Dear Reader –
More great things happened this week - this Ursula K. Le Guin (via James Clear) quote sums them up nicely.
“The daily routine of most adults is so heavy and artificial that we are closed off to much of the world. We have to do this in order to get our work done. I think one purpose of art is to get us out of those routines.
When we hear music or poetry or stories, the world opens up again. We’re drawn in — or out — and the windows of our perception are cleansed, as William Blake said. The same thing can happen when we’re around young children or adults who have unlearned those habits of shutting the world out.”
**All hyperlinks in bold.
The Big Thing
Theme Night #30 is now officially a sold out show. I know there are so many great supporters of the nights who read this letter and so I wanted to thank you for making this happen with more than 5 weeks still to go.
If I’m honest, this show is possibly our biggest challenge yet. For many reasons - there are SO MANY SONGS for one. But you guys have done your bit now, so the ball’s firmly in our court. Which is just the way we like it - can’t wait for you to see what we have in store for you in October!
Where else but Sligo?
If Coney Island was the place to be last week, well this week it was Strandhill. The Warriors Run was back, and what a fantastic event it was. The organising committee and all 162 (!) volunteers deserve huge credit.
It’s never an easy race, and this year the clammy weather (and lack of training on my behalf) made it a bit more challenging than usual. However the support on the way around was amazing and definitely gave us all a lift. I must mention two local families in particular - the Cradocks and the O’Dowd-Hills. They had the tunes, the noise, the refreshments and even the sprinklers! I was reminded of this blog actually - they really have made this already great day into even more of a party.
Congratulations to local winner Seamus Somers - a fantastic achievement and one that gives hope to all of us in our forties!
What’s New?
FELIP: The next four Tuesdays (starting today) brings a wonderful series of gigs in Osta. 2 young artists and 2 established musicians. Mentored and coordinated (and joined) by the wonderful Felip Carbonell. It was lovely to be asked to play on today’s series opener and I’m very much looking forward to the evening, which also features spoken word from Patrick Curley. 6pm start.
LEAH: We were in Luke Devaney’s studio last week with Leah Davidson and two other great young musicians - her brother Thomas and Nils Kavanagh. Leah’s song was chosen after last April’s Young Songwriter’s Showcase to be professionally produced, recorded and featured in a custom-made music video (courtesy of TemperHound Productions). This was the result of our efforts last year - featuring Corcra - and Leah’s song and video will be out later this year.
THEO: Every so often a gig comes along and blows your socks off. Theo Katzman and his band were in Galway last Thursday and did just that. We were literally reeling afterwards and all immediately wanted to go see him again in Dublin a few nights later. Unfotunately it was sold out but I did pluck up the courage to ask the man for a picture afterwards! He’s coming back to Ireland next year - I’ll let you know when I hear details, or you can sign up to his mailing list here.
Finally…
I know - we have all heard so many versions of this song, especially on piano - BUT…it’s like this guy has given voice to all the influences you imagine were in Freddie Mercury’s head when he wrote it. Not only that, but interspersed them seamlessly throughout the tune itself. So clever - and incredible technique too.
Till next time - Kieran.
