Gig Guide

2013

• Sat

  20

  Apr

  2013

  Band Name

  19:00

  Venue, Belfast

  

  Information information information information information

• Wed

  08

  May

  2013

  Transmit Presents: Fight Like Apes, A Northern Light & Concrete Circus

  Limelight 2

  Belfast

  

  Thrashy pop-culture-referencing synth-led Dublin act Fight Like Apes are to headline Transmit at the Limelight 2 on May 8, following announcements of a UK & Ireland tour and the May release of a new EP on Alcopop Records.

  The last release from FLA was their 2010 LP The Body of Christ & The Legs of Tina Turner. 

  Empty Lungs unfortunately had to pull out of the show, so support comes from A Northern Light and pop-punk act Concrete Circus.

  Tickets are available priced at £5 from Ticketmaster, Katy's Bar and will be available on the door. Doors open at 9pm.

• Fri

  10

  May

  2013

  Team Fresh, Chocolate Love Factory & Past Victories

  Voodoo

  Belfast

  

  North Coast-based rap-rock outfit Team Fresh are to headline a Quarantine Collective-run Voodoo show on May 10.?This will be the band's first Belfast show since November's Boss Level single launch.

  Support comes from octave-loving fuzz-rockers Chocolate Love Factory and the recently formed Past Victories.

  Entry costs £5 and door open at 9pm.

• Sat

  11

  May

  2013

  The Stay Golden: ASIWYFA, Maybeshewill, Dinosaur Pile-Up & Toby Kaar

  Custom House Square

  Belfast

  

  Having recently released their third album, All Hail Bright Futures, And So I Watch You From Afar are to curate a night of music at Custom House Square's Festival Marquee thanks to the Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival and Redroof Productions.

  Not only will the Sargent House-signed instrumental act play, but they'll be joined by Leicester post-rock act Maybeshewill, irritatingly infectious Leeds alternative-rock trio Dinosaur Pile-Up and Cork-based electronic musician Toby Kaar.

  The show will be Maybeshewill's first in the country since they played with LITE in the Limelight in 2011, while ASIWYFA's last Belfast headlining show was at the huge Benefit gig in QUBSU.

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

• Sun

  12

  May

  2013

  Frank Turner & The Sleeping Souls

  Limelight 1

  Belfast

  

  In advance of his upcoming fifth studio album Tape Deck Heart, Frank Turner is to play the Limelight 1 on Sunday May 12 accompanied by his backing band, The Sleeping Souls. Turner released his fifth studio album Tape Deck Heart in April.

  Turner's last show was upgraded from the Limelight 2 to the larger Limelight 1, so expect similar demand this time around. 

  Tickets are available for £19 from www.limelightbelfast.com, Ticketmaster or Katy's Bar. Doors open at 8pm.

• Sun

  12

  May

  2013

  Emmylou Harris & Rodney Crowell

  Waterfront Hall

  Belfast

  

  In support of their recently released duet album Old Yellow Moon, one of the most important pairings in country music, Emmylou Harris & Rodney Crowell have announced a series of dates early this summer, including a show at Belfast's Waterfront Hall on May 12.

  Despite their musical output together throughout the years, this is the first official release as a duo since Crowell first joined 12-time Grammy winner Emmylou Harris' 'Hot Band' as guitarist and harmony singer. Crowell's influence is often underestimated throughout the music world - the list of those having recorded his songs includes The Grateful Dead, Johnny Cash and Norah Jones, while Harris has released over 25 albums in the last 40 years, having recorded solo and with the likes of Neil Young on 2005's Prairie Wind.

  Tickets are available, price from £29, from the usual Ticketmaster outlets.

   

• Wed

  15

  May

  2013

  Transmit Presents: Dead 'Til Friday, abandcalledboy & Safe Ships

  Limelight 2

  Belfast

  

  Metal act Dead 'Til Friday headline a terrifically noise-filled Pure Savage Promotions' Transmit event on Wednesday May 15.

  Support comes from post-hardcore trio Abandcalledboy and young punk four-piece Safe Ships. 

  Dead 'Til Friday are currently in the process of writing their debut album, while the recent addition of bassist Mark Finnegan has lent vigour to Abandcalledboy - who have reshaped their live sets accordingly. Safe Ships have so far released 2 EPs, both of which are available free on Bandcamp. 

  Entry costs £3 and doors open at 9pm.

• Thu

  16

  May

  2013

  Radar Presents: Katie & The Carnival, GO WOLF & Vanilla Gloom

  The Speakeasy

  Belfast

  

  Radar on May 16 is to be a more female-inclined event, with a headline performance from the eclectic Katie & The Carnival.

  Support comes from four-piece electro-pop group GO WOLF and young post-punk/alt. rock trio Vanilla Gloom, for whom this is the debut Radar performance, having just released their cracking debut EP Vexed.

  Entry is free and doors open at 9pm.

• Fri

  17

  May

  2013

  Ulrich Schnauss

  The Menagerie

  Belfast

  

  Eclectic German electronic musicmaker Ulrich Schnauss is to play the Menagerie on Friday May 17 thanks to Strange Victory.

  Under his own name and a selection of pseudonyms, Schnauss has been releasing albums which range from shoegazey, progressive electronica to drum n' bass, often with a strong emphasis on atmosphere. His most recent effort to date was A Long Way To Fall, which was released in January.

  Tickets, costing £8, are available from WeGotTickets. Doors open at 9pm.

• Sat

  18

  May

  2013

  The Thin Air Launch: Mojo Fury, PigsAsPeople & Vanilla Gloom

  Voodoo

  Belfast

  

  We hold our official launch party at Voodoo on May 18 with Mojo Fury to headline, performing their 2011 debut album Visiting Hours of a Travelling Circus in its entirety as we approach the onset of their long-awaited follow-up.

  Support comes from young sludgy post-hardcore act PigsAsPeople, the even younger triad of female post-punkers Vanilla Gloom and jazz-punk trio Blue Whale. Documenta and ourselves will be on DJ duty throughout the night.

  Doors open at 9pm and entry costs £5. 

• Wed

  22

  May

  2013

  Natural State Album Launch w/ The Last Generation & PigsAsPeople DJ Set

  Voodoo

  Belfast

  

  Bangor SERC class band Natural State bring some musical academia to Voodoo on May 22 for their album launch.

  Support comes from hard rock & grunge-tinged Mid-Ulster quartet The Last Generation and DJ Dermot. PigsAsPeople also provide a DJ set on the night.

  Entry costs £3 & doors open at 8pm.

• Thu

  23

  May

  2013

  Bandstand: Seven Summits, Vanilla Gloom & Claps For Alaska

  The Menagerie

  Belfast

  

  Bandstand - a charity show in aid of the NSPCC - is to be held at the Menagerie on May 23. The exclusive screening of Bandstand performances which were recorded in Belfast's Botanic Gardens will be followed by live performances from 3 local acts.

  Headlining the night are indie-pop five piece Seven Summits, who released their second album Fossils last year.

  Support comes from?all female post-punk trio Vanilla Gloom and acoustic duo Claps For Alaska. DJ duties will be carried out by The Thin Air, and there will be a charity raffle on the night too.
  

  Entry costs £5 and doors open at 9pm.

• Thu

  23

  May

  2013

  David Kitt

  Black Box

  Belfast

  

  Irish Indie artist David Kitt is to play the Black Box on May 23.

  Kitt, who has released 6 studio albums - the most recent being 2009's The Nightsaver. The last time Kitt played the Black Box it was a sellout, so we recommend early purchase.

  Tickets are available from the Black Box for £15. Doors open at 8pm.

• Thu

  23

  May

  2013

  Radar Presents: Enemies, Amateur Historians & The Last Generation

  The Speakeasy

  Belfast

  

  Radar's final show of the university year takes place on Thursday May 23 and will be headlined by Kilcoole instrumental act Enemies.
  

  Enemies formed in 2007, and have just released their second album Embark, Embrace, which we heartily recommend giving a spin - in fact, you can stream it via Nialler9.

  Support comes from Amateur Historians, who released their debut EP New Homes/New Hopes in 2011, and recall the slacker stylings of Pavement and Los Campesinos!

  Young Mid-Ulster quartet The Last Generation open proceedings with their brand of grunge-tinged driving rock n' roll.
  

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

• Fri

  24

  May

  2013

  Breed Presents: Master & Dog, The Altered Hours & Joshua Burnside

  The Pavilion Bar

  Belfast

  

  The Pavilion's finest local gig night Breed has its next show on May 24, which is to be headlined by the consistently excellent alt-rock/folk Master And Dog.

  Support comes from the absolutely breathtaking Cork psych-rock act The Altered Hours and singer-songwriter Joshua Burnside, who has been building up a head of steam recently ahead of the release of his Black Dog Sin EP.

  Doors open at 9pm.

• Fri

  24

  May

  2013

  Robyn G Shiels and Guests

  The Barge, Lanyon Quay

  Belfast

  

  Belfast-based songwriter Robyn G Shiels has announced a show alongside some special guests at Belfast's Barge on Lanyon Quay.

  This comes just 4 days after the May 20 release of his new EP Underneath The Night Of Stars. Shiels released his debut album A Lifetime of Midnights in 2008, and his follow-up EP The Great Depression in 2010.

  Support is yet to be announced.

  Tickets are available from Ticketmaster for £6. 

   

• Sat

  25

  May

  2013

  NoMeansNo

  Voodoo

  Belfast

  

  Canadian post-modernist hardcore act NOMEANSNO will play the Voodoo Bar on May 25, thanks to the continually impressive Strange Victory.

  The band - who were formed in 1979 by the brothers Rob and John Wright - have maintained their own cult fanbase without the pitfalls of mainstream success over the last few decades, and their particular brand of punk rock is often credited as the basis for math-rock.

  Anthemic Belfast punks Empty Lungs provide support on the night, having recently released their Stand Up EP.

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

• Wed

  29

  May

  2013

  Transmit Presents: Runaway Go, Amidships & Hologram

  Limelight 2

  Belfast

  

  Pure Savage Promotions' Transmit's final gig of the university year is to be headlined by Runaway Go as part of their upcoming Irish tour.

  Support comes from ambient folk outfit Amidships and Hologram, the project of Best Brit Newcomer award-winner Paul Shevlin.

  Indie pop act Runaway Go are touring to promote the release of new single 'This Is Real', and other notable dates on their tour include a G Session and Stiff Kitten show supporting Silhouette as well as Whelan's in Dublin, and Derry's Mason's Bar.

  Entry to Transmit costs £3 and doors open at 9pm.

• Fri

  31

  May

  2013

  Cancer Bats

  Stiff Kitten

  Belfast

  

  Cancer Bats return to Belfast to play the Stiff Kitten on May 31 following the release of their recent EP Bat Sabbath - Bastards of Reality, which is unsurprisingly a collection of 5 Black Sabbath covers following the positive reception for their 2011 'Bat Sabbath' tour shows.

  As evidence of their destructive live show, we present some footage of their Sonisphere 2011 set available from their label, Metal Blade.

  Tickets, priced at £12, are available from Ticketmaster and Shine. Doors open at 8pm.

• Fri

  31

  May

  2013

  Desert Hearts Album Launch w/Arborist & Future Chaser

  Voodoo

  Belfast

  

  Belfast indie-rock four-piece Desert Hearts launch their new album - due for release on May 27 - at Voodoo on May 31.

  Enturbulation = No Challenge is follow-up to their 2006 album Hotsy Totsy Nagasaki, and with the addition of former General Fiasco men Stu Bell & Stephen Leacock on guitar and drums respectively.
  

  Support at the launch comes from folk act Arborist and alt-rockers Future Chaser.

  Admission costs £5 and doors open at 9pm.

   

• Fri

  31

  May

  2013

  Open House Festival Finale: Kowalski, Ed Zealous & Go Wolf

  The Windsor, Quay Street

  Bangor

  

  Indie-pop act Kowalski are to play the finale of their hometown's Open House Festival in The Windsor on August 31.

  Support comes from indie/electro act Ed Zealous and GO WOLF.

  Tickets are priced at £9 from Open House or £12 on the night. Doors open at 8pm.

• Fri

  31

  May

  2013

  The Shindig: Malojian, Robb Murphy and Band & Kat Hepworth

  Black Box

  Belfast

  

  The Black Box is host to a folk & acoustic night, dubbed 'The Shindig' on May 30. 

  The three acts performing on the night are Steve Scullion, aka Malojian, formerly of Cat Malojian. To date he has released an acclaimed debut album.

  Singer-songwriter Robb Murphy takes to the stage with a new band. Newcomer Kat Hepworth also brings her gentle acoustic music on the night.

  Tickets are available for £8 from the Black Box. Doors open at 8.30pm.

• Sat

  01

  Jun

  2013

  G Sessions Presents: Silhouette, Runaway GO & Susie-Blue

  The Cellar Bar

  Draperstown

  

  Silhouette, the brainchild of Shauna Tohill, is to headline one of the Cellar Bar's legendary Glasgowbury-run G Sessions in her homeland of Mid-Ulster, with support from indie-pop act Runaway GO and Derry songstress Susie-Blue, who recently released her 2nd EP Bits and Buttons.

  Perhaps best known for her 2012 single 'Can't Keep Up', which made it onto the Discover NI television ad, broadcast across the UK. The instantly accessible, yet original piano-led project continues to evolve as time goes on, with the live lineup consisting of simply Shauna or a full string-laden arrangement. This show comes ahead of her long-awaited debut album.

  Doors open at 9m and entry costs £5, payable on the night.

• Sat

  01

  Jun

  2013

  Helfast 2013

  Limelight 2

  Belfast

  

  The Distortion Project, in association with Paradise City and Blink Management have put together a lineup for Helfast 2013 – set to take place on Saturday June 1 in the Limelight 2.

  Headlining the show are Stormzone, with NASA Assassin, Derry riffers Triggerman, Ajenda, Warcrux & Altus to support. 

  Admission is £10, payable on the door. Doors open at 2pm.

• Sun

  02

  Jun

  2013

  Steve Earle and The Dukes & The Duchesses

  Limelight 1

  Belfast

  

  Americana's talisman Steve Earle is returning to Belfast, alongside his band The Dukes & The Duchesses thanks to the Real Music Club.

  Earle plays the Limelight 1 on June 2, following the scheduled release of his new album with the Dukes (and Duchesses) The Low Highway, which is due on April 16.

  Tickets are available for £30 from the Real Music Club, Ticketmaster and Katy's Bar. Doors open at 7.30pm.

• Sun

  02

  Jun

  2013

  Young Guns (14+)

  Mandela Hall

  Belfast

  

  Young Guns have announced a 14+ headline show at the Mandela Hall, to take place on Sunday June 2.

  The band released their debut album All Our Kings Are Dead in 2010 and are now, following slots at the likes of Reading & Leeds and London's HMV Forum, their latest album Bones - recorded in Thailand - has been released. Support for the show has yet to be announced.

  Doors open at 7pm and tickets are available from Ticketmaster and QUBSU for £12.50.

• Wed

  05

  Jun

  2013

  Silhouette & Runaway GO

  The Stiff Kitten

  Belfast

  

  Silhouette, the brainchild of Shauna Tohill, is to headline the Stiff Kitten on June 5 with support from indie-pop act Runaway GO.

  Perhaps best known for her 2012 single 'Can't Keep Up', which made it onto the Discover NI television ad, broadcast across the UK. The instantly accessible, yet original piano-led project continues to evolve as time goes on, with the live lineup consisting of simply Shauna or a full string-laden arrangement.

  Tickets are on sale from Shine.net, the Stiff Kitten and Ticketmaster, priced at £5. Doors open at 9pm.

• Thu

  06

  Jun

  2013

  LaFaro & Hornets

  Limelight 2

  Belfast

  

  Belfast riff-machines LaFaro have announced a one off show at the Limelight 2 on June 6 with support from sludgy hardcore act Hornets.

  This is LaFaro's first Belfast show of the year, and takes place in the same venue that saw them launch their second album Easy Meat, as we now approach the onset of their third album. Hornets, on the other hand, have just released their Truth EP.
  

  Entry will cost £6 on the door.

• Fri

  07

  Jun

  2013

  Rams' Pocket Radio - Album Launch

  The Stiff Kitten

  Belfast

  

  One of most highly regarded young songwriters in the country Peter McCauley, aka Rams' Pocket Radio is to release his long-awaited debut album Béton with a launch show at the Stiff Kitten on June 7. 

  This will be an extended live show in which Peter will take to the stage alongside a variety of collaborators including the following:

  Nathan Connolly (Snow Patrol)
  ASIWYFA
  SOAK
  Owen Strathern (General Fiasco)
  David C Clements
  Gareth Dunlop
  Katharine Philippa
  and more

  It's been promised that these onstage collaborations with the eclectic mix of musicians will consist of many unexpected reworkings of familiar and brand new songs on the night. 

  Tickets are available from Friday May 10 for £6 from Shine.net and the usual Ticketmaster outlets. Doors open at 9pm.

• Sun

  09

  Jun

  2013

  John Blek & The Rats Album Launch

  The Empire

  Belfast

  

  Six-piece Cork folk & country act John Blek & The Rats launch their debut album Leave Your Love At The Door  at the Empire on June 9 following its May release.

  The stellar support bill includes folk acts Sons of Caliber, Malojian and Ciaran Lavery.

  Check out the official video for 'Don't Take the Road I've Taken'.

  Entry costs £7 and doors open at 8pm.

• Sun

  09

  Jun

  2013

  An Evening with Immortal Technique

  Black Box

  Belfast

  

  Antidote Emcees are providing a screening for subversive hip-hop artist Immortal Technique's film The (R)evolution of Immortal Technique, which will be followed by a Q&A. 

  The Peruvian act is notable for his aggressive style, and has gained a significant following in the world of contemporary hip-hop and beyond. His film is based on his global journey to fight injustice through music. Akir, Hasan Salaam and DJ Static also make appearances on the night.

  A number of tickets are available for £9 from Ticketmaster, with limited entry on the door for £10.

• Mon

  10

  Jun

  2013

  The Who: Quadrophenia & more

  Odyssey Arena

  Belfast

  

  Bona fide legends of rock & roll The Who have announced UK dates as part of their 'Quadrophenia & More' tour of 2013. They're to play Dublin's O2 on June 8, then Belfast's Odyssey Arena on June 10.

  The Who's Quadrophenia [1973] was their second rock opera - after 1969's Tommy - and was based around  social, psychological and musical changes, set in England in 1965 and the film was released in 1979. The new concert version of Quadrophenia, directed by Roger Daltrey, focuses on the album and replaces the narrative with a powerful visual show.

  Support comes from Hollywood's soul & rock act Vintage Trouble, who released  their first studio album The Bomb Shelter Sessions in 2011.

  Tickets are available from Ticketmaster, priced from £65 at the Odyssey show.

• Tue

  11

  Jun

  2013

  PigsAsPeople Tour Fundraiser w/Kasper Rosa, Bellos & John Antler and the Great Deceivers

  Voodoo

  Belfast

  

  Sludgy post-hardcore trio PigsAsPeople embark on their first UK tour in late June and as a fundraiser for inevitably large tour costs, the band are holding their first ever Belfast headline show at Voodoo on June 11. Expect a tour diary for this very website from guitarist/The Thin Air contributor Stevie Lennox following their UK dates.

  Support comes from progressive post-rock leviathans Kasper Rosa, LOUDquietLOUD aficionados Bellos and More Than Conquerors' folk-based side-project John Antler and the Great Deceivers. Empty Lungs' Kev Jones plays host at the show, promising some acoustic material between sets.

  Entry costs £3 before 9.30pm and £5 afterwards. Doors open at 9pm.

• Wed

  12

  Jun

  2013

  Slayer

  Limelight 1

  Belfast

  

  As well as a June 10 show at the Academy, Slayer are playing the Limelight 1 on June 12.

  For the genre-defining thrash act, this is one of the most intimate shows they'll play and is their first Belfast show since 1994. Unfortunately, Dave Lombardo and Jeff Hanneman will be absent for the tour for various reasons. 

  Tickets for the show are now sold out..

• Wed

  12

  Jun

  2013

  Mastodon

  The Academy

  Dublin

  

  Having cancelled their Irish tour dates in 2012, Mastodon are returning to play the Academy on June 12.

  The progressive metallers have already begun work on their follow-up to 2011’s The Hunter, which will be their sixth LP to date. Guitarist Brent Hinds has described their latest material as "really eerie and spooky-sounding".

  Tickets are available for €29.50 from Ticketmaster. Doors open at 7pm.

• Wed

  12

  Jun

  2013

  Walking Papers

  Voodoo

  Belfast

  

  Blues-rock supergroup of sorts Walking Papers are playing Voodoo on June 12 for a Distortion Project show.

  The four-piece - originally conceived in 2012 as a two piece - consists of ex-Guns N' Roses/Velvet Revolver bassist Duff McKagan, Skin Yard/Screaming Trees/Mad Season drummer Barrett Martin, Benjamin Anderson on keyboards and Jeff Angell on guitar & vocals. The band released their eponymous debut last year.

  Tickets are available from Ticketmaster for £15.50. Doors open at 8pm.

• Thu

  13

  Jun

  2013

  Grant Hart (Hüsker Dü) & The Burn/Burning

  Voodoo

  Belfast

  

  Grant Hart - co-founder, co-songwriter and drummer for seminal alternative/indie rock flagbearers Hüsker Dü - is to play Belfast in a show for The Thin Air alongside his current band The Burn/Burning.

  Hart, who was in Hüsker Dü from 1979-1988, wrote some of the best-loved songs in the band's back catalogue including 'The Girl Who Lives On Heaven Hill', 'Diane' and 'Turn On The News', among many others. After they disbanded, he released his debut solo album, the incredible Intolerance then went on to form Nova Mob in late '89. Expect Hart's set at Voodoo on June 13 to consist of new material and music spanning his back catalogue.

  Support comes in the form of Belfast-based folk ensemble Arborist, who you really ought to listen to. They've been together for mere months, "fuelled by the musical misadventures of Mark McCambridge". They recently released the exquisite single 'Incalulable Things'.

  Entry costs £8 on the night, and doors open at 8.45pm.

• Thu

  13

  Jun

  2013

  Amateur Historians, Blue Whale & Nijinsky

  The Menagerie

  Belfast

   

  

  Slacker indie band Amateur Historians headline the Menagerie on Thursday June 13 with art-kraut-punk four piece Blue Whale and alternative rock outfit Nijinsky. DJ duties are carried out by Hot Cops DJs.

  Doors open at 9pm and entry costs £4.

