Duncairn Centre for Culture and Arts Winter 2015 by Two Digs

THE DUNCAIRN CENTRE FOR CULTURE & ARTS Autumn / Winter Events 2015

The Duncairn Centre for Culture & Arts is a 174 Trust Social Economy Project. The Board of 174 Trust would like to pay special thanks to all our funders; Arts Council NI, DCAL & The Ireland Funds.

WELCOME

Since opening the doors back in May 2014 The Duncairn Centre for Culture and Arts has welcomed more than 40,000 people through its doors. Whilst we are delighted to have welcomed internationally renowned artists, musicians, writers, actors to the centre, most pleasing for all involved at The 174 Trust has been the participation of the local community. We would like to take this opportunity to thank you all for your support and assure you that we will continue working to provide all the people of North Belfast with access to the very highest quality arts and cultural events. We have designed an exciting programme of events and in the progress increased the number and variety of workshops, concerts and courses to ensure we continue to meet your requests. We hope that you find something of interest and that we will have an opportunity to get to know you over the coming months. We would like to thank all our Funders & Donors whose help and support is invaluable. ACNI, Belfast City Council, American Ireland Funds and DCAL. We would also like to issue an open invitation to artists and arts organisations to get in touch to explore ways in which we can work with you here at the Duncairn. Lastly, if anyone would like to join the volunteer team here at the Duncairn, we would be delighted to hear from you (16yr+).

REGISTRATION & PRICING

Beginning in September we will offer a variety of classes and courses each week from Monday to Thursday. It is extremely important for The Duncairn Arts Team that we provide everyone with the opportunity to engage in the arts and to develop the Duncairn’s reputation as a shared space arts facility for all of our communities. please note: To ensure that participants get the most from the chosen activity we have a limit on the number of places available in each class/course so please book early. Where possible we have capped ticket prices for all our performance evenings at £10.00. We have also introduced a series of free Sunday Morning events. The majority of our classes and courses have been costed at £25 per person and we will also offer concessionary rates and limited free places. For terms and conditions, please contact us at reception@174trust.org or call 028 90 747 114.

WELCOME CAFE KREM Owner Sé Gorman explains:

We are delighted to announce another coup for the Duncairn and welcome the multi award winning Cafe Krem to North Belfast. The guys have already put their own stamp on the cafe and catering at the Centre with chill out sofa areas, kiddies corner, loads of art work on the walls, instruments for the customers to pick up and play and most importantly fantastic food and superb coffees and specialty teas. It is a treat to walk in to the cafe and immediately smell freshly made breakfasts, baked bread, scones, croissants and roasted coffee. The guys will be opening from early morning and in the evenings for events so please drop by and say hello.

Café Krem who are the new operators of the café space in the Duncairn Cultural and Arts Centre on Belfast’s Antrim Road know what coffee is all about. They are in their 15th year of brewing great coffee, starting back at a time when burnt beans and soapy slop was the norm, Krem made every cappuccino and espresso with care and precision. Their dedication and passion has paid off. Winning barista championships and gaining a reputation for quality has landed this dynamic company contracts in Queen’s University where they have been established for the last seven years, two stores in Newry and most recently as the catering provider for the 174 Trust here in the Duncairn. Take the time to stop in for a morning break or lunch and enjoy the best coffee on the Antrim Road!

DRIVEN BY A PASSION FOR GREAT COFFEE 02

CONTENTS BABYDAY 2015 CLASSES & WORKSHOPS MUSIC & CONCERTS EXHIBITIONS CONTACT

NOW LET’S GET CREATIVE!

07 09–18 19–41 43–45 46

BABYDAY 2015 sunday 27 september babyday breakfast: 10:00–11:30 cafe krem open all day

little lullabies – ni opera (upstairs space) Fun & relaxed mini music sessions 0–18 months 11:00 / 11:45 / 12:30 free Bookings: r.clarke@niopera.com — do re play (back hall in old part of building) Come sing along and twinkle your toes to the beat – music workshop 0–3 months 11:00 / 12:00 (30 mins) £5 family pass (max 4) Bookings: info@dramatime.co.uk — drama time (back hall in old part of building) Express yourself through fun drama, dance & games 14:00 | 3–7 years (30 mins) 15:00 | 8–15 years (30 mins) £2.50 per child Bookings: info@dramatime.co.uk

CLASSES & WORKSHOPS

Classes & Workshops

ALL THINGS CRAFTY IN THE NORTH Craft for beginners with Debbie Young, Bill McBride, and Pauline Matthews monday 21 september 18:30–20:30

