<![CDATA[LA MANSARDA 🍋 - UNICEF]]>Sat, 21 Feb 2026 04:10:23 +0000Weebly<![CDATA[La Mansarda 2023: A Year of Artistic Journeys, Global Expansion, and Humanitarian Impact]]>Wed, 20 Dec 2023 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.lamansarda.org/unicef/la-mansarda-2023-a-year-of-artistic-journeys-global-expansion-and-humanitarian-impactOnce again this year, La Mansarda focused on creating events that provided a platform for artists from diverse cultural backgrounds and various forms of art.
In the spirit of an open and supportive community, the project successfully strengthened and built new connections among artists and the community. Additionally, with the help of friends in London, La Mansarda landed in the UK, planting a seed of collaboration with creative and generous spirits. By taking the project abroad, we gave Irish and Italian artists the chance to perform for the first time in London in a unique setting.

On the humanitarian front, La Mansarda strongly supported and raised funds for UNICEF. This NGO focuses on helping children in countries affected by issues like war. Your support by participating in La Mansarda events made a significant impact on UNICEF's work and its missions. The funds collected were directed towards important causes, including aid for children in Sudan during the civil war, assistance for children suffering in the Gaza Strip, and support for hungry children in Yemen.

In conclusion, this year, La Mansarda 🍋 endeavored to make a meaningful impact for both artists and humanity. Wishing to continue this project next year with the same passion, joy, and love, we express gratitude to everyone who believed in the project, helping it improve and grow.
Sending festive cheer and warm wishes to all of you .
See you next year for more!
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Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
​🍋🎄✨
Recap:
]]><![CDATA[La Mansarda's Yellow Night at the Cobblestone: A Lively Fusion of Art, Music, and Poetry]]>Sat, 02 Dec 2023 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.lamansarda.org/unicef/la-mansardas-yellow-night-at-the-cobblestone-a-lively-fusion-of-art-music-and-poetry
As we prepared for our gathering in the iconic Cobblestone Pub, the dark walls of the backroom were progressively enveloped in a blanket of yellow.
Helium-gorged lemons floated from every corner, suspended in the air, while people clad in yellow milled about, topping tables with candles and repeatedly attempting to attach the golden event poster above the stage without it falling (the third strip of duct-tape was the charm). Finally, visitors poured into the room, peering at the merry parade of paintings around them, created by the adventurous Federica Lencioni, whose brushstroke matches the buoyancy of her step.
To open the night, Joy slipped onto the stage unnoticed. With her melodious fingers, she gently wove the thrum of chatter in the room into silence, before departing, carrying her cello, and the audience’s rapt attention. Our host Ligia gave a beautiful introductory speech, finding the perfect few sentences to highlight the importance of celebrating our multicultural Dublin community, on that night and every night. We next heard from Federica Lencioni, who stood charmingly before us, mapping words onto the acrylic colours of her landscapes. Ligia made sure to counteract Frederica’s modesty, and remind everyone that these beautiful paintings were for sale!
Next, Santierra and his two Protones Errantes, Alejandro and Raúl, set the stage ablaze with their golden tunes, Spanish songs full of vivid imagery, ranging from intimate existentialism to energising political ballads. Several members of the audience could not be contained, and sprang from their seats to dance together, in the narrow space between the tables. This energy was carried on throughout our break, during which the acts were discussed in many languages, while eager eyes traveled to admire the paintings more closely.
Clad in a dress of pure white, Anna Paula then graced the stage, suspending the room in contemplation. She progressively freed herself of her dress, headband, and shoes, all while unbraiding her hair, telling a wordless story through each of her gestures. Anna brought a Brazilian song about female empowerment into tangible focus and (e)motion, followed by a second, celebratory dance. It was up to me, then, to bare my closet to the audience. Clad as a giant, six-legged moth, I shared my words and was warmed to watch them land on welcoming faces (though I could see close to nothing through my insect-goggles, which was perhaps for the best). With each poem, I associated a piece of clothing from the rack, adding to the pile I was to feast on at end of the performance.
Next, the Franco-Italian ensemble Reminiscence took to the stage, to regal us with a colourful parade of folk tunes. I was baffled to discover that this was their first public performance, which they executed so elegantly and joyfully that by the end of their set, the entire room was joined together in song. Finally, as always, in her radiant and space-giving manner, Ligia announced that the last words of the night, rather than being pronounced by herself, would be left to Joy and her cello. Too airborne to be contained by the loop-pedal, Joy’s rich melody carried us out of the gathering in its raw and compelling acoustic texture, leaving us wanting more — a collective hunger that could only be quenched by delicious tiramisu.
Jo Morrigan Black​
Video made by Lobo
Artist Performing:
1. Federica Lencioni
2. Santierra & Los Protones Errantes
3. Anna Paula
4. Jo Morrigan Black
6. Joy
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About the author:

