Droichead Arts Centre are delighted to participate in the Local Live Performance Scheme this May and June. The scheme began last year as an initiative of the Department to assist producers, promoters and venues to provide support for people in the industry to facilitate programming of live performances in 2022, animating town centres for local communities. Our first three live performances are available to book for free, featuring artists locally, and nationally. Watch out for two further dates in June, where we might even go outdoors! Free, but booking essential.

SOLO, curated by SJ McArdle, returns in May with two very special shows, presented as part of this Live Performance scheme. On May 13th "SOLO: Song Circle” presents four incredible songwriters - Gráinne Hunt, Gerry Hodgers, Josh Johnston and Gillian Tuite, performing in the round in a spirit of collaboration that allows an intimate audience a truly privileged look at the creative process.

Gerry Hodgers is a writer of quiet songs about everyday emotions, deeply influenced by Dylan, Cohen, Clark and Kristofferson. Gerry came to writing later in life, but had always listened to music much older than he was, always valuing individuality in style or approach over popularity. This is reflected in his unique, reflective and beautiful songs. Gerry is also known nationally as the creator of The Purple Sessions, one of Ireland’s best-loved concert series, which has seen memorable performances from some of Ireland’s finest songwriters over the course of its decade-long lifetime.

Gráinne Hunt is a contemporary folk singer and songwriter, raised in Monaghan and based in Kildare, Ireland. With consistently on-point, captivating vocals and well-honed, insightful songs, Grainne has shared stages with Glen Hansard and U2, has opened for Gladys Knight, Eagle Eye Cherry and the Bay City Rollers, and has been compared to vocal icons Tracy Chapman and Nathalie Merchant.

Josh Johnston is a pianist, singer and songwriter. As a pianist, he has shared the stage and played on recordings by SJ McArdle, Roesy, Noelie McDonnell, Declan O’Rourke, Kila and Irish violinist David MacKenzie. He has also managed to find time to record a string of albums both solo and in collaboration with other musicians and artists. This year, he looks forward to releasing his 6th solo CD, Reasons To Fly (in May) and a CD of improvised reflections with poet Mark Hutchinson as MindTravels (September).

Gillian Tuite is a fingerstyle guitarist, singer and songwriter from Oldcastle, Co. Meath, Ireland. She began playing guitar at the age of ten and soon developed a passion for the music of artists such as Paul Simon, Alison Krauss and James Taylor. Having completed a law degree at Trinity College Dublin, Gillian changed direction and attended the Ballyfermot Rock School. In this creative environment she discovered her love of songwriting, and she hasn’t looked back.