Bard, ethnographer, Irish language enthusiast, multi-instrumentalist, stylish singer-songwriter, hailed ‘the Voice of Cork’, Jimmy Crowley has been a central figure in the Irish folk scene since the enthusiastic reception of his debut album The Boys of Fairhill in 1977. With his band Stokers Lodge Jimmy brought the street ballads of Cork city to prominence. Recognised for his skill on double-stringed instruments like the bouzouki, mando-cello, dordán, mandola and mandolin, Jimmy has worked with the greats of Irish folk music, Tríona Ní Dhómhnaill, Declan Sinnott, Christy Moore and Dónal Lunny. This concert tour marks the release of his eleventh album, Irish Eyes, and is a swing-jazz reverential treatment of John Mc Cormack, Bing Crosby and a body of Irish-American songs which Crowley feels are part of the legacy of Irish song.

 

From the company that brought you Austen’s Women and I, Elizabeth, Dyad Productions return to Mermaid for the third January in a row with their five-star hit at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, The Diaries of Adam and Eve. In this witty and modern adaptation of Mark Twain’s affectionate satire, Adam and Eve – the world’s first couple – confront their many differences to find successful ways of living and loving together. Whether they’re creating language, inventing fire, taming nature, or discovering love and death, what they learn about each other on the way will be familiar and funny to anyone who has ever experienced a close relationship.Tempted? Performed by Rebecca Vaughan and Elton Townend Jones, and directed by award-winning Guy Masterson.

 

Top-drawer Cajun sounds with added Rockabilly swagger The Cajun music tradition is one of the most protected in American roots music, a heritage handed down through generations and along the branches of the family tree. It was therefore something of a given that Sarah Savoy would follow the family trade--Pop is Marc Savoy, the eminent musician and the leading accordion maker in Louisiana, while Mom is Ann Savoy, another acclaimed musician and the author of Cajun Music: A Reflection of A People. Not that young Sarah is merely the current caretaker of a trapped-in-amber tradition. Although her band is undeniably a Cajun outfit (plenty of mournful fiddle and wheezing accordion), she also occasionally injects her sound with the twang of Western Swing and the strut of rockabilly. The result is a winning lesson in how to freshen up a tradition while keeping a firm grasp of its roots.

 

Now one of Ireland’s most enduringly popular artists, it all began when he was 11 and his father asked him whether he’d prefer a guitar or a harmonica for Christmas. Paul chose the guitar, starting him on the road that would lead to him to become one of Ireland’s most celebrated musicians. He has created more than his fair share of iconic songs – Hard Station, Get Back to the Centre, The Island, Nobody Knows, Crazy Dreams, Busted Loose and Steel Claw. His new album Hoooba Dooba presents a Paul Brady in top-class form; the title offers a clue as to his current state of mind, both in music and in life. You don’t go calling an album Hooba Dooba unless you’re at ease with the world and at ease in your own skin. Tickets are sure to sell very quickly for this chance to see one of Ireland’s finest in the intimate setting of Mermaid’s Auditorium.

 

Now one of Ireland’s most enduringly popular artists, it all began when he was 11 and his father asked him whether he’d prefer a guitar or a harmonica for Christmas. Paul chose the guitar, starting him on the road that would lead to him to become one of Ireland’s most celebrated musicians. He has created more than his fair share of iconic songs – Hard Station, Get Back to the Centre, The Island, Nobody Knows, Crazy Dreams, Busted Loose and Steel Claw. His new album Hoooba Dooba presents a Paul Brady in top-class form; the title offers a clue as to his current state of mind, both in music and in life. You don’t go calling an album Hooba Dooba unless you’re at ease with the world and at ease in your own skin. Tickets are sure to sell very quickly for this chance to see one of Ireland’s finest in the intimate setting of Mermaid’s Auditorium.

