Cluas - Irish Gigs of the Fortnight

Where and When?
The Ratceller, Phoenix Park, Dublin - 30/07 to 01/08

Why?

Do you really need to be sold on this?  One of the most brilliant and singularly unique musicians of the last 30 years playing in Ireland for the first time in over 2 decades.  What's not to love?

Oh right, the extortionate ticket price.

But at this point I'm sure your wallet has stopped weeping over the ass kicking it took when those were purchased right?

Who? Calvin Johnson

Where and When?
The Hideaway House, Deansgrange, Dublin – 25/07

On the subject of singularly talented songwriters Calvin Johnson helped create the twee scene in the 80's as a member of Beat Happening and then went on to be part of Dub Narcotic Soundsystem and The Halo Benders (with Built To Spill's Doug Martsch, but we'll to him in a November).  He also founded K Records which gave a start to many bands from the US's Pacific Northwest.

Note that this gig starts at 6PM.  Because he's odd like that.,

Who? Daniel Johnston and Friends

Where and When?
Whelan's, Dublin – 27&28/07

At times Daniel Johnston's last appearance in Dublin was uncomfortable viewing what with all the involuntary twitching and there was some sense that people were there to see the "crazy guy from that movie" rather then to hear his songs.  That being said there were moments in Vicar St. when it was wonderful.

These 2 Whelan's dates will see Johnston joined on stage by an all star cast including Jad Fair, Scout Niblet, James MsNew of Yo La Tengo  and members of Sparklehorse and  Teenage Fanclub.

Butthole Surfers
  Vicar Street, Dublin -24/07

Nina Nastasia
  Crawdaddy, Dublin - 26/07
  Cyprus Avenue, Cork - 27/07

Chuck Berry
  The Academy, Dublin - 24/07

Castle Palooza
Charleville Castle, Offaly - 02&03/08

Sickboy
Whelan's (Upstairs), Dublin - 25/07

Jim White
The Sugar Club, Dublin - 22/07