Event Guide 183: Christmas Markets, Flea Market, ToeJam Mini-Mall, Ferocious Mingle Market

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| DUBLIN EVENT GUIDE (for Free Events) No. 183
| 17 Dec 2010 Subscribers: 7690
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Hi all!

We are definitely on the home stretch to Christmas! The events are getting less and everyone is focusing on Christmas Parties, Christmas Shopping … and on the “severe weather warnings” by the weather forecasters. A massive low pressure area just dumped a huge amount of snow on Germany yesterday, so if that is coming our way, the weather forecasters might be right about more snow, but in general I am quite cynical about weather forecasts here. So, don’t panic yet. :-)

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I will leave you all for a few days from next Tuesday. It is the first time in a number of years that I am going to Germany over Christmas, I usually went for a weekend in December but not over Christmas.

I know this is the time of the year when you think about what presents to give to the people that mean a lot to you and to the ones that were there for your during the year. ;-) If the “Dublin Event Guide (for Free Events)” figures in your list of gift receivers and you don’t know what present to get, I can help. In previous years I suggested all types of presents, but surprisingly ;-) nobody wanted to buy me a helicopter (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eurocopter_EC_135) or a Segway (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Segway_PT). This year all is different! At the Event Guide Party I got a voucher for a Segway Tour in Dublin and I am REALLY happy about that, so I don’t think I need my own Segway for another while. And Once Christmas is over, I will buy myself a helicopter – a small one though: www.e-fliterc.com/Products/Default.aspx?ProdID=EFLH3000 So all “needs” are looked after.

What YOU could do, is just ignore me and instead get a present for the Event Guide. ;-) You can sort all that very simply here: www.perfectresults.info/donation.htm :-)

If you are still looking for a present for your friends, you can give them the invaluable present of a 1-year subscription to the “Dublin Event Guide (for Free Events)”. It doesn’t even cost you any money! :-) Send an e-mail to your friends telling them about your generous gift and copy the mail to dublineventguide@gmail.com and I will ad them to the list on your recommendation (after I have checked with them that they are ok with it!). If possible please use “CHRISTMAS SUBSCRIPTION” as the subject!

In addition: Join the more than 2000 people that LIKE the Dublin Event Guide on Facebook at www.facebook.com/DublinEventGuide You will get last minute updates and event reminders there.

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Today’s Feel Good Slot is especially for you if you are still searching for the Christmas Spirit. It is just a song by Ray Charles, but listen to the words, it is a good one. www.youtube.com/watch?v=L7noNoxAfks I know many of you don’t celebrate Christmas for different reasons, but you might believe in a creator as well and you might believe in the good of people and in the need to do good things. So even if you are a humanist or atheist or belong to a different religion that doesn’t celebrate Christmas, use Christmas to remind yourself of what YOUR type of spirituality is.
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And even more Christmas spirit! :-) Thank you for your donations Svatka V., Zelie McG and Sean S. I really appreciate your help hugely! Want to spread some Christmas Cheer as well? Easy! Just donate some money and I can guarantee that the money will be used for keeping the Event Guide on the road and will not be diverted to any Christmas Presents. ;-) You donate here: www.perfectresults.info/donation.htm :-)

This newsletter is a spare-time activity of mine for which I am not paid. It is not a commercial project and if you like it, you are invited to help with a donation. You can donate as much as you want or can, but if you need some guidance, maybe consider just ONE Euro per month or – to make it more practical – a donation of 12 Euro per year (that is just 25 cent per newsletter). Where else can you get such a vast amount of useful information for just 25 cent. ;-) You can donate any amount you wish to help with or – as an option – you can now chose a yearly “subscription” on www.perfectresults.info/donation.htm
Instead whereby a 12 Euro donation will automatically be carried out every year.

You can donate using PayPal or your credit card by following this link to the PayPal donation page www.perfectresults.info/donation.htm If you want to transfer money to my bank, just drop me a mail to dublineventguide@gmail.com and I will send you the details.

This Event Guide is sponsored by Esme E, Cliodhna D, Brian L, Padraig S, Kathie S, Orla niF, Jef B, Susanna N, Kate C, Nicola J, Claus Sch, Gordon S, Jeanne M, Fiona O’C, Marta M, Angela C, Isabelle F, Saundra S, Meisoon N, Ruth F, Valerie McN, Estelle O, Aoife M, Mairin M, Fionán O’L, Maeve L, Blaithin O’D, Ciara D, Mike G, Andrej G, Deirdre R, Vanessa O’L, Chris McK, Frank B, Dolores P, Cornelia K, Cathy A, Orla C, Kevin McC, Steph G, Wanda J, Siv M-J, Niamh niS, Gwen H, Jasmin T, Ian O, Eva C, Will P, Gráinne P, Caroline R, Elizabeth F, Suzanne B, Adele G, Jack C, Keeva H, Mairead MacM, Niamh G, Siobhan C, Jackie B, Penny O’D, Kathryn K, Aidan G, Ciara G, Deirdre L, Stephen D, Mary Q, Donald P, Aidan C, Julia Sch, Isak R-B, Sharon O’S, Brajan V, Nancy O’D, Zelie McG, Niamh K, Jennie R, Semin S, Gavin H, David G, Becky B, Emer niB, Niamh N, Ciaran H, Louis M, Gerard Ph, Monika E, Mark K, James O’H, Pere SC, Marsha D, Sarah McC, Patrick O’C, Sandra R, Christoph Sch, Deirdre O’B, Ellen C, Eimear O’F, Luna B, Leslie C, Elaine McH, Elva O’G, Deirdre G, Martin O’M, Maeve C, Ciara O’C, Sarah D, Patrick C, John O’R, Brian C, Brian R, Caroline C, Elaina O’N, Eilis C, Sandra R, Geraldine D, Nora W, Rachel M, Renata V, Carine S, Ruairi O’G, Donna D, Clare D, Tuna Y, Lisa S-O’G, Aga G, Anna B, Ian S, Joan W, Brian R, Bear N, Sebastian B, Tina M, Will McA, Siobhan H, Soeren G, Sheila McC, Regina Q, Marc F, Kieran O’C, Alan S, Orla K, Mike G, David N, Atri B, Damian L, Orna McE, Colm K, Grainne+Kieran C, Paul A, Cathy A, Damien McK, Sharon O’S, Malachy B, Eily O’C, Bridin McI, George K, Fergus O’C, Caitriona F, Marie N, Sarah M, Kalle R, Mervyn M, Thomas D, Anna-Lena F, Veronica F, Filippo G, Eimear McG, Marion K, Susan D, Patricia O’N, Darren B, Jekaterina O, Fergus G, Ailbhe H, Rainey D-G, Johan S, Gareth S, Evan P, Therese O’R, Rebecca M, Eva C, Ming-jia Y, Niamh S, Nikodem R, Padraig K, Stephanie W, Sarah Ann H, Ailis F, Fiona M, Nazim MG, Maureen P, Alda G, Pia O, Pauline R, Patrick Th, Brendan McC, Deirdre C, Patricia F, Aine G, Linda M, Hans W, Joan K, Ailish L, Tammy W, Darren B, Sarah M, Sophie P, Alessia R, Fiona O’R, Pia O, Paul H, Paul M, Stephanie C, Catherine G, Linda C, Anna O’D, Karen K, Eilis C, Robin S, Olwyn F, Rainey D-G, Gordon S, Irene H, Ellen B, Joe O’D, Geraldine D, Brian L, David L, Mary K, Alison P, Mary McK, James O’C, Joe C, Alan G, Svatka V, Zelie McG, Sean S and www.stickyfingerstravel.com (The travel guide for parents travelling with their children.), www.flamencoindalo.com (A group that supports and promotes the art of Flamenco in Ireland.), www.olliart.com (An art curator and seller of art to businesses and private collectors.), www.thepaulkanegallery.com (A great Art Gallery, located at 6 Merrion Square, which supports contemporary Irish artists.) and www.a1computers.ie in Dun Laoghaire/Cabinteely (…who repair computers, printers and sort out Internet problems fast and who sell computers, laptops and lo w priced printer cartridges). The main sponsor is www.kravmagaireland.com, the self-defence training centre for everyone, which provides regular 12-week or 2-day self-defence training courses for beginners.

