IrishMJ

Christmas came early this year for me.  Never did I think that  Me First and the Gimme Gimmes  would be playing Dublin, and never did I ever think I'd get to shoot one of their shows! Well, that all changed last week when they played the Academy in Dublin on a cold, damp, Monday night! I've been a fan since 1997, when one of the lads I worked with, brought in a copy of Have a Ball . It was love at first listen! I did manage to catch them live back in 2019 when they played the O2 Forum in Kentish Town , London, and it was every bit as good as I'd hoped, but it paled in comparison to Monday night in Dublin. So, how did it come about?  Well, back in 2013, I interviewed the band for a now defunct Irish website called Chunk.ie .  Over the years, I've stayed on their PR roster, so I took a chance and emailed my contact there.  Lo and behold, a few emails later and all was sorted, I was down to photograph the show. How was it?  Brilliant, amazing, fantastic,...

I'm not sure who followed who first, on what platform and just when, but what I do know, it's been quite a few years by this stage! For those that don't know, Chris Kabs is a recording artist and a prolific producer in the Irish hip hop scene, working with artists like JYellowL , Jafaris , Craig Cooney , Hxney and many more.  Definitely worth checking out. Recently, late one night, I got a message from Chris inviting me along to his EP Listening Experience for his forthcoming release, Feelings Matter,  sponsored by Jameson .  I obviously said yes. The Jamesons venue is a beautiful, private venue, hidden in plain view and it's the perfect party spot! Anyway, on to the Listening Party.  Hosted by Shannon Keenan , Chris treated us to live versions of tracks from Feelings Matter and had the crowd bouncing along.  Later, Chris sat down with Shannon for a one on one interview where we got an insight into the process of creating the EP. So, did I like the EP, I most ...

I was looking over old photographs, wondering when and where I first stumbled across Max Zaska .  It turns out that it was back in 2019, at the now defunct Knockanstockan festival. Since then, I've been lucky enough to catch his show a few more times.  They're always a very upbeat affair, full of love, positivity and funky, neo soul vibes that make you want to shake your booty... Tonight, in The Grand Social , was no different.  It was an unusually warm October night, and the club was already hot and sticky before Zaska came onstage.  It wasn't long before things got even hotter as he was joined onstage by a string of guest vocalist ( Jess Kavanagh , Melina Malone , Nealo , Shiv and Rob DeBoer ), and the crowd loved every moment, as they sang and danced all night. Anyway, go catch Zaska live the next time he is in town, you'll love it! Now for some photos:

You might know Arlene Bailey as an Irish country music singer, after all, she is a well known and well respected  performer on the circuit. Tonight though, she brought a new show to the Moat Theatre in Naas.  This new show of steps away from the country music scene and, instead, features the music of the late, great, Janis Joplin , interspersed with documentary footage. I found the night to be nothing fascinating and fun.  I'd never class myself as a huge fan of Janis Joplin, but it was surprising just how many songs I actually did know! Anyway, I thoroughly enjoyed the night, as did the full house in the Moat.  It looks like you too will get a chance to see the show also, as there are plans afoot to tour it, keep and eye on Arlenes socials for more info.  So, as I often say, you should go check it out if you can. Now for some photos:

I was due to see King Kong Company perform in Naas recently, but unfortunately, that festival got cancelled.  So, when I was asked if I'd like to go see them in Dolans , Limerick, I obviously said yes! I hopped in the car after work last Friday and hit the road.  A few stops alongt he way, and I was there by 19:30, in plenty of time to make the show. I've seen King Kong Company plenty of times now to know what to expect.  I was curious to see how Bobby Fingers would perform though, what with him have a dodgy leg.  I needn't have worried though.  He bounced around the stage on one leg, waving a cane in the air like a mad man! Support on the night was from local hip-hop artist, Citrus Fresh , a new name to me, but I really enjoyed his set.   Anyway, on to the photos:

This is the third year of Féile Liam O'Flynn , and it keeps getting better and better.  Every year it showcases the best of traditional Irish music talent, from both home and abroad. So, who is Liam O'Flynn, you are probably asking.  Well, to put it simply, Liam O'Flynn was the Gary Moore of Uilleann Pipes.  A member of Planxty and the Bothy Band, Liam also played with the likes of Mark Knopfler, Kate Bush, Enya and a host of others.   This year, amongst the many home grown musicians, we were joined by Cherish the Ladies in the Moat Theatre , and the legendary Altan , the festival closers, in Kill. Sessions were held in pubs around Naas and Kill and, whilst I couldn't make them all, I did catch sessions in Kavanaghs, the Random Inn, the Potato Market and Fletchers in Naas. For the four days of the festival, you couldn't walk through Naas without seeing seeing someone carrying a set of uilleann pipes!  The music was everywhere, all day, all night and, if yo...