• Sat

  15

  Jun

  2013

  The Breeders performing The Last Splash

  Limelight 1

  Belfast

  

  Already 2013 is shaping up to be quite the nostalgia trip, and the latest act to return live is The Breeders - Kim Deal, Kelley Deal, Josephine Wiggs, and Jim Macpherson - who played their first show together in June of 1992, at a snooker hall behind near Manchester. Two days later they supported Nirvana in Dublin and Belfast, and then played at Glastonbury.

  Back in the US, after playing 27 sold-out shows, they made their way to San Francisco to record Last Splash, and their return to Belfast this year marks the 20th anniversary of the seminal album, which they'll play in its entirety.

  The show takes place at the Limelight 1 Belfast on Saturday 15th June (Early Doors) with tickets on sale now from www.limelightbelfast.com, Ticketmaster outlets and Katy's Bar.

• Sat

  15

  Jun

  2013

  Neil Young & Crazy Horse

  RDS Arena

  Dublin

  

  Neil Young is returning to Dublin with his definitive backing band, Crazy Horse, who have proved time and time again to be his most effective creative foil.

  Following the release of their 2nd studio album of 2012 - and Young's 35th studio album thus far - the sprawling double album Psychedelic Pill, they're to play at Dublin's RDS on June 15.

  This will be Young's first show in Ireland since he played the O2 in 2009, and the first with Crazy Horse in Ireland since the legendary Malahide Castle show in 2008.

  Tickets are priced at €60 and up from Ticketmaster and the usual outlets.

  

• Sat

  15

  Jun

  2013

  VerseChorusVerse

  Voodoo

  Belfast

  

  Tony Wright's current primary guise VerseChorusVerse play their first full-band shows at Whelan's in Dublin and Belfast's Voodoo on June 13 & 15 respectively, ahead of VCV's debut album release.

  A veritable local supergroup, the band consists - aside from Wright on vocals and guitar - of LaFaro's Jonny Black and Herb Magee on lead guitar and bass, former Panama Kings, General Fiasco and current Desert Hearts axeman Stu Bell on organ, guitar & lap steel, and behind the kit is General Fiasco/Desert Hearts' Leaky. They will bring to life what Wright calls “an edgy, full blooded, forward thinking, rootsy rock n' roll album laced equally with hope and realism.”

  Whilst it’s essentially free, there is a limited amount of tickets available for the show. If you’re interested in attending, head to the VerseChorusVerse Facebook page and send a message stating an interest and how many tickets you would like (limited to two per person). You will then receive a confirmation request.

  Doors are at 10pm. Band are on at midnight. Special DJ sets for the night are yet to be announced.

• Mon

  17

  Jun

  2013

  Red Fang

  The Speakeasy

  Belfast

  

  Portland stoner rock outfit Red Fang have just announced a mammoth tour of Europe for summer 2013, and amongst the dates, they're to play the Limelight on June 17 and Whelans in Dublin on June 18.

  The band - who formed in 2005 - have put out 2 albums to date, with the most recent being 2011's Murder The Mountains. 

  Support comes from Derry riffmeisters Triggerman and stoner groove-metal outfit Astralnaut.

  Tickets are available for £13 from Ticketmaster, WeGotTickets and Katy's Bar. Doors open at 7.30pm.

• Tue

  18

  Jun

  2013

  Parkway Drive (14+)

  Mandela Hall

  Belfast

  

  As part of their 10th anniversary tour, Parkway Drive are to play 3 Irish shows in Limerick, Belfast and Dublin on June 17, 18 & 19 respectively. The show at Belfast's Mandela Hall will be an early 14+ show.

  The band promise to have a catalogue of around 30 songs spanning their entire career to break out on this tour, which will contain some older fan favourites from years gone by. Parkway Drive to-date have released 4 albums with the most recent being 2012's Atlas.

  Tickets are available for the Belfast date for £16.50 from Shine.net and the usual Ticketmaster outlets. Doors open at 7pm.

   

• Wed

  19

  Jun

  2013

  Joshua Burnside EP Launch

  White's Tavern

  Belfast

  

   

  Experimental folk singer-songwriter Joshua Burnside launches his new EP, If You're Goin' That Way, having just recently released his 'Black Dog Sin' single.

  Support comes from cellist/singer-songwriter as well as this year's Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival Artist in Residence, Alana Henderson and the up-and-coming Hannah McPhillimy.
  

  Entry costs just £3, with doors to open at 8pm.

• Wed

  19

  Jun

  2013

  MSisBS: Abandcalledboy, Deadlights, Droids,

  Voodoo

  Belfast

  

  Pure Savage Promotions are running a fundraiser at Voodoo on June 19 in aid of multiple sclerosis treatment for a friend called Martin, who can be read about here. The money raised goes towards a potentially life-saving stem cell replacement procedure. 

  The 6 bands who've kindly stepped up to show their support and play the night are post-hardcore trio Abandcalledboy, Deadlights, Derry quartet Droids, Stillpoint, Two Glass Eyes & Window Seats.

  Entry costs £4 and doors open at 9pm. 

• Thu

  20

  Jun

  2013

  The Rupture Dogs 'Wake Up' Single Launch w/Spies, Kill Goliath & Safe Ships

  Limelight 2

  Belfast

  

  Heavy alt-rock Belfast veterans The Rupture Dogs launch 'Wake Up', the first single off their long-awaited debut album at the Limelight 2 on June 20.

  Support at the Shizznigh Promotions show comes from Belfast indie act SPIES, London's Kill Goliath & young hardcore upstarts Safe Ships, who just released their The Greatness Inside EP. 

  Entry costs £5 and doors open at 9pm.

• Fri

  21

  Jun

  2013

  PigsAsPeople, The Institute*, BeeMickSee & The Last Generation

  The Cellar Bar

  Draperstown

  

  Sludgy post-hardcore trio PigsAsPeople are holding a tour fundraiser in a hometown show (for 1/3 of the band) with Dead Wing Promotions at Draperstown's Cellar Bar on June 21st, just a few days before the band embark on their first UK tour.

  Hailing from the Sperrins, acid-prog four piece The Institute* play, as well as Belfast-based hip-hop artist BeeMickSee as well as young Mid-Ulster riff machines The Last Generation. 

  Entry costs £5 (or £3 before 9.30pm) and doors open at 9pm.

• Sat

  22

  Jun

  2013

  Little Bear & Biggles Flys Again

  Black Box

  Belfast

  

  Derry-Londonderry folk quartet Little Bear play one night of the Belfast Open House Festival, taking place throughout June.

  Little Bear have been named as Flavour of the Month and Ones To Watch by BBC Introducing which is no surprise, given their wonderful knack for a reverb-soaked Fleet Foxes-esque harmony. They're also soon to release their first single on Smalltown America.

  Also playing the show are Biggles Flys Again who released their debut album Remember Saturday, which has been acclaimed as an excellent collection of pop songs reminiscent of pop's golden years, and was The Sunday Times' album of the week upon release.

  Tickets are available for £5 in advance from Open House or £10 on the night. Doors open at 8pm.

   

• Sat

  22

  Jun

  2013

  Breed Presents: Tied To Machines, Comply Or Die & Nomadic Rituals

  The Pavilion Bar

  Belfast

  

  Breed's latest announced night is a decidedly riffy affair, with headlining duties on Banbridge punk outfit Tied To Machines. Breed takes place in its usual venue of the Pavilion on June 22.

  Support comes from heavy space rockers Comply Or Die and recently-formed doom/sludge act Nomadic Rituals, who are on the verge of releasing their debut album.

  Entry costs £5, with doors opening at 9pm.

• Sat

  22

  Jun

  2013

  Stonemasons 'Black Widow' launch w/Abandcalledboy, Bellos & Benny Fyfe

  Bar Sub

  Belfast

  

  Grunge-influenced three-piece Stonemasons release the video for their song 'Black Widow' at Bar Sub on June 22.

  Support comes from fellow power trios in post-hardcore act Abandcalledboy and alt-rockers Bellos, as well as eclectic solo act Benny Fyfe.

  Entry costs £5 and doors open at 9pm.

• Sun

  23

  Jun

  2013

  Ilenkus, Axecatcher & Divisions

  Voodoo

  Belfast

  

  Belfast-based hardcore/metal label Savour Your Scene Records are to have a show at Voodoo on June 23, headlined by Galway progressive/post-metal act Ilenkus.

  Limavady hardcore band Axecatcher and fellow punks Divisions support at the show.

  Entry costs £3 before 10pm and £4 after. Doors open at 8.30pm.

• Sun

  23

  Jun

  2013

  The Twenty EP Launch w/The Wood Burning Savages, The Sass & The Hangfires

  The Menagerie

  Belfast

  

  Indie-punk act The Twenty launch their debut EP Camarilla on June 23 with a launch at the Menagerie.

  Support comes from the brilliantly eclectic Derry quartet The Wood Burning Savages, The Sass and The Hangfires.

  Entry costs £3 and doors open at 8.30pm.

• Tue

  25

  Jun

  2013

  The xx

  Waterfront Hall

  Belfast

  

  Mercury-winning English indie trio The xx will play Belfast's Waterfront Hall on June 25 and Dublin's O2 the following night.

  Formed in Wandsworth in 2005, The xx released their eponymous debut in 2009, and their second album Coexist at the end of last year.

  Tickets are available for £26.50 from The Waterfront and Ticketmaster. Doors open at 7.30pm.

• Wed

  26

  Jun

  2013

  Blondie

  Waterfront Hall

  Belfast

  

  New wave icons and Rock & Roll Hall of Famers Blondie are to play a couple of dates in Ireland, at Dublin's Olympia Theatre and Belfast's Waterfront Hall on June 25 & 26 respectively.

  Formed in 1974, Blondie played around New York before recording and releasing their self-titled debut album in 1977. They've since sold over 40 million records.

  Support comes from NI songstress Silhouette.

  Tickets for the Belfast show are available from Ticketmaster for £38.

• Wed

  26

  Jun

  2013

  Alabama 3

  Mandela Hall

  Belfast

  

  Eclectic eight-piece Alabama 3 perform a show at the Mandela Hall on June 26, their first show in Belfast since February 2012. 

  The group mix rock, dance, blues, country, gospel and spoken word and were founded in Brixton in 1995. Well known for 'Woke Up This Morning' - theme tune of iconic crime drama The Sopranos - the group have been long-heralded as one of the finest live acts today.

  Tickets, priced at £18, are available from QUBSU and Ticketmaster. Doors open at 8pm.

• Wed

  26

  Jun

  2013

  Allie Bradley EP Launch w/The 1930s & Joshua Burnside

  Black Box

  Belfast

  

  Singer-songwriter Allie Bradley performs a headline show at the Black Box on June 26 following jaunts to the UK and the rest of Ireland. 

  Playing with a full band, this show marks the release of Allie's new EP, Running For Cover. Support comes from local folk act The 1930s and up-and-coming songwriter Joshua Burnside.

   

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

• Wed

  26

  Jun

  2013

  Wed

  31

  Jul

  2013

  Guinness Versus - Battle of the Bands

  The Pavilion Bar

  Belfast

  

  Belfast's Pavilion hosts a Battle of the Bands competition, with legs to be held on Wednesday June 26, July 3, July 10 & July 17. The bands will be judged by our very own Brian Coney and representatives from Panic Dots, Soni & Sunflower Fest.

  Two semi finals take place on July 23 & 24 with acts who make it through the heats, while the grand final is on July 31.

  Entry on each night costs £3 and doors open at 8pm.

• Thu

  27

  Jun

  2013

  Empty Lungs, John Antler and the Great Deceivers, Vanilla Gloom & Past Victories

  The Menagerie

  Belfast

  

  Anthemic punk rockers Empty Lungs play their last show with co-founding member and bassist Ryan Holmes at the Menagerie on June 23.

  Support is provided by More Than Conquerors folk/Americana side project John Antler and the Great Deceivers, female post-punk trio Vanilla Gloom and recently formed local supergroup Past Victories. 

  Entry costs £5 with doors opening at 9pm.

• Thu

  27

  Jun

  2013

  Elvis Costello & The Imposters

  The Venue 2013

  Derry-Londonderry

  

  Elvis Costello & The Imposters play the Venue 2013 as part of the Derry-Londonderry City of Culture 2013 celebration on June 27.

  Costello, who broke out in the '70s pub rock scene, has released countless classic pop albums solo and with The Attractions like This Year's Model and Armed Forces. He has most recently discussed plans to release a new LP Wise Up Ghost, which was recorded with hip-hop/neo-soul act The Roots.

  Tickets are available from £27.50 from the City of Culture site. Doors open at 7pm.

• Thu

  27

  Jun

  2013

  The Runaway Bears 'Ugly Apes' EP Launch

  Bar Sub, QUBSU

  Belfast

  

  Alt-rock power trio The Runaway Bears launch their new 5 track EP Ugly Apes at QUBSU's Bar Sub on June 27.

  Support for the hefty lineup includes Belfast horror punk act Little Miss Stakes, Bunny and the Banned-Its, The Big Grizzly and an acoustic set from Chocolate Love Factory.

  Entry costs a mere £3 and doors open at 8pm, and every person gets a free EP at the show.

• Fri

  28

  Jun

  2013

  Axis Of Album

  The Playhouse

  Portrush

  

  Three piece north coast sludgy hook-laden punks Axis Of have announced details of a homecoming launch of their debut album Finding St Kilda at the Playhouse in Portrush on June 28.

  Support comes from fellow anthemic punk rockers Empty Lungs, north coast chiptune musicmaking duo Team Rocket and alt-rock act Past Victories.

  Entry costs £6 on the door, and tickets are available for £5. Doors open at 8.30pm.

• Sat

  29

  Jun

  2013

  Gateway to Oblivion: War Iron, Ceaseless Blight & Nomadic Rituals

  Limelight 2

  Belfast

  

  Doom metal act War Iron - complete with 2 bassists for the optimum low end - headline the Distortion Project's sludge-laden Gateway To Oblivion event at the Limelight 2 on June 29.

  Support comes from black metal five-piece Ceaseless Blight and Nomadic Rituals, who are just off the back of recording their debut album.

  Admission costs £5 and doors open at 5pm.

• Sat

  29

  Jun

  2013

  Duke Special with members of General Fiasco, The Wonder Villains.

  The Empire

  Belfast

  

  Duke Special is to perform at the Empire Music Hall in Belfast on June 29 as part of his series of concerts throughout the year in the venue, recalling his 2007 stint of 5 shows in 5 nights, each themed differently.

  This particular event features members of General Fiasco, who are currently on hiatus, while Derry-based synth-pop act The Wonder Villains provide support.

  Tickets are available for £15 from Ticketmaster & doors open at 8.30pm.

• Sat

  29

  Jun

  2013

  Sun

  30

  Jun

  2013

  Ruck N' Roll

  Enniskillen Rugby Club

  Enniskillen

  

  For the second year running, Enniskillen Rugby Club plays host to the 2 day Ruck N' Roll event on June 29 & 30. The full lineup is as follows:

  Main Stage
  

  Nijinsky
  Nerdmore
  Yellow Car No Return
  Droids
  Rocket Propelled Gorillas
  I'm Not Maggie
  Bunny & The Banned Its (Formerly Optimus Rhyme)
  Indigo Fury
  My Sunday Hat
  The Velour Fog
  Dutch Schultz

  Acoustic Stage

  Caimin O'Shea
  Michael Smith
  Philthy
  Atticus Finch
  Caolán Jones
  Chocolate Love Factory
  Alex Wolfe
  Window Seats
  Luke Burns
  My Pyrrhic Victory

  Tickets are priced at £15 for a full day, or £10 for 7pm onwards.

• Wed

  03

  Jul

  2013

  Transmit Presents: Pocket Billiards, BeeMickSee & The Unprotected

  Limelight 2

  Belfast

  

  Pocket Billiards headline a thoroughly fun lineup of Pure Savage Promotions' Transmit at the Limelight 2 on July 3. The 9-piece ska-punks have long been one of Belfast's finest live bands, and to date have released 2 albums.

  Support comes from Portland-born Belfast-based rapper BeeMickSee and the glam-metal stylings of The Unprotected.

  Doors open at 9pm.

• Thu

  04

  Jul

  2013

  Independence Day: Tied To Machines, Abandcalledboy, Droids, The Runaway Bears

  Voodoo

  Belfast

  

  America celebrates it, so why don't we? On the 4th of July, Voodoo plays host to Independence Day, to be headlined by Tied To Machines.

  Support comes from Banbridge trio Abandcalledboy, Derry riff-mongers Droids and the schizo-punk of The Runaway Bears. This show comes at a nicely busy time, following The Runaway Bears' EP launch, Tied To Machines' Irish tour and festival dates for each act.

  Doos open at 9pm and entry costs £5.

• Fri

  05

  Jul

  2013

  Death of a Salesman, The Obscene Machine, Stand With Heretics, By Any Means & Safe Ships & Forchristsake

  Stiff Kitten

  Belfast

  

  Shizznigh Promotions have announced a decidedly hardcore & metal show for July 5 at the Stiff Kitten. Metalcore act Death of a Salesman headline, whose music is available for free on Bandcamp.

  Support comes from The Obscene Machine, Stand With Heretics, By Any Means, young hardcore quartet Safe Ships & ForChristSake.

  Entry costs £6 and doors open at 8.30pm.

• Sat

  06

  Jul

  2013

  Brutality Will Prevail, Gacys Threads & Hornets

  Voodoo

  Belfast

  

  Welsh hardcore band Brutality Will Prevail headline Voodoo on Saturday July 6. Having formed in 2005, the group have approached the business with a DIY ethos, having self-released their two albums and 1 EP. 

  Support comes from sludgy hardcore act Hornets and hardcore metal four piece Gacys Threads. 

  Tickets are priced at £10 from WeGotTickets, Voodoo & Dragon Records.

• Sat

  06

  Jul

  2013

  Belfast Pride After Party: Not Squares, Ed Zealous, Wonder Villains & GO WOLF

  The Speakeasy, QUBSU

  Belfast

   

  

  The Queen's University Students' Union plays host to some fine events following Belfast Pride on July 6. While various events are taking place throughout the union, one eyecatching lineup can be caught at the Speakeasy. 

  With indie-dance outfit Not Squares, indie-pop act Ed Zealous, saccharine synth-pop four piece Wonder Villains, and GO WOLF to play, the show looks set to be a tremendously uplifting celebration.

  Tickets are priced at £11 from Taboo and WeGotTickets or £13 on the door. The event opens at 7pm.

• Sun

  07

  Jul

  2013

  The Weeks

  McHugh's Bar

  Belfast

  

  Mississippi indie rock act The Weeks have announced a show - their first in Belfast - in McHugh's Basement on July 7, and Dublin's The Grand Social the following night.

  Formed in 2006, the alternative/southern rock hybrids were signed - appropriately enough - to Kings Of Leon's new label Serpents and Snakes last year. They released their Gutter Gaunt Gangster at the end of 2012 through their new label, and their second full-length album Dear Bo Jackson is due to have a UK release on July 15.

  Tickets, priced at £11, are available from Shine.net and the usual Ticketmaster outlets.

• Sat

  13

  Jul

  2013

  Sylvain Sylvain's New York Dolls, Million Dollar Reload &

  The Empire

  Belfast

  

  Proto-punk trendsetter Sylvain Sylvain is coming to Belfast with his version of the New York Dolls at the Empire on July 13. Expect some classic glam, punk & blues from the Dolls, alongside some of Sylvain's solo material.

  Support comes from hard rock act Million Dollar Reload and The Sabrejets.

  Tickets, priced at £19.50, are available from Ticketmaster.

• Sat

  13

  Jul

  2013

  The Killers, Frank Ocean, Two Door Cinema Club & Haim

  Phoenix Park

  Dublin

  

  Dublin's Phoenix Park plays host to one of the biggest shows in Ireland's summer calendar, as US act The Killers headline a show on July 13. It's been announced that the band will take a lengthy break between this tour and their next album's release.

  Support comes from the writer of the critics' favourite album of last year Frank Ocean, Bangor electro-indie-pop darlings Two Door Cinema Club and all female act Haim.
  

  Tickets are priced at €61.50 from Ticketmaster. Gates open at 5pm.

• Sun

  14

  Jul

  2013

  Mumford & Sons, Ben Howard, The Vaccines and Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros

  Phoenix Park

  Dublin

  

  English folk-pop act Mumford & Sons are to headline a massive show at Dublin's Phoenix Park on July 14.

  The event has an impressive supporting bill consisting of singer-songwriter Ben Howard - who is also to headline a Belsonic show this year - indie rock band The Vaccines and US indie-folk group Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros. The capacity of the show will be 40,000, and safety looks to be improved following last year's Swedish House Mafia fiasco.

  Tickets, priced €61.50, are on sale from Ticketmaster. Gates open at 3pm.

   

• Tue

  16

  Jul

  2013

  Sat

  27

  Jul

  2013

  Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band Wrecking Ball Tour

  Limerick, Belfast, Cork & Kilkenny

  Ireland

  

  Personification of the working class hero, Bruce Springsteen has 5 Irish dates with his E Street Band in July 2013, in Limerick, Cork & Belfast's King's Hall, as well as a weekend stay of 2 nights in Kilkenny's Nowlan Park.

  Wrecking Ball, the seventeenth studio album from Springsteen, was released in March 2012.

   

  The dates - still part of his his Wrecking Ball Tour - are as follows:

  July 16 - Thomond Park, Limerick

  July 18 - Páirc Uí Chaoimh, Cork

  July 20 - King's Hall Arena, Belfast

  July 27 & 28 - Nowlan Park, Kilkenny

  Tickets are available from Ticketmaster for all dates.

• Thu

  18

  Jul

  2013

  Craig McConkey EP Launch w/ Joshua Burnside & Feet For Wings

  Black Box

  Belfast

  

  After a year in London, singer-songwriter Craig McConkey has returned with new material, and launches his debut EP These Hills They Breathe. 

  McConkey has to date received several BBC national radio plays and with a UK tour already accomplished and more to come soon, this is a show worth checking out. Support comes from the excellent Joshua Burnside & folk group Feet For Wings.

  Tickets cost £5 on the night and doors open at 8pm.

• Sat

  20

  Jul

  2013

  Wintersun & Darkest Era

  Limelight 2

  Belfast

  

  The Distortion Project hosts epic Finnish metallers Wintersun at the Limelight 2 on July 20 with support from local and internationally acclaimed act Darkest Era. Wintersun released their eponymous debut eight years ago and their most recent album is 2012's Time I.

  Tickets are available from Ticketmaster & Katy's Bar for £16. Doors open at 6pm.

