Dear Reader –
There was fierce competition for the breaking ball in the HWT last Saturday night…
The Big Thing
Backstage competition turned to on-stage collaboration however. Everyone was there for Francie and the Hawaiian shirts were out in force. There was a beautiful energy in the room and it was lovely to be a part of it.
Old songs. New friends. Guitar solos and great stories.
My favourite part of the night?
Well although the music was great and Francie was in top form on guitar (especially when playing with his brother John), what I enjoyed most was the lovely people I met - the people with whom Francie spent his working days.
That’s a legacy in itself.
Where else but Sligo?
We are so used to great musicianship in Sligo that we can sometimes begin take it for granted.
So I always enjoy the occasions when professionals from outside the county come here to do some work and are blown away by whatever musician happens to be involved that day.
It was Sinéad Conway yesterday - and Pat and Mike (pictured below) and the entire production crew were so obviously impressed with what she brought to the session. As were we with them - a great Monday morning!
You’ll all be able to judge for yourselves later in the year when the song is released - I’ll keep you in the loop on these pages.
What’s New?
OLE: More football (and music) in the HWT this Thursday - looks like a really interesting night in advance of the Women’s World Cup this summer.
FELIP CARBONELL AND EDDIE MACFARLANE: A quick mention for the two lads. We did a gig in Donegal on Sunday and playing with them feels a bit like I imagine surfing would (if I was any good at it). Their rhythm and tone make it so easy to play on top.
TEENAGE OPEN MIC: The Cairde Sligo Arts Festival runs from July 1-9 and first up is a great event for up-and-coming teenage musicians. Email info@cairdefestival.com to sign up.
Finally…
Here’s Francie on top form in Theme Night #14 from back in January 2016…
Till next time - Kieran.
