Event Guide 132: Christmas Holidays, Father Ted Day, Songs of Praise, Christ Church Bells
December 25th, 2009———————————————————————
| DUBLIN EVENT GUIDE (for Free Events) No. 132
| 25 December 2009 Subscribers: 5504
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Hi all!
Some of you might be surprised today! A Dublin Event Guide on Christmas Day? Yes, it is a Friday and on a Friday you get a Dublin Event Guide. Isn’t that the deal? ;-) And I stick to my side of the deal! – I know that many of you will not read this mail because you are out of the office or when you realise that the newsletter has arrived you feel it is too late to check it. BUT there are others that have time between Christmas and New Year and want to go to some events. This newsletter is for you! :-)
I know I will be flooded with Out-of-office messages the moment I have sent the mail this week, but I can deal with that. And if you are reading this: I hope you have time off as well, but no matter where you are now, I hope this information will be of use to you.
Don’t expect the full programme. This week’s edition is very much slimmed down. There are not tooo many things taking place as you can imagine. But the few bits that are taking place will be mentioned here (if I was able to find them!… Some organisers seem to cover their tracks well and don’t really want the world to know about their events. :-P )
I hope you will have a nice Christmas Dinner after reading this mail OR already had it earlier…or a few days ago – when you only read the mail next week. Either way, I hope you have people in your life who care about you.
Presents? Tell me all! Was Santa good to you? I can’t complain myself. I didn’t get any of the things I put on my Event Guide wish list…maybe next year. But my private Santa brought me a few wonderful gifts and I am very grateful for them.
If you just realise that you forgot to get me a present, don’t panic! You can still go here www.perfectresults.info/donation.htm and donate some money before you dig into your Turkey today. :-P The low amount of just EUR 12 already keeps me happy and ensures that this newsletter will reach you as well in 2010. If you want to spend more (or less) your help will be as well appreciated.
Please help letting lots more people know about the Event Guide by printing out the flyers that I have put together some while ago and by hanging them up at your work place or in your university or school or sports club/gym/church:
www.perfectresults.info/event_guide_mini_flyers.pdf
www.perfectresults.info/event_guide_tear_off_poster.pdf
If you have another idea how to spread the word, please send a mail to dublineventguide@gmail.com with “Spread the word” in the subject line. All serious ;-) suggestions will be mentioned in one of the next issues and you will get credit for it!
Christmas itself is the content of this week’s “Feel Good Slot”. I know that not everybody is too keen on Christmas, but for the rest of us, I hope Christmas will give you the good and warm feeling around the heart it is meant to give. :-) Enjoy it and give generously. No, it is not presents I am talking about! I am talking about giving yourself, that means being there when you meet your relatives. Talking, engaging and most importantly listening. – If Christmas doesn’t do it for you, then maybe think about this: Most likely you dislike Christmas because of negative memories. Christmas didn’t do anything good or bad. If you are linking negative memories to Christmas, what would you have to do to connect good things and good memories with Christmas? Could you do that? Imagine if you are successful! You might have a significantly happier December.
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A big thanks to Eilis C. and Sandra R. who expressed their appreciation for the Event Guide by donating money. A nice Christmas present that will benefit all of you, even the ones that haven’t donated yet…but who are hopefully considering it! ;-) Just EUR 12 per year from you will help hugely!
