Janey Mac - February went by in a flash, didn't it? We are well into the new year by now and we're assuming all the storms and floods and sunshine if you were lucky (people have been seen walking around in shorts and t-shirts in Dublin! No, it doesn't matter that they were, um, slightly inebriated at the time) haven't prevented you from settling back into a nice, steady routine.
It's weird though, this weekend is one of those where most people seem to be at a loose end with 'no plans' or 'nothing to do'. We say you simply have to do something to ring out the end of Feb and start of spring so here's some kindling to help fuel your weekend fire.
Friday, February 28th
What? Gig: James Blunt
Where? Vicar Street, Dublin
What time? 8.30pm
How much? €44
Now don't groan - just because it's James Blunt doesn't mean it's going to be crap. We've become quite fond of this chap, and not just because of the hilarious and self-depricating way he handles people who are mean about him on twitter (actually, it may just because of that.) However, because he has a nice voice, is a bit of an aul charmer and we think he is probably good craic, we are including it on The List.
What? Gig: Maximo Park
Where? Whelan's, Dublin
How much? €22.50
BUT - If you're not into slow sets and crooning, these Newcastle lads will be hitting the stage at Whelan's. I saw them way back when in San Diego of all places and thought they were very good (at least I think I did, it was J1, you'll understand, so it's all a bit of a blur). Alt-rock your way into the weekend.
What? Play: Oleanna by David Mamet
Where? The Mick Lally Theatre, Galway
What time? 8.00pm
How much? €16 - 18
If you're lucky enough to be in Galway this evening, why not get some culture into ya and head to the home of the world-famous Druid Theatre Company for David Mamet's Oleanna, 'a controversial and compelling drama about power, privilege and sexual politics.'
Saturday, March 1st
What? Dance: Interloper
Where? Samuel Beckett Theatre, Dublin
What time? 8.00pm
How much? €14 - 18
How often is it that you go to a dance show? Not very often I'm guessing. Not me, I go all the time (...) Anyway, now is your chance! The Liz Roche Company are ending their critically acclaimed nationwide tour with this cool production which will be part of as part of Dublin Dances into Spring. How delightful!
What? Gig: The Jezabels
Where? The Button Factory, Dublin
What time? 7.30pm
How much? €15
7.30 is a great time for a gig to start. Especially a cool gig in the Button Factory where you can have a sneaky drink in the Crow Bar before hand (and after if you like!) These Australian songsters have gained a loyal following from Irish fans so get your mitts on tickets right away if you intend on spending the evening listening to 'intensindie' choons.
What? Gig: Rebecca Collins
Where? Murph's, Tramore
What time? 8.00pm
If you're hanging in Waterford tonight, don't miss Rebecca Collins for an intimate, up-close and personal gig in Tramore.
Sunday, March 2nd
What? Comedy: Sunday Comedy @ the Bad Ass
Where? The Bad Ass Cafe
What time? 9.00pm
Sunday nights are no laughing matter - unless you're at the Bad Ass Café! Turn that frown you'll probably have on your face because it's nine o'clock on a Sunday night and the next day is not a bank holiday upside down and laugh your way into the long week ahead.
What? Gig: Midge Ure - An Acoustic Evening
Where? The Sugar Club, Dublin
What time? 8.00pm
How much? €27.50
Another good way to start the week is to ease into it with an acoustic set from an '80s pop hero. If you know who Midge Ure is you should definitely head to the Sugar Club Sunday night and if you don't, sure why not tag along anyway. He might play some Ultravox or Do They Know It's Christmas, and that would be quite a good story. It would!
What? Play: Philadelphia, Here I Come! by Brian Friel
Where? The Lyric Theatre, Belfast
What time? 9.00pm
How much? £15 - £24.50
Watching a play will make you feel way better than veging in front of the telly on Sunday night, especially watching one as timely as this one.
