Bernard Shaw Block Party: Erol Alkan, A.M.C + Phantom

Erol Alkan is the kind of DJ who doesn’t fit into a single genre description and is better for it. He made his name at Trash, the legendary London club night that blurred the lines between indie, post-punk and electronic music. Since then he’s played everywhere from Fabric to Glastonbury, produced records for bands like Klaxons and Late of the Pier, and continued to evolve his sets in a way that most selectors don’t. Getting him to Dublin is a proper booking.

A.M.C is one of drum and bass’s more respected names, with a career spanning two decades and releases on Metalheadz, RAM Records and his own label. Phantom rounds out the bill.

What to Expect

The Racket Space is the large venue attached to The Bernard Shaw in Phibsborough, near Cross Guns Bridge. It’s one of the better late-night venues in Dublin’s north inner city - decent sound system, a crowd that actually knows the music it’s there to hear, and the kind of space that works for extended DJ sets.

This runs from 10pm through to late, so it’s firmly a late-night affair. Bring that energy accordingly.

Erol Alkan’s sets tend to move between tempos and genres in ways that keep you guessing. He’s not a DJ who picks a lane and stays there. A.M.C brings the drum and bass weight. The combination should make for an interesting night of contrasts rather than four hours of the same thing.

Good to Know

• Doors at 10pm - this runs late
• The Racket Space has both indoor and outdoor areas (weather dependent)
• Over 18s only
• The Bernard Shaw bar opens earlier in the evening if you want to arrive for drinks first
• Book tickets in advance - Erol Alkan appearances in Dublin don’t come around often

Getting There

The Racket Space is at Cross Guns Bridge, Dublin 9, near the Phibsborough end of the North Circular Road. Dublin Bus routes 1, 13, and 40 connect Phibsborough to the city centre. It’s about 25 minutes on foot from O’Connell Street, or a short taxi ride from the north inner city. Parking is limited on weekend nights in this area.