Christmas gigs…

Dear Reader - Excited today to announce a series of December dates!

The Big Thing

Theme Nights Unplugged at Christmas - myself Luke and Seamie plus lots of very special guests in some fantastic venues in Boyle, Drumcliffe and Riverstown.

See poster below - all tickets available here - on sale at 1pm today - as always you dear letter readers hear about it first.

Where else but Sligo?

Congratulations to Theme Night Academy member Rory Conneally who last night was named as the Young Irish Jazz Musician of the Year for 2024.

It is a fantastic achievement for Rory - especially as he was the youngest finalist. It is also notable that the previous winner of the award is also a Sligo pianist and Teenage Theme Night graduate - Nils Kavanagh.

It is a testament to the remarkable work going on in Sligo’s Youth Music Education scene, and on a happy day like today we would like to also congratulate our good friends in this area - Sligo Jazz and the Sligo Academy of Music - who have played a huge part in giving Rory the tuition, opportunities and platforms to help him reach this standard.

But most of all to Rory - I have known him for more than four years now (indeed I wrote this about him in March 2022), and his progress as a pianist has been rapid to say the least. This is due to his work ethic, wonderful support from his family, and a love and passion for what he does.

All of us at the Theme Night Academy are looking forward to working with Rory over the coming months, and can’t wait to see what the future holds for him.

What’s New?

1. ALMOST PANTO TIME! Last few tickets here…

2. HOW TO PAY TRIBUTE TO YOUR GREATEST RIVAL: Federer on Nadal. Read this.

3. WON ON PENALTIES! Apologies to the reader who told me to ‘piss off’ (in jest!) after a recent mention of Coolera-Strandhill in this letter, but I hope the rest of you will allow me my moment - what an epic match it was last Sunday.
   It is amazing to see our club in a Connacht final - and so well deserved too.

Finally…

The tune mentioned in my blog about Rory above.
Ok it’s not December yet but this is great at any time of year.

Till next time - Kieran.

The best we’ve been at!

Dear Reader - I read this somewhere recently and liked it.

“Work hard but take breaks”.

The Big Thing

See above…

Where else but Sligo?

Regular readers of this letter will have heard me talk many times about the magic in the room on a Teenage Theme Night.

There were so many standout performances on Teenage Theme Night #33 last weekend, but one personal highlight was jamming out a 6-handed piano version of Viva La Vida with Sam and Rory (pictured below).

And while these shows was extra-special, given it was the first ever Teenage Theme Night presented as part of our brand-new Theme Night Academy programme, I thought today you might appreciate a change in tone.
So here instead are the words of parents, audience members and the teenagers themselves on what happened in The Model last Friday, Saturday and Sunday, firstly regarding that Coldplay performance mentioned above.

“The joy on all your faces was something to behold and everyone in the audience felt it too”.

“Our first Teenage Theme Night! We enjoyed it hugely! Kids were brilliant!”

“Hello Kieran, thanks for performing on our song with us, we rehearsed it a lot and we think that it paid off well as we felt satisfied with the performance”.

“Just to say thank you again for the opportunity you are giving to the teenagers. The new academy format is a great addition and I’m sure it will continue to go from strength to strength.”

“Thank you so much for all the help coming up to the theme night. It was amazing and I can’t wait to do it again. Thank you again for such an amazing night!!”

“Great show Kieran. The second half especially was the best we’ve been at. Such a high standard. Bravo you and your team for this fantastic experience for these teens”.

What’s New?

1. THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST: Looking forward to seeing Theme Night favourite Mícheál Kearney and the rest of the cast do their thing in the Hawk’s Well on Thursday night. Still some tickets here.

2. SWEENEY TODD: Congrats to Theme Night stalwart Dave Flynn and former Teenage Theme Nighters Jack Courtenay and Katelyn Rafter on landing big roles in this upcoming 2025 Pop-Up Theatre production.

3. HANDEL’S MESSIAH: Dec 14th in Calry Church. Some great vocalists on this - including Aoife Anderson, Brian Woods, Hannah Hoero, Jonathan Carter and Katelyn Ressler.

