Its bank holiday weekend time again, and there are some cracking gigs happening in the capital next weekend, but for my choice for gig of the week I have gone outside the pale and chosen this years Rory Gallagher Festival, which is kicks off in Ballyshannon this Thursday.
Roryfest returns to Ballyshannon this bank holiday weekend for its seventh year in the Donegal hometown of Rory Gallagher. The 4-day festival has become more and more popular in the last few years and with people travelling from far and wide to attend. Line-up Blurb Alert!
The Rory Gallagher International Tribute Festival 2009 begins on Thursday 28th May and continues through until Sunday 31st May 2009. We are delighted that this year among the main headline acts on the Saturday Night at Rory Gallagher Theatre, will be “SHINKICKER” (England) featuring the electrifying Guitarist ~ Chris Stuckey, “DAVE McHUGH BAND” (Ireland) and “Hotlips & Chilli Fingers” featuring Chris Newman complete the only all-ticket show, that is sure to sell-out in advance.
Some 25 performing acts will appear at the Rory Gallagher Festival coming from Holland , Germany , Italy , USA , Norway , England , Scotland and Ireland. Several International Rory Tribute Bands will be making their debuts at the 2009 Festival including “BEARDED BABIES” (Norway), “WOLFPIN” (Holland) and “BIG GUNS” (Italy).
Making a welcomed return are leading performers “Sinnerboy” (England), “Defender” from Scotland, “Remember Rory” (Germany), legendary local Rockers “Boxtie” and Johnny Gallagher, “Moonchild”, “The Deans” and Joe O’Neill with his new-look “Messin’ with D’Gallagher”. A band that must be seen to be believed SEAMIE O’DOWD BAND who will be once again rocking the streets of Ballyshannon with his band, requiring no introduction to festival-goers. Sligo’s favourite son – Seamie, has a passion and an awesome rawness that is refreshing for many Rory fans.
You may ask why this has made it to gig of week over Beyonce at the O2. The simple reason is that I’m road-tripping up to Ballyshannon this Thursday to walk around a lovely small Irish town pissed listening to some great music and then get to camp for the first time this summer with some lovely people. If you’d rather go see Jay Z’s missus than that, you’re on the wrong site.
4-Day Festival Ticket is €20, €25 with Camping, and are available from the Festival Box Office/Town Off License. Yeah thats right, Box Office/Off License. Awesome. Festival Info Here
Other Gigs of note this week include…
The Ruby Sessions ft. Jessie Power, Kassette, Adela Meally @ Doyles, Tues
Casiokids @ The Academy 2, Tues
The Maccabes @ The Academy, Wed
Toots & The Maytals @ Tripod, Wed
Holly Golightly & The Brokoffs @ ATL, Thurs
The Hot Sprockets & Friends (Oxfam Charity Gig) @ Eamonn Dorans, Thurs
Peekin’ Trippers @ The Academy 2, Thurs
Pony Club @ Odessa, Thurs
Laura Izibor @ Tripod, Thurs
Van Cleef (Supervillanesque album launch) @ The Village, Fri
Final Fantasy @ Whelans, Fri
The Blizzards, The Flaws & Republic of Loose @ Portlaoise Heritage Hotel, Fri
Sasha @ Tripod, Fri
The Kinetiks w/Sweet Janes & The Cades @ The Academy 2, Sat
Shapeshifter (Live) @ Crawdaddy, Sat
Cowboy X @ The Academy 2, Sun
Joan of Arc @ Whelans, Sun
Soundtrack 09 Ft. Diplo, Fake Blood & More @ Pod, Sun