New Spring Programme Launched at Down Arts Centre

Down Arts Centre has launched its new Spring programme with music and comedy theatre topping the bill. The live performances, which will run through May and June, promise to have something for everyone.

Kicking off the new programme is ‘The 4 of Us’, formed and fronted by Newry born brothers Brendan and Declan Murphy on Saturday 12 May. Over the past 25 years, the band has established itself in Irish music with a catalogue of timeless songs, including ‘Mary’, ‘Washington Down’, ‘She Hits Me’, ‘Sunlight’ and ‘Sugar Island’ and this concert will see the brothers perform in an up-tempo acoustic setting.

Singer/songwriter Stevie Cullan, along with his group Malojian, will be playing songs from their new album, ‘Let Your Weirdness Carry You Home’ on Saturday 19 May. Over the last number of years, the group has collaborated with a number of musical legends at the same time as releasing four solo albums.

If blues is your favourite musical genre, then you’ll be in for a treat with the performance of The Hardchargers on Friday 1 June. Led by Lonesome Chris Todd, the group recently released a debut album ‘Scarecrow’. Their set at the Down Arts Centre will be a re-imagining of the Mississippi country blues with the lyricism of Lonesome Chris’ real-world blues, a distillation from all of blues and rock history. 

One of the most popular local bands, Rumours Retold, will be making a welcome return to the Down Arts Centre on Friday 15 June with their unique interpretation of Fleetwood Mac’s best selling album ‘Rumours’. Last year’s show was a sell-out, so make sure you don’t miss out on this event which brings the album to life.

The musical offering for the Spring season will finish on 29 June with a concert celebrating the unforgettable sounds of Simon & Garfunkel through the years. Performed by the duo Bookends, this is a real opportunity to hear many of the haunting lyrics and music, including such iconic songs as ‘The Sound of Silence’, ‘Mrs Robinson’, ‘The Boxer’ and ‘Bridge Over Troubled Water’.

Fans of comedy theatre have not been forgotten during the Spring season at Down Arts Centre. Two original and exciting productions will be performed on Saturday 26 May and Friday 22 June.

‘Women Troubles’ which will be on stage on 26 May, is a hilarious look at three girls trying to make it in the toughest industry in the world – the arts. Written and performed by Female Theatre Collective and directed by Pintsized Productions, ‘Women Troubles’ is a story about growing up female from age 13-30.

On Friday 22 June, loveable rogue Maggie Muff is back with a bang in ‘Maggie – Yer Ma!’ the highly anticipated sequel to Leesa Harker’s smash hit trilogy. With Billy in jail for the biggest feg run heist in history and Maggie’s ma dropping a bombshell that will curl your toes, Maggie finds herself a single ma. Life sure has changed for Maggie but can she get back to herself? To the way she was? Tickets are selling fast for this show so once they’re gone, they’re gone!

Down Arts Centre not only boasts a programme of outstanding live performances but also has an array of craft and music workshops. Why not pick up a new Season Programme today from the Centre or go online at www.downartscentre.com.

For further information or to book tickets, contact the Box Office on 028 4461 0747.