Our Time Has Come Again

Dear Reader –

This week’s letter celebrates musicians who haven’t let the pandemic stop them.

Surely though now it’s time to let us all get back to work.

*All hyperlinks in bold.

The Big Thing

Musicians are creative by nature. We have found and will find ways to adapt - it’s part of who we are. But it’s important that we get back to doing what we do best. And soon.

Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media Catherine Martin released a statement last weekend in which she commits to giving us a clear roadmap to reopening by the end of this month. Well-known blogger and champion of new Irish music Nialler9 responded with this statement, in which he says that that is too late.

And he may well be correct - it’s hard to know. Government has had to tread a fine line over the last year and a half and it’s impossible to get every decision right. However by now it has gone on so long for us. Longer than almost every other industry. Many people are frustrated, broke, and understandably looking for someone to blame. In fairness I believe this minister has a good understanding of what artists need, and while her department has made mistakes, they have shown the ability to learn from them. Funding and pilot events have been welcome and have given much needed short term employment to many. But the next step is crucial.

The most recent figure I saw was that 72.4% of adults in this country are now fully vaccinated. That number will be significantly higher by the end of August. Once the health service is able to cope, there must be a time where what we as a society decide to do with our time comes down to personal choice. Like exists now in almost every other sector.

The lack of an established lobby has no doubt counted against us, but our industry is full of intelligent, conscientious and creative people who have been and will continue to be responsible. It’s time to let us plan for our futures and work on a consistent basis again.

Where else but Sligo?

It has been a big week for North Sligo. Mary Gaynor, who is now one of the few natives of that area who isn’t an Olympic Finalist, commented online last week – “it’s a fantastic example of what can be achieved when we support each other”. Not about Mona or Chris mind you, but about the Theme Night Crowdfunding Campaign. And that sums up how I feel after we reached our target last week.

I made this thankyou video the morning we crossed the line (pardon the pun) - apparently my newly-relaxed and relieved state of mind comes across loud and clear in it - so much so that one friend asked me how much I had to drink before filming it!

So have a quick look at the video if you haven’t seen it already. I say and sing everything I have to say there. If you are one of the many who contributed I’ll be in touch in the coming days to arrange delivery of your rewards. Thankyou all so much.

What’s New?

1. Theme Night Regular Amy O’Hara has just released her debut album. A huge achievement in these times or indeed in any time. Watch this video - it showcases all of Amy’s talents brilliantly and will tell you all you need to know about whether you will like the album or not. Hint - you probably will! It’s called A Blue I Can’t Describe, and you can buy it here.

2. It took place last night, and they’re already calling it the greatest race of all time. Complete with guttural roars from the victors.

3. Eddie Lee is a musician who has completely reinvented himself over the last few months. His photography exhibition opened last week in the Hyde Bridge Gallery, Sligo and runs until August 24. Congratulations Ed on an amazing collection of photos. The exhibition is definitely worth a visit.

Finally…

We’ll leave the last word today to Michael Christie and The Kings of Cool - who have been consistently releasing new music during the pandemic. It was once again lovely to be asked to play some piano on this track with the lads. Here’s the chorus lyric from their latest song.

“We all know what we went through, and we did what we could do

We fell so fast it’s hard to comprehend.

All the pain and sacrifice - but we found the strength inside

And now at last our time has come again”.

Till next time - Kieran.

The Summer of 2002

Dear Reader –

Most of you will remember back as far as 19 years ago - the summer of Saipan. The original Ronaldo scored two goals to win the World Cup for Brazil, and George W Bush was making plans before invading Iraq later that year. What were you up to?

I would love to hear some stories - email kieran@kieranquinn.ie

*All hyperlinks in bold.

The Big Thing

We have less than 2 days to go on the Theme Night crowdfunding campaign…and we are so close!

As I write, we are 90% funded with less than 48 hours to go, which means that we are just under €1800 short of our target. I’m very hopeful that with your help we can make it, and as promised in the video below I’ll sing a song on guitar for you all if we do!

You can make a contribution and help us reach that target here. But it has to be done before you go to bed on Wednesday (tomorrow).

Where else but Sligo?

But back to the summer of 2002, because it was also a famous summer for Sligo GAA. It was the one year I can remember when our football team was genuinely competing with the top teams in the country.

