SPRING BREAK

LIVE AT THE BUTTON FACTORY

MARCH 17TH

Tickets €25 on sale now!

Hey Spring Break fans,

Ed Koch here – the guys have assured me they hope this electronic mail finds you in good health.

Being the head of the executive branch of NYC’s government can be a steep learning curve. Ignoring the growing AIDS epidemic, accusing Jesse Jackson of being an anti-Semite, alienating small town voters, supporting the death penalty and stymieing civil liberty legislation were all mistakes made on my watch. But if there’s one thing I really learned as a three term Mayor of New York, it was how to throw a parade. Much like the ‘half moon’ parties during Carnival on the tropical island of Aruba I like to attend to this day, a NYC St Patrick’s Day Parade requires singing, dancing and half-baked mysticism. Begosh and begorrah, I found myself thinking back in the Fall of ’81, who in entertainment is so full of blarney they can provide all three whilst equally satisfying the demands of camp artistic directors and workaday NYC administrators?

They say St Patrick drove all the snakes out of Ireland; my decision to make Jan Van Couver the Grand Marshall of the 1982 St Patrick’s Day Parade drove the liberal elite to the edge of reason. Most commentators were put off by Van Couver’s plans to launch his debut solo single on the day but many more were outraged by his attempts to include Halliburton, Lockheed Corporation, DynCorp and ConocoPhillips floats in the parade. But these agenda-setters had underestimated the Spring Break front man, a man of paradoxes: big business and civic pride; red, white & blue patriotism and offshore business accounts; hot air and Celtic mist. When it comes to Jan Van Couver, anything can go together, even the leader of the world’s foremost super group himself and large scale municipal planning under tight budgetary constraints. March 17^th arrived and saw the most excessive cavalcade of corporate largesse and crackpot folklore this great nation has still ever seen.

Now, 30 years later, Van Couver will head the Dublin parade, which will lead to the doors of The Button Factory and a Spring Break concert of unmitigated Irish-American jingoism. Tickets for this show are €25 and are onsale now online at www.tickets.ie and in Sound Cellar of Nassau St.

Hope to see you at the show and that the road rises to meet you at the top of the morning.

Ed & Spring Break.

Spring Break live at the Button Factory this St. Patrick’s night March 17^th. Doors 8pm. Tickets are €25 on sale now through www.tickets.ie

For further information or interview requests contact Sorcha@ealtd.ie or call 086 0217556

The Workman’s Club wants to pat you on the back, with a line up that might make you scream!

Having survived the lonely dark evenings of cruel, cruel January, where all the joy of Christmas is in the distant past and all that we are left with is a few extra pounds (no, not the monetary kind!), the strawberry Roses and blurry regret from work-party confessionals, we think you deserve a serious pat on the back! So we invite you to kick off those slippers, repeat in the mirror ‘I beat January’ and join us for some self congratulation-ing, as we throw you one hell-uva party this February at The Workman’s Club. Here’s how it is looking under our roof…

Thursday February 9^th at The Workman’s Club is all about the ladies. We are celebrating everything fantastic about females at Control – Ladies Night. Not only will your ears be treated to everything from Aretha to ABBA to Amy Winehouse, but there will be a particular focus on Irish performers such as Lisa Hannigan and Cathy Davey. Not to mention there will be live performaces from Bairbre Munnis, Laura Buggy and Asha Allen….and there will be a DJ on duty to take this right into the wee hours!! Doors 8pm/FREE in!

Aidan Bishop comes to The Workman’s Club on Friday February 10^th to prove once and for all that dyslexics make the best comedians. If Eddie Izzard, Jay Leno, Robin Williams and Billy Connelly hadn’t convinced you already, Aidan’s show Misspelled will confirm that there is no tragedy in dyslexia only reams of comedy material that has fueled many of the greats. Prepare for downright heartfelt belly laughs! Doors 8pm/Tickets 10 euro from www.ticketmaster.ie

Saturday February 11^th brings two of Donegal’s finest acts together at The Workman’s Club. The Henry Girls and The Finbarr Doherty Band will both take to the stage to perform from their new albums. The Henry Girls are fast becoming one of the most talked about folk/roots acts in the country, renowned for their exquisite harmonies and musical arrangements. While Finbarr Doherty fuses elements of folk rock and indie from both sides of the Atlantic, and will be a force to be reckoned with now that he is flanked by musicians Billy Robinson, Seamus Devenny, Kate O’Callaghan and Gary Raymond. Doors 8pm/Tickets 10 euro from www.ticketmaster.ie

Following the roaring success of last year’s Valentines Vintage Dress Dance at The Workman’s Club, which saw hoards of handsome punters turn up in their finest vintage gear to swoon and jive the night away, we have decided to do it all again this year on Valentines Day – Tuesday February 14^th. Once again we will be recreating an era where quiffs, fire engine liptsick, and slow sets are the order of the day. Miss Paula Cullen will be spinning the retro sounds, 5 euro vintage cocktails will be flowing and there will be prizes for those who best embody the spirit of the 1950’s and 60’s. Doors 8pm/Tickets 5 euro on the door, and only 4 euro for the vintage styled hepcats!

