Dear Reader –
A couple of different Theme Night announcements today!
Firstly - a new type of video went up on our YouTube channel this week…here was the challenge…
Put five musicians in a room...only I know who the others are.
They can't see each other and none of us are allowed to talk.
Plus - only I know what the song we’re recording is - can I (non-verbally) explain what’s happening to the others so we come up with some sort of half-decent arrangement??
Full story in the vid below...
The Big Thing
Secondly - and I’m really excited by this - announcing the first ever Theme Nights Unplugged gigs.
Two before the end of 2023 for now but hopefully this will develop into something more regular.
I always think it’s a shame that once a Theme Night is done it’s done, and we don’t get to play any of the great songs or arrangements written for the show again.
But that’s all about to change…these Theme Nights Unplugged gigs will bring together smaller groups of Theme Night regulars to make some Theme Night magic in a different way.
Upstairs in Lillies. 8-10pm one Thursday each month - all details below.
Tickets only €10 - available here (November gig) and here (December gig). Available from 6pm this evening (Tuesday). Capacity is small though - so get on it quick to avoid disappointment!
Where else but Sligo?
Schools are off this week, which means a well-earned break for all of our piano students (and teachers)!
We’re six weeks into term and I’m delighted with how all has gone. Our new teachers have settled in well, students are enjoying the 80 (!) new songs now available to them, and my colleagues Sorcha and Annette are playing a blinder in making sure that people are looked after wherever possible if they can’t make a lesson.
A few short anecdotes from the term that you might enjoy…
One of our new students (who shall remain nameless) has learned to look for the teacher’s approval not after playing a song, not even after playing one line of the song, but after playing each note of the song!
Three adult students came to me the week after Theme Night #32 looking to learn the Cinema Paradiso Love Theme after Niamh Crowley’s amazing rendition of it in the show.
And my favourite - about Ben, whose Mum told me that piano is the only activity about which she doesn’t have to fight with him to go.
What’s New?
FURTHER DOWN THE LINE: I have been listening to Seamie O’Dowd’s latest offering - his first fiddle album if I’m not mistaken - and it’s great. Available in local music shops - or I’ll put you in touch with Seamie to get one!
TTN #30: Check out this playlist put together by our Teenage Theme Night Committee to showcase some setlist possibilities for next weekend’s shows…
LETTER TREE (AUTUMN VERSION): She’s looking well today…
Finally…
I ain’t afraid of no ghosts!
Till next time - Kieran.
