Gig for Gaza with Liam ó Maonlaí (Hothouse Flowers)
Join us for an uplifting night of music and solidarity at the Sound Lounge to raise urgent funds for the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. All profits to the UK Palestine Trauma Centre, which supports mental health workers in Gaza with professional training to help relieve trauma and develop resilience in those affected by the ongoing conflict. Supported by Wandsworth Friends of Palestine.
https://www.palestinetraumacentre.uk/
ARTISTS:
Liam ó Maonlaí: Liam is one of Ireland's most talented, soulful and revered musicians, spanning not only Irish traditional music but everything from folk, soul, gospel, blues and rock. A gifted artist, whether in solo projects or alongside his best-known band, the internationally acclaimed Hothouse Flowers, whose debut album “People” remains the most successful debut album in Irish history. A famously charismatic performer, Liam fosters a deep connection with audiences, whether playing arenas or small clubs, expressed through traditional song or his own much-loved classic soul, rock, blues and folk hits. Liam’s creativity has produced award-winning solo albums such as Rian, a unique interpretation of traditional “as Gaeilge” songs and tunes, and also extended into dance, via his ground-breaking and award-winning global “Fabulous Beast, Rian” show, which fused dancers and musicians and contemporary dance with traditional music from around the world.
This is a rare chance to see Liam in an intimate setting and we’re delighted he’s heading the show. Expect sensational vocals, mastery of piano, whistle, bodhran, harp and harmonica, and no set list!
Michael J Sheehy: By his own account, Michael J Sheehy has p****d away two or three careers. His first band Dream City Film Club were signed to Beggars Banquet, then crashed and burned after recording their second album. Sheehy then released three critically acclaimed solo albums with Beggars Banquet and toured Europe and the USA with the likes of Kristin Hersch, Tindersticks, Ed Harcourt and Bauhaus front man Peter Murphy.
Despite a few bumps along the road, he’s continued making music as a solo artist and as part of rock band Miraculous Mule, and also psychedelic electronic duo United Sounds of Joy. In 2020 he released his critically acclaimed solo album ‘Distance Is The Soul of Beauty’ and has just launched a brand new album, ‘Don’t We Deserve Some Kind of Love?’, tenderly rendered reflections on addiction, recovery, loss, mercy and self-acceptance and touring with his band The Hired Mourners.
“A quietly storming solo return… spookily brilliant.” – 8/10 Uncut
“A profound and touching response to these dark times… it might just be one of lockdown’s most perfect creations: as intimate and stark a reflection of the period we’re living in as Springsteen’s Nebraska was of the early 80s.” – Classic Rock
“We spend so much time and energy boggling at the obscurity in which great songwriters from previous eras had to go about their business, when there are artists right now whose work we should be shouting about from the rooftops. Michael’s one of those artists.” – Pete Paphides
Williem Vincent: A writer and performer who's worked hard to avoid the excesses of fortune and fame, mainly by not being rich or famous, but who has nevertheless established a hardcore of fans for his reflective musings on life and love that has seen him support Van Morrison, The Four of Us, Hank Wangford, Freddie White, and Boo Hewerdine. His album “Rising Slowly” can be heard across all the usual platforms, and more recently Williem has worked as one half of electronica artist, Strange Gravity, as writer and vocalist on their two albums, Strange Gravity, and Music for the Metaverse.
Sean Taylor: At the heart of Sean Taylor's music is a desire to turn the world into a song; songs of love, desire, heartbreak and social commentary. ‘Sean Taylor must be one of the best songwriters around’ (Blues Matters).
Sean is an international touring troubadour, nominated UK blues acoustic artist of the year for the last four years running. His songs are best described as roots, influenced by blues, Americana, jazz, spoken word and folk music. A prolific songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, singer, guitarist, pianist, and harmonica player. He has just released his new album 'First Light' to rave reviews.
“Superbly Tailored songs” Daily Mirror
“Articulate, compelling ... brilliant” – Mojo
Maddy Carty: “Fantastic sound. Well done girl!” Robert Elms BBC London
“A strikingly sophisticated and self-contained talent, Maddy Carty's commanding yet delicate vocal is serviced by original songs of depth and commitment.” - Gavin Martin, Music Journalist
“Sickeningly talented – and using her gifts to make the world seem just a little bit fairer.” Ian McCann, Record Collector Magazine
Geraldine Gilmartin: London-based acoustic folk/roots singer-songwriter, Geraldine has performed at the Bedford (Balham), Hammersmith Irish Cultural Centre, Sligo Live festival, Ballyshannon Folk Festival, King’s Place London and Camden Irish Centre.
"Sligo roots and London-Irish soul - Geraldine is a lovely singer. Do not miss her!" John Spillane - Cork singer-songwriter)
Doors 5pm, Show 6pm
£20 + booking fee
Unreserved seating and standing. Please arrive early!
