Top line-up for series of intimate gigs at John Lee's Bar in Tullamore

John Lee's Bar in Tullamore is preparing to host a series of five intimate gigs, commencing on Saturday, August 23, showcasing some of Ireland's established independent artists along with local emerging talent.

The series of performances at the Tullamore venue, entitled 'Autumnal Blooms', are being part-funded by the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport.

The first event on August 23 features the acclaimed Tolu Makay, a Nigerian-Irish singer/songwriter who lived in Tullamore before starting on her musical career. An alternative pop and soul singer, she fuses gospel undertones, R&B textures and a fearless emotional core that speaks to transformation, resilience and the search for self.

Also performing on the night will be other local acts Sorcha Fahy and Olivia Burke two of Tullamore’s rising stars on the independent music scene with original songs to savour.

Sorcha released her latest single in June and is making a name for herself with recent guest slots with other established acts while Olivia is busy writing her own material for her debut album.

The second gig is on Sunday September 21 and features Daoiri Farrell from Dublin, an All- Ireland Champion singer at the 2013 Fleadh Cheoil and the winner of 2 BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards.

Playing an Irish bouzouki, he is one of the most important traditional singers to emerge in the last decade with an effortless, instinctive natural style.

Special guest on the night is local talent Hubert Murray who has a voice bursting from the soul and is influenced by the songs of John Martyn, Beck and Jeff Buckley amongst others.

On Saturday September 27, an alternative music special event will take place with local acts Fierce Shook featuring the Holmes brothers and Rob Moore all from Tullamore but based in Dublin playing tracks from their new mini album which combines punk, surfer rock and unexpected experimentation with some incredible song writing.

Also on the bill are Carpark Sci Fi (aka Gav Cowley) from Tullamore who has been developing a way of expressing his talent through music, song and visual art which he projects onto a screen throughout his set.

From Limerick ZKELLIES will bring their high-octane live performance-focused dance music project describes as techno music made by hand and foot with no backing tracks, sequencers or click tracks.

To finish the series of gigs Lee’s bar brings some of Irelands top performers in the guise of Liam O Maonlai (Hothouse flowers) and Ronan O Snodaigh (Kila) on Friday, October 3 and The Frank and Walters Acoustic on Saturday October 4.

This is a rare chance to witness acts of this calibre in such an intimate setting up-close and in-person and with a special reduced-price weekend ticket for the two gigs or individual ones.

With special guests on Friday, Neil Moran and the Still House from Kilbeggan and Luke Finn and friends playing some trad to start the night while on Saturday Killeigh girl Dubh Lee will perform her new single amongst other tracks before The Frank and Walters Acoustic and opening the show will be local legends Joe and Richie Mooney. Other acts to be added across the five nights.