  Belfast

  

  Southampton alternative garage/blues rock trio Band Of Skulls play a show at the Limelight 2 on October 30.

  They put out their third album Himalayan out in March, which had Nick Launay of Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Arcade Fire & Nick Cave fame. The band have been together since around 2004 after meeting in college, and put their first album out in 2009.

  Support comes from Australian thrash-pop duo DZ Deathrays. 

  Tickets are available from Ticketmaster and Katy's bar for £17. Doors open at 7.30pm as it is an early show.

• Thu

  30

  Oct

  2014

  White Male Actors 'Ghosts' EP Launch w/The North Sea & Those Ghosts

  Voodoo

  Belfast

  

  Hidden Machine work alongside recently-established Belfast label Broken Melody Records to launch Strabane ambient indie-pop trio White Male Actors' new EP, Ghosts - which you can check out on Bandcamp - at Voodoo on October 30.

  Support comes from Dublin alternative/post-punk revival five piece The North Sea - who have just recently released the excellent single, 'In Love', off their debut album - and fellow Strabane anthemic indie-popmakers act Those Ghosts - check them out on Bandcamp.

  Admission is £5 - tweet @hiddenmachineNI for the cheaplist - and doors open at 9pm.

• Thu

  30

  Oct

  2014

  The Antlers

  Olympia Theatre

  Dublin

  

  Brooklyn indie rock trio The Antlers play the Olympia Theatre in Dublin on October 30, their first show here in a few years.

  They released their fifth album, Familiars, back in June, and is far from a disappointment for fans of elegantly weird group. Check out 'Palace', the first single from Familiars.

  Support comes from Irish math-rock act, Enemies, who released their excellent second album, Embark, Embrace last year.

  Tickets are available from Ticketmaster, priced from €22.50. Doors open at 7.30pm.

• Fri

  31

  Oct

  2014

  Saint Vitus & Orange Goblin

  Limelight 2

  Belfast

  

  Sludge/doom legends Saint Vitus are to play the Limelight 2 - appropriately enough - on Halloween night as part of their 35th anniversary tour. To celebrate, they'll be playing, in its entirety, their seminal 1986 album Born Too Late.

  Formed in 1978 in LA, the band has been widely accredited with being the pioneers of doom metal alongside the likes of Pentagram, Witchfinder General, Trouble and Candlemass. They have, to date, released eight albums, with the most highly regarded being their aforementioned 1986 third album, which featured the debut of their iconic vocalist - with the band for their upcoming tour - Wino Weinrich.

  Support comes from English stoner metal act Orange Goblin, who have released 7 albums to date, with the most recent being 2012's A Eulogy For The Damned. 

  Tickets are available for £20 from Ticketmaster and Katy's Bar as well as the usual outlets. Doors open at 5pm.

• Fri

  31

  Oct

  2014

  Focus

  Empire Music Hall

  Belfast

  

  Dutch prog pop-rock quartet Focus play The Empire on October 31.

  Formed in 1969 around classically trained organist/flautist Thijs van Leer and guitarist Jan Akkerman, they achieved success with their mostly instrumental singles 'Sylvia' and 'Hocus Pocus'. They have underwent many lineup changes, with Van Leer remaining a constant throughout their existence.

  Tickets are available for £20 from Ticketmaster. Doors open at 8.30pm.

• Fri

  31

  Oct

  2014

  Shizznigh Presents Helloweeny: Gama Bomb, Zombified, By Conquest or Consent, Scimitar, Altus & Shrouded

  Bar Sub

  Belfast

  

  Speed thrash metal five piece Gama Bomb headline this year's altogether more metal instalment of Shizznigh Promotions' annual stacked Halloween show, Helloweeny on October 31. Check out the video for their single, 'Terrorscope' from their most recent LP, 2013's Terror Tapes.

  Support comes from death metallers Zombified, hardcore/groove act By Conquest or Consent, Derry thrash act Scimitar, Altus and Lisburn melodic death metal trio Shrouded.

  Admission is £12, and tickets are available from WeGotTickets in advance. Doors open at  8pm.

• Fri

  31

  Oct

  2014

  Stop Stop Start Again EP Launch w/3D Shark, Eighty Four & Going Full Retard

  Black Box

  Belfast

  

  Time To Be Proud brings together a punky bill for the launch of Stop Stop Start Again's new Why Do Chicks Dig Vampyres? EP at the Black Box on Hallowe'en night.

  Support comes from 3D Shark, 90s-recalling punk trio Eighty Four and psychobilly quartet Going Full Retard, with a DJ set from Tony Spence of the Belfast Punk & New Wave Club. Fancy dress is heavily encouraged.

  Tickets are available from the Black Box for £5. Doors open at 8.30pm.

• Fri

  31

  Oct

  2014

  Sunglasses After Dark: Halloween Chamber of Chills 2: Astro's Hombres & The Spectrejets

  The Menagerie

  Belfast

  

  For the second year in a row, the Menagerie plays host to some Sunglasses After Dark Halloween celebrations with an extended set from Danzig-era Misfits tribute act Astro's Hombres on October 31.

  Ghost-fascinated Cramps-inspired rock'n'rollers The Spectrejets also play, with Joe Lindsay on special DJ duties throughout the night. Expect 50s B-movie horror projected, with fancy dress heavily encouraged.

  Tickets are available from WeGotTickets, priced at £7 plus booking fee - we recommend booking early as it sold fast last year. Doors open at 9pm.

• Fri

  31

  Oct

  2014

  Sons of Burlap & DJs

  The Bar With No Name

  Belfast

  

  Eastern Europe-inflected traditional act Sons of Burlap - comprising members of ASIWYFA, Axis Of and family - play a Halloween show at the Bar With No Name - formerly Auntie Annie's with some alternative DJ sets on the night too.

  The group recently unveiled their first recording, 'Caravan', available on their Soundcloud.

  Admission is £4 before 11pm and £6 afterwards. Doors open at 9pm.

• Sat

  01

  Nov

  2014

  Clean Bandit

  Ulster Hall

  Belfast

   

  

  Cambridge electronic group Clean Bandit play the Ulster Hall on November 1 in an over 16s show.

  They young quartet formed in 2009 and in January scored their first UK number 1 single with 'Rather Be'. Fusing, electronic music with classical and deep-house music, they were initially disregarded as a novelty act and have a variety of guest collaborators for each song, placing an emphasis on the songs' music videos in the overall aesthetics and ideology of the band.

  Tickets are available for £20 from Ticketmaster and the Ulster Hall. Doors open at 7pm.

• Sat

  01

  Nov

  2014

  Shine 19th Birthday: Groove Armada [DJ Set], Oxia, Sonny Fodera, Benjamin Damage, Chris Hanna, Nocturne, Schmutz & Ryan Monaghan

  QUB Students' Union

  Belfast

  

  Shine hold their massive 19th birthday shindig at the usual venue of the Queen's University Students' Union on November 1, just after Hallowe'en; however, as is tradition, fancy dress is encouraged. 

  The main attraction in Mandela Hall will be UK electro pioneers Groove Armada, as well as french techno star Oxia, Cajual and Defected man Sonny Fodera, and 50Weapons Berlin Techno newcomer Benjamin Damage across the rest of the three rooms. Local lads Chris Hanna, Nocturne and Schmutz also DJ.

  Tickets, priced at £18 for students and £20 general admission, are available from Katy's Bar, Shine & Ticketmaster. Doors open at 9.30pm and the show goes on until 3am.

• Sat

  01

  Nov

  2014

  No Tomorrow #006: Go Wolf, Allez Bartoli

  Voodoo

  Belfast

  

  A gig/club night presented by The Thin Air, the sixth installment of No Tomorrow at Voodoo Belfast will see Belfast indie-pop band GO WOLF play a homecoming show on November 1, having embarked on a mini-tour of New York City, so welcome them back with open ears. 
  
  Support on the night comes from the stellar Allez Bartoli, a Belfast-based experimental duo who originate from Derry, made up of Gregory McGeady and Emmet Colton. NME called the pair's debut album, Dola, "impressive". The Thin Air DJs provide tunes between sets, and afterwards there'll be Ed Zealous DJs. Visuals, too.

  And the very good chance of copies of the second issue of the Thin Air magazine at the door.
  
  Doors open at 9pm and admission is £5.

• Sun

  02

  Nov

  2014

  Paolo Nutini

  Odyssey Arena

  Belfast

  

  Scottish singer-songwriter Paolo Nutini brings his brand of worldly pop to the Odyssey Arena with a show on November 2.

  He got signed to Atlantic Records in 2005 following a demo sent shortly after turning 18, and first single 'These Streets' was released in 2006, which proved to be the title track of his debut album, released in the following month. He followed it up with the altogether more diverse and quirky Sunny Side Up.

  Check out the first single from his latest album Caustic Love, 'Scream (Funk My Life Up)'.

  Tickets are available from Ticketmaster and the Odyssey, priced at £38. Doors open at 6.30pm.

• Mon

  03

  Nov

  2014

  Tue

  04

  Nov

  2014

  Martha Wainwright

  Whelan's

  Dublin

  

  Canadian-American singer-songwriter Martha Wainwright has announced that she will be performing in Dublin's Whelan's on November 3 and 4 in what are to be two rather intimate shows for her.

  Wainwright - sister of acclaimed singer Rufus and daughter to Loudon Wainwright III and folk singer Kate McGarrigle - released her latest album Come Home To Mama in 2012. Check out ‘Proserpina’.

  Tickets are on sale now from Ticketmaster and cost €25. Doors open at 8pm.

• Mon

  03

  Nov

  2014

  Paolo Nutini

  3Arena

  Dublin

  

  Scottish singer-songwriter Paolo Nutini brings his brand of worldly pop to the recently renamed 3Arena - formerly the O2 - in Dublin on November 3.

  He got signed to Atlantic Records in 2005 following a demo sent shortly after turning 18, and first single 'These Streets' was released in 2006, which proved to be the title track of his debut album, released in the following month. He followed it up with the altogether more diverse and quirky Sunny Side Up.

  Check out the first single from his latest album Caustic Love, 'Scream (Funk My Life Up)'.

  Tickets are available from Ticketmaster, priced from €44 plus booking. Doors open at 6.30pm.

• Tue

  04

  Nov

  2014

  The Specials

  Ulster Hall

  Belfast

  .

  Iconic two-tone ska legends The Specials return to the Ulster Hall on November 4, five years on from their incredibly successful reunion.

  Formed in 1977 in Coventry, the outfit debuted with their seminal self-titled 1979 debut, released on Specials founding member and songwriter Jerry Dammers' 2 Tone Records.

  Tickets are available from The Ulster Hall and Ticketmaster. Doors open at 7.30pm.

• Tue

  04

  Nov

  2014

  MØ

  The Academy

  Dublin

  

  26-year-old Danish electro-pop artist MØ plays The Academy on November 4.

  Having started her career in punk duo MOR from 2007-12, after which she pursued her Mø pseudonym, releasing her debut album No Mythologies To Follow in March. 

  Tickets are available from €17.35 from Ticketmaster. All previously bought tickets are still valid. Doors open at 7.30pm

• Thu

  06

  Nov

  2014

  Gifted: The Wood Burning Savages, Arborist & Hillspeak

  The Empire

  Belfast

  

  Derry indie-pop-rockers The Wood Burning Savages headline the November 6 instalment of the Belfast Empire's Gifted night. Check out their new single, 'Boom'.

  Support comes from low-key folk act Arborist, led by Mark McCambridge & Dromore indie-folk quartet Hillspeak - check out their new single, 'Reaching, on Bandcamp.

  Admission is £3 and doors open at 9pm.

• Thu

  06

  Nov

  2014

  Radar Presents: Robocobra Quartet, Val Normal & Escobar

  Bar Sub

  Belfast

  

  Spoken-word hip-hope/jazz-prog merchants Robocobra Quartet headline the next instalment of Radar at Bar Sub on November 6. You can download their debut Artbook Flipping/Spring Rounds double A-side for free from Abbreviated Records.

  Support comes from Dublin post-hardcore-influenced instrumental trio Val Normal - check out 'Pugman', taken from their forthcoming second album, Fly The White Flag of War - and alternative rock act Escobar.

  As always, admission is free and doors open at 9pm.

• Fri

  07

  Nov

  2014

  Paper Aeroplanes

  Black Box

  Belfast

  

  Welsh folk-infused alt. pop duo Paper Aeroplanes play the Black Box on November 7 as part of their upcoming tour.

  Having been championed by the likes of Bob Harris, Lauren Laverne, Steve Lamacq and Tom Robinson, this show marks their first time in Ireland and with the May release of their latest album, Little Letters - which has received serious acclaim - it's about time. Check out 'Circus' from their EP of the same name, released earlier this year.

  Tickets are available priced at £12 from Ticketmaster and the usual outlets. Doors open at 8pm.

• Fri

  07

  Nov

  2014

  Tim Wheeler

  Oh Yeah Centre

  Belfast

  

  Downpatrick's own Ash frontman Tim Wheeler plays an intimate show at the Oh Yeah Centre on November 7 to coincide with the release of his debut solo album, Lost Domain.

  Having become the youngest act to headline Glastonbury as well as having a number one album before the age of 21, Tim Wheeler only now releases his first solo album. The album is based around the loss of Wheeler's father in 2011 and is available now to pre-order from Pledgemusic, recorded at his own expense in Ash's New York studio.

  Tickets are available for £15 from Shine and Ticketmaster. Doors open at 7pm.

