The Glór Sessions (Glór meaning, voice, sound or noise) is an exciting weekly fusion of poetry and live music which has also been part of the Dublin Writers Festival. It’s certainly making a lot of noise in Dublin, earning an outstanding reputation for talent and entertainment. Singer-songwriter, Lisa McLaughlin, gave us an account of her evening at the sessions…

I don't get the chance to go to many nights around Dublin at the moment, what with rehearsing and trying to concentrate on writing and recording my debut album (which is long overdue but there is light), but I decided to pop into the Glór Sessions. And after being taken aback by the amount of talented creatures squeezed into this small but very cosy room, I’m glad I did.

Stephen James Smith is a very special person indeed. Not only does he run this night every Monday without fail, he also seems to attract the most wonderful individuals Dublin has to offer. On arrival, I was asked to take part in the night and I was delighted to have the opportunity to play some of my songs amongst such a gifted crowd.

While waiting my turn I had the opportunity to hear Fia Rua who was just fantastic in this type of environment; he's a very funny, natural performer with great flare, hair and catchy songs. Robin James Hurt was up next, an artist who will always take you on a real folk journey; his entertaining style will never let you down.

I think my eyes started to well up when I heard Tom Cooney play. This was the second time I’d come across this guy playing and I can only say how amazed I am by how gifted he is. Tom’s ability to express such deep emotion had me from the moment he and his lovely (band) started singing... Priceless!!

Poets on the night that stood out for me were Sean May who made my laugh, nearly cry and also jump with fear… just brilliant. And last but not least, Stephen James Smith, who is (in my eyes) the best spoken word/poet - whatever you like to call it –person in Dublin at this time. He's an honest, handsome and extremely hard working human being and only deserves great things to come his way...

When I began to play, I looked around the room and thought; where else would you find Enda Reilly (legend), Elder Roche (legend) plus all the acts above staring up at me? In short, Glór Sessions was a real treat of an evening.

That's it from me... Signing off..
Lisa McLaughlin.

A huge thanks to Lisa for sharing her experience - and if you've never heard Lisa sing, I'd recommend her. You can listen to a song here (guaranteed you'll go searching for more).

If you have anything to add about your evening at the Glor Sessions, please comment below - I'd love to hear more. If you've not yet been (like myself, tut tut - hopefully rectified during my next trip to Dublin), the sessions are held every Monday at 8.30pm in the International Bar. Elizabeth Rose Murray