A cultural feast for Culture Night in Offaly
by Amy Hallett
As the nights start to draw in, and there is a hint of chill in the air, it can only mean that it's that time of year again. Culture Night is upon us.
The nineteenth annual Culture Night will take place this evening, Friday, September 20, and there are numerous opportunities to take in local culture throughout the Midlands, and all for free!
Interested in the visual arts? Theatre? Music? Literature? Poetry? Film? Local history? The natural environment? Learning about the rich cultural heritage in Ireland today? There is truly something for everyone this evening.
Here is an outline of just some of the events that will be taking place in Offaly for Culture Night. For further details and an overview of all events, visit: culturenight.ie
TULLAMORE
WHAT: The Offaly Down Syndrome Christmas Single Video Launch
WHERE: Esker Arts Centre
TIME: 5:30pm-6pm
Offaly Down Syndrome Association have teamed up with Simon Casey to release their own version of John Lennon's 'Happy Xmas (War Is Over)' for the upcoming festive season. On Culture Night, they will be presenting their amazing music video to the public for the first time. Booking required: 0579383801
WHAT: Alma Duo Concert
WHERE: Esker Arts Centre
TIME: 6pm-7pm.
Join Alma Duo for a concert of classical and folk music for viola and double bass, performed by Aoise O’Dwyer and Camilo Gaete Puga. Featuring music by celebrated Hungarian composer Bela Bartok, Austrian composer Karl Dittersdorf, contemporary solo pieces and arrangements of international folk songs and dances. Booking required: 057 9383801.
WHAT: An Evening with Patricia Gibney
WHERE: Tullamore Library
TIME: 6pm-7pm.
Patricia Gibney is a best-selling author whose debut novel, ‘The Missing Ones’, soared to number 2 on the Amazon UK Kindle charts and number 6 in the US. Join Patricia as she engages in a captivating discussion with Claire O'Brien, presenter of the Midlands 103 Arts show, exploring the inspiration behind her gripping stories and the journey to literary success. Booking required: tullamorelibrary@offalycoco.ie.
WHAT: Eóin Dooley: 'No Sympathy' Book Launch
WHERE: Esker Arts Centre
TIME: 8pm-9pm.
'No Sympathy' is the debut novel from Tullamore-based author Eóin Dooley. Eóin's work has featured in publications by Solar Press Books, Manawaker Studio, and Elegant Literature Magazine. 'No Sympathy' was published in August by Android Press. Booking required: 057 9383801
WHAT: Here Comes the Night
WHERE: John Lee's Bar and Venue, Tullamore
TIME: 9pm-12am.
John Lee's Bar and Venue is proud to announce a double header of two talented DJs. Starting with an 80's classic vinyl set with DJ Bazzy B, followed by DJ Amore fusing jungle and garage, along with some belters and a surprise or two along the way.
BALLYBOY
WHAT: Music, Culture and Colour
WHERE: Dan and Molly’s Parlour, Ballyboy, R42 FH01
TIME: 7.30pm-10pm
Visual artist Esther Lambe, in collaboration with young musicians, will host an evening of art, music, and culture. The event will feature traditional music with instruments like the fiddle and tin whistle, followed by a demonstration on how to paint these instruments. Booking: 086 8518288.
BIRR
WHAT: Journeying Together: Celebrating Irish Traveller Traditions and Culture
WHERE: Birr Theatre & Arts Centre
TIME: 8pm-9pm.
Experience the rich tapestry of Irish Traveller culture as renowned artist Thomas McCarthy and his ensemble showcase songs and stories from their series of Creative Ireland workshops. Celebrate a vibrant heritage brought to life in this evening of connection and inclusivity. Booking required: 057 9122911.
SHINRONE
WHAT: Teach Ceoil
WHERE: Cloughmoyle Hall, Shinrone
TIME: 8pm-10pm.
There will be featured music acts from local performers, Ruairí O’Shea and Lauran Beth, and open-mic segments between the two where attendees can perform music or spoken-word performance.
EDENDERRY
WHAT: Autumn Airs
WHERE: Edenderry Library
TIME: 6pm-7pm.
Eden Chorale, a mixed-voice community choir, will perform a varied selection from an ever-expanding repertoire, including 'Danny Boy' and some Abba.
WHAT: Cultures of Edenderry
WHERE: Edenderry GAA, Carrick Road, Edenderry.
TIME: 5pm-7pm.
You are invited to Cultures of Edenderry – an evening celebrating the diverse cultures and nationalities of Edenderry at the GAA Club. It will be an opportunity for local people to showcase and sample some of the distinct cultural activities and produce from Ireland and around the world. Come and explore food, fashion, music and much more! Booking required: nesrinelazaly@gmail.com
CLARA
WHAT: Musical All Sorts.
WHERE: Erry (Maryborough), R35 T205
TIME: 8pm-10pm.
Clara Musical Society is excited to come back to Culture Night with an engaging and interactive musical theatre experience. Attendees can look forward to renditions of beloved show tunes, accompanied by a live pianist. Booking required: 087 9366246 or claramusicalsociety@gmail.com.
All events are free to attend. For further information on any of the above events, and information on additional events, visit the Culture Night website at: www.culturenight.ie