• Fri

  07

  Nov

  2014

  3for3music Launch Night: The Hardchargers, Stephen McCartney & Mere Moths

  Sunflower Bar

  Belfast

  

  New local promotion 3for3 music hold their launch night at the Sunflower Bar on November 7. It's to be headlined by blues rock trio The Hardchargers - check out their stuff on Bandcamp.

  Support on the night comes from singer-songwriter Stephen McCartney of Farriers and indie project Mere Moths, based around Dromore's Patrick Wright.

  Admission is £3 and doors open at 8pm.

• Sat

  08

  Nov

  2014

  Beardyman

  Whelan's

  Dublin

  

  Multi-award-winning musician/comedian Beardyman plays Dublin's Whelan's on November 8 for U:mack. 

  The breakneck-paced beatboxer/looper, from North London, has released a couple of albums so far and is now touring his new music comedy show, One Album Per Hour. For an example of what he's capable of, check out his BBC Radio 1 Comedy Lounge set.

  Early bird tickets are available for £15 from Tickets.ie and Wav Tickets, and general admission is £20. Doors open at 8pm.

   

• Sat

  08

  Nov

  2014

  Weapon UK, Rabid Bitch of the North, Conjuring Fate, Midnight Transmission & Donum Dei

  Limelight 2

  Belfast

  

  Classic NWOBHM act Weapon UK play Belfast's Limelight 2 on November 8. 

  The band only ever released a double A-side single in 1980 and an '81 demo in their initial run, but their never-released debut album was finally unveiled in 2003. They return with Rising From The Ashes, their first material since a one-off 2011 single.

  Check out the Metallica-inspiring 'Set The Stage Alight', which should sound familiar if you've heard even the first thirty seconds of Kill 'Em All.

  Support comes from a some aptly NWOBHM-themed Rabid Bitch of the North, Conjuring Fate, Midnight Transmission and Donum Dei.

  Admission is £6. Doors open at 4pm.

• Sat

  08

  Nov

  2014

  Lindsey Stirling

  Vicar Street

  Dublin

  

  Classically trained violinist/Youtube/dubstep sensation Lindsey Stirling plays Dublin's Vicar Street on November 8.

  Her track, 'Crystallize', was the eighth most popular Youtube video in 2013, and her debut album, Shatter Me, was released despite her rejection from 2010's America's Got Talented and without major label backing. 

  Tickets are available from Ticketmaster, priced at €28. Doors open at 8.30pm.

• Sat

  08

  Nov

  2014

  RedBeard Presents: Hot Cops, Havana House Party, Gone All Year & The Bayonettes

  Bar Sub

  Belfast

  

   For RedBeard Promotions' latest showcase, we get a headline set from indie rock slackers Hot Cops at the QUB SU's Bar Sub on November 8. Check out their excellent debut EP , available for free on Bandcamp.

  Indie pop-rock act Havana House Party, pop-punk five piece Gone All Year and north coast alternative quartet The Bayonettes provide support on the night.

  Admission costs £4 before 10pm and £5 afterwards. Doors open at 8.30pm.

• Sun

  09

  Nov

  2014

  Erasure

  Olympia Theatre

  Dublin

  

  Iconic 80s synthpop duo Erasure play the Olympia Theatre in Dublin on November 9 following the announcement of their new album, The Violet Flame.

  Available to order from Pledgemusic following a successful campaign, the pair's sixteenth album was produced by bootleg pioneer Richard X. Having formed almost 30 years ago by songwriter/keyboardist Vince Clarke and singer/songwriter Andy Bell, Erasure launched an onslaught of new wave pop hits throughout the mid-late eighties and into the nineties, evidenced by their five consecutive No. 1 albums. 

  Tickets are available from Ticketmaster.

• Sun

  09

  Nov

  2014

  Area 11

  Voodoo

  Belfast

  

  Bristol-based self-proclaimed Gaijin rock quartet Area 11, play Voodoo on November 9.

  Lyrically based around Japanese anime and manga themes primarily, Area 11 released their debut album All The Lights In The Sky in January 2013. For a taster, check out the video for 'Heaven-Piercing Giga Drill', one of their heavily videogame-indebted singles.

   

• Sun

  09

  Nov

  2014

  Mon

  10

  Nov

  2014

  Erasure

  Olympia Theatre

  Dublin

  

  Iconic 80s synthpop duo Erasure play a pair of dates at the Olympia Theatre on November 9 & 10 following the release of their new album, The Violet Flame.

  Available to order from Pledgemusic following a successful campaign, the pair's sixteenth album was produced by bootleg pioneer Richard X. Having formed almost 30 years ago by songwriter/keyboardist Vince Clarke and singer/songwriter Andy Bell, Erasure launched an onslaught of new wave pop hits throughout the mid-late eighties and into the nineties, evidenced by their five consecutive No. 1 albums. 

  Tickets are available, priced at €39.50. from Ticketmaster. Doors open at 7.30pm.

• Sun

  09

  Nov

  2014

  Furnace Mountain

  Crescent Arts Centre

  Belfast

  

  Moving On Music bring to the Crescent Arts Centre on November 9 Furnace Mountain, known to make some of the most authentic, old-time American roots music. At times lively and raucous, with spirited fiddle melodies weaving in and around the powerful rhythms of the bass and bouzouki, and frequently poignant and poetic, with vocal harmonies interpreting some of the oldest songs ever written. 
  
  Hailing from Virginia, Furnace Mountain consists of Dave Van Deventer on Fiddle and Vocals, Morgan Morrison on Bouzouki and Vocals, Aimee Curl on Bass and Vocals, Danny Knicely on Mandolin. The four-piece have the Coen Brothers amongst their biggest admirers.

  Tickets, priced at £12 general admission and £10 concession, are available from the Crescent Arts Centre Ticketsolve. Doors open at 8pm and it's a BYOB event.

• Mon

  10

  Nov

  2014

  Slash with Myles Kennedy & The Conspirators

  The O2

  Dublin

  

  Iconic guitar hero Slash plays with Myles Kennedy & The Conspirators in a show at Dublin's O2 on November 10 as part of the tour for their new album, World On Fire, out in September.

  Slash toured small venues for the most part on his debut solo tour along with vocalist Myles Kennedy (of Alter Bridge) in 2010 for his eponymous LP - filled with guest vocalists, including the incredible range of Kennedy - which was followed up with 2012's Apocalyptic Love. Expect a nice combination of old and new songs from Slash's career from Guns N' Roses and beyond, with perhaps some covers peppering the setlist.

  Tickets are available from €39 from Ticketmaster, with the option to pre-order World On Fire for an additional fee. Doors open at 6.30pm.

• Tue

  11

  Nov

  2014

  Wayne Hussey (The Mission)

  Voodoo

  Belfast

  

  Voodoo hosts a solo show on November 11 from Wayne Hussey, the frontman of Leeds goth-rock act The Mission.

  Hussey is half of the founding members of The Mission - formed by former members of the Sisters of Mercy in 1985 - and aims to have a solo album out in time for his late 2014 UK tour. The show will consist of Mission songs, solo originals as well as a handful of covers.

  Tickets costs £15 and are available from Ticketmaster. Doors open at 9pm.

• Wed

  12

  Nov

  2014

  Y&T

  Limelight 1

  Belfast

  

  Californian hard rock band Y&T play Belfast's Limelight 1 on November 12 in celebration of their 40th year together.

  The classic American rock club workhorses, Y&T have released 12 studio albums since their 1976 debut Yesterday & Today. Breaking only for a hiatus from 1991-1995, they've remained a cornerstone of the hard-working heavy rock world with a suitably strong live reputation.
  

  Tickets are available for £16.50 from Ticketmaster & Katy's Bar. Doors open at 8pm.

• Wed

  12

  Nov

  2014

  Civilisation Presents: Runaway GO, The Late Twos & In An Instant

  Voodoo

  Belfast

  

  Civilisation, the new regular gig night at Voodoo, hosts a show on November 12 to be headlined by anthemic indie-pop quartet Runaway GO, who are currently working on their new album. Check out previous single 'Jump Start'.

  Indie-pop-rock act The Late Twos and Bangor indie-pop upstarts In An Instant support.

  Admission is £6 on the door and on WeGotTickets. Doors open at 9pm.

• Wed

  12

  Nov

  2014

  Scratch My Progress Showcase & Launch: Hurdles, Hot Cops, Matthew Duly, R51 & Serotonin

  Oh Yeah Centre

  Belfast

  

  The third volume of the Oh Yeah Centre's Scratch My Progress EP is launched with a show featuring each band in this year's class. 

  These five acts are indie rock quartet Hurdles - who launch their single 'France' on this EP - young indie-slacker-rock trio Hot Cops, singer-songwriter Matthew Duly, shoegaze-inspired up-and-coming alt. pop-rockers R51 and alternative rock act Serotonin. Each band has one track on the EP, recorded at Start Together through the Scratch My Progress scheme.

  Admission is £5 and doors open at 8pm.

• Wed

  12

  Nov

  2014

  Steve Strong

  Voodoo

  Belfast

  

  One-man-band Steve Strong makes an appearance at Voodoo's open mic night as a special guest headliner for free in a Venture Presents show at on November 12 as part of his Agila tour of Ireland and beyond.

  Based in Plymouth, Strong brings along his own beats, tapped guitar and textural melodies, and genre-hops constantly. Check out his Soundcloud.

  Admission is completely free and doors open at 9pm.

   

• Fri

  14

  Nov

  2014

  Eluveitie, Arkona & Skálmöld

  Mandela Hall

  Belfast

  

  Swiss folk metal act Eluveitie headline a show at the Mandela Hall on November 14, having recently released their sixth studio album, Origins. Their sound is Celtic-inspired folk melodies fused with melodic death metal.

  They're supported by Russian Pagan/folk metallers Arkona and Icelandic viking metallers Skálmöld

  Tickets, priced at £18, are available from Ticketmaster & the QUBSU reception. Doors open at 8pm.

• Fri

  14

  Nov

  2014

  All Tvvins & Spies

  McHugh's Basement

  Belfast

  

  Dublin superduo All Tvvins - comprising Cast of Cheers' Conor Adams and Adebisi Shank's Lar Kaye - play a show in McHugh's Basement Bar on November 14.

  Having formed in summer 2013, the pair have already played Electric Picnic's main stage earlier in the year. Check out 'Book', live in Storm Studios.

  Support comes from currently hot Dublin five piece, Spies. You can check out their latest single, 'Moosehead' from Bandcamp.

  Tickets, priced at £8.50 plus booking fee, are available from Shine and Ticketmaster. Doors open at 8pm.

• Fri

  14

  Nov

  2014

  Loris 'Yeah' EP Launch w/Havana House Party, Those Ghosts & Owen McGarry

  The Bar With No Name

  Belfast

  

  Electropop trio Loris launch their EP, Yeah, with a show at - formerly Auntie Annie's - The Bar With No Name on November 14 for Chordblossom.

  Support for the show comes from Strabane alternative quartet Those Ghosts, indie-pop-rock act Havana House Party and electronic-tinged singer-songwriter Owen McGarry.

  Admission is £5 and doors open at 9pm.

• Fri

  14

  Nov

  2014

  The Altered Hours w/Autumns

  Upstairs at Whelan's

  Dublin

  

  Cork psych-rock act The Altered Hours play a show upstairs at Whelan's on November 14.

  The five piece have just released for free their new Outskirts EP on Bandcamp. Check out their phenomenal swirling shoegaze-inspired 2013 single, 'Sweet Jelly Roll'.

  Support comes from Derry lo-fi noise-pop/post-punk trio Autumns.

  Tickets are available from Tickemaster for €8, and doors open at 8pm.

• Fri

  14

  Nov

  2014

  Fuck Nostalgia Fest: 1000 Drunken Nights, Spittin' Teeth & Takers and Users.

  The Warzone Centre

  Belfast

  

  The latest benefit night for the Warzone Centre is provocatively titled as 'Fuck Nostalgia Fest', and takes place at the Centre on November 14.

  The three bands on the bill are straight punk/occasional ska act 1000 Drunken Nights, sludgy grind-influenced hardcore five piece Spittin' Teeth - download their debut No Gods, No Masters, No Stems, No Seeds for free - and oi! trio Takers & Users.

  Admission is £6 and there's the usual BYOB policy, with no glass allowed.

• Sat

  15

  Nov

  2014

  Northern Ireland Music Prize 2014 w/Therapy performing Troublegum

  Mandela Hall

  Belfast

  

  Following last year’s successful Northern Irish Music Prize ceremony, it has been announced that the second annual event will take place in the Mandela Hall in the Queen’s University Students’ Union on November 15. The ceremony awards a prize to the best Northern Irish album of the last year as voted for by a number of local media and industry professionals.

  Last year, Foy Vance won the album of the year prize with his excellent Joy Of Nothing, a strong album among many worthy contenders.

  Alt. metal trio Therapy? play their million-selling, Mercury Prize-shortlisted 1994 classic Troublegum LP in its entirety to close the awards show on the night after receiving an Oh Yeah Legend Award for their achievements in music.

  With previous winners of the Oh Yeah Legends award including local and international heroes like The Undertones, Stiff Little Fingers, Gary Moore, Terri Hooley and Henry McCullough (the only Irishman to play Woodstock, no less) it’s only fair that Therapy? get their award two decades after the release of their most celebrated album.

