The Way I Dreamed It

Dear Reader –

I wrote a piano instrumental with this title once. It’s mainly sad and even a bit dark but resolves every so often to a major and more hopeful melody. It sets the mood nicely for this week’s letter - maybe take some time and have a listen before reading on…

*All hyperlinks in bold.

The Big Thing

Now this is more like it. No sooner have we finished one run of gigs than tickets are available for another.

And it’s soon. Sat Oct 2 with a huge line-up of local musicians. Tickets free but you will need one to get in.

Available as of 10am today so secure them now - here.

Where else but Sligo?

I could write a week’s worth of letters about everything that happened last week when we returned to the Hawk’s Well stage. I think this story sums it up however.

It was Saturday night, and the closest thing we’ll get to a full theatre for the next few weeks. 200 people in - 60% capacity as per regulations. I had set up the show so that we would make a low-key entrance while the lights were still down and launch straight into Anthony Newley’s Feeling Good. Jazz drumming legend Adam Nussbaum was in my head - he gently corrected me one year on the Sligo Jazz Project ago when I introduced it as a Nina Simone song.

Anyway, last Saturday we did Michael Bublé’s version and Sinéad Conway did more than sing it. She lived and performed every word of it, and the audience responded with a reaction worthy of one ten times their size. It wasn’t the time for talk, so we started pretty much straight away into The Boys Are Back in Town. I could see grown adults writhing in their seats with excitement, others with mouths open, arms in the air, excited with anticipation. Jamie Callaghan strutted out to sing it, and even his most powerful of vocals wouldn’t have been heard until the huge welcoming roar that the audience gave him died down, so we were glad of every one of the 16 bars Phil Lynott wrote in the Intro.

And my heart soared. This crowd, just like those who came to see us on Wednesday and Thursday, knew what it meant to us to be back on stage, and seemed determined to give us a huge welcome. The energy we felt from them then added to our enthusiasm, making us more determined to put on a show they would enjoy. The perfect communion between performers and audience, and the way we dreamed that we would make our return over the last 18 months.

Here’s a taste from Thursday night’s show.

What’s New?

1. The first Teenage Theme Night of the new school year will take place in The Model on the weekend of November 26&27. Email kieran@kieranquinn.ie if you are interested in taking part.

2. Brendan Tierney’s Sligo Comedy Festival runs nightly until Friday. All details here.

3. And in a real sign of things returning, the Sligo Festival of Baroque Music also takes place this week - artistic director Nicola Cleary was interviewed about it in the Irish Times recently, and you can find out more about the festival itself here.

Finally…

One that captures the mood we’re all feeling after last week’s live music. Eddie Fitzpatrick with the finale of last week’s Teenage Theme Night #23.

Till next time - Kieran.

The Big Comeback!

Dear Reader –

We make our long-awaited return to the Hawk’s Well stage this week. Government restrictions say that the shows can be just over an hour long, but I can’t wait to show you what we will pack into that time. I have a feeling it’s going to be special and even quite emotional, and it would be lovely to see you there.

Tomorrow (Wednesday): Teenage Theme Night #23 - tickets here.

Thursday and Saturday: Our Welcome Back Show - featuring many of your favourite theme night performers. Tickets here.

*All hyperlinks in bold.

The Big Thing

There’s no doubt what the big thing is this week. Here’s what I’m looking forward to the most…

1. The sense of potential when you walk into the theatre for the first time and see nothing but a shiny black tuned piano on an otherwise empty stage.

2. This year’s teenage emcees - Eddie, Katelyn, Lisa and Saul - getting to host a live show for the first time.

3. The power of a 4-piece horn section in full voice behind you.

4. Getting to play some of the new music we have written and performed online during the last 18 months.

5. The sound of applause in the theatre. It’s different to anywhere else.

6. At this week’s teenage theme night we will bid farewell to some real talents. I can’t wait to see what Eddie Fitzpatrick, Shona Dalton and the rest of the gang have in store for us.

7. Playing some of the tracks from our upcoming Theme Night album live for you.

8. The amazing energy that can be created by a group of performers on stage together.

Where else but Sligo?

Last Tuesday was a sad day as we lost a member of our Theme Night Choir. The gentle giant that was Declan Walsh passed away long before his time, and he will be greatly missed by his family, friends and musical colleagues from Sligo and beyond.

I wrote these words about him on Facebook last week, featuring tributes to him from our Theme Night community, and the below video which shows him at his happiest - doing what he loved doing on stage. He’s the big handsome guy to the right of us three eejits out front.

