Milestones

Dear Reader - It was a week of season endings and celebrations…

The Big Thing

Our debut season of Open Mic events for the Theme Night Academy finished last night, and as always it provided plenty of memorable moments.

We had a brand new band “What’s Her Face”, a song with two bass guitars as the only instruments and a few first-timers as always.

And fittingly, the last song was performed by two of our soon-to-be departing 6th Yrs - Sarah and Michael (pictured below).

Overall the year was a huge success though, a great addition to our Theme Night Academy programme. We hosted 6 events around the town and county of Sligo, welcomed over 100 musicians, lots who are members of our Academy and others who just wanted to try it out.

Thanks to Joy Feehily for all the work in designing and producing the programme, to James McManus, Luke Devaney and Sean ‘Cabbage’ Callaghan and to The Crib, Kilmacowen Hall and The Nest for hosting us along the way.

Where else but Sligo?

I was delighted to join Niamh Crowley and the Sligo Academy of Music Sinfionetta last Saturday night in the Hawk’s Well to celebrate their 25-Year anniversary.

What a milestone, an incredible achievement for Niamh and her team and a hugely significant contribution made to Sligo in that time.

It was lovely to hear some personal stories from past students about the impact of what Niamh has built, great to look at pictures from trips away to places such as New York, Prague and Barcelona, and then of course there was the music!

Niamh has built up a large library of self-penned orchestral arrangements over the years, and we were treated to a variety of them on Saturday night - from some past Theme Night favourites (Going Home, Listen) all the way to Broadway hits (Some Enchanted Evening, On My Own) and more modern choices (You Raise Me Up, Something Inside So Strong).

Congrats to everyone involved on this landmark achievement. It is always such a pleasure to work with Niamh and her team. It’s not easy to build something like this but it’s even more difficult to commit the time, energy and resources necessary for longevity and sustainability.

Wishing Niamh and all in the Sligo Academy of Music all the best for the future.

What’s New?

Three beautiful solo piano pieces below.
I have either learned them recently or am doing so at the moment.
Have a listen!

1. IL POSTINO (SANGAH NOONA): Here.

2. DOROTHY (DR. JOHN): Here.

3. I (YIRUMA): Here.

Finally…

So much fun playing this with Niamh and the gang last Saturday!

Till next time - Kieran.

Where are you Now?!

Dear Reader - things are starting to get moving again…I hope you’re not too far away over the coming weeks!

The Big Thing

The Theme Nights may be taking a break for the moment, but our Theme Nights YouTube channel has remained very much active, and we have lots of new music videos on the way in the coming weeks.

January saw us release Frames by Theme Night Academy member Kenya Leigh, and we recorded Visiting Artists Clada during February’s Theme Night run.

March was a month for making plans but we’re back with a bang now in April with the latest single from 2024 Visiting Artist and Russell Crowe’s singer Lorraine O’Reilly.

Go on - have a look - it’s a great song and Lorraine’s voice is special!

Where else but Sligo?

Some reflections on last Sunday’s Informal Afternoon gig at The Model.

There was a time that Seamie and I played together every week.
A long time actually.
And then one day a couple of months ago I realised all of a sudden that it has been 8 years since we released Melodic Reflection together.

Thankfully around that time Anna Houston kindly invited the two of us to do a couple of short sets at April’s Informal Music Afternoon.
This is one of Sligo’s longest-running gigs. The first Sunday of every month. Without fail.
For years now - in fact even longer than Seamie and I have been playing together.
And it’s great. Varied yet consistent. Music that you don’t hear anywhere else.
From amateurs and professionals, old and young.

And it was a joy to be part of it today.
We did 4 tunes and a song, and the magic I feel every time I play with Seamie was there immediately. That unmistakeable quality, Sligo soul and familiar sense of mischief.
We had a quick chat after and resolved to make the time to do more together.
And we will.

What’s New?

1. 25 YEARS OF SLIGO ACADEMY OF MUSIC: Another pillar of Sligo’s music scene. Big celebration in the Hawk’s Well this Saturday - and Niamh has me learning some tricky stuff for this one! Get the last few tickets here.

