Autumn season at Solstice unveiled

Following on from its successful launch on 22nd August, 'The Work of Micheal Farrell’, a retrospective exhibition of the Kells-born artist, continues at Solstice Arts Centre until 19th October. Galleries are open to the public Tuesday-Saturday, 11am-4pm, with free talks - 'In Conversation with Robert Ballagh’ on 29th August, 'My Brother Michael’ by David Farrell on 21st September and 'Iconic Image: Madonna Irlanda’ with Dr Marie Bourke on 2nd October.
There is a variety of music on offer this autumn, starting with a free concert in the foyer for Culture Night on 20th September - all are welcome to enjoy live music, tours of the galleries and an evening treat as Traders Coffee House will remain open until 7pm. That same night, world-renowned jazz musician Magnus Ostrom comes to Navan for the second time. Formerly of the Esbjorn Svensson Trio, Ostrom played at Solstice six years ago. The trio’s album, 'Live in Hamburg’ went on to be awarded Album of the Decade by the London Times. Ostrom will perform at Solstice for one of only two Irish concerts on his European tour. On 12th October, well-loved Irish band, The Fureys and Davey Arthur will give their debut performance at Solstice and on 16th five extraordinary artists - The Contempo Quartet and visual artist Mihai Cucu, join forces to perform pieces inspired by Beethoven, Steve Reich and Jane O’Leary. On 24th October, Dutch-based jazz band, Equinox, present an exciting programme of music from artists such as Thelonious Monk, Billy Strayhom and Horace Silver.
From local productions to professional touring companies, there is something for everyone in the theatre this season. September sees Kilmessan Musical Society present their first production on 14th and Tobar na Run Theatre Company have joined up with SOSAD to produce a thought-provoking play about suicide awareness, 'Bring Me Back Alice’ on the 19th. Meath Youth Musical Society returns following the sell-out run of 'Les Miserables’ last year, they stage 'Jesus Christ Superstar’ from 25th to 29th September and in October the Crokey Hill Players present what has been heralded as one of the funniest plays in decades - 'It’s the Real McCoy’ runs on 3rd and 4th.  On 10th October Pat Talbot Productions, who brought 'The Love-Hungry Farmer’, present a hilarious new play 'Fly me to the Moon’, while the nationwide hit 'Alone it Stands’ sees six actors playing 62 roles as Munster Rugby take on the mighty All Blacks on 18th and 19th. TV comedian Bernard O’Shea comes to Navan on 5th October, best-known for presenting 'The Republic of Telly’, Bernard has been described as a 'fizzing, iridescent ball of energy’ and is a Harp Newcomer comedy award winner.  
Solstice’s cinema season kicks off with the feel-good Irish recession comedy 'Life’s a Breeze’, starring comedian Pat Shortt on 18th September, while October sees suspense in the Danish film 'The Hunt/Jatgten’ on 23rd – a thriller not for the faint-hearted! See both films as well as 'Song for Marion’ in November and 'It’s a Wonderful Life’ in December for just €18. Watch out for additional festive films, including the 1958 version of 'Dracula’ starring Christopher Lee screening at Halloween.
There are plenty of workshops for adults and children with 'Active Age Art, Craft and Design Classes for over 55s’ starting up again on Saturday 5th October and a 'Print-making Workshop’ for 8-12 year olds on 28th September – school classes can also get involved with this workshop on 2nd and 3rd October. This mid-term, 6-10 years olds can take part in a Solstice Mask and Craft Workshop 29th to 31st October, as part of the Spirits of Meath Halloween Festival. All the family will love Jackula’s tricks and treats as he makes a return to Solstice on 26th October following last year’s sell-out show and children can enjoy puppetry, music, story-telling and dance with 'Faerie Stories’ on Wednesday 30th. 
For more information and bookings on all of these events and to find out more about what’s coming up in November and December visit www.solsticeartscentre.com or call box office on (046) 909 2300.