Dear Reader - firstly a reminder that Teenage Theme Night #34 takes place in the Model this coming Friday Saturday and Sunday. I’m not exaggerating when I say that this looks like it will be the best one yet!
Still some tickets here.
The Big Thing
I made the trip to Belfast on Sunday evening to see a gig in the Ulster Hall. It was my first time in the venue - it’s a bit like the National Concert Hall but slightly smaller.
Michael Rooney was conducting a 105-strong orchestra playing his arrangements of Máirtín O’Connor’s music. Theme Night regulars will be familiar of course with both artists - Michael as someone who regularly joins us and Máirtín as a visiting artist on our Let’s Dance show last October.
I loved it. The show also featured Zoe Conway (fiddle and vocals) and John McIntyre (guitar) and it was such a treat. Máirtín’s music is so interesting and uplifting - and Michael’s choices and arrangements were spot on. Plus the orchestra were right on top of what at times was quite difficult music.
One tune in particular built and built and built - my mind was urging them to keep going keep going keep building - there’s more in ye - go on go on go on - and Michael milked every last drop of it - it was just fantastic.
On top of it all it was just so nice to see Michael up there in front of almost 1000 people doing his thing and doing it so well!
But the best thing about going to see these gigs is when they light a fire inside you…
Where else but Sligo?
Great to see the big stage back in Queen Maeve Square this weekend.
And equally great to see the line-ups over the three nights featuring lots of local talent - the Pound Street Boys, Sonic Minds, The Atlantic, Grooveline and Phoenix (pictured below), featuring 6 members of our Theme Night Academy - Darragh, Eoin, Cal, Zach, Sam and Dara.
Reports back were strong from all gigs and I spoke to two of the participating musicians today - both said that they would love to get up and do the gig all over again tonight. Well done to all!
What’s New?
LORRAINE O’REILLY NEW MUSIC: Another of our Visiting Artists from last October. Listen to Lorraine’s new single here.
SLIGO GAA: Great to see the men’s footballers hit a bit of form as championship season approaches!
ROCKIN’ THE BOAT: I found that Máirtín O’Connor tune that built and built mentioned above. Listen below from 1:49 on. I’m afraid you’ll have to imagine the 105-strong orchestra though!
Finally…
One of Michael’s tunes we played together - written one Christmas day if I remember correctly.
Also featuring Marie O’Byrne and Niamh Crowley.
Till next time - Kieran.
