Seven things to do this week.
TODAY Ireland's first and best-known gospel choir raise their uplifting voices at the Pavilion Theatre in Dún Laoghaire, Co Dublin, tonight in a musical shindig not to be missed. The Dublin Gospel Choir will perform a festive and spiritual set of contemporary American gospel, rock, pop, R&B and of course, soul, that is guaranteed to get you on your feet. Tickets €15/€19. Phone 01-2312929 for more details.
TOMORROW There are still some tickets left for the "Reel TV and Film Ball" an annual celebration of media and creative industries which raises money for Paul Newman's Barretstown Gang Camp. There will be a Christmas theme at Lillies Bordello in Dublin, with carols, seasonal manicures, fortune tellers, magicians, DJs and Santa's Grotto. Tickets €30 per person, are available from Ion Entertainment on 087-2704132.
MONDAY There is no escaping the Holly and the Ivy, but at least the fourth North West Celebration of Christmas Peace in Derry tonight is a truly international affair. The New Spirit Gospel Choir from Germany and the Jamaican-born gospel pianist Huntley Brown from Chicago join a local youth orchestra for an eclectic musical feast. Tickets on sale from the Millennium Forum Theatre in Derry priced £8-£11 sterling. Phone 048-71264455 for more details. 7.30 p.m.
TUESDAY The Mosquitoes launch their first album at Bruxelles in Dublin, where they will play live at 9 p.m. If you want to have yourself a fine time, go along, or get their CD and play it loud in the car. Very good for Free Flow. Voodoo Doll is a favourite. Their roots lie in rockabilly and delta punk, and they're a true-blue, non-commercial, 21st-century rock 'n' roll band. Meet Foxy Murphy (lead guitar, vocals, harmonica, theremin), Willo O'Brien (bass, vocals) and Shane Atlas (drums, percussion, vocals). And suffer. Contact the Mosquitoes at: 087-2399389, abadge@eircom.net.
WEDNESDAY His old job as showbiz reporter meant he often had to hang around backstage, but now Jason O'Callaghan has a more central role as Dean Martin in the Dream of Dean event at Vicar Street in Dublin. See him croon tonight with the Dave Gold Big Band and discover whether or not he should have given up the day job. Tickets €20.
THURSDAY The Waterford Museum of Treasures is holding a pre-Christmas sale of craftware and gifts, some of it exclusive to the museum, with lovely decorations at reduced prices. All proceeds go to the museum's conservation and education programmes. Open Monday-Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
FRIDAY Laugh your way into Christmas with Joe Rooney (aka Father Damo from Father Ted), Scottish comedian Vladimir McTavish and your host Paddy Courtney at the Bray Comedy Club in The Martello on Bray seafront. Tickets on the door at €12 or €10 with a flier. More information from www.braycomedy.com or 086-3309061.