Things that make me excited...

Dear Reader –

Preparations are beginning for Theme Night #29. Tonto and Steve are excited, and so am I!

But we need your help…

All hyperlinks in bold.

The Big Thing

As advertised in last week’s letter, Theme Night #29 will take place in the Hawk’s Well in the first week of May. Before we can announce the dates however, I need a theme, and I’m stuck! Maybe I’m overthinking it (a friend joked recently that we could do the Teletubbies Greatest Hits and people would come) but all joking aside, it’s important to get it right, for the audience and musicians alike.

So - I’m looking for help, specifically with the following questions. Just hit reply at the bottom of this email.

1. What was your favourite theme in the past and why?

2. Send me three words that describe a great Theme Night.

3. What should the theme be for May’s show?

You’ll find the list of themes we have done so far at the bottom of this page. I wouldn’t rule out repeating one, especially one of the early ones. Thanks!

Where else but Sligo?

I’m entering the world of Sligo GAA underage club management. The Coolera-Strandhill U-12 girls to be specific. And I’m excited, so much so that I wrote about it last week - have a read here.

What’s New?

1. THEME NIGHTS: THE VIEW FROM AUSTRALIA: Thanks Matthew for taking the time to write this - and yes, it is an Irish jig!

2. UP SLIGO! This table is blatantly and openly misleading, but it’s still better to be at the top than the bottom.

3. TEENAGE THEME NIGHT #25: This will take place in The Model on March 4th and 5th. The theme is Questions (any song whose title is a question), and I’m currently looking for anyone in 4th, 5th or 6th Yr who would like to take part. Check out the Teenage Theme Nights on Instagram and reply to this email (kieran@kieranquinn.ie) if you or someone you know might be interested.

Finally…

More Steely Dan this week - I know if the smiling gentlemen in the picture at the top of this letter had their way, this theme would be done very soon! Maybe you agree? Or maybe not - let me know!

Till next time - Kieran.

Impostor syndrome - bad or...good??

Dear Reader –

I’ve seen your picture. Your name in lights above it. This is your big debut. It’s like a dream come true.

Or is it? You tell me.

All hyperlinks in bold.

The Big Thing

Many of you nice people are asking me these days what it’s like to be back gigging. And it’s great - see last week’s letter, but (please don’t laugh) I’m nearly more happy to be able to plan again. Not being able to do so was really frustrating over the last two years.

I had one such chat with Ciaran in my local shop last weekend. He said to me ‘your head must be bursting with ideas’. And it is. But while ideas can be exciting, if they’re not the right ones they may not lead you where you want to go. So first you have to figure that out. And that can be scary. Because while you may want to go somewhere really cool, another part of you will no doubt pipe up and tell you you’re not good enough to get there and not to bother trying.

So the big thing this week is that there’s no big thing. Not yet anyway. But there will be. I don’t know exactly what it’s going to be, but it will be exciting. And as soon as I have something to share, you will be the first to hear.

For now here are some dates. Details aren’t finalised so don’t go looking for tickets.

Teenage Theme Night #25: The Model, March 4&5.

Theme Night #29: Hawk’s Well Theatre, May 5-7.

Where else but Sligo?

We had another wonderful Monday gig in Connolly’s last night. Cathal Roche (above, second from right) joined Seamie and I and we put our collective memories (muscle and otherwise) to the test by throwing out songs and tunes that we hadn’t thought of, let alone played since early 2020.

Halfway through the gig I spotted a face in the crowd who brought me back not two, but 22 years, to a Sigerson Cup match in The Mardyke in Cork at the age of 20. I was in first year in college, and this man was in his final year. He was the resident midfielder on the college team and I was a raw fresher. But the manager must have seen something in me, because a few days before the most important game of the season, he named me at midfield. Ahead of Joe. My big debut.

It was a bit controversial at the time, but we had fun about it last night. Joe was with his wife and some friends, and they took pleasure in stirring the pot. In a more serious moment though, I told Joe and the gang that at the time, being selected ahead of him made me feel like an impostor. Not good enough. Not deserving of my place. And something I had to actively battle in the lead-up to the game.

Anyway, we’re still friends (!), and it was by chance that they walked into the pub where we were playing, so we had a drink after the gig. It was lovely to hear that Joe and his group have had a great few days away. Good food, golf, swimming and a bit of music to top it off. On a Monday. Where else but Sligo indeed.