No previous experience necessary. All welcome. This 12 week introduction to crafts is designed to engage audiences of all ages and abilities. Over the centuries, Arts and Crafts have factored into the day-to-day lives of every generation. Today, it has become more and more a means of escape for the busy housewife/husband, a tool for creating an atmosphere of bonding and reconciliation, and in more stressful times a fun filled activity used to promote health and wellbeing. During this 2 × 12 week series of workshops participants will be buying into all of the above. Participants will have the opportunity to explore and develop a diverse range of arts and crafts skills and activities delivered by Belfast based facilitators Debbie Young, Bill McBride, and Pauline Matthews. They will also create their own take-home pieces of work and will be invited to exhibit their work at the Duncairn at the end of the series.

£25.00

FIDDLE MAKING 15 week course with Rab Cherry monday 21 september 18:30–21:30 £25.00

We are delighted to welcome back Rab Cherry to the Duncairn for another series of these extremely popular workshops. Belfast born Rab has been making instruments for more than forty years and is recognized not only as one of Ireland’s greatest craftsmen but as an authority of all things to do with Irish fiddle music. Participants will learn, woodworking skills, how to use planes, scrapers, knives, chisels and gouges. Also how to maintain and sharpen these tools, how to prepare and use traditional woodworking glue (hide glue), how to clamp up the various parts of the box fiddle while gluing, making some clamping blocks etc.There will be some background information on the history of box fiddles, which historically have been found all over the world including Ireland and the Appalachians area of the USA. A basic understanding of the function and manufacture of the various parts of a box fiddle will also give an insight into the workings and manufacture of instruments of the violin family. Best of all, everyone will get to make and take away their very own instrument.

Classes & Workshops

IRISH LANGUAGE FOR TOTAL BEGINNERS

This ten week course is aimed at those with no previous know ledge of the language. The experienced tutors will introduce participants to the language in a relaxed and enjoyable way. Subjects covered will include the Irish alphabet, numbers 1–10, basic greetings, giving personal information (name, age, where you live), talking about your family, descriptions, places in town and directions, at the restaurant, shopping, transport, and countries. At the end of the ten weeks all will have developed a beginner’s vocabulary in the outlined topic areas, so that they can communicate at a basic level in the language, understand basic words and phrases and be able to formulate simple sentences.

10 week course with tutor Tarlach Ó’Branagáin monday 21 september 19:00–21:00 donate what you can

IRISH LANGUAGE FOR BEGINNERS LEVEL 2

Beginners level 2 course is for those who have completed level 1, or have only a basic previous knowledge of the language. This class will build basic language skills, the culture and basic grammatical concepts to provide participants with the skills to communicate at a post-beginners level. Subjects covered will include – numbers (up to 100), describing the home/accommodation, booking a hotel, directions, describ ing family members, shopping (currency, change, preference), transport, and weather. Participants will have an increased vocabulary in the topic areas outlined above, enabling them to hold a simple conversation in the language and will understand frequently used words and phrases as well as be able to formulate sentences.

With tutor Fionntán Mac Oitir monday 21 september 19:00–21:00 donate what you can 11

Classes & Workshops

GUITAR CLASSES 10 week course with tutor Ruairí Cunnane monday 21 september 18:30–20:30 £25.00

please note: You will need to have an above beginners’ level of competency for this class. We can supply some instruments but if you have your own please bring it along. The aim of this course is to learn how to accompany Irish music on the guitar. Ruairí uses the standard tuning style for the majority of this course but will also introduce alternative tuning system – DADGAD towards the end of the course, as this is particularly suited to Irish and other Celtic music genres due to its modal nature. The first half of the course will examine the chords, chord structures and strumming patterns of some of the more typical tune types and keys in the Irish tradition: the Jig, Reel, Slip Jig, and Hornpipe, focusing on the keys of D, G, Em and Am. Ruairí then progresses onto other techniques: the use of sliding chords, inversions, bass runs, hammer-on technique, and more complex strumming patterns. This course is an invaluable resource for the guitarist that wants to learn how to play using DADGAD tuning, or for the guitarist who is new to traditional music and would like to learn how to accompany Irish and Scottish music. At the end of the project participants will have the opportunity to perform some the tunes they have learned at one of our Sunday Breakfast Sessions.

