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Once again this year, La Mansarda focused on creating events that provided a platform for artists from diverse cultural backgrounds and various forms of art.
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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. La 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. Without 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.
Ligia and I used to be flat mates and liked to call our house “The Sleep Over Clubâ€.
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. La 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.
Walking 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?).
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AuthorSThis collection of blog posts is a firsthand account from artists who are an integral part of the La Mansarda community. Whether they took the stage or enjoyed the show from the audience, each post offers a unique perspective on our vibrant community. Archives
December 2023
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