All events listed in this Event Guide are free of any admission charges (or at least appear to be free) unless otherwise stated. I try to find confirmation in all cases and do my best to double-check the information. However errors can happen and therefore no promise for correctness can be given.

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______Joerg’s Picks______________

This section is intended to provide some help in picking and choosing from the huge number of events by sharing with you what I will/might or would do. This is not a “best of…” list and if an event is not listed here, it by no means implies that the event is not interesting. Instead my “picks” are just based on my personal preferences. All events mentioned here are described in detail further down.

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Before I tell you what I will do this weekend and next week, have a quick look at the ad just above here. Only until 31 Dec you can still claim tax back from 2006 (tax claims can go back 4 years), if you haven’t done so yet and think you are due some money, then you better hurry! You can do the work yourself or get help from Taxback (see the ad), but make sure you don’t leave the money with the Revenue Commission! :-)

This weekend I will do another round over the Christmas Markets on Saturday, might go to the ToeJam Mini Mall and have to do some Christmas shopping. On Sunday I will be the whole day with the Gardiner Street Gospel Choir. We first have a gig in the afternoon, then there is the Gospel Mass and after the mass I will go to McGrath’s to enjoy the Ratzinger’s Jazz Band. On Monday I will do another night of Krav Maga training before I will leave for Germany on Tuesday. From 21-27 Dec I will visit my parents and will get a massive dose of German Christmas Markets before Christmas Eve. ;-) If I were here, I would go to Café en Seine for the Santoria gig on Tuesday and to Whelan’s for the “Me in the Park” gig. They both are worth it!

If you are leaving Ireland too, have a MERRY CHRISTMAS and enjoy your time off/away. If you are staying here, you might hear from me next Friday if I can lift the Glühwein curtain from my brain and produce a brief Event Guide. ;-)

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WORLD COIN CUFFLINKS – COMPETITION
Brian from WorldCoinCufflinks.com would like to tell you about the nice Cufflinks made with Coins that he offers on his site. Maybe you are looking for a unique Christmas Present or maybe you fancy the cufflinks for yourself. To let you all know about his nice product, he has made one pair of cufflinks available for the winner of this competition. Have a look at worldcoincufflinks.com/ All coins are original coins and many are not in circulation anymore. The winner of the cufflinks is Saron Harford. Congrats!

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______Dublin News______________

PUB&CLUB LAUNCHES
In the last few weeks, I mentioned that I would prefer to announce openings and launches instead of pub and restaurant closures and after searching a little, I even found some: The Lost Society, seems to be a new pub in Powerscourt Townhouse Centre, South William Street (www.lostsociety.ie/). I don’t know much about it and originally thought that it is a renovated but not new pub, but I guess I have to go there to confirm that. ;-)
Definitely not new, but under new management is the nightclub “Renards” in South Frederick Street, it has or is about to re-open and I have heard rumours that there will be a New Years Eve Party that will cost EUR 40 to get in, but then there is a free bar all night. Interesting concept and considering we are in Ireland, it could be followed by instant bankruptcy. Free bar is DANGEROUS! ;-) The website is not up yet www.renards.ie
Renards had been run into the ground by Robbie Fox, the previous owner, and he has re-appeared as well. He is now managing “The Pink”, an “exclusive members club” in the La Stampa Hotel in Dawson Street. www.sbpost.ie/news/ireland/fox-in-the-pink-as-new-club-opens-53123.html

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CHRISTMAS IN GPO
Catch the Lunchtime Sing-along, Christmas Crib and Santa’s workshop at the GPO (General Post Office) and see the new Museum! If you are in the City Centre over the coming days, be sure to call in to the GPO on O’Connell Street (09:00-18:00) to see the traditional Christmas Displays including the Crib and Santa’s Workshop. An Post staff singers and musicians will sing a selection of Christmas Carols at lunchtime each day and they are headed by – get this – GPO manager Noel Carroll. :-)
An Post has opened a new museum just off the main floor of the GPO, where the Letters, Lives and Liberty exhibition demonstrates the vital role played by the Post Office in Irish society and business life past and present. The GPO, Irish Stamp Art, The Post in Ireland and Easter Monday 1916 are all explored and explained through a mix of traditional and high-tech interactive displays. Admission to the museum is not free, but very low priced at EUR 2 and it is open Mon-Fri 10:00-17:00 and Sat 10:00-16:00. www.anpost.ie/AnPost/History+and+Heritage/Museum+Home.htm

HELP CHANGING DUBLIN…AND WIN A HELICOPTER FLIGHT
“Absolutely last chance” I said last week, but then the deadline was extended to 20 Dec, so you have another opportunity to share your opinion AND to put your name in the pot for winning the Helicopter Flight. Dublin City Council wants to improve the city. For “Your Dublin, Your Voice”, you are asked to complete a short survey before 20 Dec to share your Experience of Living, Working or Studying in Dublin. If you help with your opinions you will be entered into a prize draw and two lucky winners will each receive a voucher for two people for a scenic helicopter tour of Dublin. Go to the survey here: surveys.delve-surveys.com/dccpanel?friendref=133545975

ESB WILL BE RENAMED
The new name of the consumer arm of ESB will be “Electric Ireland”. The rebranding was something the Commission for Energy Regulation insisted on to allow ESB to set its own prices and compete in the domestic electricity market. The new brand will replace ESB Customer Supply and ESB Independent Energy, which supply electricity to residential and business markets, but ESB Networks and ESB International will retain their current identity. The new branding will appear alongside the existing ESB logo on bills and letters sent from next April and the bad thing is that the whole rebranding will cost EUR 6-8 million. Guess who will pay for that!!
A deluded Minister for Energy Eamon Ryan welcomed the rebranding announcement and said the company had assured him the costs associated with it will not impact on electricity prices. Yeah sure! www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/ireland/2010/1216/1224285654638.html
Oh and wait for this: Bord Gais will have to rebrand as well and is estimating a cost of EUR 40 mio! Crazy!

———Opportunities—————–

In order to beat an economic downturn not governments can help, but individuals are needed that take the initiative and to create new markets and new opportunities for themselves and for their customers and hopefully employees. The banks don’t help anymore, the government doesn’t want to help, so we have to help ourselves! The Dublin Event Guide (for Free Events) will help you if you have recently started a company and if you could do with spreading the word. I hope being mentioned here and being seen by the 7500+ readers of the Event Guide will kick start something big for you. In return I expect you to tell your clients and friends about the Event Guide and once you have made a nice bit of money, a donation would be very appreciated. ;-) (This offer is for start-ups in relatively early stages only. Established companies can contact me regarding very affordable advertisement options in the Dublin Event Guide.) If you want to promote your start-up/young company here for free, let me know: dublineventguide@gmail.com.

