Dear Reader –
I played a gig last weekend, which unfortunately is somewhat newsworthy these days.
*All hyperlinks, as always, in bold.
The Big Thing
A big thing it certainly was. It was great, and although they had high-end security (see below), these two lads behind me managed to sneak in and even get some cake!
We had been asked to play at a garden party in Co. Cavan. The rain stayed off, and it was everything we hoped it would be, after so long. The craic was good, and thankfully we remembered how to play (!), but it was made easy for us by the host and his guests. Here’s how.
Preparation. They had built us a stage in the garden, thoughtfully beside a shelter for the equipment in case it rained.
Welcome. Before we even carried the gear in, we were welcomed to the party, made feel at home, and offered food and beverages as if we were guests.
Participation. The audience weren’t big in number but were ready to go with us wherever they were brought. Asking for requests, responding to what we did, and taking part themselves - if I closed my eyes when John sang Raglan Road I could have been listening to Luke Kelly.
Up Shligo! Having one proud (and loud) Sligoman in the audience always helps.
Cake - it is scientifically proven that if you offer the musicians cake you will get up to a 50% increase in performance level.
Where else but Sligo?
It’s summer, so that means we’re in the thick of the GAA season. I’m lucky to live near the home pitch of my local club Coolera/Strandhill, and I always love spending time in the back garden listening to the shouts of players, management and fans on summer evenings. Trying to work out what the various roars mean. Are we winning or losing?
For the first time this summer however, my children are involved and so I’ve been travelling around the county following the fortunes of the girls U-10 and U-12 teams. And it has been an eye-opener. I wrote this article for the Sligo Weekender based on my experiences recently.
What’s New?
Last week’s letter launched the crowdfunding campaign which will hopefully help fund the production of not only the first ever Theme Night album, but also a special souvenir 10 yr-anniversary book. So that means we’re now one week in, and we’re off to a great start - thanks so much to everyone who has contributed to the campaign in any way so far. This video tells the story better than any words could, or you can check out our progress so far or contribute to the campaign here.
The first week in July usually sees me in Letterkenny teaching at the wonderful Donegal Summer School of Music. This is the second year that they have been unable to do things as they would wish, but credit to the committee, once again they have organised a top-class online programme. It’s a pleasure to be a part of it once again.
Cake-eater Seamie O’Dowd released this song recently. Enjoy the humour but don’t let it distract you too much from the trademark lyricism and musicianship on show.
Finally…
This is one of the songs we played last weekend. And as I sat there playing it, lost in the groove with the two lads, probably with one of those silly happy grins on, suddenly nothing else in the world mattered. The power of music to bring you right back to the present.
Till next time - Kieran.
