Musical green shoots in Laois at Grass Roots gig in Portlaoise

The Grass Roots Sessions return to Kavanaghs Bar & Venue in Portlaoise for a penultimate party this week with another diverse lineup of original Irish talent.

Launched in July with the support of the Night-Time Economy Grassroots Music Venues Support Scheme, the three-month live music series celebrated original music by fresh voices from across Ireland, but with a focus on the Midlands.

Each night has showcased three original bands or solo artists, performing all-original material curated by Brian and Finn O’Mahoney and compered by well-known DJ and documentary maker Ann Marie Kelly. She is also filming the gigs as part of an ongoing project to document and support original Irish music.

Three songs per act are being professionally filmed and recorded using a multi-camera setup, alongside mixed and mastered audio from the show. The goal is to provide each performer with a high-quality live video asset to help secure future bookings and festival slots.

“We want to give bands and artists something to take away with them that can be beneficial for getting future gigs from venues and promoters,” said PJ Kavanagh the owner of the Portlaoise entertainment.

Next up on the Grass Roots menu on Thursday, September 18 are Rory Gillanders, Awfully Human and Wifeswap. 

"Dublin singer-songwriter Rory Gillanders delivers heartfelt, poetic songs that balance raw honesty with hope. With three critically acclaimed self-released EPs and comparisons to Dylan, Springsteen, and Ryan Adams, his music has earned national radio play (Radio Nova, RTÉ 2XM) and features in Hot Press. MORE BELOW PHOTO.

PICTURED Rory Gillanders

"Currently recording new material, Rory continues to carve a reputation as one of Ireland’s most authentic voices," say the Grass Roots organisers.

Alt-rock/hardcore outfit Awfully Human have Carlow and Dublin backgrounds.

"They blend raw riffs, chaotic energy, and emotional grit. Influenced by Smashing Pumpkins and Title Fight, their sound is messy, melodic, and unapologetically loud - music that wears its heart on its sleeve," said the organisers. MORE BELOW PHOTO.

PICTURED: Awfully Human.

The final act on the bill is Wifeswap from the faithful county.

"Fronted by Offaly native Joe Brody, Wifeswap mix art rock and literary influences with sharp, alternative edge. Since debuting in 2022, they’ve played sold-out headline shows at Whelan’s and The Workman’s Club, supported acts including Yard, Nerves, and Peter Doherty, and released acclaimed singles “Inertia” and the double A-side Spiritus Mundi / Happy Days. Now firmly part of Ireland’s alt-rock scene, Wifeswap bring their bold, restless energy to the Sessions stage," said the organisers. MORE BELOW PHOTO.

Pictured Wifeswap

This project is part of the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport’s Night-Time Economy Grassroots Music Venue Support Scheme 2025. Kavanagh’s Bar and Venue, was one of 33 music venues across the country offered funding of up to €15,000 under the Scheme to stage events.

READ ALSO: Laois actor Robert Sheehan to star in new Netflix series

Tickets are available from www.kavanaghsportlaoise.com

The fifth and final night of the Grass Roots series takes place on Thursday, October 5 and features Vendetta Love, Cronin, My Father the King & Friends with Deficits.