• Wed

  24

  Jul

  2013

  Shizznigh Presents: Uncle Social, FOG, Firebobbies, The Last Generation & Car Chase City

  Limelight 2

  Belfast

  

  Shizznigh Promotions hold their launch at the Limelight 2 for new regular slot 'Solid Air' - no affiliation - on July 24. 

  The show is to be headlined by alt-rock act Uncle Social, with support from FOG, pop-punk act The Firebobbies, Mid-Ulster riffers The Last Generation & alt rock trio Car Chase City.

  Doors open at 8.30pm and entry costs £5.

• Thu

  25

  Jul

  2013

  PigsAsPeople EP Launch w/Stop All The Clocks, Milestones, Kerouac & Over Being Under

  Fibber Magees - Upstairs

  Dublin

  

  Dublin's Dead End Music presents Belfast sludgy post-hardcore act PigsAsPeople's Dublin EP launch of Idles & Us at Fibber Magees on July 25. The band, who formed around a year before this show,  launch their second EP with Belfast show too, on the 27th.

  Support comes from post-rock act Stop All The Clocks, hardcore Milestones, Kerouac and Over Being Under.
  

  Entry is completely free at the show & doors open at 8pm.

• Fri

  26

  Jul

  2013

  Breed Presents: Ciaran Lavery, Little Rivers & Patrick Gardiner

  The Pavilion

  Belfast

  

  The latest instalment of the Pavilion's Breed takes place on July 26, and is to be an altogether more chilled out affair following last month's riff-laden lineup.

  Headlining the show is former Captain Kennedy man and one of this country's brightest songwriting hopes Ciaran Lavery, who recently released his debut album Not Nearly Dark. The bill is completed by Callum Cairns aka Little Rivers and Magheralin man Patrick Gardiner.

  As always, entry costs £5 and doors open at 9pm.

• Thu

  01

  Aug

  2013

  Blur, Bat For Lashes & The Strypes

  Irish Museum of Modern Art

  Dublin

  

  For the first time in four years, Blur are returning to Ireland to play the Irish Museum of Modern Art.The show takes place on August 1, and is the only date announced by the band in the UK & Ireland this year and it's been said that it's the only one the band plan to play this year in the British Isles.

  The Britpop legends reunited in 2008 with the return of guitarist Graham Coxon and have sporadically gigged since. Coxon has reportedly said there are no plans to record any time soon, unfortunately.

  Support comes from Bat For Lashes and Irish act The Strypes.

  Tickets, priced €62.50, are available from Thursday March 7 from Ticketmaster.

• Fri

  02

  Aug

  2013

  CSS

  Limelight 1

  Belfast

   

  Brazilian four-piece CSS are to play their first show in Belfast since 2007 at the Limelight 1 on August 2. 

  The band emerged from the mid-noughties NME-championed indie-rave scene with their excellent debut album Cansei De Ser Sexy in 2005. Their new album Planta is out in June, and you can check out the official video for single 'Hangover' here.

  Support comes from local popmakers Go Wolf.

  Tickets are available for £15 from Ticketmaster outlets and Katy's Bar.

• Sat

  03

  Aug

  2013

  We Are Scientists

  Limelight 2

  Belfast

  

  We Are Scientists return to the UK following a 2 year break. The New York indie rockers/post-punk revivalists announced a show in the Limelight 2 on August 3.

  The band are currently working on their fourth album, and were due to play Tanglewood Festival on the same date, but unfortunately their performance was cancelled the band have opted to instead replace that show with this.

  Tickets are available from Ticketmaster & Katy's Bar for £16. Doors open at 7pm as it is an early show.

• Sun

  04

  Aug

  2013

  Féile 25: Happy Mondays & The Charlatans

  The Falls Park

  Belfast

  

  Irish community festival Féile takes place at The Falls Park with several acts including the Coronas confirmed so far. On August 4, Madchester legends Happy Mondays perform joint headline duties alongside The Charlatans.

  

  Formed around frontman Shaun Ryder in 1980, Happy Mondays were a crucial act in the drug-fuelled Madchester movement of the later '80s/early '90s. Their finest album Pills 'n' Thrills and Bellyaches was released in 1990, and cemented their legacy in British music. 

  West Midlands alt-rock act The Charlatans, fronted by Tim Burgess, formed in 1989 and have remained together since. This performance at Féile marks the 15th anniverary of their Tellin' Stories LP. The band are currently working on their 12th studio album.

  Tickets, priced at £20, are available from Feile Belfast. 

• Sun

  04

  Aug

  2013

  My Sunday Hat, Hologram & Psychojet

  Voodoo

  Belfast

  

  A three band showcase of up-and-coming acts takes place at Voodoo on August 4 with anthemic alternative-rock quartet My Sunday Hat headlining, who recently released new single 'Breaks'.

  Also playing are Paul Shevlin-fronted indie band Hologram who quite recently put out a video for single 'Fight Or Flight'. Post-rock act Psychojet play perhaps their last gig ever at the show too, and need to be caught before it's too late.

  Entry costs £5 and doors open at 9pm.

• Wed

  07

  Aug

  2013

  Transmit Presents: Kasper Rosa, Lantern For A Gale & Vanilla Gloom

  Limelight 2

  Belfast

  

  Pure Savage's Transmit night is to have a headline set from progressive-post-rockers Kasper Rosa on August 7 at the usual venue of the Limelight 2. The band's most recent release was their double A-side Icebreaker, released earlier this year.

  Support comes from north coast melodic hardcore act Lantern For A Gale and upcoming, hotly-tipped post-punk three piece Vanilla Gloom.

  Entry costs £4 and doors open at 9pm.

• Thu

  08

  Aug

  2013

  Raglans

  McHughs Basement Bar

  Belfast

  

  Indie act Raglans play McHughs Basement on August 8.

  This show is to launch their new single 'Natives', which follows up on the Dublin act's Long Live EP. Making the kind of anthemic indie best-loved in Ireland, Raglans officially release 'Natives' on June 28.

  Tickets are available for £10 from Shine.net and Ticketmaster outlets. Doors open at 9pm.

• Thu

  08

  Aug

  2013

  Broken Melody Records Launch: Seven Summits, Future Chaser & The Couth

  Voodoo

  Belfast

  

  New Belfast-based record label Broken Melody Records has announced its first release - Broken Melody Compilation 001 - to be released, and as the launch, they're to hold a showcase of some bands featured on their first compilation at Voodoo on August 8.

  Alternative pop act Seven Summits headline, with Derry act Future Chaser - whose Bronze EP is available free over on Bandcamp - and Lisburn post-rock/garage band The Couth, all three of whom are included on compilation 001 - as well as acts like Pretty Child Backfire, Wyldling, Clown Parlour and Hurdles.

  Doors open at 9pm and entry is £4 or £6 with a copy of the cd upon entry.

• Sun

  11

  Aug

  2013

  A Fight You Can't Win, Dutch Schultz & Bellos

  Voodoo

  Belfast

  

  Edinburgh alt-rock quartet A Fight You Can't Win  - who just released their new self-titled EP - play Belfast's Voodoo on August 11

  Support comes from a couple of Belfast's finest grunge revivalists in veteran power-trios Dutch Schultz and Bellos, who've just acquired a new drummer.

• Mon

  12

  Aug

  2013

  Lamb Of God

  Limelight 1

  Belfast

  

  Metal act Lamb Of God are to play another Belfast headline show, this time in the Limelight 1 on August 12 and Dublin's Olympia the previous night.

  Having formed back in 1990, the band didn't release their first album until 1999 under the name 'Burn The Priest'. Since then, the band have released six albums, combining thrash, hardcore punk & groove metal, with the most recent being 2012's Resolution.

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

• Tue

  13

  Aug

  2013

  Slayer

  Limelight 1

  Belfast

  

  Announced the same day their sold-out-in-less-than-5-minutes Limelight 1 show took place, Slayer have confirmed another show in the intimate venue on August 13.

  Founding members Kerry King and vocalist/bassist Tom Araya are still in the band, while Dave Lombardo sits out. The thrash band released their first album Show No Mercy 30 years ago, have churned out classic after classic throughout their career.

  Tickets should sell out very quickly, but are available from Ticketmaster & Shine.net at 9am on June 14.

   

• Wed

  14

  Aug

  2013

  Swans

  Limelight 2

  Belfast

  

  Quintessential US post-punk act Swans are to play the Limelight 2 on August 14, following last year's triumphant The Seer.

  Formed in 1982 by singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist Michael Gira, Swans emerged from New York's No Wave scene and had a revolving-doors policy with regard to their lineup until they dissolved in 1997. Their twelfth album - a double on CD, a triple on vinyl - The Seer was released in 2012 to almost universal acclaim
  

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

• Wed

  14

  Aug

  2013

  T Vital: Kings of Leon

  Boucher Road Playing Fields

  Belfast

  

  South US stadium-fillers Kings of Leon are to headline the first of 2 days at this year's Tennent's Vital at the Boucher Road Playing Fields on August 14 & 15.

  The band of three brothers and their cousin formed in 1999, and have to date released five albums, with the most recent being 2010's Come Around Sundown. The band have reportedly recorded their sixth album, but no details of release have been confimed yet - they've started to perform as-yet unreleased material live, however.

  Support is yet to be announced.

  Tickets, priced at £49.50, are available from Ticketmaster. Gates open at 4.30pm.

• Wed

  14

  Aug

  2013

  Hurdles & Go Swim

  Voodoo

  Belfast

  

  Belfast's Voodoo plays host to a 2-band lineup on Wednesday August 14 when both Hurdles and Go Swim play a double-headliner show.

  Dungannon-based indie-pop four-piece Hurdles are just off the back of a main stage slot at Glasgowbury's final ever festival, and their third single 'Kaleidoscope' is available for free download on their Bandcamp. Newly formed Belfast indie-pop five-piece - 4 guys, 1 girl - Go Swim also play on the night, and while not much is known about them, their indie-dance - in the vein of fellow countrymen Two Door Cinema Club - can be heard on Soundcloud on their single 'Halo'.

  Doors open at 9pm and entry costs £5.

• Thu

  15

  Aug

  2013

  T Vital: Snow Patrol, Jason Mraz, Kodaline, Foy Vance & more

  Boucher Road Playing Fields

  Belfast

  

  Headlining the second day of this year's Tennent's Vital Festival at the Boucher Road Playing Fields on August 15 are Bangor/Glasgow hitmakers Snow Patrol.

  Support comes from US singer-songwriter Jason Mraz, Dublin alternative act Kodaline and fellow Bangor man Foy Vance. Further support is yet to be announced. Kings of Leon open Tennent's Vital on August 14.

  Tickets go on sale from May 17, available from Ticketmaster. Gates open at 4.30pm.

• Thu

  15

  Aug

  2013

  Midlake

  The Windsor

  Bangor

  

  Texan folk rock five piece Midlake play Bangor's Open House Festival at the Windsor on August 15.

  Formed in 1999 by a group of jazz students, Midlake eventually leaned more towards indie rock and released their debut LP Banman and Slivercork in 2004. Their most recent release was in 2010, but the band have recently finished up recording their latest album.

  Tickets are available at £16.50 from Open House, or £20 on the night. Doors open at 8pm.

• Fri

  16

  Aug

  2013

  Belsonic: Basement Jaxx

  Custom House Square

  Belfast

  

  Belsonic takes place this year again in late August, with 7 shows taking place over a 10  day period in Belfast’s Custom House Square. Headlining the first night on August 16 are Basement Jaxx.

  The duo, who have an album entitled Music on the way for this year, released their first album in 1999, having formed in South London in 1994, running a club night of the same same.

  Tickets, priced at £30, are available from Belsonic and Ticketmaster. Doors open at 6pm.

• Fri

  16

  Aug

  2013

  Volume Control: Future Chaser, Wyldling & The Couth

  Oh Yeah Centre

  Belfast

  

  The Oh Yeah Centre plays host to another Volume Control show on August 16 to be headlined by Derry act Future Chaser. This will be the all-ages launch party for new Belfast-based record label Broken Melody Records' first release - Broken Melody #001, which features songs from each act on the bill as well as the likes of Pretty Child Backfire, Seven Summits

  Support comes from Derry's own Jilly St. John-fronted electro-rock act Wyldling as well as Lisburn garage/post-rock four-piece The Couth.

  Doors open at 7pm and entry costs £5.

   

• Sat

  17

  Aug

  2013

  Belsonic: Ben Howard

  Custom House Square

  Belfast

  

  English singer-songwriter Ben Howard is to headline one of the Belsonic days on August 17.

  Howard's major debut LP was 2011's Every Kingdom, but has released a series of independent and major EPs, with the most recent being the Island Records-released Burgh Island EP in late 2012.

  Support has yet to be announced for the show, but tickets are available from Ticketmaster for £30. Gates open at 6pm.

• Sun

  18

  Aug

  2013

  Chas Palmer-Williams, Mojo Fury & Skip Cloud

  McHugh's Basement

  Belfast

  

  Ex-Lightyear frontman Chas Palmer-Williams is to play McHugh's Basement Bar in Belfast on August 18 with his brand of acoustic folk-punk.

  Born in Liverpool, Chas Palmer-Williams was the vocalist for UK ska-punk act Lightyear who split up initially in 2003 and regrouped several times, with the most recent being June 2012's 'The Last Ever Tour...'. He released his first solo EP We Showed Them, Didn't We in 2010 and is currently finishing up work on his debut album.

  Support comes from Lisburn-based Mojo Fury - who recently unveiled new single 'The Difference Between' - in a rare acoustic performance, as well as 8-bit/chiptune artist Skip Cloud. 

  Tickets are £5.50 from WeGotTickets or £7 on the door. Doors open at 8pm.

• Wed

  21

  Aug

  2013

  Belsonic: Nine Inch Nails & ASIWYFA

  Custom House Square

  Belfast

  

  In one of the biggest Belsonic shows to date, it has been announced that Nine Inch Nails are to perform a headline show at Custom House Square on August 21.

  The visionary Trent Reznor-led industrial act formed in 1988 and released their debut album Pretty Hate Machine the following year, combining electronic and rock elements to become of the most important bands in contemporary rock music. 

  North coast instrumental quartet And So I Watch You From Afar support at the show, who are just off the back of the release of their third LP All Hail Bright Futures.

  Tickets will go on sale from Ticketmaster.

• Wed

  21

  Aug

  2013

  Furlo Album Launch w/Havana House Party & The Late Twos

  Voodoo

  Belfast

  

  Limavady's own anthemic indie act Furlo launch their debut album with a Pure Savage Promotions event at Belfast's Voodoo on August 21. Support comes from fellow indie rockers Havana House Party and The Late Twos. 

   

  Furlo were relatively quiet during the writing and recording process of their first LP Now Is Always following years of steady gigging around the country, and made their return to Glasgowbury this summer in its final year. 

  Doors open at 9pm and entry costs £4.

• Thu

  22

  Aug

  2013

  Low

  The Empire

  Belfast

  

  Minnesotan indie rockers Low have announced a series of Irish shows, with one to take place in Belfast’s Empire Music Hall on August 21, with Cork and Dublin shows taking place on August 19 & 20 respectively.

  Now in their 20^th year, Low released their tenth album, the Jeff Tweedy-produced The Invisible Way in March of this year. 

  Tickets, priced at £20, are available from the Empire & Ticketmaster. Doors open at 8pm.

• Thu

  22

  Aug

  2013

  Torche, Axis Of & Dott

  Voodoo

  Belfast

  

  Colossal riff-lords Torche are playing Voodoo on August 22, following a venue change as a result of the closure of Auntie Annie's.

  Sludge-pop act Torche released their third studio album Harmonicraft in 2012 and are currently touring on the back of its release.

  Support at the show comes from anthemic punk act Axis Of - who just released their excellent debut album Finding St. Kilda - and Galway garage-pop makers Dott.

  Tickets, priced £10, are available from Shine.net and Ticketmaster.

• Thu

  22

  Aug

  2013

  Belsonic: The Lumineers, Michael Kiwanuka & SOAK

  Custom House Square

  Belfast

  

  American folk-rock act The Lumineers, who released one of the biggest singles in 'Ho Hey', headline Belsonic on August 22.

  Support comes from soul/folk artist Michael Kiwanuka and young Derry songwriter SOAK, who's being quite the sensation at the moment.

  Tickets are priced at £30 from Ticketmaster. Gates open at 6pm.

• Fri

  23

  Aug

  2013

  The Undertones - Teenage Kicks 35th Anniversary

  The Windsor, Quay Street

  Bangor

  

  As part of Open House Bangor, Derry's legendary The Undertones are to play The Windsor on Bangor's Seafront on August 23. 

  This comes on the 35th anniversary of the band's breakthrough single, 'Teenage Kicks' which they're marking with a new greatest hits album - An Introduction to The Undertones which is released in June packaged with some essential video content like Teenage Kicks: The Story of The Undertones, a documentary on the band.

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

• Fri

  23

  Aug

  2013

  Belsonic: Jake Bugg, The Courteeners, Nina Nesbitt & Silhouette

  Custom House Square

  Belfast

  

  Nottingham singer-songwriter Jake Bugg, who has been touring extensively over the last year, is to play Belsonic on August 23. 

  Also playing on the night are indie-pop act The Courteeners, just off the back of playing a Limelight 1 show. 18 year old Scottish songstress Nina Nesbitt and the Northern Irish Silhouette also perform on the night.

  Tickets are available from Ticketmaster for £30. Gates open at 6pm.

• Fri

  23

  Aug

  2013

  Distillation 03: Hornets, No Spill Blood & PigsAsPeople

  The Oh Yeah Centre

  Belfast

  

  The Oh Yeah Centre's next Distillation show takes place on August 23 and features a fast and abrasive lineup, topped by hardcore trio Hornets. 

  Support comes from Dublin synth-thrash supergroup No Spill Blood and Belfast-based sludgy post-hardcore three-piece PigsAsPeople, who just made their single 'The Art of Leaving Your House' available for free download.

  Tickets are available from WeGotTickets or on the door for £5. Doors open at 8pm.

• Sat

  24

  Aug

  2013

  Belsonic: Suede & James

  Custom House Square

  Belfast

  

  One of Britpop's biggest acts, Suede, are to headline Belsonic on August 24 at Belfast's Custom House Square.

  Suede's self-titled first album was released in 1993 and was credited with helping to foster the Britpop genre, while its followup - Dog Man Star - helped solidify the band's legacy. They released Bloodsports this year, which is their first album since 2002.
  

  Also joining Suede are fellow Britpop act James - known for the likes of 'Laid' and 'Sit Down' - who reunited in 2007 and subsequently released 3 albums.

  Tickets, priced from £31.50 up, are available from Ticketmaster. 

• Tue

  27

  Aug

  2013

  Alkaline Trio

  Limelight 1

  Belfast

  

  Alkaline Trio have announced a show at the Limelight 1 on August 27.

  The trio of Matt Skiba, Dan Andriano & Derek Grant formed in 1996 as a young punk act with a dark edge, and have steadily released music since 1998 debut album Goddamnit.

  The band is currently streaming their latest album My Shame Is True.

  Tickets go on sale from Friday May 24 for £20 from Ticketmaster outlets, and Katy's Bar.

• Thu

  29

  Aug

  2013

  Shizznigh Presents: By Conquest or Consent, Death of a Salesman, By Any Means & Divisions

  Limelight 2

  Belfast

  

  Shizznigh Promotions have announced a hardcore/metal show to take place in the Limelight 2 on August 29. Headlining the show are Belfast metal act By Conquest Or Consent, who have an album in the works to be released soon.

  Support comes from five-piece Death Of A Salesman, hardcore quartet By Any Means and Divisions. A DJ set comes from Kat Kirk and local hardcore/metal label Savour Your Scene Records will have a stall at the event.

  Entry costs £5 and doors open at 9pm.

• Fri

  30

  Aug

  2013

  The Staves

  Bangor Abbey

  Bangor

  

  Acoustic folk trio of sisters The Staves are to play Bangor Abbey on August 30 as part of Bangor's Open House Festival, taking place throughout the month of August.

  The Staveley-Taylor sisters began performing open nights in their native Watford but eventually attracted some attention. Their most recent release was 2012 debut album Dead & Born & Grown.

  Tickets are available, priced at £13.50 from Open House or £17 on the door. Doors open at 7.30pm, and it's an all-ages gig.

• Fri

  30

  Aug

  2013

  Maverick, Cross Eyed Mary, Roscos Riot, The Unprotected

  Comrades

  Ballyclare

  
  
  Comrades Rock bar in Ballyclare will celebrate their 2nd birthday on Friday, August 30 with a four-band bill headlined by Belfast-based hard rock five-piece Maverick.
  
  Supporting the band on the night are The Unprotected, Roscos Riot and main support, Belfast quartet Cross Eyed Mary.
  
  Doors are 8.30pm. £5.

• Wed

  04

  Sep

  2013

  Transmit Presents: The Bonnevilles - Live Album Recording

  Limelight 2

  Belfast

  

  Garage-blues-punk outfit The Bonnevilles have announced that they'll play a Transmit show for Pure Savage Promotions at the Limelight 2 on September 4, and have the set recorded for a live album.

  Following up on last year's packed launch in the very same venue for the release of their second album Folk Art and the Death of Electric Jesus, The Bonnevilles make their return with what should be one of the most character-filled gigs of the year.

  Support comes from sleazy grungy trio Dutch Schultz and Escobar.

  Doors open at 9pm and entry costs £4.

   

• Wed

  04

  Sep

  2013

  Antidote EmCees present: Jun Tzu, Noize Thievery & 028

  The Menagerie

  Belfast

   

  

  The guys at Antidote are to run a show at the Menagerie on September 4 in which Belfast-raised hip-hop artist Jun Tzu is to perform new material from his upcoming album.

  Support comes from Noize Thievery and local emcee collective 028, while there'll be DJ sets from Militant Vinylist & Open Mic Sessions.

  Doors open at 9.30pm, and entry costs £5 or £3 before 10.30.

• Thu

  05

  Sep

  2013

  Transmit Presents: Amidships, In Their Thousands & Cry Monster Cry

  Limelight 2

  Belfast

  

  Just off the back of winning the Guinness Versus Battle of the Bands competition, atmospheric indie-folk act Amidships headline Pure Savage's Transmit on September 5.

  Support comes from Donegal alt. folk-rockers In Their Thousands - who just played a well-received set at Glasgowbury - and Dublin brothers in folk Richie & Jamie Martin aka Cry Monster Cry.

  Entry costs £5 and doors open at 9pm.