 

Declan O’Rourke has been working the music circuit in Ireland for close on a decade. With his growing reputation as a songwriter and his understated charm and quick-wittedness, he makes a welcome return to Mermaid for his now regular New Year appearance. The recent release of his critically acclaimed album Mag Pai Zai managed to top the success of Declan's first two albums, holding its own in the top 10 for four consecutive weeks. ‘His voice is beautiful: a warm, velvety baritone that sometimes sounds like an Irish Rufus Wainwright, sometimes with a touch of Bruce Springsteen, and his songs strike a balance between instant appeal and longevity.’ The Sydney Morning Herald

 

2008 Edinburgh Comedy Award winner, 2010 Hot Press Irish Comedian of the Year, 1990 East Leinster under 14 triple jump bronze medallist, founder member of Destiny's Child, inventor of the iPad, star of 2Fast 2Furious, and until recently he always mispronounced the word 'hyperbole'. The number one ranked person called ‘David O’Doherty’ on Google returns to Mermaid with small keyboards/talking. Unspeakably good.

 

Kim Dickinson and her Band Celebrate the Carpenters - They were the biggest-selling group of the 70s yet the Carpenters were much more than creators of beautifully crafted and hugely successful hit records. Within the space of just a few years their unique and inimitable sound had brought a new dimension to the world of pop music. These pieces of pop perfect are in safe hands with Kim Dickinson, as her fine, expressive voice is often praised for its control, sense of pitch, and the subtle nuances of personal expression she introduces to a melody. Authentic costumes and fully live musicianship are trademarks of this stunning show.

 

Bray Arts invites you to a magnificent evening of live performance; enjoy the particular talents of comedian Reuben Evans, revel in the art of cabaret with Rose Lawless, enjoy the music of two bands, Blind Jackety, and Wyvern Lingo and rounding things off are The Old Codgers, Frank O'Keeffe and Justin Aylmer. The MC for the night is the Racker Donnelly. Get the best of Bray in a single sitting live performance.

 

If you dream of a Blues Christmas then this is the perfect show for you. Well known local bluesman Brian Meakin returns to Mermaid, this time joined by NC Lawlor, Dublin based Americana slide guitarist, singer and harmonica player. These gifted musicians, joined by Brian’s band, will perform a repertoire of songs, in a range of music styles that will thrill and delight audiences. Expect some surprise guests too.

 

Currently, the most popular and successful Irish trio, these star performers will treat you to a fabulous night of ‘popular hit songs & laughter’ ! Joined by a Star Violinist, Ireland’s Hottest trio Declan Kelly, David Martin, Morgan Crowley, with their amazing voices and friendly down-to-earth approach, will give you a special night to remember!

 

Using the metaphor of the Unbuilding architectural intervention in the Mermaid Arts Centre, the artist Maria McKinney worked with Bray transition year students to make new work that explored themes of passing the time, idling and doing nothing. Together they have made a collaborative body of work including sculpture, video and installation to be exhibited in the gallery. Maria McKinney received a BA from University of Ulster in 2005. Solo shows include The Lab, Dublin (2010) and Context Gallery, Derry and Ballina Arts Centre, Co. Mayo (both in 2008). Her work is concerned with ideas of boredom and escapism. Working with familiar objects and materials such as the products or tools of mass consumption; her work aims to draw out an underlying significance through a systematic process of intervention. McKinney considers the physicality of the chosen items as well as their habitual use or purpose.

 

Enchanting and evocative, Mozart’s final operatic masterpiece The Magic Flute, is a lyrical love story, set against a backdrop of fantasy and mischief. Celebrating 25 years of touring opera throughout Ireland, Opera Theatre Company is delighted to return with an opera full of magic, myth and wonderful Mozart music. The sublime score ripples with charm; from the stratospheric arias of the Queen of the Night, to the glorious melodies of Papageno, both reflecting Mozart’s dramatic genius and love for life. Sung in English and directed by Annilese Miskimmon, Opera Theatre Company’s chamber ensemble performs the captivating score. Cast includes: Owen Gilhooly, Emma Morwood, Mary O’Sullivan, Marcella Walsh, Laurence Thackeray, Eoin Hynes, Nathan Morrison.

