May 2022
MUSIC: The Illegals with Niamh Kavanagh
Let us take you back to 1980: … Eagles and Fleetwood Mac served-up two of the best live double-albums of all time. Widely regarded as one of the best live tribute acts in the country, The Illegals are back at in 2022 with their ever-popular classic-rock revival show replicating the sound of the world’s two greatest rock bands. The best of two legendary bands in one night – and a little more besides… Songs like “Hotel California”, “Go Your Own…
Find out more »LOCAL ARTS: Newbridge Drama Group presents Canaries by Bernard Farrell
Bernard Farrell's Canaries was first performed on stage at the Abbey Theatre in October 1980. Since then it’s been a great hit with many audiences. Set in the Canary Islands we meet a collection of colourful characters. From a couple who are not shy about sharing their ‘holiday’ with anyone willing, to a couple of singletons who are not who they seem! Throw in a young couple on holiday with a parent, an ageing Contessa who’s determined to get back to Madrid,…
Find out more »CINEMA: Great Freedom (Grosse Freiheit)
The exquisite latest film from writer-director Sebastian Meise, Great Freedom paints a stirring portrait of gay resistance and resilience in post-war Germany. Sensual yet arresting, Austria’s official submission to the 2022 Academy Awards turns a humanist eye towards a heartrending past. Unfolding across three decades, this drama traces the repeated imprisonment of one man under Paragraph 175 — a law criminalizing homosexual activity. After being “liberated” by Allied forces in 1945, Hans is transferred directly from a concentration camp to prison to…
Find out more »June 2022
VISUAL ART: PopUpArt Newbridge
PopUpArt Newbridge will be popping up all over Newbridge, including an exhibition in the Foyer Gallery at Riverbank Arts Centre, to coincide with June Fest . "We are delighted to be invited back to the Riverbank where a collaboration of 20 Local Artists will showcase their work from June 2nd – 25th" Curator, Eilis Kavanagh. Drop in to enjoy the work of this collective of talented local artists, with the option to purchase a unique piece of original art for yourself…
Find out more »SCHOOLS: Lúminaria
There is an emergency in the village of Lúminaria and only Lúna can save them. Join Lúna on an adventure into the sky as she tries to find the light to protect her mother and the villagers from darkness. With an array of wonderful characters played by three amazing actors, colourful puppets and original music, Lúminaria brings the audience on a whimsical journey into the unknown. As Lúna faces her deepest fears, we learn about courage, love and finding light in the…
Find out more »SCHOOLS: Lúminaria
There is an emergency in the village of Lúminaria and only Lúna can save them. Join Lúna on an adventure into the sky as she tries to find the light to protect her mother and the villagers from darkness. With an array of wonderful characters played by three amazing actors, colourful puppets and original music, Lúminaria brings the audience on a whimsical journey into the unknown. As Lúna faces her deepest fears, we learn about courage, love and finding light in the…
Find out more »Drawing Workshop: Invisible Cords with Clodagh Kelly
We now live in very different communities since Covid, with different social norms, what are the Cords that keep us separate or together? In this series of drawing workshops with Visual Artist Clodagh Kelly, participants will be invited to take a ‘Cord’ and create an artwork inspired by the materials. Themes from nature may be explored, others may want to look at a personal response to their experience of social media, how we experience choice, materialism, freedom or humanity, the…
Find out more »VISUAL ART: Normal