• Fri

  06

  Sep

  2013

  The Last Generation 'Torann' EP Launch w/The Wood Burning Savages, The Institute*

  The Cellar Bar

  Belfast

  

  Heavy Mid-Ulster four-piece The Last Generation launch their new EP Torann - appropriately enough, it's Irish for 'noise' - at their spiritual home the Cellar Bar on September 6, just a night before its final show under current management.

  Support is fully yet to be confirmed but so far, eclectic Derry quartet The Wood Burning Savages and the Sperrins' finest (if only) acid-prog act The Institute* have been announced.

  Entry costs £5 and doors open at 9pm.

• Sat

  07

  Sep

  2013

  Jimmy Eat World

  Limelight 1

  Belfast

  

  Pop-punk act Jimmy Eat World have announced a show in Belfast's Limelight 1 to take place on September 7, as well as a show in Dublin's Olympia the previous night. 

  Jimmy Eat World's latest album Damage is their eighth to date. The band is in its 20th year, having formed in Arizona in 1993 and went on to become one of the most successful acts of the modern pop-punk/alt. rock/emo crossover era.

  Tickets, priced £20, are available from Ticketmaster & Katy's Bar. This is an early show so doors open at 7pm and the band will be onstage at 8pm.

• Sat

  07

  Sep

  2013

  Gacys Threads 7" Split Vinyl Launch w/ Fivewilldie, Lantern For A Gale & Tusks

  Limelight 2

  Belfast

  

  The Distortion Project has announced that metalcore act Gacys Threads are playing the Limelight 2 to launch their new 7" vinyl split with Swiss act Colossus Fall.

  Support comes from Fivewilldie, north coast melodic punks Lantern For A Gale and stoner/doom act Tusks.

  Doors open at 5pm for the show and entry costs £5.

• Sat

  07

  Sep

  2013

  The Cellar Bar's Last Show: The Greased Palm

  The Cellar Bar

  Draperstown

  

  Funk/blues/rock n' roll act The Greased Palm play the final show at Draperstown's Cellar Bar under current management on September 7.

  The Cellar Bar has had current manager Ryan Lagan in place for the last 13 years and has had to call it a day, but the great love mid-Ulster's music scene has had for the bar means that it'll be getting a series of festivities underway before this, the final show. 

  The Greased Palm - featuring a host of Cellar Bar performing regulars - are the perfect band to end the bar's reign as hub of local talent. Meanwhile, the Glasgowbury team will be starting their work from Draperstown's Cornstore.

  Doors open at 9pm.

• Sat

  07

  Sep

  2013

  Tweedfest '13: Axis Of,

  28 Loughabin Road

  Ballymoney

  

  The north's finest gathering of riffy local acts Tweedfest takes place this year on September 7 at 28 Loughabin Road, Ballymoney and will be headlined by sludge-punk-pop trio Axis Of and hosted by local rapper BeeMickSee.

  The lengthy bill is strengthened by melodic hardcore act Lantern For A Gale, all-star doom band 7.5 Tonnes of Beard, Dog Will Hunt, Vanilla Gloom, Two Glass Eyes, PigsAsPeople, Stillpoint, The Stonemasons, The Big Grizzly, Captain Trips & We Build Mountains.

  Gates open at 3pm and there'll be a minimum donation of £5 for entry. Camping is also available.

• Thu

  12

  Sep

  2013

  Sat

  14

  Sep

  2013

  Not Squares Irish Tour

  The Speakeasy, Grand Social & Sandinos

  Belfast, Dublin & L'derry

  

  Alternative electronic outfit Not Squares are to complete a short Irish tour with dates on September 12, 13 & 14 at Radar in QUBSU's Speakeasy, Dublin's Grand Social & Sandinos in Derry.

  To date, the band has released 1 album, 2010's Yeah Ok on the Richter Collective (now running Sargent House Europe) and these dates are announced just before their performance at Electric Picnic.

   

• Thu

  12

  Sep

  2013

  Radar Presents: Not Squares, GO WOLF & Adultrock

  The Speakeasy

  Belfast

  

  An altogether electronically inclined lineup has been put together for Radar's first show of the 2013/14 academic year, which takes place on September 12. Not Squares have been announced as headliners of the show following the release of singles 'Fall Far' and 'Simpler Vibe' over the last year ahead of their second album. 

  Electro-pop quartet GO WOLF are main support, and electronic solo performer Adultrock - Newbridge's Gavin Elsted - opens the night.

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

• Fri

  13

  Sep

  2013

  Little Miss Stakes 'Monster Party Hits' EP Launch w/ Maverick, Scimitar, The Unprotected & Sons of Sin

  The Empire

  Belfast

  

  Belfast horror-punk quartet Little Miss Stakes release their Monster Party Hits EP with a launch (appropriately enough) on Friday the 13th of September. 

  Support comes from rock n' rollers Maverick, one of Belfast's finest thrash bands Scimitar, sleaze-rockers The Unprotected & metal act Sons of Sin.
  

  Doors open at 8pm and entry costs £5.

• Sat

  14

  Sep

  2013

  Jetplane Landing

  Limelight 2

  Belfast

  

  Derry-based post-hardcore act Jetplane Landing, one member of which founded NI indie label Smalltown America, are returning to Belfast to play the Limelight 2 on September 14.

  The band, who have to date released 3 albums - Zero For Conduct, Once Like A Spark & Backlash Cop - each of which vary significantly in style. They release their new album Don't Try on August 30 - available to pre-order now - with an accompanying UK tour. With a new drummer (former Fighting With Wire man Craig McKean), they're set to revitalise themselves all over again. 
  

  Tickets, priced at £8, are available from Ticketmaster, Katy's Bar & the usual outlets. As it is an early show, doors open at 7pm.

• Sat

  14

  Sep

  2013

  The Strypes

  Limelight 1

  Belfast

   

  

  Irish fast-rising newcomers The Strypes are set to play a show in the Limelight 1 on September 14 as part of their album release tour. 

  The young garage-rock/Britpop revival band have propelled themselves throughout 2013 and Young, Gifted & Blue has achieved huge amounts of acclaim. They release Snapshot in September, which collects the band's own material and some select covers that often creep into their setlists.

  Doors open at 7pm and tickets are available for £14 from Ticketmaster & Katy's Bar.

• Sat

  14

  Sep

  2013

  Nomadic Rituals Album Party w/TOME

  Westlink Enterprise Centre

  Belfast

  

  Belfast sludge/doom trio Nomadic Rituals launch their album Holy Giants on Saturday September 14 with a party performance at their practice space at the Westlink Enterprise Centre. The album was recorded a few months ago at Start Together Studios and promises to be one of, if not the heaviest record from N.I. all year.

  Support comes from Irish Into The Void-signed doom act TOME.

  Gates open at 7pm and music starts around 8pm. Entry is completely free and physical copies of the album are available at the show.

• Sun

  15

  Sep

  2013

  Katmen

  Limelight 2

  Belfast

  

  Rockabilly duo Katmen - a collaboration between Stray Cats' Slim Jim Phantom & Imelda May collaborator & husband Darrel Higham - play the Limelight 2 on September 15.

  The band released their eponymous debut a few years back after a European tour together, and after Higham spending the last 6 years touring with his wife, Katmen have returned with their second album The Katmen Cometh.

  Tickets, priced at £16, are available from Ticketmaster & the usual outlets. Doors open at 8pm.

• Sun

  15

  Sep

  2013

  Steady Hands, Stu Daly & Kev Jones (Empty Lungs) - Free Show

  The Sunflower Bar

  Belfast

  

  Alcohol & Irony have announced that New Jersey-born, Philadelphia-bred pop-punk influenced folk solo artist Steady Hands is to perform at the Sunflower Bar at 65 Union Street on September 15. Steady Hands is the pseudonym taken by Sean Huber, drummer of US indie-rock group Modern Baseball.

  Also on the bill is Stu Daly of punk outfit Chewing On Tinfoil, who's also adopted an acoustic & harmonica folk alter-ego. He recently released his debut EP Heritage in June.

  Opening the show is Empty Lungs' Kev Jones  who brings to the table his 90's influence Americana-fuelled folk-punk. 

  Entry is completely free for the show and doors open at 7pm.

• Sun

  15

  Sep

  2013

  Steady Hands, Stu Daly & Kev Jones (Empty Lungs) - Free Show

  The Sunflower Bar

  Belfast

  

  Alcohol & Irony have announced that New Jersey-born, Philadelphia-bred pop-punk influenced folk solo artist Steady Hands is to perform at the Sunflower Bar at 65 Union Street on September 15. Steady Hands is the pseudonym taken by Sean Huber, drummer of US indie-rock group Modern Baseball.

  Also on the bill is Stu Daly of punk outfit Chewing On Tinfoil, who's also adopted an acoustic & harmonica folk alter-ego. He recently released his debut EP Heritage in June.

  Opening the show is Empty Lungs' Kev Jones  who brings to the table his 90's influence Americana-fuelled folk-punk. 

  Entry is completely free for the show and doors open at 7pm.

• Sun

  15

  Sep

  2013

  Steady Hands, Stu Daly & Kev Jones (Empty Lungs) - Free Show

  The Sunflower Bar

  Belfast

  

  Alcohol & Irony have announced that New Jersey-born, Philadelphia-bred pop-punk influenced folk solo artist Steady Hands is to perform at the Sunflower Bar at 65 Union Street on September 15. Steady Hands is the pseudonym taken by Sean Huber, drummer of US indie-rock group Modern Baseball.

  Also on the bill is Stu Daly of punk outfit Chewing On Tinfoil, who's also adopted an acoustic & harmonica folk alter-ego. He recently released his debut EP Heritage in June.

  Opening the show is Empty Lungs' Kev Jones  who brings to the table his 90's influence Americana-fuelled folk-punk. 

  Entry is completely free for the show and doors open at 7pm.

• Mon

  16

  Sep

  2013

  Soundgarden

  The 02

  Dublin

  

  Legendary Seattle act and one of the 'Big Four' of grunge, Soundgarden, are to play a show at Dublin's 02 on September 16. 

  Having formed almost 30 years ago, the bands prime lineup  of Chris Cornell, Kim Thayil, Ben Shepherd & Matt Cameron regrouped at the start of 2010 and led to extensive touring and the release of Soundgarden’s sixth studio album, King Animal, which was released last year.

  Tickets for the band's return to Ireland are priced at €54.50 from Ticketmaster.

• Wed

  18

  Sep

  2013

  Roger Waters - The Wall Live

  Aviva Stadium

  Dublin

  

  Roger Waters is returning to Dublin with his live visual-musical masterpiece 'The Wall', based around the Waters-penned Pink Floyd double album.

  This follows his extremely successful 2011 tour of The Wall, which included a date in Dublin's O2. This time around, Waters is doing a stadium tour and will bring the best-selling show to the Aviva Stadium on September 18.

  Tickets, priced from €69.50, are available from Ticketmaster.

   

• Wed

  18

  Sep

  2013

  The Rupture Dogs, Former Monarchs, Skeletons, BeeMickSee & Cordials

  Limelight 2

  Belfast

   

  

  The Rupture Dogs headline Shizznigh Promotions' Freshers Week show on September 18 at the Limelight 2 in a Solid Air show.

  Cork's own Former Monarchs support, along with More Than Conquerors' hardcore side-project Skeletons - who played their first show at Forfey Festival this summer - as well as hip-hop act BeeMickSee & north coast band Cordials.

  Doors open at 9pm and entry costs £5.

• Thu

  19

  Sep

  2013

  Deacon Blue

  Waterfront Hall

  Belfast

  

  Deacon Blue, who just this year released a new album in The Hipsters, are to play the Olympia and Belfast's Waterfront Hall on September 18 & 19 respectively.

  The Scottish pop act just last year celebrated the 25th anniversary of their debut album's release. They broke up in 1994 for 5 years before a 1999 reunion.

  Tickets are available for £30 from Ticketmaster. 

• Thu

  19

  Sep

  2013

  Yellow Car No Return's Final Show w/Sweet Taste, Chocolate Love Factory & Cider Fish

  The Empire

  Belfast

  

  Fermanagh funk-blues rock power trio Yellow Car No Return play their final ever show on September 19 at the Empire.

  Support comes from classic rock act Sweet Taste, Chocolate Love Factory - who've recently expanding to a four piece following the loss of their old bassist to be replaced by Yellow Car No Return's frontman/bassist Luke Burns - and opening the night will be Cider Fish.

  Doors open at 8.30pm and admission costs £5.

• Fri

  20

  Sep

  2013

  Sat

  21

  Sep

  2013

  Fleetwood Mac

  The O2

  Dublin

  

  In some of the finest news gig-goers could receive, Fleetwood Mac have announced details of a major world tour, and are to play Dublin’s O2 on September 20 & 21 - with the second show added due to demand.

  The British-American band formed in London in 1967,  based around the blues-rock stylings of guitarist Peter Green. There were many lineup changes, but the one for which Fleetwood Mac are best-known was 1977's Rumours lineup of Mick Fleetwood, Lindsay Buckingham, Stevie Nicks, Christine McVie and John McVie. 

  The current world tour sees 4 of the 5 members present for Rumours reunited - without Christine McVie. Fleetwood Mac are currently writing new material, with an album in the works.

  Tickets are available from Ticketmaster, and range from €65.50 up to €106. Doors open at 6.30pm.

• Fri

  20

  Sep

  2013

  Dan Le Sac

  Stiff Kitten

  Belfast

  

  British electronic artist Dan Le Sac, best known for his work alongside wordsmith Scroobius Pip, is to perform at the Stiff Kitten on September 20.

  Dan Le Sac has collaborated with several important international acts, and is solely responsible for the musical half of Dan Le Sac vs Scroobius Pip - who just finished recording their third album.

  DJ sets on the night will be carried out by Lokokos, James Kirkpatrick (Delta-9), Mark Manley (of Belfast Music Club) & Marty Lish (of Belfast Funk n' Soul).

  Tickets are available for £12 from WeGotTickets & on the door. Doors open at 9pm.

• Fri

  20

  Sep

  2013

  Distillation 04: Sea Pinks, September Girls & Affleck

  Oh Yeah Centre

  Belfast

  

  On Belfast Culture Night 2013, which happens to take place on Friday September 20, the Oh Yeah Centre hosts Distillation 04, which is to be headlined by jangly surf-pop outfit Seas Pinks.

  Support comes from Dublin garagey noise-pop act September Girls and recently formed 3/4 of Eatenbybears part-electronic project Affleck, who just put out their first EP for free on Bandcamp.

  Doors open at 6pm and admission is completely free!

• Fri

  20

  Sep

  2013

  The Psychedelic Society of Friends present Fuzz War

  Bill Harris Hairdressing

  52 Hill Street, Belfast

  For Belfast Culture Night, Bill Harris Hairdressing on 52 Hill Street hosts a garage rock n' roll night curated by seeming collective 'The Psychedelic Society of Friends' which is being tentatively described as 'earth shaking, bone rattling & jaw dropping'.

  The performances on the night come from Thee Penny Dreadfuls, garage-psyche act The Monotonous Tone &  vintage r'n'b revivalists The Groundlings in the front window of the salon.

  The show goes on from 7pm-10pm.

• Fri

  20

  Sep

  2013

  Robyn G Shiels

  Crumlin Road Gaol

  Belfast

  

  Master of doom & gloom Robyn G Shiels is to perform at the Crumlin Road Gaol on Belfast Culture Night.

  Shiels performs at 5.30pm & 7pm in the truly unique venue, and if his recent Glasgowbury performance is anything to go by, his set will be hauntingly introspective. His most recent release was the Underneath The Night Of Stars EP, but has steadily released music since his incredible debut LP A Lifetime of Midnights.

• Sat

  21

  Sep

  2013

  Manic Street Preachers

  The Olympia & Ulster Hall

  Dublin & Belfast

  

  Having just unveiled the title track to their new album 'Rewind The Film' with Richard Hawley, Wales' Manic Street Preachers are to play the Olympia in Dublin and Belfast's Ulster Hall on September 20 & 21 respectively.

  Having formed back in 1986 as a glammy, Guns N' Roses-inspired band with a social conscience, the Manics have evolved throughout their careers, peaking with the mid-nineties one-two of The Holy Bible and its post-Richie Edwards follow-up Everything Must Go. They recently announced details of eleventh album Rewind The Film.

  Tickets are available from Ticketmaster.

• Sat

  21

  Sep

  2013

  Invisible Noise: Mojo Fury, The Rupture Dogs, The Runaway Bears, Runaway Go, In Elegance, The Couth, Ashley Smith

  Chapel Hall

  Lisburn

  

  Lisburn's Chapel Hall (opposite Hague's Bar) plays host to MFMusic's 'Invisible Noise' one day festival on September 21, with an impressive lineup of local acts headed by Mojo Fury, who are currently running a Pledge campaign in order to release their second album The Difference Between.

  Support comes from riffy four-piece The Rupture Dogs, groovy alt. rockers The Runaway Bears, anthemic indie act Runaway Go in an acoustic set, In Elegance, indie rockers The Couth & an acoustic set from Whanau's Ashley Smith.

  Entry costs £6, doors open at 7pm & the gig is a 14+ show.

   

• Sat

  21

  Sep

  2013

  Xibalba, Gacy's Threads, Katabolisis & The Steady Decline

  The Warzone Centre

  Belfast

  

  Southern Lord-signed Metallic hardcore act Xibalba play the Warzone Centre on September 21 for a Down By Law show. Taken from the Mayan translation for 'place of fear', the Californians are to stop off in Belfast as part of their European tour.

  Support comes from local chaotic hardcore favourites Gacys Threads, death metallers Katabolisis and the first show from hardcore five-piece The Steady Decline.

  Doors open at 9pm and entry costs £10 with a BYOB policy.

• Sun

  22

  Sep

  2013

  Graham Parker

  Limelight 2

  Belfast

  

  Influential songwriter Graham Parker, best known for his work with Graham Parker and The Rumour, has announced his first UK shows in 30 years and is to play the Limelight 2 on September 22.

  Parker has been releasing albums since 1976's Howlin' Wind, and has released countless albums, influencing the likes of Springsteen and Frank Black with his witty, socially aware lyrical content.

  Tickets, priced £16, are available from Ticketmaster and Katy's Bar. Doors open at 8pm.

• Mon

  23

  Sep

  2013

  More Than Conquerors Album Launch

  Limelight 2

  Belfast

  

  Alternative act More Than Conquerors are to launch their long-awaited debut album Everything I've Learnt via Smalltown America at the Limelight 2 on September 23.

  The band have to date released 2 EPs through Smalltown America Records and are just off the back of the set of their lives at Glasgowbury's final festival - before which they collaborated with Axis Of to co-write a song, 'Heart of Invention' for the Resonate project. The band follow their Belfast date with a UK & European tour in October.

  Tickets are available for £7 from Ticketmaster & Katy's Bar. Doors open at 9pm.

• Thu

  26

  Sep

  2013

  Arthur's Day 2013: LaFaro, Escobar, The Late Twos & Seven Summits

  The Pavilion

  Belfast

  

  Arthur's Day 2013 has a selection of excellent shows, with one highlight in particular being the Pavilion's lineup, to be headed by hugely riffy four piece LaFaro. 

  Support comes from Escobar, indie act The Late Twos and alternative/indie rock quartet Seven Summits.

  Doors open at 9pm. There will also be traditional music on the ground floor bar from 6.30-8.30pm.

• Thu

  26

  Sep

  2013

  Radar Presents: The Dead Presidents, BeeMickSee & The Clameens

  The Speakeasy

  Belfast

  

  Funk-soul troupe The Dead Presidents headline the Radar of Fresher's week on September 26. This will be the band's first since their fully-packed out Radar earlier in 2013 to launch their first EP Can You Dig It? which we reviewed.

  Portland, Oregon-born, Belfast-based rapper BeeMickSee provides support and if the crowd's as big as we predict, his performance will thrive in the environment. Derry indie upstarts The Clameens open the night off the back of an eventful summer which saw them open the final Glasgowbury festival's main stage.

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

• Thu

  26

  Sep

  2013

  Arthur's Day 2013: Gacys Threads, 7.5 Tonnes of Beard & Bullybimon

  Voodoo

  Belfast

   

  

   

  Voodoo hosts a free Arthur's Day show on September 26 for the more metal-inclined. Headlining the show is chaotic hardcore quartet Gacys Threads.

  Support comes from monumentally heavy sludge-doom five piece 7.5 Tonnes of Beard and sludgy metallers Bullybimon.

  Entry is completely free and doors open at 8.30pm, and admission comes with a free shot of Jägermeister.

• Fri

  27

  Sep

  2013

  Wire

  Workman's Club

  Dublin

  

  Seminal English post-punk act Wire play Dubin's Workman's Club on September 27.

  The band formed in London in 1976, and released their debut album, the essential Pink Flag in '77, and proved to be one of the most influential bands in the history of post-punk and art-rock. Their most recent album was this year's Change Becomes Us.
  

  Tickets are available from Ticketmaster.

• Fri

  27

  Sep

  2013

  MakingMonsters, Vanilla Gloom, Dog Will Hunt & Kate's Party

  The Retro Bar

  Portrush

  

  Portrush's Retro Bar hosts an excellent 4-band lineup on September 27, to be topped by Derry alt/metal four piece MakingMonsters who consist of former members of No Mean City and Hybris. They recently released the music video for their single, 'What It's Worth'.

  Support comes from all-female post-punk trio Vanilla Gloom, north coast post-hardcore act Dog Will Hunt & Cavan-based pop-punk quartet Kate's Party.

  Doors open at 9pm and entry costs £5.

• Fri

  27

  Sep

  2013

  BREED: Katie & The Carnival, Myles Manley, Hannah McPhillimy

  The Pavilion

  Belfast

  

  The latest instalment of Breed brings together some serious songwriting prowess, with headlining duties resting on the ever-capable shoulders of Katie Richardson's Katie & The Carnival.

  Dublin-based singer-songwriter Myles Manley makes this appearance as part of his 'Greatest Hits' Irish tour, and opening the night is Belfast songstress Hannah McPhillimy, whose recent debut EP has won over a legion of fans.

  Entry costs £4 and doors open at 9pm.

• Sat

  28

  Sep

  2013

  Cut The Transmission: Frank Turner, Future of the Left, Fighting With Wire & more

  The Venue 2013

  Derry/Londonderry

  

  Derry post-hardcore trio Fighting With Wire, who recently announced their impending dissolution, are to play their final show in Derry's The Venue as part of the Cut The Transmission festival on Saturday September 28. 

  Long-time FWW pal Frank Turner is to play with his backing band The Sleeping Souls and Future of the Left play their first ever show in Northern Ireland. Smalltown America acts More Than Conquerors & LaFaro and FWW labelmates Jim Lockey & The Solemn Sun also provide support at the event. ASIWYFA, The Wood Burning Savages, Little Hooks, Making Monsters and Droids round off the lineup.

