Portlaoise Spotlight Sessions puts Laois talent centre stage

Singers, songwriters, poets and creatives travelled from towns and villages all over Laois and beyond for the first ever Portlaoise Spotlight Sessions at the Dunamaise Arts Centre. CONTINUE READING BELOW PHOTO

Turning the concept of the traditional open mic on its head this night is focused on celebrating people’s original works, with pieces being performed for the very first time, pieces created on the spot, and original music and voice filling the room. 
The organisers said the Spotlight Sessions, held on Thursday, April 24, was a huge success giving a supportive stage to the resounding creativity and talent teeming in Laois and the surrounding counties. 

Local musician and joint organiser Paul Dermody said: "We had a fantastic first night in our Spotlight Sessions open mic for original works in the Dunamaise Arts Centre last Thursday where songwriters and poets from as far away as Tipperary gathered to share their work and ideas and meet other artists. The next open mic will be May 29. All welcome."

The Spotlight Sessions is a celebration of creativity and individuality. It is open and welcoming to all artists, regardless of experience. Their motto is 'Your words. Your music. Your stage'.

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Local spoken word artist and joint organiser Dagogo Hart added: "It is more than just an open mic night—it’s a celebration of voices, a platform where stories are shared with music and poetry, that's the reason we want to hear original work. It's where artists from all walks of life connect, express their truths, and ignite conversations that matter. Every performance, whether by seasoned poets or first-timers, adds a unique layer to our growing artistic community here in Portlaoise."

Future dates for the Spotlight Sessions include Thursday, May 29 and Thursday, June 26 at 7pm at the Dunamaise Arts Centre and it is free to attend. For more information, or to sign up to perform, contact songwriter Paul Dermody (087 150 3031) or poet Dagogo Hart (089 965 1011) or visit Portlaoise Spotlight Sessions on Facebook or @portlaoise_ss on Instagram.