On Thursday February 16^th legendary Irish four piece Senakah come to The Workman’s Club to celebrate the launch of their brand new single ‘Human Relations’ which goes on digital release on February 17^th.  In the four years since Senakah burst onto the Irish seen they have covered astonishing ground and gathered legions of fans along the way. The group have just returned from the states where in 2 years they racked up a phenomenal 300 gigs. The new single, produced by Noel Hogan (Cranberries, Mono Band) is the first track off their forthcoming album also titles ‘Human Relations’. Join the celebration from 8pm/Tickets 10 euro from www.ticketmaster.ie

On Friday February 17^th get ready to feast your senses on tight jeans and down right dirty rock as Dublin four-piece House of Dolls come to thrash the Workman’s Club. Their frenetic drums, throbbing basslines, urgent guitars and ice cool, reverb drenched vocals will leave you begging for more, and with comparisons to the likes of Jesus & Mary Chain to Black Rebel Motorcycle Club they have got to be onto something. Support comes from Girl Band. Doors 8pm/Tickets 10 euro on the door.

Dublin comedian Simon O’Keeffe brings his hilarious new solo comedy show ‘Neighbourhood #1 (Love, Sex, Death, The Northside)’ to The Workmans Club Saturday February 18^th. Having hosted the legendary Capital Comedy Club for the past 7 years, Simon has been doubling people over with hilarity for quite some time now, and has been a key writer on some of RTE and TV3’s finest comedy programs to date. Now catch him in his element on this new independent venture. Doors 8pm/Tickets 10 euro from www.ticketmaster.ie

The Söderberg sisters aka First Aid Kit have been wooing audiences across America, Australia and Europe since their signing in 2008 and if you have yet to hear of them, you can guarantee the airwaves will be drenched with their bittersweet melodies for years to come. The Swedish siblings have just release a brand new album ‘The Lions Roar’ recorded in the U.S. with the help of the legendary Mike Mogis (Bright Eyes and thousands more). If you are lucky enough to have a ticket to this gig, we guarantee magic will happen. There won’t be too many more intimate gigs for these ladies, the stadiums are calling. Support comes from Samantha Crain. Doors 8pm/SOLD OUT

And in the Club Nights…

Every Wednesday it’s the Somewhere? Club from 10.30pm; two rooms of music with non-stop Indie classics in one, and the best of Hip Hop and House in the other. Free in before 11pm, 5 euro after.

On Thursdays its DJ Andy O’Connell playing northern soul, funk, disco from 10.30pm, FREE in! Hookas/Shishas available to rent every Thursday night, so puff away to your heart’s content on something that your Granny would approve of!

On Friday February 10^th it’s Ciaran Savage (Warner) in the First Floor Bar from 10.30pm. FREE!

On Saturday February 11^th it’s the Keith ‘Flavo’ Farrell presents Fast Shape Sound in the First Floor Bar from 10pm, for FREE.

On Friday February 17^th it’s Ed Smith (Pet Sounds) in the First Floor Bar from 10.30pm. FREE!

On Saturday February 18^th it’s the Skinny Wolves Club with cold dark sound from the underground in the First Floor Bar from 10pm, for FREE

On Friday February 24^th it’s Glider taking over both floors for the entire night from 10.00pm with guest DJ’s and the usual banging sets. FREE in!

On Saturday February 11^th it’s the Ska-Turdays with Matt from the Dead 60’s hosting the original rude-boy and girl gathering in the First Floor Bar from 10pm, for FREE

Every Sunday it’s Mass with Sister Lisa Marie, who will be lashing out 80’s, indie and all manner of guilty pleasures. From 10pm to 3am, FREE.

Tweet: @WorkmansDublin

Facebook: TheWorkmansClub

Web: theworkmansclub.com

Fourth Annual Irish Tour February & March 2012

Shows in Dublin, Clare, Cork, Wexford, Kerry, Mayo, Sligo and Kildare

Eddi Reader is delighted to announce her fourth annual Irish tour which will see the internationally acclaimed Scottish musician return to Ireland for nine performances nationwide between February 20^th and March 1^st 2012. Eddi will performing with John Douglas and Boo Hewerdine on guitars and Alan Kelly on accordion. The celebrated singer performs at The Riverbank Arts Centre in Newbridge on Thursday March 1st . Tickets are €20 and are available from www.riverbank.ie

Eddi has carved out a remarkable career over the past 30 years, having first hit the limelight in the 1980’s with the group Fairground Attraction (who enjoyed huge chart success with their debut No.1 single ‘Perfect’ and album ‘First of a Million Kisses’). Eddi went on to collaborate on many celebrated projects throughout the years, famously harmonizing with Annie Lennox while touring with the Eurythmics and paying her punk dues with a successful stint in the group Gang of Four.

