We’ve just finished our Friday brunch and are reluctant to call it a day, where to go next we wonder? Rumour has it there’s a new band at The Tavern, so we go along to see for ourselves.

 

We walk in through the Tavern doors early Friday evening, to a party that’s already in full swing. It seems that we’re not the only brunchers out on the town – revellers dance to Chavela’s cover of Detroit Rock City as other’s toe-tap along.

 

Our first impressions of double act Veronica Mroczek and Ariel Garcia are that they exude charisma and absolutely love performing. They welcome back regular customers while asking new visitors for song requests. They play one of our favourite songs; U2’s With or Without You, followed by a fantastic rocked up version of The Cranberries’ Zombie and it’s no surprise to learn Chavela spent two years performing at an Irish establishment in Doha.

 

Next the duo belt out Highway to Hell. Veronica is a petite lady with a huge voice, she does most of the singing while her sidekick Ariel plays the electric guitar. “What’s next?” they ask the crowd and somebody shouts ‘Bob Marley’. Without hesitation the couple launch into One Love and we’re amazed, this band is equally as comfortable playing AC/DC as Bob Marley and can switch styles in seconds. This is pretty impressive because it means that no matter what your musical preferences are Chavela can play to suit your tastes.

 

Whether you’re looking for a post-brunch hoolie or fancy some live music with a quiet mid-week beverage – The Tavern is the place to go.

 

Catriona Doherty

What? Chavela

Where? The Tavern, Sheraton Hotel & Resort, Corniche Road

When: 8pm to 12am on Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, 10.30pm to 12am on Monday, 4.30pm to 10.30pm on Friday, off on Saturday

Contact: 02 677 3333

We say: A fantastic addition to the city's social scene