  Formed in late 2003, Fighting With Wire were catapulted to great success with their 2008 debut album Man vs Monster, but unfortunately momentum was somewhat halted and the band released Colonel Blood, their follow up, 4 years later. Their breakup was announced at their final Belfast show in February at the Limelight 1.

  Tickets are available from the Millennium Forum. Gates open at 2pm.

• Sun

  29

  Sep

  2013

  KEN mode, Unkind & Axecatcher

  Voodoo

  Belfast

  

  Canadian metallic hardcore band KEN mode play Voodoo on September 29. They're just off the back of the release of their new album Entrench.

  Fellow hardcore act, Finland's Unkind provide support alongside young Limavady outfit Axecatcher.

  Tickets cost £11 from WeGotTickets and doors open at 7.30pm.

• Tue

  01

  Oct

  2013

  The 1975 (14+)

  Mandela Hall

  Belfast

  

  Art-pop act The 1975 are to play a 14+ show at the Mandela Hall on October 1, following their much smaller show at the Oh Yeah Centre a few months back.

  Formed in Manchester in 2002 as teenagers, the four piece have, to date, released 3 EPs in Facedown, Sex and Music For Cars. Theyre to release their first studio album on September 9, just a few weeks before their Belfast show.

  Tickets, priced at £12, are available from Shine.net and the usual Ticketmaster outlets. Doors open early at 7pm.

• Wed

  02

  Oct

  2013

  Safe Ships 'Fighting Fit' Single Launch w/Tied To Machines, Bellos & Past Victories

  Voodoo

  Belfast

  

  Belfast hardcore four-piece Safe Ships launch their next single 'Fighting Fit' with a headline show at Voodoo on October 2. 

  Their Banbridge punk brethren Tied To Machines support, as well as alt-rock trio Bellos and fellow alternative rockers Past Victories. Gascan Ruckus drummer and all-around good guy Rossa Mac Tíarnáin will be hosting the night with a few folk tunes and stories.

  Doors open at 9pm and entry costs £5.

• Wed

  02

  Oct

  2013

  Transmit Presents: Before Machines' Last Ever Show w/Elspeth & Audio Cavalry

  Limelight 2

  Belfast

  

  Before Machines play their last ever show at the Limelight 2 on October 2. The dancey post-hardcore quartet had this statement on the split:

  "A few weeks ago the two Dans announced their intentions to leave the band, confirming what we had all been feeling in our hearts for some time - that Before Machines are over. 

  The release of the "Tundra" album earlier this year was a real high-point for us, but it only served to paper over some of the cracks that had been appearing. Before Machines have been performing for the best part of five years. In that time we've all changed as people; priorities have changed for everyone and some of us feel the need to move away from music. Conversely, there are some of us who will carry on making music; but it wouldn't be right to call it Before Machines. 

  We'd like to thank everyone who ever put a show on for us, gave us a place to sleep, came to one of our shows, bought a record, or even just listened along the way. As a thank-you, we'll be making our "Tundra" album free to download from Bandcamp with immediate effect. We're still very proud of this record, and we hope you'll enjoy it. 

  Thanks, 

  BM"

  We thoroughly encourage everyone to download said free album and get down to the show and see off this excellent band in style.

  Support comes from Elspeth & experimental alternative indie band AudioCavalry.

  Doors open at 9pm and entry costs £4.

• Thu

  03

  Oct

  2013

  Levity Breaks 'Maudlin' EP Launch

  Limelight 2

  Belfast

  

  Belfast-based anthemic pop quartet Levity Breaks launch their debut EP Maudlin with a show at the Limelight 2 on October 3.

  The band have been together for a couple of years now, having gigged around NI; and this, their debut EP will be released digitally worldwide on October 6 accompanied by an Irish tour.

  Entry costs £5 and doors open at 8pm.

• Thu

  03

  Oct

  2013

  Sat

  05

  Oct

  2013

  Little Bear & Guests

  Whelan's, Limelight 2 & Nerve Centre

  Dublin, Belfast & Derry

  

  Derry-Londonderry folk/rock four-piece Little Bear play headline shows at Dublin's Whelan's, Belfast's Limelight 2 & Derry's Nerve Centre on October 3, 4 & 5 respectively.

  The piano/guitar led act received some high praise following their debut release and have just release their first single with Smalltown America - a double A-side of 'Night Dries Like Ink' and 'Killer' - following a busy few months of festival slots and high-profile support slots.

  Tickets are available for from Ticketmaster & Katy's Bar (for the Limelight show). Doors open at 8pm.

• Thu

  03

  Oct

  2013

  Radar Presents: Sons Of Calibur, Alana Henderson & Arborist

  The Speakeasy

  Belfast

  

  Folk act Sons of Calibur have replaced New Ancestors as headliners of Radar tonight.

  Support comes from the unique cello stylings of singer-songwriter Alana Henderson - who released her Wax and Wane EP earlier in 2013 - and thoroughly chilled out folk act Arborist, based around songwriter Mark McCambridge.

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

• Fri

  04

  Oct

  2013

  Charles Bradley and His Extraordinaires

  The Empire

  Belfast

  

  Soul/funk/R&B/gospel singer Charles Bradley is to play with His Extraordinaires for a Strange Victory show at the Empire on October 4.

  Having been signed to Daptone Records and stuck in the rut of releasing singles from 2002, it took until 2011 to release Bradley's debut abum No Time For Dreaming. His incredible life story was documented on 2012 film 'Soul Of America', about spending his life on the streets, a stint as a James Brown impersonator and his brother being murdered. This helped propel the artist to stardom, and his second album Victim of Love was released in April.

  Tickets are available from Ticketmaster & Head Records in Belfast for £14 + booking fee. Doors open at 8.30pm.

   

• Fri

  04

  Oct

  2013

  Sete Star Sept (Japan), Zombified, Nomadic Rituals & Scimitar

  The Warzone Centre

  Belfast

  

  Down By Law has announced the latest show to be at the Warzone Centre, headlined by Japanese 2-piece grind act Sete Star Sept, who've just released new LP Visceral Tavern. 
  

  Support comes from Belfast death metallers Zombified, easily one of the country's heaviest acts, doom trio Nomadic Rituals and thrash band Scimitar.
  

  Doors open at 9pm, entry costs £10 with a BYOB policy.

• Sat

  05

  Oct

  2013

  Superfood

  Voodoo

  Belfast

  

  Birmingham four-piece Superfood have announced a show at Belfast's Voodoo on October 5. 

  The indie act are just off the back of a slot at Dublin's Longitude festival and have accomplished serious feats since their first show on Halloween last year.

  Tickets are available for £8 from Shine.net, Ticketmaster & the usual outlets. Doors open at 7pm as it is an early show.

• Sat

  05

  Oct

  2013

  Dead Wing Promotions Dry Dock Launch: The Last Generation, Chocolate Love Factory & Bellos

  The Dry Dock

  Magherafelt

  

  Young Mid-Ulster-based Dead Wing Promotions have recently acquired a weekly gig night following the closure of their usual venue, Draperstown's Cellar Bar. The new venue - The Dry Dock - is just a few miles away in the more central Magherafelt. The first show takes place on October 5 and is to be headlined, appropriately enough, by young rockers The Last Generation, who Dead Wing have championed for the last few years and play this as the Magherafelt leg of their Torann EP launch.

  Support comes from recently refurbished - 2 new members - fuzz/desert rockers Chocolate Love Factory and alt. rock trio Bellos.

  Entry costs £5.

• Sat

  05

  Oct

  2013

  The Firebobbies, Queer Giraffes & Geoff Hatt and the Rockpool Band

  Bar Sub, QUBSU

  Belfast

  

  Pop-punk outfit The Firebobbies are celebrating the tenth anniversary of their first EP with a show at Bar Sub in QUB's Student's Union on October 5. 

  Support comes from collective Queer Giraffes and Geoff Hatt and the Rockpool Band.

  Doors open at 9pm and entry costs £5.

• Sun

  06

  Oct

  2013

  Tonight Alive (14+)

  Oh Yeah Centre

  Belfast

  

  Australian pop-rock quintet Tonight Alive are to play Belfast for the first time at the Oh Yeah Centre on October 6.

  The group were voted best new band of 2012 by Kerrang and played the infamous Warped Tour last year. Formed in 2008, they released their debut album What Are You So Scared Of? in 2011.

  Tickets, priced at £12.50, are available from Shine.net and Ticketmaster. Doors open for the 14+ show open at 6pm.

• Mon

  07

  Oct

  2013

  John Fullbright w/Amy Speace

  Black Box

  Belfast

  

  25 year old Oklahoma-born Americana artist John Fullbright is to play the Black Box for an Open House show on October 7.

  Fullbright's most recent LP From The Ground Up was nominated for a Grammy in 2012, and he's been compared to the likes of Townes Van Zandt - not a name to be taken lightly.

  The special guest on the nice is Baltimore's Amy Speace, who has to date released 5 albums, with the most recent being 2013's How to Sleep in a Stormy Boat.

  Tickets are available from Open House Festivals for £12.50. Doors open at 7.30pm.

• Mon

  07

  Oct

  2013

  The Last Generation 'Torann' EP Launch w/Astralnaut, Nomadic Rituals & Safe Ships

  The Menagerie

  Belfast

  

  Young Mid-Ulster riff-rockers The Last Generation launch their latest and greatest EP Torann at the Menagerie on October 7, just a short while after they gave it their hometown launch in the penultimate (ever) Cellar Bar show in Draperstown. 

  Support comes from stoner groove-metal five piece Astralnaut, doom/sludge trio Nomadic Rituals and hardcore four piece Safe Ships, who release their new single just the week before.
  

  Entry costs £5.

• Wed

  09

  Oct

  2013

  Everything Everything

  Limelight 1

  Belfast

  

  Manchester-based art-pop outfit Everything Everything have announced a headline show at the Limelight 1 on October 9. This news follows the release of their second album Arc, which was released earlier this year.

  Tickets, priced £17, are available from Ticketmaster & Katy's Bar. Doors open at 8pm.

• Wed

  09

  Oct

  2013

  Polly and the Billets Doux, Emerald Armada & Ciaran Lavery

  McHugh's Bar

  Belfast

  

  Alcohol & Irony have announced that Bristol/Winchester-based quartet Polly and the Billets Doux are to play McHugh's Bar on October 9. To date, they've released 2010 album Fiction, Half-Truths and Downright Lies as well as 4 EPs, the most recent being 2012's Hold Fast EP, from which the single 'Hymn Song' was taken.

  Support comes from local folk outfit Emerald Armada and singer-songwriter Ciaran Lavery, who recently released his debut album Not Nearly Dark.

  Tickets are available £5 in advance from WeGotTickets or £10 on the night. Doors open at 8pm.

• Thu

  10

  Oct

  2013

  Glasvegas

  Limelight 1

  Belfast

  

  Scottish indie band Glasvegas have announced their return to Belfast with a show at the Limelight 1 on October 10.

  Having formed in 2003, Glasvegas released their eponymous debut LP in 2008 and followed it up with a mini album in the same year. They released their second album Euphoric Heartbreak 2011, and the band are due to release their latest album Later…When The TV Turns To Static, from which they’ve unveiled one song ‘If’ with a William Shatner-meets-The Old Grey Whistle Test-themed video.

  Tickets priced at £14 are available from Ticketmaster, Katy’s Bar and the usual outlets. Doors open at 9pm.

• Thu

  10

  Oct

  2013

  Fri

  11

  Oct

  2013

  Dan Le Sac vs Scroobius Pip

  Workman's Club

  Dublin

  

  English hip-hop duo Dan Le Sac vs Scroobius Pip have announced their return with a UK & Irish tour which takes in a 2-day stint at Dublin's Workman's Club on October 10 & 11.

  Wordsmith Scroobius Pip has been on his own for the last couple of years, releasing 2011's Distraction Pieces in his time away while Dan - the purely musical half - released Space Between The Words last year. The band together have released 2 albums to date (Angles & The Logic of Chance) and have apparently just finished work on their latest LP. 

  Tickets are available for €16.50 from Ticketmaster. Doors open at 8pm.

• Thu

  10

  Oct

  2013

  Radar Presents: Hurdles 'Where To Start' EP Launch w/Affleck & Go Swim

  The Speakeasy

  Belfast

  

  Dungannon quartet Hurdles headline Radar for their Where To Start EP launch on October 10 at the Speakeasy. The EP was recorded at Start Together Studios and follows up on their last three singles 'Paper Soldiers', 'Pictures' and 'Kaleidoscope'.

  Support comes from recently formed electronic trio Affleck who are made up of 3/4 of Eatenbybears and have released an excellent debut EP. Comprised of former members of Nakatomi Towers and Parachutes Over Paris, Go Swim open the show.

  Doors open at 9pm and as always, entry is free.

• Fri

  11

  Oct

  2013

  The Answer

  Limelight 2

  Belfast

  

  Downpatrick blues-rockers The Answer play something of a homecoming show as part of their New Horizon Tour at the Limelight 2 on October 11.

  The Answer are due to release their fourth album New Horizon in 2013 with a tour which sees the band play across the UK and Europe, with the Belfast show being the first of the tour. The quartet have many accolades to their name, notably spending 2 years as main support to AC/DC.

  Tickets are priced at £14 and are available from Ticketmaster outlets and Katy's Bar. Doors open at 7pm.

• Fri

  11

  Oct

  2013

  Devil Wears Prada (14+)

  Mandela Hall

  Belfast

  

  US metalcore act Devil Wears Prada are to play the Mandela Hall on October 11.

  The band release their new, as-yet-untitled LP on September 16, following up on 2011's Dead Throne. 

  Tickets, priced at £14, are available from Ticketmaster, Shine.net, QUBSU & The Stiff Kitten Bar. As it is a 14+ show, doors open at 7pm.

• Fri

  11

  Oct

  2013

  Shizznigh Presents, Concrete Circus, Gin Craze, Making Monsters, Deadlights, The Big Grizzly & Smoking Tongue

  Stiff Kitten

  Belfast

  

  Pop-punk-funk five-piece Concrete Circus top Shizznigh Promotions' bill at the Stiff Kitten on October 11.

  Support comes from funk-rock quartet Gin Craze, Derry metal act Making Monsters, Lisburn alt-rockers Deadlights, the synth-infused alt-rock of The Big Grizzly, and alternative outfit Smoking Tongue. 
  

  Entry costs £6 and doors open at 8.30pm.

• Fri

  11

  Oct

  2013

  Volume Control: Rams' Pocket Radio, A Northern Light & Serotonin

  The MAC

  Belfast

  

  Volume Control bring their monthly all-ages gig to the MAC on October 11 with a headline performance by Rams' Pocket Radio, who releases his debut album Béton soon.

  Support comes from anthemic pop-rock act A Northern Light and alt. rock three piece Serotonin.

  Doors open at 7pm and entry costs £5 - with a 2 for 1 offer on tickets with the promotional code VOLUME241 on the ticket site.

• Sat

  12

  Oct

  2013

  Deerhunter (Cancelled)

  The Empire

  Belfast

  

  Atlanta indie rock quintet Deerhunter have announced a show with Strange Victory Promotions at the Empire Music Hall on October 12.

  Formed in 2001, their first album was a lo-fi experiment released in 2005. Following up with 2006's Cryptograms, their real debut album, the band took off. Halcyon Digest was released in 2010 and the band took a break following its release. They just released their fifth LP Monomania.

  Tickets are available from Ticketmaster, The Empire & Head Records in Belfast for £17 & booking fee. Doors open at 8.30pm.

• Sat

  12

  Oct

  2013

  Om Unit, Boxcutter & Richie Kaboogie

  The Menagerie

  Belfast

  

  Previously under the 2tall moniker, Om Unit makes his name debut in Belfast's Menagerie on October 12. Om Unit is a former DMC finalist and turtablist, as well as a heavy contributor to Turntable Radio online. He has released music under his new pseudonym on a plethora of labels - Exit Records UK and Goldie's Metalheadz, All City, Civil Music, and his own label Cosmic Bridge, just to name a few.

  Support comes from Boxcutter and Cork-based Richie Kaboogie. 

  Doors open at 9.30pm and entry costs £8 on the door.

• Sun

  13

  Oct

  2013

  Mike Dignam (14+)

  Crescent Arts Centre

  Belfast

  

  Singer-songwriter Mike Dignam plays Belfast's Crescent Arts Centre as part of his Great Escape tour on October 13 in a 14+ show.

  Having won the 'Youth Music' national competition in 2008, the Preston lad - aged 18 - independently wrote, recorded and released his debut EP World Of Our Own. After a couple more EPs, and releases, Dignam is set to release a new record over summer.

  Tickets are available from here for £8. Doors open at 7.30pm and it is a 14+ show.

• Tue

  15

  Oct

  2013

  Fossil Collective

  McHughs Basement Bar

  Belfast

  

  Leeds multi-instrumentalist two-piece Fossil Collective have announced their return to Belfast following their show in May. This time, they play McHughs Basement on October 15th.

  This heavily folk-influenced act are playing as part of 'The Magpie Tour', and their debut album Tell Where I Lie was released earlier this year.

  Tickets are available priced at £9.50 from Shine.net & Ticketmaster. Doors open at 9pm.

• Thu

  17

  Oct

  2013

  Johnny Flynn & The Sussex Witt

  Limelight 2

  Belfast

  

  English folk act Johnny Flynn & The Sussex Witt are to play the Limelight 2 on October 17.

  The jack-of-all-trades Flynn is an actor, poet and songwriter, distinguishable by his mysteriously aged and worldweary baritone. Most recently, he scored comedy-drama A Bag of Hammers, with the soundtrack released last year. Flynn's third album with the Sussex Witt is released in September.

  Tickets are available for £12.50 from Ticketmaster & Katy's Bar. Doors open at 9pm.

• Thu

  17

  Oct

  2013

  SO:NI Presents: The Dead Presidents, The Couth, R51 & Shanokee

  The Empire

  Belfast

  

  Funk-soul-pop seven piece The Dead Presidents play Belfast's Empire Music Hall on October 17 as headliners in a fine SO:NI bill. The band recently released their debut Can You Dig It? EP.

  Support comes from Lisburn indie four piece The Couth, indie shoegaze-influenced act R51 and new electropop outfit Shanokee.

  Admission costs £5 and doors open at 8.30pm.

• Thu

  17

  Oct

  2013

  Radar Presents: Astralnaut, Dutch Schultz & Bellos

  The Speakeasy

  Belfast

  

  Stoner groove metallers Astralnaut have been touring Ireland recently, and they play their biggest show at Radar, where they make their first headline appearance on October 17. Their most recent release was April's In The Gaze Of The Gods EP.

  Support comes from sleazy grunge trio Dutch Schultz and their fellow 90's-influenced riffmakers Bellos, who recently put out an excellent EP on a pay-what-you-like basis on Bandcamp.

  Entry is free and doors open at 9pm.

• Fri

  18

  Oct

  2013

  The Story So Far, Seahaven & Save Your Breath (14+)

  Mandela Hall

  Belfast

  

  Pop-punk five-piece The Story So Far headline the Mandela Hall for a 14+ show on October 18. They released their second LP What You Don't See in March this year after 2 EPs and their debut album. 

  Also on the bill are Seahaven following their stint on the Warped Tour and Welsh outfit Save Your Breath. 

  Tickets priced at £10 are available from Ticketmaster & QUBSU. Doors open at 7pm.

• Fri

  18

  Oct

  2013

  Belfast Festival: Carminho

  Elmwood Hall, QUB

  Belfast

  

  Portuguese musician Carminho plays the Belfast Festival on October 18 at the Elmwood Hall in QUB. 

  Coming from a family of musicians, with her mother being a famous fado (a genre of music popular in Portuguese culture) and pop singer. Carminho is something of a crossover artist, bringing in a traditional & contemporary fado as well as folk and pop. She has released 2 albums since 2009, Fado and Alma.

  Doors open at 7pm and tickets cost £14 (and £12 concession) from the Belfast Festival site.

• Fri

  18

  Oct

  2013

  Distillation 05: Blue Whale, BATS & Vanilla Gloom

  Oh Yeah Centre

  Belfast

  

  In the fifth instalment of the Oh Yeah Centre's Distillation night, arty jazz-punk quartet Blue Whale headline, following the recent launch of their second EP on Belfast Culture Night. The show takes place on October 18.

  Support comes from the science-loving math-rock/post-hardcore five piece BATS and Belfast's finest post-punk/90s enthusiasts, Vanilla Gloom.

  Tickets are available for £5 on the night or from WeGotTickets. Doors open at 8pm.

• Sat

  19

  Oct

  2013

  MGMT

  The Olympia

  Dublin

  

  Psychedelic indie rock band MGMT have announced a European tour following a rather quiet last couple of years, and this includes a show on October 19 at Dublin's Olympia. 

  The act, who broke through with their accessible debut album Oracular Spectacular in 2007, followed up with a much more experimental and less commercially successful LP in Congratulations, and it looks like the band are set to release a self-titled third album in August.

  Tickets are available from Ticketmaster. 

• Sat

  19

  Oct

  2013

  Hem

  Elmwood Hall, QUB

  Belfast

  

  Rootsy New York act Hem are to play the Elmwood Hall at Queen's University on October 19 as part of the Belfast Festival.

  To date, they've has released 6 albums since their debut in 2002, with the most recent being this year's Departure and Farewell. 

  Support comes from 16 year old singer-songwriter Rosie Carney.

  Doors open at 7pm and tickets are available for £14 (and £12 concession) from the Belfast Festival site.

• Sat

  19

  Oct

  2013

  Dead Wing Presents: Tiger and the Bomb EP Launch w/Astralnaut & MotherWave

  The Dry Dock

  Magherafelt

  

  Mid-Ulster quartet Tiger & The Bomb launch their debut EP on October 19 at Dead Wing Promotions' regular new gig night in Magherafelt's Dry Dock.

  Support comes from groove-based stoner rock act Astralnaut and alt. rock duo MotherWave.

  Entry costs £5 and doors open at 9pm.

• Sat

  19

  Oct

  2013

  The Distortion Project Presents: The Steady Decline, Divisions & Defyed

  Limelight 2

  Belfast

  

  Hardcore newcomers The Steady Decline are to headline a Distortion Project show at the Limelight 2 on October 19. They recently released their debut EP on Bandcamp on a pay-what-you-like scheme.

  Fellow hardcore act Divisions provide support, as well as metalcore five piece Defyed.

  Doors open at 5pm.