However it has been Eddi’s subsequent solo albums which have cemented her image as a powerful figure in British music. Since embarking independently in 1992 Eddi has produced seven acclaimed solo albums, has been awarded an MBE for ‘Outstanding Contributions to the Arts’ (2006) and has won a Brit award for ‘Best Female Singer’ (1994) among other achievements.

In the past two years Eddi has toured extensively, selling out shows worldwide as she promoted her seventh studio album ‘Love is the Way’. In addition to that Eddi made her Hollywood acting debut, taking up the role of the chanteuse in Richard Linklater’s ‘Me And Orson Welles’ where she is featured performing with the Jools Holland Orchestra.

On record Eddi has brought to life all forms of song, weaving through a multiplicity of musical styles from the traditional to the contemporary with equal capability and trademark perfection. But most notably the experience of Eddi Reader live is that which sets her apart. She has effortlessly developed into one of music’s most thrilling and affecting performers, by her ability to connect with the audience on a deep emotional level with beautifully raw vocals and an unparalleled romanticism.

Catch Eddi Reader performing live during her forthcoming Irish tour:

FEBRUARY

20th – Dublin, Blanchardstown, Draiocht – www.draiocht.ie

21st – Clare, Ennis, Glor – www.glor.ie

22nd – Cork, Pavilion – www.pavilioncork.com

24th – Wexford, St Iberius Church – tickets from Whites for Music in Wexford

25th – Kerry, Tralee, Siamsa Tire Arts Centre – www.siamsatire.com

27th – Dublin, Grand Social – www.thegrandsocial.ie

28th – Mayo, Ballina Arts Centre– www.ballinaartscentre.com

29th – Sligo, The Hawk’s Well Theatre – www.hawkswell.com

MARCH

1st – Kildare, Newbridge, Riverbank Arts Centre  - www.riverbank.ie

www.eddireader.com

ENDS.

For further information on Eddi Reader’s Irish tour please contact

Aileen at Entertainment Architects on 01 9056382 /  aileen@ealtd.ie / www.entertainmentarchitects.ie

Debut Album Out 9th March

Single ‘Future Ex Wife’ Out 2nd March

2011 saw Cars Love Girls crash onto the Irish music scene with a verve that was impossible to ignore!

The brother and sister duo featuring Bres (guitar, vocals) and Orla (vocals) released their debut single ‘Lose Your Mind’ on October 14^th 2011 to huge support from the critical mass, having already built up a steady fan base throughout an all encompassing Irish tour with former Blizzard’s front-man Bressie.

In the months following Cars Love Girls racked up appearances at some of the paramount showcase events on the Irish calendar in 2011, such as Hard Working Class Heroes, the IMRO showcase and FM104’s ‘Help A Dublin Child’, while also making time for a headline gig in Dublin’s Crawdaddy and supporting The Corona’s at their sell out Olympia show. And it wasn’t long before buzz from the gigs broke through to the media, with Cars Love Girls garnering honourable mentions from Hot Press, U Magazine, The Irish Times, The Mirror and The Dubliner to name but a few!

But who would have expected anything less from a brother and sister duo that cut their musical teeth in The Republic of Loose, one of the greatest Irish bands of the past decade (knocking out two top ten albums in the process)?

As a founding member of the Loose, Bres co-wrote some of the bands hit singles (You Know It, Comeback Girl, The Steady Song, I Like Music). Orla joined as a female vocalist in 2006, while also working hard behind the scenes in the music industry. They toured together extensively in Europe and the U.S, even landing a historical supporting slot with U2 on their 360 tour in Croke Park, Ireland.

Combining their shared love of Retro R’n’B and Pop, the duo’s sound has developed from a vast array of influences including Prince, Prefab Sprout, Hall & Oates, The Time and Steely Dan.

Bres and Orla spent the past year penning their debut album ‘Skip School’; an energetic funk-fuelled nod to those who find their own path in life. The 10 track collection was recorded over six months with the help of renowned Jazz drummer Diego Ramirez, bass player Eamon Griffen, Declan Quinn (Republic of Loose) and Phil Hayes (Bell X 1 / Delorentoes), with final touches provided by one of the most prominent names in mastering Bernie Grundman (Carol King’s “Tapestry”, Steely Dan’s “Aja”, Michael Jackson’s “Thriller”, Prince’s “Purple Rain”).