  The ten-strong shortlist is as follows, in alphabetical order:

  Alana Henderson – Windfall ?
  Ed Zealous – Wired ?
  Little Matador – Little Matador ?
  Malibu Shark Attack - Malibu Shark Attack?
  Mojo Fury – The Difference Between?
  More Than Conquerors - Everything I've Learnt?
  Rams Pocket Radio – Béton ?
  Robyn G Shiels – The Blood Of The Innocents ?
  Slomatics – Estron?
  Sullivan and Gold – For Foes?
  VerseChorusVerse – VerseChorusVerse
  ?Wonder Villains – Rocky

  Tickets are available for the event now, priced at £12 fromWeGotTickets. Doors open at 8pm.

• Sat

  15

  Nov

  2014

  Raglans

  The Grand Social

  Dublin

  

  Dublin-based indie-folk quartet Raglans headline the Grand Social in Dublin on November 15 as part of their autumn Irish tour. 

  Raglans were formed in 2010 in a festival tent and since then, the band have recorded with Morrissey's co-writer/arranger/guitarist Boz Boorer in Sierra Alta Studio as a prize for winning the King Kong Club crown. They released their debut album in early 2014. Check out the single, '(Lady) Roll Back The Years'.

  Tickets are available from from Ticketmaster. Doors open at 8pm.

• Sun

  16

  Nov

  2014

  Lykke Li

  Vicar Street

  Dublin

  

  Swedish singer-songwriter Lykke Li plays Vicar Street on November 16 as part of the tour for her new album, I Never Learn, which came out in May.

  Her debut, Youth Novels was the album that brought her into mainstream music consciousness, with the follow up, Wounded Rhymes consolidating her position, going on to work with David Lynch and getting a number 1 with The Magician's remix of 'I Follow Rivers'.

  Check out the single, 'Gunshot', from I Never Learn.

  Tickets are available for €40 from Ticketmaster. Doors open at

• Sun

  16

  Nov

  2014

  Twenty One Pilots (14+)

  The Academy

  Dublin

  

  American duo Twenty One Pilots play Dublin's Academy in an early 14+ performance on November 17.

  Forming in 2009, the anthemic pair - Tyler Joseph and Josh Dun - self-released two albums and were subsequently signed in 2012, releasing their studio debut Vessel last year. 

  Check the video for 'Car Radio'.

  Tickets for the show are available - priced at €17.50 - from Ticketmaster. Doors open at 6.30pm.

• Mon

  17

  Nov

  2014

  Twenty One Pilots

  Mandela Hall

  Belfast

  

  American duo Twenty One Pilots play their biggest NI show to date at the Mandela Hall in an early 14+ performance on November 17.

  Forming in 2009, the anthemic pair - Tyler Joseph and Josh Dun - self-released two albums and were subsequently signed in 2012, releasing their studio debut Vessel last year.

  Tickets for the show are available - priced at £14 - from the QUBSU reception, Shine.net & Ticketmaster. Doors open at 6pm as it's an early show.

• Mon

  17

  Nov

  2014

  Ought

  Workmans Club

  Dublin

  

  Dublin promoters Harmonic Presents bring jagged, outburst-laden post-punk quartet Ought to the Workmans Club on November 17.

  The four art-punks met, appropriately enough, in Montréal's McGill University in 2012 during mass protests against increased tuition fees in Quebec. The socially aware and passionate, sometimes-sung, sometimes-ranted vocals on their excellent debut album More Than Any Other Day have led many to compare Ought to post-punk visionaries along the lines of David Byrne/Talking Heads and Television, peppered with Velvet Underground-esque drones and a message to simply live.

  Listen to 'Habit'.

  Tickets are available from Tickets.ie for €12. Doors open at 8pm.

• Tue

  18

  Nov

  2014

  Conor Scott EP Launch w/Joshua Burnside, New Ancestors & Travis Is A Tourist

  Aether & Echo

  Belfast

  

  Singer-songwriter Conor Scott launches his debut EP Watch Me Go with a show at Aether & Echo on November 18.

  Support comes from the impressive selection of experimental folk-composer Joshua Burnside, folk-pop act New Ancestors and an acoustic set from Travis Is A Tourist.

  Entry costs £5 and doors open at 8pm.

• Wed

  19

  Nov

  2014

  La Roux

  Limelight 1

  Belfast

  

  Synthpop act La Roux - led by singer/keyboardist/writer/producer Elly Jackson - return to Belfast with a show at the Limelight 1 on November 19.

  They were initially a pair, with Jackson accompanied by producer Ben Langmaid but went on hiatus for 3 years from 2011 while writing the follow-up to their massively successful eponymous debut. La Roux is now Jackson's vehicle, with backup musicians for live performance, and her second album Trouble In Paradise came out in July.

  Check out the excellent '80s throwback of 'Kiss And Not Tell'.

  Tickets are available for £14.50 from Ticketmaster & Katy's Bar. Doors open at 8pm.

• Wed

  19

  Nov

  2014

  The Shires & Ward Thomas

  Whelan's

  Dublin

  

  A duo of country/folk duos, The Shires and Ward Thomas play a set of dates throughout the UK & Ireland in November as part of their co-headlining 'Home-Grown' Tour, with stops in Dublin's Whelan's and McHugh's in Belfast on November 19 & 20, respectively.

  Made up of Ben Earle & Crissie Rhodes, The Shires formed in May 2013 and since then they've signed to Decca. Check out their latest video, 'I Just Wanna Love You'.

  Their co-headliners - Ward Thomas - are Hampshire-bred twins Catherine & Lizzy Ward Thomas. Check out the video for single 'The Good and The Right' from their debut album From Where We Stand.

  Tickets are available for €12 from Ticketmaster. Doors open at 8pm.

• Wed

  19

  Nov

  2014

  Mastodon, Big Business & Krokodil

  The Academy

  Dublin

  

  Monolithic riff-mongers Mastodon bring themselves to the Dublin Academy on November 19 as part of their upcoming tour in support of new album Once More 'Round The Sun.

  Just out in June, it's the quartet's sixth album since they formed in Atlanta, Georgia in 2000. Debuting at no. 6 in the Billboard album charts, it's their quickest seller to date, consolidating their position as one of the torchbearers in the new wave of American heavy metal.

  Check out the video for 'The Motherload'.

  Support comes from heavy sludge act Big Business, a Melvins side-project, and Krokodil.

  Tickets are available, priced at €30 from Ticketmaster. Doors open at 7pm as it's an early show.

• Wed

  19

  Nov

  2014

  Guinness Versus Heat Two: Foreign Affairs, Black Mono, Thieves of Ennui, The DMs & Down To Level

  The Pavilion

  Belfast

  

  In the second of four qualifying heats, pop-punk quartet Foreign Affairs, alt. rock trio Black Mono, Thieves of Ennui, Enniskillen alternative act The DMs and Down To Level will battle it for a coveted semi-final spot in the latest installment of Guinness Versus at The Pavilion, Belfast on Wednesday, November 19.
  
  As with previous competitions, the crowd vote (in the form of a slip handed out at the door to each attendee) will play a crucial role in each heat in the competition, which sees twenty bands compete in seven battles, with one winner of £1000.
  
  Admission costs £3. Doors are at 8.45pm. 

• Thu

  20

  Nov

  2014

  Mastodon

  Limelight 1

  Belfast

  

  Monolithic riff-mongers Mastodon bring themselves to the Limelight 1 on November 20 as part of their upcoming tour in support of new album Once More 'Round The Sun.

  Just out in June, it's the quartet's sixth album since they formed in Atlanta, Georgia in 2000. Debuting at no. 6 in the Billboard album charts, it's the quickest seller to date, consolidating their position as one of the torchbearers in the new wave of American heavy metal.

  Tickets are available, priced at £25 plus booking free from Katy's Bar and Ticketmaster. Doors open at 7pm as it's an early show.

• Thu

  20

  Nov

  2014

  The Shires & Ward Thomas

  McHugh's

  Belfast

  

  A duo of country/folk duos, The Shires and Ward Thomas play a set of dates throughout the UK & Ireland in November as part of their co-headlining 'Home-Grown' Tour, with stops in Dublin's Whelan's and McHugh's in Belfast on November 19 & 20, respectively.

  Made up of Ben Earle & Crissie Rhodes, The Shires formed in May 2013 and since then they've signed to Decca. Check out their latest video, 'I Just Wanna Love You'.

  Their co-headliners - Ward Thomas - are Hampshire-bred twins Catherine & Lizzy Ward Thomas. Check out the video for single 'The Good and The Right' from their debut album From Where We Stand.

  Tickets are available for £11.50 from Shine and Ticketmaster. Doors open at 8pm.

• Thu

  20

  Nov

  2014

  Old Fang Live: Callum Stewart & Jamie Neish

  The Menagerie

  Belfast

  

  Old Fang's latest show is a dual headline bill at the Menagerie on November 20, with performances coming from Mid-Ulster teenage singer-songwriter Callum Stewart, who recently released his debut single, 'Free'. The label's next release will be Stewart's new single, 'Gold', for which this show functions as the launch, with the official release taking place on November 24.

  Also on the bill is More Than Conquerors drummer and singer-songwriter Jamie Neish, who brings his acoustic pop chops to the show.

  Admission is £5, with advance tickets available from Bandcamp. Doors open at 9pm.

• Thu

  20

  Nov

  2014

  Magill Promotions Presents: Hot Cops, The Titanics & Foreign Affairs

  Voodoo

  Belfast

  

  The latest showcase from Magill Promotions is to take place on November 20 in its home of Voodoo. Youthful slacker-indie trio Hot Cops headline - and we recommend their debut EP, Another Teen Age available on a name-your-price basis on Bandcamp.

  Belfast alternative rockers The Titanics also play, as do Armagh pop-punk quartet Foreign Affairs - listen to them on Breaking Tunes.

  Admission is £5 and doors open at 9pm.

• Thu

  20

  Nov

  2014

  La Roux

  The Academy

  Dublin

  

  Synthpop act La Roux - led by singer/keyboardist/writer/producer Elly Jackson - return to Belfast with a show at the Academy on November 20.

  They were initially a pair, with Jackson accompanied by producer Ben Langmaid but went on hiatus for 3 years from 2011 while writing the follow-up to their massively successful eponymous debut. La Roux is now Jackson's vehicle, with backup musicians for live performance, and her second album Trouble In Paradise came out in July.

  Check out the excellent '80s throwback of 'Kiss And Not Tell'.

  Tickets are available for €21 from Ticketmaster. Doors open at 7.30pm.

• Fri

  21

  Nov

  2014

  The Quireboys w/Vargas Blues Band

  Limelight 1

  Belfast

  

  English hard rock band The Quireboys play the Limelight 1 on November 21 as part of their 30th anniversary tour.

  Having formed in 1984 - and released their debut album A Bit Of What You Fancy in 1990 - the band this year played three sold out, intimate shows to mark the start of their 30th year as a band, and embark on a 5-month world tour. The band have had many members over the years, but vocalist Spike and guitarist Guy Griffin have remained with the band throughout the entire lifespan, which took a few breaks in the nineties.

  Support comes from the Vargas Blues Band, led by Spanish guitarist Javier Vargas.

  Tickets are available for £16.50 from Ticketmaster, Katy's Bar and the usual outlets.

• Fri

  21

  Nov

  2014

  Conan, Bast & Slomatics

  Voodoo

  Belfast

  

  The Distortion Project has an altogether bogging proposition with its show at Voodoo on November 21 at Voodoo, to be headlined by English doom/sludge trio Conan. For a taster, check out their Bandcamp.

  Support comes from London metal three piece Bast and local sludge/doom act, the intense, yet measured Slomatics, who recently put out their new album, Estron.

  Admission is £8 and doors open at 8pm.

• Fri

  21

  Nov

  2014

  Ballet School

  The Workmans Club

  Dublin

  

  Alternapop trio Ballet School play The Workmans Club in Dublin on November 21 as part of their debut album tour.

  Formed in Berlin's DIY scene in 2012 by Irish vocalist/guitarist Rosie Blair and Japanese-Brazilian guitarist Michel Collet after a chance encounter on the U-bahn. They call to mind the likes of late-eighties Cocteau Twins and The Cure with distinctively contemporary pop sensibilities.

  Their debut album The Dew Lasts An Hour is out on September 8 on Bella Union. Check out the video for new track 'Lux'.

  Tickets are available, priced at €12.50 plus booking fees, from Ticketmaster and the usual outlets. Doors open at 8pm.

• Fri

  21

  Nov

  2014

  The Holy Innocents, Desert Hearts & Runabay

  McHugh's Bar

  Belfast

  

  Belfast-based folk rock act The Holy Innocents play McHugh's Bar on November 21. The quartet released their album Letter to Lone Ridge last year - available on iTunes, Amazon and in Head Records, Belfast. 

  Support comes from Belfast indie rock stalwarts Desert Hearts, who play their first show in six months, as well as young indie folk six piece Runabay.

  Admission is £5 and doors open at 9pm.

• Fri

  21

  Nov

  2014

  Hozier

  Ulster Hall

  Belfast

  

  Singer-songwriter Hozier continues his upward spiral with a show at the Ulster Hall on December 21.

  The 24 year old from Bray, Co. Wicklow released his debut EP Take Me To Church, which he followed up with the From Eden EP. His eponymous debut album came out in September, which will no doubt lead to greater things.

  Tickets have now sold out. Doors open at 6pm.

