IF it’s live music you’re after to lift the spirits this Christmas, there’s plenty of it, and every variety of it you can imagine to be found in Limerick over the coming month.
Monday December 1 sees Lou Barlow, a founding member of the groups Dinosaur Jr, Sebadoh, and The Folk Implosion take to the stage at the Kasbah Social Club on the Dock Road.
Barlow is credited with pioneer the lo-fi underground and home-recording movement of the late 1980s and early 1990s. His first band, formed in Amherst, Massachusetts, was Deep Wound. Barlow has released numerous solo releases under his own name and/or as Sentridoh.
Former Public Image LTD bassist Jah Wobble plays the same venue on Thursday December 4. Wobble is no stranger to dub rhythms, having drawn influence from both reggae and world music throughout his spectacular 40+ year career. His latest show, Metal Box – Rebuilt In Dub has been hailed as having truly caused Wobble to dig deep and bring out his absolute creative best.
King John’s Castle welcomes one of Ireland’s most celebrated singer-songwriters, Paddy Casey, to open the brand-new Castle Suite Sessions on Saturday December 6.
Known for timeless hits like ‘Saints and Sinners’, ‘The Lucky One’, and ‘Living’, Casey brings his unmistakable voice, soulful lyrics, and heartfelt storytelling to the intimate setting of Limerick’s medieval stronghold.
Purveyors of perfect power-pop, Ash return to Limerick for a show at Dolan’s Warehouse on Wednesday December 10. With a 30-year career spanning ‘Girl From Mars’ and the Chart topping ‘1997’ debut album to the award winning singles from the seminal ‘Free All Angels’ album, the Downpatrick trio are back with their new album ‘Race The Night’.
Irish music star Damien Dempsey stops off to perform at Live at the Big Top in the Milk Market on Friday December 12. Often compared to the likes of Christy Moore, Luke Kelly, and Shane MacGowan, the music of Damien Dempsey is formed from his experience growing up in Dublin in the mid-70s.
Meanwhile, Limerick’s original festive tradition returns with Liam O’Brien’s Crooning at Christmas at Dolan’s Warehouse on Tuesday December 23. Liam, former Emmerdale star and acclaimed Rat Pack singer, is renowned for his velvet vocals, warmth, and wit. Inspired by his celebrated turn as Dean Martin in the West End hit The Rat Pack – Live from Las Vegas, he delivers a swinging holiday celebration unlike any other.
Joined by his Million Dollar Swing Band, he’ll deliver timeless favourites like ‘White Christmas’, ‘Baby It’s Cold Outside’, ‘Let It Snow’, and ‘Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas’, alongside modern classics made famous by Harry Connick Jr and Michael Bublé.
For more on all the gigs are taking place in Limerick this Christmas, visit limerick.ie/discover.