Kavanaghs to host Grass Roots Sessions 4

Grass Roots Sessions 4 Announced – Thursday, Sept 18 at Kavanaghs, Portlaoise

The Penultimate Night of the Midlands’ Original Music Series

The Grass Roots Sessions return to Kavanaghs Bar & Venue, Portlaoise for their second-last instalment on Thursday 18th September with another diverse lineup of original Irish talent.

Rory Gillanders
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. Currently recording new material, Rory continues to carve a reputation as one of Ireland’s most authentic voices.

Awfully Human
Alt-rock/hardcore outfit Awfully Human (Carlow/Dublin) 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.

Wifeswap
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.

Grass Roots Sessions 4 continues the series’ mission of celebrating original music and showcasing the Midlands’ thriving grassroots scene.

This project is part of The Department of Culture, Communications and Sport’s Night-Time Economy Grassroots Music Venue Support Scheme 2025.

Tickets are available from www.kavanaghsportlaoise.com