Calendar - Greystones, County Wicklow, Ireland

Game Music in Action @ Whale Theatre

Jun 7 @ 6:00 pm

GAME ON

Celebrating how the video game industry has challenged traditional structures of music, opening new doors for musicians to explore, critically-acclaimed pianist – and aspiring video game music composer – Jack Byrne offers up a unique, mind-bending and time-hopping concert experience.

Combining his love of performance with his love for video games, Jack will perform piano arrangement of popular video game scores while displaying a compilation of clips from Playstation, Nintendo, Xbox and beyond. Piano works featured in this one-hour, one-off special will include music from both the Final Fantasy and the Kingdom Hearts video game franchises, plus The Legend Of Zelda: Ocarina Of Time.

Get ready to break through the fourth wall…

Social Fabric Podcast: Are we there yet?

Jun 11 @ 7:00 pm

Live Event with Q&A and Music

Social Fabric – Andrea Splendori

Are we there yet? We speak to a number of guests about their various quests from Ice Swimming in Antartica, crossing the Artic circle, running ultramarathons and explore what drives people to push themselves to the limit of what most of us would consider humanly possible. With special guest Bressie.

There will some music, some visuals and Q+A at the end of each half.

Conversations with people about their passion and interaction with their community. We cover a number of topics to help rebuild the Fabric of Society.

An all inclusive event to explore what makes people think.

David O’Doherty: ULTRASOUND @ Whale Theatre

Jun 12 @ 8:00 pm

The hairy Enya is delighted to return to the Whale Theatre with a brand new show made up of talking and songs played on the plastic keyboard he got for his Confirmation.
Once again, he will try to fix everything that is wrong in the world.

SPOILER ALERT: once again he will fail.

There is a waiting list for this event: https://whaletheatre.ticketsolve.com/shows/873603131

Hothouse Flowers LIVE @ Whale Theatre

Jun 13 @ 8:00 pm

Something amazing happens when Hothouse Flowers step onto the stage – something that has been shaped by over thirty years of singing and playing all over the world, yet no two shows have ever been the same! There is a sense of musical adventure – an impulse to reach new heights and depths in music where the unspoken aim is that the band and the audience become one and the world becomes a different place for a while.

Hothouse Flowers are a rock n’roll band, Hothouse Flowers are a traditional band, Hothouse Flowers are a soul band, Hothouse Flowers are a jam band with their own organic jam spread on both sides of the bread!

Despite the bands lengthy career, which is now heading into its fourth decade there is a sense of unfinished business. Every night they want to play the best gig they have ever played and take the musical risks that can maybe make that possible. There are still songs to be written and emotions to share. Whether its in a tiny club, an arena or in a festival field there is a sense that the best is yet to come.

Hothouse Flowers were invited to be featured in the opening scene of Amazon Prime’s hugely successful ‘The Grand Tour’ to perform their version of ‘I Can See Clearly Now’ for an invited audience in the Mojave Desert. The song then went to Number 1 in the UK iTunes Rock Charts… a mere 26 years after its first release!

Mack Fleetwood @ Hot Spot Greystones

Jun 13 @ 9:00 pm

Ireland’s premier tribute to the Super group Fleetwood Mac, bring you on a magical musical journey from the Peter Green blues era to the multi-platinum selling Anglo/American band that still tour today.

Originally the “Best White Blues Band” to come out of the 60s, Peter Green’s Fleetwood Mac had several memorable hits and influenced scores of others great bands that were to follow them, and/or cover their songs, such as Led Zeppelin and Santana.

When Peter Green left the band, Mick Fleetwood & John McVie kept the show on the road, being joined first by Christine Perfect (later McVie) and then Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks. These three talented and prolific songwriters brought a distinctive style and unique fusion of rock, pop and country to the band. The turmoil of the bands private lives was played out in their music. Nicks & Buckingham soon gained iconic status in fronting the new line-up. Fleetwood Mac enjoyed a rebirth, producing many classic hits including the outstanding Rumours album. They went on to even greater worldwide success than the original line-up.

