Upcoming gigs in Dundalk's Toales this weekend

Thursday 22nd August - Fireside Sessions present The Two Five Ones + Dez Murphy. Free Admission - Starts 9pm

Toales' Fireside Sessions is an acoustic club that showcases the best in acoustic acts, always inside by the "virtual" fire in the bar, always free admission, and is delighted to welcome the jazzy/blues/folk act The Two Five Ones, a music duo consisting of Dara MacGabhann on vocals, and Andy Hogg on guitar, who are making their Fireside Session debut.

The Two Five Ones' shows are packed with jazz and blues classics from the 1920s through to the 1950s and beyond, and also feature some original compositions in the same genre.

With classics from such artists as Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, Bonnie Raitt and the Ink Spots, The Two Five Ones bring a laid-back ambience of elegant sophistication.

Support on the night comes from Dez Murphy, originally from Virginia, Co. Cavan and now living in Monaghan, a singer/songwriter who has long been involved with the music scene, from London in the eighties, to the present day, where he continues to sing, write and perform new material nationally, and also hosts his own monthly 'Monaghan Blues Jam' which has been running now for over 20 years.

PICTURES: All smiles at Dundalk's Coláiste Rís Debs

This is a free event and kicks off at 9pm.

Friday 23rd August – Pizza Pizza Records Showcase featuring Midweek Crisis/Stratford Rise/Cruel Sister.€5 Admission. Doors 8pm

The first of local Record Company Pizza Pizza Records' monthly showcases of the finest up-and-coming bands and artists from around the island of Ireland, featuring Dundalk's indie-rock/ post-punk outfit Midweek Crisis, from Dublin Cruel Sister, the project of Dublin-based artist and producer Faith Nico, who makes angst ridden alternative rock spanning from shoegaze, dreampop, noise rock, and riot grrrl, and experimental noise-rock no-wave Belfast band Stratford Rise. Three amazing acts for just a fiver!

Saturday 24th August - Finnian + This Frontier Needs Heroes. Doors 8pm - Admission €12

Born and bred in the border town of Dundalk, Ireland, Finnian has meticulously honed his craft as a songwriter, sculpting his music with a blend of honesty, depth, and texture. Since 2015, his artistry has resonated deeply, offering a grounded perspective that speaks volumes about his inner convictions.

Fearlessly drawing from a tapestry of influences, Finnian seamlessly weaves live performance with studio finesse, earning accolades for his refreshing approach to the genres of Folk and Roots music.

The release of his debut album, "Under the Influence," in the summer of 2020 marked a watershed moment, catapulting Finnian into the spotlight in Ireland with an unwavering momentum.

His body of work serves as a poignant reflection of lived experiences, characterised by an unwavering commitment to authenticity and a relentless pursuit of both introspective and objective songwriting.

Rave reviews include:
“A meticulous songwriter with a voice to die for” - Ciaran Lavery

“Quite simply delightful”' - RTE Radio 1

“When he sings I believe him and it’s that believability that holds my attention'' - David Keenan

“Beautifully exhilarating” - Hotpress

Support on the night comes from This Frontier Needs Heroes, who brings a Nashville flair to the Northeast, with rugged folksy charm and songwriting instincts that immediately draw you in to all-too-familiar country/folk magic - that lived-in feel in the playing and the maturity of the arrangement and sublime vocal melodies.

Doors open 8pm, tickets €12