More to come! New companies that will be mentioned here soon are a Car Sharing Scheme and a Nutritionist. Watch this space.

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______Exhibitions_______________

Based on your feedback, I have decided to do the following with the Exhibition section in this newsletter from now on: I will provide you with a link to a near-comprehensive listing of exhibitions provided by www.visualartists.ie. For me to list all exhibitions would only be doubling their good work and would be an inefficient use of my resources. The link is visualartists.ie/category/listings/exhib-lein/
On top of that I will every now and then include here a small selection of exhibitions that either are not mentioned in the Visual Artist listing or are note-worthy to be mentioned separately.

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______Friday___________________

CHRISTMAS ART FAIR – CFCP
From Fri 10 Dec until Sun 19 Dec from 12:00-22:00 the Centre for Creative Practices (CFCP), 15 Pembroke St Lower, Dublin 2 will have a Christmas in the Gallery Art Fair. Admission is free. For 10 days CFCP will be transformed into a creative Christmas treasure trove full of unique arts & crafts works, concerts, performances and workshops. www,cfcp.ie

WILD BEES’ NEST – TRADITIONAL IRISH SONG – NATIONAL LIBRARY
On Fri 17 Dec at 13:00 “The Wild Bees’ Nest: A Concert of Unaccompanied Traditional Irish Song” will take place in the National Library in Kildare Street. Admission is free. Featuring singers Luke Cheevers, Fergus Russell, Tim Lyons, Pat Burke, Anne Dunne, Niamh Parsons, Paddy Daly, Tony McGaley, Micheál Marrinan, Mick Fowler and Tim Quan. ‘The Wild Bees’ Nest’ is a research project involving a group of traditional singers from throughout Ireland. The eleven singers have been researching material relating to a traditional song of their choice in the National Library and ITMA. They will share the history that informs the song, and perform the songs at the concert. Personal research diaries and video recordings of the singers will be featured on the website www.thewildbeesnest.ie which will be launched at the concert.

INK SLINGERS – CREATIVE WRITING HOUR – WRITERS’ CENTRE
I am not sure if that is still on, so maybe check beforehand: The Ink Slingers Creative Writing Hour takes place every Friday at 13:00 at the Irish Writers’ Centre. It is a free creative writing session that is organised and led by the Centre’s voluntary arts administrators. The hour includes writing exercises and prompts to get ideas flowing. It is open to everyone and is suitable for all levels of experience. www.writerscentre.ie/html/events/atthecentre.html

PICTURE SHOW – EXCHANGE DUBLIN
On Fri 17 Dec at 14:00, the ‘PictureShow special’ will take place in The Exchange Dublin in Upper Exchange Street in Temple Bar, near the Czech Inn and Turk’s Head. The British classic crime drama ‘Hunted’ (dir Charles Crichton, 1952) will be screened. exchangedublin.ie/

MOVIES ON THE SQUARE – TEMPLE BAR
After the “Movies on the Square” movie screenings had to be cancelled at the first weekend in December due to the snow, they will take place this weekend. Tickets booked for these events previously are still valid. Though the events sold out, there are now a number of tickets available due to cancellations. Please book your ticket by calling the Temple Bar Cultural Trust on 01 6772255.
+ On Fri 17 Dec at 18:30 the movie “The Polar Express” (2004) directed by Robert Zemeckis (100 mins) will be shown on Meeting House Square in Temple Bar.
+ On Sat 18 Dec at 20:00 the movie “It’s a Wonderful Life” (1964) directed by Frank Capra (130 mins) will be shown. blog.templebar.ie/?cat=9

DECEMBER LIVE MUSIC – STILLORGAN ORCHARD
Throughout December the Stillorgan Orchard at The Hill in Stillorgan, Co. Dublin has a full programme of live music. The upcoming gigs are:
Fri 17 Dec: Three’s Company
Sat 18 Dec: The Cajun Kings
Sun 19 Dec: Mick Harvey
Mon 20 Dec: Radioshack
Tues 21 Dec: Payback
Wed 22 & Thurs 23 Dec: Beatclub
Admission is free and the gigs start at 21:30. www.stillorganorchard.com/live_music.html

REGULAR EVENTS – FRIDAY
* James Sheeran (Acoustic/Rock/Trad) is playing from 18:00 in Peadar Kearney’s in 64 Dame Street, Dublin 2. And The Eastern Harps (Trad) are playing there from 20:00. Admission is free.
*Graeme McKenna is playing an acoustic gig (Trad to contemporary) every Friday in the Maldron Hotel, Kingswood near CityWest from 19:00.
* Need to wind down after a tiring week? Free Sahaja Yoga Meditation (not physical yoga, but “yoga meditation”!) classes every Friday at 19:30 at 4/5 Eustace Street, Temple Bar (next to IFI, ring bell no. 3) and every Monday from 19:00 in Crowne Plaza Hotel, Blanchardstown Centre, Dublin 15. These are drop in classes, newcomers are welcome. For more information check www.coolspirit.info or www.sahajayoga.ie.
* The Covers play Rock Covers from 22:00 in The Mezz, 24/25 Eustace Street, Temple Bar, D2. Later: DJ Carlos Irie. Admission is free.

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______Saturday_________________

JINGLE BELLS 5KM FUN RUN – PHOENIX PARK
The Jingle Bells 5km Run in Phoenix Park was originally planned for 04 Dec, but had to be postponed due to the snow. It is now taking place on Sat 18 Dec from 11:00. It is a charity run (not free) with up to 1500 participants. You can find out more here: www.donoreharriers.com/home_nav_9.html There will be a number of road and gate closures in Phoenix Park from 10:00-12:30, so watch out if you are driving in the area.

TOEJAM MINI-MALL – BERNARD SHAW PUB
Since the proper and full Toejam Car Boot Sale was ruthlessly stopped by Dublin City, only a “Toejam Mini Mall” can take place in the Bernard Shaw Pub. The Car Boot Sales was brilliant and especially the one at Christmas I will never forget (I still have to wood log that the best and most charming sales person EVER managed to sell to me. :-) ). A few months ago I went to the first Toejam Mini-Mall and it unfortunately didn’t fill me with excitement or enthusiasm. However, it is possible that it got better since and that the rain at the first Mini-Mall interfered with the event. On Sat 18 Dec from 11:00-18:00 the Xmas Mini-Mall will take place. 25 stalls, food, drinks, music and much more will be available. m.bodytonicmusic.com/bernardshaw/story/24/#cbs and www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=182691831741206

WIKILEAKS PROTEST – DAME STREET
On Sat 18 Dec from 11:00-18:00 a Protest Rally for Wikileaks will take place at the Central Bank of Ireland, Dame Street, Dublin, Ireland. www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=151717948209518
www.indymedia.ie/article/98449

DOCKLANDS CHRISTMAS MARKET
The Docklands Christmas Market at George’s Dock and next to the chq building will run from 03-22 December and Opening hours are Mon-Thurs 12:00-20:30, Fri 12:00-21:30, Sat 11:00-22:00, Sun 11:00-20:00. Check last week’s Event Guide if you are interested in my opinion about it. www.ddda.ie/index.jsp?p=94&n=105&a=1794

FITZWILLIAM CHRISTMAS MARKET
The Christmas Market in Fitzwilliam Square, the private square in Fitzwilliam Street, Dublin 2, not too far from Baggot Street or from Merrion Square will run from 03-23 December and Opening hours are Mon-Thurs 12:00-20:00, Fri 12:00-21:00 and Sat-Sun 10:00-21:00. Like for the Dockland’s Christmas Market, my critique is in last week’s Event Guide in case you are interested. www.dublinchristmasmarket.com

FESTIVE FUN WEEKEND – CITY CENTRE
Over the next two weekends (Sat+Sun), Henry Street and Grafton Street will come alive with special street performances, music and Christmas offers to tempt you into the City Centre. ;-) . It is not detailed what will happen and where, so be surprised and look out for music and street performances.