6 piece band, MACK FLEETWOOD deliver a spellbinding show. Their love of the material and musical prowess shines through in each song. They will bewitch you with authentic renditions all your favourite Fleetwood Mac hits. PLEASE NOTE – LIMITED SEATING

https://soundcloud.com/ciaran-kelly-10/songbird

https://soundcloud.com/ciaran-kelly-10/seven-wonderslive-recording

https://soundcloud.com/ciaran-kelly-10/big-love

A Night at the Opera with Jade Phoenix and Friends

Jun 20 @ 8:00 pm

This is a special fundraiser concert night for our friend and colleague Jade Phoenix who will be moving to London in September to start her Masters in Vocal/opera performance in Guildhall school of music and drama (one of the top conservatoires in the world).

This event will be comprised of opera scenes, arias, lieder and French melodies.

If you have never experienced opera and want to understand more about the world of classical music this event is for you.

Alongside her Jade will have friends from college and the professional world that have generously donated their time and effort to sing in this concert with her.

Jade is an Irish soprano based in Greystones who is currently studying for the Bachelor of Music Performance in the Royal Irish Academy of Music. Jade has recently accepted a Masters in Music Performance in the prestigious music college, Guildhall School of Music and Drama London Sept 2020.

She also has had many successes in ESB Feis Cecil winning Several competitions, which allowed her to sing in places such as The National concert hall, The Mansion house and Killruddery House and Gardens.

Jade’s upcoming performances include Kevin O’Connell’s contemporary opera ´DreamCatcher, ’an opera for two principal females which will be performed in the Abbey Theatre in March. You can also see Jade participating in Wexford opera Festival in September 2020 in the Wexford Factory Programme where we will perform Verdi´s ´Falstaff.’

The John McCormack Songbook @ Whale Theatre

Jul 5 @ 4:00 pm

Duo Ross Scanlon and David O’Shea bring their acclaimed sell out recital, ‘The John McCormack Songbook’ to the Whale Theatre. Be transported back in time with classics such as ‘I hear you calling me’, ‘Macushla’, ‘Roses of Picardy’ and many more audience favorites.

‘Tenor Ross Scanlon sang with a commanding lightness and clarity (he’s the most promising Irish tenor I’ve heard in years)’ The Irish Times

National Theatre Live 2020 – Jack Absolute Flies Again @ Whale Theatre

Jul 23 @ 7:00 pm

Jack Absolute Flies Again

by Richard Bean and Oliver Chris

based on Richard Brinsley Sheridan’s The Rivals

A riotous new comedy.

From the writer of the Broadway smash hit One Man, Two Guvnors comes a hilarious new play, set in 1940s British summertime.

After an aerial dog fight, Pilot Officer Jack Absolute flies home to rejoin his fearless young Hurricane squadron at RAF Fontwell. Once back on British soil, Jack is shocked to find his old flame, Lydia, on the base. He sets his sights on winning her heart, but with turbulence and hilarity never far away, his advances quickly turn to anarchy.

Staged to coincide with the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Britain, this joyous farce is directed by Thea Sharrock (Me Before You) and features a cast including Caroline Quentin and Richard Fleeshman.

‘The funniest show on the planet.’ Daily Mail on One Man, Two Guvnors

Callan’s Kicks – A Live Rehearsal! @ Whale Theatre

Sep 3 @ 2:00 pm

Impressionist Oliver Callan brings his award-winning Callan’s Kicks comedy show to life on stage for the first time in five years.

Aiken Promotions is totes excited to announced RTÉ’s award-winning show Callan’s Kicks Live on stage at The Whale Theatre for a very special “live rehearsal”. Oliver Callan brings his huge cast of characters to the stage for the first time in the age of Boris and Trump. It’s no Kylie concert, but heads a troupe of voices from the world of Irish politics, sport and entertainment.

With the 2020 General Election just passed, Callan deconstructs our leaders and stars in a special night of comedy and satirical commentary.

