Award-winning Belfast author Jan Carson joins us to discuss No Vacancy, a collection of short micro-fiction inspired by her many hotel stays in recent years.

Featuring readings from the book, Carson shares the stories behind this surreal and playful collection. Whether it’s winning ownership of the Isle of Man in a game of pool or decoding the messages of a one-eyed man in Norwich, each story features Carson’s ethereal wit, written in her distinct style.

Interwoven with the conversation, acclaimed singer-songwriter Ciaran Lavery performs a series of live songs, bringing together two of Northern Ireland’s most distinctive artistic voices in the intimate surroundings of The Harrison.

Lawrence Watson shares stories and insights into his book and photographic exhibition featuring Paul Weller at the Harrison.

Lawrence Watson in Conversation with Stuart Bailie
Sunday 8th November · The Harrison, Malone Road, Belfast

Over 40 years, Lawrence Watson has photographed music’s biggest names, from Paul Weller, Oasis and Bowie to Run DMC and Public Enemy. His portraits have graced countless album covers and NME pages, and he’s known for an unobtrusive, fly-on-the-wall eye for the decisive moment.

Join us at The Harrison as former NME editor Stuart Bailie sits down with Lawrence to talk about his career, the stories behind the shots, and life behind the lens with the stars. The conversation coincides with Lawrence’s music photography exhibition, hosted at the hotel.

What to expect:

• An in-depth conversation between two key figures in music journalism and photography

• Stories from four decades at the heart of the music scene

• A chance to view the exhibition

Following a sold-out national run, Niall Breslin comes to the Harrison for a rare and intimate Belfast performance of The Place That Has Never Been Wounded. Blending storytelling, spoken word and contemporary classical music, the evening invites audiences to step away from the noise of everyday life and experience Breslin’s acclaimed work in the unique surroundings of Harrison Chambers. Inspired by his latest album and No.1 bestselling book of the same name, this stripped-back performance promises a deeply personal and atmospheric evening centred on presence, reflection and connection.

New Solo material from The Commitments Singer/Actress

In an intimate preview, Angeline Ball, the acclaimed Irish actress and singer from The Commitments, will be preforming her songs fresh from recording her new album.

Americana Music Association “Emerging Act of the Year” nominee Jobi Riccio is known for her vulnerable vocals, captivating live performances, and intimate yet universal songwriting.

Following her acclaimed 2023 debut Whiplash, Riccio enters a bold new chapter with Face The Feeling, out May 15 on Yep Roc Records. Moving beyond her folk and country roots, the album embraces an electric, indie-rock-driven sound while confronting grief, desire, rage, self-doubt, and devotion with striking honesty.

Having performed at the Grand Ole Opry, appeared on CBS Saturday Morning, and toured with Lucius, Jason Isbell, and Iron & Wine, Riccio delivers her most expansive and confident work yet.

Intimate performance from Paris based singer & songwriter

www.livmonaghanmusic.com

Liv Monaghan is a Paris-based singer and songwriter performing on the international stage, with a deep appreciation for jazz, soulful melodies, and intimate live music. Her warm, expressive vocals draw from both classic jazz and contemporary influences, bringing a timeless yet fresh quality to her performances. With an elegant and understated presence, Liv creates a relaxed, atmospheric experience centred around beautiful songs and authentic musicianship.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=twavClpjr9U

Solo Show

“Awe-inspiring” the Quietus

London-based Alison Cotton has emerged as a unique voice in the UK’s music scene since 2018. With her haunting viola, vocals, and harmonium, Alison creates ethereal soundscapes that merge the arcane with the modern, crafting a distinct auditory experience.

Alison began her musical journey with The Left Outsides, marking her future direction with an untitled collaborative album with Michael Tanner. Her first solo album, ‘All Is Quiet at the Ancient Theatre,’ was a deep dive into mystical realms, with each piece named after a space, real or imagined, that inspired its creation. Her versatility extends beyond the viola to percussion, recorder, and piano, enriching the texture of her compositions.

Commissioned by the BBC, Alison’s music for Muriel Spark’s ghost stories showcased her ability to create haunting narratives, while albums like ‘Only Darkness Now’ and ‘The Portrait You Painted of Me’ received critical acclaim for their depth and innovation. Her live performances, from BBC Radio 3’s Late Junction to European festivals, resonate with the emotional depth and intensity of her recordings.