Dear Reader –
Three happy stories in the What’s New section this week, but first some insights into an incredible weekend of Teenage Theme Nights. Plus one of my all-time favourite songs…
**All hyperlinks in bold.
The Big Thing
So Teenage Theme Night #28 took place last Friday, Saturday and Sunday. One-Word Wonders was our theme - so any song with a one-word-title. It was a blast from start to finish and there was a fantastic buzz around the Model for all three shows.
The four teenagers pictured below are this year’s emcees and each did a great job in their own way. Johannes’ calm, Orla’s energy, Clodagh’s thoughtfulness and Saoirse’s sense of craic all contributed to the shows running smoothly and comfortably for everyone.
Their song choices reflected the variety on offer all weekend. Clodagh (below, left) chose Requiem from the musical Dear Evan Hansen, Saoirse (who celebrated her 18th birthday on stage with us on Sunday) sang Waterloo, Orla (below, centre) went with an acoustic version of Calum Scott’s Rise and Johannes (above, right) teamed up with saxophonist Charlie McKenna to bring us a version of Miles Davis’ jazz standard Four.
Thanks to all who came and supported the show - I really hope you enjoyed it as much as we did. These Teenage Theme Nights are a part of my work that I really love and cherish and you guys continuing to support them makes it all possible.
Where else but Sligo?
A selection of short stories about young Sligo musicians from last weekend’s shows here for you today…
Sam is so comfortable behind a drum kit that he managed a whole adult Theme Night gig recently with ten days notice. He chose to play a few jigs on the tin whistle instead this time and I have never seen him as nervous. I love how he took himself out of his comfort zone though, and he got the payoff he deserved - a massive reaction from our Sunday audience.
Casey, Roisin, Lucy and Anna proclaimed themselves Sligo’s first ever all-female rock band when they opened the second half for us on Friday night. Can anyone out there disprove them?! They chose a difficult number - Radiohead’s Just - and they swept us along with them with a fantastic performance.
Anna Rose wanted to sing Shallow but needed a male partner. I asked her could she sing it on Sunday because I knew that our graduate that night (Michael) would be the ideal foil for her. And so it transpired - these two great voices brought the house down and it was amazing to see this new partnership blossom.
John Mackey knew he was being cheeky when he (as a 5th Yr) asked could he perform a solo piano version of the Interstellar Theme music at last years 6th Yr showcase. There was to be no stopping him this time however, as the theme this time allowed for it, and he got a huge reaction from our Friday night crowd.
Finally, seasoned pro Eddie Lee (pictured below with guitarist Keith O’Donnell) sat in on bass with Ethan, Lorcan and Kian for Metallica’s One. It’s a seven-and-a-half minute rock symphony and Eddie reckoned he spent more time learning this than the rest of the weekend’s songs put together. An example of musicianship at its finest from all parties - firstly three lads who nailed this difficult piece but also Eddie who had one go at it and did the same. While rocking out!
What’s New?
SECOND CAPTAINS AT 10: Congrats to Eoin, Ken, Murph, Simon and Mark on this milestone. The lads ripped up the sports media playbook with their new venture in 2013 and have produced year after year of brilliant work since. Mark told the fascinating story of how it all happened on an Instagram post last week.
HAIRSPRAY SOLD OUT: Congrats to Karen Gordon and all the Pop-Up Theatre crew on this amazing achievement. With four weeks still to go before the show. Enjoy the lead in lads…
IN THE LAMPLIGHT: February saw the latest edition of the Sligo Comedy Festival. Director Brendan Tierney was our guest on our latest podcast and told us the story of the festival (including all the ups and downs). Also includes some happy news, and a challenge from Rory to us all…listen here or wherever you get your podcasts.
Finally…
I can’t believe this song hasn’t featured in this section before as it is one of my favourites. It was performed by Kayleigh Henry and Ciara Courell at our shows last weekend and I was thrilled to see it is reaching a new generation. For a deeper dive, watch this 5-min interview with Billy Joel where he explains the meaning of the song, as well as the influence of Beethoven on his music. This live version has an extra bonus at the start too!
Till next time - Kieran.