Oliver Callan brings his most ambitious live show yet, with dozens of impressions, sketches and voices kicking our leaders and legends into the next decade.

Music and Consciousness: Svetlana Rudenko and Belenus Quartet Ireland: Tim Doyle, Niamh Ni Lochlainn, Aoife Ni Bhraoin, Eric Sheeran @ Whale Theatre

Sep 6 @ 4:00 pm

The importance of our mind wander:

Music and Art practices are considered to be meditative experiences, that enhance our high consciousness mental states for creative purposes, empathy, understanding of each other, connecting with the world and discovering uniqueness of every mind and character.

In this concert we share our experience of Music with you in compositions by Frank Quintet in C-minor: 4 movements. The composition by Tim Doyle (violin) Bealtaine May Day suit reflects on Irish mythology, written in three movements Songs.

The atmosphere of misty Emerald Ireland captured in silk prints by fashion designer Jennifer Rothwell, who kindly provided costumes for performers.

https://www.theguardian.com/science/audio/2014/jul/14/science-consciousness-science-weekly-podcast

The Bealtaine Suite is written for Piano trio in an Irish traditional style and was highly influenced by my chromesthesia (sound-to-colour synaesthesia).

The piece is divided into 3 short movements without break. Each movement is based on a melody, traditional and newly-composed, and each movement is based on a scene or ritual act from the festival of Bealtaine. In particular I was inspired by the events of Bealtaine Evening (Óiche Bealtaine) when great fires would be lit, and rituals would be performed to protects livestock, crops etc. from visitors from the “otherworld”

In the program: Frank Quintet C-minor, Bealtaine suite

Fashion design by Jennifer Rothwell

La Touche Legacy Conference @ Greystones Golf Club

Sep 11 @ 4:00 pm – Sep 12 @ 1:00 pm

This event run by La Touche Legacy Committee in association with Greystones Archaeological and Historical Society and held each year in the Greystones Golf Club.

This year’s weekend takes place on Friday 11^th -Saturday 12^th September with the theme “Ireland in the 40’s”

Friday 11th – 4.00pm to 6.oopm

Saturday 12th – 10am to 1pm

Dinner 12th: 19.30pm

This weekend, now in it 32nd year is one of the highlights of the event calendar in Greystones and has a reputation of providing the most wonderful range of speakers across a diverse range of topics under the general theme each year.

The seminar dinner will take place on Saturday night at 8pm in Greystones Golf Club.

Tickets available at usual prices All Lectures €30 All Lectures+Seminar Dinner €50 from GAHS, 01 2875678/ 01 2876694/ GreystonesMD@wicklowcoco.ie

Further info: George Jones gjjones@eircom.net

Rosemary Raughter rraughter@eircom.net

This is Nicolas – Film Screening with Wicklow Triple A Alliance @ Whale Theatre

Sep 17 @ 7:00 pm

Screening and Q&A

Wicklow Triple A Alliance

This documentary is a must see.

Nicholas Ryan-Purcell was diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome aged thirteen.

He was also faced with mental health challenges, brought on by an early childhood trauma which triggered a lengthy depression. Nicholas overcame a series of obstacles to complete his Leaving Certificate and then undertake and graduate from a three-year course in TV Production at Ballyfermot College Dublin.

Now aged 29 Nicholas’s mental health challenges are a thing of the past.

He has made this documentary to chronicle his experience of living with Asperger Syndrome and depression and to celebrate the invaluable support of his family, his teachers and his neighbours in the village of Emly, Co Tipperary.

This is a brave and inspirational piece of work, made with clarity and insight by an insider, to greatly enhance our understanding of Asperger Syndrome

Awards

Top prize for the ‘Spirit’ Award in the Foreign Film Category at the 2012 Winter Shorts Film Festival, Somerset, Kentucky USA

Feature Documentary Editing Award 2019 London Film Festival

One of five nominees in the ‘Best Young Filmmaker Under Twenty-two’ category at the 2012 Corona Fastnet Short Film Festival, Schull, West Cork Ireland

Writer and Director of the film, Nic Ryan Purcell will be in attendance on the night and will host a Q&A about the film afterwards. DVDs will be available to purchase on the night.

