January is traditionally a slow enough month for gigs, but it's starting to pick up again - as you'll see from the below list.

Here's a look at some of the highlights of this weekend's live entertainment nationwide.

FRIDAY

Nathaniel Rateliff @ Academy 2, Dublin [pictured]
The Bug & Flodan @ Twisted Pepper, Dublin
Michael Jackson vs. Prince night @ Odessa, Dublin [TICKETS]
Val Normal @ The Button Factory, Dublin [TICKETS]
Youth Mass @ Spirit Store, Dundalk
Sunil Sharpe & Defekt @ Cyprus Avenue, Cork [TICKETS]
Mary Black @ INEC, Killarney
Luan Parle @ Wexford Arts Centre
Dragged Up feat. Raja @ Break for the Border, Dublin [TICKETS]

SATURDAY

Ed Sheeran @ Whelan's, Dublin [invite only]
Celtic Woman @ 3Arena, Dublin
Rumours of Fleetwood Mac @ Bord Gais Energy Theatre, Dublin
Charlie Simpson @ The Sugar Club, Dublin
The Weeks @ The Academy, Dublin
Hot Blooded Animals @ Coughlan's, Cork [free]
Mary Black @ The Limetree Theatre, Limerick
The Fureys @ The Hawkswell Theatre, Sligo

SUNDAY



Raglans
@ Voodoo, Belfast
The Amazing Apples @ Rearden's, Cork
Open Mic @ Roisin Dubh, Galway
John O'Connor & Anna Mitchell @ Coughlan's, Cork [free]
O'Hooley & Tidow @ Spirit Store, Dundalk