Two quick Sligo things…Two great and different gigs coming up this weekend- both in the same pub.  Upstairs in McGarrigles is the destination for James Yorkston and Chequerboard on Friday 27th March and then for the monthly comedy gig on Saturday 28th- this time with Robbie Bonham and Simon O’Keeffe.

The Comedy is hosted by John Colleary and is only €10 on the door so it’s well worth a look.  Great uplift to the weekend.  Check out the myspace for more info.

James Yorkston with Daisy. pic by Sean Dooley

James Yorkston is set to be an altogether more beautiful affair. A brilliant brilliant musician I first came across him through the Month of Sundays project with Donal Dineen and his albums have become much played on my music listening machines.  His music is intelligent and poetic and beautiful with clever and often witty lyrics.  Woozy with Cider (video below) is one of my all time favourite songs and a perfect accompaniment to Sunday afternoons.  Yorkston is a proper musicians musician and well worth catching live.  He doesn’t come to Ireland that often, let alone to Sligo, so I would give this a huge Stranded Must See stamp (I must get one of those) made all the more so by the presence of Chequerboard as support. Chequerboard’s Penny Black is a properly incredible album (was robbed not be in the choice shortlists for 2008) and to see John Lambert weave the sounds and textures live with his guitar and looping machines brings it all to another dimension. 

So if you are in Sligo and want a lovely night of properly great live music head to McGarrigles on Friday 27th. I’ve no idea what time or how much but I’d guess from 9pm is safe enough. Bring your listening ears.