The album opens up with the introductory ‘Whats On My Mind’, a short musing on times gone and times to come, and it serves perfectly as a taster for the pop delicacies that it precedes.  From here the album moves from track to track dealing with the highs and lows of relationships and everyday issues, from disgust at rejection (Never Gonna Get It), to imagined affairs (Street Song) to the art of bunking a party (Left us Sly); and the common theme that ties it all together in a perfect pop bow, is the unwavering positive upbeat vibe. Tracks ‘Cars Love Girls’ and ‘Lose Your Mind’ grab you hook line and sinker, emanating Prince at his most purple and quite possibly serving as the best funk to come from these shores to date.

Cars Love Girls are getting set to release brand new banging single ‘Future Ex Wife’ on March 2^nd, followed right up by the album ‘Skip School’ on March 9^th. If you’re looking for a favourite summer jam for 2012, we guarantee this’ll be the one you have pumping from the car stereo. Play it loud!

Catch CLG live at

8th March:  The Workmans Club, Dublin

9th March: John Dalys, Mullingar

10th March: Billy Byrnes, Kilkenny

More dates to be announced soon!

ARENA LYNX PRESENTS…

MARY COUGHLAN & BAND

Live at The Abbey Tavern, Howth,

Saturday 31st March 2012

Tickets €20 on sale now!

One of Ireland’s most gifted singers Mary Coughlan will perform live with her band for an intimate show live at the famous Abbey Tavern, Howth on March 31^st. Tickets for this unmissable show are €20 on sale now from the venue ticketline: 01-832 2006 or from www.ticketmaster.ie.

Mary Coughlan has many fans including Morrissey who recently attended one of her Dublin shows.  Coughlan’s debut album Tired and Emotional, sold an unexpected 100,000 copies in Ireland, partly due to a memorable appearance on The Late Late Show. Despite her ongoing personal problems, Coughlan continued to reap praise for her recording output on WEA. On Under the Influence (1987) she revived the 1948 Peggy Lee hit “Don’t Smoke in Bed’’ and the Billie Holiday ballad “Good Morning Heartache”, as well as Christy Moore’s “Ride On”, which reached number 5 on the Irish pop charts in 1987.

1988 was another successful year for Coughlan, she made her acting debut in Neil Jordan’s High Spirits, and released her third studio album Ancient Rain. Despite her success, Coughlan lost her record contract with Warner Music Group. However, in 1990, she signed up with East West Records and released her fourth album Uncertain Pleasures , recorded in the UK and produced by Peter Glenister, former musical director for Terence Trent D’Arby. It included new compositions by Mark Nevin (Fairground Attraction) and Bob Geldof as well as covers of the Rolling Stones “Mother’s Little Helper” and Elvis Presley’s “Heartbreak Hotel”. After receiving treatment for her personal problems, it seemed as though Coughlan had landed on her two feet once again. Sentimental Killer (1992) and Love for Sale (1993) were received well. In 1994, Coughlan lent her vocals to the hugely popular A Woman’s Heart Vol.2 album, along with the likes of Mary Black and Dolores Keane. Coughlan released her first live album, Live in Galway, and released another studio album in 1997, After the Fall, which became her American debut.

In June 2000, Coughlan took another turn in her career when she presented a series of elaborate multimedia shows in Dublin and in London celebrating Billie Holiday, a singer whose life story had parallels to Coughlan’s own. The best of these shows was collected on the Mary Coughlan Sings Billie Holiday album. A new studio album was released the following April 2001, entitled Long Honeymoon, and another in 2002, Red Blues. The 2000s saw the release of numerous Coughlan compilation albums and her appearance on the RTE’s reality charity show, Celebrity Farm. The release of her most recent offering in 2008, The House of Ill Repute, sparked reviews that suggested it was her best yet.  She has also taken part in the Sanctuary album with Moya Brennan.

She recently released her autobiography entitled “Bloody Mary” to critical acclaim.

Tickets for Mary Coughlan & Band at the Abbey Tavern in Howth on March 31^st are priced at €20 and are available from The Abbey Tavern Bar or www.ticketmaster.ie .  This will be a memorable concert to see Mary Coughlan is such intimate surroundings and early booking is advisable.

For further info or interview requests contact Sorcha@ealtd.ie or call (086) 021 7556

FOIL ARMS AND HOG

Live at Whelan’s Friday 20th April

Tickets €13.50 (incl booking fee) on sale now!

“Cracking Sketches with performances to match.”

Chortle  ****

“A talented group of comedians.”

Fest ****

“The laughs come in thick and fast.”

Hairline ****

Foil Arms and Hog would like to invite you to their birthday party. Much like a narcissistic, spoilt brat on her big day, they’ll also be performing. Their party-piece: a sketch comedy show, and not just a collection of their material either, but filled to the brim with surprises.

Will the Hog have another budget busting stage entrance? Will the show end with the playing of obscure vegetables as musical instruments? No. They’ll do different stuff. But it will be better.

Foil, Arms and Hog are Ireland’s most exciting new act. Here they present, a sketch show of ‘pure genii’(entertainment.ie): A collection of fast-paced, surreal and ridiculous comedy sketches seen through the eyes of these funny, dark, twisted, highly imaginative and imaginative performers.

