The Jimmy Cake, Popical Island, Riona Sally Hartman

Believe it or not, that photo of Vinnie and John Dermody above wasn’t taken when the band which they are longtime members of, The Jimmy Cake, was formed back in 2000… though they look so youthful, it could well be. I interviewed them in the multi-patterned confines of the Parlour bar in Whelan’s last week (where I coveted all the incredible vintage/retro furniture, sigh) for Community of Independents, and took that pic after.

The COI show went out last night and also featured Sleep Thieves, the Loudmouth Collective and Le Tissier, so it was another jam-packed episode. It was also the second-last in the series, sob! But have no fear, I’m sure there will be a season 3 in the autumn. Phew.

The Jimmy Cake are releasing a three-track album on double vinyl this autumn; it will be called Popular Music and… well, I won’t spoil the rest of the interview…

While you’re at it, here are some of the Jimmy Cake’s tunes:

In other news, here are some great gigs happening this weekend.

If you’re anywhere near Whelan’s tomorrow (Saturday), then do call into the venue anytime from 2pm on to catch a whole raft of live bands playing in the Upstairs and Parlour bars.

It’s the launch of the third – and final – Popical Island compilation, so you can head in, catch a few bands, have a scoop or two, and pick up the hand-marbled physical edition of the CD.

With around 20 bands playing, it’s sure to be great craic as always.

Here’s a link to the breakdown of who’s playing and when.

The Ríona Sally Hartman Band plays the Kevin Barry Room in The National Concert Hall tomorrow evening, Saturday July 7 at 8pm.

Riona – who has a beautiful voice that’s not dissimilar to Julie Feeney at times, but has more of a bluesy feel – will be joined by Ailbhe Nic Oireachtaigh on viola and vocals; Julien Colarossi on guitar; Cormac O’Brien on double bass
and Bonnie Stewart on drums and vocals.

Riona has a background in jazz that you can really sense in this track from her forthcoming release. (Oh, and any song that mentions a dead mouse in your pocket is bound to be a special one.)