This is quite possibly going to be the biggest gig guide of 2014 considering the ridiculous number of gigs going on this week. I don’t quite know why all you promoters/bands have decided this would be your week but at least if you’re a fan of local music there is bound to be at least one or two gigs on to tickle your fancy. I mean just look at this Thursday, four incredible line-ups all on the same night let’s hope they get the turn out each deserves.
Kind December – The Empire/Love & Death/Aether & Echo, Belfast – Wednesday 17th December 2014
The brain child of Peter McVeigh, #KindDecember will see local musicians in various locations throughout Belfast performing for the NI Cancer Fund for Children. Across the three venues will be Amanda Agnew and Band, Aaron Shanley, Tanya Strowger, Sonja Sleator, Ricky McQuillan, The Long Stay, Amity Pax, Kris Marsden, Fretwear, Robin James Hurt, Phil Cassidy, Travis is a Tourist, Shauna Tohill, Peter McVeigh, Brian McGovern (The Fallen Drakes),John McGurgan, The Dandy Horses, David McCann, Triona Carville, Jason Clarke, Warren Atwell + more.
The entrance to the gigs are free but a gift of a new toy or a donation would be greatly appreciated. The toy has to be new due to the delicate immune system of the sick children that will be receiving the gift. The gifts can be for any age as they look after babies, young children and into teenagers.
An Old Fang Christmas – The Menagerie, Belfast – Thursday 18th December 2014
It’s been a busy year for Thomas Camblin and the team behind creative brand Old Fang. Just right in our eyes that they toast their success with a show featuring the magnificent David C Clements. David will be playing with a full band and we’re told there will be mulled wine, mince pies, crackers and party hats…what more do you need?
Admission is £7, tickets available in advance direct from Old Fang.
Volume Control – Oh Yeah Centre, Belfast – Thursday 18th December 2014
The Volume Control team are teaming up with BEO Ireland to throw their own Christmas Party. They’ve commandeered the talents of Not Squares, Go Wolf, Freak’s and Rebekah Wilson just for you. If you’re not up dancing at some stage at this gig, you need to take a long hard look at yourself.
Admission is £5 on the door or available in advance via WeGotTickets
Hidden Machine: A Plastic Rose – Voodoo, Belfast – Thursday 18th December 2014
Their original homecoming show was cancelled so thankfully Hidden Machine stepped in and offered the A Plastic Rose lads an alternative. Expect a full house for this one particularly when the line-up also features hotly tipped Banger band, In An Instant and the no frills rock of The Twenty.
Admission is £5 on the door
SONI: Xmas Rocks! – The Empire, Belfast – Thursday 18th December 2014
Rock and metal fans won’t be left out this Thursday either as SONI see out their own year of great shows with a stormer. They’ve roped in Stormzone who have been that successful of late they haven’t played too many Belfast shows as well as Maverick, Lo Mejor and Baleful Creed.
Admission is £6 on the door
Gareth Dunlop & Kim Richey – Flowerfield Arts Centre, Portstewart – Friday 19th December 2014
Gareth Dunlop is one of NI’s most enchanting singer songwriters and he is joining forces for one night only with the extraordinary Nashville talent, Kim Richey. The pair released a Nashville Sessions EP earlier in 2014 and this will be probably your only chance to see it performed as intended.
Admission is £12 on the door
A Nightmare Before Christmas – Sunflower Bar, Belfast – Friday 19th December 2014
The mercurial talent that is Robyn G Shiels will play his latest album, Blood of the Innocents following its success at the Northern Irish Music Prize. In what definitely won’t be a nightmare Robyn will be joined by Arborist
Admission is £7 on the door or available in advance via Ticketmaster
Paddy Nash & The Happy Enchiladas – Bennigans Bar, Londonderry – Friday 19th December 2014
It is always a good night whenever Paddy Nash and his merry band are in town. Despite the obvious social observations in each song, you’re likely to find yourself dancing away happy as larry. This is a big Christmas sing-a-long and if my sources are correct it sold out early last year so make sure you’re on time.
Admission is £5 on the door
Aspen Pales – Melting Pot, Warrenpoint – Saturday 20th December 2014
Way back at the start of this year we got through a stunning track called ‘Blue’ as a Kickstart entry. Step forward Aspen Pales and although they didn’t make it to the final stages of the competition we’re delighted that they’ve just finished their debut album and are having an album launch. Support comes from Silver’s Got Strings & The Wolf Is In.
Admission is £5 on the door and you could get a copy of the album
Time To Be Proud Xmas Party – Black Box, Belfast – Saturday 20th December 2014
If you like your Christmas Party with a load of punk rock then the Black Box is the place for you this Saturday. Featuring Stop Stop Start Again, The Shangrilads, 3D Shark and Mohican Jack.
Admission is £5 on the door and a free compilation CD of some local bands will be given away free to the first 200 people through the door
Do you want some Free Publicity?
Do you think your upcoming gig deserves to feature on my weekly gig listing or would you like us to come down and review your show? Well drop us an email at: info@chordblossom.com and I’ll get back to you as soon as I can.