CHRIST CHURCH CATHEDRAL CHRISTMAS MARKET
On Sat 04, 11 + 18 Dec from 10:00-17:00 there will be a Christmas Market in the crypt of Christ Church Cathedral and since Christ Church Cathedral is rarely letting anybody in for free, the fact that Admission is free is a big surprise. www.cccdub.ie I went to that market last weekend and it is nice, small, crafty in magical surroundings (the crypt of Christ Church). So, if you are interested in crafts and are looking for some Christmas presents, give it a go. If Glühwein and Bratwurst defines a Christmas Market for you, then this one might not be the perfect one.

FARMLEIGH HOUSE – CHRISTMAS EVENTS
This weekend Farmleigh House is inviting you again to their Christmas Events and Food Market: www.farmleigh.ie/Events/Christmas2010/
On Sat 18 Dec the following will take place:
+ 10:00-17:00 Christmas Food Market – Farmyard
+ 10:00-17:00 Festive Crib – Outdoors
+ 12:00-12:30 Rudolf and The Ice Queen Puppet Show with Anne Fitzpatrick & Doireann Ni Chorragain
+ 12:45-13:30 Storytelling for Children with Len Graham & Jack Lynch
+ 13:45-14:15 Rudolf and The Ice Queen Puppet Show with Anne Fitzpatrick & Doireann Ni Chorragain
+ 13:30-15:30 Carol Singing with Fingal ChamberChoir – Ballroom
+ 14:00-16:00 Barbershop Melodies with The Mellowchords – Outdoors
+ 14:30-15:15 Storytelling for Children with Len Graham & Jack Lynch
+ 15:30-16:00 Rudolf and The Ice Queen Puppet Show with Anne Fitzpatrick & Doireann Ni Chorragain
+ 16:15-17:00 Storytelling for Children with Len Graham & Jack Lynch

HA’PENNY FLEA MARKET
The extremely active and buzzing Grand Social (formerly Pravda) near Ha’Penny Bridge is running a Flea Market in the pub every Sat from 12:00-17:00. The next Flea Market is on Sat 18 Dec. Vintage, Retro, Clothes, Music, Books, Furniture, Crafts, Bric-a-Brac, Food, Stalls, Live Performances, Vinyl Dj’s. And if you want to sell something yourself, just contact hapennyflea@thegrandsocial.ie
thegrandsocial.ie/event/hapenny-flea

BEAT THE STREETS – TEMPLE BAR SQUARE
On Sat 18 Dec from 13:00 “Beat the Street” will take place on Temple Bar Square, that’s the one where the Book Stalls are at the weekend. You are asked t bring tools, instruments etc to take part. “A lively and open jam session on the streets of Dublin free to everyone with or without an instrument. Bring the community spirit back to our streets, play some music and have some fun while you’re at it ! This is a new event which will be either bi-weekly or weekly from January. This is playing music for playing music, in its true spirit and in a very tribal sense. All instruments and people of all abilities are welcome. The idea would be to encourage passers-by, and those people so inclined, to join in with the jam.” www.indymedia.ie/article/98478

NATIONAL MUSEUM – CHRISTMAS OPEN DAY
+ The Adult Gallery Talk “From the Cradle to the Grave-the Sacred and Profane in Neolithic Ireland” will take place in Kildare Street (Archaeology) on Sat 18 Dec from 12:00-12:30. “Join Mary-Jane Fitzsimons, NMI, for a talk on the material culture of Ireland’s first farmers, with special emphasis on passage tombs and the grave goods found within. No booking required.” www.museum.ie/en/list/calendar-of-events.aspx?eventID=1791

PLAYREADING – NEW THEATRE
“The Se duction of Eddie Flynn’s Father” by Eileen Kavanagh is a free rehearsed playreading on Sat 18 Dec at 14:00 in the New Theatre in Temple Bar. www.thenewtheatre.com/tnt_php/scripts/page/home.php

WESTERN SAHARA ACTION IRELAND – PROTEST
On Sat 18 Dec from 14:00-15:30 Western Sahara Action Ireland will protest at the Central Bank. (Interestingly that is the same place and time where the Wikileak protest will take place.) “The protest is to highlight the increasingly violent actions of Morocco in maintaining its illegal occupation of Western Sahara and to protest against the illegal business activities of Irish oil company San Leon in Western Sahara.” For further information check www.facebook.com/Western.Sahara.Action.Ireland and www.indymedia.ie/article/98451

TUCAN – MUSICMAKER, EXCHEQUER STREET
Túcan will perform live at Musicmaker, 29 Exchequer St, Dublin 2 in aid of the Dublin Simon Community on Sat 18 Dec at 18:30. Admission is free and 100% of donations go directly to the Simon Community. www.myspace.com/tucanmusic

MOVIES ON THE SQUARE – TEMPLE BAR
The rescheduled “Movies on the Square” will continue on Sat 10 Dec at 20:00 with the screening of “It’s a Wonderful Life” (1964) directed by Frank Capra (130 mins). For more details check the Friday section of this Event Guide. blog.templebar.ie/?cat=9

RHYTHM ROCKER – THE GLOBE
“Rhythm Rocker at The Globe” is a new event in The Globe in Sth Great Georges Street, Dublin 2. It is a Rockabilly, R’n’R, Roots night with live bands Pavement Kings and The Wayward Sinner Boys (in alternating weeks, it seems) from 20:00 and with DJs from 23:00-01:30. Admission is free. www.globe.ie