This Event Guide is sponsored by Esme E, Cliodhna D, Brian L, Padraig S, Kathie S, Orla niF, Jef B, Susanna N, Kate C, Nicola J, Claus Sch, Gordon S, Jeanne M, Fiona O’C, Marta M, Angela C, Isabelle F, Saundra S, Meisoon N, Ruth F, Valerie McN, Estelle O, Aoife M, Mairin M, Fionán O’L, Maeve L, Blaithin O’D, Ciara D, Mike G, Andrej G, Deirdre R, Vanessa O’L, Chris McK, Frank B, Dolores P, Cornelia K, Cathy A, Orla C, Kevin McC, Steph G, Wanda J, Siv M-J, Niamh niS, Gwen H, Jasmin T, Ian O, Eva C, Will P, Gráinne P, Caroline R, Elizabeth F, Suzanne B, Adele G, Jack C, Keeva H, Mairead MacM, Niamh G, Siobhan C, Jackie B, Penny O’D, Kathryn K, Aidan G, Ciara G, Deirdre L, Stephen D, Mary Q, Donald P, Aidan C, Julia Sch, Isak R-B, Sharon O’S, Brajan V, Nancy O’D, Zelie McG, Niamh K, Jennie R, Semin S, Gavin H, David G, Becky B, Emer niB, Niamh N, Esme E, Ciaran H, Lois M, Gerard Ph, James O’H, Pere OC, Marsha D, Sarah McC, Patrick O’C, Sandra R, Christoph Sch, Deirdre O’B, Ellen C, Eimear O’F Luna B, Leslie C, Elaine McH, Elva O’G, Deirdre G, Martin O’M, Maeve C, Ciara O’C, Sarah D., Patrick C, John O’R, Brian C, Brian R, Caroline C, Elaina O’N, Eilis C, Sandra R and www.stickyfingerstravel.com (The travel guide for parents travelling with their children.), www.flamencoindalo.com (A group that supports and promotes the art of Flamenco in Ireland.), www.thepaulkanegallery.com (A great Art Gallery, located at 6 Merrion Square, which supports contemporary Irish artists.) and www.a1computers.ie in Dun Laoghaire/Cabinteely (…who repair computers, printers and sort out Internet problems fast and who sell computers, laptops and low priced printer cartridges). The main sponsor is www.kravmagaireland.com, the self-defence training centre for everyone, which provides regular 12-week or 2-day self-defence training courses for beginners.
Currently more than 5000 people are receiving this Event Guide every week and the wonderful people that have helped financially to get this newsletter to you every week are listed in the section above. To keep this newsletter going in its current form and to improve the layout and readability your help is needed! You can donate as much as you want or can, but if you need some guidance, maybe consider just ONE Euro per month i.e. 12 Euro per year (that is just 25 cent per newsletter) as a fair donation. (A once-yearly payment is better for you and me than a monthly payment.) — I know, some of you multiply 5000 x 12 and come up with huge numbers. ;-) I like your positive thinking, but over the last two years only about 2% of the subscribers have donated anything, so I am definitely not enriching myself ;-), your donation is really only used to ensure the survivability of this newsletter.
You can transfer your donation directly to “Joerg Steegmueller, AIB, SortCode 93-36-78, AccountNo 03556043″ or donate using PayPal or your credit card by following this link to the PayPal donation page www.perfectresults.info/donation.htm.
All events listed in this Event Guide are free of any admission charges (or at least appear to be free) unless otherwise stated. I try to find confirmation in all cases and do my best to double-check the information. However errors can happen and therefore no promise for correctness can be given.
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______Joerg’s Picks______________
This section is intended to provide some help in picking and choosing from the huge number of events by sharing with you what I will/might or would do. This is not a “best of…” list and if an event is not listed here, it by no means implies that the event is not interesting. Instead my “picks” are just based on my personal preferences. All events mentioned here are described in detail further down.
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This week I will do as little as possible. :-) Will you join me? I plan to read and watch some movies and catch up with mails and get the Editorial Team for the Event Guide set up. I would have time in the evenings to go to events because my regular hobbies are on hold, but there is not much happening. So just enjoy the time and recover to get ready again for an energetic start in January.
So no specific recommendations this week! I am sure you know what is right for you. ;-)
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______Competition______________
TY’S NEW YEARS EVE PARTY – MORGAN HOTEL, PENTHOUSE
Ty’s Penthouse Party is a New Years Eve Party in the Penthouse of the Morgan Hotel in Temple Bar. It is an exclusive party for only 50 people organise by Ty Chaun Richardson and the nice people from the European Young Professionals (EYP). Ty tells me that there is only a small number of tickets still available and he will have to draw the line at 50. But if you are fast you can still book yourself in for this once-off New Years Eve Party. Here www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=178088207130 you can find all the details and it is explained as well how to get yourself on the exclusive list of party guests. The evening costs EUR 60 per person and the party will start on 31 Dec at 20:00. One lucky reader of the Dublin Event Guide (for Free Events) will have the opportunity to win a ticket for this party. To win this ticket you have to send a mail to dublineventguide@gmail.com with TY’S PARTY in the subject line and with your mobile phone number and full name in the mail. The mail has to be with me by 13:00 on Monday 28 Dec.
All events in this Competition Section are non-free events, but the organisers are making free tickets available for you to win. I usually get lots of competition entries and unfortunately not everybody can win, so even if you are not the winner, please consider going to an event to support the organisers. :-) If you don’t win, and will go to the event, please help showing the organisers that promoting their event in the Dublin Event Guide is beneficial and mention to them that you heard about the event through “Joerg’s Dublin Event Guide (for Free Events)”. Thanks!