FAH are the only sketch group in over a decade to perform consistently at comedy clubs across the country. In an unprecedented three short years, they have become nation-wide headliners and established themselves as regulars at the Electric picnic and Vodafone comedy festivals. But it hasn’t been easy, after all sketch comedy has the reputation that ginger kids have in primary school.

FAH have been forced to create a completely original format, a low tech, fast paced, engaging, joke after joke style which allows them to perform alongside the countries best stand up comedians.

The last time there was a recession, the country produced some of its greatest comedy performers, Dara O Brian, Tommy Tiernan, Dylan Moran and more. Now in recession part deux, with architecture, genetics and engineering degrees stuck to the fridge at home, FAH are out to establish themselves amongst the new breed of Irish comics.

Foil Arms & Hog are Sean Flanagan, Sean Finegan, Conor McKenna and will perform Live at Whelan’s on Friday April 20^th. Doors are 8pm & Tickets are €13.50 (including booking fee) from www.whelanslive.com or call Book: 01 478 0766. www.foilarmsandhog.ie

For Further info and press enquiries contact Sorcha@ealtd.ie or call (086) 0217556

Hi All

Happy New Year and thanks for checking this out! Just a few notes on all the lovely artists and projects we are working on at the moment. As always, please contact us with any queries or requests and we’ll do our best for you!

Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook (Entertainment Architects) and Twitter (@EntArchs) for news, updates and dirty jokes…

Team EA

NOEL GALLAGHER

www.noelgallagher.com

Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds are coming back to Ireland! They played their first ever live show here in Dublin at The Olympia Theatre in October. Now they are set to return for a sell out show at The O2 in Dublin on Feb 17th. The O2 show sold out in minutes when it went on sale back in October. ‘If I Had  Gun’ is the 3rd single to be taken from the #1 selling eponymous debut album – also released in October 2011. Check out the video here www.youtube.com/watch?v=1NMUDb3Ewhs

CARS LOVE GIRLS

www.carslovegirls.com

Brother and sister duo Cars Love Girls are set to release the next single from their eagerly awaited debut album ‘Skip School’. The single ‘Future Ex-Wife’ is out on March 2nd and is full of CLG’s signature hooks.. The album is due for release on March 9th. Watch this space for more info!

RAMS POCKET RADIO

www.ramspocketradio.wordpress.com

2011 was a great year for Peter McCauley – the man behind Rams Pocket Radio. 2012 looks set to be even bigger. Fresh from a performance at Eurosonic and a tour with Snow Patrol, RPR release the 3rd EP ‘ 1+2’ on March 9th. Driven by a nagging guitar riff and a simple but memorable chorus, ‘1+2’ was written,’ says Rams, ‘about making yourself vulnerable to help someone and the things that can happen as a result.’ ‘1+2’ is, moreover, Rams’ most immediate and accessible piece of songwriting to date.

SPEECH PROJECT

www.speechproject.net

A brand new album by Gerry Diver…which features music composed around  vocal contributions from Shane MacGowan, Damien Dempsey, Christy Moore, to name a few.  The album’s out next Friday, Feb 3rd. Receiving rave reviews already -  with Hot Press  saying ‘With his highly inventive Speech Project, Manchester-Irish fiddle player Gerry Diver has delivered and album that challenges the prevailing assumptions about genre, in breath-taking style… a hugely exhilarating musical experience.’  The Irish Times gave the album 4 stars ‘..he shadowboxes with splendid intent’  and the Metro Herald saying ‘..it’s a journey worth taking.’  You can watch a video of Gerry explaining the thinking behind this project here:  http://vimeo.com/34941738

THE MINUTES

www.theminutesmusic.com

The Minutes have just returned from rockin’ the clogs off the crazy Dutch at the Eurosonic festival in Groningen; Promoters from all over Europe flocked to a rammed show at the Vindicat and as a result the hardest working, toughest gigging band in rock and roll have confirmed their first headline European tour.. 25 shows in 8 countries – bring it on. You can check out the full list of tour dates on their official website. First, there’s the small matter of their biggest headline show in Ireland to date at The Academy on Sat Feb 11th.. There are a limited amount of tickets still available for this. ‘Heartbreaker’ is the 3rd single to be taken from their critically acclaimed album ‘Marcata’ and is due for release on Feb 10th.