Finally…

One of my 10 yr-old piano students requested to learn this a few weeks ago - and I haven’t been able to stop listening to it since!

Till next time - Kieran.

Purpose in life…

Dear Reader - I’ll let this picture do the talking for now…more about it below.

The Big Thing

But first - this weekend sees the first big showcase event of the new Theme Night Academy!

This weekend Teenage Theme Night #33 takes place and for the first time students are coming into it armed with knowledge and experience passed down to them by professionals in masterclass and open mic events in the months leading up to it.

The theme? Grammys! Ensuring an amazing setlist full of award-winning songs.

Come see them brought to life by the latest ensemble of talented teenage musicians.

Friday 8th to Sunday 10th in The Model, Sligo. Get your tickets here.

Where else but Sligo?

Coolera-Strandhill are Sligo men’s senior county champions.
For the second year in a row.
Becoming only the second team to win back-to-back titles in the last 35 years.
What an incredible achievement.

I wrote this three years ago, after this team had lost their second final in three years. For some players it was their third loss in a final. That elusive county medal seemed so far away. And now they have two. I couldn’t be happier for them all.

A friend of mine said to me after the match that he loved how the GAA brought out a more emotional side of me. He’s probably right - Sunday was certainly a day where I felt alive.

A word about St. Molaise Gaels, who have now also lost two finals in quick succession. That is no guarantee that they will go on and win it of course, but if they stick together, the chances are that they probably will. They came closer this year than last year. And it will be all the sweeter when they do. Just ask our lads.

Pictured below are the midfielders on the current team - Peter Laffey and Kevin Banks, along with two former midfielders - see if you can spot who is who!

What’s New?

1. PURPOSE IN LIFE: Former Irish footballing superstar Damien Duff after winning the league title with Shelbourne - ‘Life is nothing without a purpose’.

2. MORE JACOB COLLIER: For anyone on Instagram - one of the highlights from last week’s gig here.

3. TEENAGE THEME NIGHTS IN MADRID: Loved this picture taken by Sam White (2015) of two other Teenage Theme Night Graduates - Ollie White (2018) and Tom Ryan (2020) gigging together in Madrid last week.

Finally…

Rest in peace Quincy Jones.
If you don’t know how amazing this guy was, go find out.

Till next time - Kieran.

The musician’s musician

Dear Reader - I saw Jacob Collier in Dublin last night…so much to process!

The Big Thing

It reminded me of seeing Vulfpeck in Vicar St with Eddie Lee back in 2016. So many musicians in the crowd! Lots of Theme Night friends and Sligo Jazz heads. Great to bump into so many familiar faces.
Here’s an (extended) review I sent to a few friends this morning…

Firstly it was way better than I thought it was going to be. I went more out of curiosity - I haven’t necessarily connected with much of his music before but there is no doubt that he is one of the musical geniuses of our time.
I had seen him online doing this and that and a bit of that and lots of this and then a bit more of that too - but wondered what would he choose to do on a gig to bring us with him?

Firstly he gave us energy! And lots of it. He sprinted onto the stage and hit us with the most incredible opening which included The Rare Old Mountain Dew but was anchored by a fantastic version of You’re Just Too Good to be True.
Lots of great arrangements throughout too - he covered Billy Joel, Michael Jackson, Joni Mitchell, Sinéad O’Connor and Queen among others.

He is a piano player at heart which is always a bonus for me.
He has an amazing mastery of harmony and augmented his arrangements with tasty (possibly the highest compliment I will pay a chord) chords throughout. It was interesting but always accessible.

There was one moment where he sang while playing piano with one hand and guitar with the other. It wasn’t a gimmick - it was just gorgeous.

He is known for making his audiences into a choir. These parts of the show were amazing. I sang at times and at other times I just listened - the whole Olympia singing in 3-part harmony was so good.

Finally he is a generous musician. I loved watching him accompany his guests and the attention he gave them. Lizzy McAlpine joined him on stage for a few songs as did his support act - Wallis Bird. Jacob didn’t take his eyes off either while they were singing - his sole focus was their vocal, the song and how he could make each sound better.

