Another week of ‘Fireside Sessions’ set for Dundalk’s Toales

Toales is jam packed with Fireside Sessions this week as each gig features acoustic performances and free admission—a chance to discover new music and catch familiar favourites up close.

Toales will welcome back Mark Corcoran on Thursday, with support from Zoe Blackwell and Jeff Gendell, performing on the brand-new indoor stage.

Corcoran is a respected Dundalk songwriter, his warm, literate country-folk music has earned him a loyal following. His recordings include Moonlight is X-raying the Earth, produced by the late Conway Savage of Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds.

Joining him are local singer/songwriter Zoe Blackwell and Canadian Jeff Gendell, completing another three-artist showcase celebrating grassroots music and original songwriting.

These Fireside Sessions take place at 9pm at Toales.

Orwells 84 and Tadhg Hilliard will take over Toales on Friday.

Dundalk's Orwells 84 have carved out their own distinctive sound, blending indie-folk influences with rich melodies, thoughtful lyrics and an adventurous approach to songwriting.

Their debut album, The Crucible, demonstrated the band's musical versatility, while their more intimate acoustic performances reveal the strength of the songs beneath the arrangements.

Joining them is local singer-songwriter Tadhg Hilliard, whose melodic acoustic originals and thoughtful storytelling have made him a familiar face on the Dundalk music scene.

His understated, engaging performances are perfectly suited to the relaxed atmosphere of the Fireside Sessions.

Together, they promise another excellent evening of homegrown original music, with no ticket prices, no barriers and the audience just a few feet from the performers.

Fireside Sessions Presents Orwells 84 and Tadhg Hilliard takes place at Toales at 9.30pm.

Fireside Session’s weekend takeover will end with Crow Black Chicken frontman Christie O’Hanlon and Mark Brodie.

As singer and guitarist with Cork-formed blues-rock trio Crow Black Chicken, O’Hanlon has built a formidable reputation for his earthy vocals, expressive guitar playing and a sound steeped in blues and Southern rock.

Since forming in 2009, the band have become a respected name on the Irish blues circuit, with O’Hanlon's grit and groove at the heart of their music.

His solo performances reveal another side of his musical personality, moving effortlessly between blues, folk, rock and soul. Stripped of the full-band arrangements, the songs take on a more personal feel, allowing his distinctive voice, guitar work and songwriting to shine.

Joining him is the superb blues guitarist Mark Brodie, whose playing promises to add another dimension to an evening celebrating authentic, roots and blues-driven music.

Together, they round off a weekend celebrating grassroots live music, with three nights of original artists performing up close in Toales' new indoor venue, and not a ticket price in sight.

These sessions take place at 9.30pm on Saturday.

Jim Chambers will play in the new indoor stage at Toales Music Bar on Sunday for another night of live music with free admission.

As his music flows between folk, country rock and more, Chambers is the kind of performer who refuses to be tied down to one style.

Expect a lively mix of familiar classics, modern favourites and a few of his own compositions along the way.

Whether he's putting his own stamp on a well-known tune or dipping into his original material, Chambers brings an easygoing approach to live performance, with plenty of variety to keep things interesting.

The show takes place in Toales' new intimate 50-capacity music room, which is bringing live performances right into the heart of the bar for the winter months.

Jim Chambers plays Toales Music Bar on Sunday 25 October at 10pm.