A great month of Blues music at The Irish Blues Club kicks off on the 6th of June with a performance by Travellin' South.

Formed in 1997 by guitarist Mick O'Leary, Travelling South have spent the last 9 years playing modern, good time blues to audiences mainly around Dublin with occasional forays into the country. Currently a 4 piece, the band features the aforementioned Mick O'Leary on guitar, Liam Wheately on bass, Kevin O'Shea on drums and the enigmatic, charismatic Natasha Czopor from London on vocals.

The bands set features a variety of blues material from artists like Coco Montoyah, Albert Collins, Tynsley Ellis, Michelle Shocked, Blues 'N' Trouble, Koko Taylor, as well as couple of well known blues standards. No strangers to the blues club Travellin' South enjoy hosting the open jam for both the playing and the jamming with all Dublin's blues people. Bring your instruments!!!

On the 13th of June, singer and harp player Kevin Morrow and his alter ego Hollywood Slim fronts this dynamic four piece blues outfit drawing mainly from West Coast blues in the style of Hollywood Fats, James Harmon and Rod Piazza with a flavour of Chicago thrown in for good measure.

The Fat Cats are comprised of Brendan The Rev' Priestley on Bass, Chris 'Papa' Hynes on drums and, with his blistering guitar work, Graham 'Junior' Hynes. They recorded a new CD entitled 'Hollwood Slim & The Fat Cats' which I am sure will be available on the night. Kickin!

Back by popular demand on the 20th of June, Bree Harris and her excellent band return to see in the summer season. Both a singer and a songwriter Bree has built up a reputation of being one of Irelands finest singers.

She has appeared on many TV appearances and with consummate playing fronted by Bree's sublime vocals, covering a breadth of styles from rock to jazz and blues. Her biggest influences are Joni Mitchell, Bonnie Raitt, Aretha Franklin, KD Lang, Lyle Lovett, Leonard Cohen and Jeff Buckley. Always a treat!

Making her third appearance at the Blues Club on the 27th of June, Maeve Dunphy will bring along her band to perform an eclectic mix of her own original blues based stylings' with jazz, funk and soul influences. Maeve Dunphy has collaborated and recorded with some of the most accomplished Irish musicians such as Arty McGlynn who plays on Maeve's debut EP 'Let It All Hang Out'.

Maeve Dunphy has also shared the stage with Eddi Reeder, Paddy Casey, Declan O Rourke, Roesy, Don Baker, Ronnie Drew, Finbar Furey, Rodrigo Y Gabriela, Damien Dempsey and Shay Cotter to name but a few. For something slightly different and certainly refreshing do not miss this gig! The Irish Blues Club has been going since 1995, organizing gigs and providing support to Blues musicians in Ireland. The Club runs every Tuesday night at J.J. Smyths on Aungier street, with a variety of musicians.

The proceeds from these gigs are used to record and distribute compilation albums by the Club's contributors. They have completed two albums so far, under the titles Forty Shades of Blue, Vol. I and Vol. II.

Tue 25/07: The Business
Tue 01/08: Dog Fight (Open Jam)
Tue 08/08: Johnny Reynolds
Tue 15/08: Hot Chicken
Tue 22/08: The Screaming Livers
Tue 29/08: Brian Rochford Band

Irish Blues Club

Doors: 8.45 pm
Admission: €8

J.J. Smyths
12 Aungier Street,
Dublin 2.
Tel.: + 353 (0) 1 475 2565