Top-class music sessions to help while away the weekends

If you’re looking to spend the weekend catching some music, there are plenty of session in Galway City to keep you going, with free events occurring across town.

Every Friday in The Crane, there’s a blast of trad to keep locals and tourists happy.  On Saturdays, violinist Michael Chang leads a session upstairs that’s usually jam-packed. There’s an open free-flowing style to this session, and it deserves the following it has built up over the years.

A ramble out to O’Connor’s in Salthill is also heartily recommended on a Saturday night.  With Niall Teague at the pub’s old piano, a night of great tunes is guaranteed. Niall is joined by Padraig Joyce on guitar/vocals and Kelvin Busher on doubles bass/vocals. The trio sing their way through songs by Billy Joel, The Beatles and classic tunes like All I Need Is the Air That I Breathe by The Hollies. This is goodtime, foot-tapping stuff, and the quality of musicianship is always high.

On Sunday, an early evening session in The Salthouse on Raven Terrace is a good way to round off your weekend. Kicking off at 7pm, Noriana Kennedy from The Whileaways leads a motley crew of musicians through some Americana and folk gems. Kelvin Busher also brings his bass, and Noriana’s bandmate Noelie is a regular guest. Great stuff!