Summertime is well and truly upon us now, and with the start of festival season it can be very easy to miss some of the many outstanding indoor shows that continue to take place, oftentimes going unnoticed. Here are just a handful of shows that are worth checking out in Belfast and Dublin.
Rock Against Racism: And So I Watch You From Afar, The Answer and more – Limelight 1, Belfast; Friday, June 20
Some of Northern Ireland’s finest musical talent will assemble at Belfast’s Limelight 1 on Friday night for a special Rock Against Racism fundraiser. Headlined by North Coast post-rock quartetAnd So I Watch You From Afar, the towering bill will also feature performances from The Answer (acoustic), Mojo Fury, General Fiasco (acoustic), Kasper Rosa, Empty Lungs and more to be announced. Tickets are £10
Leaders Of Men – Upstairs in Whelan’s, Dublin; Wednesday, June 18
With a new EP just released, and with promises of a full album by the end of the year, now is the perfect time to check an upcoming band in an intimate setting. Leaders Of Men play a powerful, emphatic brand of indie-rock that is difficult to not be engrossed by. Doors open at 8 this Wednesday, and tickets are just a fiver, to be paid at the door.
Heathers – Live In Leopardstown, Leopardstown; Thursday, June 19
The first in a summer long series of shows at the famous racecourse, Heathers are the perfect accompaniment to a day of racing. The band’s fun, acoustic pop tunes; laden with tons of pleasant harmonies, are fantastic in any setting, and Leopardstown is unlikely to be any different. Tickets are €15, and with that you get both the show, and admission to the races.
Sleep Thieves – Upstairs in Whelan’s, Dublin; Saturday June 21
Dream pop extraordinaires Sleep Thieves(pictured) release their second studio album, “You Want The Night” this week, and what better way to celebrate that fact to check them out this weekend? Lush synth arrangements and soaring vocals will be the order of the night, and with Synth-pop stars Nanu Nanu and Cove both supporting, Whelans really is the place to be for keyboard lovers. Tickets are €10.
Ciaran Lavery – Black Box, Belfast; Thursday, June 19
One of a few launch shows by Open House Festival this summer, fast-rising Aghagallon singer-songwriter Ciaran Lavery will launch his exquisite new EP, Kosher, at Belfast’s Black Box on Thursday night. Playing a rare full band show, Lavery will be supported by Silences and Kate O’Callaghan. Tickets are £6. Check out wonderful ‘Left For America’ video by Lavery below and our Gig Guide here.