An evening with Jack Lukeman @ Whale Theatre

Sep 19 @ 8:00 pm

The UK based Kildare man with the multi-octave voice returns to Ireland for a string of exclusive intimate shows. Fresh from a series of sell-out performances (NCH, Cork Opera House) celebrating the 20th anniversary of Jack’s first album ‘Metropolis Blue’ alongside a run of shows with Jools Holland Rhythm and Blues Orchestra.

Jack new show celebrates his career to date with road tales, and tall short stories spun in an evening that explores the globe-trotting joys and magic of 25 years of music-making. “An Evening with Jack Lukeman” features the most celebrated songs from his multi-platinum and number 1 selling albums like Magic Days, Metropolis Blue, 27 Club, Wax, Broken Songs, Burn on Universe to name but a few. Don’t miss, this one in a million artist, doing what he does best in a perfect venue.

Jack Lukeman is a multi-octave singer-songwriter, performer, raconteur and record producer. Lukeman is a number 1 platinum-selling, a critically acclaimed artist who continues to win a worldwide fan base with his unique voice and adventurous live shows.
Jack has toured as a special guest recently with artists such as Imelda May, Jools Holland, The Proclaimers and Aerosmith.

Crest of a Wave – Rory Gallagher tribute @ Hot Spot Greystones

Sep 19 @ 9:00 pm

Doors open 8pm/Show 9pm€12 – €15

Ireland’s newest Rory Gallagher tribute band bring their high intensity show to the Hotspot, Greystones on the 6th March. Crest of a Wave take you on a journey through Rory’s back catalogue with some Taste classics, deep cuts from the Irish Tour 1974 and some of Rory’s marvellous acoustic styles. This is a high energy, electric blues/rock show that is not to be Missed! Known as on of the greatest blues rock guitarists of all times, Rory was born in Ballyshannon in Co. Donegal in 1948, Rory was originally part of the band Taste in the 1960’s before going on to record many solo albums through the 1970’s and 1980’s.

Triple A Wicklow Kids Screening – Inside Out @ Whale Theatre

Sep 27 @ 5:00 pm

Inside Out

Go inside teenager Riley’s head and meet her emotions: Joy, Sadness, Fear, Anger and Disgust. Riley is struggling to adjust after being uprooted to a new life in San Francisco. When Sadness accidentally gets herself and Joy lost inside the depths of Riley’s mind, an emotional rollercoaster ensues. Can Joy and Sadness find their way back and restore order to Riley’s emotional state? This latest film from the animation genius of Disney

Pixar will charm and delight audiences of all ages. – Edinburgh International Film Festival 2015

An evening with Jean Farrell – Writer of The Six Mary’s. @ Whale Theatre

Oct 1 @ 8:00 pm

An evening with Jean Farrell is a nostalgic look at life in Ireland, during the 1950s and ’60s.

Our show is a trip down memory lane remembering happy times when we were young and innocent, full of hopes and dreams.

Hear about mothers of ten and more. Recall the wonderful dance halls, filled with music and song, youth and vitality.

Stories from the past are interwoven with lovely Irish ballads and songs we learnt in school long ago.

The show is very evocative, funny and poignant.

Written and presented by Jean Farrell. Singers: Catherine Gallagher and Ursula Hanley.

Jean Farrell is a successful Irish writer. A 100 performances of her play ‘THE SIX MARYS’ have been performed in theatres all around Ireland.

Traditional favorites KERN @ Whale Theatre

Oct 3 @ 2:00 pm

Louth folk favourites Kern are back in 2020 with the trio’s eagerly awaited new album, their first since their critically acclaimed debut False Deceiver.

The Left and The Leaving is a similar showcase of the band’s unusual mix of personalities: Barry Kieran is a former Leinster champion fiddler, steeped in the raw, pure music of Oriel; Brendan McCreanor is an uilleann piper of rare passion and versatility whose distinctive playing is at once both modern and rooted in tradition and SJ McArdle is a critically acclaimed songwriter and singer who has previously toured and recorded internationally.

