Auntie Annie's Porterhouse

Eugene McPeake & The UAC: Summer Nights

On a hot summer night in Belfast on Saturday 9th June Eugene McPeake & The Urban Arts Centre (UAC) played to an eager crowd in Auntie Annie’s on the Dublin Road.

For generations of folk music enthusiasts the name of the McPeake Family of Belfast has stood for one of the most distinctive sounds in Irish music. A tradition which is now continued by Eugene McPeake, a fourth generation member of this world-famous musical dynasty, touring throughout the UK, America and Europe.

Eugene has now put together a new band, which is unique in the world of music with its fusion of contemporary rhythms and styles. There are no musical borders that the band does not cross. Eugene McPeake’s unique approach to blending Irish traditional, with rock and blues has generated widespread interest.

Shortly after 8 o’clock the crowds started to flock into the venue to see this show.  The night kicked off with the compare for the evening a very comical lady, Ruth Curran, who entertained the crowd with her one liners and unique personality.  Support Acts included Michael Parker, Chris Henry and a trio led by Danny McHugh. Then the wait was finally over and Eugene McPeake took to the stage with members of the Urban Arts Centre (UAC). 

By this time you could feel that this was what everyone was waiting for, the atmosphere was electric and the show did not disappoint. They started off their set with Daily Grind a fast paced song, giving the audience a taste of things to come.  Bar a few excellent covers the whole show was comprised of new material but by the end of each song the crowd had joined in with big choruses that made the evening feel like the crowd were singing their favourite songs rather than just a new album. The finale came with a performance of the title track of the new EP that was on sale that night called Summer Nights, this track turned into an anthem straight away as the whole audience started to sing and dance along whenever the chorus came up.   

The audience for this show barely sat down all night, and left on a high from all the music and dancing. I am genuinely so glad I went to this show, the whole experience was awesome.  I bought the new Summer Nights CD and am now definitely looking forward to hearing more original tracks from Eugene McPeake and the UAC, hopefully there will be another show in the near future. They are definitely worth looking out for.

There is an official facebook group with some extra information, it can be found at

http://www.facebook.com/?ref=tn_tnmn#!/groups/424980290863346/

or

http://www.eugenemcpeake.com/

love this place so much and its a nice chilled out wee pad.theres no hassel,nice peeps and ive always enjoyed my experience there

great little bar,always plays good music and attracts some great up and coming bands

This bar is for the younger crowd. Music is too loud although staff are friendly!

Not a huge place and does get pretty busy but always has a great atmosphere great place to go on the weekends if u want aome alternative music.

This place is really popular with the student crowd, as well as those of us that are past our student days but never fell out of love with the place.

Its small and the decor is nothing fancy but i always go back here for the atmosphere. Its laid back and theres nothing pretentious about the place. Its a great place to go in the evening for a drink with friends, and enjoy the live music. I like coming here for lunch as well, and have to agree with the other reviewers that the chicken goujons are gorgeous. I’d love to be able to comment on the rest of the menu but i can never manage to talk myself out of ordering those goujons lol

auntie annies does some of the best food in belfast and definetly the best food in this part of the city. i use to go here every other day for my lunch and it was beautiful. your food is served really quickly and the staff are nice and polite. the prices were good with lunch coming in at about £7 which was before drinks. they do put on a wide selection of food, and it is always busy here at lunch time. i would say the best time to come here is in the afternoon when it is quieter, as i think they do some promos at this time to get more customers in. there are other really nice bars close by if you fancy something different after a meal or even if you have had a drink here

Auntie Annies is perfect for weekday pub lunches. The food is great quality, value and good sized portions. I highly recommend the chicken goujons!

It is a small bar and it does get quite full, but the atmosphere is fantastic and you always see someone you know. Good venue to meet friends or on the other hand to meet new people!!! Great craic always!!!

Aunt Annie is a venue that launched many a fledgling Ulster musician. It is a good wee bar and always is packed with people and atmosphere.

Gigs here are always very special and you really get close to the music. The staff do their job and don’t get in the way so that is always a positive thing in my book.

Location wise it is generally easy to find. You should get a parking space without too much difficulty and you can get a taxi from many spots nearby.

Young crowd so expect that when you turn up, but a good venue.

Auntie aunnies is good for a quiet drink during the day, Staff are friendly and helpful and so are any of the people ive ever met there. Ski bunny is worth a visit, the music is good, though it can get crowded as its small. Food is awesome. Alcohol can be overpriced though.

The lunches in here are gorgeous! I always get either the chicken goujons or Irish Stew MMmmmmm :) Interior really traditional & homely & staff are lovely! Can be quite busy though but good for a quiet drink during the day! Good music on different nights & reasonably priced!

Small but perfectly formed. Alternative bar with a great mix of people. Very hard to get a seat but well worth a visit. Prices maybe slightly on the expensive side.

Ski Bunny upstairs is well worth a go. Again, small, but the tunes are blinding and it’s dark enough to convince yourself that bloke really DOES look like Jude Law…