Limerick's new resident opera company to host fundraising concert at Dolans Warehouse

Dolan’s are delighted to announce that it will play host to Opera Workshop’s performance of Party Pieces in Dolans Warehouse on Sunday 17th June.

Produced and directed by Shirley Keane this gig is a fundraising event for Limerick’s new, ensemble focused opera company, the first of its kind in the Mid-West.

Opera Workshop was launched last year and since then has produced seven concert performances at both No 1 Pery Square and the Hunt Museum.

The group was established with a view to working with artists from all backgrounds interested in developing their practice through the art of opera.

Opera Workshop - Limerick’s first resident opera company - is hoping to reinvigorate old favourites and break new ground in opera performance for audiences across Limerick city and county and across the Mid-west.

The fundraising concert will see a host of well-known classical performers from both Limerick and Clare performing some of their favourite arias and duets from the world of opera and musical theatre.

Proceeds from the Party Pieces production will go towards the new productions and performances being planned by the Opera Workshop team in the future.

Cast members include Ruth Kelly (soprano), Sarah-Ellen Murphy (contralto), Eve Stafford (soprano), Jean Wallace (soprano), Roisin Walsh (soprano), Conor Gibbons (tenor), Owen Gilhooly (tenor) and Kevin Neville (bass-baritone). The performers will be accompanied on the night by pianist Irina Dernova.

The evening will include favourites by Puccini, Mozart, Dvorak and Bizet with arias and short scenes from The Marriage of Figaro, Carmen and La Boheme and the programme includes music theatre favourites by Sondheim, Rogers and Hammerstein and Leonard Bernstein.

Speaking at the launch of the event, producer Shirley Keane said: “We have created this fundraising production specifically with audiences in mind. Whether you are an avid fan or totally new to the whole idea of opera, Party Pieces is an event that we are sure will entertain”, she said.

“Opera Workshop is very grateful to Valerie and Mick Dolan for their generous support of the company for this event. Dolans Warehouse is renowned on the Irish music scene for its traditional and rock offering. Opera Workshop is really excited to be bringing the opera and classical genre to this iconic venue”.

Announcing Opera Workshop’s fundraising concert, Valerie Dolan said: “Shirley Keane has an immensely strong reputation in this field, having devised site specific productions of contemporary opera and opera scenes including venues such as the Courtauld Gallery, Somerset House, London, Royal Festival Hall, Guildhall School of Music & Drama and the Hunt Museum, Limerick”.

“We at Dolans are delighted not only to be able to support this fundraising event but to be able to showcase Opera and Classical musical, performed by some of the leading local performers in our venue”. 

 Being an Opera Workshop concert drama is, of course, the name of the game and things never are never quite what they seem. Audiences can therefore expect a few surprise guests may well cause a stir over the course of the evening!

Tickets for Opera Workshop’s production of Party Pieces on June 17th are available at www.dolans.ie or by contacting the Dolans Box Office on 061 314483

Vote for Limerick's Emma Langford for Irish Post Music Award 2018

On behalf of all here at Dolans we would like to congratulate Limerick’s Emma Langford for being shortlisted for an Irish Post Music Award for 2018.

Emma has been shortlisted in the Best Folk Act category. To give a sense of how much of an impact she is currently making on the Irish music scene you just need to look at the calibre of artists she has been nominated alongside – Christy Moore, Aoife Scott and Lancum.

Emma has woven a sound which Phil Coulter describes as “a breath of fresh air”.

A folk guitarist and singer-songwriter from Limerick, she is embued with the soul and style of Joni Mitchell, Eva Cassidy and Joan Baez; her distinctive vocal style demonstrates a blend of Irish lilt with folk and jazz. (Photo: Ken Coleman)

The Irish Post Music Awards are launching this summer with support from IMRO, TG4 and INEC.

Taking place on June 7 in the INEC Killarney, Co. Kerry these Awards build on the success of the Irish Post Country Music Awards and The Irish Post awards which took place in 2017.

Ten of the country’s top acts will perform under one roof for an incredible night of Irish music. With awards in nine categories, including Best Country, Best Folk and Best Pop/Rock, a Lifetime Achievement Award will also be revealed on the evening.

Winners will be picked by a panel of distinguished judges and a public vote. An Outstanding Contribution to Songwriting, Best Album and Best Single will also be honored on the evening alongside a Best Indie Award and Outstanding Contribution to TV/Radio.

Dolans would urge all Limerick people to support Emma’s nomination and to vote for her. You can do this very simply by clicking this link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSch1FjbiW9D8jXc1pp34Eszo-14VhvnDE3Rm51lhrkY8APFYQ/viewform

Hermitage Green return to Limerick stage for King John’s Castle performance

Limerick city is set to rock once again as one of Limerick's best musical exports return to the King John's Castle stage this June Bank Holiday weekend.

Following a host of recent sell-out performances, Dolans Presents are delighted to welcome Hermitage Green back to the Limerick stage this as the band performs at King John's Castle on Sunday, June 3rd.

