MusicTown is a shapeshifting programme of live events created to reflect this ever-changing world of live music in Dublin City. Within this programme, there is music as experimental theatre, a reflection of one of history’s great singers/composers by a group of young musicians, an all-ages DIY afternoon show, a 62-year-old songwriter performing his solo work live for the first time, a sensational young performer from Fermanagh summoning the ancient and the modern, and much, much more.

Staged throughout the nooks and crannies of the National Concert Hall, this year’s MusicTown will feature main auditorium performances from Fermanagh sensation Róis collaborating with Crash Ensemble; Glasshouse tackling the works of Scott Walker; and Crash Ensemble once again, this time joining forces with former Revelino man Bren Berry, who charmed audiences with his debut album earlier this year. Playing a pivotal role in 2025’s MusicTown programme, Crash Ensemble will also collaborate with acclaimed vocalist and multi-instrumentalist Anna Mieke in a performance featuring interpretations of existing and developing work.

Also on the bill is a very special – and very rare – performance from Operating Theatre, the music/theatre group formed in the 1980s by godfather of Irish electronic music and renowned composer Roger Doyle, alongside acclaimed actor Olwen Fouéré. Operating Theatre were recently honoured by Caroline Polachek, who released a version of their song ‘Spring is Coming with a Strawberry in the Mouth’.

Cellist Eimear Reidy and experimental all-rounder Natalia Beylis come together in The Kevin Barry Room for a matinee performance of She Came Through the Window to Stand by the Door and other works for piano and cello, creating evocative and intoxicating music that conjures webs of woodland landscapes, kosmische moonrises and odysseys of drone.

Foggy Notions consistently platforms the most exciting emerging talent from Ireland and abroad and MusicTown ensures this continuity. Irish/French artist Goldbug will be joined by Crash Ensemble for a very special showcase of music from his forthcoming album, co-produced with Chris W Ryan, and mastered by Heba Kadry – which follows an art rock tradition, with a sound that nods as much to the lo-fi sampling of downtempo electronic music as it does to the orchestral compositions of old Disney soundtracks.

Finally, but by no means least, MusicTown presents an all-ages daytime event curated by DIY Dublin promoters Swimsuit Issue featuring emerging l Irish bands, Makeshift Art, Hotgirl and Softdrink Millionaire.