• Mon

  21

  Oct

  2013

  Airbourne w/Black Spiders

  Limelight 1

  Belfast

  

  Austrailian retro hard rock act Airbourne play the Limelight 1 on October 21 with support from Black Spiders, who've played with a veritable who's who of classic rock acts.

  Just off the back of slots at Download Festival and the Metal Hammer Golden God Awards, the band constantly draw comparisons with their countrymen AC/DC. They've just released their third album Black Dog Barking.

  Tickets are available from Ticketmaster & Katy's Bar for £20. Doors open at 8pm. 

• Tue

  22

  Oct

  2013

  Local Natives, Cloud Control & Beton

  Limelight 1

  Belfast

  

  Five-piece indie act Local Natives have announced a headline show at the Limelight 1 on October 22.

  They released their second album, Hummingbird, at the end of January and were quick to announce a Belfast date in their UK tour, following their recent sold-out Dublin show.

  Support comes from Australian alt. rock band Cloud Control and Beton.

  Tickets, priced £17, are available from Ticketmaster and Katy's Bar. Doors open at 7pm.

• Wed

  23

  Oct

  2013

  Chic feat. Nile Rodgers

  Ulster Hall

  Belfast

   

  

  The most influential band of the disco era, Chic, have just announced a show in Belfast's Ulster Hall on October 23.

  Their guitarist/producer Nile Rodgers has had something of a resurgence in the last few years, and Chic's return has been one of the most acclaimed events in the music world, and this year played a storming set at Glastonbury.

  Tickets are on sale from July 19 for £31.50 from Ticketmaster & the usual outlets.

• Wed

  23

  Oct

  2013

  Thu

  24

  Oct

  2013

  Primal Scream

  Limelight 1

  Belfast

  

  Scottish stylistic chameleons Primal Scream have just announced details of a second intimate headline show at the Limelight 1 on October 23 after the huge demand for their initial show on October 24.

  Fronted by former Jesus & Mary Chain drummer Bobby Gillespie, Primal Scream have constantly consistently changed themselves whether it's been with indie/house crossover Screamadelica, intensely paranoid 21st century XTRMNTR or their garage-blues revival Riot City Blues. This May they released their tenth album, More Light. 

  Tickets go on sale on July 26 for £29.50 from Ticketmaster, Katy's Bar and the usual outlets. Doors open at 7.30pm.

• Thu

  24

  Oct

  2013

  Nina Nesbitt (14+)

  Mandela Hall

  Belfast

  

  Scottish singer-songwriter Nina Nesbitt is to headline a show at the Mandela Hall following her performance supporting Jake Bugg at Belsonic. The show is 14+ and takes place on October 24, and was initally to be held at the Oh Yeah Centre until tickets sold faster than initially predicted.

  Having just turned 19, Nesbitt has recently released 4-track EP Stay Out and is working with Iain Archer & Jake Gosling on her debut album.

  Tickets are available for £12.50 from Shine.net & Ticketmaster. Doors open at 7pm.

• Thu

  24

  Oct

  2013

  Savour Your Scene Presents: Gacys Threads, Colossus Fall (Switzerland), Nomadic Rituals & Spitting Teeth

  Voodoo

  Belfast

  

  Chaotic hardcore quartet Gacys Threads play a Savour Your Scene Records show following the release of the 7" split with Colossus Fall on the aforementioned D.I.Y. label. The gig takes place at Voodoo on October 24.

  Belfast-based sludge/doom trio Nomadic Rituals also play, just off the back of their debut album, while the city's latest crust punk/grind newcomers Spitting Teeth open the night.

  Doors open at 8.30pm. Entry costs £4 before 10pm & £5 after.

   

• Thu

  24

  Oct

  2013

  Getting To Know: Joshua Burnside

  Oh Yeah Centre

  Belfast

  

  Experimental singer-songwriter Joshua Burnside is doing a 'Getting To Know You' night at the Oh Yeah Centre. Previous performers who've done the gig/Q&A include VerseChorusVerse's Tony Wright & Rams' Pocket Radio aka Pete McCauley.

  The night takes place on October 24 and is free entry. Doors open at 8pm.

• Thu

  24

  Oct

  2013

  Radar Presents: PigsAsPeople EP Launch w/El Ten Eleven & Droids

  The Speakeasy

  Belfast

  

  Sludgy post-hardcore trio PigsAsPeople launch their second EP Idles & Us at Radar at the Speakeasy on October 24, just a year after their debut show opening at the weekly Thursday music showcase. The band have to date released one single off the new EP, 'The Art of Leaving Your House' which is out now on a pay-what-you-like basis.

  Support comes from experimental US duo El Ten Eleven who are currently on tour in Europe and Derry quartet Droids.

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

• Fri

  25

  Oct

  2013

  Drenge

  Limelight 2

  Belfast

  

  Sibling duo and one of the most exciting bands to emerge from the UK in quite some time, the aptly-titled Drenge have announced an date in the Limelight 2 on October 25.

  The pair - Rory and Eoin Loveless - rose to prominence following their namedrop on Labour MP Tom Watson's resignation letter ("if you want to see an awesome band, I recommend Drenge"). They released their eponymous debut in August.

  Tickets are available on Ticketmaster for £14. Doors open at 7pm.

• Sat

  26

  Oct

  2013

  Bastille

  Ulster Hall

  Belfast

  

  L0ndon-based Dan Smith-led four-piece Bastille play the Ulster Hall in a 14+ show on October 26.

  Bastille started in 2010 and was initially a solo project by singer-songwriter Dan Smith, who earlier this year decided to turn the act into a band. They released their debut album Bad Blood earlier this year to great success and their single 'Pompeii' dominated the charts for a period.

  Tickets priced at £17.50 are available from Ticketmaster and the Ulster Hall box office. Doors open at 7pm as it is a 14+ show.

• Sat

  26

  Oct

  2013

  Dead Wing Presents: PigsAsPeople, Alright The Captain & Pigshackle

  The Dry Dock

  Magherafelt

  

  Sludgy post-hardcore trio PigsAsPeople play a headline show for Dead Wing Promotions at the Dry Dock in Magherafelt - a recently opened venue - on October 26 as part of their upcoming Idles & Us Irish EP launch tour. 

  Support comes from England-based math-rock outfit Alright The Captain and Pigshackle, who are both on an Irish tour throughout November.

  Entry costs £5 and doors open at 8.30pm.

• Sun

  27

  Oct

  2013

  God Is An Astronaut

  Limelight 2

  Belfast

  

  Glen of the Downs post-rock act God Is An Astronaut have announced a Limelight 2 show for October 27.

  This will be the band's first show in Belfast for quite a while and - having formed in 2002 by brothers Niels and Torsten Kinsella - they set up their own label Revive Records to self-release their debut album. Last year saw the re-release of their entire discography remastered.

  Tickets are on sale now for £14 from Ticketmaster and Katy's Bar. Doors open at 8pm as it is an early show.

• Sun

  27

  Oct

  2013

  Russian Circles & Chelsea Wolfe

  Button Factory

  Dublin

  

  Chicago post-metal trio Russian Circles play the Button Factory in Dublin as part of their latest tour along with experimental singer-songwriter Chelsea Wolfe on October 27.

  Russian Circles release their fifth LP Memorial at the end of October on Sargent House, the follow up to 2011's incredible Empros. Chelsea Wolfe, from Sacramento, takes in influences from folk, gothic, indie rock and ethereal dream-pop and releases her fourth album Pain Is Beauty in September.

  Tickets are available from Tickets.ie for €17. Doors open at 7.30pm.

• Sun

  27

  Oct

  2013

  Pete Molinari

  Black Box

  Belfast

  

  Strange Victory Presents are to have bluesman Pete Molinari to headline at the Black Box on October 27.

  The Chathan-raised songwriter comes from a globally-spanning family tree and is heavily influenced by early jazz, blues and country as well as golden era rock n' roll. The self-proclaimed "singer of ballads and Neopolitan love songs" released his fourth LP Theosophy earlier in the year.

  Tickets are available priced at £10.25 from Ticketmaster. Doors open at 8pm.

• Sun

  27

  Oct

  2013

  The Locust Honey String Band

  The John Hewitt

  Belfast

  

  Country & old-time trio The Locust Honey String Band play Belfast's John Hewitt on Donegall street on Sunday October 27. 

  Having formed in January 2012 when three friends made a demo, Chloe, Ariel and Meredith blend harmonies with traditional instruments like fiddle, banjo with guitar and bass to create a retro, rose-tinted sound.

  Tickets are available for £5 from Open House and doors open at 2pm. It's an all-ages gig so families are welcome.

• Tue

  29

  Oct

  2013

  Skid Row & Ugly Kid Joe

  Limelight 1

  Belfast

  

  The Distortion Project has announced that the '80s Sebastian Bach-fronted act Skid Row play the Limelight 1 alongside '90s alternative band Ugly Kid Joe.

  Formed in New Jersey in 1986, Skid Row have released 5 albums in their various lineups, and an EP this year - the first chapter in a series of EPs under the United World Rebellion moniker with Megaforce Records. 

  Californian act Ugly Kid Joe - best known for their hit 'Everything About You' - rose to prominence in the early '90s before breaking up in 1997. They reunited in 2010 and released the Stairway To Hell EP in 2012.

  Tickets are available for £21 from Ticketmaster. Doors open at 6pm.

• Tue

  29

  Oct

  2013

  The Songs of Nick Drake

  Black Box

  Belfast

   

  

  Singer/guitarist Keith James is to perform his 'Songs of Nick Drake' show at the Black Box on October 29.

  When this project started in 2001, James was the first artist to carry on Drake's music and spent 8 years touring the show across theatres in the UK, with over 1000 shows, culminating at Glastonbury. With the show garnering acclaim from the likes of Bob Harris, 'The Songs of Nick Drake' is a must-see for the Drake diehard.

  Doors open at 8pm and tickets are available from the Black Box for £12.

• Tue

  29

  Oct

  2013

  Gloomfest: Vanilla Gloom, Abandcalledboy, Affleck, Dog Will Hunt & Dying Breed

  Bar Sub

  Belfast

  

  Vanilla Gloom, who unfortunately just played their final gig are to curate a special Halloween show called Gloomfest on September 29 at Bar Sub in QUB's Students Union.

  Headliners on the night are post-hardcore trio Abandcalledboy, hard rock sleazers Dutch Schultz, North Coast post-hardcore act Dog Will Hunt, the supremely talented Katie Richardson of Katie & The Carnival fame, Dungannon indie rockers Hurdles and metal quartet Dyingbreed.

  Doors open at 8.30pm and entry costs £5.

• Wed

  30

  Oct

  2013

  Fresh Meat 3: The Late Twos, The Last Generation, The Stonemasons, Petty Youth, Escobar & Aquatramp

  Voodoo

  Belfast

  

  Pure Savage's new band showcase returns with its third instalment on October 30, this time at Voodoo. 

  A diverse collection of some of the finest young bands in the country are playing the bill, which includes Mid-Ulster -based fast-rising hard rock quartet The Last Generation, garage rock outfit Petty Youth, indie acts The Late Twos, Escobar, alt. rock outfit The Stonemasons and Aquatramp.

  Doors open at 9pm and entry costs £4.

• Wed

  30

  Oct

  2013

  We Are Knuckle Dragger, Abandcalledboy, Tied To Machines & Maw

  The Menagerie

  Belfast

  

  Dublin's Venture Promotions are bringing Newcastle noise rock trio We Are Knuckle Dragger over to play a headline show in Belfast's appropriately filthy underground Menagerie on October 30. To date, the band have released 2 EPs and an album recorded by the iconic Steve Albini with a follow-up planned for the coming months.

  Support comes from post-hardcore trio Abandcalledboy, hardcore quartet Tied To Machines and heavy duo Maw.

  Entry costs £6 and doors open at 8pm.

• Wed

  30

  Oct

  2013

  Katharine Philippa 'Broken To Be Rebuilt' EP Launch

  McMordie Hall

  Belfast

  

  Pianist & singer-songwriter Katharine Philippa has announced that her new EP Broken To Be Rebuilt will be launched at Queen's University's McMordie Hall in their music building on October 30.

  There will be poetry on the night from Luke Williams and violin from Luke Bannon.

  Doors open at 7.30pm as it is an early show. It is recommended that you bring your own drink.

• Thu

  31

  Oct

  2013

  Voodooween: We Are Knuckle Dragger, PigsAsPeople, 24 Broken Amps, Val Normal, abandcalledboy, Jobseekers, We Know Jack, Maw

  Voodoo Lounge

  Dublin

  

  Venture Promotions in Dublin have announced their Halloween supershow at the Voodoo Lounge. It's to be headlined by Newcastle noise rock act We Are Knuckle Dragger, who are on the cusp of releasing their second album, the follow up to the Steve Albini-produced debut LP Tit For Tat.
  

  Support comes from Belfast-based sludgy post-hardcore act PigsAsPeople - who also launch their 2nd EP Idles & Us at the show - grunge act 24 Broken Amps, post-hardcore acts Val Normal & abandcalledboy, punk rock group Jobseekers, alt. funk punk We Know Jack and Belfast sludgy duo Maw.

  Entry costs €3 before 10pm or €5 afterwards. LOADS of prizes will be given out for fancy dress.

• Sat

  02

  Nov

  2013

  The Blackout (14+)

  Mandela Hall

  Belfast

  

  Welsh act The Blackout play a 14+ show at Mandela Hall on November 2 as their 'Final Tour Party'. The band released their fourth album Start The Party earlier this year, and this is their final tour to promote its release.

  Support comes from Blitz Kids and Framing Hanley.

  Tickets are available from June 7 for £15 from Ticketmaster, The Stiff Kitten and QUBSU. Doors open at 5pm as it is an early show.

• Sat

  02

  Nov

  2013

  Conan, The Continuous Battle of Order, Slomatics & Zlatanera

  Limelight 2

  Belfast

  

  The Limelight 2 hosts a rather sludgy - to say the least, thanks to The Distortion Project - lineup, headed by doom act Conan, who play their annual Belfast show on November 2.

  Support comes from math-rock outfit The Continuous Battle of Order, Belfast sludge-doom trio Slomatics and new band Zlatanera featuring members of Residual Effect, No Grace Given & Stand-up Guy.

  Doors open at the early time of 5pm and entry costs £5.

• Sun

  03

  Nov

  2013

  Alright The Captain, Blue Whale, Pigshackle & The Institute*

  The Empire

  Belfast

  

  Shizznigh Promotions are running a show at The Empire on November 3 to be headlined by experimental Derby math-rockers Alright The Captain.

   

  Support comes from mathy art-rock outfit Blue Whale, London-based noisemakers Pigshackle and finally, hailing from the Sperrins, acid-prog quartet The Institute*.
  

  Entry costs £6 and doors open at 8.30pm.

• Sun

  03

  Nov

  2013

  Josephine

  McHugh's Bar

  Belfast

  

  Manchester-based soulful acoustic pop act Josephine Oniyama has announced a show at McHughs on November 3 after her show in April at the Limelight was rescheduled. 

  Championed by Guy Garvey of Elbow, Josephine's debut album Portrait channels a wide range of influences, taking in world music, jazz, folk, blues and soul. 

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

• Wed

  06

  Nov

  2013

  Transmit Presents: Concrete Circus EP Launch w/Aggressors BC & more

  Limelight 2

  Belfast

  

  Pop-punk five piece Concrete Circus launch their new EP at Pure Savage's Transmit night at the Limelight 2. The launch takes place on November 6.

  Support comes from ska-reggae 6 piece Aggressors B.C. - who are soon to release their debut album The Tone Of The Times - The Streetwise Samba Band, Cousins of Primates and Glen Harkin.

  Doors open at 9pm and entry costs £4.

• Thu

  07

  Nov

  2013

  Depeche Mode

  Odyssey Arena

  Belfast

  

  English electronic trio Depeche Mode have announced a show at the Odyssey Arena on November 7 as part of their 2013 tour. 

  Having released Delta Machine just this year - their thirteenth album in 32 years - Depeche Mode are the most successful and one of the most influential acts in electronic music.

  Tickets are priced from £55 at Ticketmaster outlets. Doors open at 7.30pm.

• Thu

  07

  Nov

  2013

  Pokey LaFarge

  Limelight 2

  Belfast

  

  Strange Victory have announced that they'll be bringing over Pokey LaFarge along with his expanded Sound City Three to the Limelight 2 on November 7.

  Ambassadors for old-time music, the group are just off the back of a performance on the David Letterman Show, and Lafarge has just released his self-titled ninth album with Third Man Records (formed by Jack White). Musician, songwriter and leader of the band, Pokey LaFarge brings in elements of many genres thought to be outdated - ragtime, early jazz, country, blues - but manages to avoid making them into a pastiche. 

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

• Thu

  07

  Nov

  2013

  Phosphorescent

  The Empire

  Belfast

  

  American singer-songwriter Matthew Houck's Phosphorescent have announced a date for Open House Concerts on November 7 to take place at the Empire.

  Originally from Alabama, Houck began recording in 2001 under his pseudonym in indie rock Mecca Athens, Georgia. Phosphorescent have released 6 albums and an EP to date, with the most recent being 2013's Muchacho.

  Tickets are available from Open House for £13.50 or on the door for £16. Doors open at 7pm

• Fri

  08

  Nov

  2013

  Fenech-Soler

  Limelight 2

  Belfast

  

  British electropop band Fenech-Soler play the Limelight 2 on November 8. 

  The band - who got together in 2006 - have their second album Rituals coming out on September 2 on Warner Bros. 

  Tickets are available for £11 from Ticketmaster outlets and Katy's Bar.

• Fri

  08

  Nov

  2013

  Enablers w/Selaah and more

  Voodoo

  Belfast

  

  San Francisco indie rock quartet Enablers play Belfast's Voodoo on November 8. To date, they've released 4 albums and consist of members of Swans, Codeine, HiM, June of 44, Mice Parade and others. They're led by the poetry/spoken word of Pete Simonelli and are frequently compared to the indie/noise rock royalty of Slint and Shellac.

  Support comes from Selaah.

  Entry costs £7 on the night and doors open at 8pm.

• Sat

  09

  Nov

  2013

  The National

  Odyssey Arena

  Belfast

  

  American indie rock five piece The National are to play the Odyssey in Belfast on November 9.

  Formed in 1999, the band have to date released 6 albums, with the most recent being 2013's Trouble Will Find Me. The band are also known for their political activism, having played several rallies for Obama's Democratic party and other benefit shows and albums.

  Tickets, priced at £30, are available from Ticketmaster outlets.

• Mon

  11

  Nov

  2013

  Allie Bradley, Zak Whitefield, Mark Graham, Fiona Harte, Celine & Angela Murphy

  McHugh's Bar

  Belfast

  

  White Mountain Music Publishing has put together a bill comprising some of Belfast's finest songwriting talent for a show at McHugh's Bar on November 11 - during Belfast Music Week. Headlining the show is Mid-Ulster native Allie Bradley.
  

  Support comes from Dungannon folk-punk-monger Zak Whitefield, Lisburn acoustic troubadour Mark Graham, Fiona Harte and Celine & Angela Murphy.

  Doors open at 8pm and entry costs £5.

• Tue

  12

  Nov

  2013

  Northern Ireland Music Prize 2013

  Mandela Hall

  Belfast

  

  The fourteen-strong shortlist for the inaugural Northern Irish Music Prize has been revealed.

  Organised by Belfast's Oh Yeah Music Centre, the new award is "aimed at recognising the great wealth of recorded music from these parts", focusing on albums released by Northern Irish bands over the last 12 months. The shortlist (below) is the result of votes from The Academy AKA several dozen industry professionals including music writers, DJs and editors amongst others.

  A Plastic Rose - Camera Shutter Life
  And So I Watch You From Afar - All Hail Bright Futures
  Anthony Toner - Sing Under The Bridges
  Axis Of - Finding St Kilda 
  The Bonnevilles - Folk Art And the Death of Electric Jesus
  Fighting With Wire - Colonel Blood
  Foy Vance - Joy Of Nothing 
  Girls Names - The New Life
  Jetplane Landing - Don't Try
  Le Carousel - Le Carousel
  Space Dimension Controller - Welcome To Mikrosector-50
  Tired Pony - The Ghost of the Mountain
  Trucker Diablo - Songs of Iron
  Two Door Cinema Club - Beacon

  The winner of the prize will ultimately be decided by a select panel of experts and announced at the ceremony in Belfast’s Mandela Hall on November 12, 2013. A selection of shortlisted acts will be playing live at the event, including Girls Names, A Plastic Rose, The Bonnevilles and more.

  Tickets are available for £11.25 from Ticketmaster. Doors open at 7pm.

• Wed

  13

  Nov

  2013

  The Thin Air Presents: Our Krypton Son, Arborist, The Wood Burning Savages & Rory Nellis

  The Pavilion

  Belfast

  

  The lineup for our very own Belfast Music Week showcase has some examples of the finest songwriting NI currently posesses, tinged with a folky autumnal feel and is topped by Derry's Chris McConaghy aka Our Krypton Son at the Pavilion on November 13.

  The rest of the lineup comprises their citymates The Wood Burning Savages, Mark McCambridge-led folk act Arborist and immensely talented Seven Summits member Rory Nellis.

  Doors open at 8pm and entry costs £5.

   

• Wed

  13

  Nov

  2013

  The Thin Air Presents: Therapy? - Infernal Love Listening Party

  Lavery's

  Belfast

  

  On Wednesday November 13, slap-bang in the middle of Belfast Music Week, we host in Lavery's Bar a listening party to Therapy?'s Infernal Love. 

  Considered by many to be the opus of NI's biggest alt. rock act of the 90s, surpassing even the likes of Nurse and Troublegum, Infernal Love was released in June 1995 and included singles 'Stories', 'Loose' and Hüsker Dü cover 'Diane'; it was also the final Therapy? album to include the original lineup of Andy Cairns, Michael McKeegan and Fyfe Ewing. It marked a change in the band, which added ambient music pieces from Belfast's own David Holmes to the mix.

  Admission is free and the show starts at 1pm.

• Wed

  13

  Nov

  2013

  Silences & support

  Aether & Echo

  Belfast

  

  Armagh folk five piece Silences play their debut headline show in Belfast's Aether & Echo - a new bar in the city centre - on November 13 during Belfast Music Week. They've released some great music available on Soundcloud.

  Entry is free and doors open at 9pm. 

• Thu

  14

  Nov

  2013

  Radar Presents: Chocolate Love Factory EP Launch w/The Runaway Bears & The Big Grizzly

  The Speakeasy

  Belfast

  

  Fuzz-rockers Chocolate Love Factory finally launch their new EP Pickle & POG at The Speakeasy's Radar on November 14. The band recently underwent a lineup change which has led to a dramatic increase in productivity for the band.