Rest in Peace Declan.

What’s New?

1. Speaking of comebacks, during the week I came across this incredible run from 2016 by Irish Olympian Phil Healy.

2. This video struck a chord with me given the week we have ahead of us - it shows the emotions experienced by the London cast of The Lion King as they sing Circle of Life together for the first time since before COVID.

3. A reminder that next week sees the start of two adult music education programmes I’m running - a group piano tuition class, and a brand new music club. Please email kieran@kieranquinn.ie if you’re interested in either.

Finally…

Here’s one of my favourite performances from the last time we played live on the Hawk’s Well stage - with the class of 2020. Looking forward to making music with the class of 2021 tomorrow!

Till next time - Kieran.

Finally - a gig announcement!

Dear Reader –

So I promised you a non-Tuesday letter when our upcoming gigs were ready to announce. Well they are, so here you go! If you’re interested, make sure not to be too far from your computer, phone, or the Hawk’s Well Theatre at 10 o’clock this morning (Wed 8th Sept).

*All hyperlinks in bold.

The Big Thing

SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 18th: Our long-awaited return to the Hawk’s Well Theatre.

It won’t quite be a full-scale theme night, but it will be the closest we can get right now, given current restrictions. Very much looking forward to getting back in a theatre with you all.

Click on the image below for more details and link to buy tickets.

They go on sale at 10 o’clock THIS MORNING (8th Sept).

Where else but Sligo?

WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 15th: Teenage Theme Showcase for 2021.

The picture below is from May 2019, when the current 6th Yrs (who have just received Leaving Cert results) were in Transition Year. Unfortunately they have missed out on 3 live Teenage Theme Nights since, but thankfully we will return to the Hawk’s Well next week to give them the send-off they deserve.

Click on the image below for more details and link to buy tickets.

Again they go on sale at 10 o’clock THIS MORNING (8th Sept).

What’s New?

1. Last week I celebrated a year of writing weekly columns for the Sligo Weekender. So when you have your tickets bought, here are 3 recent articles for you to read.

   Firstly, from last July, but appropriate this week - on anticipation.

2. From last week - on strange things that can happen when your age ends in the number 9.

3. And the very first column - from last year - all about our heyday.

Finally…

Speaking of which…

Till next time - Kieran.

Reconnecting with Music

Dear Reader –

I was out with some friends last night, and we spoke about the crucial moments in our lives where the musical spark was lit, where things just clicked, where the real connection began. It was amazing to hear the different ways and the different ages at which it happened for each of us. If you’re looking to find or indeed re-discover this feeling for yourself, please read on.

*All hyperlinks in bold.

The Big Thing

Two big things today - especially if you’re an adult who wants to reconnect with your creative side, improve your musical skills, or meet other like-minded people in a fun and informal way. Read more below.

Piano tuition classes.

Music Club.

Term for both courses begins on Sept 20th, so please get in touch ASAP if you’re interested.

kieran@kieranquinn.ie

Where else but Sligo?

A young Italian gentleman recently got in touch to ask if I knew of a piano he could play a couple of times a week over the next few months. He’s studying in Sligo IT for a while and wants to keep up his playing while he’s here.

He was possibly looking for some lessons too and came out last week for the first time to have a chat. After a brief conversation, I asked him if he would play something for me. He was a bit nervous, as he hadn’t played for a few weeks, but then played Debussy’s Arabesque and just blew me away.

He began to pack up and said he hoped to come back next week, but I wanted to hear more. I asked him for something else, and he played Chopin’s Nocturne in Eb, and I immediately asked if he would play again. This time it was Beethoven’s Moonlight Sonata. One more beautiful than the next. I then asked if he would like to stay a bit longer, and a smile lit up his face.

He stayed for almost two hours. I went into the other room and got on with my work, accompanied by some of the most beautiful music that this building in Strandhill has ever heard. And while no doubt it helped that he played really nicely, the real joy was in watching and listening to his emotions while reconnecting with his instrument. Some people just aren’t meant to be apart from their music for long.

What’s New?

1. I have had to delay the release of tickets for last week’s promised upcoming gigs while the good people in the Hawk’s Well Theatre are told the details of what last week’s government announcement means for them. In the meantime keep the dates in your diary - they’re very soon! Teenage Theme Nights Sept 15 and 16. And a very special welcome back show for Theme Night fans on September 18th. Subscribers to this letter will hear any announcement first.

2. I loved this honest hour-long chat between Roy Keane and Gary Neville. Keane’s intelligence, wit, and general cop-on shine through.

