Dear Reader –
On the week when we heard 17 new songs written by our teenage crew, here are two young men performing a song about being 17. Written by a man called Sam and performed by two more Sams…here’s Seventeen Going under - the latest release on our Theme Nights YouTube channel.
The Big Thing
Two great Theme Nights Unplugged gigs last week - in Lillies on Wednesday and in Roscommon Arts Centre on Thursday. I just love these nights - they bring me such joy - playing great music with a wonderful crew of musicians - this time it was Aileen, Dave, Seamie and Sam (plus Bianca, Hayden, Saibhe and Alicia in Roscommon). It was such fun playing all that great Paul Simon and Sting music again.
Back to a big show this Friday though for the last gig of the Theme Night #33 run - in Ballyshannon with a huge crew of both Sligo and Donegal musicians involved - still some tickets here.
Where else but Sligo?
Last Friday saw my favourite night of the Teenage Theme Night calendar - the Young Songwriters’ Showcase.
17 original songs from our teenage crew - almost twice last year’s total - and huge variety throughout the night. In particular I enjoyed the initiative shown by each ensemble to not only compose but arrange and rehearse the pieces themselves. And bring in the gear. And emcee the show. And provide huge support to each other. This is something we try and foster through the programme and so it was great to see real life concrete examples of it.
There is a different energy in the room when original songs are involved. More honesty, vulnerability, openness and hence nerves. But the atmosphere was so supportive. A huge thanks to all who came along for filling the theatre and getting into the spirit of it.
There were of course highlights, and we will discuss these in the coming weeks as we choose which song we will record this year. A special word regarding Pro Murray and his band though. We recorded Pro’s White Foyer after last year’s event and it was lovely to see Pro back this year out of the love of playing his own music.
And what a song he showcased. Pro has grown so much over the past year as a songwriter and performer - and it was great to see him with a band who match his musicianship - Michael Clancy on guitar is a great player and a TTN regular (and told me recently that I was in school with his brother!). Pro’s own brother Sean was on bass and I had never met Morgan McNamee before but my he is a tasty drummer!
Pro and the lads will also feature on this Friday’s Ballyshannon Theme Night…
What’s New?
NIAMH FARRELL: Her Fields of Gold video from Theme Night #33 is getting huge feedback. Watch it here if you haven’t already.
THEME NIGHT #33 PICS: Some fantastic photos of the Sligo run taken by Kris Manulak. See them here…
SO FUNNY SLIGO COMEDY FESTIVAL: Started this Sunday - and the reports are already fantastic. One of the big events is this coming Friday in the Clayton Hotel - and all money raised is going to the Irish Lung Cancer Community.
Finally…
On the subject of comedy - here’s a classic song of the genre.
Till next time - Kieran.