 

Using the metaphor of the Unbuilding architectural intervention in the Mermaid Arts Centre, the artist Maria McKinney worked with Bray transition year students to make new work that explored themes of passing the time, idling and doing nothing. Together they have made a collaborative body of work including sculpture, video and installation to be exhibited in the gallery. Maria McKinney received a BA from University of Ulster in 2005. Solo shows include The Lab, Dublin (2010) and Context Gallery, Derry and Ballina Arts Centre, Co. Mayo (both in 2008). Her work is concerned with ideas of boredom and escapism. Working with familiar objects and materials such as the products or tools of mass consumption; her work aims to draw out an underlying significance through a systematic process of intervention. McKinney considers the physicality of the chosen items as well as their habitual use or purpose.

 

Using the metaphor of the Unbuilding architectural intervention in the Mermaid Arts Centre, the artist Maria McKinney worked with Bray transition year students to make new work that explored themes of passing the time, idling and doing nothing. Together they have made a collaborative body of work including sculpture, video and installation to be exhibited in the gallery. Maria McKinney received a BA from University of Ulster in 2005. Solo shows include The Lab, Dublin (2010) and Context Gallery, Derry and Ballina Arts Centre, Co. Mayo (both in 2008). Her work is concerned with ideas of boredom and escapism. Working with familiar objects and materials such as the products or tools of mass consumption; her work aims to draw out an underlying significance through a systematic process of intervention. McKinney considers the physicality of the chosen items as well as their habitual use or purpose.

 

After last year’s sellout success of Romeo and Juliet, Ballet Ireland returns with a new full length production - the enthralling tale of Scherherazade based on The One Thousand and One Nights. Betrayed by his former wife, King Shahriyar vows to marry, love and then behead a new bride each night, never to be betrayed again. Having murdered thousands of women, he encounters the beautiful and wise Scheherazade, who pleads to tell him a story before her impending execution. For 1001 nights, he postpones her execution enthralled, as he awaits her next tale of love, hilarity or sorrow. Her enchanting stories bewitch him and he makes her his Queen. Escape the dark December nights and journey into the exotic tale of Scheherazade and the mystique of 1001 Arabian nights!

 

Using the metaphor of the Unbuilding architectural intervention in the Mermaid Arts Centre, the artist Maria McKinney worked with Bray transition year students to make new work that explored themes of passing the time, idling and doing nothing. Together they have made a collaborative body of work including sculpture, video and installation to be exhibited in the gallery. Maria McKinney received a BA from University of Ulster in 2005. Solo shows include The Lab, Dublin (2010) and Context Gallery, Derry and Ballina Arts Centre, Co. Mayo (both in 2008). Her work is concerned with ideas of boredom and escapism. Working with familiar objects and materials such as the products or tools of mass consumption; her work aims to draw out an underlying significance through a systematic process of intervention. McKinney considers the physicality of the chosen items as well as their habitual use or purpose.

 

Using the metaphor of the Unbuilding architectural intervention in the Mermaid Arts Centre, the artist Maria McKinney worked with Bray transition year students to make new work that explored themes of passing the time, idling and doing nothing. Together they have made a collaborative body of work including sculpture, video and installation to be exhibited in the gallery. Maria McKinney received a BA from University of Ulster in 2005. Solo shows include The Lab, Dublin (2010) and Context Gallery, Derry and Ballina Arts Centre, Co. Mayo (both in 2008). Her work is concerned with ideas of boredom and escapism. Working with familiar objects and materials such as the products or tools of mass consumption; her work aims to draw out an underlying significance through a systematic process of intervention. McKinney considers the physicality of the chosen items as well as their habitual use or purpose.

 

Using the metaphor of the Unbuilding architectural intervention in the Mermaid Arts Centre, the artist Maria McKinney worked with Bray transition year students to make new work that explored themes of passing the time, idling and doing nothing. Together they have made a collaborative body of work including sculpture, video and installation to be exhibited in the gallery. Maria McKinney received a BA from University of Ulster in 2005. Solo shows include The Lab, Dublin (2010) and Context Gallery, Derry and Ballina Arts Centre, Co. Mayo (both in 2008). Her work is concerned with ideas of boredom and escapism. Working with familiar objects and materials such as the products or tools of mass consumption; her work aims to draw out an underlying significance through a systematic process of intervention. McKinney considers the physicality of the chosen items as well as their habitual use or purpose.

