Dublin by Dusk: The Write Stuff

In partnership with the Department of Culture Communications, and Sport, Fáilte Ireland, Dublin City Council, and Dublin Town.

The Write Stuff are gatherings in collaborative storytelling, poetry & music. Curated & hosted by Dublin writer Steve O'Toole. At each gathering, storytellers, and poets, are joined by showcase musicians, working to a pre-agreed theme. Thus, delivering a continuous, collaborative flow of original work.

Please note: This is a very limited ticketed event.

Brush Shiels

Rock legend Brush Shiels, the man who taught Thin Lizzy frontman Phil Lynott how to play guitar, is still very much young at heart, "As musicians, we grow old but we never grow up. Getting to 80 is a particular frame of mind. At one stage, I was friends of the elderly and now I'm elderly with friends.” So quipped Brush, as he was recently awarded a lifetime achievement award by the Irish Rock ‘n’ Roll Museum.

A former player and lifelong fan of Bohemian Football Club. Brush grew up in Phibsboro, D7. The Octogenarian who was the frontman of guitarist Gary Moore's first rock band Skid Row, still enjoys the craic & playing, ”I can still play with anyone and play as well as anyone. Every time music changes, there's less music in it. I think the days of the great musicians are nearly gone. Our style is long gone.’

QueenBees

QueenBees are a vibrant, high-energy four-piece known for powerful vocal harmony, colour-rich performances, and undeniable stage presence. Having gigged extensively across festivals and venues in Ireland and the UK, their live shows are as polished as they are electric.

Beyond the stage QueenBees have recorded with Kiera Dignam, Pete Holidai and Mary Stokes Blues, bringing depth and atmosphere to every collaboration.

Currently touring as guest support act on Imelda May's ‘Raised on songs and stories’ Irish Tour 2026. Other live highlights include guest support act on Imelda May's Iveagh Gardens show 2023, performing with Mundy at Electric Picnic, Forest Festival and being showcased on the River Stage at the iconic Isle of Wight festival in 2025.

Steve O’Toole

A street stalking creative, poet, storyteller, artist, and the creative force behind The Write Stuff.

Not one to sit on the fence, Steve firmly wears both his heart & mind on his sleeve, delivering forceful versed commentary by the page full.

Originally performing in the mid 90’s as support to Irish writer ‘Pat Ingoldsby’. It was early 2023, when Steve returned after a far too long hiatus. Since then, he has gone on to read & perform at The International Literary Festival, The Dublin Arts & Human Rights Festival, The Bram Stoker Festival, Culture Nights, Craicly Stories, and curate & host The Write Stuff gatherings at The James Joyce Centre, Chapters Bookstore, and other city venues.

Steve is currently preparing for the release of his first anthology, due Autumn 2026.

The James Joyce Centre is supported by the Department of Culture, Communications, and Sport.