• Sat

  22

  Nov

  2014

  Chas & Dave

  The Waterfront

  Belfast

  

  English folk/pop-rock duo Chas & Dave play the Waterfront Hall on November 29 in support of their first album in 18 years, That's What Happens, released late last year.

  Known for the pub singalong 'rockney' style, the pair broke through with single 'Gertcha' and had further success with 'Rabbit' and comic songs, typically for the blue-collar worker. No slouches in terms of musicianship, both are accomplished multi-instrumentalists.

  Tickets are available, priced from £24.50, from The Waterfront. Doors open at 8pm.

• Sat

  22

  Nov

  2014

  Ballet School

  Voodoo

  Belfast

  

  Alternapop trio Ballet School play Belfast's Voodoo on November 22 as part of the UK leg of their debut album tour.

  Formed in Berlin's DIY scene in 2012 by Irish vocalist/guitarist Rosie Blair and Japanese-Brazilian guitarist Michel Collet after a chance encounter on the U-bahn. They call to mind the likes of late-eighties Cocteau Twins and The Cure with distinctively contemporary pop sensibilities.

  Their debut album The Dew Lasts An Hour is out on September 8 on Bella Union. Check out the video for new track 'Lux'.

  Tickets are available, priced at £9 plus booking fees, from Ticketmaster and the usual outlets. Doors open at 8pm.

• Sat

  22

  Nov

  2014

  Passenger

  3Arena

  Dublin

  

  English folk-rock singer-songwriter Passenger plays Dublin's 3Arena - formerly the O2 -  on November 22.

  Born Michael David Rosenberg, the acoustic guitar player used to front a band called Passenger, before taking the name with him to his solo career in 2009. His most successful single, 'Let Her Go', was a chart-topper in many countries and won Passenger many award nominations. His latest studio album was released in June, and was entitled Whispers. Check out lead single, 'Hearts On Fire'.

  Tickets are available for €33.50 from Ticketmaster. Doors open at 8pm.

• Sat

  22

  Nov

  2014

  Wallis Bird

  The Academy

  Dublin

  

  Wexford singer-songwriter Wallis Bird plays the Academy in Dublin on November 22.

  The Meteor Award-winning songstress released the follow-up to her eponymous 2012 breakthrough LP with her fourth album, Architect, back in April. 

  Check out her phenomenal session from Munich's Deeper Down studio.

  Tickets, priced at €23, are available from Ticketmaster. Doors open at 8pm.

• Sun

  23

  Nov

  2014

  Passenger

  The Waterfront

  Belfast

  

  English folk-rock singer-songwriter Passenger plays the Waterfront on November 23.

  Born Michael David Rosenberg, the acoustic guitar player used to front a band called Passenger, before taking the name with him to his solo career in 2009. His most successful single, 'Let Her Go', was a chart-topper in many countries and won Passenger many award nominations. His latest studio album was released in June, and was entitled Whispers. Check out lead single, 'Hearts On Fire'.

  Tickets are available for £22.50 from The Waterfront. Doors open at 7.30pm.

• Sun

  23

  Nov

  2014

  Raglans

  Voodoo

  Belfast

  

  Dublin-based indie-folk quartet Raglans headline a show at Voodoo Belfast on November 23 as part of their autumn Irish tour. 

  Raglans were formed in 2010 in a festival tent and since then, the band have recorded with Morrissey's co-writer/arranger/guitarist Boz Boorer in Sierra Alta Studio as a prize for winning the King Kong Club crown. They released their debut album in early 2014. Check out the single, '(Lady) Roll Back The Years'.

  Tickets cost £10 from Ticketmaster and Shine. Doors open at 8pm.

• Sun

  23

  Nov

  2014

  Smart Casual - Vol. 1: Come Down With Me

  The Pavilion - Middle Bar

  Belfast

  

  Belfast's Pavilion hosts the  unique night, tentatively titled Smart Casual - probably a reference to this - in its middle bar on November 23.

  The night takes its cues from other clubs, with the likes of Body & Soul, Optimo, and the aim is to create something of a chillfest, with an eclectic but dubby/spacey atmosphere, which will progress to a conclusion of straight-up house and techno. 

  The laid-back night is open deck, meaning anyone with the skills and the means is encouraged to bring their own wax and spin to their heart's content.

  Admission is completely free and the event kicks off at 7pm.

• Mon

  24

  Nov

  2014

  Robert Plant & The Sensational Space Shifters

  Olympia Theatre

  Dublin

  

  One of rock's enduring demigods, and - at this point, a fairly superfluous detail - Led Zeppelin frontman Robert Plant performs at the Ulster Hall on November 23, with a show at Dublin's Olympia Theatre on the following night alongside his band, The Sensational Space Shifters.

  Lullaby and...The Ceaseless Roar, his debut album with the band - and the first thing he's released since 2010's rootsy Band of Joy - is released on September 8 on Nonesuch Records. Beginning with Glastonbury, the band are setting off on a series festival appearances scheduled throughout summer. They're to release their first single 'Rainbow' very shortly. 

   

• Mon

  24

  Nov

  2014

  Mos Def aka Yasiin Bey

  Vicar Street

  Dublin

  

  Brooklyn hip-hop artist Mos Def, now known as Yasiin Bey makes an appearance at Vicar Street on November 24.

  Having debuted through the underground as one half of Black Star, who released just one album, Mos Def & Talib Kweli Are Black Star, Mos Def has built a strong career as an actor and musician, having appeared in more films than albums and initially entering the public light as a child actor. He has now focused his attentions on social and political issues, having re-emerged as Yasiin Bey in 2013 for a short film about human rights organisation Reprieve, to raise awareness of inhumane Guantanamo Bay procedures.

  Standing and seated tickets, priced at €33.50 & €35.50 respectively, are available from Ticketmaster. Doors open at 8.30pm.

• Tue

  25

  Nov

  2014

  Little Dragon w/Nao

  Vicar Street

  Dublin

  

  Vicar Street plays host to Swedish electronic act Little Dragon, who perform on November 25.

  The Gothenburg four piece formed in high school in 1996, releasing their debut album proper in 2007 and steadily growing in popularity since. Check out 'Klapp Klapp', the first single from their latest album, Namuba Rubberband, which came out in May.

  Support comes from singer-songwriter Nao - check out her cover of Little Dragon's 'Ritual Union'.

  Tickets, priced at €22.50 and €25 for standing and seating respectively, are available from Ticketmaster. Doors open at 7.30pm.

• Wed

  26

  Nov

  2014

  Cheatahs

  The Workman's Club

  Dublin

  

  Shoegaze-inspired alternative act Cheatahs play Dublin's Workman's Club in their first Irish headline appearance to date, on November 26.

  The London act's eponymous debut album was released earlier this year on Wichita Recordings - home to the likes of Cloud Nothings, The Cribs, Les Savy Fav and Los Campesinos! - and appeals to any and all '90s revivalists, with hook-laden melodies and swathes of dreamy guitar lines.

  Tickets are available from Ticketmaster for €11.75. Doors open at 8pm.

• Wed

  26

  Nov

  2014

  The Who Hits 50

  3Arena

  Dublin

  

  The Who have announced the 2015 replacement dates for their postponed 50th Anniversary tour, simultaneously stating that this will be the start of their 'long goodbye'. The tour - dubbed 'The Who Hits 50' - takes in 9 dates including one at Dublin's 3Arena - formerly the O2 - on June 23.

  Formed in London in 1964, the Who's classic Daltrey, Townshend, Entwhistle & Moon quartet lineup is regarded as one of the iconic British rock bands of all time, having sold over 100 million records, including the essential Tommy, Quadrophenia and Who's Next.

  This tour promises to to include songs dating back to the original pre-Who band The High Numbers, and features hits and songs which Townshend describes as 'hits, picks, mixes and misses'. 

  Tickets are available, priced from €69.50, from Ticketmaster. Doors open at 6.30pm.

• Wed

  26

  Nov

  2014

  Matua Trap, New Secret Weapon, The Stonemasons & The Keep

  Limelight 2

  Belfast

  

  Shizznigh Promotions' next show, at the Limelight 2 on November 26, has just the second Belfast show from new proggy supergroup Matua Trap - who consist of members of local powerhouses Kasper Rosa & Affleck.

  Check out their 2 debut singles, 'Cleave' and 'Meander Thralls' on Bandcamp. 

  Support comes from Dublin-based alternative trio New Secret Weapon who recently released their debut album, as well as fellow alt. rock trio The Stonemasons and The Keep.

  Admission is £5 on the door and from WeGotTickets. Doors open at 9pm.

• Wed

  26

  Nov

  2014

  Augustines

  The Empire

  Belfast

  

  American indie rock trio Augustines play the Belfast Empire on November 26, following the release of their self-titled second album, the follow-up to 2011's Rise Ye Sunken Ships.

  Check out the band's performance live on KEXP.

  Tickets are available from Ticketmaster, priced at £13.50. Doors open at 8pm.

• Wed

  26

  Nov

  2014

  Sam Lee & Friends - CANCELLED

  Black Box

  Belfast

  

  Mercury Prize nominee, fRoots Album Of The Year and BBC Folk Awards Winner, Sam Lee, plays the Black Box on November 26 in a show for Moving On Music.

  Lee is fast becoming accepted as a new pioneer, defining the sound, sight and texture of folksong today. His 2012 album, ‘Ground Of Its Own’, was nominated for The Mercury Prize and is as much a musical manifesto as traditional album, reflecting the less than conventional route Sam has taken.

   In 2011 Sam received an Arts Foundation Award, which for the first time, honoured folk music amongst the art forms. His live band, Sam Lee & Friends, carve a new acoustic sound with their home-made and mongrelised instrumentation using unconventional and contemporary arrangements that challenge preconceptions of what ‘traditional folk' should sound like.

  Unfortunately, due to unforeseen circumstances, the gig has been cancelled, and refunds are available from Moving On Music.

• Wed

  26

  Nov

  2014

  Guinness Versus Heat Three: Serotonin, Terrorpockets, The Shout, Run Kid and Monkey Bath

  The Pavilion

  Belfast

  

  In the third of four qualifying heats in this year's Guinness Versus Battle of the Bands competition, alt rock act Serotonin, Terror Pockets, The Shout, Run Kid and Monkey Bath vie for a coveted semi-final spot at The Pavilion, Belfast on Wednesday, November 26.
  
  As with previous competitions, the crowd vote (in the form of a slip handed out at the door to each attendee) will play a crucial role in each heat in the competition, which sees twenty bands compete in seven battles, with one winner of £1000.
  
  Admission costs £3. Doors are at 8.45pm. 

   

• Wed

  26

  Nov

  2014

  Cabaret Rocks! w/Petty Youth, The Jury Disagree, Ryan McMullan & Gemma Bradley

  Voodoo

  Belfast

  

  The events management team at Armstrong Learning have organised a unique fundraiser at Voodoo on November 26, entitled Cabaret Rocks! in order to raise awareness of the work of local charity Beyond Skin, who use music, arts and media to assist in the building and development of cultural relations in Northern Ireland, with the overall aim of addressing issues of racism and sectarianism.

  Artists performing on the night are garage rockers Petty Youth, Lurgan acoustic act The Jury Disagree, singer-songwriter Ryan McMullan and mid-Ulster-based up-and-coming songstress Gemma Bradley. Sets on the night will be accompanied by cabaret performances throughout.

  Admission is £5 and all profits go towards the charity. Doors open at 9pm and the first act starts at 9.45pm.

• Thu

  27

  Nov

  2014

  Augustines

  Whelan's

  Dublin

  

  American indie rock trio Augustines play Dublin's Whelan's on November 27, following the release of their self-titled second album, the follow-up to 2011's Rise Ye Sunken Ships.

  Check out the band's performance live on KEXP.

  Tickets are available from Ticketmaster, priced at €17. Doors open at 8pm.

• Thu

  27

  Nov

  2014

  MTV Crashes Cork - Jessie Ware & Gorgon City

  City Hall

  Cork

  

  MTV Crashes, a special one-off show emanating from Cork's City Hall on November 27, will broadcast across MTV's network, and features performances from Jessie Ware and electronic duo Gorgon City.

  Breaking through with her 2012 single 'Wildest Moments', multi-time Mercury & Brit-nominee Jessie Ware's debut album, Devotion, received much attention for its accomplishments. She followed it up with this year's Tough Love, which just came out in October.

  Gorgon City comprise Kye 'Foamo' Gibbon and Matt 'RackNRuin' Robson-Scott, who have recently broken through with number 4 single, 'Ready For Your Love'. Their debut LP Sirens was released in October.

  Tickets are available from 1pm November 13, just a fortnight prior to the show, from MTV and Cork Music Trail.

• Thu

  27

  Nov

  2014

  Maverick 'Quid Pro Quo' Album Launch

  The Empire

  Belfast

  

  '70s & '80s-recalling hard rock five piece Maverick launch their debut album, Quid Pro Quo with a show at the Empire Music Hall on November 27.

  Maverick have been around for over two years now, having released just one EP to date, with the worldwide launch takes place the following day, with Quid Pro Quo being released through Massacre Records. 

• Thu

  27

  Nov

  2014

  Little Hours EP Launch w/Niki Pollock & Bairbre Anne

  The Sugar Club

  Dublin

  

  Donegal singer-songwriter duo Little Hours launch their debut EP with a show at Dublin's Sugar Club on November 27.

  The pair - made up of pianist/vocalist John Doherty and guitarist/vocalist Ryan McCloskey - have their eponymous new EP out now on iTunes.