Classes & Workshops

BOUZOUKI FOR BEGINNERS 10 week course with tutor Ruairí Cunnane thursday 24 september 18:30–20:30

We can supply some instruments but if you have your own please bring it along. The aim of this course is to learn how to accompany Irish music on the bouzouki. Chords and chord structures, strumming patterns and fingerpicking, counter melody and rhythm will all be examined throughout the course of the twelve lessons. Students will become familiar with the ideology behind traditional Irish music accompaniment: the role of the accompanist in duo or group playing and good session etiquette. Emphasis will be mainly on accompaniment, however counter melody will form an important part of the program. Students who complete this course will have a firm grounding in accompanying Irish music on the bouzouki.

£25.00

NORTHERN PIPERS

Uilleann pipe classes with All Ireland Winning Musicians. beginners: Tuition by Darragh Murphy. intermediate – advanced Tuition by John McSherry.

10 week course with the Northern Pipers’ Society: Traditional Music Tuition monday 21 september 19:30–20:30 enrolment from 19:00 £80.00

Classes & Workshops

CREATIVE WRITING FOR BEGINNERS

Ever wanted to try your hand at writing a short story, play, poem, novel, or even a memoir? Stop thinking about it and get it down on the page. Have you dreamed of being a writer but don’t know how to get started? Come to Duncairn Arts Centre where Playwright, Jo Egan will help you to develop valuable skills to support your evolution as a writer. Participants will be encouraged to use this course to explore the practice of being a writer by:

12 week course with tutor Jo Egan. Places are limited; book early to avoid disappointment!

• Looking at techniques, forms, structure, plot, the use of time, action, characterisation used in developing short stories, plays, and poems.

monday 21 september

• Exploring ways that a creative journal can be used as a resource for creative thinking, ideas and writings.

10:00–12:00 £25.00

STORIES AT DUNCAIRN Drop-in shared reading group

• Ways to turn personal experience or historical records into artistic expression.

‘Shared reading’ is a relaxed, social, and enjoyable way of connecting with literature and with other people. Each week a short story and poetry is read aloud and discussed. Participants can join in or listen, as they wish.

“It is spontaneous, such a joyous experience of all types of literature. Thank you so much.”

mondays at 14:00

STORY TIME FOR LITTLE ONES tuesdays 10:00–11:00 14

An hour of fun with books! For parents and their babies and toddlers. Grandparents and other carers welcome too! Stories @ the Duncairn is a volunteer-led, community literature project with shared reading, creative writing, and storytelling at its heart. Get in touch if you have ideas or would like to be involved!

Classes & Workshops

SET DANCING With tutor Ronan Eastwood tuesday 15 september 20:15–22:00 £4.00 per night

Ronan Eastwood has been teaching set dancing at various venues from beginner level right through to the more advanced levels at regular weekly classes throughout Belfast for well over 20 years. Set Dancing is great craic, fun, fantastic aerobic exercise, sociable and highly addictive when you get going. It reduces the effects of social isolation by encouraging as many people as possible from various backgrounds and socio-economic groups to attend the dances, and builds up confidence levels and self esteem. Don’t worry if you haven’t danced before, expert tuition at a leisurely pace will be provided; so why not come along and have a bit of craic and a great workout at the same time! For more information, please contact Ronan Eastwood: Email – rge1112@ntlworld.com or mobile – 07885 739258.

DANCE & DRAMA With New Lodge Arts, for 11–18 years tuesday 22 september xl dance: 19:00–20:00 drama: 20:00–21:30 £1 per class

xl dance Join this fun, energetic class aimed at developing creativity through a range of dance styles including hip hop, street dance and pop video. This active and productive class is a must for any young person wanting to develop their skills as a performer. — drama This Drama class offers the opportunity for young people who are passionate about performing to learn new skills, develop creativity in a safe and fun environment. The class offers training in voice, movement and improvisation skills, while also focusing on text work. There will be several performance opportunities throughout the year. For more information, please contact Anne Delaney: New Lodge Arts – 028 9074 2255 Email – anne.delaney@ashtoncentre.com

Classes & Workshops

SEWING & CRAFT MAKING 10 week course with tutor Bernadette Carlin wednesday 23 september 18:30–20:30 £25.00

We will have some machines available but if you have your own – all the better. These classes are designed to build the knowledge and confidence necessary for participants to complete their own projects and progress to a more advanced level of sewing. Each participant will complete a number of projects over 10 weeks. Each class will introduce them to new skills and techniques and give them something to take home and be proud of! Projects include: Tote Bag This project is an introduction to construction, seam allowance, cutting techniques, French seams and pinning techniques. Bunting This session is designed to increase participants sewing confidence and introduces intricate pinning and stitching as well as how and when to use bias binding. Zipped Make-Up Bag Participants will progress to learn how to insert a zips and a lining. Piped Cushion Participants will learn how to make and insert piping and practice their new zip insertion skills. The finished cushion will look as professional as something you would purchase in a shop. Patchwork Cot Quilt Patchwork can involve a bit of time and skill so this project may run for more than one week. Individual Project This class will give participants the opportunity to start their own project of choice. Examples of this could be up cycled piece of second hand clothing or alternation to an existing item of clothing.

