Dear Reader –
We make our long-awaited return to the Hawk’s Well stage this week. Government restrictions say that the shows can be just over an hour long, but I can’t wait to show you what we will pack into that time. I have a feeling it’s going to be special and even quite emotional, and it would be lovely to see you there.
Tomorrow (Wednesday): Teenage Theme Night #23 - tickets here.
Thursday and Saturday: Our Welcome Back Show - featuring many of your favourite theme night performers. Tickets here.
*All hyperlinks in bold.
The Big Thing
There’s no doubt what the big thing is this week. Here’s what I’m looking forward to the most…
The sense of potential when you walk into the theatre for the first time and see nothing but a shiny black tuned piano on an otherwise empty stage.
This year’s teenage emcees - Eddie, Katelyn, Lisa and Saul - getting to host a live show for the first time.
The power of a 4-piece horn section in full voice behind you.
Getting to play some of the new music we have written and performed online during the last 18 months.
The sound of applause in the theatre. It’s different to anywhere else.
At this week’s teenage theme night we will bid farewell to some real talents. I can’t wait to see what Eddie Fitzpatrick, Shona Dalton and the rest of the gang have in store for us.
Playing some of the tracks from our upcoming Theme Night album live for you.
The amazing energy that can be created by a group of performers on stage together.
Where else but Sligo?
Last Tuesday was a sad day as we lost a member of our Theme Night Choir. The gentle giant that was Declan Walsh passed away long before his time, and he will be greatly missed by his family, friends and musical colleagues from Sligo and beyond.
I wrote these words about him on Facebook last week, featuring tributes to him from our Theme Night community, and the below video which shows him at his happiest - doing what he loved doing on stage. He’s the big handsome guy to the right of us three eejits out front.
Rest in Peace Declan.
What’s New?
Speaking of comebacks, during the week I came across this incredible run from 2016 by Irish Olympian Phil Healy.
This video struck a chord with me given the week we have ahead of us - it shows the emotions experienced by the London cast of The Lion King as they sing Circle of Life together for the first time since before COVID.
A reminder that next week sees the start of two adult music education programmes I’m running - a group piano tuition class, and a brand new music club. Please email kieran@kieranquinn.ie if you’re interested in either.
Finally…
Here’s one of my favourite performances from the last time we played live on the Hawk’s Well stage - with the class of 2020. Looking forward to making music with the class of 2021 tomorrow!
Till next time - Kieran.