Jo Morrigan Black is a Paris-born poet of Irish, French and American nationalities. After being birthed in the basement gatherings of Spoken Word Paris, they have left stray feathers in Berlin, bared their heart in Turku, Finland, and stalked the streets of Dublin as a vampire.
Their stage performances aim to celebrate the queer and the unknowable in each of us.
]]><![CDATA[La Mansarda's Autumnal Vibes: A Cozy Night of Music, Lindy Hop, and Poetry at Third Space Cafe, Smithfield]]>Sat, 30 Sep 2023 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.lamansarda.org/unicef/la-mansardas-autumnal-vibes-a-cozy-night-of-music-lindy-hop-and-poetry-at-third-space-cafe-smithfieldLa Mansarda held their Autumnal event in the very aesthetically pleasing Third Space Cafe, right in the heart of Smithfield, Dublin. It was a very intimate evening with different musical genres, some very impressive Lindy Hop, and spoken word poetry from myself.
This had been my first time performing at a La Mansarda event, although I had attended the first one briefly. The company couldn’t have been more inviting, with warm smiles and greetings from both the performers and ticket holders, and of course from the host, Ligia, who made the space and night so comfortable for everyone. The theme of this event was the concept of home.
First up was the soulful and seductive Miss Satin Beige who weaved us through the independent symphony of her powerful, soulful voice. And of course, she had accompaniment from her trusted soulmate - the Cello. Satin took us on a journey through love, heartache and home with her unique perspective and soaring talent.
Up next was myself, with spoken word poetry. It was such a pleasure to perform for a crowd that resonated with the pieces I prepared. However, I was not alone during this performance for the La Mansarda audience. The wonderfully raw Thunder Perfect Mind blended his Americana folk influenced sound with my poetry, all through his improvisation.
There was a short break where we swapped stories and exchanged hellos, getting to know new people and catching up with old friends before the next part of the show began.
The night surged with energy as the next act was something totally different, Melanie and Gabriel had everyone moving both on their feet and in their seats as they expressed their enthusiastic chemistry through Lindy Hop. Even people passing by on the street couldn’t help but to check out their performance through the Cafes windows.
Dylan Harcourt followed the dancing duo offering his homely experience and bringing the feeling of the Dublin city streets to the event. The voices of the audience came to life and sang in unison with Dylan during his performance, filling both the room, and the hearts that attended.

Closing out the cosy autumn night was Adam O’ Rua with his new single The Garden. Soon after the real star of the show made her grand apperance - the famous and oh so sweet, Tiramisu, made by the host herself (who really spoils all who come to the La Mansarda events).
So, here’s a huge thank you to Ligia and all the crew at La Mansarda. You have created a safe space for the arts in Dublin and here’s to their expansion, growth and evolution in the years to come. If you haven’t made it to one of their events, grab a ticket for the next show which will be held on the 2nd of December in the Cobblestone pub. It really is worth checking out and supporting. All proceeds go to the artists and the events chosen charity - so support your local artists and humanitarian projects - you won’t be disappointed.
The Vagabond Queen
Artists Performing:
1. Satin Beige
2. The Vagabond Queen
3. Melania  & Gabriel
4. DylanHarcourt
5. AdamO' Rua
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​About the author:

​The Vagabond Queen is an independent Spoken Word Artist and Noir Writer who haunts the streets of Dublin for a living. Casting her incantations on the city's stages since 2021, The Vagabond has roamed further away from, but never forgetting, the cobblestones of Smithfield Square where she began her journey.

