Dear Reader –
Young songwriters and old(er) crooners - all in today’s letter!
All hyperlinks in bold.
The Big Thing
In a nice coincidence, last week I heard from Maria Carbonell (below, right) asking me to participate in her final year project. Maria is in BIMM Dublin and about to finish her degree there. And then a few days later I spotted on social media that Étáin (below, left) is releasing new music on April 22nd.
Maria won the inaugural Young Songwriters Award in 2015 and Étáin succeeded her in 2016. It was lovely to hear that music is still playing a large role in the lives of these two young ladies.
It hasn’t been possible to run this event for the last few years but now, the 3rd Young Songwriters Showcase will take place in The Model on Good Friday 15th April.
We have a great line-up of teenage musicians ready to show off their original material.
AND a special guest performer (see What’s New section below). Tickets available here.
Where else but Sligo?
A big week for Sligo as our third-level institution formerly known as IT Sligo attained university status. It is now called the Atlantic Technological University and this news was a big boost to our region. Congratulations to all involved.
Thanks to The Old Market St. Swing Band (pictured below) who asked me to play with them at the celebration day on Sunday and also at the more formal event on Monday. It was great fun as always - one highlight being staff and students alike dancing in the corridors while their bemused counterparts stood in the lunch queue beside them.
What’s New?
PADDY KEYES: I still remember Paddy’s final Teenage Theme Night performance in 2019, and emcee Julie Gaine announcing to the packed theatre afterwards that he had made Niamh Crowley cry in the wings.
I’m not sure will he ever surpass that musical achievement to be honest, but he’s doing his best (!), and released a great debut single last week called Tomorrow. Next week’s Young Songwriter’s Showcase (see above) will feature an exclusive performance of this song by Paddy himself.
THE GROAN ZONE: I heard this phrase last week and loved it. It refers to where we go when we have to do the things that make us groan. The things we don’t want to do but know have to be done and may even be good for us. Thanks to Pete and Jen for introducing it to me.
JOHNNY GALLAGHER AND THE BOXTY BAND: This week in 2021 we recorded a batch of In The Lamplight episodes in the Hawk’s Well Theatre. Including live performances from a number of artists and bands. It would be hard to beat this one for energy however. Check out the below video, especially 18:05 where you can see Johnny roaring at me that he wanted more!
Finally…
Here are the aformentioned Old Market St Swing Band, as featured in Theme Night #27 backing Aileen Concannon. Just gorgeous.
Till next time - Kieran.