2. I LOVE YOU’RE PERFECT NOW CHANGE: Back by popular demand after a hugely successful run last year. Luke, Sinéad, Katelyn and Warren. Plus Niamh and Mimi! A small crew but wow do they pack some punch.
   Directed by HWT director Kieran Griffiths - and on next week!

3. LAST OPEN MIC OF THE YEAR: And just like that the first year of our Theme Night Academy is coming to a close. The 6th and last Open Mic of our hugely popular series takes place in Kilmacowen Hall.
   And it’s open to anyone, not just members of our Academy.
   But you must be in possession of a (free) ticket. Get them here.

Finally…

One of Seamie’s compositions from the aforementioned Melodic Reflection (2017) - wait for the harmonica to come in!

Till next time - Kieran.

Making and fooling…

Dear Reader - Happy April!

The Big Thing

Courtesy of Gabe Anderson - for anyone who is into making stuff…

Three phases…I’m not sure they always go in order and there’s plenty of overlap along the way…

Making it…starting out you wanna make it. Make it big. To the top. Toppermost of the poppermost. It’s all about hype and glitz and leather boots and wearing sunglasses inside and being so cool it hurts. It’s all about being somebody everywhere you go…and you go everywhere.

Making something great…the realization that you’d trade all the cool in the world for a great song, a great offering that will lift you and the world around you. Magic is cooler than cool. Whatever it takes to make the people laugh and cry and pump their fist. Take the sunglasses off, let the people see into your soul.

Making…creativity is the gift. The feeling you get when you make the thing, that’s what music is for. Starting with nothing and ending up with something. Creation. A miracle. And making with others is a binding force that lasts forever…connecting with others through creativity…in real time.

Where else but Sligo?

Sunrise. New blossoms. New morning. New month.
Another chance to make things better. And make better things.

What’s New?

1. GIG WITH SEAMIE THIS WEEKEND: Looking forward to playing at the Informal Music Afternoon in The Model with Seamie O’Dowd this coming Sunday April 6th. More here.

2. GIG WITH NIAMH NEXT WEEKEND: And…to being part of the very special 25-Year celebration of the Sligo Academy of Music next Saturday April 12th in the Hawk’s Well Theatre. More here.

3. GIG WITH ALL THESE GUYS IN MAY: Thanks to Sinéad, Aileen, Niamh, Joy and the many teenagers who came to Summerhill College last weekend to start preparations for May’s Teenage Theme Night extravaganza with the Sligo Academy of Music Sinfionetta. More here.

Finally…

Once again - to those fooling, those who were fooled or those just getting on with their day - Happy April!

Till next time - Kieran.

Around the world!

Dear Reader - we were taken around the world by members of our Theme Night Academy this weekend - from Babylon to Brazil, from Tennessee to Tunisia and finally back home to the Hills of Donegal and the Isle of Innisfree.

The Big Thing

Yes that’s right - the theme for Teenage Theme Night #34 was Places - so any song with a place name in the title. A brilliant theme choice actually - some great songs and huge variety all weekend.

Think about it - what would you pick?
Hotel California? Sweet Home Chicago? Budapest? Englishman in New York?

As always the weekend produced lots of memorable performances and some great stories. I’ll fill you in on more below, but to start it was lovely to see each of our featured graduates include a sibling who is a current member of our Academy in their performances.

So a huge thanks to…
Emily Howard (2019) and her sister Bella
Eddie Fitzpatrick (2021) and his sister Meadhbh (pictured below)
Patrick Conneally (2022) and his brother Rory

Happy families all round!

Where else but Sligo?

There are always standout musicians on these nights. Especially in terms of the 6th Yrs who are coming to the end of their three years with us.
Sam Regan played on 14 songs this time. Drummer Cal Halpin wasn’t far behind him and has developed such a great feel in his playing. And Rory Conneally brought a smile to my face every time he played that piano. Such a special talent.
One of the highlights of the weekend was when he accompanied Mimi Lee on Georgia On My Mind and watching Eddie Lee and Ken McDonald enjoying every minute of playing with him.