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Paving her own path with a passion to heal, connect and smoke cigarettes, The Vagabond Queen leaves her stories of strength and resilience in the hearts and minds of those she encounters along the way.
Leading with only her powerful voice and words to captivate an audience, her performances are brutally honest and truthful, which continues to create an atmosphere of silent contemplation and acceptance of the harsh reality of our inner and outer lives.
Influenced by the strange and unspoken chaos of human nature, she delves deep into the happenings of a world on fire. "Offering a heart upon the pew of many wooden stages."
Her work has been showcased at many events, taking her from The Stoneybatter festival, Dublin Fringe Festival, Paris and Electric Picnic in both 2022 and 2023, to name a few.
With a drive and passion to reflect her realness in a world that's built upon a stage, The Vagabond Queen promises to reach the heart with love, kindness and hope, abolishing all deception and illusion that stands in between herself and the audience.
]]><![CDATA[A Day to Remember with La Mansarda]]>Sat, 29 Jul 2023 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.lamansarda.org/unicef/a-day-to-remember-with-la-mansardaWithout doubt, the most fun you can have in the attic without finding Christmas presents! The day festival was amazing! From start to finish it felt like a celebration, Ligia, Sheamus and the Smock Alley crew were the best hosts. This was my first La Mansarda event and I was delighted I was asked to be part of the lemon party. Mostly because what I have seen from the events in the past, all the pictures and videos they share from all the gigs always looks like a great time and this one was no different. ​
The talent that graced the stage got better and better as the day went on. We stayed right till the end so not only did we get to see all these people share their talent with us, we were also rewarded with a tiramisu'! Where would you get it? At La Mansarda!
The energy of the day was off the charts, and the acts were so varied it had something for everyone. From Bollywood to Ballybrack and everything in between. Personally knowing the other artists I love seeing how far they have come since first meeting in the open mic scene.
I don't think there would be a better venue to showcase all the talent that the La Mansarda select few could perform in than the Smock Alley theatre, it truly is a magical place and everyone recognized that and raised the bar to match our surroundings.
To Ligia, Thank you! This was up there with my favorite gigs ever. Keep doing your thing, hopefully your mood doesn't sour on it and you decide to stop putting on these amazing events because that would leave a lot of people bitter!

Long Live La Mansarda 🍋
Jimbo
Video made by Henrique Sezara
Artists Performing:
Brid Lyons
Grunkle Funge
Kate Field
Rae
Anna Deichamann
Balfolk and the Ensamble 
Jimbo
Ruth Prithika
Simon Fadista
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About the author:

​James William Dillon, fondly known as Jimbo, is a poet hailing from Coolock in Dublin Ireland. He is the 2022 Fingal poetry Slam Champion, a gifted wordsmith with a unique style that seamlessly blends humor and depth. Jimbo's poetry captures life in a relatable and often lighthearted way, but he is also capable of crafting thought-provoking pieces that tackle serious issues with poignancy and nuance. Jimbo is on a mission to "Make Ireland Grand Again". He uses his poetry as a means to shed light on the issues facing his nation and to inspire hope for a brighter future. Whether he is making people laugh or stirring their emotions, Jimbo's poetry always leaves a lasting impression."
]]><![CDATA[Launching 'The Planet': La Mansarda's International Journey Begins]]>Sat, 10 Jun 2023 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.lamansarda.org/unicef/launching-the-planet-la-mansardas-international-journey-beginsLigia and I used to be flat mates and liked to call our house “The Sleep Over Club”.
Friends and, at time strangers too, were always welcomed to come around and make themselves comfortable and we loved the idea that people should have felt like at their own houses.
When Ligia started this project in Dublin I was having a very dark moment of my life as well as she was. She kept bombarding me with her ideas and it was a pleasure for me to help and support some of her projects. That helped us both to be alive and on truck.
We always dreamed about setting up “ The Planet”, which was meanly inspired by “The L word" (series which brings awareness about human rights and inclusion), and so I proposed not to limit the project in Dublin but to have “wandering events” around the word.
“The planet” for us, does not only mean a space where you live your life, but also where you should be feeling free to express yourself, in any forms of creativity, art and taste.
As I often say “ dream big and act bigger” and here the fantasy of bringing “ La Mansarda” to London became reality.
I was please to host a big event in my tiny little flat, themed “The Planet”, as a starting point for an itinerant project.
The first artists I thought of inviting to take place for the first event of “La Mansarda” aboard were two close friends of mine from Italy, as I knew they would have been super enthusiastic about playing in London for the first time, specially for a charitable event.
Enrico De Santis, songwriter and musician and Federico Restino, producer with whom he his working on the creation of his the first album.
My cousin Giacomo Carpinelli, AKA LUNÄTICO, a fashion designer based in London with a passion for electronic music.
Ligia, from her side, brought two artists based in Dublin, Seamus in art Arfi720, with his spoken words and Robbie, in art Robbie Raidan, a singer-songwriter.
Despite the heebie-jeebies of the first event aboard in my flat, the evening was amazing and very pleasant for all of us.
Thanks to the artists and friends who came over to encourage this project and support UNICEF too, which is the linked charity to the event.
We have received wonderful feedbacks and we are really grateful for that, it would not have happened without you all.
A special thank goes to my Partner Paolo too, who supported me and also helped me with the layout of the house which contributed to the perfect house event.
We hope to continue to bring “ La Mansarda” all around the word.
Marta Carpinelli
Artist Performing:
1. Seamus Bradley
2. Enrico De Santis & Federico Restino
3. Robbie Raidan
4. Lunatico
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​About the author:

