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Event Description
Kaleidoscope Night Returns to Bello Bar for an Eclectic Evening of Jazz, Early Music, and an Exclusive Album Launch
DUBLIN, IRELAND — Dublin’s premier genre-blending music series, Kaleidoscope Night, returns to the intimate surroundings of Bello Bar, Dublin 8 on Wednesday, 3rd June 2026. True to its reputation for presenting "music for curious ears," the June edition promises a captivating journey across musical eras, seamlessly shifting from high-octane hard bop jazz to centuries-old Irish and European classical traditions.
Doors open at 8:00 PM with music kicking off at 8:30 PM.
The evening's centrepiece is a major milestone for the Irish early music scene: the official album launch of Plucked From History by renowned multi-instrumentalist Eamon Sweeney. The performance will showcase Sweeney’s deep exploration of historical manuscripts, breathing vibrant new life into forgotten melodies on the lute and early guitars.
June Programme Highlights
1. Eamon Sweeney — Plucked From History Album Launch
A headline solo feature from Eamon Sweeney, a new album bringing 500-year-old Irish music back to life on instruments of its own era, including the earliest surviving version of the celebrated 'Tabhair dom do lámh'. Music composed by harpers and lutenists, played on bandora, baroque guitar, lute, viola da gamba, and whistle. Featuring Eamon Sweeney, Cormac Breatnach, and Malachy Robinson, produced by Steve Cooney. Music preserved in handwritten manuscripts, a harp festival notebook, and the private collection of a thirteen-year-old girl in Scotland.Expect exquisite, fragile, and resonant interpretations of historical lute and guitar works.
2. Gregory Walkers
This stellar early music collective navigates the playful, rhythmic frictions between Renaissance melodies and contemporary percussion, delivering a performance that is as historically informed as it is modern and spirited.
- Lineup: Eamon Sweeney (lute), Laoise O'Brien (recorders), Malachy Robinson (viol), Francesco Turrisi (percussion).
3. Ceol Ársa Cláirsí (Music of the Harpers)
Bringing together some of Ireland’s leading figures in traditional, classical, and early music, this ensemble honours the legacy of 17th and 18th-century Irish harpers like Turlough O'Carolan. Audiences will experience a rich acoustic tapestry woven from period and traditional instruments.
- Lineup: Steve Cooney (guitar), Eamon Sweeney (lute), Malachy Robinson (viola da gamba), Aisling Ennis (harp), Cormac Breatnach (whistles).
4. Emergent Ensemble
A blazing addition to the capital’s music scene, this newly formed jazz quintet celebrates the electrifying Hard Bop era. Led by drummer Eoghan McCloskey following a 25-year career in Austin, Texas, the group brings high-wire musicianship to under-appreciated gems from innovators like Lee Morgan and Bobby Hutcherson.
- Lineup: Eoghan McCloskey (drums), Hayley Kavanagh (sax), Bill Blackmore (trumpet), Scott Flanigan (piano), Cormac O'Brien (bass).
Please Note: While we strive to ensure all event details are accurate at the time of listing, times and other details may occasionally change. Please double-check with the venue or your ticket provider before travelling.
Location of event
Venue Information - Bello Bar
Located below the Lower Deck, BelloBar is reviving a Dublin tradition of live music at Portobello Harbour. From low key intimate performances to vibrant gigs, BelloBar will showcase local and international acts across the wide spectrum of contemporary music. BelloBar is working to become a part of the music community in Ireland with a focus on facilitating and promoting memorable live performances.