 

Using the metaphor of the Unbuilding architectural intervention in the Mermaid Arts Centre, the artist Maria McKinney worked with Bray transition year students to make new work that explored themes of passing the time, idling and doing nothing. Together they have made a collaborative body of work including sculpture, video and installation to be exhibited in the gallery. Maria McKinney received a BA from University of Ulster in 2005. Solo shows include The Lab, Dublin (2010) and Context Gallery, Derry and Ballina Arts Centre, Co. Mayo (both in 2008). Her work is concerned with ideas of boredom and escapism. Working with familiar objects and materials such as the products or tools of mass consumption; her work aims to draw out an underlying significance through a systematic process of intervention. McKinney considers the physicality of the chosen items as well as their habitual use or purpose.

 

Using the metaphor of the Unbuilding architectural intervention in the Mermaid Arts Centre, the artist Maria McKinney worked with Bray transition year students to make new work that explored themes of passing the time, idling and doing nothing. Together they have made a collaborative body of work including sculpture, video and installation to be exhibited in the gallery. Maria McKinney received a BA from University of Ulster in 2005. Solo shows include The Lab, Dublin (2010) and Context Gallery, Derry and Ballina Arts Centre, Co. Mayo (both in 2008). Her work is concerned with ideas of boredom and escapism. Working with familiar objects and materials such as the products or tools of mass consumption; her work aims to draw out an underlying significance through a systematic process of intervention. McKinney considers the physicality of the chosen items as well as their habitual use or purpose.

 

Using the metaphor of the Unbuilding architectural intervention in the Mermaid Arts Centre, the artist Maria McKinney worked with Bray transition year students to make new work that explored themes of passing the time, idling and doing nothing. Together they have made a collaborative body of work including sculpture, video and installation to be exhibited in the gallery. Maria McKinney received a BA from University of Ulster in 2005. Solo shows include The Lab, Dublin (2010) and Context Gallery, Derry and Ballina Arts Centre, Co. Mayo (both in 2008). Her work is concerned with ideas of boredom and escapism. Working with familiar objects and materials such as the products or tools of mass consumption; her work aims to draw out an underlying significance through a systematic process of intervention. McKinney considers the physicality of the chosen items as well as their habitual use or purpose.

 

Using the metaphor of the Unbuilding architectural intervention in the Mermaid Arts Centre, the artist Maria McKinney worked with Bray transition year students to make new work that explored themes of passing the time, idling and doing nothing. Together they have made a collaborative body of work including sculpture, video and installation to be exhibited in the gallery. Maria McKinney received a BA from University of Ulster in 2005. Solo shows include The Lab, Dublin (2010) and Context Gallery, Derry and Ballina Arts Centre, Co. Mayo (both in 2008). Her work is concerned with ideas of boredom and escapism. Working with familiar objects and materials such as the products or tools of mass consumption; her work aims to draw out an underlying significance through a systematic process of intervention. McKinney considers the physicality of the chosen items as well as their habitual use or purpose.

 

Using the metaphor of the Unbuilding architectural intervention in the Mermaid Arts Centre, the artist Maria McKinney worked with Bray transition year students to make new work that explored themes of passing the time, idling and doing nothing. Together they have made a collaborative body of work including sculpture, video and installation to be exhibited in the gallery. Maria McKinney received a BA from University of Ulster in 2005. Solo shows include The Lab, Dublin (2010) and Context Gallery, Derry and Ballina Arts Centre, Co. Mayo (both in 2008). Her work is concerned with ideas of boredom and escapism. Working with familiar objects and materials such as the products or tools of mass consumption; her work aims to draw out an underlying significance through a systematic process of intervention. McKinney considers the physicality of the chosen items as well as their habitual use or purpose.

 

Wicklow based musicians, dynamic Congolese guitarist Niwel Tsumbu and highly regarded composer and Aosdana member Roger Doyle come together for the last concert of a four part series marking their residency in Mermaid Arts Centre this year. The series has seen a meeting of minds of two very distinctive voices on the Irish music scene. This concert promises some surprises and an exhilarating and rhythmic evening of collaboration, improvisation and new music composed specifically for the concert.