​I also, as Ligia, am a Nurse and work for a Pediatric Hospital in London.
Despite many other hobbies, which space from planting to DIY, yoga and meditation, making macrame and photography, helping others to promote awareness about human rights and support charitable events has been part of my life for a very long time, mainly via fitness activities.
In fact, I am in the process of registering a cycling club “ The bike duct” with the aim of raising awareness and support cholangiocarcinoma research, to honour my mum who sadly passed away a year ago.
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Also, will be running the Royal Park Half Marathon this coming October for the Scleroderma and Raynaud’s UK, the only UK charity for people like me affected by Raynaud’s Syndrome and for those like my partner’s Mum, who lost their lives due to Scleroderma.
]]><![CDATA[Morning Rhythms at MVP: A Warm Welcome to La Mansarda's Unique Showcase]]>Sat, 27 May 2023 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.lamansarda.org/unicef/morning-rhythms-at-mvp-a-warm-welcome-to-la-mansardas-unique-showcaseLa Mansarda’s morning routine event was one of the most welcoming and fun nights I have been a part of in my five years of performing. For many people, myself included, performing is a hobby; an itch to be scratched. It definitely isn’t part of an everyday routine. Getting a platform to show your work can be difficult. Not many Dublin events offer that space easily, and if they do, then it is often limited to 5 or 10-minute sets amongst a large cohort of other acts. It was refreshing to be involved with La Mansarda as they offered you space and time to show your work.
When I arrived at MVP, a brilliant dog-friendly bar on Clanbrassil street, for sound check, I was met by founder and host Ligia. She was super energetic and personable, putting me at ease immediately. She introduced me to the other wonderful acts, and to the tech and media staff. I instantly felt part of the La Mansarda family, willing to help in any way that I could. Andy, on sound, was ready to help us both pre-show and during the performance, bringing some groundedness to proceedings; quick with a joke to lighten the mood. I saw that this energy was embraced by all the other artists performing that night: Palomi, Dermot (of Owl Fella’s on Bikes), and Banba, who all laid out mesmerizingly unique performances which had myself and the crowd dancing till closing.
 
All the ground work done by Ligia and the team was passed onto the crowd that came to watch. They were incredibly responsive, allowing us to gain energy and confidence from them. They listened when they needed to listen, they laughed when they needed to laugh, and they even danced for long after it was time to go home. It was the sincerity of the audience which showed me that La Mansarda was a community more than a monthly event. It was created by gig-lovers for the entertainment of other gig-lovers. Not just a show by artists for artists, which can sometimes feel stale and self-indulgent. This was a show which attracts regular people who just want to see new acts, and who’re willing to go along with your performance, if you are willing to give it to them.
 
I couldn’t rate La Mansarda any higher for both my enjoyment as an artist, and my enjoyment as an audience member. If you can, go and experience a night with Ligia and all the La Mansarda team, you’ll not be disappointed.
Ross McCarrick
Artists Performing:
1. Palomi
2. ​Owl Fellas on Bike
3. ​Ross McCarrick
4. Banba
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About the author:
​
​Ross McCarrick is a Dublin-based spoken word artist from Sligo.