3. The Long and The Short of It is one of my favourite podcasts at the moment. 15-20 mins, a quick conversation between two intelligent minds, and I’m always left with plenty to think about. Here’s one of my favourite recent episodes.

Finally…

Thankfully, reconnecting with the music in your life doesn’t require the emotional turmoil that reconnecting with people can bring!

Till next time - Kieran.

(Almost) Announcements...

Dear Reader –

Our hopes of a return to live music have been dashed many times in the last 18 months. Today will tell if our time is finally coming again.

*All hyperlinks in bold.

The Big Thing

I wrote last week about one particular stand-out moment for me when learning the piano by ear as a teenager. But playing the piano can be lonely, and so the other big moment for me as a young musician however was discovering the joy and fun the is possible when playing with others. There’s nothing like it, and it’s something we have all missed so much over the last 18 months.

So I’m delighted to announce the formation of a new music club starting this autumn. If you are an adult and sing, play piano or indeed any other instrument, and are looking for like-minded people and a forum in which to play regularly, well then this will be for you.

I don’t have all the details for now, I’m waiting to hear what might be possible in the coming weeks, but here’s what I do know.

• We will meet in some capacity one evening each month.

• We will learn together about music and look into what makes the songs you like so great.

• We will make music together in various combinations and perform for each other.

If you think this might be for you, please let me know and express your interest by sending an email to me at kieran@kieranquinn.ie in order that I can get planning. I hope to have full details in next week’s letter.

Where else but Sligo?

Trying to ‘make it’ is one of the most difficult things you can do as a musician. There are lots of ways in which you can ‘make it’ of course, and everyone’s definition of success is different. However, sticking with your dream of making a career as a touring artist/band with your own music is not easy, and I always admire anyone who does so.

There have been many great examples of Sligo bands doing this in the past. Most notably (in my memory) Indian, Those Nervous Animals, Rackhouse Pilfer, Oddsocks, Old Hannah, to name a few. The standard-bearers locally in this regard at the moment however are Moxie - a Sligo/Limerick collaboration. Doggedly pursuing innovation and excellence, they have undergone changes in line-up and musical direction in pursuit of their vision - going beyond their traditional roots and letting their music be a reflection of the times we live in.

Their new album, The Dawn of Motion is out this Friday 3rd September. You can pre-save it here, or watch the video for the second single from it below.

What’s New?

1. GIG NEWS! We have been promised a roadmap on the return of live events today. Indeed by the time you read this letter it may already have been announced. If the news is positive I hope to put on a show in the Hawk’s Well Theatre on Saturday September 18th, as well as some Teenage Theme Nights on Sept 15th and 16th.

   As a reader of this letter, you will get first news on tickets, and there may well be a special letter with this news before the end of the week, so keep an eye on your inbox.

2. I have a strange affection for a section of new road, and so yesterday evening I very much enjoyed my spin on the new N4 between Collooney and Castlebaldwin. Smooth and shiny!

3. Last week’s letter contained two puzzles. Click on the hyperlink and scroll down to the bottom of it if you want to attempt them before reading the answers (as promised) below. Thanks to all the readers of the letter who responded - you are a smart bunch!

   So - the answer to Puzzle 1 is option 1. The second option is a subset of the first, so cannot be more likely. And the Answer to Puzzle 2 is that the coin is obviously a forgery. Nobody in 544 BC knew that it was 544 BC.

Finally…

A friend sent me this during the week and it’s great! Levon Helm in The Ryman with what looks like their equivalent of a theme night finale. We’re daring to hope once again…

Till next time - Kieran.

The Last Week of Summer

Dear Reader –

Depending on your circumstances, this week will signal the imminent end of freedom, the dreaded return of colder weather, or perhaps the welcome return of routine. I hope you’re feeling OK about it.

*All hyperlinks in bold.

The Big Thing

If the big job last week was to get the album finished, this week it’s to put the finishing touches to the teaching timetable for the new term. Another sign that summer is coming to an end.

But with every ending comes a beginning, and September, along with January and June, is one of my favourite times of the year to start something new. Or figure out a better way to do the things we already do.

And so I’m enjoying this book at the moment - the author describes it not as a how-to book, but rather a when-to book. It’s full of interesting anecdotes and useful tips regarding things like why the afternoon can be dangerous, what time of the day is best to exercise, and the ideal length of a daytime nap.

AND it opens with a great Miles Davis quote - ‘time isn’t the main thing. It’s the only thing’.

Where else but Sligo?

Ransboro, end of August 1996.