Classes & Workshops

PHOTOGRAPHY wednesday 23 september 19:00–21:00 £25.00

PAINTING & DRAWING 10 week course with tutor Rachel Lister

This course will provide an introduction to digital photography. Participants will learn technical skills such as setting shutter speed, aperture and ISO, as well as composition and different styles of photography such as documentary photography. Through the course participants will be encouraged to develop their own portfolio project and will have an opportunity to try editing packages such as Photoshop. At the end of the project participants will have the opportunity to have their work exhibited at Duncairn Centre for Culture and Arts. The course is being delivery by The Directory and Belfast Exposed. Equipment and materials supplied. If you have a camera you’re welcome to bring it along.

During the 10 week course this introduction to drawing and painting will encourage participants to broaden their creativity and develop their skills. Throughout the sessions we will explore and cover a wide range of methods and materials such as acrylics, pastels, charcoal, Indian inks, graphite and mixed media. Similarly, we will consider work by relevant artists past and present, reflecting on what we can learn from them today.

thursday 24 september 19:00–21:00 £25.00

PRINT MAKING With tutor Rachael Bell B.A, M.A thursday 24 september 19:00–21:00 £25.00

This course will provide an introduction to the various tech niques and skills involved in printmaking with a focus on dry point printing. Dry point printing is a form of intaglio printing through which an image is incised onto a plate before being inked and put through a press. Through the course participants will be able to create a series of images and prints for inclusion in an end exhibition at Duncairn Centre for Culture and Arts. On completion of the course participants will have the opportunity to progress to further advanced courses.

Classes & Workshops

Ó BHÉAL GO BÉAL second sunday of each month beginning sunday 11 october 19:00–21:00

CHRISTMAS WREATH & WOVEN WILLOW STARS Workshop with master craftsman Clive Lyttle. sunday 6 december 09:30–16:30 £25.00

A team of people interested in Irish language songs, have come together to provide a unique opportunity to share and pass on traditional and contemporary songs in the Irish language. They hope that the sharing format will encourage new and existing learners to come along and develop and extend their repertoire. Those wishing to participate in this singing club will be encouraged to record the songs shared and practice them at home and will have an opportunity to sing them in the following Beal go Beal sessions. We hope to provide extra support for those starting their journey with Irish language songs by ensuring the first 30 minutes will include pronunciation of the words and a short explanation of the background to the song. The remainder of the class will be conducted entirely in the Irish language, as it is Belfast’s only Irish language singing club.

Ever wondered how the professionals make those stunning Christmas wreaths? Well come and let us show you how it’s done. Get into the festive spirit and create something special this Christmas! Clive Lyttle from Welig Crafts is an award winning crafter. His previous workshops at The Duncairn have been a huge success, and are always fully subscribed. This time around we have decided to put together a seasonal themed workshop. Clive’s workshops have been described as one of the most enjoyable and therapeutic experiences participants have ever had. So why not take a break from the hustle and bustle and pressures that only Christmas can bring and spend some ‘me time’ with us here at The Duncairn. Tea, coffee, and festive nibbles included. All materials supplied. Limited places available; book early to avoid disappointment!

MUSIC & CONCERTS

Music & Concerts

SUPER SUNDAY BIG BREAKFAST LIVE MUSIC SESSION An authentic Belfast experience, with acoustic session, craft workshops, exhibitions, Sunday papers, and free tea & coffee. Community & family friendly! one sunday per month details: www.theduncairn.com and on social media 10:00–14:00

The Breakfast Sessions is the latest innovative idea to come from the award winning Duncairn Culture and Arts Centre. We have already won a reputation for bringing some of the country’s finest musicians to play in the stunningly unique setting of the former church. But in an effort to open up the arts and make it even more accessible to even bigger audiences the Duncairn is continuing its highly acclaimed Big Breakfast Sessions, showcasing the city’s amazingly talented creative and artistic community! What better way to spend a Sunday morning with the family, reading the newspapers and having a hearty breakfast with the best trad musicians in the world on tap for tea and tunes. We are conscious that the thousands of visitors to our city find themselves with nothing to do on a Sunday morning. The Sunday morning sessions will also mark the launch of a series of Showcase Events highlighting the Arts and Cultural Community in North Belfast. Everyone will have a chance to come in and experience this world-class facility, the amazing programme and most importantly get an opportunity to meet with some wonderfully talented and creative people living in and working in North Belfast. This event is open to the community and admission is free. We’ll provide the tea and coffee and morning papers!! This is a family and children friendly event, so please do come along.

