Little Green Cars @ Vicar Street

What a phenomenal gig last night in Vicar Street! Little Green Cars deserve their success which is sure to follow them around. They are great musicians and beautiful harmonists. Just back from a tour around the USA starting in Austin, Texas, they were happy to be home and clearly delighted to be playing to a packed Vicar Street. With their first album, Absolute Zero barely released to rave reviews, it is exciting to see them doing so well. With support by Gypsies on the Autobahn, another Dublin-based band, who were also well received. The lead singer sounds a little like he’s on helium but it’s a pleasant sound.

By the time, Little Green Cars took to the stage, they steal your heart with powerful lyrics and beautiful harmonies. Faye possesses a strong voice that captivates the audience. With a mix of some well-known songs like ‘Harper Lee’, ‘The John Wayne Song’ and ‘Love Took Me Down to the River to Silence Me’ and a few of their newer tunes, they wowed the crowd and their time touring really showed as they are comfortable on stage and very tight as a band. The set really flowed from the more acapella, slower tunes to the upbeat, louder songs, I loved every minute. The encore was a slower, more intimate affair with the band appearing off-stage at the back of Vicar Street. They ended with ‘The Consequences of Not Sleeping’ inspired by Appleby’s father who was in the audience proudly looking on.

As The John Wayne song goes “It’s easy to fall in love, it’s easy to fall in love with you”, it most definitely is easy to fall in love with this band.

For Love @ Viking Theatre, Clontarf

I went to see For Love, a dark blue comedy about three women trying to find love in modern day Dublin in the small theatre above a pub known as ‘The Sheds’ in Clontarf. It was my first time in this local theatre and it certainly won’t be my last. It’s a small room but comfortable and well set-up. The play debuted in New York off-Broadway and is on a short tour around Ireland which was financed by the actors themselves. It was written by Laoisa Sexton and stars John Duddy, Jo Kinsella, Georgina McKevitt and Laoisa Sexton. The four actors played their parts to perfection. We have Val who is tired of one night stands and looking for more as long as they are blonde. Then there is Bee who is struggling with the fact she is shortly to become a glamourous granny and also deciding whether or not to hop into bed with a married man. Then there is Tina, unhappily married but with a love for shopping that knows no bounds. Each woman is simply looking for happiness in all the wrong places. It is a play with a lot of laughs and a lot of heart but be warned it is quite graphic in parts.

Due to popular demand there will be an extra show in the Viking Theatre on Sun 5th May. Check out details of how to get tickets by clicking on the website: http://www.vikingtheatredublin.com/. And if you’re in Galway it’s on the Town Hall Theatre on May 7th and 8th.

A Wine Goose Chase

Held in Mitchell and Son’s Wine Shop in CHQ on Wednesday night as part of the Five Lamps Festival, A Wine Goose Chase is an hour-long one woman theatrical performance fusing interactive wine tasting with storytelling in an intimate setting. Susan Boyle treated us to the history of wine and the influence the Irish had on its development. It was eye-opening, entertaining and educational. She took us through the Monks to the Celts and the Vikings and regaled us of tales of the wine geese. These wine geese are the Irish men who left Ireland in the 18th Century and established themselves in the wine industry around the world. She spoke of smells, memories and above all of her love for wine.

We also got to enjoy and taste the wines she was speaking about all of which had Irish connections. Wine One was a Riesling from the Wakefield Estate in the Clare Valley in Australia. It was a single wine, a first growth Bordeaux, which inspired Bill Taylor to take the plunge and to purchase a block of land in the Clare Valley and set about crafting quality wines to rival the French. This was followed by a Rose from Chateau Clarke of Bordeaux. Rose always reminds me of the summer and holidays and this particular one was very light. Chateau Clarke has bared Irish man Tobie Clarke’s name since he purchased the land in 1818. Susan spoke about Bordeaux, the capital of the wine world today, which became home to many of these Irish who immersed themselves in the wine trade. Today, Bordeaux boasts many distinctive Irish names including Barton, MacCarthy, Kirwan, Dillon, Phelan, Hennessy and Lynch.

Irish emigrants were also involved in winemaking from Mexico to South Africa to the remote regions of Australia and New Zealand. To finish and it being Malbec World day, we finished up with a newer wine El Commandante Malbec. All the way from Argentina, it was founded in 2006 by Irish wine lover and former Army Commandant, Michael Lynch. The winery is now run by his son, Tom.

We rounded the night off by tasting Green Spot Whiskey produced exclusively for Mitchell & Son. This Single Pot Still Whisky is unique to Ireland. It was my first-ever tasting of whiskey and it was a bit too strong for me, I think I’ll stick to the wine. There was another performance on after ours although we were told to sit and enjoy while Susan went round the tables answering any questions.