My sister was heading to secondary school for the first time and so we rented Forrest Gump on video and watched it as a treat the night before. She headed off the next morning and I must have had a couple more days of holidays, because I remember asking my parents if I could hold onto the video for the morning. Not with the purpose of watching the film again, but to try and pick out the melody of the piano theme playing through the opening scene that had caught my ear. It’s beautiful - have a listen.

It was around the time I began trying to work out melodies by ear, and so I rewound and fast-fowarded that VHS over and over again, determined firstly to pick out the tune, and then the altogether more difficult part of the left hand. Our piano must have been out of tune, because it was only when I went to play it with the Sligo Academy of Music Sinfionetta more than 20 years later that I realised it was in the key of G, not Ab as that piano had misinformed me all that time previously.

It’s a lovely memory from this time of year.

What’s New?

1. As mentioned last week, I do hope to announce something exciting for adults who like to play piano and/or sing over the next few weeks. I’m just waiting to hear from our government as to what will be within public health guidelines. More for you as soon as I have it.

2. Limerick won the All-Ireland hurling championship last Sunday for the third time in four years, and they look like they are here to stay. In 2018 they won their first All-Ireland in 45 years by a point with a score of 3-16. On Sunday last they had beaten that score BY HALF-TIME (3-18), and went on to win by 16 points. Scary.

3. Back to the book mentioned in The Big Thing - the opening chapter contains two interesting mind puzzles. Have a go and I’ll give the answers next week. I got one wrong - but as the book would say, maybe I just attempted it at the wrong time of the day!

   1. Meet Linda. She’s 31 years old, single, outspoken and very bright. In college, Linda majored in philosophy. As a student, she was deeply concerned with issues of discrimination and social justice, and participated in antinuclear demonstrations. Before I tell you more about Linda, let me ask you a question about her. Which is more likely?

      1. Linda is a bank teller.

      2. Linda is a bank teller and is active in the feminist movement.

   2. Ernesto is a dealer in antique coins. One day someone brings him a beautiful bronze coin. The coin has an emperor’s head on one side and the date 544BC stamped on the other. Ernesto examines the coin - but instead of buying it, he calls the police. Why?

Finally…

Surely the quintessential end-of-summer song…from our 2020 Summer and Sunshine Theme Night…

Till next time - Kieran.

North Dublin's finest...

Dear Reader –

I’m channeling my inner Bertie Ahern this week as we bunker down in Luke’s studio to put the finishing touches to the Theme Night Album.

*All hyperlinks in bold.

The Big Thing

One of the big jobs this week will be to put the tracks in order. Earlier this week, I revisited a 2013 email from Steve Wickham in which he gave me some advice on just this when I was doing the same with my first album that year. The following points are a mixture of his advice and things I have learned since.

1. It’s commonly said that many people don’t listen to albums in their entirety any more. If you are worried about this, don’t release an album. Release a series of songs instead.

2. If you are releasing an album however, treat it like an album, not a series of individual songs.

3. So - bring the listener on a journey. Can you create some sort of narrative?

4. Be mindful of tempo changes - consider pacing it like a concert.

5. Start and finish strong.

6. Be aware of the effect of going up/down a key from song to song.

7. Avoid staying in the same key from song to song unless you are doing it for a reason.

8. Be mindful of the balance and spacing between songs and instrumental tunes, big and small arrangements, happy and sad pieces.

Where else but Sligo?

Steve was always someone to whom I looked up. Someone who lived locally but played and toured the world with an internationally renowned rock band. When I was starting out as a musician 16 years ago my Dad suggested I ring Steve for a chat. I met him in town and he suggested I write 10 songs and give them to him for a listen. I never did - I wasn’t ready to write. Great advice though.

Like the email mentioned above, this is an example of someone experienced helping someone starting out. The passing of wisdom from one generation to the next. I wrote this article about it for the Sligo Weekender recently.

Generously sharing processes and practices. Not like what memorably happened with one piano player years ago. I heard him play a killer lick and asked him to show it to me afterwards. He refused, saying it was his and didn’t want to share it. As if it had never been played in the history of music before and wouldn’t again.

The opposite of Steve. and thankfully, many others in our community.

What’s New?

1. Our podcast - In The Lamplight- will return in the coming weeks. We’re shaking it up a bit, with new features and people involved. I’ll share more with you as soon as I have it. For now, here’s the interview we did with the aforementioned Steve Wickham last year.

2. “We’re going to take them all the way tonight Mary-Ann”. Epic commentary as always from Mike Finnerty & Martin Carney on Midwest Radio at the end of last weekend’s historic win for Mayo in Croke Park.