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______Dublin News______________
SNOW AT CHRISTMAS!?
Well, the postman from Donegal wasn’t exactly right when he forecasted snow for Christmas – at least not in Dublin. But on the other hand, he wasn’t far from the truth either. With temperatures of down to -10 degrees last night in some areas of Ireland, snow is definitely a possibility. Let’s see how the day develops. That was the article that I already posted here last week.
www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/breaking/2009/1213/breaking13.html?via=mr
MORE STREET BACK IN ACTION
If you read the Event Guide for longer and regularly, you probably have seen before that I was sorry to have seen super-multi-cultural Moore Street being closed down. There were eviction notices on all buildings along Moore Street and in that part of O’Connell Street. Moore Street which was full of Chinese, African and Eastern European shops was closed down completely. All traders were kicked out of their shops and the formerly multi-multi-cultural Moore Street became boring. Yesterday I saw that the shops are back and the multi-cultural life has returned to Moore Street. I guess the owner of the buildings who wanted to knock down every single building has changed his short term plans after difficulties with the planning application process. Economic struggles have their advantage. A nice article about Moore Street: www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/features/2009/0908/1224254064292.html
METRO NEWSPAPER IS GONE
“Metro” the free newspaper is gone. On 22 Dec the last issue of the free sheet was distributed. From 07 Jan a new and combined Metro+HeraldAM will be the only free morning newspaper from then on. The new paper will be called MetroHerald. Commercially this merger makes a lot of sense, but for customers typically MORE is better…especially when free. We will have to wait until 07 Jan to see what the future will bring. I hope the great online version of Metro will survive after the merger, but I have some doubts. HeraldAM never bothered to provide an online version – as far as I know. e-edition.metroireland.ie/2009/12/22/
FARMLEIGH HOUSE – WINTER BREAK
Farmleigh House closed on Wednesday for the winter. From 23 Dec-21March, the doors/gates will remain closed for normal/public visitors. www.farmleigh.ie/
———Opportunities—————–
In order to beat an economic downturn not governments can help, but individuals are needed that take the initiative and to create new markets and new opportunities for themselves and for their customers and hopefully employees. The banks don’t help anymore, the government doesn’t want to help, so we have to help ourselves! The Dublin Event Guide (for Free Events) will help you if you have recently started a company and if you could do with spreading the word. I hope being mentioned here and being seen by the 5400+ readers of the Event Guide will kick start something big for you. In return I expect you to tell your clients and friends about the Event Guide and once you have made a nice bit of money, a donation would be very appreciated. ;-) (This offer is for start-ups in relatively early stages only. Established companies can contact me regarding very affordable advertisement options in the Dublin Event Guide.) If you want to promote your start-up/young company here for free, let me know: dublineventguide@gmail.com.
More new-company introductions will be here from January!
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______Exhibitions_______________
As you can imagine, it doesn’t really make sense to open an exhibition between Christmas and the New Year, so for that reason this section is quite empty in comparison to normal weeks. The next exhibition openings will probably not happen before 06 or 07 Jan.
MARTIN RICHMAN AT NORTH WALL QUAY (DUBLIN)
The Dublin Docklands Authority are promoting ‘Flow’, an illuminated gas station by Martin Richman commissioned by the Docklands Authority. This installation is currently on show at North Wall Quay in Dublin 1 and some pictures can be seen here.: www.dublindocklands.ie/index.jsp?p=94&n=105&a=1507
I am fully aware that I am not the most artistically aware person, so don’t take my opinion as a yardstick for your own likes&dislikes. But it does strike as a little odd if a few lights inside a non-descript square building are declared as “Art”. Maybe I should go to the North Wall Quay to experience the live effect of this installation?
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______Friday___________________
CHRISTMAS DAY
Today is Christmas Day, for most people a total family day. Christmas Dinner in the early afternoon (ideally) is the highlight of the day. After eating much too much, but enjoying every bit of it ;-) some play games at home, others just watch TV. Pubs and shops are closed on this day and it is the only day where a few years ago virtually all shops – even the small corner shops – were closed from around midday. In recent years non-Christmas-celebrating shop employees allowed some smaller shops to stay open. (By the way, these explanations are obviously not for Irish people, but for non-Irish readers of the Event Guide. What I am describing is MY understanding; it could be different for you.