normal /ˈnɔːm(ə)l/ Following the success of ‘Small Steps’, outdoor exhibition for June Fest 2021, Kildare Art Collective returns with an exhibition of new work, 'Normal', bringing the collective back within the walls of the McKenna Gallery. For this show, artists interpret what Normal means to them. Featuring a diverse range of media such as video, painting, sculpture and textiles, these works examine concepts of the everyday, family, climate, justice, politics and more. Official opening Saturday 4 June @ 5pm -…
Find out more »MUSIC: JuneFest presents Conor Mahony & Friends
Conor Mahony; musician, songwriter and singer will be returning to performing live to coincide with the release of his upcoming album "Strange country", written with fellow musician Alan FitzGerald with whom he works jointly under the name ‘Dust’. Conor merges a wide range of influences; jazz, blues, and impressionism, melodically, while giving a respectful nod to the roots of country and folk and their impact on his collaborative work in general and on this album in particular. Joining Conor will…
Find out more »FAMILY WORKSHOP: Family Drumming Workshop
An intergenerational workshop for families - come and enjoy the energy of group drumming in a friendly environment with Jabba Jabba Jembe. This interactive workshop encourages all ages to learn and play a vast range of Drums and Percussion instruments. Learn about the origins of the instruments, how to play rhythms with your body and voice, discover rhythms from across the globe. Jabba Jabbe Jembe has been providing workshops to people of all ages, creating a unique learning environment. Playing rhythms in…
Find out more »MUSIC: Peggy Seeger and Calum MacColl – The First Farewell Tour
Charismatic Peggy Seeger - singer, songwriter, feminist, icon, Ewan MacColl’s partner and muse - is the undisputed queen of folk and political song. On this ‘First Farewell to Ireland’ tour, join Peggy and her son Calum MacColl, an exceptional musician in his own right, for a glorious evening of up-close performance. Expect to hear a mixture of new and traditional songs from Peggy’s huge repertoire, plus some of her and Ewan MacColl’s most loved songs, interspersed with readings from Peggy’s…
Find out more »THEATRE: The Visit by Deirdre Kinahan
Rose has washed and ironed her cowgirl shirt and skirt. She carries it on a hanger. She likes the way the fringe swings when she wears it. Makes her feel glamourous. Adventurous. Brave. She stands on the empty stage and looks out into the auditorium. Imagining what it will be like when it is full. Which it will be. Tonight. When the choir perform. In the quiet of the theatre, she finds herself thinking back on the events of that…
Find out more »Irish Military Seminar: Ray Goggins in conversation with Declan Power
The 6th Irish Military Seminar presents an evening with Ray Goggins, author of Ranger 22:Lessons from the Front, in conversation with Declan Power. ‘The path I have travelled, the things I have done and the people I have met in crisis situations have given me a window into those qualities that make us perform. My military training created a mindset, an outlook and skills that can be channelled into any situation.’ From the hills of south Lebanon to the monsoon…
Find out more »FAMILY: CBI Book Clinic
Are you a young reader? Looking for a new series to delve into? Feeling uninspired by your bookshelves at home? Then pop along to Children’s Books Ireland Book Clinic! Chat to the Book Doctor, consult on your favourite reads and leave with a prescription for your next book which you can take to your local bookshop or library! Children’s Books Ireland Book Doctors give guidance about books to children and their families. Based on an informal chat, the white coat-clad…
Find out more »CHILDRENS WORKSHOP: Monster Doodle
Join the Doodle Doctor in making a massive Monster Doodle! What kind of monster do you imagine? Are they friendly or scary? How many eyes so they have? How many tongues? Noses?! The Doodle Doctor will be on-hand to help you take part in a massive collaborative drawing on a giant piece of paper. Grab some colours and join in! You’ll have as much space as you want to let your imagination run wild! Monster doodle sessions take place at…
Find out more »FAMILY: Ta Tum Tum!