FOREIGN SLIPPERS

www.foreignslippers.wordpress.com

Welcome to the world of Foreign Slippers, where flocks of scratchy birds fly over enchanted forests full of cloth dogs and mercurial musicians, while a bewitching voice sings lullabies to the icy sky…At least, that’s one possible interpretation, according to Gabi Froden; singer, artist, author, songwriter and ruling deity of Foreign Slippers. The next EP from Foreign Slippers ‘Avalanche’ will be released on Feb 24th – check out the beautiful video for Avalanche here : www.youtube.com/watch?v=PaSwsikXdss

LIZ LAWRENCE

www.lizlawrencemusic.com

Following the release The ‘Oo Song’, Liz Lawrence releases her second single ‘Bedroom Hero’ on 9^th March followed by her debut album of the same name on 30^th March. There is an Irish tour planned for April. Q described Liz as “Florence-minus-the-hollering, stomping stage routine hinting at a feisty little madam beneath the adorable, heavy fringe-adorned veneer, promising a new starlet in the making” and she’s been highlighted as one to watch in 2012 by Hot Press.

JANIS IAN

www.janisian.com

Janis Ian is one of the true legendary American musicians, born of the colourful eras of the 60’s and 70’s who continues to produce an astounding body of work to this day. Having started early, her first composition ‘Hair Spun of Gold’ published at age 12, Janis’ career has continued to flourish for over 50 years. In that time Janis has written and recorded a multitude of hits, which have been covered by artists as diverse as Mel Torme and Cher, such as ‘Jesse’, ‘Stars’ and ‘At Seventeen’; the latter of which earned her five Grammy nominations in 1975 of which she won the Grammy for ‘Best Pop Vocal performance’. Janis has received nine Grammy nominations in total! Her Irish tour includes sold out dates at the Out To Lunch Festival in Belfast on Thursday January 26^th and The Venue Theatre in Ratoath on January 28^th. Her final performance will take place in Vicar Street on Sunday January 29^th at 7.30pm and tickets are priced at €36.50 from www.ticketmaster.ie

TOMMY TIERNAN

www.tommytiernan.com

Tommy Tiernan will be continuing on his World Tour gigs taking in South Tipp, Monaghan, Cavan, Offaly, Limerick and Kerry he will then finish up in Vicar St for 4 dates in April where he will be performing his brand new show “Poot”. All Tickets on sale now through www.ticketmaster.com

FOIL ARMS & HOG

www.foilarmsandhog.ie

Foil, Arms and Hog are Ireland’s most exciting new act. Here they present, a sketch show of ‘pure genii’(entertainment.ie): A collection of fast-paced, surreal and ridiculous comedy sketches seen through the eyes of these funny, dark, twisted, highly imaginative and imaginative performers. They will be performing at Whelan’s on Friday April 20^th. Ticket are €13.50 (including booking fee) on sale now through from www.whelanslive.com or call Book: 01 478 0766

AIDAN BISHOP

Do dyslexics make the best comedians?  Just ask Eddie Izzard, Jay Leno, Robin Williams and Billy Connelly just to name a few. Growing up undiagnosed dyslexic can be tragic for some. But it’s in tragedy one finds comedy. Who would have thought that being a bad speller would be so funny!  Join IFTA nominated comedian Aidan Bishop as he spells the beans on his dyslexia! Misspelled was his 2011 critically acclaimed Edinburgh Show and now you can catch it live at The Workman’s Club this February 10^th. Tickets are a recession busting €10 on sale now from www.ticketmaster.ie

ASLAN AT TALLAGHT STADIUM

www.aslan.com

Raglane Entertainment proudly presents ASLAN: Celebrating 30 Years at Tallaght Stadium, Dublin on Saturday June 30^th. This will be the very first music concert to take place in Tallaght Stadium and Ireland’s best loved band will mark thirty years of thrills and spills with a huge celebration that kicks off at 1pm and will last long into the Summer night. Irish and international bands also performing at this huge outdoor Summer celebration will be announced shortly and fans can expect plenty of great food, convenient bars and fantastic musical fare. Tickets on sale from February 3^rd at €49.65 standing/€54.65 seated including booking fee from www.ticketmaster.ie . Check out www.aslan.ie for more details.

IMRO LIVE MUSIC VENUE OF THE YEAR AWARDS – SHORTLIST ANNOUNCED

www.imro.ie

The Irish Music Rights Organisation (IMRO) announced that the fourth IMRO Live Music Venue of the Year Awards will take place on Tuesday February 28^th, 2012 at IMRO Buildings in Dublin. The annual Awards celebrate the dedication and passion of those who work in Ireland’s live music venues, who provide the public with an exceptional live music experience week in, week out. See the shortlist at www.imro.ie. Awards will be presented to the leading live music venue in each of the following regions: Dublin, Leinster (excluding Dublin), Connacht, Munster and Ulster (covering Donegal, Monaghan and Cavan). The IMRO Music Festival of the Year Award will also be presented. One overall award will be presented for the IMRO National Live Music Venue of the Year. This Award is decided upon by the public, who vote for their live music venue of the year from the combined shortlist of all regions. Live music fans should simply log on to www.surveymonkey.com/s/venueawards and choose their favourite from the shortlist provided by Sunday February 19^th.  Make sure to give a shout out to your local venue and help them to win the main award!