You can be certain that the normal regular events will NOT take place. I will leave them here nevertheless as it sill simplify my work next week.
REGULAR EVENTS – FRIDAY
* James Sheeran (Acoustic/Rock/Trad) is playing from 18:00 in Peadar Kearney’s in 64 Dame Street, Dublin 2. And The Eastern Harps (Trad) are playing there from 20:00. Admission is free.
* Need to wind down after a tiring week? Free Sahaja Yoga Meditation classes in Temple Bar every Friday at 19:30 at 4/5 Eustace Street, Temple Bar (next to IFI, ring bell no. 3). These are drop in classes, newcomers are welcome. For more information email info@sahajayoga.ie or check www.coolspirit.info or www.sahajayoga.ie. Classes are also on Mondays at 19:00 in Blanchardstown Library.
* The Covers play Rock Covers from 22:00 in The Mezz, 24/25 Eustace Street, Temple Bar, D2. Later: DJ Carlos Irie. Admission is free.
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______Saturday_________________
SALES START EARLY
In recent years the 26 Dec, which is called St. Stephen’s Day (NOT Boxing Day!), was a similarly quiet day like Christmas Day (25 Dec), but this year many shops have announced that they will open for an early start of the sales. Expect the shops that do open on that Saturday to close at around 18:00. However, it is really not the majority of the shops as it sounds that open. Stephen’s Green Shopping Centre, for example, will not open at all on 25+25 Dec.
FATHER TED DAY – BERNARD SHAW
The Bernard Shaw Pub in 11-12 South Richmond Street, Portobello, D2 is inviting to a Father Ted Day on 26 Dec from 18:00 until late. Admission is free. “St Stephen’s Day last year saw the first Father Ted Day in the Bernard Shaw and with a queue of priests waiting to get in at 18:00 it was clear it was meant to be and became instantly a fixture to set yer watch by on the Bernard Shaw calender.” The events on the day will be
- Lovely Girls Competition with lots of Prizes
- The Fairground featuring The Ladder of Doom
- Ice Cream Van
- Ms Doyle’s Giant Cup of Tea
- Blur ‘v’ Oasis Quiz
V-necks/cardis, dark blue slacks, sensible black leather runner/shoes & dog collar are dress code for the night. The event starts at 18:00.
www.bodytonicmusic.com/events/toejam/2009/dec/01/toe-jam-father-ted-day/
FAMILY & ADULT EVENTS – NATIONAL MUSEUM
No evens are scheduled for Sat 26 Dec.
FAMILY PROGRAMME – NATIONAL GALLERY
The National Gallery is closed today.
Do not assume that a regular event will take place on St. Stephen’s Day without checking beforehand.
REGULAR SATURDAY EVENTS
* Don’t forget that the Temple Bar Markets (Temple Bar Food Market on Meeting House Square and the Temple Bar Designer Mart near Cow’s Lane) are taking place every Saturday from 10:00-16:30. The Designer Mart is on winter break and will return from 13 March!
* The SuperNatural Food Market is taking place every Saturday from 09:30-15:30 in St. Andrews Resource Centre in Pearse Street, Dublin 2. www.supernatural.ie
* The Dublin Food Coop runs a food market every Saturday (09:30-16:30) and Thursday (14:00-20:00) at Newmarket in Dublin 8. Fresh local and artisan produce, mainly organic, and other products for sustainable living are on sale. www.dublinfood.coop
* Sunday Market & Car Boot Sale at Kart City
Old Airport Road, Santry, Dublin 9. The Kart City Weekend Market is open every Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday from 08:00-16:00 and until the end of May all car boot sellers can sell for free. sundaymarket.ie/
* Blackhorse Flea Market + Car Boot Sale. Every Saturday from 10:00-18:00 the Blackhorse Market is taking place. You can reach it from Tyrconnell Road and from Kylemore Road and it is within 3 min from Black Horse stop on red Luas line. theblackhorsemarket.com
* The Black Sheep play Rock Covers from 22:00 in The Mezz 24/25 Eustace Street, Temple Bar, D2. Later Dj Glenn Brown (Dublin Calling). Admission is free.
* Havana Tapas Bar is inviting to a Salsa Night with afro-latin percussion every Sat night 22:30-02:00. Bachata, salsa, merengue, reggeaton with resident DJ Papi Chulo. Food is available until 00:30 and usually there is plenty of room to get dancing.
