Cork folk songwriter John Blek brought his The Midnight Ache tour to Cleere’s Bar and Theatre in Kilkenny on February 6th, delivering a sold-out seated show. The intimate setting suited Blek’s deeply personal songwriting perfectly, creating a warm atmosphere where every lyric landed and every story resonated.
Opening the night was Co. Wexford duo Novatone, Mark McCorry and Ann Marie Walsh who treated the attentive crowd to a beautifully crafted six song set. Tracks such as ”Spotlight”, ”Remembrance Day”, and ”Sunny Day” showcased their delicate harmonies and thoughtful songwriting, setting the tone for the evening. Their performance was understated yet confident, drawing listeners in with a gentle emotional pull that earned generous applause and clearly won over new fans.
When John Blek took the stage, he was greeted with an enthusiastic welcome, and from the outset it was clear the audience was fully on board for whatever journey he had planned. Blek delivered a generous sixteen-song set with no encore needed, weaving together material from The Midnight Ache alongside older favorites. Songs like ”Cormorant”, ”Empty Pockets”, ”The Body”, ”Arno’s Song”, and ”Black & Blue” were met with rapt attention, each one highlighting his gift for evocative storytelling and melodic simplicity.
As always, Blek’s between song banter was a highlight in itself. His dry humor and self deprecating charm had the audience laughing out loud at several points, with many tracks introduced by amusing or heartfelt anecdotes that added extra depth to the performances. These moments of levity balanced beautifully with the emotional weight of his songs, creating a dynamic and engaging flow throughout the set.
The seated, sold out crowd contributed hugely to the night’s success, listening respectfully during quieter moments and responding with genuine warmth after each song. There was a shared sense of appreciation in the room for the music, for the stories, and for the rare chance to experience such an intimate performance.
John Blek once again proved why he remains one of Ireland’s most compelling folk songwriters, delivering a performance that was honest, funny, moving, and deeply memorable. Cleere’s provided the perfect backdrop for a special evening.
Novatone photos & set-list:
Set-list:
Spotlight
Golden Letters
Wanted
It’s Ok Darling
Remembrance Day
Sunny Day
John Blek photos & set-list:
Set-list:
Forest Song
Lovelorn
Cormorant
Mr. Misery
Lace
Empty Pockets
Country Mile
Lightness vs. Weight
The Body
Long Strand
‘Til The Rivers Run Dry
With You
Arnos’s Song
Black & Blue
Cheer Up
Lyric & Air
Photos & words – Ian Mc Donnell @mcgigmusic