7th Annual 'Vibe for Larry' - Friday, Dec 8th

Photo credit: Mike Lindauer

Each year in early December we pay tribute to our dear departed friend, Larry Roddy; this year's 'Vibe for Larry' is the seventh year of so doing.

Larry was a music promoter, and agent. But mostly, he just loved folk music of all kinds. He loved the idea of putting musicians and listeners in the one room, and watching the magic happen between them; he delighted in seeing performer and listener come together as one, sending melody and applause out into the good night.

And so, at this time each year, we - his friends, family, and regular BAG attendees - come together to remember him with love, and in appreciation for all the musical gifts he gave us. In doing so, we send our own music, songs, poetry, stories, and laughter out into the good night so that it might reach Larry, away off out in the great beyond. 

It is always a joyous evening.

So come along on Friday, Dec 8th, from 8pm. All musicians, singers, etc. welcome. Admission is free, but we will have a voluntary contribution box this year in aid of Dublin Simon Community - a charity Larry always tried to do a bit for. 

Edit: The collection on the night yielded €200 which was forwarded to Dublin Simon Community. Thanks to everyone who came along and contributed; it was a great night.

Luka Bloom - Live @ BAG - Monday, Dec 11th

Photo: www.lukabloom.com

Before he up'd sticks and moved to Clare a few years back, I used regularly meet 
Luka Bloom walking in the beautiful and peaceful surroundings of Pollardstown Fen, not far from his hometown of Newbridge, Co. Kildare.
There, we'd chat about that place; about life, and about the music. He'd heard what I was doing with BAG, and was supportive and encouraging. I suggested he might play the gig himself, sometime.
One Monday night he arrived in to catch a gig - Maria Doyle Kennedy, and Kieran Kennedy - and afterwards Luka came to me and said he'd love to come back and play it himself. Well, he did; the place was packed to the rafters, and it was a terrific night.

Some time has passed since, and the time has come for Luka Bloom to return to BAG; he has a brand new album, just released, called 'Refuge', so you could consider this it's Ballymore Eustace launch! www.lukabloom.com

Come along for the last BAG show of 2017 - Mick Murphy's Bar, Ballymore Eustace, Co. Kildare; Monday, December 11th. Doors open 8:30pm. Gig - 9pm sharp. Admission is €15 at the door.
Please note: To avoid disappointment, you are advised to arrive early. Capacity is limited to about 50 people, seating is limited, too. From some parts of the bar, the view of the stage is restricted, so to get the best spots, you'll need to be toward the head of the queue.

Malojian, with Mark McCausland (The Lost Brothers) - Monday, Nov. 27th

Malojian, with Mark McCausland (N. IRL) - Monday, Nov. 27th, 2017

https://malojian.com/

Photo: Colm Laverty

Malojian, or Stevie Scullion, to his friends, is a young singer/songwriter from Lurgan, near Belfast.
He's been making real waves in the past few years, and I'm delighted to present him for his debut BAG appearance on November 27th.
Joining him on the night will be Mark McCausland - better known as one half of The Lost Brothers - to open the show, and back Stevie on guitars and harmony vocals. This will be a real treat of a gig, and is likely to live long in the BAG memory.

Over the last few years, Malojian has released 4 stunning solo albums, along the way collaborating with some musical legends, including Steve Albini, who earned his chops producing Nirvana, The Pixies etc. His latest album - 'Let Your Weirdness Carry You Home' features Joey Waronker (Beck, R.E.M., Atoms For Peace, Roger Waters), Gerry Love (Teenage Fanclub), Jon Thorne (Yorkston/Thorne/Khan, Lamb) and more…But it’s Malojian’s own voice and songs that sets him apart from the crowd. 

“Absolutely love that! If the new album is as good as that track it’s gonna be a masterpiece…a strong element of Beatles ’67…that kind of slightly woozy psychedelia…beautiful…” Ralph McLean, BBC, June ’17

“achingly beautiful” Q Magazine

“the North’s best songwriter over the last half decade” Hot Press Magazine 


“I really and truly believe we’ve unearthed a star here and I can’t urge you strongly enough to seek out this wonderful album.” Maverick Magazine 

Videos:
The Great Decline - https://youtu.be/K9dDJ8tDL80
Some New Bones - https://youtu.be/O7Rm7ne5SAU
Ambulance Song - https://youtu.be/oG_xKWZSQPo

Paddy Casey, with Saoirse Casey - Mon. Dec. 4th 2017

Paddy Casey (Saoirse Casey opening) - Monday, Dec. 4th

www.paddycasey.ie

Photo Credit: Bob Dixon

One Monday night a couple of years ago, Paddy Casey quietly walked into a BAG gig - I can't recall who was on stage - paid his money, ordered a pot of tea, and sat intently listening to the music. 
Afterwards, he approached me and asked how long the gig had been running. 
"About 25 years", says I. 
"Why haven't I heard about it?" says he, "Sure I only live out the road a bit." 
"I dunno", says I, "But, sure, you're here now."
"It's a cool gig", says he, "I'd love to play it sometime."
"Sure, why not" says I. 
And that 'sometime', is now.

Paddy Casey is a household name in Ireland, and beyond. From his debut release, Amen (So Be It) in 1999, to his 2003 chart-topping offering, Living; 2007's 'Addicted To Company', and 2012's 'The Secret Life Of', Paddy Casey has consistently outsold many of his contemporaries, and maintained a fiercely loyal following. His imminent new release is much anticipated, and is sure to confirm the Dubliner's popularity. 
Songs, that at first appear to be pop tunes, reveal a greater depth and substance with careful listening. A song with a well made observation, or a considered social commentary, wrapped in a memorable melody, with a catchy chorus, is no bad thing. Its what Paddy Casey does, and he does it well. Very well indeed. Best known tracks include: 'Saints and Sinners'; 'The Lucky One', and my own personal favourite, 'Sweet Suburban Sky', from his debut album. Listen to the track here: https://youtu.be/MbG-pqgpt4s

It'll be my great pleasure to welcome Paddy to the stage for his BAG debut on Monday, December 4th, 2017. Doors open at 8:30pm. Gig will start at 9pm sharp. Admission is €15 at the door.
Please note that you are advised to come early, as seating is very limited, with some seats being out of view of the stage - its a small traditional bar, after all.  

And, as if that wasn't enough, Paddy's daughter, Saoirse Casey will open the show.
With her debut album, 'Carousel' just released, Saoirse Casey is at the beginning of what looks - and sounds - like a very promising career. 
"Daughter of famed Irish musicians Paddy Casey and Sinead Martin, Saoirse has embarked on her own career as a singer-songwriter. Her work so far, including being featured on Declan O'Rourke's 'Whatever Else Happens', has showed significant promise." - so said Hot Press, when they featured Saoirse's song, 'Tiger' as their Track Of The Day, recently.
Listen to the track, here: https://youtu.be/JDGwPAj3J2w