hotpress.com's festive gig guide

TEN: WATERFORD
Waterford’s premier venue demonstrates its holistic approach to partying with a festive line-up that’s heavy on both rock legends and dance innovators.

Big nights include the Resistance End Of Year Party (27); and the TEN New Year’s Eve Party (31) which promises to be a bangin’ night of the highest calibre. You can book in advance at www.10johnstreet.ie.

ROISIN DUBH, GALWAY
Whipping Galway music fans into a state of festive frenzy this Christmas are Pyramid (22); Q (23); Pyramid (24); Sean Tyrell (26); and Bassballs (26).

DOLAN'S, LIMERICK
Ho ho bloody ho – if you need to escape from the family feuds and the crap telly then seek refuge at Dolan’s because there’s a feast of good music, good pints and good cheer available.

Their Warehouse highlights include Woodstar (26), The Lost Steps (28) and Buffalo Soldier (29). Blood Sugar, a Red Hot Chili Peppers tribute band will take care of Auld Lang Syne duties (31).

Upstairs @ Dolan’s is proving to be a very vibrant & versatile space which is being used as a bar, live music venue and nightclub.

Passing through its doors over the festive period are Racheal Loshak (22), La Boutique (28), Eamon Hehir (29) and Mike Ryan (30).

The St Stephens Day Special – two rooms, 7 DJ’s for e7 – Now that’s as cheap as chips – VINYL & Nu Killa Kru bring their blissed out & bassed out sounds to both Warehouse & Dolan’s. Pay once and you’re in the boom boom rooms till 2am.

ONE, FAIRYHOUSE RACECOURSE, CO. MEATH
One, heralded as a new concept in late night entertainment, opened on December 10, with a lavish inaugural party, featuring The Camembert Quartet. A good time was had by all.

The brainchild of Dublin promoter Jason Denham, this new live music venue and nightclub is located at the Fairyhouse Racecourse Complex (20 minutes from the city centre and 5 minutes from Clonee). It caters for up to 1,200 patrons with 2 bars, stylish, modern and comfortable surroundings, and state of the art stage, lighting and sound systems.

Among the main attractions coming up are a special “Last Night Before Xmas” show on Dec 23, on Dec 31 there’s an “Access All Areas” NYE Party and the great Jerry Fish & The Mudbug Club feature on Dec 26.

THE AMBASSADOR THEATRE, DUBLIN
If you're already feeling the pressure to plan the greatest New year's Eve ever, tickets for The Complete Stone Roses at the Ambassador Theatre are on sale now priced at €22.50.

WHELAN'S, DUBLIN
Something Happens play their traditional Christmas show at Whelan’s on December 30.

Expect to hear a song or 15 from their newly released Best Of, which includes such gems as ‘Hello Hello Hello (Petrol)’, ‘Parachute’, ‘Forget Georgia’ and ‘CC Incidentally’.

Wexford Street will also be reverberating to the site and sounds of The Chapters (22); Sack & Chuzzle (23); and LIR (27).

THE SUGAR CLUB, DUBLIN

The Sugar Club’s Christmas crackers include Silky & Bernie O'Shea (22); The Things (23); and The Camembert Quartet (31), Dublin’s cheesiest rock ‘n’ roll spoofers.

GREEN ROOM, HOLIDAY INN, DUBLIN
Looking for something that little bit different to celebrate New Year’s Eve? Well, The Green Room at the Holiday Inn Dublin, is hosting a barn dance party! Included is a themed buffet dinner, a late bar, the Lonesome Highway DJs and some of the best live music in town – all for the remarkable price of just €35. Parking is free in the hotel’s underground car park – and if you hurry you may still be able to book a room in the Holiday Inn hotel and stay overnight!

Live performers will include John Miller (Scottish Country Artist of the Year 2002) and the Country Casuals with support from the upcoming band Truro Syndicate. John Miller is the real deal – his album New Memories received widespread critical acclaim in the US, including accolades from Gram Parsons’ steel player Al Perkins, and the infamous Phil Kaufman who said, “Thanks for the Real Country. Gram would have loved it.”

If a rockin’ country-style hoedown tickles your fancy, don’t delay as tickets are selling fast! Show starts at 8pm. For more info contact [email protected]

EAMON DORAN'S, DUBLIN
Put down those mince pies and roll down to Eamonn Doran’s for further indulgence in a rather festively plump line-up.

Treats include The Radio (22); The Urges (26); and New Years’ Eve Mayhem feat. The Things (31)

TEMPLE BAR MUSIC CENTRE, DUBLIN

Doing the Yuletide thing in the Temple Bar palace of fun will be A Taste Of Rory (28).

VICAR ST. DUBLIN
Seasonal festivities in D8 will be presided over by Ronan Keating (21); Jason Byrne (23); and Aslan (27 to 29).

VOODOO LOUNGE, DUBLIN
It’s gobble gobble hey! time on December 22 when Dublin’s punkerati gather in da Lounge for a Joe Strummer Memorial Night.

Biso Ne Biso (23) copletes a top Christmas line-up in a top venue!

THE VILLAGE, DUBLIN

Village-bound are Death Disco (23); and A Vibe For Philo (January 4).

CRAWDADDY, DUBLIN
Coming holiday attractions include The Mighty Stef (21), Reverb (22) and Thumped.com