The Anglo-Celt 2025 Arts Review- Dirty Marmalade

Donny McAvenue & Emil Kapusta

Dirty Marmalade

Best Cavan arts event: The Cavan Arts Festival is always our favourite arts event that happens every year. It seems to get better every time so big ups to the CAF team!

One to watch: Liam McCabe’s ‘Feel Bad Movie Club’ project is something anyone in Cavan should make themselves familiar with. He is by far one of the most talented musical exports from County Cavan and a really good friend!

His album launch ‘Year of the Dog’ is in the Town Hall, February 7 and the tickets are on sale now.

Best film: Frankenstein. We were deeply moved by its portrayal of innocence and vulnerability, especially how the creature’s gentle nature is shaped and ultimately damaged by a cruel, judgemental world.

The film powerfully shows how society treats those who are different, and we strongly resonated with the creature’s desire for understanding, connection and kindness in the face of rejection.

Best book: Rick Rubin’s ‘The Creative Act’ opened our eyes to creativity as a way of being, not just a skill.

It changed how we approach music - trusting intuition, embracing simplicity, and staying present in the process. Those ideas translated into our everyday decisions too, helping us act with more awareness, patience, and confidence. The book taught us that creativity isn’t forced; it’s noticed.

Best music: The Spudguns just released their debut EP called ‘Notions’. Their singer Thomas has the best Cavan accent of all time.

Best podcast: We both really enjoy Alex O’Connor who discusses some really deep topics. Recently he had Michael from Vsauce who is a childhood favourite.