Haunted Dancehall 2026 at NCH: Kelela brings superstar aura to risk-taking festival’s first night

In an unconventional move that challenges the traditional expectations of Dublin’s National Concert Hall, the Haunted Dancehall festival staged its debut event, drawing a diverse crowd eager to experience a fusion of boundary-pushing music. The festival’s inaugural night, held on a recent Saturday, featured a lineup that defied genre constraints and showcased emerging and experimental artists alongside a globally recognized headliner.

The festival’s ethos centers on opening the venerable 19th-century venue to audiences typically unaccustomed to its classical music programming. Attendees embraced this ethos, arriving in eclectic attire that paid homage to alternative music culture, creating a striking contrast with the formal concert hall environment. This juxtaposition contributed to an atmosphere that was both electric and intimate.

Washington, DC’s avant-garde R&B artist Kelela served as the evening’s highlight, commanding the main stage with a magnetic presence enhanced by dramatic stagecraft including atmospheric dry ice and strategic lighting. Her set navigated a sonic spectrum ranging from emotionally raw ballads to ethereal, space-infused soundscapes, demonstrating her skill in blending disparate influences. Her vocal delivery alternated between electronically manipulated textures and unfiltered vulnerability, underscoring her position as a contemporary innovator in pop and R&B.

Earlier performances offered a more understated but equally compelling experience. Dublin-based musician Finn Carraher McDonald, performing under the name Nashpaints, provided an evocative post-rock soundscape in a smaller, more intimate room. The setting facilitated a close connection between performer and audience, amplified by an unexpected technical moment that briefly illuminated the space.

Another highlight in the same room was the set by Galway’s Cóilí Collins, known as Shampain. His carefully curated electronica mix, delivered with a focus reminiscent of pioneering electronic acts, added a textured layer to the festival’s diverse sound palette.

The festival’s Studio room delivered a distinctly underground vibe, reminiscent of early 1990s rave culture. Sheffield producer Noa Kurzweil, performing as Voice Actor, captivated the audience with her haunting, vocally processed compositions that unfolded like cryptic personal narratives. Following her was Edinburgh’s Proc Fiskal, whose innovative blending of electronic, grime, and Scottish traditional elements attracted a notable crowd despite coinciding with Kelela’s set.

Haunted Dancehall’s programming and venue choice represent a deliberate risk, merging a contemporary, youth-oriented music culture with an establishment known for classical tradition. This fusion has yielded a unique microfestival experience marked by adventurous programming and dynamic performances.

According to irishtimes.com, the festival’s opening night successfully cultivated an ambiance of artistic experimentation and cultural crossover, delivering a compelling mix of sonic innovation and performance charisma. While the event embraces a playful spirit, it simultaneously fosters serious engagement with evolving musical forms, positioning itself as a noteworthy addition to Dublin’s live music scene.