 

Using the metaphor of the Unbuilding architectural intervention in the Mermaid Arts Centre, the artist Maria McKinney worked with Bray transition year students to make new work that explored themes of passing the time, idling and doing nothing. Together they have made a collaborative body of work including sculpture, video and installation to be exhibited in the gallery. Maria McKinney received a BA from University of Ulster in 2005. Solo shows include The Lab, Dublin (2010) and Context Gallery, Derry and Ballina Arts Centre, Co. Mayo (both in 2008). Her work is concerned with ideas of boredom and escapism. Working with familiar objects and materials such as the products or tools of mass consumption; her work aims to draw out an underlying significance through a systematic process of intervention. McKinney considers the physicality of the chosen items as well as their habitual use or purpose.

 

Using the metaphor of the Unbuilding architectural intervention in the Mermaid Arts Centre, the artist Maria McKinney worked with Bray transition year students to make new work that explored themes of passing the time, idling and doing nothing. Together they have made a collaborative body of work including sculpture, video and installation to be exhibited in the gallery. Maria McKinney received a BA from University of Ulster in 2005. Solo shows include The Lab, Dublin (2010) and Context Gallery, Derry and Ballina Arts Centre, Co. Mayo (both in 2008). Her work is concerned with ideas of boredom and escapism. Working with familiar objects and materials such as the products or tools of mass consumption; her work aims to draw out an underlying significance through a systematic process of intervention. McKinney considers the physicality of the chosen items as well as their habitual use or purpose.

 

Dario Fo, one of Italy's most important living playwrights, shows us some remarkable episodes from the life of one of the world's best-loved saints, Saint Francis of Assisi. Francis the Holy Jester is a delightful slice of life in medieval Italy but full of relevance to our lives today. The tale brings together courtiers, Popes, Cardinals, generals and peasants, saints and sinners, and Jesus himself in a great pageant of characters brought to life through a remarkable performance that sparks the imagination and delights the soul. ‘This production is the most entertaining and funny history lesson you could hope to see, given a captivating performance by the charismatic Pirovano.’ David Chadderton ***** British Theatre Guide

 

Using the metaphor of the Unbuilding architectural intervention in the Mermaid Arts Centre, the artist Maria McKinney worked with Bray transition year students to make new work that explored themes of passing the time, idling and doing nothing. Together they have made a collaborative body of work including sculpture, video and installation to be exhibited in the gallery. Maria McKinney received a BA from University of Ulster in 2005. Solo shows include The Lab, Dublin (2010) and Context Gallery, Derry and Ballina Arts Centre, Co. Mayo (both in 2008). Her work is concerned with ideas of boredom and escapism. Working with familiar objects and materials such as the products or tools of mass consumption; her work aims to draw out an underlying significance through a systematic process of intervention. McKinney considers the physicality of the chosen items as well as their habitual use or purpose.

 

Using the metaphor of the Unbuilding architectural intervention in the Mermaid Arts Centre, the artist Maria McKinney worked with Bray transition year students to make new work that explored themes of passing the time, idling and doing nothing. Together they have made a collaborative body of work including sculpture, video and installation to be exhibited in the gallery. Maria McKinney received a BA from University of Ulster in 2005. Solo shows include The Lab, Dublin (2010) and Context Gallery, Derry and Ballina Arts Centre, Co. Mayo (both in 2008). Her work is concerned with ideas of boredom and escapism. Working with familiar objects and materials such as the products or tools of mass consumption; her work aims to draw out an underlying significance through a systematic process of intervention. McKinney considers the physicality of the chosen items as well as their habitual use or purpose.

 

Using the metaphor of the Unbuilding architectural intervention in the Mermaid Arts Centre, the artist Maria McKinney worked with Bray transition year students to make new work that explored themes of passing the time, idling and doing nothing. Together they have made a collaborative body of work including sculpture, video and installation to be exhibited in the gallery. Maria McKinney received a BA from University of Ulster in 2005. Solo shows include The Lab, Dublin (2010) and Context Gallery, Derry and Ballina Arts Centre, Co. Mayo (both in 2008). Her work is concerned with ideas of boredom and escapism. Working with familiar objects and materials such as the products or tools of mass consumption; her work aims to draw out an underlying significance through a systematic process of intervention. McKinney considers the physicality of the chosen items as well as their habitual use or purpose.