3. Back to Bertie - I met him once in a North Dublin pub. He spotted the Sligo GAA jacket I was wearing and immediately had a positive comment about the time we played Dublin a few years previously. You may not agree with his policies and actions, but he was skilled at knowing his audience and playing to it. It was the cornerstone of his success.

   I’m not sure if he ever took Matthew Carey’s Audience By Design workshop, but if you’re looking to find ways to better connect with your audience, this ticks all the boxes, and a new session is beginning in a couple of weeks.

Finally…

Here’s a song of Steve’s we did with him earlier this year.

Till next time - Kieran.

What's The Motto With You?

Dear Reader –

Thanks for reading this week’s letter. Inspired today by Kellie Harrington…

*All hyperlinks in bold.

The Big Thing

“Perennial winners end up just being satisfied with not having lost. For new winners however, there is a different level of ecstasy”.

So said a friend of mine (from a traditionally more successful county) to me when we discussed the Sligo U-17 (Minor) GAA team winning the Connacht championship for the first time in 53 years last week. Indeed it was the first Connacht title at any level for 14 years so football fans in the county got justifiably excited.

But it also applies to Kellie. Malachy Clerkin of the Irish Times wrote yesterday, “by most measures, being an Olympian is an insane thing to do with your life”. And he’s right - Olympians and wannabe Olympians commit to huge sacrifice and putting most areas of their lives on hold for no financial gain and a small chance of success. Due to these reasons, and the 4-year cycle of the event, most Olympic gold medallists are also new winners, which can lead to a huge emotional payoff for athletes and fans alike.

Which is why the winning stories are all the more special.

My favourite story about Kellie came from the Second Captains podcast this week, specifically an interview from 3 years ago in which she described her first fight. Getting ‘the head beaten off her’, apologising to her opponent on the rare occasion she did land a punch, and most importantly, the determination she noticed once the fight was finished, to train and train and exact revenge on that poor girl from Cavan a year later when she got the chance.

So let’s allow ourselves to be inspired for a moment.

It doesn’t have to be the Olympics, or a Connacht title, but we all have triggers that inspire greater effort and tenacity in us. Setting ourselves challenges and trying to reach them can lead to a more fulfilled life. So what’s it going to be? Let me know if you want.

Where else but Sligo?

“Sligo is just class”.

So said an old friend who happened to be in the pod next to mine at the Máirtín O’Connor Trio gig last weekend in the Peace Park in Sligo town. He had lived away for years but is now back and settled here with a family. He told me that his Sunday consisted of a dip in the sea, a few holes of golf and then a gig in town - all within 10 minutes of his house. He was full of the joys of life around here - he’s into his GAA, so maybe the big win had got under his skin, but his enthusiasm was infectious and got me even more in the mood for the gig.

I ended up being there on my own, so the bit of conversation was very welcome, but it was also nice to sit there and get lost in the music and the atmosphere. I hadn’t done this for a while and it was nice to rediscover the feeling of being alone with music, and the way it can bring you to a different space and inspire new thoughts.

This particular trio is one of my favourites, and it was so nice to see the three lads looking and sounding great together. A word too for the local Fleadh Cheoil organising committee. Sligo stepped in at short notice this year when Mullingar decided they didn’t have the capabilities needed to stream the event. Sligo not only streamed the entire Fleadh, but put on 5 live outdoor gigs in a safe, welcoming, and professional manner. Well done to all.

What’s New?

1. September is coming soon, and with it the start of a new teaching term, and this year a new book to accompany my tuition methods. More details on adult programmes in the coming weeks, but for now if anyone of school-going age is interested in starting, there are still a small number of slots available. Email kieran@kieranquinn.ie if you are interested.

2. Regular reader of these letters Imelda Harte was one of the volunteers who helped make the Fleadh gig described above such a friendly occasion. And - she alerted me to an initiative currently ongoing between Sligo and its German Twin Town. The mayor of Kempten is looking for musicians and other creative people from Sligo to send on creative work to be uploaded on a special website. I have just sent my contribution, and would like to encourage you to do the same.

   More here.

3. It’s always nice to see your picture in the national press - thanks to the Arts Council and Sunday Independent for highlighting some of the great work being done at local and national level in these trying times.

Finally…

It has been one of the most popular songs among young piano students over the past few years, and then was all over the news this week as Kellie Harrington revealed it as her motto. Starring Timon, Pumba and Simba, click for the music but you’ll stay for the jokes…

Till next time - Kieran.