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______Sunday __________________
STORY TELLING – HUGHES & HUGHES DUNDRUM
It is Storytime in Hughes & Hughes in Dundrum! Every Sunday from 12:00 you should bring all the family for storytelling and cookies plus extra fun activities, including crafts & face painting. All ages welcome. www.hughesbooks.com/
SUNDAY AT NOON CONCERT – HUGH LANE GALLERY
Nearly every Sunday a free “Sunday at Noon” concert is taking place in the Hugh Lane Gallery. From 12:00-13:00 classical music will be performed for free. No booking is required. This week, however, there will be no concert. The next Sunday at Noon concert will be on 10 Jan. www.hughlane.ie
SUNDAY SKETCHING – HUGH LANE GALLERY
The Hugh Lane Gallery on Parnell Square is running a “Sunday Sketching for 7+ year olds” programme. This week (27 Dec) this programme is taking a break. www.hughlane.ie
FAMILY PROGRAMME – NATIONAL MUSEUM
There are no events scheduled for Sun 27 Dec. The next events are taking place on Wed 30 Dec.
HOLY JOES INFERNAL CABARET – THE MEZZ
Nearly every Sun from 16:00-21:00 “Holy Joes Infernal Cabaret” takes place in The Mezz, 24/25 Eustace Street, Temple Bar, Dublin 2. Admission is free. The next event is in early January. www.myspace.com/gigevent
MATTINEE BRUNCH CLUB – ODEON BAR & GRILL
The Odeon are inviting all families on Saturdays + Sundays from 12:00-18:00 to a “Mattinee Brunch Club”. Good Food, Kids movies (13:00 and 15:00), major international sporting events on the other big screen, kids under 3 eat for free are the main attractions of this offer.
“The Matinee Brunch Club is a place where you, your family and friends can relax, watch a movie [or the match] and eat quality freshly made food in an informal family friendly atmosphere. We serve a full brunch menu all day and kids under 3 eat for free! At The Matinee Brunch Club it’s easy for you, and your family to have fun together.”
Upcoming Movies are 19/20 Dec: Elf, 02/03 Jan: Ice Age, 09/10 Jan: Monsters Inc, 16/17 Jan: Charlie & The Chocolate Factory, 23/24 Jan: Finding Nemo, 30/31 Jan: Happy Feet. For further information ring 01 672 7690 or check www.odeon.ie/
The Odeon Bar & Grill is in the Old Harcourt Street Station, Dublin 2.
Many regular events are not back to their regularity, so check them out before you attend an event.
REGULAR SUNDAY EVENTS
* Blackhorse Flea Market + Car Boot Sale. Every Sunday from 10:00-18:00 the Blackhorse Market is taking place. You can reach it from Tyrconnell Road and from Kylemore Road and it is within 3 min from Black Horse stop on red Luas line. theblackhorsemarket.com
* The Mary Stokes Band (Blues) will be back in Bruxelles, Harry Street near Grafton Street and near the Westbury Hotel from 30 Aug. The start time is advertised as 18:00, but the actual start is usually significantly later. The gigs are not EVERY week, but most weeks. Admission is free.
* Jazz in The George in George’s Street from 16:30-18:00: Jazz Band Zrazy.
* Sunday Roast is a weekly event in the Globe in Sth George’s Street from 20:00-01:00. Provided are free live music, games & roast potatoes. www.myspace.com/sundayroast1
* “Loose Change” play in Gibneys Pub, New St., Malahide every Sunday from 18:00-20:00.
* The great Funk/Soul/Reggae/Jazz band Mob Fandango are playing in the newly renovated Camden Street Palace every Sunday evening from 20:00-22:00. Admission is free. www.myspace.com/mobfandango
* From 21:00 in The Bleeding Horse on Camden Street “The Apollo Sessions” is a free show featuring multiple styles of original music from local and international musicians and songwriters www.myspace.com/thebleedinghorsesessions
* The Brazilian Samba Rock Band +55 is playing every Sunday at the Odeon in Harcourt Street from 20:00-22:00, followed by a DJ playing Forro, Axe, and a mixture of Brazilian rhythms and salsa beats. Admission is free before 21:00 and EUR 5 after that.
