Lovely weather for staying indoors, n'est-ce pas? I bet you're all feeling per-itty tired and weary after the nice run of bank holidays we just had. You just want to be left alone this weekend to catch up on sleep and detox or whatever. However, we recommend that you consider resting in other ways. Out and about ways.

Don't let that good old stretch in the evenings that we're all so dearly fond of that put the guilt into you by sitting at home in front of the box when it's still bright out.

It's summer! Really, it is! That means there are good gigs galore and loads of people around to add to the atmosphere even on old-fashioned two-day weekends like this one. The ideas below are all reasonably priced or completely free so your wallet will be happy too.
 

Friday, May 9th

What? Music: Birds of Chicago
Where? Cyprus Avenue, Cork
What time? 8pm
How much? €12.50

Birds of Chicago is a collective based around JT Nero and Allison Russell who have emerged as two of the most compelling new voices in North American Roots music.

What? Festival: Giro d'Italia
Where? Various locations, Dublin

One of the world’s greatest cycling events, the Giro d’Italia arrives in Dublin on the 11th (in case you hadn't noticed) and Dublin City Council have arranged loads of fun, free events over the whole weekend. There will be bike tours, music, art, cinema and loads of other cycling related activites. Sure we're mad about the old bikes in Dublin, let's celebrate them!

What? Concert: Love System
Where? The Academy, Dublin
What time? 11pm
How much? €16.50

Don't dare sit at home with Ryan Tubridy with your glass of Cab Sav or Pi Gri when you could be supporting Marriage Equality at The Academy. La Galaxie and friends will be performing.

Saturday, May 10th

What? Concert: TrocaireLive 2014
Where? The Grand Social
What time? 5pm
How much? €10

Some amazing acts are set to take to the stage in support of Trocaire, with Irish electronic musician Daithí headlining alongside Colours Afrobeat Foundation and The Eskies. Joining them will be Dublin-based music collective The Animators; Ugandan folk singer Justine Nantale; Soul-Folk-Alternative artist Yong Buddha; Nigerian drumming group Talking Drums; Groovement Soul DJs; and White Collar Boy (DJ Set) with Dan Hegarty taking on MC duties.

What? Gig: Gramatik
Where? Button Factory, Dublin
What time? 11pm
How much? €12

This artist from Slovenia artist has been harvesting the power of free file sharing, building a following throughout the U.S. and Europe since he was but knee-high to a grasshopper. He is signed with Pretty Lights Music, a label that distributes music for free, which aligns with his philosophy of 'freeing music by making music free.'

What? Music: The Unusual History of Ether
Where? Riverbank Arts Centre, Kildare
What time? 8pm
How much? €12/15

The Copenhagen Post say this partnership between Irish singer, keyboardist and songwriter Rebecca Collins and Danish jazz guitarist and composer Mikkel Ploug is "deep, dreamy and piercing, a refreshingly different approach".

Sunday, May 11th

What? Comedy: Tommy Nicholson, Niamh Marron, Cormac Moore, Linda Hayden, MC Simon O'Keeffe
Where? Ha'penny Bridge Inn
What time? 9.15pm
How much? €5

I always think comedy is a good idea on a Sunday; it helps one forget their worries and their strife before entering the week ahead. This gig starts at 9.15pm and there are a good few comedians taking the stage so you can stretch the weekend out that little bit longer.

What? Music: The Jon Spencer Blues Explosion!
Where? Whelan's
What time? 7.30
How much? €20

Listen, it is what it is, an explosion of blues. What more can I tell you except that it sounds damn cool.