This one-woman wine show premiered at the Dublin Fringe Festival. Never fear if you missed its appearance at the Five Lamps Festival, Thomas Barton wines is sponsoring this play at the Dublin Bay Wine Experience, which is taking place in Dun Laoghaire on May 18th and 19th. ‘Bringing the Wine Geese Home’ is a wine initiative, in association with The Gathering, which will feature wine events and promotions that focus on wineries with an Irish connection. Tickets are €15pp and can be purchased from: The offices of Dun Laoghaire Rathdown Chambers or from www.dublinbaywineexperience.ie

Biffy Clyro @ The o2

Biffy came on stage at 8.30pm (very punctual) last night to a very enthusiastic crowd kicking off with Different People followed by Black Chandelier. The crowd were loving it from the start jumping up and down like crazy jelly beans totally feeding off the energy of the band. Simon Neil was bouncing around the stage like the Easter bunny. The staging and lighting were both excellent adding atmosphere and theatre to the o2. The projections were both literal but brilliant with bubbles for “Bubbles” and fire for “Who’s got a match?”. It also was one of the best gigs I have seen in the o2. Simon Neil totally loses himself in the music and boy has he one hell of a sexy scottish accent. I’m loving the new album, Opposites and they played every single song I wanted to hear from both that album and many of the fan favourites like Many of Horrors, God and Satan, Bubbles and Mountains. They certainly win best live act for me. I loved every single second and am still on a Biffy buzz today. Mon the Biff!

“Baby if you could would you go back to the start? Take any fresh steps or watch it all fall apart, again.”

Baxter’s Back: Tom Baxter @ The Academy, Dublin

One of my favourite singer-songwriters, Tom Baxter, has finally made it back to Dublin after a hiatus of five years. After postponing his comeback gig last September 2012 as the album wasn’t complete, he rescheduled for Friday March 22nd which happily coincided with my birthday – what a lovely present! I like to think that was serendipitious as I couldn’t think of a better way to celebrate. I love the Academy as a music venue with the stage in the centre and the acoustics are also spot on. We braved the elements outside but it was worth it. Support for the evening was in the form of Sam Semple. All the lads joined Sam for “Forgive and Forget”. It was great to see that the Academy so full. Tom’s fans were out in force for his comeback. He kicked off his set with an oldie but a goodie and from the first song we were sold. It’s amazing the effect Tom has on an audience – he has the power to silence the room with his voice. He was joined on stage by some old faces, Oli Langford on violin and Danny Keane on piano and a new face, Sam Walker on drums. He introduced the new songs from his third album, The Uncarved Block – Part One, which are beautiful and more mature-sounding. There was the obligatory sing-along for ‘Better’. I loved hearing the old favourites like My Declaration and Skybound but it was also nice to hear the new songs too. Tom is at his best when his songs are pared back and acoustic and the new album showcases this to perfection. His new album is on sale exclusively at the gigs which Tom stayed back to sign albums after the gig and say hello to all his fans. The sign of a musician who appreciates his fans and judging from Friday night, it’s clear that is a two-way street. I’m sure he’ll be back to our shores very soon and I am already looking forward to Part Two.

“Row, row, row your boat gently up the stream
Merrily, merrily, merrily, merrily, life is but a dream!”

Once @ The Gaiety, 8th March 2013

Straight from the bright lights of Broadway, the Tony award-winning musical ‘Once‘ has come home to Dublin for a limited stay. It started life as a 2006 Irish musical film written and directed by John Carney. It was set in Dublin, and starred Glen Hansard (of the Irish folk rock band The Frames) and Markéta Irglová. It featured the song ‘Falling Slowly’ which won an Oscar for Best Original Song in 2007.

The movie was adapted for the stage by Enda Walsh and directed by John Tiffany. It opened on Broadway on March 18 2012 at the Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre. It is opening in the West End on March 16th but is preceded by a European premiere performance run in our very own Gaiety theatre from February 22nd to March 9th. I went to see it last night and thoroughly loved it. I’ve been very lucky with my theatre picks lately.

