‘So Say So’ is a monthly event focusing on poetry, storytelling and music hosted by poet Stephen James Smith. Each month a renowned national (or international) poet will headline and be accompanied by local musicians Cillian and Lorcan Byrne of *Basciville in a never before seen collaboration. There will also be a 5-Word-Challenge open mic section, which is open to all (but strictly limited to 5 minutes per performer on a first come first served basis).This space will be for all, no matter where you're from or what age. We'd also like to encourage the use of the Irish language and any other languages people may speak. All styles and genres are welcome from; poetry, rap, spoken word, monologues, storytelling and songwriters. For this event we are offering an optional pricing scheme – pay what you feel …March will feature special guest bilingual poet Julie Goo alongside music from Sam Killeen & Saoirse Duane – further details to follow.Julie Goo, also known as Julie Field in the Irish Language literary scene, is a Cork-born bilingual poet and Slam Champion. She has performed at renowned festivals and events in Ireland and abroad, including: TedX Cork, First Fortnight, Electric Picnic, Body & Soul and Indiependence.One of Goo's notable poems, 'Laundry,' was adapted into a poetry film in 2016 and screened at various venues.In 2017, she co-founded GooLally Productions with Cormac Lally, presenting the show ‘Me, Myself, and Ireland’ nationwide.Julie's debut collection DÁNA was published in 2021. And in 2023, she received an Artist Bursary from the Cork City Council, facilitating the creation of her English Language Julie Goo Collection of poetry.She is also one half of Cork's bilingual electronic hip hop group shelovescalpol [SLC} and a member of Aerach Aiteach Gaelach, a collective of queer Irish speaking artists.Julie's poetry is socially & politically conscious, uplifting and open-hearted, with a twist of humour.Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/julie_goo_poetry/Facebook:https://rb.gy/azx3nwNobody but myself / Julie Goo at TEDxCorkWomen:https://youtu.be/pH4s-DFYMjYJesus Mary & Joe Duffy / Julie Goo at BalconyTV: https://youtu.be/JNWvrstxrxsAdding to the magic, talented Wexford based musicians Sam Killeen & Saoirse Duane will accompany Julie, creating an improvised soundscape.Sam is a professional guitarist, composer, and producer from Dublin. He has performed and recorded with a wide variety of both independent and major-label artists including: Kodaline, Westlife, Declan O'Rourke, Villagers, Gavin James, Wallis Bird and Roisin Ó.Sam also produces his own original music under the alias 'SENU'.Website:https://www.samkilleen.com/YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@samkilleen/Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/samjkilleenFacebook:https://www.facebook.com/sam.killeen.5Saoirse is a songwriter, guitarist and vocalist of Bray-trio Wyvern Lingo. In January 2024, with Irish Women in Harmony, a collective of talented Irish female artists, she participated in the recording of a cover for Sinéad O’Connor’s iconic single, "Nothing Compares 2 U".Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/saoirseduane/Twitter:https://twitter.com/wyvernlingoYoutube:https://www.youtube.com/user/wyvernlingoFacebook:https://www.facebook.com/saoirse.duane.7April will feature Writer, Poet and Performing Artist Samuel Yakura accompanied by music from Basciville.Samuel Yakura is a Nigerian Born Writer, Poet and Performing Artist residing in Ireland. He's a multiple-time Slam Champion both in Nigeria and Ireland, winning Slam competitions like ALS, OxFam, and Talkatives. He's a member with the Wearegriot Poetry Collective based in Dublin. He has done commissioned works for the likes of Summer in the city, Poetry Ireland, Dublin Fringe, Adrian Brinkerhoff Foundation, IMMA, MOLI, Gaisce Awards, amongst others. His recent Project and Poetry Play; "The Perfect Immigrant" received multiple nominations and 4 Star reviews as part of Dublin Fringe Festival 2022. His work reflects heavily on observing the human condition, their relationship and interaction with society and culture.