Once Concert Support: Damo
A couple of weeks ago when most of the concerts on Glen Hansard & Marketa Irglova’s current US tour had already sold out, a couple of big opening acts from Ireland were added to a handful of gigs - ones that hadn’t yet sold out.
In the west they got treated to Rónán Ó Snodaigh of Kila together with Liam Ó Maonlaí of the Hothouse Flowers. And in parts of the Midwest like Kansas City, the Once stars are being opened for by Damien Dempsey.
Last I looked there were still tickets available for Hansard & Irglova at the Uptown in KC tonight, May 5, 2008 - which might explain why Glen & Marketa, didn’t come to Kansas City that time long ago before the successful run of the Irish musical film Once last summer at the Tivoli.
Together known as The Swell Season sometimes with a band, Hansard & Irglova only a few days ago added a slew of new dates to their American tour - though nothing anywhere near Kansas City.
Tonight’s the night then. If you’re unfamiliar with Damien Dempsey, then you might want to start learning off the lyrics to all of his albums. Yes, all of them. Because as you may have heard him say in my interview with Damo, (fixed again -honest!) he writes his songs specifically so audiences can find that hook to sing along to - as any gig full of his fans will testify to. A Damo gig is no place for negative vibes
Oh, and did I tell that I was recently talking in Ireland with the director of the film Once, John Carney? You might remember him as the guy who wasn’t mentioned in those Oscar acceptance speeches. But more of that another time.
Some more Damo on Irish KC:
• 3 Videos of Damien Dempsey
• Review of To Hell or Barbados by Damien Dempsey
• Audio Interview with Damien Dempsey
• Still Listening to Damien Dempsey
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