Brilliant gig overall I must say. Especially when I went into it unsure.
It really is incredible for one person to do all he did. He is a creative and musical genius and it was a real treat to see him in a venue like the Olympia.

He uploaded this video to Instagram last night - it was him at his creative best - directing us to make a video to encourage the Americans to vote next week!

Where else but Sligo?

The most work I have ever seen go into a children’s show!
And by all accounts it paid off - The Whacky Witch and her Magic Cauldron delighted audiences in Sligo this week.

Congrats to director Kieran Griffiths, musical director Niamh Crowley, and the cast of Sinéad, Orla, Katelyn and Luke.

What’s New?

1. STEPHANIE RAINEY IN SLIGO: One of our visiting artists on Theme Night #35. Enjoyed the experience so much that she is coming back to the Hawk’s Well next March. Details here.

2. NIALL McCABE IN SLIGO: Same with Niall (Visiting Artist on #33) - except his gig is in a few weeks!

3. MEDITATIONS FOR MORTALS: I’m loving this book at the moment. Perfect for the calm after a Theme Night! From the author of Four Thousand Weeks - recommended in these pages previously.

Finally…

Interestingly, my piano lessons started last week with a bunch of orchestrations to listen to and digest. This was one - just sublime.
Vince Mendoza is the man!

Till next time - Kieran.

Taking lessons again…

Dear Reader -

Today’s letter is full of possibility and anticipation…

The Big Thing

I’m taking piano lessons. For the first time in 20 years. It’s very exciting!
I had to answer six questions this morning in preparation. These were the hardest.

• What would you like another musician to think/say about you?

• Is there anything in your musicianship that makes you feel insecure?

I’m really looking forward to this. I’ll keep you in the loop…

Where else but Sligo?

Hands up if you’re looking forward to Sligo Live?!
Jargon were so good on our last Theme Night. Catch them again on Oct 30.

What’s New?

1. THEME NIGHT #36: Last Theme Night mention for a while, but I wanted to say thanks to the huge number of you who have already bought tickets for February’s show.

2. JACOB COLLIER: In The Olympia! Can’t believe it. I’m going next week.

3. THEME NIGHT ACADEMY MASTERCLASS #2: This will be great.
   Steve Kohlmann and Joe Gorman focusing on different aspects of preparation. Available to members of our Theme Night Academy this Wednesday evening.

Finally…

Uisce in Shoots had a fantastic Tom Waits playlist on the other night - was reminded of many great songs - including this…

Till next time - Kieran.

“Running out of superlatives”

Dear Reader -

A huge thanks to everyone who came to the shows last week. A truly memorable week for all of us involved. Tickets for our next show go on sale this morning with early access for letter readers (details below) - or why not relive some of the magic of Theme Night #35 with a select crew of musicians tomorrow night (Wednesday) upstairs in Lillies from 8pm.

Still some tickets here.

The Big Thing

Tickets for Theme Night #36 go on sale this morning.

February 6-8 2025 in the Hawk’s Well Theatre, Sligo.

Get them today at hawkswell.com

Where else but Sligo?

A few words from others on what happened last week…

• Seamie O’Dowd eloquent as always - read his thoughts here.

• “I am running out of superlatives” - anonymous letter reader.

• Not specific to last week but so relevant - The miracle of music by Gabe Anderson.

• “Another epic Theme Night, possibly the best ever” - Neil Gaynor on Facebook.

• “A big part of the reason I go to the shows is to see you so happy for two hours” - anonymous family member of mine!

What’s New?

1. THEME NIGHTS THIS FRIDAY: Unplugged in Roscommon.

2. THEME NIGHTS THIS SATURDAY: Big show in Ballyshannon.

3. CATHY JORDAN’S CRANKIE ISLAND PROJECT: What an initiative! A project with 32 songs, 32 original illustrations and featuring over 70 musicians, artists and technicians. Big gig in Sligo this Thursday. Read more here.

Finally…

Here’s the Sligo song from Cathy’s project…

Till next time - Kieran.

