Money may be too tight to mention, but there are deals to be had if you know where to look for them. SIMON TIERNEYfinds ways to live well with less cash
MUSIC
When I was eight, I started a band with my friend Peter. He was the singer and I was the guitarist. My instrument was made out of a biscuit tin and a length of wood; the strings were elastic bands. We were very avant-garde in that way. The band was formed at 2pm and broke up forever at 5pm, because it was time for dinner. We spent most of the three hours imagining how amazing it would be to play at the Point. We would get so much free Coke. The carbonated drink, that is. I desperately wanted to be like my brother, who had a real guitar and long hair. He was always having “jam sessions” in his bedroom. For years I thought this meant he had a rather strange interest in strawberry preserves until I realised what it was and readily incorporated it into my vernacular. I loved listening to him play. Music can turn a bad day into a good day. It can make us forget about our empty wallets and take us somewhere else for a while. This week we have some fantastic offers to take you to that place, including free tickets to gigs and free guitar lessons.
Rock, trad & jazz
Whelan’s (25 Wexford Street, Dublin 2, tel: 01-4780766 is offering three free pairs of tickets to the following gigs: Windings (April 11th, Whelan’s), We Cut Corners (April 14th, Whelan’s) and Fujiya Miyagi (April 20th, The Village, 26 Wexford Street). Check out the Pirate’s Life video by We Cut Corners on YouTube. These guys are really good.
To claim your tickets, simply email listings@whelanslive.com and quote “Whelan’s Ticket Offer”. Tickets to these gigs are about €10, so this is a great saving.
If traditional music is your thing, there is a free session with Clann Éireann in Clancy’s (15-16 Princes Street. Cork, tel: 021-4276097) every Sunday from 5pm. Clann Éireann is a four-piece band with banjo, guitar, whistle and bass.
There is a free live jazz, swing and bossa nova session every Friday night from 6.30-9pm, throughout April and May (except Good Friday), at the Radisson Blu Hotel (Golden Lane, Dublin 8, tel: 01-8982900).
Classical, world & contemporary
If you wish to hone your classical guitar skills, the Dublin School of Guitar (36-37 Harrington Street, Dublin 8, tel: 01-4053848) is offering a free lesson to the first three people to email alan@thedublinschoolofguitar.com and quote “Dublin School of Guitar Lesson Offer”.
The Irish World Academy of Music and Dance (University of Limerick, tel: 061-202590) is running a free lunchtime concert series this semester. For dates and details, see irishworldacademy.ie. The concert on Thursday, April 12th, will feature ritual chant and song at 1.15pm.
If you want something a little spiritual and uplifting, listen to one of Ireland’s oldest and finest choirs at the choral evensong in Christ Church Cathedral (Christchurch Place, Dublin 8, tel: 01-6778099) at 6pm on Thursdays and 3.30pm on Sundays.
Last but not least
HomeBeat is a group that organises free gigs in people’s houses. This brilliant idea is bringing music home, literally. HomeBeat is “aiming to bring the top musical talent in Ireland into our and your front room”.
What a great way to showcase talent and enjoy a gig during these frugal times. Visit facebook.com/HomeBeatfor details of the next gig.
If you have details of free services, activities or products, email emptywallet@irishtimes.com. Upcoming topics include hobbies on an empty wallet