EDDI READER ANNOUNCES IRISH TOUR FOR FEBRUARY/MARCH

www.eddireader.com

Eddi Reader is delighted to announce her fourth annual Irish tour which will see the internationally acclaimed Scottish musician return to Ireland for nine performances nationwide between February 20^th and March 1^st 2012. Eddi will performing with John Douglas and Boo Hewerdine on guitars and Alan Kelly on accordion. She will be taking in shows in Dublin (Draoicht in Blanchardstown and the Grand Social in the city centre), Glor in Clare, The Pavilion in Cork, St. Iberius Church in Wexford, Siamsa Tire in Kerry, Ballina Arts Centre in Mayo, Hawk’s Well in Sligo and Riverbank Arts Centre in Kildare. See her website for more details. Eddi will be doing promotion for her shows in the coming weeks.

SOME GREAT SHOWS AT THE WORKMAN’S CLUB, DUBLIN

www.theworkmansclub.com

The next few weeks at the Workman’s include shows from The Certain Three (Katie Kim, The Lost Brothers and Puzzle Muteson), the sultry Phoebe Killdeer, the ravishingly hip First Aid Kit, comedians Aidan Bishop and Jarlath Regan and tonnes more. Check out the website for all the listings and if you are looking for guest list for shows in the Workman’s, just give us a nod and we will do our best to sort you out. Folly on Facebook and Twitter (@WorkmansDublin) for ticket giveaways and big, great dollops of humour tinged with vitriol…

OUR WORLD IRISH AID AWARDS 2012

www.irishaid.gov.ie/ourworld

The Our World Irish Aid Awards ceremony will be held in Dublin Castle on 21 February, 2012, and will be hosted by RTÉ Presenter, Rob Ross. The annual Our World Irish Aid Awards is designed to foster a greater understanding of the United Nations’ Millennium Development Goals and Irish Aid’s work in developing countries among primary school pupils. Pupils from eleven primary schools in Waterford, Donegal, Offaly, Wicklow, Monaghan, Sligo and Dublin have been shortlisted as finalists for the seventh annual Our World Irish Aid Awards. The Minister of State for Trade and Development, Joe Costello, will present the overall winners with an Our World Irish Aid Awards trophy, while the other ten finalists will receive Awards of Excellence.

THE MINUTES ANNOUNCE FIRST FULL HEADLINE EUROPEAN TOUR

25 shows in 8 countries – bring it on.

Fresh from rockin’ the clogs off the crazy Dutch at the Eurosonic festival in Groningen; the hardest working, toughest gigging band in the music we call rock and roll have confirmed their first headline European tour. Promoters from all over Europe flocked to a rammed show at the Vindicat and this is the result:

11/2 – The Academy, Dublin

22/2 – The Barfly, London

23/2 – Prince Albert, Brighton

24/2 – Thekla Top Deck, Bristol

25/2 – Rock City, Nottingham (club)

26/2 – Sound Control, Manchester

21/3 – Stereo, York

22/3 – King Tuts, Glasgow

23/3 – Electric Circus, Edinburgh

24/3 – Cafe Drummond, Aberdeen

27/3 – Central Station, Wrexham

28/3 – Academy 3, Birmingham

29/3 – Take 5 @ The Crypt, Norwich

30/3 – The Corner House, Cambridge

9/4 – Molotow, Hamburg, Germany

10/4 – Beatpol, Dresden, Germany

11/4 – Comet, Berlin, Germany

12/4 – FZW, Dortmund, Germany

14/4 – Atomic, Munich, Germany

15/4 – Hafen 2, Frankfurt, Germany

17/4 -  Garage, Saarbruken, Germany

18/4 – X-Tra, Zurich, Switzerland

19/4 – Amalgame, Yverdon, Switzerland

20/4 – Supermarkt, The Hague, Holland

21/4 – Charlatan, Gent, Belgium

23/4 – Le Splendid, Lille, France

25/4 – La Maroquinerie, Paris, France

26/4 – Muziekodroom, Hasselt, Belgium

Eagle eyed readers will have noticed a small SXSW shaped gap in the schedule; and indeed the band will return to the land of Uncle Sam in early March for US shows in New York and Texas; watch this space for more details. True pupils to the teachings of GOYA (Get Off Your Arse); The Minutes are coming to a town near you; wherever you happen to be.

On the domestic front; The Minutes release their new single ‘Heartbreaker’ on Friday 10^th February on Model Citizen Records and headline their biggest show to date on Saturday 11^th February at The Academy in Dublin.

This Tuesday February 14^th, The Workman’s Club is delighted to welcome the return of Vintage Valentine’s Day Dress Dance. Once again we will be recreating an era where quiffs, fire engine liptsick, slow sets and Tom Collin’s cocktails are the order of the day. It’s the perfect Valentines shindig for lovers and potential suitors, foxy fellas and swingin’ gals!