Thanks to balls.ie, (and Colm Mullen, Ciarán O’Malley and Brendan Tierney) for reminding me of this during the week, and for this picture (also featuring Eamonn O’Hara and Aidan ‘Scoop’ Carty). It was taken in Croke Park after we beat Tyrone (2003 champions) and we would go on and narrowly lose to Armagh (2002 champions) in the quarter-final after a replay. Great days, even if there is a lingering sense of wonder as to how far we could have gone.

What’s New?

1. Not music-related, but a stunning achievement and definitely deserves to be highlighted. Theme Night Regular Katelyn Ressler has written, directed and produced a play. She describes it as an original short absurd play about transformation. It was filmed in The Glen, features local actors, and will premiere here on Facebook at 4.30 this Saturday August 1, and you can tune in then, or indeed any time afterwards to watch it.

2. In last week’s letter I highlighted a video which was released to raise awareness of FleadhFest, one of the biggest music festivals in the country which takes place in Sligo next week. Find out all you need to know here.

3. A nod today to a lady who turned 2 in the summer of 2002 - Mona McSharry of Grange, Sligo and Ireland, who this week became only the second Irish swimmer to reach an Olympic Final - an incredible achievement.

Finally…

2002 also saw Eminem at the peak of his powers. That year he released his fourth album and this song from his film 8 Mile which would go on and win an Oscar. And although it was released in October of that year, it could have been written about the Sligo football team of that summer.

“You only get one shot - do not miss your chance to blow. This opportunity comes once in a lifetime”.

Till next time - Kieran.

The Story of Number 6

Dear Reader –

Firstly, sorry for the letter being late this week - it’s the fault of Number 6!

Secondly for you all today, an update on the Theme Night crowdfunding campaign. At the time of writing there is just about a week to go and we are currently 74% funded so a huge thankyou to everyone who has helped to get us this far.

The target is now in sight, and so if you are thinking of contributing and haven’t already, now would be a great time to do so! Just click here.

*All hyperlinks, like the one just above, in bold.

The Big Thing

I read Seth Godin’s book ‘The Practice’ at the start of this year, and decided that one of my practices in 2021 would be to spend 45 minutes every weekday morning being musically creative – be that writing new music, new arrangements or simply noodling at the piano and seeing what comes out.

The second part of the title of the book is ‘Shipping Creative Work’. Because it’s one thing to write something new, but it’s another thing entirely putting it out into the world.

So I decided I would set myself the target of ‘shipping’ twelve new pieces or arrangements this year – on average one a month. We’re just over halfway through the year now, and it’s great to be able to present my first 6 to you, including the reason this letter is late today - Number 6.

It’s hot off the press - a brand new collaboration between myself, Seamie O’Dowd and Micheál O’Domhnaill on ‘Music’s Harmonies’ – a new arrangement for FleadhFest, which will take place in Sligo in early August.

1. In the Lamplight - longer theme tune (new solo piano piece)

2. Something Beautiful (new arrangement featuring Niamh Crowley)

3. The Saunter (new tune featuring Eddie Lee, Niamh Crowley, Seamie O’Dowd)

4. Moments (written with Luke Devaney and Rory Maitland). Also featuring Dave Flynn and Tony Travers.

5. Waiting (collaboration with Corcra, Luke Devaney and TemperHound.

6. See vid below…

Where else but Sligo?

My brother and his family were down in Sligo last weekend, and we all took part in a Scavenger Hunt organised by artist Miriam Needham and the Hawk’s Well Theatre in Carns Wood.

And what a spot! Right on the outskirts of town, I would have driven past the entrance plenty of times, but would never have known that it was there. A beautiful forest walk, made all the better by the various pieces of art (see below) made by all the scavengers.

What’s New?

1. Sligo Jazz 2021 takes place this week live on Facebook - just search for Sligo Jazz..

   I spoke to the main man Eddie Lee about it recently and he’s so happy with the showcase of Irish and International jazz musicians the team has put together this year. If you’re looking for recommendations on what gigs to watch during the week, you won’t go far wrong with Paul Frost’s Music of Mingus project on Saturday and the Ashley Pezzotti Trio on Sunday.