REGULAR SATURDAY EVENTS
* Don’t forget that the Temple Bar Markets (Food Market on Meeting House Square, Book Market on Temple Bar Square and the Designer Mart near Cow’s Lane) are taking place every Saturday from 10:00-16:30. The Designer Mart is on winter break and will return from 13 March!
* The SuperNatural Food Market is taking place every Saturday from 09:30-15:30 in St. Andrews Resource Centre in Pearse Street, Dublin 2. www.supernatural.ie
* The Point Village Market is taking place every Sat+Sun from 08:30-17:30 next to the Point Depot (a.k.a. The O2) at the final LUAS stop in the Docklands. There are more than 100 stalls every week and you can find out more here www.pointvillagemarket.ie/
* Dublin Food Co-op is open every Saturday (09:30-16:30) at Newmarket, Dublin 8 for organic wholefoods and sustainable household products, plus over a dozen producer stalls offering organic fruit and veg., baked goods, dairy produce, wines, hot and cold food, etc. Additional Co-op opening Thursdays 12:00-20:00. www.dublinfood.coop
* The weekly Honest2goodness food market with fresh meat, vegetables, fish, baked goods, wines in Glasnevin is open from 09:30-12:00. It is behind Lidl in the Industrial Estate just after the Glasnevin Cemetary coming from the City Centre. (www.honest2goodness.ie)
* At the Blackrock Market in the centre of Blackrock and you can find just everything. The 50 stalls sell collectibles, antiques, handmade goods, books, food. www.blackrockmarket.com/ Opening hours are Sat+Bank Holidays: 11:00-17:30 and Sun: 12:00-17:30
* Meditation through Breathing: Every Saturday from 11:00-12:00 this event will take place in Iveagh Gardens (at the back, near fountains). The event is free of charge, but since it is weather dependent, you are asked to call beforehand to ensure the class is on (087 2045168). Suitable for all. No previous experience required. Wear comfortable warm clothes and bring a yoga mat/light blanket.
* Blackhorse Flea Market + Car Boot Sale. Every Saturday from 10:00-18:00 the Blackhorse Market is taking place. You can reach it from Tyrconnell Road and from Kylemore Road and it is within 3 min from Black Horse stop on red Luas line. theblackhorsemarket.com
* Trad Session – Schoolhouse Pub in 2-8 Northumberland Road, Ballsbridge. Every Saturday from 20:30 singers, guitar, fiddle, banjo, accordion, whistle, pipers, bodhran etc are all welcome to join in. www.schoolhousehotel.com/
* The Black Sheep play Rock Covers from 22:00 in The Mezz 24/25 Eustace Street, Temple Bar, D2. Later Dj Glenn Brown (Dublin Calling). Admission is free.
* Havana Tapas Bar is inviting to a Salsa Night with afro-latin percussion every Sat night 22:30-02:00. Bachata, salsa, merengue, reggeaton with resident DJ Papi Chulo. Food is available until 00:30 and usually there is plenty of room to get dancing.

______________________________
______Sunday __________________

CHRISTMAS MARKETS
(Please see Saturday for all details.)

FARMLEIGH HOUSE – CHRISTMAS EVENTS
This weekend Farmleigh House is inviting you again to their Christmas Events and Food Market: www.farmleigh.ie/Events/Christmas2010/
On Sun 19 Dec the following will take place:
+ 10:00-17:00 Christmas Food Market – Farmyard
+ 10:00-17:00 Festive Crib – Outdoors
+ 12:45-13:30 Storytelling for Children with Len Graham & Jack Lynch
+ 12:00-16:00 Barbershop Melodies with The Mellowchords – Outdoors
+ 12:00-12:30 Christmas Crackers Puppet Show with Conor Lambert
+ 13:00-16:00 Horse & Carriage Rides – Outdoors
+ 13:30-15:30 Carol Singing with The African Gospel Choir – Ballroom
+ 13:45-14:15 Christmas Crackers Puppet Show with Conor Lambert
+ 14:30-15:15 Storytelling for Children with Len Graham & Jack Lynch
+ 15:30-16:00 Christmas Crackers Puppet Show with Conor Lambert
+ 16:15-17:00 Storytelling for Children with Len Graham & Jack Lynch

CHILDREN’S ART WORKSHOP – PHOENIX PARK
The weekly Children’s Art Cart Workshops at the Phoenix Park Visitor Centre is taking place every Sun from 10:30-12:30. Up to 20 children can participate but they must be supervised by an adult. Children 5 years & over. The next workshops are 19 Dec: Making wrapping paper. You can check with the Phoenix Park Visitor Centre (Phone 01-6770095) to make sure that it takes place. www.phoenixpark.ie/newsevents/title,12181,en.html

DUBLIN FLEA MARKET
The next Dublin Flea Market is taking place in the Food Coop, 12 Newmarket, just off Cork Street, Dublin 8 on Sun 19 Dec from 11:00-17:00. For more information or if you want to sell your own stuff, check out www.dublinflea.ie. The Coop Hall is wheelchair accessible and lots of free parking spaces are right outside the door.

SUNDAY AT NOON CONCERT – HUGH LANE GALLERY
The Sunday Concerts in the Hugh Lane Gallery, formerly called “Sunday at Noon”, are free concerts of mostly classical music in the Hugh Lane Gallery. Before the summer these concerts took place from 12:00-13:00, but the gallery’s website still doesn’t tell us the starting time. Assume it is again 12:00-13:00! “Sunday at Noon” is taking a beak until next year now.

FAMILY ART DAY – CFCP
The Centre for Creative Practices (CFCP), 15 Pembroke St Lower, Dublin 2 will have a Family Art Day on Sun 19 Dec from 12:00-late. The day will include events for families, children and adults from card making workshops, face painting, story-telling, films, music and a talk on interior design and fen sui by Edel Cleary. Admission is free, but registration is required. The programme lists
12:00-16:00 Face painting by Happy Faces
12:00-14:00 Make your own Christmas Cards with Rachel Mathews-McKay
14:00-15:30 The Canterbury Tales – animation screening
16:00-16:45 Story Telling – stories by Michael Phelan (suitable for all ages)
17:00-18:00 “Connecting People and Places” – For all interested in Interior design and Feng Shui a talk for by Edel Cleary .
20:00-23:00 CFCP end of the year and pre Christmas party with Bass Soul music
For full details go to www.cfcp.ie/xmasfair2010/index.html

FEROCIOUS MINGLE MARKET – FRONT LOUNGE
The Ferocious Mingle Market, that normally takes place once a month in the Dublin Food Co-op is coming closer for Christmas. On Sun 19 Dec from 13:00-19:00 it will take place in the Front Lounge in Parliament Street. The Ferocious Mingle Market is Dublin’s first and best Fancy Dress Market, which doesn’t mean that you can only buy Fancy Dress there, but instead the traders are dressed up in Fancy Dress. The market is an eclectic bazaar of Art, Crafts Antiques, Retro Jewellery, Records, Vintage Clothing and much more. Make sure you have a look. Last chance in Temple Bar, from January the market is back near Cork Street. www.thejosiebaggleycompany.com/pages/FerociousMingleMarket-info.htm

CRAFTY MARKET – SHEBEEN CHIC
The Crafty Market in Shebeen Chic on South Great Georges Street now has a Swop Shop included and is now a weekly market. The next Crafty Market will take place on Sun 19 Dec from 13:00-18:30. Admission is free and there’s live music all day. Expect Art and Crafts, Vintage clothes and bric a brac stalls, live acoustic music upstairs and downstairs ranging from Singer song writers via Trad bands to Jazz. www.facebook.com/craftymarket?ref=ts

SAUCY SUNDAYS – THE GRAND SOCIAL
Saucy Sundays is a new live music session happening in the The Grand Social (former Pravda) near Ha’Penny Bridge. On 19 Dec it will run from 16:00-01:30 with a line up of musicians from all round the country. The line up on Sun 19 Dec is Leanne Harte, Anthony Furey & The Young Folk, Shay Cotter, Oliver Cole, Veroa, Sive, Lisa McLaughlin, Fox.E & The Good Hands, Storyfold and Gypsy Rebel Rabble. Admission is free. www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=156394354407400&ref=mf

NATIONAL MUSEUM EVENTS
+ The My Museum Event “The Christmas Turkey and other tales” will take place on Sun 19 Dec from 15:00-16:00 in Collins Barracks (Decorative Arts & History) and is suitable for all ages. “As Christmas draws closer why not step out of the hustle and bustle and drop into the Museum to hear one of Ireland’s favourite storytellers, Niall de Búrca tell the story of Michael, his mammy and the Christmas Turkey, and some other wonderful festive tales. No booking required. Places are limited and are allocated on a first come, first served basis.” www.museum.ie/en/list/calendar-of-events.aspx?eventID=1794

