Independent music showcases its heft

Two forthcoming events in Dublin are proof that the independent music community in Ireland is in rude health. Simon Dowling, who has run gigs around the city under the Hefty Horse promotional banner for several years, is hosting the first day-long festival at Whelan’s tomorrow.

Bands playing at HeftFest – from 3pm until late – include Goodtime (formerly Goodtime John), Norabelle, Sacred Animals, The Holy Roman Army, The Spook of the Thirteenth Lock and others.

“This will be Hefty Horse’s first ever all-dayer, and if all goes well it will happen again – maybe next time we’ll go for a full weekend,” said Dowling. “We decided to keep admission low so people can afford to come along, especially if they only want to stay a short while.”

A similar event takes place the following weekend Upstairs in Whelan’s, although the Clockwork Apple Mini-Festival will stretch across Friday, Saturday and Sunday, rather than a single day. A more rock-based gig series than HeftFest, acts such as Miracle Bell, Autumn Owls, Henrietta Game, Sleep Thieves and Tiny Magnetic Pets will play from May 12th-14th. Tickets are €10 per night or €15 for all three, and an appetite-whetting compilation featuring participating acts is available from clockworkapple presents.wordpress.com