Kern’s music is a distillation of skillfully executed traditional elements – including a deep respect for native songlines – combined with fresh and often raw contemporary perspectives. Mining the deep cultural seams of their native Louth, the band presents thrilling interpretations of the music of the past and blistering, sometimes heart-wrenching new songs and compositions. The eclectic weave of their music is a result of their myriad influences and diverse formative experiences and backgrounds.

The Left and the Leaving was produced by Trevor Hutchinson and features the Lúnasa/Waterboys man on double bass throughout. There are also appearances by Dónal O’Connor (Ulaid, At First Light) and Eamonn Moloney (Full Set, Aoife Scott).

Kern have been hard at work since the extensive press and radio coverage which accompanied the first album’s release, clocking up the miles on Ireland’s highways and byways. Along the way the band have also played shows in Germany, Canada and the US, including at Milwaukee Irish Fest and Folk Alliance International in Montréal. The band also won the 2018 Temple Bar TradFest showcase.

String Serenade – a celebration of local talent @ Whale Theatre

Oct 4 @ 4:00 pm

Join the young string students of the Bray Music Centre plus special guests the Belenus string quartet for an evening of chamber music inspired by all things nocturnal in the wonderful setting of the Whale theatre.

The title ‘String Serenade’ is borrowed from a multi-movement piece of music that was popular as light occasional music, usually as part of an evening social gathering, in 18^th century Europe.

Enjoy a wide range of music from arrangements of Mozart’s famous Eine Kleine Nachtmusik (one little night music)and wind divertimenti for string ensemble to solo performances of classical favourites from our senior string students at the Bray music centre.

Also on the bill, the Belenus string quartet will perform Borodin’s string quartet no. 2 in D major, with the famous 2nd movement Notturno. This young ensemble, who recently released a Christmas song with singer Hannah May under the alias No Strings Attached, are respected musicians in their own right and have been playing together since July 2019. This concert marks their first major public outing as an ensemble.

Niamh Strong sings Eva Cassidy @ hot Spot Greystones

Oct 10 @ 9:00 pm

Doors 8.00pm Show 9pmTickets €18 – €22

Think of a beautiful tapestry with many vibrant colours, this is the best way one can describe the stunning voice of Niamh Strong who has the ability to sing blues, soul & jazz. Born into one of Ireland’s musical dynasties ‘The Strong Family’, Niamh’s father is Rob Strong, the legendary Blues singer, and her brother ‘Andrew Strong’ was Decco Cuff from the movie “The Commitments”. Niamh first lifted a microphone at the tender age of 9 and at 18 recorded and successfully showcased her first demo in New York. Putting her solo musical career on hold, Niamh went on to qualify as a nurse and has been busy raising her son, Elliot, for the past 10 years. Niamh has travelled to every part of the world with her brother Andrew Strong. She has gained a wealth of experience performing backing vocals and taking centre stage, and has appeared at many large festivals and arenas throughout Europe, USA, Australia and Canada. This has given Niamh the experience and courage to pursue once again, her own dream to become a solo artist. She now feels the time is right.

Somewhere over the Rainbow https://soundcloud.com/user-917558473/somewhere-over-the-rainbow

https://youtu.be/YSrtSl9WLNA

Stormy Monday https://soundcloud.com/user-917558473/stormy-monday

Greystones Vocal Academy Student Showcase @ Whale Theatre

Oct 11 @ 4:00 pm

Join students from Greystones Vocal Academy for a showcase student concert. These talented young local singers will perform a variety of songs from pop and rock to musicals, jazz and the classics.

A wonderful treat on a Sunday afternoon and a chance to hear upcoming stars of the future!

Offering excellent vocal tuition for everyone, Greystones Vocal Academy was founded by local singer and vocal coach, Dara MacMahon and helps each student gain confidence and achieve their full singing potential.