2. It’s a year this week since the last theme night took place. And if you want a summer soundtrack for the week ahead, here’s a full YouTube playlist of the performances from Theme Night #27 - Summer and Sunshine.

3. I got this recommendation from The Long and The Short of It podcast. Bobby McFerrin literally dancing a tune out of the audience. Only 3 minutes long, but an amazing video.

Finally…

Here’s Liane Carroll and Meilana Gillard from Sligo Jazz 2018 with a beautiful version of Ol’ Man River.

It’s one of those weeks to just keep rolling along…enjoy the sun.

Till next time - Kieran.

The Story of Number 5

Dear Reader –

As will become clear shortly, this week I was reminded of the first letter I wrote to you all back in May. This is now the 8th in the series, and if you’re not signed up already to receive them in your inbox, or if you know someone who might enjoy them, the link to subscribe is here.

*All hyperlinks, as always, in bold.

The Big Thing

But back to the very first letter - the big thing that week was an open call I put out. I was looking for somebody who had never been involved in a theme night before to sing a song on the first ever theme night album, which will be released later this year.

7 weeks later and not only has the singer been chosen, but the song has been recorded and is getting ready for release. The full story of this process, as well as the identity of the singer is revealed in the below video.

Where else but Sligo?

The man featured in this section today isn’t even from Sligo, but the kindness, imagination and drive displayed by him in this story makes it no surprise that he has made his mark here since he moved to our town.

I got an email a while ago that I had been tagged by him in a post on Facebook. As mentioned in the video above, I’m currently running a Kickstarter campaign to help fund the making of the debut Theme Night album and a special souvenir book to help us celebrate our 10-yr anniversary later this year. The idea being that if you pledge support to the campaign, you receive a reward in exchange.

For example, if you contribute €500, you’ll receive a whole lot of goodies, including me coming to your house or a premises of your choice to play a gig. Any witty readers will no doubt say that there should be a reward for €600 where I don’t come to your house (thanks Robbie Fitzpatrick for that one), but the hero of this story saw this reward and an idea formed in his head. Here is the post in which I was tagged.

10 days later, and thanks to his idea, and the generosity of local people and businesses, an additional €1000 has been pledged to the campaign, so I am really looking forward to playing not one but two gigs in local nursing homes later in the year.

Brendan Tierney - take a bow. Sligo is lucky you’re here.

You can follow Brendan’s latest project - The Sligo Show - here.

What’s New?

Something different in this section this week. The video featured earlier in this letter was written, shot and recorded pretty much in 12 hours yesterday, so it’s certainly new. Thanks once again to my In The Lamplight colleagues - Rory Maitland and Luke Devaney - for their help on this one.

Below are 10 creative decisions that shaped it, and here is a handy link to watch it again and save you scrolling up.

1. The opening. We wanted some footage of me walking for a second or two before the music started and I began talking, but I didn’t do that on the take we wanted to use. So we looked back at the interview footage and found this quick snippet before the interview began. Joanne was in the initial shot but after a quick zoom in to keep her identity secret, we had our opening.

2. The location. The first video we released in relation to this campaign was filmed inside, so we wanted something outside this time, but also something recognisable as Sligo. We had some great locations in mind, but at 3pm yesterday there were low clouds everywhere so they were all ruled out. So what about town instead? Maybe a walk to the Hawk’s Well, starting in the neighbouring Peace Park - perfect.

3. The first-timers. We wanted to show footage of theme night debut performances, but not by people who are too well known locally as singers. We also wanted a variety of age-groups represented, and lots of movement, as the sound wasn’t going to be used for these videos. Hence the choices.

4. The spiels. This was interesting. The words with which I told the story were written early yesterday morning before I met Rory. However we knew that they could change depending on the final edit, and the other words and pictures we chose. So we did the preliminary edit of the video first, and then went back and tweaked and then recorded my words, so the story would hang together better.

5. The walks and the stops. We wanted my walking journey to help tell the story, not just to be a series of walks around town. The Top Gear-esque stops at the end of some scenes to emphasise certain sections of the story were Rory’s idea!