WHAT BETTER WAY TO PROMOTE THIS FINE CITY THAN SERVING UP THE BIGGEST AND BEST BREAKFAST SESSION IN THE WORLD! 20

Music & Concerts

THE SUNDAY SPIN VINYL MUSIC SESSIONS All welcome! every sunday beginning 20 september 10:00–14:00

If you love vinyl, you’ll love the Duncairn’s new music club. The chilled out Sunday morning music sessions will take place in the North Belfast arts and cultural venue beginning on Sunday 20th September. We’ll be featuring classic albums across a wide variety of genres and we are also inviting music buffs and vinyl collectors to submit their own favourite playlists – bring along the tunes and our DJ will spin them while enjoying a cracking coffee. We are also calling on anyone with vinyl collections to donate albums and singles to help boost our collection. We’d be delighted to receive vinyl donations big or small. Whether it’s one album or single or a collection you no longer use, we’ll put them to great use here!  Now that we’ve got a fantastic cafe opened in the Duncairn you’ll be able to get a great coffee and some breakfast whilst listening to classic albums on vinyl and read the Sunday papers. The Chillout Sundays will take place three Sundays each month and will run alongside our monthly Big Breakfast Live Music Sessions. There’s no better way to enjoy a Sunday morning!

EVERY WEEK THE HOUSE DJ WILL PLAY A SELECTION OF CLASSIC CHILLED OUT TUNES ON VINYL 21

Music & Concerts

SÉAMUS BEGLEY & TIM EDEY TG 4 “Gradam Cheoil Singer of the Year” & Tim Edey saturday 12 september doors – 20:00 tickets – £10.00

A night celebrating the launch of the “Bold Kerry Man”, featuring one of Ireland’s finest singers, Séamus Begley with very special guest Tim Edey. Séamus and Steve Cooney created one of the seminal recordings in Irish music, Meitheal, which was released in 1996. The album was re-released in 2014 to 5* reviews and while it is perhaps best-known for its dance tunes, the sprinkling of songs from Séamus leaves the listener hankering for more of his sublime vocals. Arguably, the same can be said of all of Séamus’s recordings. With this in mind, UK record producer John Reynolds of New Air Music Studios in Kilburn London (who has worked with Damien Dempsey, Seun Kuti, Sinead O’Connor, Passenger, Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, Brian Eno and David Bryne), persuaded Séamus to record an entire album of songs. Reynolds first met Seamus nine years ago and was captivated by his singing: “I picked him up from Paddington station and for the next four days, he sang from the morning until very late in the night; songs he’d had in his head for years, songs that meant so much to him. His knowledge of the traditional song is enormous; he could make 100 albums with the songs he knows and I wanted to try and capture that moment in this album”. “We started with just the voice, no music, no click, no fuss, just a drone for tuning and it’s quintessential Begley. He is a huge strong man but his voice is the most tender I have ever heard” Then, of course, the amazing guitar of Tim Edey is the icing on the cake. This is a beautiful collection of the songs Begley loves, sung as if he were singing into your ear. We are extremely honoured that Séamus has chosen to launch this amazing album here at the Duncairn.

“HE IS A HUGE STRONG MAN BUT HIS VOICE IS THE MOST TENDER I HAVE EVER HEARD” – JOHN REYNOLDS 22

Music & Concerts

THE WHEELS OF THE WORLD Paddy Keenan, John McSherry, Francis McIlduff & Paul Meehan Concert & Book Launch sunday 27 september doors – 20:00 tickets – £10.00

