MUSIC
At A Glance MAY JUNE
2017
BOOKING INFORMATION TICKETS AVAILABLE FROM THE EMPIRE BAR ALL TICKETMASTER OUTLETS TELEPHONE 24 HR CREDIT CARD BOOKING LINE 0844 277 4455 ONLINE WWW.TICKETMASTER.IE
SHOULD YOU OR ANY MEMBER OF YOUR PARTY REQUIRE ANY SPECIAL ASSISTANCE, OUR STAFF WILL BE DELIGHTED TO HELP. WE RECOMMEND THAT WHEN POSSIBLE, YOU NOTIFY THE BELFAST EMPIRE PRIOR TO YOUR VISIT. PLEASE NOTE THAT SOME PERFORMANCES MAY USE SPECIAL EFFECTS, SUCH AS STROBE LIGHTING AND SMOKE EFFECTS.
THEBELFASTEMPIRE.COM @BELFASTEMPIRE FACEBOOK.COM/BELFASTEMPIRE
ALL PATRONS MUST BE AGED 18 OR OVER.
Xxx
Everything's hopping down here at the Empire, as we're dusting off the grass skirts and hula hoops for what's bound to be a scorching summer, with some great acts to boot. THE JIVE ACES will be taking their show straight off Britain's Got Talent and straight onto the stage at the Empire, where we know you're not as judgey as Simon and Co. Come and see one of the world's best festival bands without having to get your feet wet, courtesy of the evergreen HYPNOTIC BRASS ENSEMBLE, or, if retro is more your thing, THE FEMMES will be bringing classic swing bang up to date with their 40's supershow... Tribute wise, we've TINA TURNER, Simply the Best for that dream Hen Do or Girls night out and the return of real live E-Street bandsman JAKE CLEMONS. Top this off with our new Gin menu, or some of the best selection of craft beer on Botanic and you've a night to remember.
As always, I remain yours truly,
Kittyxx
Entertainment Every Night Thursday 10.30pm Empire Blues with
rab mccullough & band Sunday 10pm
Admission FREE
ken haddock’s supper club
Friday 5.30pm
Monday 10pm
Friday 10.30pm
Admission FREE
JACKIE RAINEY Admission FREE
the big empire quiz
roots 100% fresh
Tuesday 11pm
Saturday 10.30pm
Entry £1
DISCOBEARD
Admission FREE
Wednesday 10pm
acoustic showcase ni
Society sessions singer songwriters
Admission FREE
see page 4 for details
Admission FREE
saturday live
local rock & soul covers
6 MAY BLACK MARKET ICONS 13 MAY THE RECKONERS 20 MAY THE MOONSHINES 27 MAY STRICTLY NO BALLROOM 3 JUN THE PAUL DEAN BAND 10 JUN THE RENEGADES 17 & 24 ARMS OF VENUS JUN DE MILO
Admission FREE
LIVE SPORT ON THE BIG SCREEN LATE BAR EVERY NIGHT / FOOD SERVED MON-SAT
original artists playing their own music & more! 5 MAy Hot sausage 2 JUN The vibes & mustard 9 JUN TO BE ANNOUNCED 12 MAy the el dude brothers 16 JUn TO BE ANNOUNCED 19 MAy nigel connell 23 JUn crow black chicken 26 MAy TO BE ANNOUNCED 30 JUn TO BE ANNOUNCED
10.30PM // free admission
SHIZZNIGH
Who’d have thought that a Lurgan two-piece could wrestle their way to the top of the local pops with a unique brand of death ditties, dirty blues and well-heeled shoes. With an eye for sartorial excellence as well as their devotion to the gods of Rock and Roll, THE BONNEVILLES are a draw across the continent and beyond. Sweat will drip from the ceilings as the duo will take you on a one way journey through the darkest highways, the sleaziest juke joints and desperate bars, all without leaving the confines of the Empire Music Hall. Best dress to impress. Support comes from Texan Son of a Preacher Man JAMES LEG, as well as THE GROUNDLINGS and it’s all just a paltry tenner.
Date: Wed 3 May
Doors 8.30pm / £10
ONE NIGHT ONLY CHARITY EVENT! Date: Fri 5 May
Doors 7.30pm / £20
THUR 4 MAy
MONS OLYMPUS Album Launch MOSMO STRANGE RAVENS NEWT
Emerging from the ruins of the Chocolate Love Factory, MONS OLYMPUS promise the same sense of funk, with a few elements of classic prog by way of experiment. Think Pink Floyd with the Mars Volta on rhythm, with Boards of Canada on vibes. Support comes from four piece MOSMO STRANGE, Post-rock outfit RAVENS and NEWT, in this, their debut gig at the Music Hall. Big sounds, big band and the big stage - all for a wee price.