  Support comes from Niki Pollock & Dublin songstress Bairbre Anne.

  Tickets, priced at €9.30, are available from Ticketmaster.

• Fri

  28

  Nov

  2014

  Protest The Hero, The Safety Fire, The Contortionist & Palm Reader (14+)

  Voodoo Lounge

  Dublin

  

  DME Promotions presents Ontarian mathy progressive metal quartet Protest The Hero on November 28 for an early 14+ show at Dublin's Voodoo Lounge.

  They released their debut EP in 2002 and have since released 4 albums, with the most recent being 2013's Volition, which won them a Juno award for best metal/hard rock album of the year. Check out 'Underbite' off Volition.

  Californian death metal four piece The Faceless provide support, along with prog metallers The Contortionist and Woking-based hardcore act Palm Reader.

  Tickets, priced at €23.50, are available from Ticketmaster, Tickets.ie, Sound Cellar and Enter The Void Records. Doors open at 6pm.

• Fri

  28

  Nov

  2014

  Electric Six

  Limelight 2

  Belfast

  

  In what is becoming something of an end-of-year tradition - having played in November at the Limelight 2 in 2011-2013 - dance-tinged comedy rockers Electric Six are returning almost a year to the day since their last show at the Limelight 2, this time on November 28. 

  They play following the release of their tenth studio album, Human Zoo, in October. The band have remained notably prolific since their 2003 debut Fire, averaging almost an album a year.

  Tickets are available priced at £15.50 from Ticketmaster and Katy's Bar. Doors open at 7pm.

• Fri

  28

  Nov

  2014

  Sat

  29

  Nov

  2014

  Redemption Festival 2014 - Primordial, The Ruins of Beverast & more

  The Academy & Voodoo Lounge

  Dublin

  

  Redemption Festival 2014 takes place on the weekend of 28 & 29 November at Dublin's Academy and Voodoo Lounge, respectively.

  The first night serves as a launch for celtic-inspired Dublin metal five peiece Primordial's new album, Where Greater Men Have Fallen, which comes with support from Necros Christos, Dead Congregation and Mathusian. This is a late show with bands until 1am, with a DJ set from KK of Destroyer 666.

  The second night is to be headlined by The Ruins of Beverast, with support from blackened death metal act Bölzer, Dread Sovereign, Wizards of Firetop Mountain and death metal act Vircolac, who make this show their debut live appearance.

  Tickets for the entire weekend cost €52 from Ticketmaster, tickets for the Primordial-headlined first show cost €32 from Ticketmaster - with doors opening at 7pm, and finally, tickets costing €24 for the second night at Voodoo Lounge are available from Ticketmaster, with doors opening at 5pm.

  Tickets for all nights are also available from the Sound Cellar, Into The Void record and Invictus Productions.

• Fri

  28

  Nov

  2014

  Simon McBride

  The Empire

  Belfast

  

  Irish bluesman Simon McBride plays the Empire Music Hall on November 28.

  Turning pro at the age of 16, McBride has played with Sweet Savage, alongside Commitments vocalist Andrew strong. His latest album is called Crossing The Line, and has led to lofty comparisons with fellow countrymen Gary Moore and Rory Gallagher.

  Admission costs £14 from Ticketmaster and doors open at 8.30pm.

• Fri

  28

  Nov

  2014

  Breed: Goldie Fawn, Katharine Philippa & Stephen Macartney

  The Pavilion

  Belfast

  

  The next installment of Breed will see three of the country's finest songwriting talents take to the Boutique Bar stage of The Pavilion on Friday, November 28. 
  
  Headlined by Goldie Fawn, the latest, incarnation of Belfast-based songtress Katie Richardson, the show will also feature sets from Farriers main man Stephen Macartney - an extraordinarily talented, tale-telling artisan of song - and the utterly mesmerising Katharine Philippa, hands down one of the country's most effortlessly beguiling, nigh on otherworldly songwriting talents.
  
  Admission costs £5. Doors at 9pm. There'll be visuals from films chosen by the artists, too.

• Fri

  28

  Nov

  2014

  The Sass & Crossfire Hurricanes joint EP launch w/No Oil Paintings, Sean Conlon & Matt O'Reilly

  JamLive Studios, Blackstaff Mill

  Belfast

  

  JamLive Studios - on the fourth floor of the Blackstaff Mill on the Springfield Road - hosts a double EP launch with five piece The Sass - who release their new EP, Be Free, recorded at the reknowned Manor Park Studios - and garage rock'n'roll act The Crossfire Hurricanes - check out the video for their debut single, 'The Deviant'.

  Support comes from folk/country quartet No Oil Paintings, Sean Conlon and Pasty Bap DJs.

  Admission costs £10, with a free shot at the door. Doors open at 8pm and the night will extend until 5am. Pragmatically enough, there's a 'bring your own carryout' policy.

• Fri

  28

  Nov

  2014

  Seven Davis Jr (Live)

  The Menagerie

  Belfast

  

  Ackright, Belfast promoters of top quality underground house and bass music, have been on a roll this year with the likes of Kyle Hall, Pariah and Anthony Naples all having graced their decks. Their latest guest, Seven Davis Jr, changes it up slightly, as the Texas-born, California-raised artist will be singing and performing his soulful, dusty house jams live.

  This isn't just one for house heads either – SDJ cites Prince and Stevie Wonder as big influences, so if you're looking for a little soul and funk, attendance is required. Get a taster of what to expect from Ackright resident Jamie Nevin's recent SDJ-approved mix – 70 minutes of heat.

  Admission costs £8/10

   

• Sat

  29

  Nov

  2014

  Protest The Hero, The Faceless, The Contortionist & Palm Reader

  Limelight 2

  Belfast

  

  The Distortion Project presents Ontarian mathy progressive metal quartet Protest The Hero on November 29 for an early show at the Limelight 2.

  They released their debut EP in 2002 and have since released 4 albums, with the most recent being 2013's Volition, which won them a Juno award for best metal/hard rock album of the year. Check out 'Underbite' off Volition.

  Californian death metal four piece The Faceless provide support, along with prog metallers The Contortionist and Woking-based hardcore act Palm Reader.

  Tickets, priced at £20, are available from Ticketmaster and the usual outlets. Doors open at 5pm as it is an early show.

• Sat

  29

  Nov

  2014

  Ian Siegal & Jimbo Mathus

  The Empire

  Belfast

  

  As part of their 'Roots To The Core' tour of 2014, Americana/blues artists Ian Siegal and Jimbo Mathus play the Empire Belfast on November 29 together.

  Seven-time British Blues Award Hall-of-Fame guitarist Ian Siegal has been writing and performing ever since dropping out of art college in the early 80s to busk in Germany. He made a name for himself following successive tours with Bill Wyman's Rhythm Kings - who invited him to record alongside them. He remains one of only two living British Blues artists to gain a maximum rating in the Penguin book of Blues Recordings. 

  American singer-songwriter Jimbo Mathus - who has played with Buddy Guy, Mississippi noise/experimental/hardcore act The End and is a founding member of the South Memphis String Band - met Seigal at a studio in Mississippi and hit it off, influencewise.

  Tickets are available from Ticketmaster for £12. Doors open at 8.30pm.

• Sat

  29

  Nov

  2014

  Electric Six w/Andy D

  The Academy

  Dublin

  

  In what is becoming something of an end-of-year tradition - having played late-November shows in the last 3 years - dance-tinged comedy rockers Electric Six are returning almost a year to the day since their last show in Dublin, this time on November 29 at the Academy.

  They play following the release of their tenth studio album, Human Zoo, in October. The band have remained notably prolific since their 2003 debut Fire, averaging almost an album a year.

  Support comes from comedic electrofunk character, Andy D.

  Tickets are available priced at €20 from Ticketmaster and Katy's Bar. Doors open at 7pm.

• Sat

  29

  Nov

  2014

  Petunia & Nathan Godfrey w/Ciaran Lavery

  Duncairn Arts Centre

  Belfast

  

  Old-time American picker Nathan Godfrey joins with frontman of Petunia & the Vipers for a show at the Duncairn Arts Centre on November 29.

  Expect some material dating far back into the US roots back catalogue, as well as Hank Williams and co from Petunia, who provides vocals and Godfrey, who will join on vocals and a multitude of stringed instruments.

  Support comes from local singer-songwriter Ciaran Lavery, with full band. Check out his recently unveiled video for new single, 'Orphan'.

  Tickets are priced at £10 concessions and £12 general admission, and are available from WeGotTickets. The show starts at 8pm.

• Sat

  29

  Nov

  2014

  The Dandy Horses 'A Winter Waltz' Single Launch w/The Sandrunners

  Sunflower Bar

  Belfast

  

  Belfast folk five piece The Dandy Horses release their new single, 'A Winter Waltz' at the Sunflower Bar on November 29.

  Characterised by delicate three part harmonies and eclectic acoustic instrumentation, the band's single comes from their forthcoming debut album, Tales from Hard Luck Town, due for release in 2015. 

  Support comes from eight piece acoustic folk act The Sandrunners.

  Tickets, priced at £5, are available from WeGotTickets. Doors open at 8.30pm.

• Mon

  01

  Dec

  2014

  Lily & Madeleine

  Sugar Club

  Dublin

  

  Indianapolis folk-pop duo Lily & Madeleine play Dublin's Sugar Club on December 1.

  Lily and Madeleine Jurkiewicz debuted in 2013 with a quarter-million views on their first original song, 'In The Middle'. before getting signed to Sufjan Stevens' Asthmatic Kitty Record label and releasing their eponymous debut LP in the same year. Fumes, their second album, was released this year.

  Check out the video for 'The Wolf Is Free'.

  Tickets are available for €14.50 from Ticketmaster. Doors open at 8pm.

• Mon

  01

  Dec

  2014

  Morrissey

  3Arena

  Dublin

  

  Following the news of Dublin's O2 Arena's - also formerly The Point - renaming to the 3Arena, it has been announced that the British voice of indie music, Morrissey, is to play on December 1 at the aforementioned venue. This follows the July release of his first solo album in five years, World Peace Is None of Your Business.

  Have a listen to 'World Peace is None Of Your Business', the aptly derisive first single, and title track off Morrissey's new album.

  Support will come from immensely talented singer-songwriter & guitarist Anna Calvi, who has just released her latest Strange Weather EP.

  Tickets, priced at €59.50, go on sale at 9pm on Friday, September 12 from Ticketmaster.

• Tue

  02

  Dec

  2014

  Lily & Madeleine

  McHugh's Basement

  Belfast

  

  Indianapolis folk-pop duo Lily & Madeleine play at McHugh's Bar on December 2.

  Lily and Madeleine Jurkiewicz debuted in 2013 before getting signed to Sufjan Stevens' Asthmatic Kitty Record label and releasing their eponymous debut LP in the same year. Fumes, their second album, was released this year.

  Check out the video for 'The Wolf Is Free'.

  Tickets are available for £12.50 from Shine.net and Ticketmaster. Doors open at 8pm.

• Wed

  03

  Dec

  2014

  NEEDTOBREATHE

  Limelight 2

  Belfast

  

  South Carolina rock'n'roll act NEEDTOBREATHE play Belfast's Limelight 2 on December 3.

  The group have toured frequently over the last couple of years, with shows on Letterman, Ellen DeGeneres, Fallon, Kimmel, Leno and Conan showing how they've broken the US. They recently released their new LP, Rivers In The Wasteland, and the Belfast show is part of a series of acoustic dates across the UK in December.

  Check out the video for recent single, 'The Heart'.

  Tickets are available from Ticketmaster, priced at £15. Doors open at 7pm.

• Wed

  03

  Dec

  2014

  Sleaford Mods

  Voodoo

  Belfast

  

  Nottingham punk-hop duo Sleaford Mods play Voodoo on December 3.

  Comprised of vocalist Jason Williamson and musician Andrew Fearn, who take on the writing responsibilities of their respective roles. The socially-aware pair's lyrical content is often described as embittered ranting, about modern working life, celebrity & pop culture and much of society in general. They've just released their seventh album, Divide and Exit.

  Tickets are available for £10.25 from Ticketmaster. Doors open at 8pm.

   

• Wed

  03

  Dec

  2014

  The Magic Numbers

  The Academy

  Dublin

  

  Pop-rock quartet The Magic Numbers return for an extensive Irish tour, stopping off at the Academy on December 3.

  The four, made up of siblings Angela & Sean Gannon and Michele & Romeo Stodart, released their debut album in 2005, which went double-platinum and spawned a number of successful singles. They bring hook-laden, harmony-driven power-pop, and have just released their fourth album, Alias.

  Check out their breakthrough hit, 'Love Me Like You'.

  Tickets, priced at €20, are available from Ticketmaster,. Doors open at 7.30pm.

• Wed

  03

  Dec

  2014

  The Magic Numbers

  The Academy

  Dublin

  

  Pop-rock quartet The Magic Numbers return for an extensive Irish tour, stopping off at the Academy on December 3.

  The four, made up of siblings Angela & Sean Gannon and Michele & Romeo Stodart, released their debut album in 2005, which went double-platinum and spawned a number of successful singles. They bring hook-laden, harmony-driven power-pop, and have just released their fourth album, Alias.

  Check out their breakthrough hit, 'Love Me Like You'.

  Tickets, priced at €20, are available from Ticketmaster,. Doors open at 7.30pm.