Dolans Presents have partnered once again with Shannon Heritage to produce the event, this time showcasing one of the most popular and exciting bands Limerick has produced.

Hermitage Green’s upcoming Limerick performance comes on the back of the release of their new EP, ‘Gold and Rust’, which has produced by Matt Lawrence (Adele, Amy Winehouse, Mumford & Sons) and features 6 progressive sonic masterpieces.

Since reaching a milestone in their career with the signing of a record deal with Sony back in 2015, Hermitage Green has gone from strength to strength. Most recently, the band has been making an impact internationally sold-out touring performances across Ireland, the UK, Middle East, Australia and the US.

Away from the touring stage, the band made a welcome return to the recording studio. Their new EP is the result of the band having spent months in world renowned Rockfield Studios in Wales where their new recordings share company with the likes of Queen, Robert Plant and many others.

Speaking of their new EP, Dan Murphy of Hermitage Green says the title, ‘Gold & Rust’, was inspired by a lyric that Darragh Griffin wrote in the song 'Bring It On Down'.

“As an album title it represents the many contrasts of being in a band in 2017. The ups and downs, highs and lows, whatever you want to call it”, Dan says.

“From playing the mainstage at Electric Picnic, to getting laughed out the door of a bank when looking for a mortgage; from walking out of a sold-out Olympia Theatre in Dublin to playing to 7 people in a town somewhere in the U.S; ‘Gold & Rust' is the dichotomy between the struggle and the absolute privilege of doing what you love for a living”.

From their early days performing on Limerick’s pub scene, Hermitage Green has evolved to become an influential band with an international following.

Their unique arrangement of instruments that includes the bodhrán, djembe, rhythmic guitar and banjo sets them apart as a truly original offering of Irish Music.

Speaking of Hermitage Green’s upcoming Limerick performance, Mick Dolan said:

“As a venue, King John’s Castle, is proving to be extremely popular for music lovers. We are delighted to be welcoming Hermitage Green back to the Limerick stage this June Bank Holiday weekend with what is sure to be another incredible Limerick gig”.

“Dolans have been proud to have been associated with Hermitage Green since their early days. Their growth and development as a band has been inspirational to watch.  2018 is set to be another busy year for Hermitage Green as they continue to tour the globe and we look forward to continuing to support them over the coming years” - Mick Dolan

Tickets for Hermitage Green performing King John’s Castle are on sale now.

This event is expected to be a sell-out so early booking is recommended.

Tickets can be purchased at https://dolans.yapsody.com/event/book/176756/1304411 or by contacting the Dolans box office on 061 314483.

Wedding bells for two happy Dolans customers

Love was in the air at Dolans on the 15th April last when Alastair Watt from Michigan proposed to Katrina McEntee during their visit to Limerick city.

Accompanied by our traditional Irish musicians who played ‘She Moved through the Fair” in front of our roaring open fire, Alastair got down on one knee.

Happily Katrina said “yes” and plans are now in place for them to celebrate their wedding in the near future.

Happily Katrina said “yes” and plans are now in place for them to celebrate their wedding in the near future.

On behalf of all the team at Dolans we would like to wish Alastair all the very best on their chosen wedding day and hope their married life is long and happy.

We are only too delighted to have played some small role in their lives and hope to welcome them back in the future.

Don McLean to return to Limerick for two UCH performances

Dolans Presents have proudly announced the return of legendary singer/songwriter, Don McLean to Limerick.

Following two sell out performances in 2015, McLean will play University Concert Hall for two nights on Friday 1st and Saturday 2nd June.

Don McLean has amassed over 40 gold and platinum records world-wide.

Born in New Rochelle, NY, Don McLean is renowned for his multiple hits including American Pie (which was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame and named the fifth greatest song of the 20th Century by the NEA-RIAA), And I Love You So, Empty Chairs and Vincent. 

Welcoming the announcement, Mick Dolans said:

“Don McLean really is the great original American Troubadour. Throughout his long and distinguished career he has written some of the most iconic songs the world has ever seen.

“His performances in 2015 were incredibly well received and we are delighted that this music legend has once again agreed to perform in Limerick”.

In 2004 Don McLean was inaugurated into the National Academy of Popular Music Songwriters’ Hall of Fame. His award was presented by Garth Brooks who paid this tribute:  “Don McLean his work, like the man himself is very deep and very compassionate.

His pop anthem American Pie is a cultural phenomenon, and people are still trying to decode it after 35 years! He wrote other great songs like, And I Love You So, If We Try, Wonderful Baby, Winterwood, and my personal favourite Empty Chairs, which just kills me as a fan and a songwriter.”

In 2011 Don performed on the Pyramid Stage at the Glastonbury Festival and in 2012 Don was awarded the BBC Folk Music Lifetime Achievement Award.

