Dear Reader –
This week’s letter celebrates musicians who haven’t let the pandemic stop them.
Surely though now it’s time to let us all get back to work.
*All hyperlinks in bold.
The Big Thing
Musicians are creative by nature. We have found and will find ways to adapt - it’s part of who we are. But it’s important that we get back to doing what we do best. And soon.
Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media Catherine Martin released a statement last weekend in which she commits to giving us a clear roadmap to reopening by the end of this month. Well-known blogger and champion of new Irish music Nialler9 responded with this statement, in which he says that that is too late.
And he may well be correct - it’s hard to know. Government has had to tread a fine line over the last year and a half and it’s impossible to get every decision right. However by now it has gone on so long for us. Longer than almost every other industry. Many people are frustrated, broke, and understandably looking for someone to blame. In fairness I believe this minister has a good understanding of what artists need, and while her department has made mistakes, they have shown the ability to learn from them. Funding and pilot events have been welcome and have given much needed short term employment to many. But the next step is crucial.
The most recent figure I saw was that 72.4% of adults in this country are now fully vaccinated. That number will be significantly higher by the end of August. Once the health service is able to cope, there must be a time where what we as a society decide to do with our time comes down to personal choice. Like exists now in almost every other sector.
The lack of an established lobby has no doubt counted against us, but our industry is full of intelligent, conscientious and creative people who have been and will continue to be responsible. It’s time to let us plan for our futures and work on a consistent basis again.
Where else but Sligo?
It has been a big week for North Sligo. Mary Gaynor, who is now one of the few natives of that area who isn’t an Olympic Finalist, commented online last week – “it’s a fantastic example of what can be achieved when we support each other”. Not about Mona or Chris mind you, but about the Theme Night Crowdfunding Campaign. And that sums up how I feel after we reached our target last week.
I made this thankyou video the morning we crossed the line (pardon the pun) - apparently my newly-relaxed and relieved state of mind comes across loud and clear in it - so much so that one friend asked me how much I had to drink before filming it!
So have a quick look at the video if you haven’t seen it already. I say and sing everything I have to say there. If you are one of the many who contributed I’ll be in touch in the coming days to arrange delivery of your rewards. Thankyou all so much.
What’s New?
Theme Night Regular Amy O’Hara has just released her debut album. A huge achievement in these times or indeed in any time. Watch this video - it showcases all of Amy’s talents brilliantly and will tell you all you need to know about whether you will like the album or not. Hint - you probably will! It’s called A Blue I Can’t Describe, and you can buy it here.
It took place last night, and they’re already calling it the greatest race of all time. Complete with guttural roars from the victors.
Eddie Lee is a musician who has completely reinvented himself over the last few months. His photography exhibition opened last week in the Hyde Bridge Gallery, Sligo and runs until August 24. Congratulations Ed on an amazing collection of photos. The exhibition is definitely worth a visit.
Finally…
We’ll leave the last word today to Michael Christie and The Kings of Cool - who have been consistently releasing new music during the pandemic. It was once again lovely to be asked to play some piano on this track with the lads. Here’s the chorus lyric from their latest song.
“We all know what we went through, and we did what we could do
We fell so fast it’s hard to comprehend.
All the pain and sacrifice - but we found the strength inside
And now at last our time has come again”.
Till next time - Kieran.