Ta Tum Tum is an educational music performance with 4 piece band, designed for children and their adults to explore popular music with a Brazilian twist in a creative, integrative and fun way! The performance will be followed by a workshop where children will have a chance to play real instruments from Brazil and learn different rhythms used in Brazilian music. Ta Tum Tum! has been funded by Kildare County Council and Creative Ireland, and is a part of Cruinniu…
Find out more »BOOK LAUNCH: I am Edel by Susan Connolly & Cormac P. Walsh
Join us for the launch of I Am Edel by Susan Connolly & Cormac P. Walsh, foreword by Emilie Pine. Featuring live performances of four scenes from the play, guest speakers, Q & A and book signing. This stage play is the compelling true story of Susan Connolly’s 11 years as a child in Dublin’s notorious Goldenbridge Industrial School. Told from the viewpoint of a child, I Am Edel is a story of courage, friendship and compassion. Susan Connolly…
Find out more »CINEMA: Belfast
From lauded director Kenneth Branagh, and starring an acclaimed ensemble cast, Belfast is a personal and joyful story about the power of memory, set in late 1960s Northern Ireland. At the centre of the film is Buddy, a young boy on the cusp of adolescence, whose life is filled with familial love, childhood hijinks, and a blossoming romance. Yet, with his beloved hometown caught up in increasing turmoil, his family faces a momentous choice: hope the conflict will pass or…
Find out more »Music Network Presents: Camilla George
Camilla George saxophone Renato Paris keys & vocals Jihad Darwish electric & double bass Rod Youngs drums Daniel Casimir bass Explosive London based band led by award winning Nigerian born saxophonist, Camilla George features many of the leading lights of the UK Jazz Scene. Camilla’s love of fusing African and Western music has made her a unique voice on the international jazz circuit. She will be bringing her all-star band to Ireland for an unmissable 10 date tour mixing…
Find out more »SCHOOLS: Still Here
For children aged 3-6 years and their adults we are still here. we are stuck in the same place. and it’s not a good or interesting place. it’s frustrating, it’s boring and it’s a bit scary. but we can take ourselves elsewhere, both on our own and together because we are still standing, still dreaming, still playing. because we are still here. A wordless physical theatre piece with a unique musical score played live on baroque guitars, Still Here is a…
Find out more »SCHOOLS: Still Here
For children aged 3-6 years and their adults we are still here. we are stuck in the same place. and it’s not a good or interesting place. it’s frustrating, it’s boring and it’s a bit scary. but we can take ourselves elsewhere, both on our own and together because we are still standing, still dreaming, still playing. because we are still here. A wordless physical theatre piece with a unique musical score played live on baroque guitars, Still Here is a…
Find out more »EARLY YEARS: Still Here
For children aged 3-6 years and their adults we are still here. we are stuck in the same place. and it’s not a good or interesting place. it’s frustrating, it’s boring and it’s a bit scary. but we can take ourselves elsewhere, both on our own and together because we are still standing, still dreaming, still playing. because we are still here. A wordless physical theatre piece with a unique musical score played live on baroque guitars, Still Here is a…
Find out more »EARLY YEARS: Still Here
For children aged 3-6 years and their adults we are still here. we are stuck in the same place. and it’s not a good or interesting place. it’s frustrating, it’s boring and it’s a bit scary. but we can take ourselves elsewhere, both on our own and together because we are still standing, still dreaming, still playing. because we are still here. A wordless physical theatre piece with a unique musical score played live on baroque guitars, Still Here is a…
Find out more »MUSIC: Pete Kavanagh & Band
Pete Kavanagh and band will be performing tracks from his critically acclaimed debut album “Join up the Dots”, at the Riverbank Arts Centre on Saturday June 18th as part of Junefest! 'Pete's debut album (Join Up the Dots) ranks right up there beside the best of new Irish talent over recent decades' Lonesome Highway Pete Kavanagh is a musician, songwriter and storyteller from Co. Kildare. His music has a vintage quality to it, with modern twists that are uniquely his…
Find out more »CINEMA: Master Cheng
Following the death of his wife, professional chef Cheng travels with his young son to a remote village in Finland to connect with a man he once met in Shanghai. Upon arrival, nobody in the village seems to know his friend but local café owner Sirkka offers him accommodation and in return Cheng helps her in the kitchen surprising the locals with the delights of Chinese cuisine. Gradually his cooking encourages these vastly different cultures to connect, and Cheng is…
Find out more »SPECIAL SCREENING: Dating Amber
Dating Amber is a poignant, honest and funny look at the highs and lows of teenage life where the only way to fit in is to not be yourself, even if this goes against your very being. Set in Ireland (some familiar Kildare locations!) during the mid-90’s, Eddie and Amber decide to stage a relationship in order to stop everyone speculating about their sexuality. Eddie is keen to follow his Dad into the military, while Amber dreams of moving to…
Find out more »LOCAL ARTS: GYT PRESENTS: Double Bill: It Only Ever Happens in the Movies/Grimms Fairy Tales
After two years of online and outdoor work Griese Youth Theatre are excited to be back on the Riverbank stage. Engaging with five separate scripts that explore the challenges and hopes of youth the performances will take place over three nights. Double Bill on June 23rd @ 7 pm Double Bill on June 24th @7pm June 25th @8pm.
