For all the years I have lived in Dublin, I never knew that the Iveagh Gardens existed until last week. What brought me there was to hear Paloma Faith in concert and what a night!

Iveagh Gardens is like a hidden pearl nestled at the back of the Concert Hall and stretching across to Harcourt Street. It is a designer setting for a concert. The performance opened with Candi Staton who won her first Grammy in 1971!. Cut out of the same mould as Tina Turner, she belted out old Elvis Presley classics as well as her own successes. She was some supporting act to have, and Paloma Faith had the good grace to recognise it.

Paloma Faith describes her roots as Cabaret and Jazz. That’s probably what makes her such a natural performer. Despite the pouring rain, her songs radiated through the crowd. Not a grumble was heard. Even a sound failure didn’t phase her. She had a natural banter and an infectious enthusiasm for her work.

Her song “Do you want the truth or something beautiful?” could have been the theme tune for politics in Ireland up to 2007. The public were given an unrelenting message of how beautiful everything was. Those who questioned were treated with contempt. Sadly that cabaret is now over and we have to come to terms with the truth!

However the real message is that she is a treat to see live. She promises a further live tour in November. Put it in your planner!