THUR 8 jun
Waldorf and Cannon Crossfire Hurricanes The Holy Innocents Dandy's Loft
WALDORF AND CANNON hail from the wilds of Derry and Donegal, and create far more noise that any two piece has the right to, aided by an audiophile’s wet dream of vintage instruments. Riding high after the release of their self titled debut album in January this year, it’s essential stuff for fans of the Pixies, Beck and Devo. Full support comes from indie-blues traditionalists the CROSSFIRE HURRICANES, THE HOLY INNOCENTS with their nods to the sound of young Glasgow and a debut Gifted performance from newbies DANDY’S LOFT.
Date: Thu 4 May Date: Thu 8 Jun
Doors 9.00pm / £3 Doors 9.00pm / £3
THE JIVE ACES are a regular fixture on our TV screens, becoming the first live band to reach the finals of Britain’s Got Talent and bringing a smile to Simon Cowell’s face. Slots soon followed on everything from the One Show through to the Alan Titchmarsh show, alongside appearances at everywhere from Glastonbury to the Albert Hall. Transporting us back to a golden time of skiffle and sunshine, THE JIVE ACES remind us there was music before the days of Beatlemania, with clean cut boys and hysterical girls doo-wopping the night away. It’s guaranteed feel good times and literally what the Doctor ordered to chase away the blues.
Date: Sat 6 May
Doors 8.30pm / £12
JAKE CLEMONS
You might be familiar with the name. That’s because this talented young man has stepped into some mighty big shoes by taking over his Uncle’s role in a little-bitty outfit called The E-Street Band. But Jake’s not just the nephew of Clarence Clemons, rather a vital talent in his own right. It’s been a big year for JAKE CLEMONS, with the release of his latest album Fear and Love keeping him busy, alongside mammoth tours with the day job. The last time he was with us was a pretty damn special night, so we’re thrilled to have him here for a rare Irish performance.
Date: Thu 11 May
Doors 7.30pm / £17.50
SHIZZNIGH
For a band that barely bothered the charts, DISCHARGE’S cult appeal remains a massive draw. With everyone from Metallica through to Sepultura covering their music, the band are one of the true pioneers of hardcore punk, thrash and crust metal. Totally uncompromising and bowing to no-one, the original line-up of DISCHARGE have returned to the world’s stages, delivering their message to the faithful throng. DISCHARGE’S current tour sees them revisit the classic years, as well as some more up to date hits.
Date: Fri 12 May
Doors 8.30pm / £15
REBECCA O’CONNOR has always wanted to play the Belfast Empire. And who are we to turn down a Europe-wide Stars in Their Eyes winner, that’s endorsed by none other than Mick Fleetwood - yes, that Mick Fleetwood! From Nutbush City Limits, through to We Don’t Need Another Hero, TINA TURNER’S story and songs have become legendary. See Rebecca do the greatest hits justice as she fills some pretty big, high heeled boots in the ultimate tribute to the great survivor of Soul.
Date: Sat 13 May
Doors 8.30pm / £12
SO:NI
sounds of northern ireland
L I V E L O U D LOCAL Date: Thu 18 May Date: Thu 15 Jun
Doors 8.30pm / £5 Doors 8.30pm / £5
Sure, they’re back, and even managed to get Slash back on board, but can you really count on them showing up on time? Unlike Axl, UK GUNS N' ROSES are consummate professionals, and incredibly punctual. That’s the only way you can tell the difference though. From Night Train through to Live and Let Die, Welcome to the Jungle through to November Rain, UK GUNS N' ROSES take you on a potted history of the world’s most dangerous band, focusing on the classic line-up and seminal albums of the late 80’s and early 90’s.