This concert celebrates the publication of the epic new book, The Wheels Of The World: 300 Years Of Irish Uilleann Pipers, by Colin Harper with John McSherry. Introduced by Colin Harper, the show features three globally renowned pipers. A founder member of The Bothy Band (1974-79), Paddy Keenan is a living legend. Currently US-based, his perform ances are as exciting today as they were in the ‘70s. This is a rare opportunity to see him in Belfast. John McSherry has been a major figure in Irish music for almost 20 years now. A founder member of Lúnasa, Tamalin, Coolfin, At First Light and The Olllam, John is also a highly regarded composer and producer and has recorded and performed with everyone from Clannad and Nanci Griffith to Sinead O’Connor and The Corrs. Accomplished on both bodhrán and pipes, Francis McIlduff is a scion of Belfast’s McPeake family. He has toured with Lúnasa and At First Light among others and is near to completing a much-anticipated solo album. Accompaniment comes from ace guitarist Paul Meehan, who has also played with Lúnasa and At First Light and has just recently released a debut solo album.

Music & Concerts

LYNCHED saturday 3 october doors – 20:00 tickets – £10.00

Everyone who attended their fist appearance at The Duncairn will understand exactly why we just had to get them back. For anyone that hasn’t caught Lynched yet now is your chance – you’re in for a treat!! lynched is a four-piece traditional folk group from Dublin, Ireland, who combine distinctive four-part vocal harmonies with arrangements of uilleann pipes, concertina, Russian accordion, fiddle and guitar. Their repertoire spans humorous Dublin music-hall ditties and street-songs, classic ballads from the Traveller tradition, traditional Irish and American dance tunes, and their own original material. “Anarchic, yet connected, rootsy and gutsy… I love their music, it is just so damn good!” – Mike Harding  “Cold Old Fire is a sure contender for any Irish album of the year lists.” – Songlines  “Lynched is the CRASS patch on Paul Brady’s shiny pants.” – Kithfolk  “A passionate, utterly engrossing album.” – fRoots

“ANARCHIC, YET CONNECTED, ROOTSY AND GUTSY” – MIKE HARDING 26

Music & Concerts

COMPANACH saturday 10 october doors – 20:00 tickets – £10.00

A fast-moving concert of Traditional music, song, dance and imagery from all Irish counties and regions. It is performed by fiddler Gerry O’Connor, uilleann piper Tiarnán Ó Duinnchín, flute-player Fintan Vallely, sean-nós step dancer and fluteplayer Sibéal Davitt, and sean-nós singer and fiddler Roisín Chambers. A unique event, it draws on the A-Z format of the fabulous encyclopedia Companion to Irish Traditional Music, literally turning its text back into music. But this is as far from flat pages as you can get, for it is packed with visual narrative created on a large-scale, backdrop screen – a flow of 600 images, and contemporary photos by the award-winning Belgian-Irish photographer Jacques Nutan. These are lifted by the superb music into a real-time display of people, places and events related to the tunes, which demonstrates Irish music’s hallmark variety, repertoires and styles.

A FAST-MOVING CONCERT OF TRADITIONAL MUSIC, SONG, DANCE AND IMAGERY FROM ALL IRISH COUNTIES AND REGIONS 28

Music & Concerts

THE RAB McCULLOUGH BAND saturday 17 october doors – 20:00 tickets – £8.00

The Duncairn Arts & Cultural Centre in association with The Belfast City Blues Festival are pleased to announce the appearance of Belfast Blues Legend Rab ‘coolhand’ McCullough and his band. With 50 years of gigging under his musical belt and having shared stages with some of the worlds top blues rock artists including Rory Gallagher, AC/DC and Gary Moore, North Belfast artist Rab, it has to be said, is a musical legend in his own right. As Eric Clapton says “Rab Mc Cullough is one of the finest Blues players I have ever heard.” We are thrilled to be working with the Blues Festival and once again showcasing the very finest of North Belfast’s amazingly talented musicians and artists. So be prepared for a mega show! This is one gig not to be missed!

“RAB McCULLOUGH IS ONE OF THE FINEST BLUES PLAYERS I HAVE EVER HEARD” – ERIC CLAPTON

Music & Concerts

VÄSEN In association with Moving On Music thursday 5 november doors – 19:30 tickets – £10.00/£12.00

They love Väsen so much in Bloomington, Indiana, that they have named a street after them. The Swedish trio’s music is a force of nature, both delicate and intensely energetic; it is the perfect marriage of three instru mental “voices”, the nyckelharpa, the viola and an alternativelytuned 12-string guitar. Olov Johansson’s nyckelharpa is central to the group. Unique to Sweden, its combination of fiddle-style bowing, keys and strings, produces a singing sound like no other instrument. Johansson and violist Mikael Marin met as teenagers in 1980 and quickly began to develop a musical kinship. When they met guitarist Roger Tallroth in 1989, they found their ideal rhythmical partner, creating music that was rooted in tradition, yet remarkably new. The rest is history (and also geography) as the trio have spent 25 years touring worldwide, winning fans wherever they go. Put simply, Väsen make damned catchy tunes. Brilliant musicianship, fleet-fingered invention, and constant surprise, the Nordic trio are an absolute pleasure to witness.