 

Join in a free fun-filled family day at Betelnut Café in Mermaid Arts Centre. There will be face-painting, cupcake decorating and two fantastic Kidding Ensemble 20-minute family shows: Magic Clowns (3:30pm): Yoyo and Gigi love to play, and when they do, you are in for a good laugh! Today Yoyo came up with amazing magic tricks ready to dazzle your eyes, but her assistant Gigi is not the cleverest... Monstrous Love (4:30pm): Join us for a beautiful and hilarious storytelling and puppet show. Monstrous Love is the story of a shy monster, Bigidiot, wanting to win the heart of Lezardskin, a beautiful witch with long sticky hair and little squinty green eyes. But what would it take for her to fall in love?

 

Using the metaphor of the Unbuilding architectural intervention in the Mermaid Arts Centre, the artist Maria McKinney worked with Bray transition year students to make new work that explored themes of passing the time, idling and doing nothing. Together they have made a collaborative body of work including sculpture, video and installation to be exhibited in the gallery. Maria McKinney received a BA from University of Ulster in 2005. Solo shows include The Lab, Dublin (2010) and Context Gallery, Derry and Ballina Arts Centre, Co. Mayo (both in 2008). Her work is concerned with ideas of boredom and escapism. Working with familiar objects and materials such as the products or tools of mass consumption; her work aims to draw out an underlying significance through a systematic process of intervention. McKinney considers the physicality of the chosen items as well as their habitual use or purpose.

 

Using the metaphor of the Unbuilding architectural intervention in the Mermaid Arts Centre, the artist Maria McKinney worked with Bray transition year students to make new work that explored themes of passing the time, idling and doing nothing. Together they have made a collaborative body of work including sculpture, video and installation to be exhibited in the gallery. Maria McKinney received a BA from University of Ulster in 2005. Solo shows include The Lab, Dublin (2010) and Context Gallery, Derry and Ballina Arts Centre, Co. Mayo (both in 2008). Her work is concerned with ideas of boredom and escapism. Working with familiar objects and materials such as the products or tools of mass consumption; her work aims to draw out an underlying significance through a systematic process of intervention. McKinney considers the physicality of the chosen items as well as their habitual use or purpose.

 

Before his death in 2007, Christie Hennessy had hoped to tell his own story on stage. As a tribute to him, and using Christie’s musical hero Al Jolson as a catalyst, director Ray Yeates, playwright Seán McCarthy and performer Aonghus McAnally created this special show featuring Christie’s greatest hits and a live band. Christie Hennessy was inspired by Al Jolson from his childhood in Tralee to his tours of folk clubs in England in the 1970s. Now Jolson returns the compliment, comparing the love and affection that Hennessy inspired to the blockbusting recognition and fame he himself achieved. Was it worth it? What is the price of success and fame? Here, from their new perspective, both men give their different views on music, family and their two very different legacies.

 

Using the metaphor of the Unbuilding architectural intervention in the Mermaid Arts Centre, the artist Maria McKinney worked with Bray transition year students to make new work that explored themes of passing the time, idling and doing nothing. Together they have made a collaborative body of work including sculpture, video and installation to be exhibited in the gallery. Maria McKinney received a BA from University of Ulster in 2005. Solo shows include The Lab, Dublin (2010) and Context Gallery, Derry and Ballina Arts Centre, Co. Mayo (both in 2008). Her work is concerned with ideas of boredom and escapism. Working with familiar objects and materials such as the products or tools of mass consumption; her work aims to draw out an underlying significance through a systematic process of intervention. McKinney considers the physicality of the chosen items as well as their habitual use or purpose.