And then there was the birthday trio. Sarah Flavin, Jack Keaveney and Mimi Lee all celebrated their 18th birthday over the weekend and there were 6 cakes between the three of them!
There was a big crew of 6th Yrs in the green room after the show on Saturday hanging out, chatting about the show and eating cake. And it struck me that this is what the Theme Night Academy is all about really.
Yes the music is important but the personal development and friendships made is what really matters.

I thought back to when these guys joined us as Transition Year students back in 2022 and how they have grown and matured since. And then I looked at some of our current TYs and looked forward to seeing how their 18 yr-old selves will show up in two years time.

The likes of Liam Curran who blew people away with his guitar playing on a Motorhead song. Laynah Murphy who delivered an emotionally powerful version of Brooklyn Baby. Or Brooklyn Hunter (pictured below) whose voice captivated our Sunday night crowd.

I can’t wait to find out!

What’s New?

1. BIG NEWS: Only 6 weeks to go until the last Teenage Theme Night of the year - and for the first time we will be collaborating with the Sligo Academy of Music Sinfionetta for what feels like the biggest ever celebration of youth music in Sligo! More here.

2. 3 MOST POPULAR SONGS OF THE WEEKEND: I’m always interested in this - to see what is currently resonating with the younger generation.
   The answer?
   Billy Joel (Vienna, New York State of Mind) and Hozier (From Eden).

3. COOL ENVY: A friend of mine said to me over the weekend - “Kieran I’m probably 40 years older than Sean Boni (pictured below) and I’m pretty sure I have never in my life been as cool as he is now”.

Finally…

This is a fantastic album. Dave Grusin’s arrangements of tunes from West Side Story.
Thanks to Sean’s coolness for reminding me of it today!

Till next time - Kieran.

Rockin’ The Boat

Dear Reader - firstly a reminder that Teenage Theme Night #34 takes place in the Model this coming Friday Saturday and Sunday. I’m not exaggerating when I say that this looks like it will be the best one yet!

Still some tickets here.

The Big Thing

I made the trip to Belfast on Sunday evening to see a gig in the Ulster Hall. It was my first time in the venue - it’s a bit like the National Concert Hall but slightly smaller.

Michael Rooney was conducting a 105-strong orchestra playing his arrangements of Máirtín O’Connor’s music. Theme Night regulars will be familiar of course with both artists - Michael as someone who regularly joins us and Máirtín as a visiting artist on our Let’s Dance show last October.

I loved it. The show also featured Zoe Conway (fiddle and vocals) and John McIntyre (guitar) and it was such a treat. Máirtín’s music is so interesting and uplifting - and Michael’s choices and arrangements were spot on. Plus the orchestra were right on top of what at times was quite difficult music.

One tune in particular built and built and built - my mind was urging them to keep going keep going keep building - there’s more in ye - go on go on go on - and Michael milked every last drop of it - it was just fantastic.

On top of it all it was just so nice to see Michael up there in front of almost 1000 people doing his thing and doing it so well!

But the best thing about going to see these gigs is when they light a fire inside you…

Where else but Sligo?

Great to see the big stage back in Queen Maeve Square this weekend.

And equally great to see the line-ups over the three nights featuring lots of local talent - the Pound Street Boys, Sonic Minds, The Atlantic, Grooveline and Phoenix (pictured below), featuring 6 members of our Theme Night Academy - Darragh, Eoin, Cal, Zach, Sam and Dara.

Reports back were strong from all gigs and I spoke to two of the participating musicians today - both said that they would love to get up and do the gig all over again tonight. Well done to all!

What’s New?

1. LORRAINE O’REILLY NEW MUSIC: Another of our Visiting Artists from last October. Listen to Lorraine’s new single here.

2. SLIGO GAA: Great to see the men’s footballers hit a bit of form as championship season approaches!

3. ROCKIN’ THE BOAT: I found that Máirtín O’Connor tune that built and built mentioned above. Listen below from 1:49 on. I’m afraid you’ll have to imagine the 105-strong orchestra though!

Finally…

One of Michael’s tunes we played together - written one Christmas day if I remember correctly.
Also featuring Marie O’Byrne and Niamh Crowley.

Till next time - Kieran.

The Graduates…

Dear Reader - Lots of really exciting Theme Night Academy events taking place in the next few weeks - so today’s letter is a celebration of some of the musicians who have graduated from this programme over the last 10 years.