“THE SOUND MAY BE TRADITIONAL, BUT THE ATTITUDE IS COMPLETELY MODERN, MIXING UP THE IDEAS OF FOLK, THE VIRTUOSITY OF PROG, AND THE HUMOR OF THE INSANE ASYLUM INTO A CUISINART OF ACOUSTIC BLISS” – WIRED

Music & Concerts

ULAID Three of the very finest! friday 13 november doors – 20:00 tickets – £10.00

When three of traditional music’s leading lights collaborate on a new cd you can expect sparks to fly! John McSherry and Dónal O’Connor are the creative force behind the highly innovative traditional band At First Light which has toured the world extensively and produced some of the most influen tial albums in Irish music today. Seán Óg Graham is regarded as one of Ireland’s finest accompanists and has been touring and recording with the hugely successful and dynamic group Beoga. All three are currently living in County Antrim in the North East of Ireland, and it was inevitable that their musical paths would cross. Together they have produced an outstanding new album of music which they are touring in Octover/November 2015. This creative and compelling trio will take you on an emotive and uplifting musical journey, from Ireland to the neighbouring Celtic regions and they will chart the path from the ancient music of the Gael to the modern face of traditional Irish music today!

DUNCAIRN TRADITIONS MINI WINTER FESTIVAL friday 13 – sunday 15 november full details available mid-sept via www.theduncairn.com and on social media

Concerts and workshops for all ages and abilities. The festival will highlight collaborative projects as examples of how artists from different cultural and community back grounds have used the arts to celebrate diversity and embrace cultural difference in a positive way.

Music & Concerts

DAMIEN O’KANE BAND Areas of high traffic launch saturday 14 november doors – 20:00 tickets – £10.00

Any time this guy comes to town we immediately book him. Damien is without doubt one of the most gifted musicians and vocalists to emerge from Ulster in recent times. We are huge fans and can’t wait for his Duncairn debut. This time around he has on board: Cormac Byrne from Waterford on kit and percussion, Byrne himself being one of the most sought after percussionists on the folk and world music scene. Steven Iveson, a friend from Damien’s home town Coleraine, brings his exquisite electric guitar skills to the fore with his unique, exquisite and particularly atmospheric performances on aoht. Lastly, the very talented Anthony Davis from Birmingham plays all keys, synths, pianos, and organs, creating many layers on this recording, which make it such a stand out. For the live gigs, O’Kane will also be joined by guitar master Steven Byrnes (Treacherous Orchestra/Kate Rusby) and bass funkster Kenny Higgins (Corrine Bailey Rae). “On ‘Areas of High Traffic’ Damien O’Kane has managed to create a rich and innovative sonic palette without sacrificing any of his roots and traditional values. The electric guitars of Steven Iveson are particularly atmospheric, especially when blended with exquisitely measured percussion. In addition, Damien’s vocal performances are the best he’s yet captured. All in all…a triumph. I love it.” – Mark Radcliffe, BBC Radio 2 / 6Music

Music & Concerts

DAMIEN DEMPSEY

Welcome to North Belfast Damo… That’s all we have to say folks!!

With support from Barry Kerr sunday 29 november doors – 20:00 tickets – £10.00

“IF YOU NEED TO BE CONVINCED, LOOK NO FURTHER; DAMIEN DEMPSEY IS THE REAL THING” – HOTPRESS

Music & Concerts

LUMIERE THE WHILEAWAYS Double-Header show saturday 5 december doors – 20:00 tickets – £12.50