Find out more »LOCAL ARTS: GYT PRESENTS: Double Bill -Little Big Foot / Beetroot
After two years of online and outdoor work Griese Youth Theatre are excited to be back on the Riverbank stage. Engaging with five separate scripts that explore the challenges and hopes of youth the performances will take place over three nights. Double Bill on June 23rd @ 7 pm Double Bill on June 24th @7pm June 25th @8pm.
Find out more »LOCAL ARTS: GYT PRESENTS: Remote by Stef Smith
After two years of online and outdoor work Griese Youth Theatre are excited to be back on the Riverbank stage. Engaging with five separate scripts that explore the challenges and hopes of youth the performances will take place over three nights. Remote by Stef Smith (NT Connections Programme) June 25th @ 8pm Suitable for over 12 years only
Find out more »CINEMA: The Duke
In 1961, Kempton Bunton, a 60-year old taxi driver, stole Goya’s portrait of the Duke of Wellington from the National Gallery in London. It was the first (and remains the only) theft in the Gallery’s history. Kempton sent ransom notes saying that he would return the painting on condition that the government invested more in care for the elderly - he had long campaigned for pensioners to receive free television. What happened next became the stuff of legend. Only 50 years later…
Find out more »MUSIC: The Apple and the Tree – Frank & JJ McNamara
Like his father, JJ McNamara (now 23) was a child prodigy pianist and has enthralled audiences for years all over Ireland, UK and Europe with his dazzling technique and profound musicianship. People would always say to his father Frank, veteran of Late Late Show with Gay Byrne, “ah the apple doesn’t fall too far from the tree”. Frank too was a child prodigy. In fact he was only 19 when he became the musical director of the Late Late Show…
Find out more »July 2022
WORKSHOP: Artzone Summer Camp 2022
Artzone are back in the venue! Students aged 5-12 years will cover a range of art projects including painting, drawing, materials manipulation and clay construction, with lots of personal design and creativity input. The theme for this year will be ‘Summer Time Fun’ Our camps are run by qualified art teachers, with strict safety protocols, but the same high Artzone standards of art and design. The workshops, for 5-8 years & 9-12 years, runs from the 4th – 8th July…
Find out more »SUMMER CAMP: Songwriting with Megan O’Neill
Chart topping and multi-award winning singer- songwriter Megan O’Neill is hosting a week long musical workshop for young people aged 9-12 years exploring songwriting, lyric writing, collaborating and performance. Each student will write at least one full song in these four days (although some will write more) and there will be the option to design your own artwork and record your song towards the end of the workshop. The week will explore the following: · An introduction to songwriting. What…
Find out more »October 2022
COMEDY: Deirdre O’Kane Demented
There's a point beyond burnout where all you can do is laugh, and funnywoman Deirdre O'Kane has well and truly reached it. Catch her brilliant new stand-up show, Demented, at Riverbank Arts Centre. "Unique star quality." – The Guardian
Find out more »LOCAL ARTS: Route 66 Big Band – Live in Concert
Route 66 is a 16 piece Big Band with big sound! Route 66 make a very welcome return to Riverbank, bringing their unique mix of music which has proved a huge success in theatres all over Ireland. Fronted by a male and female singer and with a mix of brass, saxes and rhythm, Route 66 produces a fabulous sound. Their programme, which includes numbers made famous by Adele, Frank Sinatra, Amy Winehouse, Tom Jones plus many more , will have…
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