Dear Reader –
And what an era it was!
Some sad news for us all in Sligo this week - but first, something to look forward to this weekend…
**All hyperlinks in bold.
The Big Thing
January 2020 saw the last pre-pandemic Teenage Theme Night and for the three years since it has been the benchmark to which I have aspired to return. It featured huge numbers of teenage musicians, great performances, engaged audiences and a magical atmosphere all weekend.
So I really am delighted to say that for the first time since, I think we’re back there. The interest among teenagers is at an all-time high, there are some great new performers and bands around and I can’t wait for you all to see what they have ready for us over the coming days.
One person that deserves huge credit for this is TTN graduate Joy Feehily. Joy knows the nights inside out, having been centrally involved on and off-stage when she was a part of them. She has brought great insight and has carried on that great work in many unseen ways since to help the current crop of teenagers enjoy their time in the spotlight!
Teenage Theme Night #28 takes place this weekend (March 3-5) in The Model. Tickets available here.
Where else but Sligo?
So Marie O’Byrne is leaving the Hawk’s Well Theatre to take up a job in her hometown of Ennis. This statement was released by the chair and board of the theatre last Friday and provides great insight into the amazing job she has done and the esteem in which she is held by the artistic community in Sligo.
It’s sad for us all, of course - Marie has done so much for so many here. On a personal level she has had a huge impact on my work and has become a great friend along the way. I know I’m not alone in Sligo in wishing her the very best in the next stage in her career. The people of Ennis will soon realise what a gem they have gained and I look forward to seeing the great work she does there.
I feel Marie is to the Hawk’s Well like Brian O’Driscoll was to the Irish Rugby team in the noughties. Both came into institutions which possibly had seen better days and completely turned them around. However the Irish Rugby team now is a far better team than the one in which O’Driscoll played. The foundation laid by him and his teammates was built upon by future players and management and now the Irish Rugby team can legitimately be called the best in the world.
And so on a positive note, the hope for us in Sligo now is that likewise the brilliant work done by Marie and her great team since 2011 is only the beginning. There is so much potential in this town and I am looking forward to working with whoever comes into the role to see what comes next.
I have told Marie that there will always be a place for her on stage with us for the theme nights and what a welcome she will get when she returns!
What’s New?
IN THE LAMPLIGHT: February’s episode will be out later today (Tuesday), but while you’re waiting, check out this episode we recorded with Marie in April 2021 to celebrate her 10 years at the helm of at the Hawk’s Well.
SHIPRECS: Teenage Theme Night graduate Joe Gorman writes and produces Shiprecs - which promises to recommend 100 interesting reads in 2023. His latest edition is out now and is my favourite so far, with top-class articles on Michael Jordan, Attention Alcohol, and the origins of the weekend! Check it out here.
KINDRED HEARTS: Another Teenage Theme Night graduate Callum Wall (pictured below) was our featured guest on last month’s Young Songwriters’ Showcase. He released his latest single last week - which also features regular Theme Night band members Tom Ryan and Eddie Fitzpatrick. Listen here.
Finally…
Brad Mehldau has a new album out where he plays the music of The Beatles - and it’s just beautiful. Thanks to letter reader Des Power for sending it my way last week - I spent all weekend listening to it - especially the track below. Extra bonus of sheet music on this vid - for anyone brave enough to take it on!
Till next time - Kieran.