Chris Kent: Christy Doesn’t Live Here @ Whale Theatre

Oct 15 @ 8:00 pm

Cork comedian Chris Kent is coming to the Whale Theatre with his brand new show ‘Christy Doesn’t Live Here’. Chris has more stories, more kids and a keep cup to compensate for his guilt about over population. Chris tries to come to terms with being called “well trained” for carrying out basic tasks. Chris also gets deep and talks about his favorite clothes horse or “garment donkey” if you’re a maniac…

‘Original hilarious material…Among the best acts I’ve seen’ The Mirror *****

‘Hilariously deadpan’ Wee Review ****

‘Unequivocally talented raconteur’ Ed Fest Magazine’ ****

‘ Fresh and original material, extremely endearing performer’ Broadway Baby ****

If you have a promo code please enter it here

Wicklow Triple A Alliance: Options for Adulthood Fair @ Whale Theatre

Oct 23 @ 10:00 am – 4:00 pm

Wicklow Triple A Alliance, the local autism charity is turning 18 years old.

To celebrate, we are hosting a series of events during the month of April.

We are delighted to be able to host our first Options for Adulthood Fair, in The Whale Theatre, Greystones. This free event is open to the public and will offer the chance to browse over 25 exhibitors from local service providers, educational supports, and social groups for adults who have a challenge or disability. With stands from The National Learning Network, Bank of Ireland, Intreo, Citizen’s Advice, BIFE, Camphill Communities, and much more, there is something from everyone. Come and find out what alternative options for adulthood are available in your local community. Guest speakers on the day.

This is a free event so no need to book tickets. Just come along between 10am and 4pm.

Luan Parle @ Whale Theatre

Oct 24 @ 8:00 pm

Meteor & Tatler Award winner Luan Parle has had numerous hits & accolades including Meteor Award for Best Irish Female. Her top 10 hit single ‘Ghost’ spent three months in the Irish Charts and was the most played Irish single of that year.

Parle signed her first record deal at just 12 years of age before later signing with Sony Music & Elton John’s management company Twenty First Artists.

Luan has written and recorded with some of the worlds most successful songwriters & producers including Grammy award winning Bill Bottrell (Sheryl Crow, Michael Jackson, Prince, Travelling Wilburys, Elton John) & Billy Steinberg (Madonna, Roy Orbison, Cyndi Lauper, The Pretenders, Whitney Houston, The Bangles, Celine Dion).

Luan will be playing songs from her new album which will be released February 7th 2020. The album features 10 original tracks including two co-writes with Dire Straits guitarist Hal Lindes. This will be the fourth album release from the Wicklow born songstress. She will be accompanied by renowned guitarist Clive Barnes.

www.luanparle.com

“Luan Parle is quite simply one of the most exciting singers to emerge from Ireland, or any other country for that matter! She is a superb song smith as well” The Herald

Van Morrison’s Songbook @ The Hot Spot

Nov 14 @ 8:00 pm

Doors 8pm /Show starts at 9pm sharp: Tickets €20 – €23

Celtic Soul are a 7-piece band band from Bangor delivering a very fine tribute to Van Morrison with excellent musicianship, authenticity and heart.

Receiving critical acclaim from devout Van fans wherever they perform, you’ll hear the big hits like Jackie Wilson Said, Days Like This, and of course Brown Eyed Girl. You’ll also hear Ballerina, Cyprus Avenue, and In the Garden among many others in a packed show.

Several live ‘unplugged’ performances on Gerry Kelly’s show on BBC Radio Ulster have boosted the band’s following. BBC’s Ralph McLean, a massive Van Morrison fan himself, describes Celtic Soul as ‘a great band’ and ‘a very fine tribute’. With more years than they care to remember playing in blues, folk, trad and jazz bands these musicians have the ingredients to combine and deliver Van’s music in an outstanding show. Doors open 8pm. Show starts at 9pm sharp.

June – November 2020 Jun – Nov 2020

© 2020 Greystones, County Wicklow, Ireland.