DCC launches The Smithfield Sessions this November

Dublin City Council has announced the launch of The Smithfield Sessions in Smithfield Square, a weekend music festival featuring emerging musicians from the worlds of jazz, classical, and contemporary music.

Aimed at people of all ages to discover new and upcoming artists, the feast of music will take place on Saturday, November 12 and Sunday, November 13 from 12pm to 6pm.

The event will showcase eight emerging acts and give people an opportunity to attend free masterclasses in drumming, composition, group music-making and an introduction to improvisation workshop.

The Smithfield Sessions is curated by First Music Contact, in partnership with Improvised Music Company, The Contemporary Music Centre and Music Network.

Lord Mayor of Dublin Caroline Conroy said: “Who doesn’t like music? From toddlers to OAPs it’s something everyone can enjoy.

“The Smithfield Sessions is a unique opportunity to take a music masterclass or workshop.

“It’s also a wonderful chance to immerse yourself in music from excellent emerging talent here in Dublin. So pop on down to Smithfield and get involved.”

Workshops and masterclasses will run from noon to 2pm each day and are free to attend on a first come first served basis.

On Saturday, masterclasses include a composition workshop by composer Aine Mallon followed by a drumming workshop with Micháel Quinn (Dermot Kennedy’s drummer).

Sunday’s masterclasses include an introduction to Improvisation workshop with Lina Andonovoska followed by a workshop in Group Music-Making led by fiddle player Zoë Conway.

Showcase performances will run from 2pm to 6pm each day and are also free to attend.

The full lineup and schedule over the weekend is available at www.dublincity.ie