Night Moves returns: Drogheda's summer of after-dark arts and culture is back
Drogheda Independent
Today at 10:42
Get ready for another summer of late-night culture as Night Moves returns to Drogheda and East Meath. The programme, produced by Droichead Arts Centre, delivered with curators, promoters and alternative venues, and supported by the Night-time Economy Advisor, Mark Davies, along with The Arts Council, brings a fresh mix of music, art and immersive experiences to local venues after hours.
It all kicks off on Friday, May 2 at 10pm with Night Moves at Droichead. For €15, audiences can explore every corner of the arts centre, transformed into a late-night creative hub. Curated by SJ McArdle, the late-night club includes ambient music from DJ Emmie Lou in the gallery, a specially commissioned bespoke art installation by Vivienne Byrne and live performances in the theatre, featuring Oisin Leech with support from Dotts O' Connor.
Taking to the stage is Oisín Leech, whose solo album, Cold Sea made waves in 2024. Best known from the Lost Brothers, Leech's new material is unhurried, steeped in folk. His songs map exile, love, loss and healing, and are shaped by the wild coastline of Donegal, backed by collaborators like Steve Gunn, Roisín McGrory, Dónal Lunny and Bob Dylan's bass player Tony Garnier. He's joined by Dotts O'Connor, celebrated guitarist of RTE Choice-nominated band Come On Live Long and Dirty Dreamer, who just released his own critically acclaimed debut album Sorrow Won't Find Us..
If you're after something chilled, Night Tones is back on May 23 and June 27 at 8.30pm and 9.45pm. These relaxed sessions mix ambient electronic music from Ógy Collins with yoga and meditation guided by Elaine Tobin, presented in the round in the Droichead gallery space. The first session is a yoga (8.30:pm), a slow, gentle flow. The second (9.45:pm) is a guided meditation session with less movement and more stillness. Bring a mat, a cushion, maybe even a blanket, and settle in for some deep listening downtime. You can go to one session for €12 or stay for both for €20.
Also returning are the Night Moves Late Night Cafés, happening on Friday, May 30 and Friday, June 20 from 10pm until late. These free events will pop up in some of Drogheda's favourite cafes and restaurants, offering live music, poetry and spoken word. The full line-up will be announced soon.
Then there's The Stowaway Sessions on Saturday June 7, and Sunday June 8 at 8.30 pm – two nights of music under the shadow of the viaduct at Drogheda Port, complete with refreshments.
On Saturday, June 7, SJ McArdle plays his critically-acclaimed song cycle PORT, right on the Port itself! A song cycle born of a year-long research and writing project around the history and stories of Drogheda's ancient Port, conducted during SJ's tenure as Artist in Association at Droichead Arts Centre in 2019. SJ's songs and performances have featured on radio, film, and television, and he has toured and recorded extensively in Ireland, Europe, and North America, gathering a loyal following and critical accolades along the way.
On Sunday, June 8, local seven-piece The Cacks take to the stage. Their debut album Celebrity blends Americana, Irish folk, rock, electronic and blues is unique and interesting. Support on the night will be announced soon.
The Stowaways Sessions, taking place in a covered warehouse on the port by the viaduct, is a seated event. These events will go ahead rain or shine, so attendees are reminded to consider the weather when dressing for the event. More details will be provided when the sessions go on sale on April 23. Tickets are €20.
For all bookings www.droichead.com or 041 9833946.
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