SINGER-SONGWRITER

Damien Rice

Bord Gáis Energy Theatre 8pm €40 (sold out) bordgaisenergytheatre.ie

This singular singer-songwriter does exactly what he wants to. We like that in a creative person, but Damien Rice has his detractors, who claim his preciousness (whether perceived or otherwise) is part of the problem. Try telling that to the people who bought all the tickets for this show within a few hours. TCL CLASSICAL

ConTempo String Quartet

Portumna Library, Galway 1.10pm Free

The RTÉ resident string quartet and Galway ensemble in residence (above) perform works by Haydn and Hamza El Din. We can certainly think of worse ways to spend our Monday lunchtime. LM

SKA/POP

The Specials

Olympia Theatre 8pm €49.65 olympia.ie Also Tues, Belfast

The original Two Tone band from Coventry – minus founding member Jerry Dammers – is still able to shake a leg and wear a sharp suit. And besides, what's not to love about songs as good as Ghost Town and Too Much too Young? TCL