* Songs of Praise, a Rock Karaoke is taking place every Sunday from 21:00 in The Village in Wexford Street, Dublin 2. www.getpraise.com
* The Burning Effigies are playing afrobeat, jazz, funk and soul every Sunday from 23:00 in Turk’s Head in Parliament Street. www.turkshead.ie
* Gardiner Street Gospel Mass in St. Francis Xavier Church at the top of Gardiner Street near the junction with Dorset Street every Sunday at 19:30. Everybody is welcome independent from your level of religiousness. www.gardinerstreetgospelchoir.com
* Ballymun Gospel Choir Mass at 19:00 in Vir gin Mary Church, Shangan Road, Ballymun.
WEEKEND EVENTS
If you are just looking for Sunday events, please check the event list for Saturday as well. A good few events are taking place on Saturday AND Sunday, but it wouldn’t make sense to list them twice.
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______Next Week_______________
———Monday————————–
BANK HOLIDAY
Because 26 Dec is a Bank Holiday and it falls on a Saturday, the bank holiday is moved to the following Monday. This move affects most workers and you get the Monday off. Without having to take holidays. However, an employer is not forced to give you the day off, because it is not a Public Holiday, but instead only a Bank Holiday. Confusing rules, I know!
CHRISTMAS FAMILY ART HOLIDAYS
The National Gallery is running Family Art Holidays from Mon 28 -Wed 30 Dec. Family art workshops, guided tours for adults and music will take place in the National Gallery over 3 days, daily from 15:00-16:30. All events are free. No booking necessary. Just bring your sketchpads and colour crayons. www.nationalgallery.ie
REGULAR MONDAY EVENTS
* Every Mon from 20:00-22:00 in Bewley’s Cafe Theatre, 78 Grafton Street, the recently-formed music collective the ‘Lazy Band’ is playing roots, trad and folk songs from Ireland, England, America and anything else they like. Admission is free and the bar serves during the show. Some people order up pizzas from downstairs. Laid-back atmosphere, unplugged and informal. www.myspace.com/thelazyband
* ‘Hugh Cooney Don’t Like Monday’, a cabaret and live visual performance by Hugh Cooney, will take place every Monday night from 20:30 at The Pygmalion, South William Street, Dublin 2 (formerly Ba Mizu in Powerscourt Shopping Centre). Admission free. www.myspace.com/hughcooneycomotions
* From 21:00 in the International Bar, Wicklow Street: The Glór Sessions feature acoustic singer-songwriters, comedy, spoken word and poetry hosted by Stephen James Smith. Entry is free. www.stephenjamessmith.com/Glor.html
* From 21:30 a traditional Irish music session is taking place in Kennedy’s Pub in Drumcondra. Admission is free.
* From 22:00, the front bar of Whelans is the venue for the Open Mic event “Acoustic Nightmares Night”, organised by the band The Mighty Stef and some members from The Last Tycoons. This is a free event. www.facebook.com/pages/THE-MIGHTY-STEF/17575454643
* Upbeat Generation is playing Soul/Funk/Rock Covers in The Mezz, 24/25 Eustace Street, Temple Bar, D2 from 22:00. Later: DJ Rasheed. Admission is free.
———Tuesday————————
BANK HOLIDAY AND WORK DAY!
This is a rather odd day! The banks are closed on Tuesday, but the rest of us have to work (or take a day holiday). As far as I understand it has to do with a bank specific holiday every year on 29 Dec.
REGULAR TUESDAY EVENTS
* Open Mic Night with The Last Tycoons in O’Donoghues on Suffolk Street every Tueas from 20:00. It’s free and anyone can get up, sing a song or do whatever they like. www.facebook.com/pages/ODonoghues-Open-Mic/71834618844
* In the Bankers Inn on Trinity Street (off Dame Street) at 21:30: An acoustic singer-songwriter session hosted by Dave Murphy. A contribution is requested but not required. This is a listening club so is very quiet and features a lot of experienced songwriters trying out new material. www.myspace.com/davemurphyandfriends
* White Chocolate is playing Rock Covers from 22:00 in The Mezz, 24/25 Eustace Street, Temple Bar, D2
———Wednesday———————-
NATIONAL MUSEUM EVENTS
# “Christmas Holiday Art Workshop: Old Bones and Gold” on Wed 30 Dec from 14:00-15:00 in the area of Archaeology in Kildare Street. (Age 7-12). “Discover the sacred shrines of the Medieval period and once inspired, create your own version. Booking is required. Places are limited. Maximum 15 children. *Bookings opened on Tuesday 15th December, so it is probably booked out, but for completeness I mention it AND to alert you to events like that so that next time you can maybe book it yourself in advance. www.museum.ie/en/list/calendar-of-events.aspx?eventID=874
# “Winter Workshop: Hibernation, the Science of Sleep” on Wed 30 Dec at 11:00 and at 14:00 in Collins Barracks for age 6+. “Learn more about hibernation and why animals choose to sleep the winter away. Then make your own hibernation den. Places limited to 20.” www.museum.ie/en/list/calendar-of-events.aspx?eventID=896
CHRISTMAS MESSIAH – GEORGIA INTERNATIONAL HONORS CHOIR
I am always hesitant when it comes to promoting Christ Church events because often the “free” for such an event means only that you don’t have to pay extra after you have paid the admission charge. And with an admission charge of EUR 6, this significantly reduces the appeal of lunch time concerts etc.
