Traditionally considered a rather quiet month for live gigs in Dublin, so far 2016 has been bursting to the brim with all manner of fine initiatives taking place in some of the most unlikely spaces.
Last night we paid a visit to Dublin’s most musical crop shop, Abner Brown’s Barbershop in Rathmines, for their celebration of women in music series, supported by IMRO Ireland, Musicmaker Dublin, Canalaphonic festival and The SoundFeed.com. Gráinne Hunt opened the set armed with her acoustic guitar, performing songs from her recent album Firing Pin (plus a rousing old Damien Rice cover). Naoise Roo and her band followed with a contrasting set of neo-cabaret sounds, channelling PJ Harvey in one breath, while scatting and riffing up a veritable storm in the next.
What a refreshing series to start the new year with, and all while raising much needed funds for the Women’s Refuge, Rathmines. Kudos to Dave Judge and all involved to make this happen. Onwards and upwards, friends!
The Women in Music series is scheduled as follows:
Saturday Jan 16 Katie Laffan, Sive
Thursday Jan 21 Grainne Hunt, Naoise Roo
Sunday Jan 24 Hvmmingbird, I am Niamh
Saturday Jan 30 Fox Owl Crow, Miriam Donohue
Thursday Feb 4 Shelly Bukspan’s talent showcase
Saturday Feb 6 Ailbhe Reddy, Davina Brady
Thursday Feb 11 Mongoose, Neev Kennedy
Saturday Feb 13 Sinead White, Saramai
Thursday Feb 18 Carron, Niamh Regan
Visit Aber Brown’s Facebook page for (free!) ticket details.
mapping popular music in dublin 