• Wed

  03

  Dec

  2014

  Guinness Versus Heat Four: How, Seneron, Petty Youth, Crash! Casanova & Uncouth Youth

  The Pavilion

  Belfast

  

  In the fourth and final qualifying heat in this year's Guinness Versus Battle of the Bands competition, Armagh rock quartet How, Derry alt-rockers Seneron - who have just released their album, Parasites and Poets - garage rock four piece Petty Youth, young lo-fi indie act Uncouth Youth and Antrim pop-punk quintet Crash! Casanova vie for a coveted semi-final spot at The Pavilion, Belfast on Wednesday, December 3.
  
  As with previous competitions, the crowd vote (in the form of a slip handed out at the door to each attendee) will play a crucial role in each heat in the competition, which sees twenty bands compete in seven battles, with one winner of £1000.
  
  Admission costs £3. Doors are at 8.45pm. 

• Thu

  04

  Dec

  2014

  Gifted: Ciaran Lavery, Orchid Collective, Travis Is A Tourist & John Blek

  The Empire

  Belfast

  

  The next edition of Gifted at the Empire Music Hall takes place on December 4 and is to be headlined by golden-throated singer-songwriter Ciaran Lavery, whose delicate husk will be accompanied by a full band. 

  Check out his video for recent single 'Left For America'.

  Support comes from Dublin-based folk-pop act the Orchid Collective, indie-pop act Travis Is A Tourist and Cork folk/country artist John Blek.

  Admission costs £3 and doors open at 9pm.

• Thu

  04

  Dec

  2014

  Hozier

  Olympia Theatre

  Dublin

  

  Singer-songwriter Hozier continues his upward spiral with a show at the Olympia Theatre on December 4.

  The 24 year old from Bray released his debut EP Take Me To Church, which he followed up with the From Eden EP. His eponymous debut album came out in September, which will no doubt lead to greater things.

  Tickets have now sold out. Doors open at 7pm.

• Thu

  04

  Dec

  2014

  The Magic Numbers

  Limelight 2

  Belfast

  

  Pop-rock quartet The Magic Numbers return for an extensive Irish tour, stopping off at the Limelight 2 on December 4.

  The four, made up of siblings Angela & Sean Gannon and Michele & Romeo Stodart, released their debut album in 2005, which went double-platinum and spawned a number of successful singles. They bring hook-laden, harmony-driven power-pop, and have just released their fourth album, Alias.

  Check out their breakthrough hit, 'Love Me Like You'.

  Tickets, priced at £17, are available from Ticketmaster, Katy's Bar and the usual outlets. Doors open at 7pm.

   

• Thu

  04

  Dec

  2014

  Oxjam: The Left Backs, The Bayonettes & Gone All Year

  The Bar With No Name

  Belfast

  

  The Bar With No Name - formerly Auntie Annie's - plays host to an Oxjam event on December 4, to be headlined by indie quartet The Left Backs.

  Support comes from Coleraine alt. rockers The Bayonettes - check out their new single 'A Small Step To Greater Heights' on Bandcamp - and up-and-coming pop-rock act Gone All Year.

  Admission costs £6 before 10.30pm and £7 afterwards. Doors open at 8pm.

• Thu

  04

  Dec

  2014

  Sat

  06

  Dec

  2014

  Hypnotic Brass Ensemble

  The Sugar Club

  Dublin

  

  Eight piece Chicago-based genre-spanners Hypnotic Brass Ensemble play a three night stint at Dublin's Sugar Club from December 4-6.

  Made up of the eight sons of jazz trumpet player Phil Cohran, they've performed alongside some of the greatest acts of all time, like Mos Def, Wu Tang Clan, De La Soul, Prince, Gorillaz, to name a few. They independently released a number of albums from 2004 onwards, but rose to prominence in the UK with their performance as the first brass band ever to perform on Jools Holland. Check out their performance here.

  A limited number of tickets remain for some of the shows from Ticketmaster, priced at €22.90. Doors open at 7.30pm.

• Fri

  05

  Dec

  2014

  Foxes

  Limelight 1

  Belfast

  

  22 year old singer-songwriter Louisa Rosa Allen, aka Foxes, plays the Limelight 1 on December 5, following her summer-soundtracking vocals on Zedd's single, 'Clarity'.

  The former open mic night-turned-superstar got noticed after the likes of Zedd, Katy Perry and Rudimental - with whom she also collaborated on 'Right Here' - heard her debut 7" single 'Youth' was heard. 

  Tickets are available for £12 (plus booking free) from Ticketmaster, Katy's Bar and the usual outlets. Doors open at 8pm.

• Fri

  05

  Dec

  2014

  Sleaford Mods

  Whelan's

  Dublin

  

  Nottingham punk-hop duo Sleaford Mods play Whelan's on December 5.

  Comprised of vocalist Jason Williamson and musician Andrew Fearn, who take on the writing responsibilities of their respective roles. The socially-aware pair's lyrical content is often described as embittered ranting, about modern working life, celebrity & pop culture and much of society in general. They've just released their seventh album, Divide and Exit.

  Tickets are available, priced at €16, from Ticketmaster. Doors open at 7.30pm.

• Fri

  05

  Dec

  2014

  Hermitage Green

  Limelight 2

  Belfast

  

  Limerick acoustic folk rock act Hermitage Green make their Belfast debut with a show at The Limelight 2 on December 5.

  Formed in summer 2010, the band havetoured internationally, releasing their debut EP The Gathering in 2012, which went number one in the Irish iTunes chart, and 2013's Live At Whelan's album.

  Tickets, priced at £11.25, are available from Katy's Bar and Ticketmaster. Doors open at 7pm.

• Fri

  05

  Dec

  2014

  Hozier

  Opera House

  Cork

  

  Singer-songwriter Hozier continues his upward spiral with a show at the Cork Opera House on December 5.

  The 24 year old from Bray, Co. Wicklow released his debut EP Take Me To Church, which he followed up with the From Eden EP. His eponymous debut album came out in September, which will no doubt lead to greater things.

  Tickets have now sold out. Doors open at 7pm.

• Fri

  05

  Dec

  2014

  Saxon

  The Academy

  Dublin

  

  Iconic heavy metal stalwarts Saxon play Dublin's Academy on December 5 as part of their 35th anniversary tour, which takes in 38 shows across 11 countries in late 2014. 

  Over the last 35 years Saxon have released 20 albums with little sign of changing that anytime soon. 

  Tickets are available for €26 from Ticketmaster. Doors open at 7.30pm.

• Fri

  05

  Dec

  2014

  The Blades

  Olympia Theatre

  Dublin

   

  Following two sold-out shows after a 27 year hiatus, Dublin new wave act The Blades play the Olympia Theatre on December 5.

  Formed at the height of punk in 1977, the trio released pair of  7" singles in the early eighties on Energy Records, and played a six week residency at the Baggott Inn with U2, regularly swapping headline slots in an attempt to make it. Their frontman and bassist Paul Cleary was named Songwriter of the Year ahead of Bono and Van Morrison, and Single of the Year for 'The Bride Wore White' back in 1982's Hot Press awards.

  Check out the video for 'Downmarket'. 

  Tickets are available from Ticketmaster, priced from €26 plus booking fee. Doors open at 7.15pm.

   

• Fri

  05

  Dec

  2014

  Cuba 66, Featuring X, Palm Tree Dynamite & Kryptic State

  The Pavilion

  Belfast

  

  SONI's final Four Band Friday of the year is an Xmas special on December 5, with the bill topped by eclectic alternative act Cuba 66.

  Support comes from Drogheda all-female indie five piece Featuring X, Bangor quartet Palm Tree Dynamite and Maghera garage/alternative rockers Kryptic State.

  Admission costs £5 and doors open at 8.30pm.

• Sat

  06

  Dec

  2014

  Saxon w/Hell & Stormzone

  Limelight 1

  Belfast

  

  Iconic heavy metal stalwarts Saxon play the Limelight 1 on December 6 as part of their 35th anniversary tour, which takes in 38 shows across 11 countries in late 2014. 

  Over the last 35 years Saxon have released 20 albums with little sign of changing that anytime soon. 

  Support comes from NI metal act Stormzone and influential, occult '80s metal five piece, Hell.

  Tickets are available for £23 from Katy's Bar and Ticketmaster. Doors open at 6pm as it's an early show.

• Sat

  06

  Dec

  2014

  Bob Log III

  Black Box

  Belfast

  

  Having delivered a comprehensively unforgettable performance at the Empire back in 2012, masterful one-man blues-band eccentric par excellence Bob Log III returns to Belfast to play the Black Box on December 6 for another “blues punk guitar dance party”.

  Little is known of the helmet-donning delta-blues-esque enigma, but the story goes that he lost his left hand in a boating accident and was subsequently replaced by a monkey paw. He could be mostly simply defined as a cross between Tom Waits and Seasick Steve, but there's much more to his act than that. His very interactive live shows need to be checked out. In the meantime, watch the video for 'Log Bomb'.

  Tickets are available for £10 from the Black Box and £12 on the door. Doors open at 8pm.

   

• Sat

  06

  Dec

  2014

  No Tomorrow #007: Sea Pinks, Women's Christmas & Gross Net

  Voodoo

  Belfast

  

  Having just released their stellar fourth album, Dreaming Tracks, Belfast trio Sea Pinks will headline the next installment of No Tomorrow at Voodoo Belfast on Saturday, December 6. 
  
  A monthly gig/club night hosted by The Thin Air, the show will also see a highly-anticipated Belfast appearance from Dublin indie rock band Women's Christmas, as well as Gross Net, comprised of Girls Names' member Philip Quinn and Autumns' frontman Christian Donaghey. So yeah, pretty much totally unmissable.
  
  Doors at 9pm. Admission £5.00. The Thin Air DJs throughout and afterwards.

• Sat

  06

  Dec

  2014

  Sabaton, Korpiklaani, TYR

  The Academy

  Dublin

  

  Swedish power metal act Sabaton play Dublin's Academy on December 6 as part of the tour for their seventh album Heroes - the first album with Sabaton's new guitarists and drummer after the others left, leaving just vocalist Joakim Brodén and bassist Pär Sundström as the remaining 2 members.

  Also playing are Finnish folk metal group Korpiklaani who have formerly been known as Shamaani Duo and Shaman since their inception in 1993, as well as Viking-loving Faroese heavy metallers Tyr.

  Tickets are available from Ticketmaster, Tickets.ie, Into The Void Records and The Sound Cellar. Doors open at 6pm.

• Sat

  06

  Dec

  2014

  Sabaton, Korpiklaani, TYR

  The Academy

  Dublin

  

  Swedish power metal act Sabaton play Dublin's Academy on December 6 as part of the tour for their seventh album Heroes - the first album with Sabaton's new guitarists and drummer after the others left, leaving just vocalist Joakim Brodén and bassist Pär Sundström as the remaining 2 members.

  Also playing are Finnish folk metal group Korpiklaani who have formerly been known as Shamaani Duo and Shaman since their inception in 1993, as well as Viking-loving Faroese heavy metallers Tyr.

  Tickets are available from Ticketmaster, Tickets.ie, Into The Void Records and The Sound Cellar. Doors open at 6pm.

• Sun

  07

  Dec

  2014

  Sabaton, Korpiklaani & Tyr

  Limelight 2

  Belfast

  

  The Distortion Project bring Swedish power metal act Sabaton to Belfast's Limelight 2 for a show on December 7 as part of the tour for their seventh album Heroes - the first album with Sabaton's new guitarists and drummer after the others left, leaving just vocalist Joakim Brodén and bassist Pär Sundström as the remaining 2 members.

  Also playing are Finnish folk metal group Korpiklaani who have formerly been known as Shamaani Duo and Shaman since their inception in 1993, as well as Viking-loving Faroese heavy metallers Tyr.

  Tickets are available from Ticketmaster. Doors open at 7pm.

• Sun

  07

  Dec

  2014

  Mon

  08

  Dec

  2014

  Ben Howard

  Olympia TheatreTickets are price

  Dublin

  

  English singer-songwriter Ben Howard is to play two - now sold out - dates at Dublin's Olympia Theatre on December 7 & 8; despair now, however, as he's to play the 3Arena in early 2015.

  His major debut was released in 2011, and has just released his second album, I Forget Where We Were. Check out the title track from new album.

  Tickets are now sold out. Doors open at 7.30pm.

• Sun

  07

  Dec

  2014

  Morbid Angel 'Convenant' 20th Anniversary w/Seprevation & Overoth

  The Academy
• Sun

  07

  Dec

  2014

  Morbid Angel 'Convenant' 20th Anniversary w/Seprevation & Overoth

  The Academy

  Dublin

  

  DME Promotions bring Morbid Angel to Dublin's Academy for a show on December 7 as part of the 20th Anniversary tour of their seminal album, Covenant. 

  The show will the four piece perform their third album - the best selling death metal album recorded - in its entirety, followed by more classic material.

  Support comes from Bristol death/thrash quartet Seprevation and NI death metal act Overoth.

  Tickets, priced at €27.50, are available from Ticketmaster, Tickets.ie, Sound Cellar and Into The Void Records. Doors open at 7pm.

• Sun

  07

  Dec

  2014

  Ham Sandwich (Acoustic)

  Unitarian Church

  Dublin

  

  Irish indie rock five piece Ham Sandwich play an acoustic set at Dublin's Unitarian Church on December 7.