  Their bassist Pearse McClelland was replaced by new bassist (former Yellow Car No Return man) and second guitarist Andrew 'Jazz' McCloskey. The band appears to be headed in a more progressive direction if their 'Choctober' videos are anything to go by.

  Support comes from synthy alt. rock outfits The Runaway Bears and The Big Grizzly.

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

• Thu

  14

  Nov

  2013

  Belfast Music Week 2013 Showcase

  The Limelight Complex

  Belfast

  

  With sets from 12 NI acts, the Limelight complex Belfast Music Week Showcase is set to be something of an institution in the coming years. Every act has been confirmed for the show, which spans the Limelight 1, 2 and Katy's Bar on November 14.

  In alphabetical order, the acts involved are folk act Arborist, singer-songwriter David C Clements, dark post-punk/noise-pop Girls Names, indie-pop trio Go Wolf, pop-folk group The Jepettos, Derry folk/indie balladeers Little Bear, Belfast's finest noise-rock outfit LaFaro, poppy post-hardcore quartet More Than Conquerors, electronic artist Ryan Vail, former Girls Names side-project and now fully fledged band Sea Pinks, alt. pop outfit Seven Summits and synth-led indie-pop-makers The Wonder Villains.

  Doors open at 7pm and the first act comes on at 8pm. Admission is free by registering for tickets at musicweek@limelightbelfast.com.

• Thu

  14

  Nov

  2013

  Antidote EmCees Presents: Belfast Music Week Showcase w/Costello, GI, 4Real & DJ Moschops

  The Menagerie

  Belfast

  

  Antidote EmCees have announced their Belfast Music Week showcase, which takes place at the Menagerie on November 14. Several hip-hop acts from the north of Dublin are to play from the Street Literature collective, including Costello, GI, 4Real and DJ Moschops. 

  Support comes from Belfast-based Noise Thievery, a DJ set from Militant Vinylist with Cull - human beatbox - to host the event.

  Doors open at 9pm and entry costs £5.

• Thu

  14

  Nov

  2013

  Stiff Little Fingers

  Ulster Hall

  Belfast

  

  Classic NI punk act Stiff Little Fingers play what's become their home venue over the years, the Ulster Hall, on March 14.

  The band formed in 1977 at the height of the Troubles and released their debut album - the immortal Inflammable Material - in 1979 on Rough Trade. It reached number 14 in the UK album charts and was the first ever independent release to chart. Having went under major personnel changes over the years, they recently started a Pledge campaign to fund their tenth album and reached over 200% of their goal after reaching 100% in 5 hours.

  Tickets are available from £22.50 from Ticketmaster & the usual outlets. Doors open at 7pm.

• Fri

  15

  Nov

  2013

  Frightened Rabbit

  Mandela Hall

  Belfast

  

  Scottish indie rock act Frightened Rabbit return to play the Mandela Hall on November 15 as well as Dublin's Olympia the night before as they continue to tour their current album Pedestrian Verse. The band formed in 2003 as an outlet for singer/guitarist/lyricist Scott Hutchison and have released 4 albums to date. The band's last show was a highly-praised sellout show at the Empire.

  Support comes from We Were Promised Jetpacks.

  Tickets priced at £14 are available from QUBSU & Ticketmaster. Doors open at 8pm.

• Fri

  15

  Nov

  2013

  Distillation 06: Unknown, Spree, Ghosts & Bear//Face

  Oh Yeah Centre

  Belfast

   

  Following the news that Mmoths was unable to make the Belfast Music Week Distillation 06 at the Oh Yeah Centre on November 15, Unknown has stepped up to headline. Unknown is the pseudonym for the genuinely anonymous beatmaker who started releasing music last year. He released the I Cry EP in June and you should check out the title track for a hint of what he's about.

  Support comes from Spree, who release their return album Reintroducing next year which features some of their best work plus new tracks & reworks. Dublin/Tipperary melancholic pop duo Ghosts & Belfast-based Bear//Face also support.

  Tickets are available for £8 from WeGotTickets & the Oh Yeah Centre. Doors open at 8pm.

• Fri

  15

  Nov

  2013

  Danny & The Champions of the World w/Amanda Agnew

  The Goat's Toe

  Bangor

  

  Folk rock/alt. country act Danny & The Champions of the World play The Goat's Toe in Bangor on November 15. 

  The band formed in 2007 after frontman Danny Wilson's former band dissolved. They released their self-titled debut in 2008 and this year recorded Stay True, which took just five days. 

  Support comes from Bangor native singer-songwriter Amanda Agnew.

  Tickets are available online for £5 from Ticketsolve and doors open at 8pm.

• Fri

  15

  Nov

  2013

  Broken Melody Live: Pretty Child Backfire & Joshua Burnside

  Start Together Studios - Oh Yeah Centre

  Belfast

  

  New Belfast-based record label Broken Melody are holding their first live night at the end of Belfast Music Week on November 15. This event is a unique experience in that only 50 people have access to the live show in the Oh Yeah Centre's upstairs, Start Together Studios, and the 2 acts performing are experimental folky singer-songwriter Joshua Burnside and indie-pop quartet Pretty Child Backfire.

  Those present can personalise their own CD cover and it will be given to audience members within an hour of each 25 minute set's finish. 

  Tickets are available here for £7 and prices include the CD and cover materials.

• Fri

  15

  Nov

  2013

  DP13: Stormzone, Sinocence, Triggerman, Zombified, Skypilot & Rabid Bitch of the North

  Ulster Hall

  Belfast

  

  The Distortion Project hold their thirteenth anniversary show at the Ulster Hall on November 15 during Belfast Music Week. Headliners at the event are NWOBHM celebators Stormzone, who released their new album Three Kings just a few months ago.

  Support comes from thrash act Sinocence, Derry riffmaking stalwarts Triggerman, old school death metal band Zombified, Skypilot, Rabid Bitch of the North and one more act yet to be announced.

  Tickets are available for £10 from Ticketmaster and the Ulster Hall. Doors open at 5pm.

• Fri

  15

  Nov

  2013

  Pump-House Sessions: Sons Of Caliber, Seven Summits & The Salt Flats

  Titanic Pump-House

  Belfast

  

  Andrew Farmer-led folk act Sons Of Caliber play one of the Titanic dock Pump-House Sessions on Belfast Music Week on Friday November 15.

  Support comes from alt. pop quartet Seven Summits - who have to date released 2 albums - and Belfast-based music collective The Salt Flats who comprise members of Katie & The Carnival, Skibunny, Cara Cowan and several more.

  Doors open at 7.30pm and entry costs £6.

   

• Fri

  15

  Nov

  2013

  Public Service Broadcasting

  Stiff Kitten

  Belfast

  

  London-based duo Public Service Broadcasting play Belfast's Stiff Kitten on November 15. 

  The pseudonymous pair are J. Willgoose, Esq. - guitar, banjo, samples and other stringed & electronic instruments - and Wrigglesworth - drums, piano & electronics. They take samples from old public information films, propaganda and archived footage. They've released several singles & EPs and their first album Inform - Educate - Entertain came out this May.

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

• Sat

  16

  Nov

  2013

  Mojo Fury Album Launch w/The Rupture Dogs, Gascan Ruckus, The Couth, A Northern Light & Dutch Schultz

  Mandela Hall

  Belfast

  

  Electronic/alt. rock stalwarts of the NI music scene Mojo Fury launch their second album The Difference Between - the follow-up to 2011's Visiting Hours of a Travelling Circus - with a hefty bill on November 16 at the Mandela Hall to cap off Belfast Music Week in a big way. The band have been running a PledgeMusic campaign to fund the release.

  Support comes from Newcastle-based four piece The Rupture Dogs who also launch their long-awaited debut album Feral, punk quartet Gascan Ruckus - who have been on hiatus since early 2013 and make their return -  indie band The Couth, anthemic pop-alt. rock act A Northern Light and Dutch Schultz. Rapper BeeMickSee provides DJ duties at the show too.

  Doors open at 6.30pm and entry costs £8 from WeGotTickets.

• Sat

  16

  Nov

  2013

  By Any Means, Divisions, Cursed Sun & Bullibymon

  Limelight 2

  Belfast

  

  Belfast metal promotion The Distortion Project have announced a show to take place at the Limelight 2 on November 16 with a bill topped by heavy hardcore quartet By Any Means.

  Also on the bill are fellow hardcore noiseniks Divisions, progressive thrash five piece Cursed Sun and sludgy, thrashy metal four piece Bullibymon.

  Doors open at 5pm and entry costs £5.

• Sun

  17

  Nov

  2013

  They Might Be Giants

  Limelight 1

  Belfast

   

  

   

  US alternative rock duo They Might Be Giants are playing the Limelight 1 on November 17.

  This show will be the band's first Belfast show of their career, which began in 1982. To date, the band has released 16 studio albums, with the most recent being Nanobot, which came out earlier this year.

  Tickets are available for £20 from Ticketmaster and Katy's Bar. 

• Sun

  17

  Nov

  2013

  Nick Mulvey

  McHugh's Bar

  Belfast

  

  Following his performance supporting Ben Howard at Belsonic's capacity crowd, Nick Mulvey is to play at McHugh's Bar on November 17. His first EP Fever To The Form is out now on Communion Records, and his debut album is on its way. 

  Tickets are available for £11 through Ticketmaster & Shine. Doors open at 8pm.

• Mon

  18

  Nov

  2013

  Queens of the Stone Age

  Odyssey Arena

  Belfast

  

  Desert rockers/arguably the best rock n' roll band of the last 20 years Queens of the Stone Age are to play Ireland in November, with shows in Dublin's O2 and Belfast's Odyssey Arena on November 17 & 18 respectively.

  Formed in 1996 in the wake of stoner metal gods Kyuss' dissolution, QOTSA have went from strength to strength, progressing from album to album throughout their 6 LPs. They released ...Like Clockwork earlier this year to universal acclaim. 

  Tickets are available from June 21 from Ticketmaster for £33 plus booking fee.

• Mon

  18

  Nov

  2013

  Dark Horses

  McHugh's Basement

  Belfast

   

  

  Darkly noise-pop outfit Dark Horses play their Belfast debut at McHugh's on November 18.

  The female-fronted act recently released their debut album Black Music and the band have toured with the likes of Tame Impala, Beck, Sigur Ros and Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, amongst others. Fans of The Horrors and the Jesus & Mary Chain will enjoy Dark Horses. You can check out their single 'Radio' online.

  Tickets are available for £9 from Ticketmaster & Shine.net. Doors open at 8pm.

• Tue

  19

  Nov

  2013

  Editors

  Mandela Hall

  Belfast

   

  British alternative/indie act Editors have announced details of a show at the Mandela Hall on November 19. Formed in 2002, Editors have released 4 albums to date with the latest being this year's The Weight of Your Love. 

  Tickets are available priced at £22.50 from Ticketmaster, QUBSU and the usual outlets. Doors open at 8pm.

• Wed

  20

  Nov

  2013

  Kodaline

  Limelight 1

  Belfast

  

  The ultra-hyped Kodaline play the Limelight 1 on November 20th, following the June 7 release of their highly-anticipated debut album In A Perfect World.

  Formed in Dublin in 2005 as '21 Demands', they achieved an Irish number 1 with their debut single 'Give Me A Minute', becoming the first independent track to do so. In 2011, the quartet changed their name to Kodaline in 2011 and released their eponymous debut EP shortly thereafter. They released the High Hopes EP in March of this year following a series of sellout shows, and their Limelight show will be their biggest in the north so far.

  Tickets, priced at £15.50, are available from Ticketmaster and Katy's Bar. Doors open at 8pm.

   

• Wed

  20

  Nov

  2013

  Wed

  27

  Nov

  2013

  Bombay Bicycle Club - Irish Tour

  Limerick, Killarney, Waterford, Kilkenny, Dublin, Belfast, Derry

  

  Bombay Bicycle Club have announced a mini-Irish tour taking place in November, and the dates are as follows:

  November 20th: Dolan's, Limerick 18+
  November 21st: INEC, Killarney 14+ 
  November 22nd: The Forum, Waterford 14+ 
  November 24th: Set Theatre, Kilkenny 18+
  November 25th: The Academy, Dublin 14+ 
  November 26th: Limelight 2, Belfast 18+
  November 27th: The Nerve Centre, Derry 14+

  This run of dates could well be a testing period for some new material. The band have not got a due date for any new releases, but their recent sets have been peppered with previously unheard tracks, so good things could be afoot for the band's next endeavour following 2011's A Different Kind of Fix.

  Tickets are available from Ticketmaster.

• Thu

  21

  Nov

  2013

  Shellac

  Limelight 2

  Belfast

  

  Shellac -One of Steve Albini's most notable noise rock acts - are to play Belfast's Limelight 2 on November 21 as part of a UK tour, culminating in a show at All Tomorrow's Parties in Brighton at the end of the month.

  Formed in 1992 by Steve Albini, Bob Weston & Todd Trainer, the trio have always described themselves at a 'minimalist rock trio' and are known for their visceral angularity. The band has released 5 albums so far and Albini said back in April that a new album was 'just about finished'.

  Support comes from Helen Money, an LA-based songwriter & cellist, who released her first solo album in 2007.

  Tickets are available from Ticketmaster, Katy's Bar and the usual outlets.

• Fri

  22

  Nov

  2013

  Djevara, PigsAsPeople, Hector Bizerk

  The Atlantic Bar

  Portrush

  

  Antidote Sound System are bringing London-based hardcore alt. rock trio Djevara to Portrush's Atlantic Bar on November 22.

  Support comes from post-hardcore/noise rock three piece PigsAsPeople - who just released their second EP Idles & Us on Bandcamp - Glasgow hip-hop/rock artist Hector Bizerk and Banbridge post-hardcore/grunge trio Abandcalledboy.

  Entry costs £5 and doors open at 9.30pm.

• Fri

  22

  Nov

  2013

  BREED: Thee Penny Dreadfuls, Bellos & We Build Mountains

  The Pavilion

  Belfast

  

  Breed's next show at the Pavilion on November 22 is to be headlined by psych-rock outfit Thee Penny Dreadfuls.

  Support comes from trio of grunge enthusiats Bellos as well as post-hardcore/math-rock four piece We Build Mountains. The Thin Air DJs will be present to spin some psych-rock on the night.

  Entry costs £5 and doors open at 9pm.

• Sat

  23

  Nov

  2013

  Peter Hook and the Light play 'Movement' and 'Power, Corruption & Lies'

  Limelight 2

  Belfast

  

  Former Joy Division/New Order founding member Peter Hook plays the Limelight 2 on November 23 with his band The Light. 

  Since 2010, Peter Hook & the Light have been playing entire albums from his career, having so far played Joy Division's Unknown Pleasures and Closer, while this tour sees the band perform New Order's first 2 albums Movement and Power, Corruption & Lies. 

  Tickets, priced at £20, are available from Ticketmaster & Katy's Bar.

• Sat

  23

  Nov

  2013

  The Darkness

  Limelight 1

  Belfast

  

  It's been 10 years now since The Darkness' breakthrough debut album, and the band have announced that they'll play the Limelight 1 on November 23.

  Consisting of brothers Justin & Dan Hawkins, drummer Ed Graham and charismatic bassist Frankie Poullain, The Darkness made waves playing on the pomp & showmanship of classic rock & roll at its peak. They released only 2 albums during their initial run (Permission To Land & One Way Ticket To Hell...And Back) and one - 2012's Hot Cakes - following their reunion.

  Tickets, priced at £22, are available from Ticketmaster, Katy's Bar and the usual outlets. 

• Sat

  23

  Nov

  2013

  Sullivan & Gold Album Launch w/Our Krypton Son

  The Thatched Cottage, Craft Village

  Derry-Londonderry

  

  Songwriting duo Sullivan & Gold launch their debut album For Foes in the Derry Craft Village's Thatched Cottage on November 23.

  The album is released through Smalltown America and is available to pre-order from Independent Music. Support comes from fellow Derryman and one of the finest songwriting talents in the country Our Krypton Son, who released his debut album through the label last year.

  Tickets are available from WeGotTickets for £8 or £14 & £16 with CD and vinyl. Doors open at 8pm

• Sat

  23

  Nov

  2013

  Malojian Album Launch w/Hannah McPhillimy

  The Barge

  Belfast

  

   

  One of the finest folk acts in the country, Malojian, release their album The Deer's Cry worldwide with a launch at the Belfast Barge on November 23 thanks to the Real Music Club.

  Tickets are available from Ticketsource for £8. Doors open at 8.30pm with music starting at 9pm.

   

• Tue

  26

  Nov

  2013

  The Naked and Famous

  Limelight 1

  Belfast

  

  New Zealand post-punk revivalists The Naked and Famous have announced a show at the Limelight on November 26.

  The band, who formed in 2008, released their debut album Passive Me, Aggressive You in 2010. In 2013 they've released a download-only live album and a selection of remixes and b-sides from the aforementioned debut LP. 

  Tickets are available for £20 from Ticketmaster & Katy's Bar. Doors open at 7pm.

• Tue

  26

  Nov

  2013

  Thirty Seconds To Mars & You Me At Six

  Odyssey Arena

  Belfast

  

  Jared Leto-fronted alt rock band Thirty Seconds To Mars have announced a UK & Irish tour with shows at the O2 in Dublin and Belfast's Odyssey Arena on November 25 & 26 respectively. 

  Having just released their fourth album Love, Lust, Faith and Dreams, the trio look to follow up their last tour which was rather epic in nature, taking in 311 dates over 2 years.

  You Me At Six provide support on tour and recently won Kerrang's 'Best Event' for their Wembley show. The band are currently working on their fourth album, to be released sometime in 2014.

  Tickets are available from Ticketmaster.

• Wed

  27

  Nov

  2013

  Buckcherry, Hardcore Superstar & The Last Vegas

  Limelight 2

  Belfast

  

  Sleazy hard rock five piece Buckcherry play a co-headline set with Hardcore Superstar at the Limelight 2 on November 27 for The Distortion Project.

  LA-based Buckcherry made a name for themselves with their debut album Lit Up and singles like 'Crazy Bitch'. Having toured with AC/DC, Kiss and the likes, their new album Confessions offers much of the same.
  

  Their Swedish counterparts Hardcore Superstar are extremely successful in their native country and look to continue this trend with their new album C'mon Take On Me. Chicago act The Last Vegas open the show.

  Tickets are available from Ticketmaster for £22. Doors open at 6pm as it is an early show.

• Wed

  27

  Nov

  2013

  Rhob Cunningham & Alana Henderson

  The Sunflower Bar

  Belfast

  

  Singer-songwriter Rhob Cunningham returns to Belfast after playing at Open House's Josh T. Pearson show. His upcoming show takes place at the Sunflower Bar on November 27. He recently recorded his debut solo album in Iceland.

  Support comes from cellist & songstress Alana Henderson who recently released her Wax and Wane EP.

  Tickets are available from Open House for £7 online in advance. Doors open at 8pm.

• Thu

  28

  Nov

  2013

  The Duckworth Lewis Method

  Limelight 1

  Belfast

  

  Cricket-themed duo The Duckworth Lewis Method have announced a Limelight 1 show to take place on November 28.

  Just off the back of an Electric Picnic set, the pair - The Divine Comedy's Neil Hannon & Thomas Walsh of Pugwash - released their second album Sticky Wickets in July. 

  Tickets are available for £18.50 from Ticketmaster, Katy's Bar and the usual outlets. Doors open at 7pm as it is an early show.

• Thu

  28

  Nov

  2013

  Radar Presents: Two Glass Eyes, Safe Ships & The Wood Burning Savages

  The Speakeasy

  Belfast

  

  North coast alt. rock trio Two Glass Eyes headline Radar on November 28 at the usual Speakeasy venue in QUBSU. The band released their debut EP Seats and Windows in 2012 and you can check it out on Bandcamp.

  Half-English, half-Irish hardcore quartet Safe Ships - who recently released their new single 'Fighting Fit' - provide support on the night as well as Derry indie band The Wood Burning Savages.

• Fri

  29

  Nov

  2013

  Electric Six

  Limelight 1

  Belfast

  

  In what is becoming something of an end-of-year tradition - having played in November at the Limelight 2 in 2011 & 2012 - 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 29. 

  Tickets are available priced at £12.50 from Ticketmaster and Katy's Bar. Doors open at 7pm.

• Sat

  30

  Nov

  2013

  Amputated, Zombified, Ceaseless Blight & Fuckhammer

  Limelight 2

  Belfast

  

  Bristol gore/death metallers Amputated headline a show for the Distortion Project at the Limelight 2 on November 30. The band release their third studio album Dissect Molest Ingest later this year. 

  Support comes from old school Belfast death metal act Zombified as well as local black metallers Ceaseless Blight and War Iron/Dsysluxic side project Fuckhammer.

  Doors open at 5pm and entry costs £6.

• Sat

  30

  Nov

  2013

  Bomb City 7's Last Ever Show w/Pocket Billiards & The Wonder Villains

  The Speakeasy

  Belfast

  

  Belfast rap-rock five piece Bomb City 7 play their final ever show on November 30 at the Queen's University Students' Union. 

  The group - which features a ridiculous amount of local talent like BeeMickSee and members of Hornets, Empty Lungs & Axis Of - released their first and only official release Songs From Bomb City 7 in 2011 and have been relatively quiet due, we assume, to the musical commitments of its well-travelled alumni.

  Support comes from ska-punks Pocket Billiards and Derry synth-pop outfit The Wonder Villains as well as a DJ set from The Hostiles.

  Entry costs £5 before 10pm and £8 after. Doors open at 9pm.

• Sat

  30

  Nov

  2013

  Isobel Anderson 'In My Garden' Album Launch

  Crescent Arts Centre

  Belfast

  

  Singer-songwriter Isobel Anderson launches her third album In My Garden at the Crescent Arts Centre on November 30.

  The Brighton/Belfast-based songstress has already released 2 successful albums in 2010's Cold Water Songs and 2011's Dark Path, with In My Garden which documents her struggles with tinnitus and chronic pain as well as the familiar tales of love. This year has also seen Anderson collaborate with Passenger and a violinist Ruby Colley. 10% of all album sales go towards the British Tinnitus Association.

  Entry costs £5.50 and doors open at 8pm.

• Mon

  02

  Dec

  2013

  London Grammar

  The Limelight

  Belfast

  

  Nottingham trip-hop trio London Grammar play the Limelight on December 2.