6. The reveal. We knew we needed to get the big reveal right. One of the big hooks of the story was that although viewers can hear her voice, they don’t see Joanne’s face until halfway into the video. So this had to be done right. We initially had it later in the story, but we decided to try moving it slightly earlier with some different words beforehand, and it worked.

7. The footage. I had asked Luke to take some footage of the recording sessions in the Hawk’s Well a few weeks ago. I didn’t know I was going to make a video like this at the time, I just thought it might be handy to have it. And it was!

8. The beeps. The beeps, shouts and waves we got from passing traffic when filming outside the Hawk’s Well were lovely, and just what we wanted (!) as we were trying to get the last link shot before getting home to fly through the final edit.

9. Kill your darlings. Rory’s phrase. There were so many really nice moments and lines that we would have loved to use, but didn’t in the end. It was so difficult to bin them, but sometimes in the service of the final product, you just have to kill your darlings.

10. The music. Rory’s favourite part of making a video is adding the music. It can make such a difference, as some clever people recently showed here. But when we found this piece of music and added it, it turned what we thought was a decent video into one with which we were delighted!

Finally…

Going back to my first letter - the featured song was Simon and Garfunkel’s ‘America’. Here is another of my favourites from their 1968 Bookends album.

Till next time - Kieran.

A gig!

Dear Reader –

I played a gig last weekend, which unfortunately is somewhat newsworthy these days.

*All hyperlinks, as always, in bold.

The Big Thing

A big thing it certainly was. It was great, and although they had high-end security (see below), these two lads behind me managed to sneak in and even get some cake!

We had been asked to play at a garden party in Co. Cavan. The rain stayed off, and it was everything we hoped it would be, after so long. The craic was good, and thankfully we remembered how to play (!), but it was made easy for us by the host and his guests. Here’s how.

1. Preparation. They had built us a stage in the garden, thoughtfully beside a shelter for the equipment in case it rained.

2. Welcome. Before we even carried the gear in, we were welcomed to the party, made feel at home, and offered food and beverages as if we were guests.

3. Participation. The audience weren’t big in number but were ready to go with us wherever they were brought. Asking for requests, responding to what we did, and taking part themselves - if I closed my eyes when John sang Raglan Road I could have been listening to Luke Kelly.

4. Up Shligo! Having one proud (and loud) Sligoman in the audience always helps.

5. Cake - it is scientifically proven that if you offer the musicians cake you will get up to a 50% increase in performance level.

Where else but Sligo?

It’s summer, so that means we’re in the thick of the GAA season. I’m lucky to live near the home pitch of my local club Coolera/Strandhill, and I always love spending time in the back garden listening to the shouts of players, management and fans on summer evenings. Trying to work out what the various roars mean. Are we winning or losing?

For the first time this summer however, my children are involved and so I’ve been travelling around the county following the fortunes of the girls U-10 and U-12 teams. And it has been an eye-opener. I wrote this article for the Sligo Weekender based on my experiences recently.

What’s New?

1. Last week’s letter launched the crowdfunding campaign which will hopefully help fund the production of not only the first ever Theme Night album, but also a special souvenir 10 yr-anniversary book. So that means we’re now one week in, and we’re off to a great start - thanks so much to everyone who has contributed to the campaign in any way so far. This video tells the story better than any words could, or you can check out our progress so far or contribute to the campaign here.

2. The first week in July usually sees me in Letterkenny teaching at the wonderful Donegal Summer School of Music. This is the second year that they have been unable to do things as they would wish, but credit to the committee, once again they have organised a top-class online programme. It’s a pleasure to be a part of it once again.

3. Cake-eater Seamie O’Dowd released this song recently. Enjoy the humour but don’t let it distract you too much from the trademark lyricism and musicianship on show.

Finally…

This is one of the songs we played last weekend. And as I sat there playing it, lost in the groove with the two lads, probably with one of those silly happy grins on, suddenly nothing else in the world mattered. The power of music to bring you right back to the present.

Till next time - Kieran.

Family, Community, Show-stopping Moments

Dear Reader –

As mentioned in last week’s letter, there are big plans for the 10-yr anniversary of the Theme Nights later this year. I had a lovely week getting ready for the launch of these plans, looking back on so many great memories from the shows.

*All hyperlinks, as always, in bold.

The Big Thing

So - here you go. This video will tell you all you need to know.