 

Bray Traveller Community Development Group has been working with local Traveller women to document their stories, both past and present, resulting in the book Beoirs Stories, Beoirs being the cant word for women. These stories document a small part of the heritage and traditions that are unique to Traveller culture, in the hope of preserving them for their children and grandchildren. Renowned storyteller Jess Smith is herself a traveller of Irish descent and will travel from Scotland especially to work on this exciting project. Jess will help facilitate these fledging yarn-spinners in the telling of their own stories on stage offering audiences a fascinating insight into a world rarely seen.

 

Known as ‘Master of the Tales’ Niall de Burca is undoubtedly one of Ireland’s finest storytellers. Described as both captivating and spell-binding, this family storytelling session with Niall in Mermaid is definitely a date for your diary. Come, discover a world that lies beyond the eyes and ears in the realm of unexplored imagination. Admission for this special event is free but if you have some lose change, you may like to throw it in the bucket for Bray Cancer Support Centre, a registered charity that offers emotional support and practical help to people with cancer and their families.

 

Singing Nina is the fabulous new show brought to you by the Chicago soul Queen, Karen Underwood and her band. Karen brings to you in narration and song the engrossing life story of the great legend Nina Simone, from her struggle against racism and exile from her homeland to her flamboyant and troubled relationships and her poignant later years. Karen sings all the classic Nina songs, 'Missippi Goddamn', 'Sinnerman', 'My Baby' and 'Love me or Leave me' supported by a live band featuring on piano Art O'Laoire, guitar Eoghan Regan, bass Jerome Rimson and drums Bob Jackson. A wonderful night to reminisce, rediscover and to get ‘Feeling Good’.

 

Using the metaphor of the Unbuilding architectural intervention in the Mermaid Arts Centre, the artist Maria McKinney worked with Bray transition year students to make new work that explored themes of passing the time, idling and doing nothing. Together they have made a collaborative body of work including sculpture, video and installation to be exhibited in the gallery. Maria McKinney received a BA from University of Ulster in 2005. Solo shows include The Lab, Dublin (2010) and Context Gallery, Derry and Ballina Arts Centre, Co. Mayo (both in 2008). Her work is concerned with ideas of boredom and escapism. Working with familiar objects and materials such as the products or tools of mass consumption; her work aims to draw out an underlying significance through a systematic process of intervention. McKinney considers the physicality of the chosen items as well as their habitual use or purpose.

 

Using the metaphor of the Unbuilding architectural intervention in the Mermaid Arts Centre, the artist Maria McKinney worked with Bray transition year students to make new work that explored themes of passing the time, idling and doing nothing. Together they have made a collaborative body of work including sculpture, video and installation to be exhibited in the gallery. Maria McKinney received a BA from University of Ulster in 2005. Solo shows include The Lab, Dublin (2010) and Context Gallery, Derry and Ballina Arts Centre, Co. Mayo (both in 2008). Her work is concerned with ideas of boredom and escapism. Working with familiar objects and materials such as the products or tools of mass consumption; her work aims to draw out an underlying significance through a systematic process of intervention. McKinney considers the physicality of the chosen items as well as their habitual use or purpose.

 

Wayne Krantz is as hip as guitar playing gets. The Oregon born player has a big reputation amongst guitarists, his music straddling jazz, rock, funk and various abstract genres. Best known for his work as part of a muscular trio that includes one of the drumming world’s favourite players Keith Carlock and the great Tim Lefebvre on bass, Krantz is an unflinching adventurer and compelling performer.

 

What better way to commemorate the centenary of the birth of legendary gypsy jazz great Django Reinhardt than spending an evening in the company of a group whose music takes his cue with dynamism and vitality from the guitarist’s Hot Club of France. Originally formed by guitarist John Etheridge as a personal tribute to his mentor and inspiration Stephane Grappelli, with whom he worked in the 70’s and early ‘80’s, “Sweet Chorus’ is a must for all fans of melodically inspired swinging acoustic jazz.

 

Lyrical and elegant and possessing dazzling technique, Austrian guitarist Wolfgang Muthspiel teams up with brilliant bassist Larry Grenadier and trumpet player Chris Cheek to present 'drumfree trio'. A player who harnesses the rare combination of accessibility and sophistication has won numerous awards and competitions during a serious and multi-faceted musical career which which kicked off when he graduated 'magna cum laude' from Berklee College in 1989.