  The band  formed with vocalist Hannah Reid and guitarist Dan Rothman meeting during their first year in the University of Nottingham in 2009. They released their debut album If You Wait in September, which followed up on their debut EP Metal & Dust, released earlier in the year.

  Ticket are available for £11.50 from Ticketmaster. Doors open at 8pm.

• Tue

  03

  Dec

  2013

  Southern & Guests

  McHugh's Basement

  Belfast

  

   

  Belfast-born, Liverpool-based brother and sister duo Thom and Lucy Southern are to play McHugh's Basement Bar on December 3.

  The pair  release their debut Southern EP through Marathon Records on December 9 and brings the together blues/folk influences with an emphasis on strong harmonies.

  Tickets are available through Shine.net for £8.

• Wed

  04

  Dec

  2013

  Stornoway

  Black Box

  Belfast

  

  Oxford indie folk outfit Stornoway are to play a show for Open House Concerts at the Black Box on December 4.

  Having met during their Oxford university fresher's week, singer/lyricist/guitarist Brian Briggs and keyboardist Jon Ouin decided to form Stornoway and hired brothers Oli & Rob Steadman to form the rhythm section. They released their debut album Beachcomber's Windowsill in 2010, and in March this year released their follow-up Tales From Terra Firma.

  Tickets are available online in advance for £14 from Open House Concerts. Doors open at 8pm.

• Wed

  04

  Dec

  2013

  This Town Needs Guns & Victor Villareal

  Voodoo

  Belfast

  

  Oxford math-rock trio This Town Needs Guns have announced they'll play a show at Voodoo on December 5 as part of their UK tour. 

  The band are currently signed to Sargent House and formed in 2004 as a quartet but trimmed to a three piece after several lineup changes. They've to-date released 2 albums - 2008's Animals and this year's 13.0.0.0.0 as well as several EPs.
  

  Support comes from Chicago-based Victor Villareal.

  Tickets are available from Ticketmaster for £9. Doors open at 8pm.

• Wed

  04

  Dec

  2013

  Transmit Presents: Runaway GO!, Leaders of Men, Pretty Child Backfire & Go Swim

  Limelight 2

  Belfast

  

  Pure Savage Promotions' Transmit has its Christmas Show this year on December 4 with a headline set from indie-pop five piece Runaway GO! who recently released single 'I Would Go' and are off the back of supporting Bastille in Belfast and Dublin.

  Dublin five piece Leaders Of Men provide main support, alongside indie-pop Mid-Ulster natives Pretty Child Backfire and five piece Go Swim, who have been making waves recently.

• Thu

  05

  Dec

  2013

  The View

  Limelight 2

  Belfast

  

  Scottish indie band The View return to Belfast to play the Limelight 2 on December 5.

  Having returned last year with fourth album Cheeky For A Reason. The band characterised the post-Libertines indie haze of the mid-late noughties when they brought out debut album Hats Off To The Buskers in 2007. This year they release compilation The Seven Year Setlist.

  Tickets are available priced at £15 from Ticketmaster, Katy's Bar and the usual spots. Doors open at 9pm.

• Thu

  05

  Dec

  2013

  Radar Presents: The Late Twos 'Never Mind' Single Launch

  The Speakeasy

  Belfast

  

  Indie pop five piece The Late Twos release their new single 'Never Mind' with a launch show at Radar in the Speakeasy on December 5. 

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

• Thu

  05

  Dec

  2013

  We Build Mountains, 100 Onces, Bellos & Dog Will Hunt

  Voodoo

  Belfast

  

  Post-hardcore/math-rock quartet We Build Mountains play Voodoo on December 5 as part of their recent Irish tour along with grungy trio Bellos.

  Additional support comes from LA math rock act 100 Onces - who recently released their new album 100 One Says - and north coast post-hardcore trio Dog Will Hunt.

  Entry costs £4 and doors open at 8.30pm.

• Fri

  06

  Dec

  2013

  Duke Special: A Victorian Christmas

  The Empire

  Belfast

  

  Bringing his year-long residency in the Empire - having played several shows, each with a distinct theme throughout 2013 - Duke Special plays a show 'in the round' entitled 'A Victorian Christmas' on December 6.

  At the show, as well as the obvious seasonal tipples, the audience are encouraged to grab a song-sheet and join in with the Duke. The show promises special guest vocals and support from Shellac DJs and 78rpm - a staple at Duke Special shows - as well as surprise entertainment.

  Tickets are available from Ticketmaster for £15. Doors open at 8.30pm.

• Sat

  07

  Dec

  2013

  War Iron, Nomadic Rituals, Cat Piss Brain Rot & Owlcrusher

  Limelight 2

  Belfast

  

  In a spectacularly heavy December 7 show, doom-sludge four piece (drums, vocals, 2 bassists) War Iron play the Limelight 2 along with fellow sludge-mongers Nomadic Rituals (whose guitarist is responsible for the phenomenal poster artwork). They recently released their debut album on a pay what you like basis, and we recommend you check it out.

  Sludgy noise drone trio Cat Piss Brain Rot play too, as do doom trio Owlcrusher.

  Doors open at 5pm and entry costs £5.

• Sat

  07

  Dec

  2013

  Time To Be Proud, Punkerama & Scarred For Live Records Charity Night

  The Black Box

  Belfast

  

  Three local record labels have gotten together to organise a charity night in aid of Children with Cancer. Punk labels Time To Be Proud, Punkerama and Scarred For Life Records host the night, which takes place on December 7 at the Black Box.

  Classic first wave NI punk band Protex headline the night, while support comes from Stop Stop Start Again, Shock Treatment, 3D Shark and Mohican Jack.

  The night also serves as the release of Punkerama single for Children With Cancer - a cover of the Greedies' 'We Wish You A Merry Christmas' with a veritable who's who of the local punk scene and Terri Hooley. Sunglasses After Dark DJ Ryan Fitzsimmons also provides music on the night.

  Doors open at 8.30pm and admission costs £5.

• Sun

  08

  Dec

  2013

  Mon

  09

  Dec

  2013

  Foy Vance

  Sandinos & Limelight 1

  Derry & Belfast

  

  Singer-songwriter Foy Vance has just announced 2 shows in Derry’s Sandinos & Belfast’s Limelight 1 on the 8 & 9 December respectively.

  The Bangor man travelled across the American South with his preacher father in his youth which inspired a lot of his early writing. Vance has scored Oscar-winning short film The Shore with David Holmes, and releases his latest album Joy Of Nothing later in the year, the follow-up to last year’s Holmes collaborative Melrose EP.

  Tickets are priced at £14 from Ticketmaster, Shine.net & Katy’s Bar. 

• Sun

  08

  Dec

  2013

  Blazefest IV: Stormzone, Crossholder, Worldsend, Sandstone, Screaming Eagles, Maverick, Altus & Rebels By Nature

  The Empire

  Belfast

   

  

  Blazefest, the annual all-day metal show at the Empire returns for its fourth event on March 8, with all proceeds going to the Royal Belfast Hospital For Sick Children. Internationally renowned act Stormzone headline.

  The rest of the bill is made up of Budapest act Crossholder, Comber progressive act Worldsend, Derry melodic metal five piece Sandstone, rock n' roll quartet Screaming Eagles, Maverick, Altus and Rebels By Nature.

  Admission costs £10 and tickets are available from Ticketmaster. Doors open at 5pm.

• Tue

  10

  Dec

  2013

  Hudson Taylor (14+) - Cancelled

  Mandela Hall

  Belfast

  

  18 & 20 year old brothers Alfie & Harry Hudson Taylor from Dublin are to play the Mandela on December 10, after phenomenal demand meant they had to upgrade from the Oh Yeah Centre.

  The pair have spread in popularity following their beginnings as a busking duo and have since become word-of-mouth favourites. They released their debut EP Battles in August and topped the online Irish charts as well as making the UK iTunes charts.

  Tickets are available from Shine.net & Ticketmaster. Doors open at 7pm.

• Wed

  11

  Dec

  2013

  PigsAsPeople, Astralnaut, Chocolate Love Factory & The Last Generation

  Voodoo

  Belfast

  

  Sludgy post-hardcore act PigsAsPeople play Voodoo on December 11 in their first show in Belfast since the Radar launch of their second EP Idles & Us - available now on a name-your-price basis from Bandcamp.

  On support are the recently expanded Chocolate Love Factory, who are also fresh off the release of their Pickle & POG EP at Radar, stoner groove metal merchants Astralnaut and mid-Ulster riff machines The Last Generation.

  Entry costs £5 and doors open at 9pm.

• Thu

  12

  Dec

  2013

  Black Sabbath

  Odyssey Arena

  Belfast

  

  Genuine pioneers of heavy metal Black Sabbath will play the Odyssey Arena on Thursday, December 12 as part of their upcoming UK tour. Unfortunately the quartet will be without drummer Bill Ward, but messrs Osbourne, Iommi & Butler - who came together in 1969 - will be present.

  This winter tour is to follow the scheduled June release of 13 - their first album with the talismanic Ozzy Osbourne since 1978's Never Say Die! - which has been produced by Rick Rubin and features Rage Against The Machine's Brad Wilk behind the kit in place of Ward.

  Only a limited number of tickets remain at Ticketmaster.

• Thu

  12

  Dec

  2013

  Villagers

  Limelight 1

  Belfast

  

  Strange Victory Presents have announced that two-time Mercury Music Prize-nominated alternative folk outfit Villagers are to play the Limelight 1 on December 12.

  Having sold out multiple shows across Ireland this year, the five piece earlier in 2013 released {Awayland} their phenomenal follow-up to debut Becoming A Jackal.

  Tickets are available for £16.50 from Ticketmaster & Katy's Bar.

• Thu

  12

  Dec

  2013

  Radar Presents: Gascan Ruckus, Empty Lungs & Joshua Burnside

  The Speakeasy

  Belfast

   

  In one of the finest Radar bills this year, the recently-returned punky Armagh quartet Gascan Ruckus and anthemic punk rock act Empty Lungs double headline The Speakeasy on December 12.

  Gascan, having been away since the start of 2013, returned at Mojo Fury's album launch in the Mandela Hall to a great response, and this is to be Empty Lungs' first show since August in Belfast.

  Opening the night is spectacular newcomer Joshua Burnside who recently released his If You're Goin' That Way EP on Bandcamp on a name-your-price basis.

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

• Fri

  13

  Dec

  2013

  Wooden Shjips

  The Menagerie

  Belfast

  

  San Francisco psychedelic space-rockers Wooden Shjips play the Menagerie for Strange Victory on Friday December 13.

  Having released their debut self-titled album in 2007, the quartet have put out 3 studio albums and 2 singles compilations with the most recent release being 2011's acclaimed West. Its follow-up LP Back To Land is released on November 11.

  Tickets are available from WeGotTickets for £13.75. Doors open at 8pm

• Sat

  14

  Dec

  2013

  Bell X1

  Mandela Hall

  Belfast

  

  Irish act Bell X1 return to the Mandela Hall on Saturday December 14 as they tour their latest album Chop Chop.

  Chop Chop is the sixth album from the trio and was released last month. The band have been promoting their release not just by shows at the likes of Indiependance, Live at the Marquee, but in a  'pop-up shop' tour where outlets appeared throughout Ireland selling the new album and received a voucher for an exclusive acoustic performance. 

  Tickets are available for £20 from QUBSU and Ticketmaster. Doors open at 7.30pm.

• Sat

  14

  Dec

  2013

  Sinocence, Astralnaut, Bakken & Kashis

  Limelight 2

  Belfast

  

  The Distortion Project runs a show at the Limelight 2 on December 14 to be headlined by metal act Sinocence.

  Support comes from stoner-groove-metal outfit Astralnaut, four piece purveyors of classic metal Bakken and Lurgan progressive grunge metal five piece Kashis.

  Entry costs £5 and doors open at 5pm.

• Sat

  14

  Dec

  2013

  LaFaro, Hornets ('Stay Free' Single Launch) & A Fight You Can't Win

  Voodoo

  Belfast

  

  LaFaro headline Voodoo on Saturday December 14 in a single launch for sludgy hardcore trio Hornets, who release their new single 'Stay Free' at the show.

  LaFaro have been relatively quiet in Belfast as of late apart from some performances at the likes of Belfast Music's Limelight Showcase, but this show marks their tenth anniversary. Hornets have just completed the recording of their new No Faith EP at Start Together Studios.

  Further support comes from Edinburgh quartet A Fight You Can't Win.

  Entry costs £6 and doors open at 9pm.

• Sat

  14

  Dec

  2013

  Distillation 07: Fight Like Apes & The Bonnevilles

  Oh Yeah Centre

  Belfast

   

  

  The Oh Yeah Centre is to offer a Christmas theme to the seventh instalment of their regular Distillation gig night on December 14. Headlining the show are the pop culture-referencing, Dublin-based electro-indie-punk-popmakers Fight Like Apes, who only just debuted a new song 'Carousel' on Nialler9.

  Support comes from Lurgan blues-rock duo The Bonnevilles and DJ sets come from Jonny Tiernan & Andy Campbell.

  Entry costs £5 on the night or from WeGotTickets and doors open at 9pm.

• Sun

  15

  Dec

  2013

  Black Star Riders

  Limelight 1

  Belfast

  

  Classic rock supergroup Black Star Riders have announced a show at the Limelight 1 on December 15.

  The five piece formed in 2012 when the members of the most recent incarnation of Thin Lizzy decided to record new material but felt it should take on a name of its own. They released their first album All Hell Breaks Loose in May. 

  Tickets are available for £22.50 from Ticketmaster & Katy's Bar. Doors open at 8pm.

• Sun

  15

  Dec

  2013

  The Jepettos 'Troubles' EP Launch w/Feet For Wings & Ciara O'Neill

  The Sunflower Bar

  Belfast

  

  Folk-pop husband & wife act The Jepettos release their latest Troubles EP at the Sunflower Bar on December 15 through Alcohol & Irony Belfast.

  Their new EP not only features the talents of Michael & Ruth Aiken's vocals but also the likes of cellist Alana Henderson and Go Wolf's Scott Jamison. 

  Support comes from the delicately atmospheric folk of Feet For Wings and Ciara O'Neill, who recently released her first EP.

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

• Sun

  15

  Dec

  2013

  This is Christmas with: Emmy The Great & Tim Wheeler

  Limelight 2

  Belfast

  

  Ash's Tim Wheeler and Emmy The Great play a special festive show at the Limelight 2 on December 15.

  In 2011, the pair released successful seasonal collaborative album This Is Christmas which was written after they were stranded in Sussex following several missed flights due to the weather. The duo look to play the album as well as a host of Christmas covers at the show.

  Tickets are available for £18 from Ticketmaster & Katy's Bar. Doors open at 8pm.

• Tue

  17

  Dec

  2013

  Tenacious D

  The Academy

  Dublin

  

  American comedy rock duo Tenacious D are to perform on December 17 at Dublin's Academy with a stripped down acoustic set.

  Jack Black and Kyle Gass formed Tenacious D in 1994 in LA. To date, they've released three albums but gained popularity following their 1999 television series. Their most recent album was 2012's Rize of the Fenix.

  Tickets are available from Ticketmaster for €49.50. Doors open at 7.30pm.

• Wed

  18

  Dec

  2013

  James Walsh (Starsailor)

  McHugh's Bar

  Belfast

  

  Former Starsailor frontman James Walsh has announced a show at McHugh’s Bar in Belfast on December 18. 

  The singer-songwriter has carved out a new solo career for himself as not just a performer but a writer for other big names in pop, taking in the likes of Elize Doolittle, Christina Perri, Melanie C & Matt Cardle. He wrote and performed some of the soundtrack for 2010 British film 'Powder'. 

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

• Thu

  19

  Dec

  2013

  The Beat

  Limelight 2

  Belfast

  

  2-tone ska act The Beat have announced a Belfast show at the Limelight 2 on December 19. 

  The act formed in 1978 at the peak of unemployment and social upheaval and alongside The Specials, found much success through their messages of hope in an otherwise bleak British society.They released 3 albums before disbanding in 1983 until a one-off 2003 semi-reunion, before a full regrouping took place in 2006.

  Tickets are available for £17 from Katy's Bar & Ticketmaster. Doors open at 9pm.

• Thu

  19

  Dec

  2013

  Radar Presents: Feet For Wings, In Their Thousands & Craig McConkey

  The Speakeasy

  Belfast

  

  Radar has its final show of 2013 on December 19 with headlining duties resting in the capable hands of atmospheric folk act Feet For Wings.

  Support comes from Donegal alt. folk quartet In Their Thousands and singer-songwriter Craig McConkey.
  

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

• Fri

  20

  Dec

  2013

  Sullivan & Gold, Little Bear & Our Krypton Son

  101 Central

  

  Smalltown America Records present a showcase of some of their more low-key acts at 101 Central on Donegall Street (BT1 2FJ) on December 20. Derry duo Sullivan & Gold - who headline the show - release their album For Foes on November 25, and it's said to take influence from Laurel Canyon Soul, 90s shoegaze & UK indie rock.

  Fellow Derry acts the hotly-tipped Little Bear and Chris McConaghy's Our Krypton Son also play on the bill. 

  Doors open at 7.30pm and ticket are available for £7 from WeGotTickets or £10 on the door. The first act are on at 8pm.

• Fri

  20

  Dec

  2013

  Christmas Rock Show: Droids, Bonnevilles & Those Ghosts

  Sandinos

  Derry-Londonderry

  

  Derry quartet Droids play a special Christmas show in Sandinos' Back Bar on December 20.

  Garage-blues duo The Bonnevilles and alt. rock act Those Ghosts support on the night.

  Entry costs £4 and doors open at 10pm. 

• Fri

  20

  Dec

  2013

  Go Wolf, Yes Cadets, Travis Is A Tourist & Hurdles

  Stiff Kitten

  Belfast

  

  Indie upstarts Go Wolf have announced a headline Christmas show at the Stiff Kitten on December 20 with a sterling supporting cast. The band have recently been included on a compilation from ultra-hip French music/fashion label Kitsune.

  Support comes from art-pop act Yes Cadets, a full band show from Travis Is A Tourist - side project of former Colly Strings frontman Travis Gilbert - and indie-pop quartet Hurdles.

  There will also be DJ sets from Ed Zealous and our Thin Air DJs.

  Tickets are available for £5 from Ticketmaster, Shine.net & Katy's Bar. Doors open at 9pm.

• Fri

  20

  Dec

  2013

  Gráinne Duffy

  Black Box

  Belfast

  

  Guitar player, singer and songwriter Gráinne Duffy plays the Black Box on December 20.

  The Monaghan-raised Duffy was brought up on a diet of blues and is already gaining comparisons to the likes of Bonnie Raitt, thanks to her vocal and guitar style. To date she's released 2 albums - debut Out Of The Dark and recently released follow-up Test Of Time.

  Tickets are available from the Black Box for £12. Doors open at 8.30pm.

• Sun

  22

  Dec

  2013

  A Christmas Party With Kowalski, New Ancestors, In An Instant, Alana Henderson & Rachel Coulter

  Black Box

  Belfast

  

  Open House Festival are to curate a Christmas show with indie-electro-pop outfit Kowalski following their sold out show at the same time last year. Support comes from folk outfit New Ancestors hotly-tipped Bangor electro-indie act In An Instant in the main room.

  Cellist & songstress Alana Henderson and Farriers' Rachel Coulter play the Green Room on the night too, with DJ sets from Hipster Santa and Scott Edgar.

  Tickets are available online from Open House for £7 or £10 on the night. Doors open at 7.30pm.

• Sun

  22

  Dec

  2013

  Amidships' Christmas Party featuring: Seven Summits, Arborist & Joshua Burnside

  Stiff Kitten

  Belfast

  

  Atmospheric folk/rock act Amidships play and curate a Christmas show on December 22 at the Stiff Kitten.

  As well as themselves, the show will feature Seven Summits, an acoustic sets from the incredibly mellow Arborist and experimental folk of Joshua Burnside.

  Tickets are available for £5.50 from SeeTickets and doors open at 8.30pm.

• Mon

  23

  Dec

  2013

  Documenta, Autumns & Cosmic Disco

  The Menagerie

  Belfast

  

  To celebrate a particularly cosmic Festivus, The Menagerie hosts a night of space rock on December 23, to be headlined by Documenta. This will be Documenta's last show for a while as they put the finishing touches to their next record Drone Pop #1.

  Derry's Autumns also play on the night, with a Cosmic Disco from Satsumas DJs and J Carberry.

  Entry costs £5 and doors open at 9.30pm.

• Thu

  26

  Dec

  2013

  More Than Conquerors, New Ancestors & Rachael Boyd

  Aether & Echo

  Belfast

  

  Boxing night in Belfast is sure to offer plenty of entertainment, and the promise of More Than Conquerors' show at newly opened Aether & Echo - 11 Lower Garfield St, for the uninitiated - in Belfast is bound to tempt many out of their food-induced coma.

  Support comes from folk act New Ancestors - formerly known as The 1930s - and songstress Rachael Boyd. DJ sets will be on the night too.

  Entry costs £6 and doors open at 9pm.

• Fri

  27

  Dec

  2013

  Robyn G Shiels & Joshua Burnside

  Black Box

  Belfast

  

  Dark songwriter Robyn G Shiels is to play an end-of-year show at the Black Box on December 27.

  His most recent EP Underneath The Night Of Stars was received very well, and work on his long awaited next album continues to build. 

  Support comes from experiment folk artist Joshua Burnside.

  Tickets are available for £7 from the Black Box. Doors open at 8pm.

• Sun

  29

  Dec

  2013

  And So I Watch You From Afar, Axis Of & Hornets

  Limelight 1

  Belfast

   

  

  Four-piece instrumental act And So I Watch You From Afar play the Limelight 1 in a mammoth post-Christmas show on December 29.

  Having released their third album All Hail Bright Futures earlier this year, ASIWYFA have been trotting the globe almost without any rest throughout 2013. Most recently they've been nominated for the Northern Ireland Music Prize.

  They're to be supported by anthemic north coast punk trio Axis Of - containing Ewen Friers, the brother of ASIWYFA's Rory - and hardcore act Hornets.

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

• Mon

  30

  Dec

  2013

  REMember: Runaway Go, The Jane Bradfords, War Hole & special guests

  Limelight 1

  Belfast

  

  On December 30, just a night before New Year's Eve, several bands are to get together in aid of Alzheimer's research for a show entitled 'REMember', themed around R.E.M. 

  Playing the show with a selection of covers and their own material are anthemic indie act Runaway Go, The Jane Bradfords, War Hole and some very special headliners.

  Tickets are available for £10 from Ticketmaster and Katy's Bar. Doors open at 8pm.