Dear Reader –
Read on for some big news regarding one of our Theme Night Ensemble, two special gigs tomorrow night (Wednesday 15th) and the lucky children of Sligo...
**All hyperlinks in bold.
The Big Thing
Brendan Tierney has featured regularly in this letter over the last year. He is a constant source of ideas and energy and a huge addition to the cultural scene here. His latest residency - Póg Mo Cajon - every Wednesday in Lillies - is taking a break for the summer and he has asked me to guest with him tomorrow evening (15th) for the grand finale.
Luke Devaney and Dave Flynn will be in too, and rumour has it they were inspired by the amazing Jack Stratton/Jacob Jeffries song featured in last week’s letter and learned it. So it may just get an outing on the gig. One way or the other it will be fun - it will be my first gig in Lillies and I’m looking forward to it!
Where else but Sligo?
I had the pleasure of attending three end-of-year shows recently.
Niamh Crowley’s Sligo Academy of Music Gala Concert and Lisa Cooper’s LCDA Summer Showcase both in the Hawk’s Well Theatre. And Vanessa Byrne’s Dramarama Summer Showcase in Kilmacowen Hall.
And each time Sinéad and I were left with the feeling of gratitude that our children are growing up in such a rich environment for creative expression - be it music, dance or drama.
The shows were all enjoyable from start to finish. The imagination, flair and hard work that had been put in to each was clear to see and huge credit must go not only to the three ladies mentioned above but also to the many unsung heroes who put in the hours behind the scenes to make these events possible.
I was left with a real feeling of pride. Proud of Sligo, its culture and its people. The town and county supports these events (and the many others like them that I didn’t attend) like no other, and that support allows for a virtuous circle of cultural improvement and creative rewards. It has been built up over many years through the efforts of countless individuals and is something that must be valued, preserved and celebrated.
Pic below of Niamh’s Sligo Academy of Music Sinfionetta playing with us on Theme Night #15 back in 2016.
What’s New?
CONGRATULATIONS NICHOLA: Actress and singer Nichola MacEvilly is a regular member of our Theme Night Ensemble, and we were all delighted for her when she was cast in the upcoming Irish and UK production of Girl From the North Country - Conor McPherson’s show using the music of Bob Dylan. More info here.
500SONGS.COM: Thanks to Seth Godin for putting me on to this brilliant music podcast. In his own words - “It’s simply extraordinary. Trivia connected to cultural commentary connected to the endless web of the pop music world”.
SLIGO JAZZ 2022 TOMORROW: Am so excited for the return of this event next month. First though, the festival launch and a great gig in the Hawk’s Well tomorrow night (Wed 15th).
Finally…
Dave and Luke (see The Big Thing, above) are huge Paul Simon fans, so there’s every chance we will feature a few of his songs in Lillies tomorrow night. Here’s one of my favourites - from his 1991 Central Park gig, featuring (among others) the great Richard Tee, Steve Gadd and Michael Brecker.
Till next time - Kieran.