The Big Thing

But first - Teenage Theme Night #34 takes place the weekend after next.

March 21-23 in The Model.

4 shows, including a matinee on Sunday.

You can get tickets here.

*Please note that there is a concession price for U-18s but these tickets are only available to be bought in person in The Model.

Where else but Sligo?

Emily Meades only took part in two Teenage Theme Nights but her performance of Imelda May’s Black Tears has left a legacy. Even seven years later some of the current crop are looking to perform it. Imelda herself shared one such video last year.

Here is an example of what Emily can do - with members of our Theme Night band.

What’s New?

Some of my favourite performances from previous members of our Academy.

1. WHEN SHE LOVED ME: Sung by Cara Carleton (2024).

2. SEVENTEEN GOING UNDER: Vocals by Sam White (2015), percussion by Sam Purcell.

3. JESSICA McCAUNA: Vocals and song by Pro Murray (2024).
   Guitar Michael Clancy, Bass Sean Murray, Drums Morgan McNamee.

Finally…

The aforementioned performance.
From Theme Night #22. Vicar St - Feb 2019.

See you next week I hope!

Till next time - Kieran.

Funk folk and film…

Dear Reader - lots of music recommendations for you today. As per today’s title.
But first…

The Big Thing

It was lovely to meet parents and students for the first time in Wesley House in Dublin on Sunday. You never know what you’re going to get when you walk into a room of children, and this day was no different.

• Firstly these children got to play their concert pieces on a Yamaha baby grand piano - how great is that!

• One of our younger students got the biggest cheer of the day when she finished her piece and took an unprompted yet elegant and theatrical bow.

• Teacher Paddy Keyes was universally described as ‘cool’ by parents and students alike! Check out his recently released debut EP here.

• Finally - I loved this answer. In the workshop that preceded the concert I had a chat with the students about practising. I asked students to tell me what worked for them regarding their practice. One boy simply said '“I find it easy to practise because I just love playing the piano”.

Where else but Sligo?

Sometimes music will say it better than words ever can.

What’s New?

1. SANGAH NOONA - IL POSTINO: Just beautiful. Listen here.

2. STEPHANIE RAINEY AND PADDY KEYES: Coming to the Hawk’s Well later this month. Stephanie was our Saturday Visiting Artist on Theme Night #35 last October and you guys loved her. Tickets here.

3. SEE BELOW:

Finally…

What a clever (and funky!) arrangement…no doubt Elton would approve!

Till next time - Kieran.

Where else but Liverpool?

Dear Reader - I was in Liverpool last weekend, and even sacrificed my Saturday night out because I had a Beatles bus tour booked for early on Sunday morning…

The Big Thing

And I loved it. I’m not generally a tour person but the opportunity to see the city of Liverpool through the prism of one of my favourite bands was too good to pass up.

Here are a few interesting things I learned along the way…

• The childhood homes of John Lennon and Paul McCartney are now museums and owned by the National Trust.

• Their houses were two bus journeys apart. The change happened at a bus shelter in the middle of a roundabout just beside a street called Penny Lane.

• This shelter, the barber shop and other features in that song are actually on a neighbouring street called Smithdown Place, but that just wouldn’t sound as good as Penny Lane.

• Ringo Starr had his first no.1 album last month at the age of 84!

• The most listened to Beatles song on Spotify is George Harrison’s Here Comes The Sun.

Where else but Liverpool?

Regular readers will know of this section and how it tries to show off all aspects of my home town of Sligo - which I feel is exactly what Paul McCartney does here with Liverpool. A joy to watch from start to finish.

What’s New?

3 great Beatles books I have read over the years…all available to order at your local bookshops.

1. THE BEATLES: THE AUTHORISED BIOGRAPHY: By Hunter Davies. Does exactly what it says in the title.

2. ONE TWO THREE FOUR - THE BEATLES IN TIME: By Ctaig Brown. Some great snapshots and stories of the band.

3. THE BEATLES - COMPLETE SCORES: Every note ever played on a Beatles song. Transcribed and published. An amazing piece of work.

Finally…

The most accurate live reproduction of Penny Lane you’ll see…fascinating.

Till next time - Kieran.