Awards and accolades throughout his career have included being inaugurated into the National Academy of Popular Music Songwriters’ Hall of Fame in 2004 and awarded the BBC Folk Music Lifetime Achievement Award in 2012. 

Tickets for both Don McLean concerts are now on sale and can be purchased via www.dolans.ie or the University Concert Hall box office on 061 331549.

Aslan to celebrate 30th anniversary with Live at the Big Top performance in Limerick

Dolans presents are delighted to announce the return of Aslan to Limerick city. The band will play Live at the Big Top at Limerick’s Milk Market on May 26th.

The gig comes as Aslan celebrate the 30th anniversary of their debut album ‘Feel No Shame’ which was released in 1988.

The Feel No Shame Tour will see the band perform their best known hits in the unique setting of Limerick's Milk Market 

2017 was a busy year for Aslan, a year which saw them perform sell out gigs at the Olympia theatre Dublin, Live At The Big Top in Limerick, Cork’s Opera House and an outdoor gig in the Iveagh Gardens in Dublin.

The band was also recently featured in the RTE documentary ‘This Is Christy’ which chronicled the life and work of the band’s lead singer Christy Dignam.

Speaking of Aslan’s return to the Limerick Milk Market, Mick Dolan said:

“Aslan were the very first rock band to play in Dolans when we opened the Warehouse venue 20 years ago.Over the course of three decades Aslan have made a phenomenal contribution to the Irish music scene.

“Aslan have been very loyal supporters of Dolans down through the years and, as we both celebrate important milestones, we are delighted to be welcoming the band back to Limerick for what is sure to be a very special night”

Aslan recently released a new single Now I Know which was produced by Joe Jewell and Philip Magee (Kodaline, The Script) to coincide with the tour.

Having recently returned to the studio to record new material and with the ‘Feel no Shame’ tour 2018 is sure to confirm Aslan’s status as one of Ireland’s most popular bands.

Tickets for Aslan playing Live at the Big Top in Limerick city are available at www.dolans.ie.

Scott Hutchison

On behalf of all the team at Dolans we wish to express our sadness at the news this morning relating to Scott Hutchison from the band Frightened Rabbit.

We have very fond memories of the wonderful performance Scott and the band gave at Dolans Warehouse in February 2017.

As a founding member of the band, Hutchison was key to developing the unique sound of Frightened Rabbit. The band only recently completed a British tour last week and was scheduled to begin another later this month.

Frightened Rabbit formed in 2003 and has released five albums, its most recent being 2016’s “Painting of a Panic Attack” on Atlantic Records. The singer also released a solo album called “Owl John” in 2014.

Our thoughts are with Scott’s family and band members at this very sad time.

Liam O’Brien to celebrate work of Frank Sinatra at Dolans Warehouse on May 25th

Dolans Presents have announced the return of singer Liam O’Brien to Dolans Warehouse for a specially created performance celebrating the life and work of Frank Sinatra.

O’Brien’s new stage show will mark the 20th anniversary of the death of the world’s most iconic singer and will be performed for one night only at Dolan’s Warehouse on Friday 25th May.

Speaking at the launch of the new show, Liam O’Brien said: “In 1998 I heard of the passing of Frank Sinatra; I was a massive fan of Tony Bennett at the time but genuinely didn’t know as much about Frank.

“I was deeply upset for some reason but since then I’ve devoured every recording, every concert performance, every film and book”.

The show will also feature special guest artist and West End star, Limerick’s own Shonagh Daly.

Shonagh has featured as star of Les Miserables and numerous other West End productions will bring her stunning voice back home with classics such as Fever, Get Happy and The Man That Got Away.  

Liam O’Brien has become recognised both locally and nationally as a leading exponent of the crooning style. His Crooning at Christmas experience is a regular sold out gig at Dolans every year.

O’Brien has also played Dean Martin on tour in the UK and US in the West End production of the Rat Pack and has continued to hone his own voice and style as one of Ireland’s premier crooners.

His passion for performing the music of that era has continued in his own work and touring UK big band shows like The Kings of Swing. As a performer he has been particularly dedicated to breathing new life into the saloon songs and big band favourites of Frank Sinatra.

“It’s been a 20-year love affair with the man and his music and it felt like the perfect time to revisit 20 songs that have impacted on myself as a person, have influenced the way I interpret and perform, and have ultimately helped me become the singer I am today”, O’Brien adds.

“I don’t impersonate Frank Sinatra; I emulate his style, his phrasing and his wonderful ability as a storyteller, which for me is the greatest tribute I can make”.

Backed by a 7-piece Million Dollar Swing Band with custom arrangements, the brand-new show promises a night of unforgettable fare from Fly Me To The Moon and The Wee Small Hours, to You Make Me Feel So Young and One More For The Road.

This production is set to be a night for all to celebrate swing music, homegrown talent and above all else Francis Albert Sinatra.

Advance booking required as we expect this to sell out. Tickets available at https://dolans.yapsody.com/event/book/234261/5045291