So, what’s new in town then? Not a bad week actually, with a few good gigs in Bon Iver tonight and the Villagers, The Poor Mouth in the Project and Eithne Jordan’s new Exhibition in the RHA.

Art – Eithne Jordan’s new exhibition ‘Street’ opens at the RHA (Thurs 15th), I love her haunting images of empty urban landscapes. John Beattie opens in the same venue on the same night! Alice Maher‘s show at IMMA (Earlsfort Terrace) is really impressive, especially some of the video pieces and is heavily recommended. The Sidney Nolan exhibition is at IMMA Kilmainham. Merlin James is nearing his end at the Kerlin. David Quinn is at the Taylor Gallery until the 17th. Hibernation (Group show) is at the Oliver Sears. Fergus Feehily and Nina Canell finish in the Douglas Hyde this Wednesday.

Theatre – Dorian Gray continues at the Abbey! The Poor Mouth by Blue Raincoat starts tonight at the Project, and continues until the 24th (Expect a review on Thursday). Text Message is on in the Cube at the Project. Cousin Rachel returns to the Gate this Wednesday and will be around for the Christmas!

Movies – The French Film Festival starts Sunday at the IFI and looks disappointing small! The Paul Thomas Anderson season continues at the Lighthouse, and the big release of the week is The Master, which will be everywhere!

Books – Dublin Book Festival starts tomorrow, and will largely take place in Smock Alley! Red Line book festival is on, with a number of interesting looking events, including a Crime night with John Connolly in the Civic Theatre.

Burlesque – Dublin Burlesque festival starts at the Sugar Club and should be quite a show!

Gigs – It’s a pretty good week for gigs, nearly too many to pick from Rufus, Bon Iver, the Villagers and if you want something from left field, how about Beak>.