The story is a simple love story, albeit with some complications, between a street busker and a Czech single mother. The leads parts are played by Declan Bennett and Zrinka Cvitešić who are both excellent musicians and performers. Their voices gel together well and Zrinka is perfect as the bossy but serious Czech. Declan has real stage charisma and the songs are handled well in his capable hands. The cast also perform all the music on stage doubling as the orchestra which is a great idea and brings the music to life. The music actually starts well before the play as the cast were on stage singing while everyone was taking their seats. The set design is minimalist designed to resemble an Irish bar with change of scenery signified by clever use of lighting. The bar was also used during the interval to serve customers who were served drinks in sippy cups on stage! There is lots of humour throughout the play at the expense of Fair City and Ronan Keating. There are some great characters in the play including Billy, the music shop owner; the Cork Banker and the mad Czech drummer. The star of the show of course is the songs performed to perfection. The moral of this story is don’t live your life in fear, a simple but effective concept. It’s also nice to see Dublin viewed in a positive way.

It is a beautiful adaption of a bittersweet and endearing film and they totally deserved all their Tony awards and the standing ovation they got last night. If you get a chance, definitely go see this play, you won’t be disappointed.

Singlehood @ Vicar Street, 1st March 2013

The Irish Times review uses the words “Heartbreaking and hilarious” to describe this play and you’ll be pleased to know it contained more hilarity than heartbreak. I went to see it last Friday 1st March. One of the sell-out hits of last year’s Dublin Fringe Festival, I was dying to see it having missed out the first time round. I was delighted to hear about this mini-tour this year in February and March featuring the Draíocht Blanchardstown, the Axis Ballymun and finishing off in Vicar Street.

Maeve Higgins supported with some stand-up comedy beforehand, a monologue of witty stories and commentary of her own single status. She concluded with a story about proposals from her recently published book ‘We Have a Good Time…Don’t We?’ It was a great start to the play although a little marred by latecomers getting seated. Vicar Street is a great venue for comedy shows and music acts but not so sure the same is true of plays.

Following a short interval, the eight actors took to the stage. The set design was minimal but effective featuring eight chairs and some projection on the back screen. The play was written by Una McKevitt and David Coffey. They interviewed over 50 singletons which resulted in this theatre documentary exploring the art of being single through real-life stories. Stand-up comedian Eric Lalor featured as part of the eight ensemble who each told their own stories mixed in with stories from other singletons. The names and ages flashed across the screen behind them to signify who they were. This led to a bit of confusion as the girl in front of me kept turning to her friend saying ‘sure there’s no way he’s 54’ and ‘I’m sure her name’s Joanne’! What lifted the play to another level was the brilliant and catchy soundtrack by musical comedy duo The Guilty Folk who were part of the ensemble. The standout performers for me were Eric Lalor and Joanne McNally who both shone on stage. You could tell all the performers were having a great time and even the odd slip-ups were endearing rather than awkward especially when they had to do a dance routine.

The stories were humorous, honest and at times a little shocking. It made me laugh out loud and dance in my seat. If you get a chance to see this funny play then go see it – would totally recommend it for a good night out. I’m sure it’ll be back again real soon at a theatre near you but be sure to keep an eye out.

9 to 5: The Musical

I was more than pleasantly surprised at 9 to 5: The Musical in the Bord Gais Energy Theatre. It was uplifting and funny and actually very good. I had seen the movie but hadn’t remembered liking it as much. An added bonus was that Dolly Parton herself features projected on screen to narrate the story at the beginning and the end.

The three leads were excellent – Jackie Clune as Violet, Amy Lennox as Doralee and Natalie Casey [you might recognize her as Donna from Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps] as clueless and broken-hearted Judy. Jackie Clune plays the older, single mother part to perfection – a born leader with a heart of gold. Amy Lennox is great as Double–D Doralee, the part played by Dolly in the original movie. She has the perfect country twang to her voice. Lastly, Natalie Casey is a great comic actress with a lovely voice. Her character takes the biggest journey from scared divorcee to strong single lady. Also the funniest scene goes to Bonnie Langford [Roz] and Ben Richards [Franklin] doing a tango in the office. The songs are uplifting and the story silly but funny.

In the end it’s all about girl power and sure if you have to kidnap your boss to get it, why not? But I wouldn’t recommend it. I couldn’t think of a better way to end Blue Monday. If you want a good laugh and a guaranteed fun night out, I’d recommend 9 to 5. Just a note of warning you’ll be singing the song for the rest of the week. You have to be quick though as it’s only in the Bord Gais Theatre till Saturday 26th January.

In Bruges

Bruges is a picturesque, small canal-based city located about an hour and a half from Brussels sometimes referred to as “The Venice of the North”. Full of history and cobble-stone pathways, it is easy to walk around. It is a chocolatiers’ heaven with more chocolate shops than willy wonka’s factory. As well as chocolate, Belgium is famous for its beer, waffles, moules & frites/mussels & chips served with mayo.