And who knows who you might get cosy with…. Last year two of our dress dancees fell head over heels for one another, ensuing in the smitten gal moving from London to be with her very own Don Draper. The two lovers are now living happily ever after in Dublin’s fair city. So there you have it, it is a magical night of romance!

To provide the ultimate dancehall experience on the night, Miss Paula Cullen will be playing the sounds of the 40’s, 50’s and 60’s, and a selection of €5 vintage cocktails will be at hand to sweeten the deal. So get ready to batt your peepers at the nearest Teddy boy, or swoon through a slow set with your go-steady sweetheart.

On the night dress dancers who best embody the spirit of the era will be automatically entered into a raffle to win a romantic meal for 2 at The Clarence Hotel. Tickets are just €5 and available on the door and for those making the effort to dress the part, entry will be €4. Doors are at 8pm!

Gals! Get the gang round to your place, get the gladrags on and who knows, your sweetheart might just be a Manhattan away!

Guys! Treat your gal to a swingin’ night but make sure to have her home by 12!

www.theworkmansclub.com

www.facebook.com/theworkmansclub

For further information on

The Vintage Valentines Dress Dance at The Workman’s Club

contact Emma at Entertainment Architects

emma@ealtd.ie / 01 2194661

THE SHORTLIST IS READY- VOTE FOR YOUR FAVOURITE VENUES!

The Irish Music Rights Organisation (IMRO) is delighted to announce the fourth IMRO Live Music Venue of the Year Awards will take place on Tuesday February 28^th, 2012 at IMRO Buildings in Dublin.

The annual Awards celebrate the dedication and passion of those who work in Ireland’s live music venues, who provide the public with an exceptional live music experience week in, week out. Hundreds of venues across the country were considered for the Awards shortlist by more than 8,000 IMRO members. Venues were judged on their commitment to providing the core elements that make for a great live music venue – atmosphere, sound and lighting, staging, diversity of programming and most importantly, the staff and management at each venue. IMRO members also voted on Ireland’s music festivals, delivering a shortlist of ten festivals in the final tally.

Live music venues and festivals play a pivotal role in the music industry in Ireland, giving international and home-grown artists a platform to engage with fans and build new audiences. They also play a central role in urban and rural communities across the country, providing a social gathering place for audiences of all ages and musical tastes and contributing hugely to the domestic economy. Of the Awards announcement, Victor Finn CEO of IMRO said: “An extensive and vibrant venue network is the lifeblood of any strong live music sector.  These awards acknowledge and applaud those venues and festivals throughout Ireland that excel in creating a memorable and exhilarating environment for music fans and performers alike”.

At the ceremony in IMRO HQ in Dublin on February 28^th, awards will be presented to the leading live music venue in each of the following regions: Dublin, Leinster (excluding Dublin), Connacht, Munster and Ulster (covering Donegal, Monaghan and Cavan). The IMRO Music Festival of the Year Award will also be presented. One overall award will be presented for the IMRO National Live Music Venue of the Year. This Award is decided upon by the public, who vote for their live music venue of the year from the combined shortlist of all regions. Live music fans should simply log on to www.surveymonkey.com/s/venueawards and choose their favourite from the shortlist provided by Sunday February 19^th. One lucky participant will win an iPod Touch.

The Hot Press Live Music Venue of the Year Readers Poll will also be part of the Awards and Hot Press fans can vote at www.hotpress.com/readerspoll . Editor Niall Stokes said: “2011 was another fantastic year for live music in Ireland. Venues across Ireland worked really hard to bring great music to the people, offering a huge range of choices to artists and fans alike. It takes real courage to invest in putting on live music in today’s economic climate, so a big thanks and congratulations are in order for everyone involved in making the Irish live circuit such a thriving scene.”

The IMRO Live Music Venue of the Year Awards have become an important badge of merit for venues across the country since its inception in 2008. Dublin’s Olympia Theatre took home three awards in 2010 and Brian Whitehead CEO of The Olympia said of the Awards: “It was a real honour to have our theatre and staff recognised and loved by industry professionals and music fans alike. The awards themselves take pride of place on our walls, so everyone from backstage staff to bar staff to housekeeping staff can be proud of their achievements.” Having won the Connacht region award for four consecutive years, Roisin Dubh promoter Gugai said: “There are plenty of music awards out there, but it’s great to have the IMRO Live Music Venue Awards to acknowledge the great work done by the staff in venues around the country.”

IMRO are now delighted to announce the venues that have been shortlisted in this year’s IMRO Live Music Venue of the Year Awards. See following page.

Web: imro.ie / Facebook: Imro.Ireland / Twitter: @ImroIreland

For further media information contact Aileen Galvin at Entertainment Architects

01 9056382 / aileen@ealtd.ie / www.entertainmentarchitects.ie