For this event I hope that free means free: The Georgia International Honors Choir is performing an abridged version of the Christmas Messiah on Wed 30 Dec from 19:30 in Christ Church Cathedral. The concert performance is part of the choir’s tour to Ireland and England to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the death of GF Haendel by honouring him with performances of Messiah. www.cccdub.ie www.visitdublin.com/Events/AllDublinEvents/Detail.aspx?id=244&mid=6874
Some regular events will not take place (e.g. the Zodiac Sessions), while others might take place. Please check first.
REGULAR WEDNESDAY EVENTS:
* The “Havana International Language Exchange” is taking place every Wed from 17:30-19:30 in Havana Tapas Bar in George’s Street. The majority of people there are Spanish or English-speaking, but French, Italians, Polish and Chinese are sometimes coming to and everybody is welcome to meet for a chat to improve your Spanish or English.
* “The Zodiac Sessions” is a regular open mic event from 20:30 in Bruxelles (between Grafton Street and Westbury Hotel) for unsigned musicians. Admission is free and there is a different line-up every week. www.thezodiacsessions.com/
* “The Song Room” is another open mic event. It takes place in The Globe in George’s Street at 20:30 on SOME Wednesdays. The frequency got less predictable in recent weeks/months and you should check the website before going. www.myspace.com/thesongroom
* Traditional Irish Music Session in Hedigan’s (The Brian Boru) in Phibsborough from 21:30 every Wednesday. If you play an instrument you are especially welcome (all levels are welcome).
* Seven Deadly Skins are playing Reggae/Ska Covers from 22:00 with DJ Dotsie later. The Mezz, 24/25 Eustace Street, Temple Bar, D2. Admission is free.
———Thursday————————
NEW YEARS EVE
New Years Eve is a normal working day in Ireland. The events in the night disappoint many people because there is no central party/event. There is no big count down at midnight and there is no fireworks in Ireland because it is illegal. Instead pubs that are normally free do charge admission charges that – in previous years – bordered on robbery. Let’s see how it will be this year. I suggest that you pay where a venue offers something more than on a normal Saturday evening when they don’t charge. But that you walk away if you just get what you can get for free on a normal day during the year. Luckily a good few places can resist the temptation of charging on that evening. Good examples have been in previous years all the pubs in the Porterhouse group and the pubs in the Thomas Reads group. However the Thomas Reads group ran into some difficulties during the year and I am not sure if they even still exist. Another great example of how it should be done is the Songs of Praise New Years Eve party (see below).
SONGS OF PRAISE – NEW YEARS EVE PARTY
The legendary Songs Of Praise New Years Eve Party is back for the fifth year running. On Thur 31 Dec Songs of Praise will take place in the Village, Wexford Street, Dublin 2. Admission is free before 22:30 and after 22:30 it will cost you EUR 10 to arrive too late. The event starts at 21:00. Songs of Praise, the original Rock + Roll and alternative Karaoke party has become a new years tradition for those who really want to be the party. But it dose get crazy, so to be sure you are with us for the final countdown get in early. www.getpraise.com www.dublinevents.com/events/concert/songsofpraise-concert.php
CHRIST CHURCH BELLS
A nice tradition is the ringing out the old year from 22:30 at Christ Church and ringing in the New Year at 00:00 on 31 Dec. Each year the Christ Church Bells welcome in the New Year at Dublin’s Christ Church Cathedral. Dress warmly, maybe bring even some warm drink and make sure that you find a place early enough outside, it is very difficult to get a place inside the cathedral. The crowds are usually large, so don’t be surprised and don’t arrive too late. www.whatsonwhen.com/sisp/index.htm?fx=event&event_id=44708
Don’t assume that he regular events will take place on New Years Eve, instead make sure that you check beforehand!