One year on…

Dear Reader -

There’s only one show in town this week! As always we have tried to keep it fresh and entertaining for you guys…can’t wait to see lots of you there! Still a small number of tickets for tomorrow and Thursday if you haven’t snapped them up yet.
Can’t wait to see lots of you there…

The Big Thing

Our Theme Nights YouTube channel is one year old this week.
We’ll be recording lots of new videos this week, but it’s also nice to look back!
Here’s our first ever release…

Where else but Sligo?

There have been times over the last year where I have had to take stock.
Getting to play and record regularly with lots of fantastic musicians, with a brilliant team of technicians making sure everything looks and sounds just right.

Thanks especially to the core members of our crew who have made this happen.
James McManus, Joy Feehily, Luke Devaney, Mícheál Kearney and Rory Maitland.

Also to Conor Greene, Joe Gorman and Naoise Devaney, who helped at various stages of the project.

To the many artists who got involved on both sides of the camera - you guys make the magic happen - please keep doing what you do.

This is one of my favourite things we did in Year 1. We miss you Georgie!

What’s New?

1. THEME NIGHTS LIVE: One from our last show in Vicar St.

2. THEME NIGHTS FAVOURITE: Emily has appeared in three of our videos.

3. THEME NIGHTS ORIGINAL MUSIC: Our commitment to producing and recording new and original music in the Theme Nights remains consistent. Here’s one from the pen of Pro Murray - who will be joining us on our Ballyshannon show next Saturday the 19th.

Finally…

Our most viewed video…and Niamh is back with us this Thursday and Friday…

Till next time - Kieran.

Russell Crowe’s singer

Dear Reader -

No messing today - the info you need at the top of today’s letter.
Friday and Saturday of next week’s Theme Night run are SOLD OUT.
Don’t miss out - Wed and Thurs tickets still available here.

The Big Thing

I have so much I want to tell you all about what we have lined up for next week, but I suppose I should keep some of it as a surprise…
Today however I am delighted to announce our visiting artists.

• Wednesday - Máirtín O’Connor

• Thursday - Lorraine O’Reilly (also appearing on Wednesday)

• Friday - Jargon (also appearing on Thursday)

• Saturday - Stephanie Rainey

  More info on each of these fantastic artists below…

Where else but Sligo?

The first time I met Máirtín O’Connor was on The Lungy - when I said a fleeting hello to himself and Seamie O’Dowd as they ran down the town at 7:50 one evening to get some biscuits for their tea before an 8pm gig in the Hawk’s Well. I saw their gig that night too - and was blown away. So excited that ‘Máirt’ will be joining us on Wednesday.

I played a gig with Lorraine O’Reilly last Christmas and loved every minute. She is from a talented family - her brother Sean has joined us for many’s the Theme NIght and is currently touring as Nathan Carter’s drummer. Lorraine herself tours the world as the singer in Russell Crowe’s band and we are delighted that she can take some time off to be with us next Wednesday and Thursday.

I know Brian, Charlie, Gerry and Liam well as individuals and it was great to hear last year that they were reforming as Jargon. Regular readers of this letter will know that they have recently released an album and are currently touring it. It is a real coup for the Theme Nights to have them in our line-up for Thursday and Friday.

Stephanie Rainey is travelling all the way from her native Cork to be with us on the Saturday night. She is a radio DJ and musician and has written some genuine hit songs - one with over 2.4M views on YouTube. She is just back from a successful few months performing on America’s Got Talent and we are thrilled that she will join us.

What’s New?

1. THEME NIGHT ACADEMY: We’re firmly up and running! Our first ever masterclass was a huge success last Wednesday and we’re straight into preparations for this Thursday’s second (and sold out) Open Mic of the year. First big show coming in November.

2. NO LOVE AT ALL: 18 yr-old Sam Regan wrote this song himself and performed it on our Young Songwriter’s Showcase last February. There really is something about it - some fantastic lyrics and I love the piano playing.

3. THEME NIGHTS ON OCEAN FM: Live music with Seamie Mac and various Theme Nighters all week at 6.20 this week and into next Monday.

Finally…

Our Saturday night visiting artist - Stephanie Rainey - is just back from the USA - where she reached the quarter-finals of America’s Got Talent.

Till next time - Kieran.