Negro Impacto at The Cooler
The Wire“...one of the most exciting, genre-defying acts in the country... ”
Negro Impacto are a Dundalk duo comprising of vocalist-songwriter Chi Chi and producer, multi-instrumentalist Laurence (aka StrangeLove). The pair quickly gained attention in the Irish music scene thanks to their unique neo-soul sound, impressive musicianship and fun live sets. Named as part of the '2FM Rising' class of 2023, finalists of 'A New Local Hero 2023' with Hotpress and ones to watch across many outlets, the duo are in for another incredible year.
The sound of Negro Impacto is alternative neo-soul with elements of RnB, rock and funk - as heard in their self titled debut E.P. Their music has been compared to the likes of The Internet and Steve Lacy and you can hear elements of inspiration from Erykah Badu and WILLOW in Chi Chi’s dreamy vocals. In terms of production, multi-instrumentalist Laurence quotes DJ Harrison and Arthur Verocai as a definite influence on his style.
Negro Impacto's live set is an eclectic mix of incredible musicianship, inventive live arrangements by Laurence and infectious vocals and interactions by Chi Chi. 2022 saw the band's first festival season, where they wowed audiences across stages at Electric Picnic, Forbidden Fruit, All Together Now, Another Love Story and more. Negro Impacto were also selected for Ireland Music Week 2022 and have played at showcases with District Magazine, Nialler9, Mo Cultivation, Artists Against Homelessness (curated by Kojaque) and opened for a range of artists such as Ojerime, Denise Chaila and The Mary Wallopers.
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 artist's door, you'll see a painted sign for The Cooler (in black) and The Depot (in white). The Cooler is alsomarked by a small sign between the main glass doors (sometimes covered by blue shutters) and the 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 on 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.
The performance space is up two flights of stairs and may be difficult to access for patrons with additional mobility needs. The space is fully seated.
Gender-neutral toilet facilities are available upstairs (a few steps up from the level of The Cooler). Baby-changing facilities are available at The Gallery, downstairs at The Complex (using the Arran St entrance).
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.
The red line of the LUAS runs very close to The Cooler, taking the stop at Jervis St (if travelling towards Saggart/Tallaght) or at Four Courts (if travelling towards Connolly/The Point). Many different bus lines run to Ormond Quay, Inns Quay, or Church Street, which are all a couple of streets away from The Cooler.
During the day, a small gated Dublin City Council car park can be accessed on Mary's Lane around the corner, at standard rates, but closes at 9pm.
Jervis Shopping Centre Car Park is also close by, with varying opening hours, often closing at 9pm.
Some street parking is available nearby, often free after 7pm - days and rates vary, please check signs. At the time of writing, the loading bays on Mary's Abbey (directly in front of The Complex), and the loading bays on Arran St East are both free after 7pm. Please double check signs, as these arrangements can change.