You can find out more about supporting the project here. The earlier you do so, the more chance the campaign has of succeeding, so there is an exclusive bonus for anyone who supports the project on Day 1 or 2 (29th and 30th June).

Thanks to my In The Lamplight buddies Rory Maitland and Luke Devaney for their work on this video. And of course to Kris Manulak, Dominika Manulak and Steve Rogers for all the photos and videos over the years.

Where else but Sligo?

Where else but the Lidl carpark in Sligo, to be more specific this week?!

It was here that I figured that we were onto something special. Going back to one of the stories in the video, my wife Sinéad and I met the aforementioned Eoin Troy in said carpark the day after Theme Night #1 in December 2011. We were stocking up for Christmas, and exchanging stories from the previous night.

As we spoke of person after person who had been in touch about Eoin’s performance, it became clear that people had responded to singers being given a chance to try something they wouldn’t usually do, especially in an environment which prioritised the music.

Eoin and I recorded his track for the album last night, and afterwards we spoke of all the great times we had because of these nights. They wouldn’t have been possible without the people and musicians of Sligo.

What’s New?

1. This crowdfunding project has loads of rewards available to you in exchange for your support. I love the idea of coming to your house and playing a gig for you and your friends! Have a look and see if this, or indeed any of the other rewards might work for you. Email kieran@kieranquinn.ie if you have any questions.

2. Regular theme Night performer Gráinne McCarthy is a singer and songwriter with La Gracia. They release the second single from their debut EP tomorrow (Wednesday). It’s called ‘Can’t Ever Know’ and will be available on all streaming platforms. You can check the song out here.

3. It’s been a bad week for us hay fever sufferers! Does anyone have any magic cures?

Finally…

Here is a nugget I came across while trawling through Theme Night memories this week.

Remember you can support the project here. Thankyou!

Till next time - Kieran.

It Will Be Me

Dear Reader –

I was introduced to a new song this week - with some great lyrics. Here’s the second verse.

“If you feel a hand guiding you along
When the path seems wrong
It will be me”

There’s a big announcement coming in next week’s letter, and when getting ready for the start of a big project you’ll find yourself on the wrong path quite a bit, so thanks to the many readers of this letter who have been that hand guiding me along over the past while.

*All hyperlinks, as always, in bold.

The Big Thing

OK so maybe I’ll fill you in on some of the details of this project this week - and firstly fair warning, because this particular big thing might last a few weeks. It’s something you’re probably going to read about a fair bit for the next month or so. We will get back to the regular cadence of letters once it’s over, so stay with me please.

I’m only doing so because it’s important - not just to me, but to the many others who have asked me to do something like this over the years. And hopefully to some of you also.

You see this Christmas we will celebrate 10 years of Theme Nights. It has been an amazing decade, with some (more recent and unavoidable) lows but also many highs, and I am so grateful to the musicians, performers and audiences alike who have contributed to so many great nights in that time.

I really hope that we will be able to celebrate this milestone together with some live shows in the Hawk’s Well in December. However whether we get to do so or not, I plan to mark the occasion by producing a souvenir album and book - two special commemorative products which will not only showcase some of the best music, images and stories from the Theme Nights, but provide paid work to almost 50 local musicians and creative professionals.

I’ll be asking for your support in order to help us make this happen, and I’ll be launching a crowdfunding campaign in next week’s letter. in the meantime you can get a sneak preview and sign up to get notified when it goes live here.

Indeed if you know that you would like to support this campaign, I’d love to chat to you (email kieran@kieranquinn.ie) - otherwise keep an eye out for next week’s letter in which will be revealed the many exclusive and fun rewards available to you in exchange for your support.

Where else but Sligo?

Plans for this project are well underway of course, and regular readers of this letter will know that on the album I wish to uphold the theme night tradition of always including a first-timer. This week I met the brave singers who had answered my call, and Sligo once again came up trumps with a dozen or so excellent singers who I had the pleasure of meeting, listening to, and accompanying. It was such a treat to sit at the piano and make music with you all.

One lady came out with a different idea however. She had a story to tell me, specifically one about her grandparents, the people who raised her. They are no longer on this earth, and tears came to her eyes as she recalled one of her fondest memories of them - being small and her Nan and Grandad taking one of her hands each and swinging her up into the air. 

