Bonnie Raitt: A Celebration with Susan Tomelty at The Purty Kitchen

Bonnie Raitt is one of those artists who spent decades building a reputation among people who really know their music before the wider world caught up with her. The slide guitar, the voice that sounds like it comes from somewhere deep and lived-in, the song choices across blues, folk and rock that were always interesting. Susan Tomelty is one of Ireland’s better interpreters of this kind of material - warm, unpretentious, with the vocal authority the songs demand.

This is a one-night celebration of Raitt’s catalogue at The Purty Kitchen in Dún Laoghaire, with Susan Tomelty and guests.

What to Expect

Bonnie Raitt’s catalogue gives a band a lot to work with. Something to Talk About, I Can’t Make You Love Me, Nick of Time, Have a Heart, Luck of the Draw - the songs hold up, and in the right hands they translate beautifully to a live pub setting.

The Purty Kitchen on Old Dunleary Road is a proper Dún Laoghaire institution. It’s a spacious, comfortable venue that’s been hosting live music for years, and the crowd that comes to shows here tends to be there for the music rather than the noise. That suits a Bonnie Raitt tribute well.

This is a good night for anyone who wants to hear blues-informed music played with care in a room with a real pub atmosphere. Bring friends who appreciate a proper singer.

Good to Know

• Doors and bar from 7pm, show at 8pm
• The Purty Kitchen is a full pub venue with bar service throughout
• Seating available - arrive early if you want a table
• Dún Laoghaire is well worth the journey if you don’t regularly get south of the canal

Getting There

The Purty Kitchen is on Old Dunleary Road in Dún Laoghaire, a short walk from Dún Laoghaire DART station. The DART runs regularly from Connolly, Tara Street, Pearse, and stations along the south coast. From the city centre the journey takes about 25 minutes. Dublin Bus route 46A also serves the area. If you’re driving, Dún Laoghaire has several car parks within walking distance of Old Dunleary Road.