Improvisation workshop with Verneri Pohjola's Monkey Mind
Finnish trumpeter Verneri Pohjola is a force of nature, unquestionably a huge talent and a musician with a commanding and individual voice who is able to bring warmth and stillness to his playing as well as a vibrant intensity. His writing is strong and bold, adept at finding those hooky melodies that jump out at you as progressive, creative and individual.
Collaborating with celebrated musicians Antti Löttjönen, Tuomo Prättälä, and Olavi Louhivuori, the project 'Monkey Mind' debuted their first album in 2023. With an innovative style and dynamic playing,they effortlessly fuses traditional and modern elements to create a captivating and distinct sound. As part of the Better Live tour, Monkey Mind are giving a special workshop at The Cooler exploring improvising in ensemble, the techniques and methods they use to create their particular brand of music.
Open to all, no experience of improvisation required. Those attending any of the concerts in Monkey Mind's tour can attend the workshop free of charge on production of their ticket. The tour concert details can be found at: Limerick Jazz 1st May: https://www.dolans.ie/gigs-events-live-music-listings/2025/5/1/limerick-jazz-presents-verneri-pohjola-monkey-mind Westport Jazz 2nd May: https://www.facebook.com/jazzwestport/ Bray Jazz, 4th May: https://brayjazz.com/vernari-pohjola/
This tour in Ireland is part of the Better Live Music programme. Better Live is a project co-funded by the European Creative programme of the European Union, and the Polish Ministry of Culture and National Heritage from the Culture Promotion Fund.
Tickets
Schedule
May 3rd, 2025
Explore improvisation and expression in music in this enlightening and practical workshop with star Finnish quartet, Verneri Pohjola's Monkey Mind
Find new sounds to express yourself on your instrument, learn approaches to writing music for an improvising ensemble, and discover new ways of thinking about creating music in the moment.
Open to all, no experience of improvisation required.
Additional Information
The Cooler The Cooler is located upstairs at The Complex Arts Centre, 12 Mary's Abbey Dublin 7. The entrance to The Cooler is through the same door as The Depot at The Complex, on the Mary's Abbey side of the building, where the LUAS tracks run. The building has a red wall on the left hand side of a front plaza that has a sign reading 'The Complex', and a blue wall facing the front plaza that has a sign reading 'The Complex - Art Lives Here'.
The plaza in front of The Complex is used by the surrounding businesses and during the day is often full of fruits, vegetables or delivery vehicles. You can still access The Cooler at these times.
Above the blue door, you'll see a painted sign for The Depot. The Cooler is marked by a small sign between the main glass doors (sometimes covered by blue shutters) and a blue artist's door. The glass doors will be open for performances from door times (usually 7:30pm).
The Cooler cannot be accessed from the Arran St East side of The Complex - this is the entry for the Gallery and artist studios only. If you have any trouble locating the Cooler please give Caitriona a call on 087 783 3391.
To find the Cooler Google Maps, search for The Cooler or The Depot at The Complex (the main performance space downstairs at The Complex). If you find the address for just The Complex, it will generally will bring you to the gallery on Arran St East.
For performances, The Cooler bar is open at door time (usually 30 minutes before the start of the performance), and during intervals. To make finding a seat and getting your drink a comfortable experience, please ensure you have enough time before the music starts!
Access notes The performance space is up two flights of stairs and may be difficult to access for patrons with mobility issues. The space is fully seated.
Gender-neutral toilet facilities are available outside the door and up a few steps up from the level of The Cooler. Baby-changing facilities are available at The Gallery, downstairs at The Complex (near the Arran St entrance). Please ask any of our team for directions.
Guide dogs and service animals are welcome, please notify us if you will be attending with a guide dog.
If you have any other queries regarding accessibility or require any accommodations for seating etc, please contact us at admin @ improvisedmusic . ie and we will do our best to assist you.