Dear Reader - things are starting to get moving again…I hope you’re not too far away over the coming weeks!
The Big Thing
The Theme Nights may be taking a break for the moment, but our Theme Nights YouTube channel has remained very much active, and we have lots of new music videos on the way in the coming weeks.
January saw us release Frames by Theme Night Academy member Kenya Leigh, and we recorded Visiting Artists Clada during February’s Theme Night run.
March was a month for making plans but we’re back with a bang now in April with the latest single from 2024 Visiting Artist and Russell Crowe’s singer Lorraine O’Reilly.
Go on - have a look - it’s a great song and Lorraine’s voice is special!
Where else but Sligo?
Some reflections on last Sunday’s Informal Afternoon gig at The Model.
There was a time that Seamie and I played together every week.
A long time actually.
And then one day a couple of months ago I realised all of a sudden that it has been 8 years since we released Melodic Reflection together.
Thankfully around that time Anna Houston kindly invited the two of us to do a couple of short sets at April’s Informal Music Afternoon.
This is one of Sligo’s longest-running gigs. The first Sunday of every month. Without fail.
For years now - in fact even longer than Seamie and I have been playing together.
And it’s great. Varied yet consistent. Music that you don’t hear anywhere else.
From amateurs and professionals, old and young.
And it was a joy to be part of it today.
We did 4 tunes and a song, and the magic I feel every time I play with Seamie was there immediately. That unmistakeable quality, Sligo soul and familiar sense of mischief.
We had a quick chat after and resolved to make the time to do more together.
And we will.
What’s New?
25 YEARS OF SLIGO ACADEMY OF MUSIC: Another pillar of Sligo’s music scene. Big celebration in the Hawk’s Well this Saturday - and Niamh has me learning some tricky stuff for this one! Get the last few tickets here.
I LOVE YOU’RE PERFECT NOW CHANGE: Back by popular demand after a hugely successful run last year. Luke, Sinéad, Katelyn and Warren. Plus Niamh and Mimi! A small crew but wow do they pack some punch.
Directed by HWT director Kieran Griffiths - and on next week!LAST OPEN MIC OF THE YEAR: And just like that the first year of our Theme Night Academy is coming to a close. The 6th and last Open Mic of our hugely popular series takes place in Kilmacowen Hall.
And it’s open to anyone, not just members of our Academy.
But you must be in possession of a (free) ticket. Get them here.
Finally…
One of Seamie’s compositions from the aforementioned Melodic Reflection (2017) - wait for the harmonica to come in!
Till next time - Kieran.
