In Pictures: Final ‘re-centring’ event of 2022 takes Portlaoise by storm

Dunamaise Arts Centre presented the finale of re:CENTRING Laois on Sunday May 29 in Portlaoise.

Taking place between 2pm and 5pm, Fitzmaurice Place was transformed into a haven for the arts that will feature an extravaganza of free entertaining activities and performances for all to enjoy.

The Bandwagon House Band, fronted by well-known Laois Singers James O’Connor and Nuala Kelly, kicked off the afternoon’s entertainment.

The Bandwagon House Band is made up of Ros O’Meara on drums, Denise Boyle on fiddle, Siobhan Buckley on harp, David Harte on bass and Tommy Fitzharris on flute and concertina.

These musicians are well-known in music circles in the midlands, and as Musician Educators with Music Generation Laois and Laois School of Music.

The Bandwagon, a mobile music venue, first shot to prominence when it appeared in Trailer Park in Electric Picnic in 2019, to festival-goers delight.

Since then, the musician collective known as The Bandwagon House Band have performed at events all over County Laois.

The programme on the day included music workshops in ukulele led by professional musicians from Music Generation Laois – all instruments provided and a drumming circle, led by world percussionist Eddie O’Neill.

A very special performance by Dublin-based Afro-Brazilian Dance group, Criola Dance, was a highlight of the day.

Criola Dance is the expression of afro-Brazilian culture through music and dance, celebrating the joy, spirit and resilience of an underrepresented community.

Criola Dance has performed at All Together Now, Electric Picnic, Body & Soul, Culture night, Five Lamps Festival and more.

Sásta, a trad three-piece made up of Ruaidhrí Tierney (box), Dale McKay (bodhrán, guitar) and David Harte (double bass) also performed as part of this family-friendly event.

Sásta are a new Portlaoise band, who have received great public response since they starting performing together in 2021.

Maria Corcoran and guests encouraged audience members of all ages to try out various circus skills throughout the afternoon and families also enjoyed a fun-filled performance by Circo Corcano.

Artworks created throughout the re:CENTRING Laois programme were on display and attendees of all ages tried their hand at Pavement Chalk Art and Paint a Plant Pot fun.

re:CENTRING Laois has brought a range of free arts events across seven months, to open spaces and venues in seven towns across Laois including Stradbally, Abbeyleix, Rathdowney, Portarlington, Mountrath, Mountmellick and Portlaoise.

Photographer Alf Harvey went along on Sunday and you can check out his pictures below:

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