NATIONAL GALLERY – SUNDAY LECTURE
On Sun 19 Dec at 15:00 the talk “Images of the Nativity and the Holy Family”
with Maureen Beary Ryan, Friends of the National Gallery of Ireland will take place. Admission is free. www.nationalgallery.ie/whatson

SUNDAY SKETCHING – HUGH LANE GALLERY
The next Sunday Sketching for 7+ Year olds has the title “Christmas scenes” and will take place on 19 Dec from 15:00-16:00. No booking necessary. Early arrival is recommended. www.hughlane.ie/whats_on_detail.php?id=541

CHRIST CHURCH CAROL SERVICE
A traditional carol service will take place in Christ Church on Sunday afternoon and on Monday evening. On Sun 19 Dec at 15:30 the “Service of Five Lessons and Carols” is free but you should arrive early. On Mon 20 Dec at 20:00, the “Service of Nine Lessons and Carols” is also free, but ticketed. Ring 01 677 8099 to see if there are still some tickets available. For more information check www.cccdub.ie

RATZINGERS JAZZ TRIO – MCGRATH’S, DRUMCONDRA
The Ratzingers Jazz Trio will perform in McGrath’s Pub in Drumcondra on Sun 19 Dec from 20:00-22:30. Uptempo Christmas Jazz to get you in the Christmas mood! www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=183829844966272

REGULAR SUNDAY EVENTS
* The Temple Bar Book Market is taking place every Sat+Sun on Temple Bar Square from 11:00-18:00.
* Blackhorse Flea Market + Car Boot Sale. Every Sunday from 10:00-18:00 the Blackhorse Market is taking place. You can reach it from Tyrconnell Road and from Kylemore Road and it is within 3 min from Black Horse stop on red Luas line. theblackhorsemarket.com
* The Odeon Bar & Grill (Old Harcourt Street Station, Dublin 2) are inviting all families on Sat+Sun from 12:00-18:00 to a “Matinee Brunch Club”. Good Food, Kids movies (14:00) and kids under 3 eat for free. www.odeon.ie/matinee.html
* The Crafty Market in Shebeen Chic on South Great Georges Street is taking place from 13:00-18:30. Admission is free and there are Art and Crafts, Vintage clothes and bric a brac stalls, live acoustic music upstairs and downstairs – ranging from Singer song writers via Trad bands to Jazz. www.thecraftymarket.com
* Afternoon Jazz in Café en Seine. The Sweet & Lowdown Jazz Trio play every Sunday from 14:00-16:00 in Café en Seine in Dawson Street. Admission is free. www.stellabass.com and a video is here gush.ie/clients/sweetlow/video/
* Sunday Roast is a weekly event in the Mercantile in 28 Dame Street from 21:00-01:00. Provided are free live music, games & roast potatoes. www.facebook.com/pages/Dublin-Ireland/Sunday-Roast/57594006610
* Graeme McKenna plays an acoustic gig (from trad to contemporary) every Sun at 18:00 in Number6 on Smithfield Square. www.number6.ie/
* “Loose Change” play in Gibneys Pub, New St., Malahide every Sunday from 18:00-20:00.
* Shazwanda Show – Dragon Bar. Each Sunday the ‘The Shazwanda Show’ takes place in the Dragon in Sth Great Georges Street from 20:00 to watch X Factor followed by a cabaret and comedy show from 21:00. Admission is free www.facebook.com/Shazwanda www.sharynhayden.com
* Comedy Crunch – Shebeen Chic. The Comedy Crunch is a free Stand Up comedy downstairs in Shebeen Chic, Sth Great Georges Street from 21:00 every week. www.facebook.com/pages/The-Comedy-Crunch/83791357330
* From 21:00 in The Bleeding Horse on Camden Street “The Apollo Sessions” is a free show featuring multiple styles of original music from local and international musicians and songwriters www.myspace.com/thebleedinghorsesessions
* Every Sunday “The Latin Beat” will take place in the Odeon in Harcourt Street from 20:00-02:00. A band will play from 21:00-22:30, a Latin Beat Club, Brazilian DJs and Salsa Classes will be additional features. Admission is free. www.odeon.ie/
* The Burning Effigies are playing afrobeat, jazz, funk and soul every Sunday from 23:00 in Turk’s Head in Parliament Street. www.turkshead.ie
* Gardiner Street Gospel Mass in St. Francis Xavier Church at the top of Gardiner Street near the junction with Dorset Street every Sunday at 19:30. Everybody is welcome independent from your level of religiousness. www.gardinerstreetgospelchoir.com

WEEKEND EVENTS
If you are just looking for Sunday events, please check the event list for Saturday as well. A good few events are taking place on Saturday AND Sunday, but it wouldn’t make sense to list them twice.

______________________________
______Next Week_______________

———Monday————————–

100 SINGING SANTAS – GRAFTON STREET
On Mon 20 Dec from 13:00-16:00, 100 Singing Santas will be in Grafton Street raising money for four different charities (St Vincent de Paul, AWARE, Kidane Mehret and St Luke’s Hospital). The event is organised by MovieExtras.ie and you are invited to donate money either on Monday or on the website www.100SingingSantas.ie and you are invited to join in for a few Christmas songs. The Santas will be at the top of Grafton Street, near St. Stephen’s Green Shopping Centre. The goal is to raise EUR 20,000, so a lot of help is needed!

CLIMATE JUSTICE – MARY ROBINSON – RIA
The Academy Discourse: “Climate Justice: Challenge and Opportunity” will take place in 20 Dec at 18:00 in the Academy House of the Royal Irish Academy (RIA) in Dawson Street, Dublin 2. Admission is free, but you have to book. This event was originally booked out, which is probably due to the popularity of the speaker and ex-president Mary Robinson. But it seems more tickets became available, so you can attempt to book again. Be fast! For more information check. www.ria.ie/Events/Events-Listing/Academy-Discourse–Climate-Justic–Challenge-and-O.aspx

OFFICE PARTY FOR THE UNEMPLOYED – GRAND SOCIAL
The “Office Christmas Party for the Unemployed” will take place on Mon 20 Dec in the Grand Social (former Pravda) in Liffey Street, Dublin 1. Live Music, DJs, Food and Competitions will make the evening, but please note: Only people that can prove that hey are unemployed will get in for free.
www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=170135729687887

REGULAR MONDAY EVENTS
* Suspended until September, but resuming after that: Every Mon from 20:00-22:00 in Bewley’s Cafe Theatre, 78 Grafton Street, the music collective the ‘Lazy Band’ is playing roots, trad and folk songs from Ireland, England, America and anything else they like. Admission is free and the bar serves during the show. Laid-back atmosphere, unplugged and informal. www.myspace.com/thelazyband
* This will NOT take place on Mon 20 Dec: Cine Café (an evening of short films) and Pint & Picture (full feature film screening) are Howard Linnane’s Irish movie screening nights at 20:00 in Mother Reilly’s in Rathmines, Dublin 6 (Uppercross House Hotel, 30 Upr Rathmines Road (opposite Tesco)). To make sure that it is still continuing, check with Howard 085-1351822.
* ‘Hugh Cooney Don’t Like Monday’, a cabaret and live visual performance by Hugh Cooney, will take place every Monday night from 20:30 at The Pygmalion, South William Street, Dublin 2 (in Powerscourt Shopping Centre). Admission free. www.facebook.com/pygmaliondublin
* From 21:00 in the International Bar, 23 Wicklow Street: The Glór Sessions feature acoustic singer-songwriters, comedy, spoken word and poetry hosted by Stephen James Smith. Entry is free. www.stephenjamessmith.com/Glor.html www.facebook.com/TheGlorSessions
* In O’Byrne’s Beverage House at 199 King St North (Corner of Capel Street and Bolton Street) a live music session “Jam with Karmann Reeves” will take place. Musicians are welcome to participate. www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100001158421465
+ Comedy Night in Panti Bar. A new free Comedy Night with comedy improv, stand up and sketch every Monday night in Panti Bar on Capel St from 21:00. entertainment.ie/event/Comedy/Pantibar/A-Bear-A-Bull-And-A-Chicken-Walk-Into-A-Bar/2563419.htm
* From 21:30 a traditional Irish music session is taking place in Kennedy’s Pub in Drumcondra. Admission is free.
* From 22:00, the front bar of Whelan’s is the venue for the Open Mic event “Acoustic Nightmares Night”, organised by the band The Mighty Stef and some members from The Last Tycoons. This is a free event. www.facebook.com/pages/THE-MIGHTY-STEF/17575454643
* Upbeat Generation is playing Soul/Funk/Rock Covers in The Mezz, 24/25 Eustace Street, Temple Bar, D2 from 22:00. Later: DJ Rasheed. Admission is free.