  Having released their debut album Carry The Meek back in 2008, which led to Glastonbury and Electric Picnic appearances, they followed it up with 2010's White Fox. Following the departure of their bass player, they were silent until the release of this year's singles, 'Illuminate' and 'Apollo'; the latter of which they're touring. Their third album is on its way.

  Check out a video of 'Naturist' from their 2012 show at the Unitarian Church.

  Tickets are now sold out. Doors open at 8pm.

• Sun

  07

  Dec

  2014

  David Gray

  Bord Gais Energy Theatre

  Dublin

  

  Singer-songwriter David Gray - having recently released his tenth album, The Mutineers - plays Dublin's Bord Gais Energy Centre on December 7.

  Acclaimed to an extent unseen since his 7 million-selling fourth album White Ladder - the best selling album in Ireland - new LP The Mutineers was released in June. Gray will perform alongside an eight piece band on this tour, drawing from the entirety of his rich back catalogue.

  Check out lead single, 'Back In The World'.

  A limited number of tickets, priced at €44, are still available from Ticketmaster. Doors open at 6.30pm.

   

• Sun

  07

  Dec

  2014

  The Answer

  Whelan's

  Dublin

  

  County Down's most reknowned blues-inspired hard rock act The Answer play the Whelan's in Dublin on March 7 as part of their Raise A Little Hell tour.

  Breaking through in 2006 with their excellent debut album, Rise, the Answer rose to prominence in classic rock/hard rock circles, joining AC/DC as their tour support throughout 2008 & 2009 for much of the Black Ice world tour. This show comes just days before the release of their fifth album, Raise A Little Hell.

  Tickets, priced €20, are available from Ticketmaster and Katy's Bar. Doors open at 7.30pm.

• Mon

  08

  Dec

  2014

  Mono w/Helen Money

  Whelan's

  Dublin

  

  Japanese post-rock quartet Mono play Whelan's on December 8.

  They're soon to release their new album Rays of Darkness, which is the first Mono album in 15 years to feature no orchestral instruments, resulting in an altogether more doomy, riffy album, which was released as a double album with the other half, The Last Dawn. 

  Support comes from female cellist Helen Money, who really needs to be seen to believed, with her usage of effects and loops aside. Check out an intimate solo performance from Cleveland.

  Tickets are available from Wav Tickets for €16. Doors open at 8pm.

• Tue

  09

  Dec

  2014

  Kasabian w/The Maccabees

  Odyssey Arena

  Belfast

  

  Just off the back of their Glastonbury headline set, it's been announced that Britrock torchbearers Kasabian are to play the Odyssey Arena on December 9.

  The quartet have been together since 1997 and just recently put out their fifth album, 48:13. Check out the lead single, an altogether more electronic, dancable affair, 'Eez-eh'. The new album more or less delivers and perpetuates their tradition of groove-laden, accessible indie rock chart-botherering.

  Support at the show is London indie five piece The Maccabees, who are expected to drop their fourth album in September.

  Tickets are available from Ticketmaster, priced from £32.50. Doors open at

• Tue

  09

  Dec

  2014

  Nick Mulvey

  Whelan's

  Dublin

  

  Following the release of debut album First Mind, singer-songwriter Nick Mulvey plays Whelan's on December 9 as part of his upcoming UK & Ireland tour.

  Having formally studied music and art in Havana from the age of 19, Mulvey has his chops together and joined the Portico Quartet, before pursuing a career as a singer-songwriter, releasing his debut EP The Trellis in 2012, followed by his follow-up the following summer. His debut album First Mind was released in May of this year, and has received much acclaim for its varied approach to the singer-songwriter format, incorporating a vast number of influences.

  Check out 'Cucurucu'.

  Tickets are available from Ticketmaster. Doors open at 8pm. 

• Tue

  09

  Dec

  2014

  Ben Ottewell [Gomez]

  McHugh's Basement

  Belfast

  

  English singer-songwriter and Gomez member Ben Ottewell plays McHugh's Basement Bar on December 9, following the release of his second solo album, Rattlebag.

  It's safe to expect a few choice cuts from his indie rock day job as one of the three singers of Gomez, but his distinctly gravelly baritone has helped him win the 1998 Mercury Music Award.

  Check out a live version of 'Rattle Bag' for the Clockwork Owl Sessions.

  Tickets are available, priced at £12 plus booking fee, from Shine and Ticketmaster. Doors open at 8pm.

• Tue

  09

  Dec

  2014

  David Gray

  The Waterfront

  Belfast

  

  Singer-songwriter David Gray - having recently released his tenth album, The Mutineers - plays the Belfast Waterfront on December 9.

  Acclaimed to an extent unseen since his 7 million-selling fourth album White Ladder - the best selling album in Ireland - new LP The Mutineers was released in June. Gray will perform alongside an eight piece band on this tour, drawing from the entirety of his rich back catalogue.

  Check out lead single, 'Back In The World'.

  A limited number of tickets, priced at at £30 and £35, are still available from The Waterfront. Doors open at 8pm.

   

• Tue

  09

  Dec

  2014

  Elton John & His Band

  3Arena

  Dublin

  

  Elton John & His Band play Dublin's recently-renamed 3Arena on December 9 in what's inevitably going to be a hit-laden set.

  Expect a number of cuts from his iconic Goodbye Yellow Brick Road, which is approaching its 40th anniversary, with a rerelease due in March. Born Reg Dwight, Sir Elton's feats speak for themselves, having sold more than 300 million records, having more than fifty UK & Billboard top 40 hits and seven consecutive US no. 1 albums.

  A few tickets remain, available from Ticketmaster. Doors open at 8pm.

• Tue

  09

  Dec

  2014

  Sun Kil Moon

  Button Factory

  Dublin

  

  Mark Kozelek's Sun Kil Moon play The Button Factory on December 9.

  Having released one of the finest and most acclaimed albums of the year in Benji, Kozelek's output is currently reaching levels unseen since his early Red House Painters days. Musing on life, love, death, family and friends, among other all-encompassing topics, the content, conviction and delivery of Benji has made the LP one of 2014's most talked-about albums. His live show will no doubt be an engaging and cagey affair, given his difficult and unpredictable reputation.

  If you haven't already, listen to Benji.

  Tickets are now sold out. Doors open at 7.30pm.

• Tue

  09

  Dec

  2014

  Guinness Versus Semi-Final #1: Ink Spelt Death, Down To Level, Run Kid & Petty Youth

  The Pavilion

  Belfast

  

  In the first of two semi-finals of the latest Guinness Versus competition at the Pavilion, Ink Spelt Death, Down To Level, Run Kid and Petty Youth will battle it out for two coveted final places on Tuesday, December 9.
  
  As with the qualifying heats, the crowd vote plays a huge part in which acts progress to the grand final, where they play for £1000 cash and more prizes TBA.
  
  Admission is just £3, doors are at 9pm.

• Wed

  10

  Dec

  2014

  Ross Noble: Tangentleman

  The Waterfront

  Belfast

  

  English improvisational comic Ross Noble performs at the Waterfront on December 10 as part of his Tangentleman tour.

  The 38 year old Northumberland stand-up comedian performs mostly improved, surreal work onstage, powered by his stream-of-consciousness delivery style. He's notably prolific and generally tours the UK and Australia extensively, averaging almost one tour per year since 1999.

  Tickets are available for £25 from The Waterfront. Doors open at 8pm.

• Wed

  10

  Dec

  2014

  Thu

  11

  Dec

  2014

  The Beards

  Button Factory & The Empire

  Dublin & Belfast

  

  Hairy Australians The Beards will be bringing their beard-rock to these shores once again this December.

  The band, whose songs are exclusively about beards, will be performing at The Button Factory in Dublin and the Empire Music Hall  in Belfast on December 10 and 11 respectively.

  The band released their fourth album, The Beard Album, about beards this May and are returning after a visit to Dublin in March. Check out ‘Got Me A Beard’.

  Tickets are available from Ticketmaster and the respective venues. Doors open at 8pm.

• Wed

  10

  Dec

  2014

  Peter Gabriel performs 'So'

  The O2

  Dublin

  

  Peter Gabriel performs his iconic multiplatinum 1986 album, So, at Dublin's O2 on December 10 as the last date of his 'Back To Front' tour, which started in September 2012.

  Now four decades on from his prog days as frontman of Genesis, the 64 year old Gabriel is accompanied on this show by the original So-era live band. The show begins with an acoustic portion, which moves onto the electric and electronic portion of Gabriel's career before a complete and uninterrupted version of So, in the originally intended order.

  Watch the video for 'Sledgehammer', still the most played music video in the history of MTV.

  Tickets are available from Ticketmaster, priced at €44.05 and  €65.45 Doors open at 8pm.

• Wed

  10

  Dec

  2014

  Nick Mulvey

  Limelight 1

  Belfast

  

  Following the release of debut album First Mind, singer-songwriter Nick Mulvey plays the Limelight 1 on December 10 as part of his upcoming UK tour.

  Having formally studied music and art in Havana from the age of 19, Mulvey has his chops together and joined the Portico Quartet, before pursuing a career as a singer-songwriter, releasing his debut EP The Trellis in 2012, followed by his follow-up the following summer. His debut album First Mind was released in May of this year, and has received much acclaim for its varied approach to the singer-songwriter format, incorporating a vast number of influences.

  Check out 'Cucurucu'.

  Tickets are available, priced at £12.50, from Ticketmaster & Katy's Bar. Doors open at 8pm. 

• Wed

  10

  Dec

  2014

  Ben Ottewell [Gomez]

  The Workman's Club

  Dublin

  

  English singer-songwriter and Gomez member Ben Ottewell plays Dublin's Workman's Club on December 10, following the release of his second solo album, Rattlebag.

  It's safe to expect a few choice cuts from his indie rock day job as one of the three singers of Gomez, but his distinctly gravelly baritone has helped him win the 1998 Mercury Music Award.

  Check out a live version of 'Rattle Bag' for the Clockwork Owl Sessions.

  Tickets are available for €18 from Ticketmaster. Doors open at 8pm.

• Wed

  10

  Dec

  2014

  Talib Kweli

  Sugar Club

  Dublin

  

  Globe-trotting Brooklyn hip-hop artist Talib Kweli plays Dublin's Sugar Club on December 10.

  Earning his recognition alongside Mos Def - now Yasiin Bey - as part of east coast group Black Star, Kweli has been working in activism alongside his erstwhile collaborator over the years, and has been productive since his debut solo LP Quality, with his most recent being 2013's Gravitas - one of two albums he put out that year - released exclusively through his site.

  Check out his early solo single, 'Get By'.

  Tickets are now sold out. Doors open at 7.30pm.

• Wed

  10

  Dec

  2014

  Ben Ottewell

  The Workman's Club

  Dublin

  

  English singer-songwriter and Gomez member Ben Ottewell plays Dublin's Workman's Club on December 10, following the release of his second solo album, Rattlebag.

  It's safe to expect a few choice cuts from his indie rock day job as one of the three singers of Gomez, but his distinctly gravelly baritone has helped him win the 1998 Mercury Music Award.

  Check out a live version of 'Rattle Bag' for the Clockwork Owl Sessions.

  Tickets are available, priced at €18 plus booking fee, from Ticketmaster. Doors open at 8pm.

• Wed

  10

  Dec

  2014

  Guinness Versus Semi-Final #2: All Of Your Ruins, Thieves of Ennui, The Shout & HOW

  The Pavilion

  Belfast

  

  In the second of two semi-finals of the latest Guinness Versus competition at the Pavilion, All Of Your Ruins, Thieves of Ennui, The Shout and HOW will battle it out for two coveted places in the grand final on Wednesday, December 10.
  
  As with the qualifying heats, the crowd vote plays a huge part in which acts progress, with a grand prize of £1000 and more to be announced.

  Admission is just £3, doors are at 9pm.

• Thu

  11

  Dec

  2014

  Buke & Gase

  Aether & Echo

  Belfast

  

  Brooklyn-based Buke & Gase are Arone Dyer on the "buke" (a self modified six string former baritone ukulele) and Aron Sanchez on the "gase" (a guitar bass hybrid of Aron Sanchez’s own creation). Their DIY approach to music has lead to an unmistakable sound played on instruments of their own making, playing a show for Moving On Music at Aether & Echo on December 11.

  The pair began playing together in earnest, late 2007, and recorded their first EP '+/-' in 2009. They were signed to Brassland Records after Aaron and Bryce Dessner of The National saw them playing a basement venue. Their sound skates between the decorations of prog rock and the cold metallic contours of post-punk. The higher-voiced buke sings nervy, leaping leads while the snarling gase drives the low end.

  Dyer and Sanchez are on double duty, mobilizing a small army of foot percussion, pedals, amplifiers and homemade inventions creating a massive sound. Dyer's supermelodic vocal lines weave through their incredible interplay, balancing light and dark, calamity and control. The result is a visually unexpected and sonically explosive live show.

  Buke & Gase released their first full-length album, “Riposte”, in 2010 with their most recent record, “General Dome” arriving in 2013. Lauded by critics and fans alike, the duo’s live shows are a force to behold; loud, driven, melodic and hugely immersive.

  Tickets are available from WeGotTickets, priced at £12 for general admission and £10 concessions. Doors open at 8pm.

   

• Thu

  11

  Dec

  2014

  Fri

  12

  Dec

  2014

  An Evening With Noel Fielding w/Mike Fielding & Tom Meeten

  Olympia Theatre

  Dublin

  

  Alternative comedy/British pop culture icon Noel Fielding hosts a pair of evening at the Olympia Theatre on December 11 & 12.