Having performed in Vietnam and Dublin, his style of poetry deals with mid-20 insecurities and has been described as "the hallucinogenic everyday".


​
]]><![CDATA[Enchanted Evening at No 5: A Night of Nature-Themed Performances]]>Sat, 01 Apr 2023 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.lamansarda.org/unicef/enchanted-evening-at-no-5-a-night-of-nature-themed-performancesWalking through the door of No 5 hair salon, you'd have felt you were transported to a fairy realm. Lights twinkled out from the vines of leaves spread across the room, paying homage to the theme of the evening 'Nature'. Our gorgeous hosts had draped themselves in those selfsame vines, giving the impression of fake creatures welcoming us into their hall. And what a welcome. The hustle and bustle of the salon as performers tuned up, sound checked and, in one case, got their hair neatened up after the downpour outside (might as well make the most of the services right? How often do you get to perform in a hair salon?).
The backdrop noise to the life of a performer. Before long, the audience began to arrive and we were able to start in earnest.
Ligia, the wonderful MC and organiser of La Mansarda, started us off by introducing the night, explaining how La Mansarda is run and the charity they would be raising money for this year.
Then on to the acts. First up, Savage by name and savage by nature, Dylan Savage brought on a roller coaster of emotion. His rapping had us dancing, laughing and crying as he explored everything from themes of deep personal growth and hardship to painfully relatable descriptions of the Day After and night out. Not one to hog the spotlight, Dylan split his time between himself and his collaborators, Annie Peters, Michele O'Sullican and Troy Cullen, each one bringing their own unique voice to the mix.
Not an easy act for me to follow if I'm honest, but then, none of the acts would have been. I did my best though. Performing poetry in Irish and English, weaving the two languages together where I could. This, to me, was one of the ways I tried to incorporate the theme of Nature into my work. Using the tongue which comes most naturally to me and playing it off that which would have been natural had history turned out a little different. I focused on my more parochial poems, allowing the idea of the oceans tide, river walks and the climate emergency to carry a narrative through my work. And I could not allow an evening of nature to pass without showcasing my love of butterflies by performing a face painting demonstration on stage.
Next up, Tobi Balogun wowed the crowd with his rhythmic words. A dancer by trade, he transposed the melody of his feet into his lyrics. Acapella, his writing hit beats like drums, drawing in the audience until we were hanging on his every word. Accompanied by soundscapy goodness, his poetry created a trance like state in each observer as we felt the highs and lows he described to us. Tobi style of poetry was exciting, an intoxicating mix of heavy rhythms and hard hitting observations about daily life. He left us wanting more, wanting to explore deeper into the world he was describing to us.
Finally, Ruah finished off the evening for us. Audrey and Endas highly individual style of vocals paired with gorgeous guitar once again put me in mind of a fae court, enchanting each audience member, ensnaring us in the trap of the Sídh. Few of us could help but tap a foot, nod a head or get up and dance as their music took hold. Audrey's voice was clear and strong, telling tales of magic, wonder, and a different type of living. The combination of voice and strings mingled perfectly to transport onto a world slightly beyond our own.
​For one night only the door of No 5 didn't just open up into a hair salon. Somehow, that evening, it became a portal. Stepping through meant stepping into a different reality, something somewhat other from the world we are used to. Each act that evening enchanted us, pulled us into the world inside their heads, showing us this reality through their own eyes. I think maybe we all fell for the fae trap. And while they did return us, I don't think anyone present left the event tye exactly same as they entered.
Síofra Ní Mháirtín 
Video made by Henrique Sezara
Artists Performing:
1. Dylan Savage
2. Síofra Ní Mháirtín 
3. ​Tobi Balogun
4. Ruah
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About the author:
​
Síofra Ní Mháirtín is a spoken word artist hailing from the wilds of West Cork. An avid writer and performer from a young age, she really found her voice as after learning about all sorts of different 'isms' in college and why she should be mad about them. Her work explores both inter and intrapersonal themes, focusing on connection, emotion and her general disdain of the patriarchy.
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