———Tuesday————————

CRACKITY JONES TUESDAY MOVIE – THE GRAND SOCIAL
The Crackity Jones’ Tuesday Movie is a brand new cinema event, taking place every Tuesday in the downstairs room of The Grand Social (formerly Pravda) in Lower Liffey Street, Dublin 1. The screening starts at 19:30 (sharp) and will be followed by a themed DJ set. Admission is free and you are invited to bring your own cushions. The film on 21 Dec is “Scrooged” and you find all information here www.facebook.com/crackityjonespromo

SANTORIA – CAFÉ EN SEINE
The Soul Band Santoria will play in Café en Seine, Dawson Street, Dublin 2 on Tues 21 Dec from 20:00. I wasn’t able to find a definite confirmation that admission is free, but I expect so. www.santoria.ie/santorialive.html

REGULAR TUESDAY EVENTS
* Open Mic Night with The Last Tycoons in O’Donoghue’s on Suffolk Street every Tues from 20:00. It’s free and anyone can get up, sing a song or do whatever they like. www.facebook.com/pages/ODonoghues-Open-Mic/71834618844
* O’Byrne’s Beverage House at 199 King St North (Corner of Capel Street and Bolton Street) has a live music session with Sean Og McKenna and Friends every Tue at 21:00. Musicians welcome to participate. www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100001158421465
* Live Jazz and Blues from 21:00 every Tuesday in the International Bar on 23 Wicklow Street, Dublin 2.
* In the Bankers Inn on Trinity Street (off Dame Street) at 21:30: An acoustic singer-songwriter session hosted by Dave Murphy. A contribution is requested but not required. This is a listening club so is very quiet and features a lot of experienced songwriters trying out new material. www.myspace.com/davemurphyandfriends
* From 21:30, O’Briens on Dame Street (next to the Mercantile Pub) is the venue for a further Open Mic event of acoustic rock’n’roll organised by the band The Mighty Stef. Admission is free. www.facebook.com/pages/THE-MIGHTY-STEF/17575454643
* White Chocolate is playing Rock Covers from 22:00 in The Mezz, 24/25 Eustace Street, Temple Bar, D2

———Wednesday———————-

PEAS + PODS FAMILY MARKET – DUBLIN FOOD CO-OP
On Wed 22 Dec from 13:00-20:00 the “Peas + Pods Family Market – Christmas Special” will take place in the Dublin Food Co Op, 12 Newmarket, Dublin 8 (Just off Cork Street). From February this market will take place every first Sunday in the month, but I guess it is the Christmas business temptation that got the organisers to go even for a mid-week date, on a Wednesday. Christmas Carols, Festive Cheer, Minced Pies and 30+ stalls in a heated indoor market make up this market. From wooden toys to hand made childrens clothes and gifts, live music, organic food and a festive feel, you will be able to enjoy all. www.peasandpods.ie

ME IN THE PARK + BATTLE PLAN – WHELAN’S
Me in the Park are a three-piece rock band from Dublin that was formed in 2001 and plays Rock, ska and Funk. Me in the Park will be Upstairs in Whelan’s, 25 Wexford St. Dublin 2 on Wed 22 Dec at 20:00. Admission is free. They will be supported by Battle Plan. www.meinthepark.com/ and www.facebook.com/meinthepark

REGULAR WEDNESDAY EVENTS
* The “Havana International Language Exchange” is taking place every Wed from 17:30-19:30 in Havana Tapas Bar in George’s Street. The majority of people there are Spanish or English-speaking, but French, Italians, Polish and Chinese are sometimes coming to and everybody is welcome to meet for a chat to improve your Spanish or English.
* “The Zodiac Sessions” is a regular open mic event from 20:30 in Bruxelles (between Grafton Street and Westbury Hotel) for unsigned musicians. Admission is free and there is a different line-up every week. www.thezodiacsessions.com/
* “The Song Room” is another open mic event. It takes place in The Globe in George’s Street at 20:30 every Wednesdays. www.myspace.com/thesongroom
* Songs of Praise, a Rock Karaoke is taking place every Wednesday from 21:00 in The Village in Wexford Street, Dublin 2. www.getpraise.com
* The Alex Mathias Jazz Quartet will perform every Thursday from 21:00 in the International Bar on 23 Wicklow Street. www.alexmathias.com/
* Rhythm ‘n’ Booze in Sin É, Ormond Quay takes place every Wed from 21:00. Live music with DJ afterwards is the weekly programme and the details are here www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100001171626567
* Traditional Irish Music Session in Hedigan’s (The Brian Boru) in Phibsborough from 21:30 every Wednesday. If you play an instrument you are especially welcome (all levels are welcome).
* Seven Deadly Skins are playing Reggae/Ska Covers from 22:00 with DJ Dotsie later. The Mezz, 24/25 Eustace Street, Temple Bar, D2. Admission is free.

———Thursday————————

THE BEAUTY SPOT – DAKOTA BAR
“The Beauty Spot at Dakota” is a weekly event on Thursdays from 19:00-01:00 in the Dakota Bar, 8/9 South William Street, Dublin 2. It is a new night of Fashion, Beauty, Shopping and Drinks in association with Style Nation. “Featuring at the Beauty Spot will be regular beauty tips and advice given by Top Make Up Artists, Hair Stylists, alongside a ‘Pop Up Shop’ hosting vintage & contemporary fashion and accessories. The weekly Beauty Bar will have a different theme and treatments every week.
www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=114929628540407

OPEN MIC MUSIC NIGHT – FISHAMBLE STREET
The music duo R.E.D. are hosting a free Open Mic Night for musicians every Thursday in Darky Kellys pub on Fishamble Street, Christ Church, Dublin 8. Would you like to play music in front of a live audience or hear undiscovered stars? Names of contributors are taken from 21:30 and the gig starts at 22:00. For details check:
www.facebook.com/pages/Open-Mic-Night-Dublin/121048244620948
www.myspace.com/redmusic11

REGULAR THURSDAY EVENTS
* Quiz Night in The Lotts Cafe Bar, 9 Lower Liffey St, Dublin 1. Every Thurs a quiz night with great prizes is taking place at 20:00/20:30 depending on football. Participation is free.
* “Thirsty Thursday” Open Mic Night from 21:00 in the Bridge Inn in Chapelizod Village. www.facebook.com/pages/The-Bridge-Inn-Chapelizod/350005960758
* The Bionic Rats play live Reggae and Ska every Thursday in Turk’s Head from 22:00. Admission is free. www.turkshead.ie
* The Poor Boys play Rock Covers from 22:00 in The Mezz, 24/25 Eustace Street, Temple Bar, D2. Later: DJ Tim. Admission is free.