She told me that she saw my wife and I doing something similar with one of our children out walking in Strandhill a few years ago and the image stayed with her, so much so that she vowed that if she ever got the chance to sing with me that she would sing one particular song (see below) in honour of her grandparents. And she did, making my day in the process. Thankyou.

Inspired by this story, we tried the trick again this weekend. He’s probably a bit big now, but we still managed to get him airborne!

What’s New?

1. The Theme Night Choir have a new super-cool and very well prepared choirmaster - it was great to see everyone again at rehearsals yesterday - the weather hit all the right notes too to make it possible for us to practise outside. Thanks for your work Dave, and to Jane for the pic.

2. It’s Euro 2020 time - and I love a good football chant! Here’s one that got stuck in my head during the week thanks to the Second Captains podcast.

3. One of Sligo’s twin towns is Kempten in southern Germany. The mayor of Kempten commissioned this piano concert for the children of Sligo as a way of keeping in contact during lockdown. Have a look - it’s great fun!

Finally…

Here’s this week’s featured song. It needs no more introduction - just have a listen.

I look forward to sharing more about this project with you all next week.

Till then,

Kieran.

Being 'discovered'

Dear Reader –

In my early days as a musician in Sligo, I remember a friend coming up to me at a gig and marvelling at how good one of the musicians was. “What’s his name”, he asked, “and how was he never discovered”?

*All hyperlinks, as always, in bold.

The Big Thing

We have a running joke on our podcast about ‘being discovered’. One of the co-hosts (Rory) often plays up to the role of someone waiting to be spotted and launched into the big time and Luke and I enjoy rising him about it.

The point was brought up one week however that the thing about being discovered is that you’re leaving the decision of what exactly you are discovered for up to someone else. So for someone like Rory, who is a hard-working barber, a talented cinematographer, a great singer and many other things, being discovered for one of these things may mean leaving the others behind.

I was reminded of this when I came across an old piano on a recent trip away. It was in the reception room of a beautiful old house, and when I saw the portraits and lamps on top of it, I immediately thought it was one of those pianos now used more as a piece of furniture than a musical instrument.

Because while some pianos are there to sound good, the function of others is merely to look good, and it’s the owner who gets to decide. Which is a bit like being discovered - the person who discovers you will probably want a say in what direction you go next.

Thankfully in this case my initial impression was wrong. This piano sounded great, and I thought that maybe it’s not the end of the world if you’re never discovered. Then you can be both a beautiful instrument and a pretty piece of furniture, should you choose.

Where else but Sligo?

I received the first dose of my COVID vaccine in Sligo during the week. And I must say, even for someone who hates the sight of needles, it was a joyful experience from start to finish.

From entering the car park and being greeted by friendly faces (someone take that megaphone off Vinnie Higgins – he’s dangerous with it), to the nurses and staff, who were so professional and caring. A special thanks to Mary who had read last week’s letter and made me feel at home straight away when she asked me how my trip to Cork was.

My one regret - not getting a sing-song going with some Oasis/Blur/Pulp or something else from my teenage years - because you could be sure everyone there that day would have known the words.

What’s New?

1. The Hawk’s Well Theatre is reopening after 9 long months! On June 26th with a great line-up of performers. I have my tickets booked - who’s coming??

2. Speaking of 9 months, I’ve been writing a weekly column for the Sligo Weekender for about that length of time now. Here are two recent ones, on Sligo’s young army of horn players and when you’re not OK.

3. This is a great challenge. I first heard of Blkbok (born Wilson Charles) on Matthew Carey’s Studio Time podcast. He is a pianist/keyboard player who has toured with Justin Timberlake and Rihanna and is now writing and recording his own music. This is him attempting a timing challenge inspired by the great drummer Chico Hamilton. If anyone knows the name of the man laying down the challenge please let me know as I’d like to credit him.

   Go on - give it a go.

Finally…

The name of the musician in today’s opening story? Seamie O’Dowd. And for someone who has never been discovered, the fact that he couldn’t do something with me recently because he was off recording with Christy Moore says it all really. Here’s one from a few years back.

Till next time,

Kieran.