REGULAR THURSDAY EVENTS:
* A weekly pub quiz is taking place in Peadar Kearneys, Dame Street every Thursday. Register from 19:00. There is no charge.
* Open Mic Night – Lucan County Bar. Set-up and run by Ian Smith, who is a friend of mine, this event will take place every last Thursday in the month at 20:00. The venue is the 1st floor of the Lucan County Bar (on the grounds of the Lucan Spa Hotel on the N4). www.lucanspahotel.ie/ENG/map.html
* Quiz Night in The Lotts Cafe Bar, 9 Lower Liffey St, Dublin 1. Every Thurs a quiz night with great prizes is taking place at 20:00/20:30 depending on football. Participation is free.
* “Thirsty Thursday” Open Mic Night from 21:00 in the Mullingar House in Chapelizod Village. www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=111621257112
* The Bionic Rats play live Reggae and Ska every Thursday in Turk’s Head from 22:00. Admission is free. www.turkshead.ie
* The Poor Boys play Rock Covers from 22:00 in The Mezz, 24/25 Eustace Street, Temple Bar, D2. Later: DJ Tim. Admission is free.
———Friday————————
NEW YEAR
New Year is a bank holiday in Ireland, but expect nearly all shops to be open. I am not aware of any special procedures/events that people undertake in ireland on New Years Day. But if you can think of something, let me know and I will include it in next week’s newsletter.
NATIONAL MUESUM EVENT
# “Riddle of the Stones Tour” on Fri 01 Jan from 12:00 in Kildare Street for all ages. “This tour explores the Neolithic in Ireland, which brought with it the building of great stone monuments, aligned to the sun and decorated with enigmatic markings. No booking required. First come, first served. Maximum 30.”
www.museum.ie/en/list/calendar-of-events.aspx?eventID=875
———Pre-Announcements————————
This section contains lots of events this week that happen in the future some of them require free tickets and it is mentioned where this is the case. Put the events in your diary and for the ticketed events hurry to request your tickets:
1913/2013 LOCKOUT: 3rd FORUM ‘WHAT’S TO BE DONE?’, DUBLIN
The 1913 Lockout was a major dispute in Dublin between approx. 20,000 workers and approx. 300 employers. (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dublin_Lockout) ‘1913/2013 Lockout’ is a project curated by Helen Carey towards developing an exhibition in the public domain to mark the centenary of the Dublin Lockout 1913. The Third Forum: ‘What’s To Be Done?’ will take place on Sat 09 Jan from 11:00-16:00 in the Abbey Theatre (the Peacock), Middle Abbey Street, Dublin 1. Participants will include artists Anne Cleary and Denis Connolly with a world premiere of their film ‘LUAS CAROL’, Michelle Browne, Anthony Haughey and Helen Carey. Admission is free but seating is limited and therefore you need to book your place via 086 3847022 or helcarey@gmail.com
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______This is odd!!______________
Allow me to leave the THIS IS ODD Category empty this week, next week I will share with you again things that I find odd, puzzling, weird or strange. ;-)
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So, now dig into this turkey (or whatever you are having) and enjoy the long Christmas weekend. You will hear from me again next year, so have a good start of the new year!!!
–Joerg
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This Event Guide (the “Dublin Event Guide (for Free Events)”) is an Event Guide with a difference. It covers mostly free events based on the thinking that free events deserve additional support and that non-free events have the money to pay for advertisement. The Guide is a _guide_ and not just a listing and is therefore at times quite extensive. It is sent for free to anybody who is interested and if you want to be added to the mailing list or know somebody who would like to receive this guide, just send a mail to dublineventguide@gmail.com with the Subject “Subscribe”.
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BTW: I am not paid or otherwise rewarded for compiling and distributing this Event Guide it is purely a hobby so your donations are needed: www.perfectresults.info/donation.htm. Advertisement in or sponsorship of the Dublin Event Guide (for Free Events) is possible and very welcome, please contact me for more information.
Please note: The Dublin Event Guide (for Free Event) is not related or connected to the former fortnightly printed publication “the event guide” that you found until December 2008 in pubs and other venues.
Copyright 2009 by Joerg Steegmueller.
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