  Known primarily for his surreal schtick as part of the Mighty Boosh duo, Fielding looks to blend his unique brand of stand-up comedy with some live animation, music and cameos from his most beloved TV characters.

  There will be support in the form of his brother Mike Fielding (who plays Naboo in the Mighty Boosh) and Tom Meeten.

  Tickets, priced from €29.50, are available from Ticketmaster. Doors open at 8pm.

• Thu

  11

  Dec

  2014

  Ben Ottewell

  Roisin Dubh

  Galway

  

  English singer-songwriter and Gomez member Ben Ottewell plays Galway's Roisin Dubh on December 11, following the release of his second solo album, Rattlebag.

  It's safe to expect a few choice cuts from his indie rock day job as one of the three singers of Gomez, but his distinctly gravelly baritone has helped him win the 1998 Mercury Music Award.

  Check out a live version of 'Rattle Bag' for the Clockwork Owl Sessions.

  Tickets are available, priced at €18.35 plus booking fee, from the Roisin Dubh and Ticketmaster. Doors open at 9pm.

• Thu

  11

  Dec

  2014

  Rocket Propelled Gorillas, The Geneva Experiment, Crash! Casanova & Kryptic State

  The Menagerie

  Belfast

  

  The Menagerie plays host to a four-band rock show on December 11, with the bill topped by in five piece Rocket Propelled Gorillas.

  Support comes from north coast alt. rock quartet The Geneva Experiment, pop-punk act Crash! Casanova and mid-Ulster garage/alternative four piece Kryptic State.

  Admission costs £5 and doors open at 9pm.

• Fri

  12

  Dec

  2014

  Embrace

  The Academy

  Dublin

  

  Post-Britpop band Embrace have confirmed they will be playing two shows in Ireland in December of this year. The band, Yorkshire’s answer to Oasis, complete with warring brothers; will play at the Academy, Dublin and at The Limelight, Belfast  on the December 12 and 13 respectively.

  The band released their eponymous sixth album earlier this year, eight years after their previous release. Have a listen to one of the band’s biggest hits, ‘Gravity’ below.

  Tickets are priced at €25 from Ticketmaster. Doors open at 7pm.

• Fri

  12

  Dec

  2014

  The Strypes

  Limelight 1

  Belfast

  

  Following their sellout show in Belfast last year, young Cavan rhythm & blues quartet The Strypes play the Limelight 1 on December 12.

  Having been around since June of 2011, the band have become increasingly tight as they've tightened their grip on the English-speaking world. Expect plenty of R'n'B and pub-rock classics reworked, as well as cuts from their 2013 debut LP, Snapshot.

  Check out their performance of 'What A Shame' on David Letterman earlier this year.

  Tickets, priced at £15, are available from Katy's Bar and Ticketmaster. Doors open at 8pm.

• Fri

  12

  Dec

  2014

  Thu

  18

  Dec

  2014

  David O'Doherty

  Whelan's

  Dublin

  

  David O'Doherty brings his David O'Doherty Has Checked Everything tour to Whelan's for his annual extensive stint, during which he'll do his acclaimed current show from December 12-18 with a 3pm matinee show on the 13th, as well as three further shows from January 2-4.

  The music-based comedian is one of Ireland's finest acts at the moment, bringing a freshness to stand-up comedy with only his battery-powered keyboard. To date, he's had his own show 'The Modest Adventures of David O'Doherty' and won two awards for his work at the Edinburgh Fringe.

  Tickets are available from WAV Tickets, priced at €16.50 (with the matinee costing €14). Doors open at 8pm.

• Fri

  12

  Dec

  2014

  Delorentos

  Vicar Street

  Dublin

   

  Dublin-based alternative/indie quartet Delorentos play Vicar Street on December 12.

  The band, which features lead vocal and songwriting responsibilities falling equally on each member, won the 2013 Choice Music Prize Irish Album of the Year for Little Sparks. They have to date released four album, with the most recent being 2014's self-recorded & released acoustic foray, Unbroken, Untied.

  They'll release their next album Night Becomes Light through Universal Music, it was recently announced, and this show forms part of its surrounding Irish tour.

  Tickets, priced at €20, are available from Ticketmaster. Doors open at 8pm.

• Fri

  12

  Dec

  2014

  Amidships, New Ancestors & Hannah McPhillimy

  The Bar With No Name

  Belfast

  

  Chordblossom run their Christmas party at The Bar With No Name on December 12, to be headlined by ambient folk-pop act Amidships, who've been quiet as of late, bar their 2014 single, 'Lost'.

  Support comes from fellow folk-pop act New Ancestors - formerly the 1930s - who have just returned from a lengthy spell of living in Glasgow. The show is to be opened by piano/ukelele and all around multi-instrumentalist Hannah McPhillimy.

  Admission costs £5 and doors open at 9pm.

• Sat

  13

  Dec

  2014

  Imelda May

  Ulster Hall

  Belfast

  

  Irish rockabilly songwriter Imelda May plays Belfast's Ulster Hall on December 13.

  She released her debut album in 2003 with some Dublin-based muscians before relocating to London with husband/guitarist Darrel Higham after its release. She broke with an appearance on Later... with Jools Holland in 2008, which pre-empted her breakthrough, Love Tattoo. Her fourth album, Tribal, came out in April; check out the single 'It's Good To Be Alive'.

  Tickets are available from The Waterfront, priced at £29 and £34 for standing and seating respectively. Doors open at 8pm.

• Sat

  13

  Dec

  2014

  Embrace

  Limelight 1

  Belfast

   

  

  Post-Britpop band Embrace have confirmed they will be playing two shows in Ireland in December of this year. The band, Yorkshire’s answer to Oasis, complete with warring brothers; will play at the Academy, Dublin and at The Limelight, Belfast  on the December 12 and 13 respectively.

  The band released their eponymous sixth album earlier this year, eight years after their previous release. Have a listen to one of the band’s biggest hits, ‘Gravity’ below.

  Tickets are priced at £19.50 from Ticketmaster, Katy's Bar and the usual outlets. Doors open at 7pm.

• Sat

  13

  Dec

  2014

  Manic Street Preachers perform 'The Holy Bible'

  Olympia Theatre

  Dublin

  

  Classic socially aware Welsh trio the Manic Street Preachers play their magnum opus, The Holy Bible in its entirety at a show at the Olympia Theatre in Dublin on December 13 in this, the year of its twentieth anniversary.

  These shows not only mark 2 decades since the release of their third album, but also their run at the London Astoria which proved to be the last shows Richey Edwards - lyricist and a large part of the reason why The Holy Bible simply works - would ever play with the band before his disappearance.  An anniversary edition of the album is set to be released closer to the time. 

  Tickets are available from Friday, September 26 for €39 plus booking fees from Ticketmaster. Doors open at 7pm.

• Sat

  13

  Dec

  2014

  Hornets, PigsAsPeople & Small Hawk Orchestral

  The Bar With No Name

  Belfast

  

  Sludge quartet Hornets - who've recently acquired a new frontman following former vocalist Sib's departure - headline a riffy Christmas show at The Bar With No Name - formerly Auntie Annie's - on December 13.

  Support comes from post-hardcore/noise rock trio PigsAsPeople - who recently released their name-your-price mini-album The Plot Against Future Plans with a show at Mandela Hall - and north coast alt. metal outfit Small Hawk Orchestral. There'll also be a DJ set from Kathy McLean.

  Admission costs £5.

• Sat

  13

  Dec

  2014

  Block T Christmas Party: Bad Santa Screening, Squarehead, Bantum, Donal Dineen

  The Sugar Club

  Dublin

  

  The Sugar Club hosts the Block T Christmas Party on December 13 which looks to be an attack on the senses.

  On the night, they combine visuals and audio, with a screening of Billy Bob Thornton black comedy Bad Santa, performances from Dublin lo-fi garage pop Squarehead, Irish DJ/producer Ruairi Lynch aka Bantum - accompanied by a live visual mapping show from Slipdraft -  some Block T DJ's and a night-closing DJ set from Donal Dineen of 2fm.

  The plethora of activities doesn't stop there though, folks, as video intervals come from Darklight, there's a Print Your Own Christmas T-shirt workshop by Damn Fine Pint.

  Tickets are available from the Sugar Club for €12, or €10 from the Block T reception desk for members. Doors open at 8pm and the show goes on until late.

• Sat

  13

  Dec

  2014

  The Original Rudeboys

  The Academy

  Dublin

  

  Dublin acoustic hip-hop trio The Original Rudeboys play The Academy on December 13.

  Best known for their single, 'Stars In My Eyes', their music is made up of guitar, ukelele, with both regular and rap vocals. The three banded together in 2011, releasing the Irish number 3 album This Life, which was followed up by the this year's All We Are.

  This Christmas, they've released the 'Never Alone' as a charity single linked with Console Ireland, to help mental health and suicide awareness.

  Tickets, priced at €20, are available from Ticketmaster. Doors open at 7pm.

   

• Sun

  14

  Dec

  2014

  An Evening With Noel Fielding w/Mike Fielding & Tom Meeten

  Ulster Hall

  Belfast

  

  Following huge demand after the announcement of 2 shows in Dublin, Noel Fielding hosts an evening at the Ulster Hall on December 14.

  Known primarily for his surreal schtick as part of the Mighty Boosh duo, Fielding looks to blend his unique brand of stand-up comedy with some live animation, music and cameos from his most beloved TV characters.

  There will be support in the form of his brother Mike Fielding (who plays Naboo in the Mighty Boosh) and Tom Meeten.

  Tickets, priced at £26, are available from Ticketmaster & the Ulster Hall box office.

• Sun

  14

  Dec

  2014

  Little Green Cars

  Vicar Street

  Dublin

  

  Dublin indie/folk rock five piece Little Green Cars play Vicar Street on December 14.

  Having released their debut album, Absolute Zero in 2013, Little Green Cars have been steadily growing in reputation, supporting the likes of Neil Young at the RDS just last year. The band look to be currently recording new material, but details are few and far between at this point.

  'Maw Maw' is available for free download.

  Tickets, priced at €22, are available from Ticketmaster. Doors open at 8.30pm.

• Sun

  14

  Dec

  2014

  Ricky Warwick Albums Release

  Voodoo

  Belfast

  

  Former The Almighty and current Black Star Riders - formerly the members of Thin Lizzy - Newtownards-born frontman Ricky Warwick is set to launch his two new PledgeMusic-funded solo albums at Voodoo on December 14. which has been fully funded already, mere days after the campaign began.

  The albums - his fourth & fifth to date - have been produced by Def Leppard's Joe Elliott are both comprised of new material, with the acoustic LP entitled Hearts On Trees and the other to be called When Patsy Cline Was Crazy (And Guy Mitchell Sang The Blues). 

• Sun

  14

  Dec

  2014

  Kingpin, Hollow Truth, Scimitar, Forever Machine & more

  The Warzone Centre

  Belfast

  

  Glasgow crossover act Kingpin play the Warzone Centre in what promises to be a bill of excellent depth on December 14.

  Also on the bill are Dublin fellow crossover quartet Hollow Truth, Belfast thrash outfit Scimitar - who have just released their second EP, Plague In The Vatican - and Glasgow sludge trio Forever Machine.

  Admission costs £5 and doors open at 8pm. As always, there's a BYOB policy with a strict no-glass policy.

• Sun

  14

  Dec

  2014

  Shelter NI Charity Fundraiser w/Afresh, Belfast Easy Crew, Karl Devlin, L.T. Belvedere & Sorcha and Hannah

  The Menagerie

  Belfast

  

  This Sunday, the Menagerie hosts a benefit show in which all proceeds go to homeless charity Shelter NI during this, the most unforgiving time of year.

  The lineup consists of L.T Belvedere, half-Zimbabwean traditional folk quartet Afresh, Karl Devlin, acoustic duo Sorcha and Hannah as well as ska/reggae/rocksteady DJs The Belfast Easy Crew.

  The show runs from 7-12pm, and there is no set admission fee - instead, you can choose to donate what you can afford, and any canned or non-perishable foods which will be donated to Home Plus.

• Mon

  15

  Dec

  2014

  Madness

  Odyssey Arena

  Belfast

  

  Ska seven piece Madness play the Odyssey Arena on December 15 as part of their M.A.D.H.E.A.D. tour of 2014. 

  Alongside The Specials, Madness were the face of the 70s/80s 2 Tone ska revival, releasing a veritable wad of genre-defining ska-pop singles, such as 'Baggy Trousers', 'House of Fun' and 'Our House'. Frontman Suggs recently confirmed that the band are writing and recording a new album over summer and it's due to be released before the end of 2014.

  Tickets are available for £41.50 from Ticketmaster. Doors open at 8pm. 

• Mon

  15

  Dec

  2014

  Glen Hansard

  Vicar Street

  Dublin

  

  Dublin singer, songwriter, actor and guitarist Glen Hansard plays Vicar Street on December 15 & 17

  Well known as part of The Frames and The Swell Season, he appeared in The Commitments and co-starred in Once, which he also scored alongside Markéta Irglová - the other half of The Swell Season.

  Tickets, priced at €30, are available from Ticketmaster. Doors open at 7pm.

• Tue

  16

  Dec

  2014

  Gogol Bordello

  The Academy

  Dublin

  

  Ragtag gypsy punk band Gogol Bordello play Dublin's Academy on December 16.

  The group formed in the lower east side of Manh