Date: Sat 20 May
Doors 8.30pm / £12
Glance AT A
Every Tuesday
COMEDY
with Colin Murphy or Jake O Kane & Guests
8pm // £8/£7
Wednesday 3 May
the bonnevilles 8.30pm // £10
Thursday 4 May
GIFTED
MONS OLYMPUS, MOSMO STRANGE, RAVENS & NEWT
9pm // £3
Friday 5 May Elvis spectacular, Flash harry & the bjorn identity 7.30pm // £20
Saturday 6 May
the jive aces 8.30pm // £12
Thursday 11 May
jake clemons
7.30pm // £17.50
Friday 12th May
discharge
8.30pm // £15
Saturday 13 May REBECCA O'CONNOR AS
tina simply the best 8.30pm // £12
Thursday 18 May
of So:ni sounds northern ireland 8.30pm // £5
Saturday 20 May
Uk Guns n roses 8.30pm // £12
Sunday 21 May
angel olsen 8pm // £17
Thursday 25th May
the femmes
7.30pm // £10
Sunday 28th May
ken haddock's
SUPPER CLUB WITH AMANDA AGNEW 7pm // FREE
Thursday 1 Jun
the rifles
7.30pm // £17.50
Saturday 3rd Jun
pleasuredome SCHOOL'S OUT
8.30pm // £10
Wednesday 7 Jun
mitski 7.30pm // £14
Thursday 18 Jun
So:ni
sounds of northern ireland
8.30pm // £5
Saturday 17 Jun
the rollin' clones
8.30pm // £11
Wednesday 21 Jun
stone foundation 8pm // £15.50
Thursday 8 Jun
GIFTED
WALDORF AND CANNON, CROSSFIRE HURRICANES, THE HOLY INNOCENTS & DANDY'S LOFT
9pm // £3
Thursday 29 Jun
sharon shannon
7.30pm // £22.50
Saturday 10 Jun
hypnotic brass ensemble 8.30pm // £18
Friday 30 June
raised on rock
8.30pm // £10
STRANGE VICTORY
A N G E L O L S E N
This has event night written all over it. We’re super excited to be hosting one of the hottest new talents to visit these shores, Missourian songstress ANGEL OLSEN. Cutting her teeth singing backing vocals for none other than Bonnie Prince Billy, she’s since proven a mercurial star in her own right. Last year’s My Woman was a critical smash, garnering comparisons with everyone from Crazy Horse to New Order, via classic indie-pop. Far more than a standard breathy chanteuse, Angel takes apart her childhood obsessions and reassembles them for us live on stage. Heartbreaking and unmissable.
Date: Sun 21 May
Doors 8pm / £17
THE FEMMES are a London based three part harmony band, who threaten to bring vintage right up to date. Taking the faded glamour of the 40’s and infusing it with everything from Britney Spears through to Frank Sinatra, the band will be bringing their own unique show to town. We can’t say dressing up is compulsory, but having a good time is. THE FEMMES show us why they’re one of the hardest working harmony groups in the country. If you like a bit of All About the Bass with your Andrews Sisters, they’re just the trio!
Date: Thu 25 May
Doors 7.30pm / £10
FINAL 2017
V SATURDAY 27TH MAY KICK OFF 5.30PM
match burger & Fries £5 BEEF / CHICKEN / PULLED PORK
burger & pint combo £8 beer bucket £10
COORS LIGHT / SAN MIGUEL (4 x 330ml)
T&C's apply
Ken Haddock’s Soul & Blues
may bank holiday supper club Free Admission & Free Nibbles with Support from Amanda Agnew
Date: Sun 28 May
Doors 7pm / Free Adm
Inspired by Oasis at Knebworth, Joel Stoker and Lucas Crowther decided that all they wanted to do was form a band. THE RIFLES were the culmination of that dream and released their debut album No Love Lost in 2006. Inspired as much by the Mod Revival as the Britpop scene (taking their name from the Jam’s classic Eton Rifles) the band attracted the attention of Weller himself. With the Modfather mentoring them, THE RIFLES have gone from strength to strength, outlasting many of the contemporaries from the heady post-Libertines days, to release their strongest title yet, 2016’s Big Life.
Date: Thu 1 Jun
Doors 7.30pm / £17.50
the ultimate 80’s tribute night 'Schools Out for Summer' sang snake bothering shock rocker Alice Cooper. And we're as excited as he, for that means another outing for the boys and girls at PLEASUREDOME. The summer always seemed to last forever, but the night will fly in courtesy of Maurice Jay and crew. Featuring the best ballads, all your favourite movie tunes and drive-time anthems of the 80's, the PLEASUREDOME show comes with good times guaranteed.
Date: Sat 3 Jun
Doors 8.30pm / ÂŁ10
+ CAJSA SIIK
With near universal acclaim from the critics, and the kudos of having her music covered by none other than Marcelline the Vampire Queen from Adventure Time, MITSKI is a Japanese singer songwriter who's come a long way since those first tentative steps at the famed SUNY Conservatory. With a Japanese mother and an American Father, MITSKI grew up with a foot in both worlds, while her parents work saw her travelling the globe. This unique perspective has translated into some of the 21st century’s most affecting and amazing music. One not to miss…
Date: Wed 7 Jun
Doors 7.30pm / £14
HYPNOTIC BRASS ENSEMBLE One of the hardest working bands in the world, this 16 legged funk engine has proven to be a mighty draw at festivals across the globe. Last time they were here they brought the house down. We expect nothing less this time. The Brothers Cohran hail from Chicago and have worked with everyone from Ghost Face Killah to Devo in a career that’s spanned decades. With a hefty background in jazz, funk and gypsy blues, they’re 110% guaranteed to get the feet moving.