Lumiere’s debut album brought together two distinct voices cut from the same geographic cloth. One is Éilís Kennedy, whose sound has ready access to the soul without need for scaffolding or spotlights. The other half of the musical whole is Pauline Scanlon, an award-winning singer from the same Kerry town of Dingle. With Lumiere, the song and its delivery are the primary focus, technical concerns give way to feeling as song and singer effortlessly merge. Since their debut launch, the duo have toured their distinctive sound from the cosy snugs of their native Dingle to international concert halls, and a worldwide audience has connected with their offering of real music by real singers, communicating real emotions. As a duo, Lumiere takes something that is sacred and age old and re-imagines it simply and beautifully, reclaiming beauty, truth and trust, for the modern age. Pauline and Éilís will be joined on stage by the brilliant Donogh Hennessy. Donogh has performed and recorded with many of Ireland’s leading Irish artists and bands. He is a former guitarist of the band Lúnasa and has had a four-year stint with Sharon Shannon’s band. Currently he’s performing, recording and / or producing with an array of Irelands finest exponents including John Spillane, Gerry O’Connor, Sharon Shannon, Frankie Gavin, as well as The Mackenzie Project from Cape Breton, Canada. — The Whileaways sees three distinct voices combine to weave a beguiling tapestry of harmonies and beautifully crafted original songs. Their sound is true, their delivery undeniably engaging. These three singers could all front their own projects, and indeed have. With six previous albums to their collective credit, this is their debut as one. Noriana Kennedy, Nicola Joyce and Noelie Mc Donnell came to know each other’s singing over a number of years, playing in sessions in the folk melting pot of Galway city. Dipping their toe in the water as a trio, they were hailed as ‘a knockout of the festival’ at the legendary Port Fairy Folk Festival in 2012. Overwhelming public reaction prompted a recording, and their self-titled debut album was recorded in a log cabin in Co Galway. Most certainly imbued with the sounds of their respective travels on both sides of the Atlantic, this debut brings something fresh to the familiar. It was given a four star review from the Irish Times; “this is an audacious debut which hollers for a chance to be heard in a live setting, so rich is its lyrical tapestry” and ‘Album of the Week’ on RTE Radio 1.

EXHIBITIONS

Exhibitions

AUTUMN PROGRAMME

At the Duncairn we are extremely proud to be able to support and showcase the work of our local artists. Through our exhibition series we will feature the work of established, upcoming, and amateur artists/crafts people, as well as supporting the work of local community groups and charities. During the coming months the following groups and individual artists will be providing a variety of exhibitions. Please do call in for a look.

admission free

If you would like to exhibit at The Duncairn please contact us.

everyone welcome!

Throughout the year we will also feature a series of small exhibitions showcasing the work of students and tutors from our arts and craft courses.

SEPTEMBER

building communities Sharing the Past: Exploring the Local Impact of the Great Famine. This exhibition is supported by Heritage Lottery Fund. — arts society of ulster

OCTOBER

rachel lister A new collection of work from the Duncairn based artist. — the generations project An inter-generational multi-media exhibition exploring the memories of older people and young people living in communities across Belfast and East Antrim. The project is supported by Rathcoole Friends of the Somme through Big Lottery’s Awards for All.

Exhibitions

NOVEMBER featured exhibition Nothern Landscapes by Susan McKeever & Catherine Gaston.

susan mckeever is an artist from North Belfast. She graduated with a BA Hons in Fine Art from University of Ulster in 2000. Susan was a member of the Queen St Artists Studios collective for ten years and has exhibited her work in Ireland and internationally. Catherine Gaston is an artist living and working in North Belfast . She graduated with a Masters in Fine Art from University of Ulster . She has artwork in the collections of The Arts Council of Northern Ireland, The University of Ulster, Arts Care, The Irish News and numerous private collectors. This exhibition focuses on exploring the Northern Irish landscape.

DECEMBER

assemblages A two person exhibition by artists Deirdre Mackel and Nuala Gregory. These two artists have worked collaboratively in an installation format under the broad theme of landscapes of the past. For this exhibition, Deirdre Mackel has produced an installation entitled ‘Accidental Gardens 2’. It consists of a child-like garden made from an enclosure of miniature barbed wire fences, and toy gardening tools, including elements of Nuala Gregory’s flower works and small wall sculptures or ‘shelves’, assembled together allowing for the combination and interplay of ideas and materials derived from two locations. Deirdre references her remembered landscapes of growing up in West Belfast throughout the conflict and Nuala responds with objects representing those commonly found in the earth- old bottles which she delicately embellishes with buttercups and daisies, resting them on lemonwood shelves to reference her current landscape of New Zealand. This assemblage of objects, symbolises the way things are thrown together in chaotic metropolitan space, forming accidental relations among which new possibilities might yet be glimpsed.

CONTACT

The Duncairn Centre Duncairn Avenue Belfast, County Antrim BT14 6BP â&#x20AC;&#x201D; www.theduncairn.com (028) 9074 7114 reception@174trust.org

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