———Friday————————

There are not many events on Fri 24 Dec, so allow me to share my social and societal observations with you here:

CHRISTMAS EVE BREAKFAST – BEWLEY’S CAFÉ
I don’t know why that is the case, but for many people the Christmas Eve Breakfast in Bewley’s in Grafton Street is an absolutely unmovable tradition. Long queues inside and outside Bewley’s confirm this. It is certainly not free, but like the next spectacle, it is interesting (and free) to watch.

CHRISTMAS EVE SHOPPING FOR MEN
I know this is not really an event, but if you have bought all your Christmas presents, it is a spectacle! Go to the City Centre and watch the men rush-shopping all the presents on this one day. If I had a shop with the type of presents men buy for their female partners, I would have a whole army of nice and helpful women working for me on that day and would get each one of them pick up the guys at the door into the shop. A nice smile, a few compliments, a bit of advise and men will leave unbelievable amounts of money in the shop, but we need hand-holding to ensure a sale. :-) I know this doesn’t put us in the best light, but, hey, we are simple and straight-forward. ;-) …and if you don’t agree, prove me wrong. :-P

CHRISTMAS EVE AFTERNOON + EVENING
From around 16:00 the City Centre will start quieting down. Shops start closing at surprisingly random (and relatively early) times and if you are not sorted by 16:00, you better get going in double-speed…or think about giving vouchers. Then into the pub and afterwards home, maybe to go to the pub once more before the terrible dry time of Christmas Day. Some, actually surprisingly many, do go to Christmas Eve Mass and the churches will be packed on that one night of the year.

CHRISTMAS EVE MASSES
There are masses in all (catholic) churches in Dublin on this evening. Often there will be a Children’s Mass and then the “Midnight” Mass at any time between 22:00 and 00:00. I can particularly recommend two masses, but in both cases you have to arrive quite early to get a seat, the churches will in both cases be absolutely packed.
+ GARDINER STREET GOSPEL CHOIR MASS
The place where I would be if I were in Dublin at Christmas this year is the St. Francis Xavier Church in Upper Gardiner Street, near to the junction with Dorset Street. The Gardiner Street Gospel Choir Mass will take place there at 20:00. It is a mass full of wonderful and uplifting music by the Gardiner Street Gospel Choir and definitely a good place to go. Arrive early, there will be some Christmas Carol singing as well! (In the same church there will be a Family Mass at 18:00 and a Midnight Mass at 00:00.) www.gardinerstparish.ie/gospel-choir
+ ST. MARY’S PRO-CATHEDRAL
St. Mary’s Pro-Cathedral, the seat of the Bishop of Dublin, is situated in Marlborough Street, very near to O’Connell Street and the Christmas Evening there starts with Christmas Carol Singing by the Palestrina Choir at 21:30. This will be followed by the “Mass of Christmas Night” celebrated by Archbishop Diarmuid Martin and accompanied by the Palestrina Choir with the Orchestra of St Cecilia. www.procathedral.ie/christmas-timetable-2010/christmas-eve-mass-times

———Pre-Announcements————————

CHRISTMAS DAY
Yes, you will be surprised to hear it, but I found out that the next big upcoming event is “Christmas”. It’s a free event unless you prefer to make people smile, in that case you might have to invest a bit of money in something that is often called “presents”. You don’t need to formally register or pre-book any tickets, but at least for the events on 25 Dec, it is helpful if you let the organisers at decentralised locations know that you will attend, so that the catering can take your presence into consideration! ;-)

______________________________
______This is odd!!______________

Please note: This section contains observations taken from the world I live in that strike me as odd. I express my personal opinion and you might not share it. If you are easily offended by opinions that are not identical with your own, please don’t read this section. ;-)

TRAMCO, RATHMINES – BIG FAIL!
On Wed we had our yearly Krav Maga Party, a great night out which took place in the Army Barracks in Rathmines. Afterwards a few decided to go to Tramco in Rathmines for another drink and after a brief hesitation, I decided to join them. I arrived a little later than the rest and they were already inside. It was 02:05 and arriving at the door, the door man asked me if I was with anybody and I said that I was with the Krav Maga group that already was inside. He then proceeded to tell me that he would have to charge me “a fiver”. Since it was only 25 minutes to closing time, I asked him if he was serious and he confirmed “Yes, everybody has to pay.” 5 Euro for 25 minutes in a pub/nightclub? No thanks! So, I told him that under these circumstances I was not interested and turned around to get to my car (I didn’t have any alcohol.). As soon as I had reached my car and the doorman saw that, he literally ran after me to tell me that he would let me in now. Ohhh, what had changed? Is the admission charge waived if you are determined enough to leave? Needless to say, I did NOT go in. This is a very odd way of attracting customer to your pub! Tramco in Rathmines will NEVER see me again! Maybe many more pubs and nightclubs need to go bankrupt before sense and customer friendliness returns in this sector. I have a problem understanding the concept of admission charges to a pub at best of times (It is opportunistic extortion because they don’t charge during the day.), but at 02:05 on a Wednesday night I am not prepared to pay a cent?

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—————–
This is the last shopping weekend before Christmas AND last Christmas Market Weekend for a whole year, so you better make use of the time. Enjoy the atmosphere and make sure that you mix a bit of reflective and quiet time with the huzzle-buzzle of Christmas.

Take care,

–Joerg
www.facebook.com/DublinEventGuide

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You are receiving this newsletter because you have subscribed to it!!
If you don’t want to receive this mail anymore, just click on the link at the bottom of this mail. It would help me if you told me in an e-mail why you decided to unsubscribe, but that is not a “Must”. If you only want to stop receiving the newsletter temporarily, you can – if you wish – discuss this with me by e-mail so that we find a solution that makes sense to you. If you unsubscribe using the link at the bottom of the mail and there is a chance that you – at some stage – want to re-subscribe, please make sure that you keep a mail with the “unsubscribe link” because I will not be able to add you anymore to the list once you have unsubscribed using this link. The only way you can re-subscribe is to follow that specific link and change the settings yourself.
This Event Guide (the “Dublin Event Guide (for Free Events)”) is an Event Guide with a difference. It covers mostly free events based on the thinking that free events deserve additional support and that non-free events have the money to pay for advertisement. The Guide is a _guide_ and not just a listing and is therefore at times quite extensive. It is sent for free to anybody who is interested and if you want to be added to the mailing list or know somebody who would like to receive this guide, just send a mail to dublineventguide@gmail.com with the Subject “Subscribe”.
If you have feedback – good or bad – PLEASE tell me via the same e-mail address.
BTW: I am not paid or otherwise rewarded for compiling and distributing this Event Guide it is purely a hobby so your donations are needed: www.perfectresults.info/donation.htm. Advertisement in or sponsorship of the Dublin Event Guide (for Free Events) is possible and very welcome, please contact me for more information.
Please note: The Dublin Event Guide (for Free Event) is not related or connected to the former fortnightly printed publication “the event guide” that you found until December 2008 in pubs and other venues.
Copyright 2010 by Joerg Steegmueller.
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