With beautiful medieval buildings including the Church of Our Lady, whose brick spire reaching 401.25 ft, making it one of the world’s highest brick towers/buildings. The sculpture of Madonna and Child, which can be seen inside, is believed to be Michelangelo’s only sculpture to have left Italy within his lifetime. Bruges’ most famous landmark is its 13th-century belfry, housing a municipal carillon comprising 48 bells which is located in the Markt square. You can climb right to the top with stunning views of the surrounding belgian countryside but be warned it is a steep climb. The Markt also housed the christmas markets which were set around a ice rink. Another beautiful square, Burg square, is located quite nearby and here you can find the church housing the Basilica of the Holy Blood, the City Hall and of course the Brian Boru, an Irish pub. Also worth a visit is the beguinage, a peaceful place similar to a monastery for women known as ‘beguins’. Nearby is the minnewater or lake of love filled with swans. If you’re interested in art, a visit to the Groeningemuseum is a must to see the world-famous collection of Flemish Primitives with paintings by various masters, such as Hans Memling and Jan van Eyck, who lived and worked in Bruges.

Some places I would recommend trying include:
2be Beer Wall – well worth a visit to view the many varieties of beer on offer and the wall of beer or sit in the beer garden and enjoy a brew. I tried a cherry beer and liked it.
Cambrinus – Cambrinus is known as the King of Beer in Belgium and this restaurant/pub has over 400 varieties on offer. It also has great food. I’d recommend the steak.
Mozarthuys – a real local restaurant with great food and lovely atmosphere. Perfect place to try some local dishes including the famous flemish stew cooked in dark beer, available in rabbit or beef or moules & frites.

For the coffee/tea and cakes, there are plenty of tearooms to choose from but I would recommend one of the following places:
Tonka Tearooms – perfect for a quick sandwich or cake. Very good value. Love the way they always give you a tasty treat with your tea/coffee on the side. This had the nicest crème caramel and a very cheap ‘croque monsieur’.
Prestige Tearooms– one of the quaintest tearooms around with fancy sweet treats. Be warned though it’s not cheap with a pot of tea costing €3.50 but it is served in the prettiest china teacups. I’d recommend the pancakes with ice-cream and chocolate sauce – there’s more than enough to share.
Delisa – another nice coffee shop offering homemade pralines. Lovely staff and a nice place to sit for a while.

One thing I would check would be the closing hours as the one Belgian word I came to know during my short stay was “gesloten” meaning closed. The shops and restaurants seemed to close whenever the mood took them meaning that planning to go somewhere was something you couldn’t take for granted. Another warning would be to always check prices before ordering, two ladies ended up paying 60 euros for two drinks and two omelettes! We stayed three nights and that was plenty as Bruges is quite small.

Mumford and Sons @ the o2 Dublin

Last night was full of shiny, happy bouncing people at Mumford and Sons first gig at the o2 Dublin. It was completely sold out. From the minute the red curtain fell, the four lads were on fire. We caught the tail end of Dawes, an L.A. band who sounded very good. Following that came the most bizarre support act ever in the form of Piff the Magic Dragon. It was like being at a children’s birthday party. A man dressed as a dragon did magic tricks accompanied by his cute little dog, Mr. Piffles. The best bit of the act was the dog moon-walking. Thankfully it didn’t last too long and Mumford arrived on stage at 9pm.

You rarely come across a band who sounds better live than they do on their album but Mumford is one of those bands. As they say themselves “We basically consider the album like an advert for our live gigs. And I find it easier to sing songs over and over if they feel honest, if we feel passionate about them. That’s an important thing: we need to be able to feel what we sing every night, and believe it.” [From: The Guardian] The songs seem to come to life on stage. They started with Babel and ended with a cover of The Beatles classic “With A Little Help from my Friends” joined back on stage by their support acts Post War Years and Dawes as well as Piff the Magic Dragon.

A highlight was “Little Lion Man” which had everyone on their feet. It was good to hear the old favourites as well as the songs from the new album. The energy was amazing and it was one of the best gigs I’ve seen in the o2. It’s hard for a band to interact with the crowd in a large venue but that didn’t seem to faze Mumford. Also special mention for the lighting and stage design guys – the lighting was amazing and the many colours were very pretty indeed! The lads were clearly moved by the reaction of the crowd and told us that we made them feel at home. This was their penultimate gig on a long tour and their enthusiasm and energy hasn’t waned one little bit. Each time I’ve seen them it’s like it’s their first playing the music. Their love for what they do shines through. They finish up for 2012 in London in the O2 on the 18th December before a well deserved christmas break.

[Taken from: Favim]