I don't know about you, ladies and gentlemen, but I've woken up with Bob Marley on my mind every day this past week — well, a quote from one of the reggae king's songs, anyway. Because the "sun is shining and the weather is sweet," and honestly, I cannot think of anything better, especially after a long, dark, gloomy winter. Basking in this glorious sunshine is just one way to shake off the winter blues, of course — the other involves seeing some great live performances, of which there are plenty this weekend!
It's Irish Week in Moscow, which basically means loads of great performances, concerts, movie screenings and other Irish-themed activities leading up to the St. Patrick's Day Parade which will take place in Moscow's Sokolniki Park this Saturday. This also means that there are some great gigs lined up, including a show by one of my favorite Irish bands, The Walls.
The band was originally formed by two brothers, Steve and Joe Wall, back in 1998. After a few successful singles, they reached out to fellow Irishman and U2 frontman Bono, who loved their music so much, he offered the guys a chance to support them at U2's 80,000-strong concert in Slane Castle. They've also toured with Red Hot Chili Peppers, Crowded House and Bob Dylan, among many others. The Walls released their third studio album, "Stop the Lights," in 2012 and presented it in Moscow during last year's Irish Week. They also gave me a sneak preview when they came to our studio, and let me tell you, these guys are incredibly talented and worth checking out! They're playing at Duma Club on Friday, March 15 — the concert starts at 8 p.m., so don't be late!
Saturday will be all green, all the way, seeing as it's the main day of all Irish-themed festivities. You can find a full schedule of events at www.irishweek.ru, and choose the ones you want to attend. Believe me, there are more than enough to choose from. But if you want to hit the clubs after the Parade, that's always an option.
DJ Mala and MC Sun are going to give the people a taste of British dubstep and drum 'n' bass at 16 Tons, and British DJs Adam Shelton and Subb-an are taking over Pravda Club with a techno and house program. Both sets start at midnight, so you'll have plenty of time to do some St. Patrick's Day things and still make it. And Icon Club is hosting something called Yiddish-Fest 2014, with a great lineup of DJs from the U.S., Canada and Germany, all playing jazz, rock and gospel.
But if it's something a bit more pop rock that you're after, then Teatr Club is the place for you, because BB Brunes are playing there on Saturday night. Le Figaro newspaper has dubbed them the most influential French rock band three years in a row, and the guys definitely know how to put on a good show. Citing key punk and rock bands from the 1960s and 1970s like The Clash, The Strokes and David Bowie as their influences, BB Brunes perform mostly in French, but their energy is great, so go check them out! The gig starts at 8 p.m., and tickets start at 1200 rubles.
Sunday, however, is the day I'm looking forward to the most, because 30 Seconds to Mars will be playing in Moscow! The band fronted by recent Academy Award winner Jared Leto is currently on tour supporting their latest album, called "Love, Lust, Faith and Dreams — which has already sold more than 10 million copies worldwide. And if anyone knows how to work the crowd and put on an amazing performance, it's those guys. Their eclectic fusion of many different music styles, philosophical lyrics and memorable live shows have earned them a multitude of music awards and nominations, so get your tickets now, while there are still some available! Jared Leto and the band will be ready to rock with Moscow fans at the Olimpiysky Arena at 7 p.m. this Sunday, March 16. Don't miss them!
So this is what the weekend has in store for us — take advantage of all these options and have fun! A few more tips: Guinness added to cake or brownie batter makes for a delicious dessert, adding whiskey to caramel sauce is genius, and of course, Eirinn go Brach! Have a fabulous weekend!
Contact the author at artsreporter@imedia.ru