Date: Sat 10 Jun
Doors 8.30pm / £18
“If you think Mick Jagger will still be out there trying to be a rock star at age 50, you’re sorely mistaken…” Dennis Hope, Almost Famous And you’re asking yourself how more wrong Dennis could be? And the answer is none! He could be none more wrong. The Stones remain one of the biggest live draws on the planet, with THE ROLLIN’ CLONES one of the biggest tributes. Complete with authentic instruments and that patented Stones swagger, THE ROLLIN’ CLONES bring the hits to life, from the early blues days through to the rhythm and rock machine that bestrode the 60’s and 70s.
Date: Sat 17 Jun
Doors 8.30pm / £11
AIKEN PROMOTIONS
STONE FOUNDATION
What is it with Paul Weller? He’s certainly got enough time on his hands, and seems to enjoy putting a little something back in the form of mentoring, especially with THE RIFLES (1st June) and the STONE FOUNDATION. Once tipped as the best unsigned band around, the STONE FOUNDATION’S years of hard work plugging away on the toilet circuit and bedroom studios has finally paid off in the form of modern classic Street Rituals. Nothing less than sartorial excellence is expected, and on offer.
Date: Wed 21 Jun
Doors 8pm / £15.50
£3
FRESHLY BAKED 10” MARGHERITA when purchased with a drink Mon-Fri 11.30-9pm
Sharon Shannon
SHARON SHANNON has managed to single handedly rehabilitate the much maligned accordion, an instrument beloved of lazy buskers and dirge-loving instrumentalists and in doing so has worked with a massive list of luminaries. She’s recorded with a who’s who of Irish and sort of Irish acts including Bono, The Waterboys, The Chieftains, Sinead O’Connor and Shane McGowan, to name but a few. With a four times platinum album to her name and two sequential Meteor awards for best seller to boot, there’s no doubting a sell-out show for this intimate gig.
Date: Thu 29 Jun
Doors 7.30pm / £22.50
Featuring some of the country’s finest session musicians, with some pretty hefty pedigree behind them, RAISED ON ROCK take you to Rock School, with some of the biggest anthems of the past 40 years at their disposal, and amps turned up to 11 all round. From the Mac through to Metallica, Poison to Ozzy, RAISED ON ROCK are in the driving seat for a one way Journey on that Highway to Hell and back (in Black). All your favourite air guitar anthems back to back.
Date: Fri 30 Jun
Doors 8.30pm / ÂŁ10
THE BOSS UK
AMERICAN INDEPENDENCE PARTY Show your wife who's the Boss. Take her to see Bruce Springsteen. Failing that, take her to see THE BOSS UK, as it’s the next best thing to the biggest, the best touring band in the whole wide world. With years of material to pick from and nearly three hours to play it in, THE BOSS UK endeavour to bring Springsteen into venues that wouldn’t hold his road crew! Born to Run, Born in the USA, and Dancing in the Dark - the Boss’ bombastic hits sit alongside the weary introspection of Your Hometown and the River, it’s a must see show for any of Bruce’s fans.
Date: Sat 1 Jul
Doors 8.30pm / £12
£
n u c h L 5
Monday to Friday 12-5pm Complimentary soft-drink or tea/coffee with each dish Jerk Barbecue Pulled Pork Sandwich
Pulled pork in spicy Jerk sauce squashed in a Brioche bun. Served with Asian ‘slaw & spicy wedges
Soup & Sandwich Combo
Hot soup served beside a grilled Panini filled with cheese, salami and pepperoni
Thai Curry Bowl Mildly hot ‘n’ spicy chicken curry served with Basmati rice
Spinach & Goat’s Cheese Wrap
Spinach & goat’s cheese with pesto in a flour tortilla served with a rocket salad
Homemade Irish Beef Burger
Empire’s own recipe burger in a Brioche bun with mixed leaves and caramelised red onion jam. Served with chips.
BOTANIC AVENUE BELFAST BT7 1JQ 028 9024 9276 WWW.THEBELFASTEMPIRE.COM