Josh Johnston - New Departures

New Departures is a solo piano series at Arthur’s Blues and Jazz Club, and Josh Johnston is its April headliner. Solo piano is one of the more demanding formats in live music: there’s no band to fill the space, no rhythm section to lean on, and nothing to hide behind if the room isn’t right. Johnston handles it well.

The series has built a quiet reputation on the Dublin jazz circuit. It’s the kind of event that draws an audience that actually listens, which changes the dynamic in the room in a way that’s difficult to explain until you’ve been in it.

What to expect

8pm on a Wednesday evening. Arthur’s on Thomas Street is an intimate venue, which suits solo piano in particular. The room is focused, the sound is good, and a Wednesday crowd in the Liberties tends to be there by choice rather than habit.

This is the format for people who find full-band jazz too much and silence not enough.

About the venue

Arthur’s Blues and Jazz Club is at 28 Thomas Street, Dublin 8, in the Liberties. It’s a short walk from Christ Church Cathedral and Patrick Street.

Getting there

Bus routes 51B, 123, and 77A serve Thomas Street. Book in advance through Eventbrite; capacity is limited and this series tends to sell out.