What’s New?

1. IMPOSTOR SYNDROME: I think this is a good definition: ‘an internal experience of believing that you are not as competent as others perceive you to be’. If this is something you have experienced, this is a great (and short) listen about how to look at it differently.

2. MY FAVOURITE BOOK QUOTE: Outside of a dog, a book is a man’s best friend; Inside of a dog it’s too dark to read.

3. SLOWIN DOWN: Theme Night regular Joe Hunt does much more than sing. That was clear from his contributions to Theme Nights #26 and #27. Below is his latest project - a look at the locked-down world from some incredible angles. Beautifully produced and with a great soundtrack.

Finally…

Hopefully some of you guessed what this was going to be today! It’s so good.

Till next time - Kieran.

Monday nights are back!

Dear Reader –

A week of hope for our industry and our country. I was in Blacklion at the weekend and was driving up to the village. Suddenly I realised that I had some time to myself and the door of Frank Eddie’s pub was open. I had the most wonderful half hour at the bar accompanied only by what you see in the picture below.

How about you? Please feel free to send on any nice moments you had since the big announcement last Friday.

All hyperlinks in bold.

The Big Thing

OK - as promised, here are some details on Adult piano classes. Starting very soon. I have had some big teaching aha moments in the last few weeks and have tailored my adult programme accordingly. So - if you’re looking to play piano in a natural and independent way, while learning to hear and understand music as the pros do, I would love to help you. Here’s what I can offer…

- A clearly structured, step-by-step approach to learning the piano by ear. Suitable for all levels (including beginners).

- Includes a constantly updating library of 100+ songs, ear training challenges, finger exercises and theory courses.

- A workbook and access to online videos.

- Monthly meet-ups with myself and other students with opportunity to learn, ask questions and maybe even play for each other.

- Access to an online community Facebook Group.

- 1-1 lessons not included but an optional extra.

Click here for more details.

Where else but Sligo?

On Monday March 9th 2020, I packed up the gear and walked out of Connolly’s after a great gig with Seamie (below, left), John Joe Kelly and Cathal Roche. We knew things were going to get a bit hairy for a while, but not one of us thought it might be the guts of two years before we got back.

But it was. More than 22 months of Monday nights at home. So when Paul O’Donnell rang me last Friday to ask us to start up the gig again, I was excited. Hugely so. Looking forward to my fingers and ears heading once again to their weekly Seamie workout. To pints of Miwadi Orange and packets of Bacon Fries. To Dirty Old Town, Bumble Boogie and the Lower East SideStep. To seeing Vanessa, Stuey and Declan (x2) in their regular spots at the bar. To John the Map and Brian McDonagh. Rita and Fred. Godfrey’s service.

And it turned out to be just as magnificent as I hoped. I always love playing with Gerry (middle, below). We got a warm round of applause when we walked in and plenty more after each song. Another step on the road back. We surprised ourselves with how much we remembered and how much it took out of us.

It reminded me of what they say about old friends however - even if you haven’t been in touch for a while you can quickly pick up where you left off. And it felt like that last night - our good buddy the Monday Connolly’s gig. And as Seamie said at the end ‘I think I can say fairly confidently that we’ll see ye next week’.

What’s New?

1. UPCOMING THEME NIGHTS: It’s a huge relief to be able to plan again, and so in the next month I look forward to announcing details of Theme Night #29 and Teenage Theme Night #25. Subscribers to this letter will hear this news first, as well as have an opportunity to buy tickets before anyone else. If you’re not already subscribed, you can do so here.

2. WORDLE: Possibly late to the party here but this is a great simple daily puzzle to exercise the mind.

3. BOOK RECS: Check this out. Notes and ratings on over 300 books from one of my favourite authors.
   

Finally…

A regular Monday night tune of ours…forgot about it last night but no doubt we’ll play it in the weeks to come!

Till next time - Kieran.

Two drifters, off to see the world...

Dear Reader –

Johnny Mercer was right - there’s such a lot of world to see. Today’s letter is dedicated to some of the great people who have helped me to see it.

All hyperlinks in bold.

The Big Thing

Much-loved musician and Theme Night favourite Georgie Gorman was diagnosed with throat cancer last year.

He spoke to Niall Delaney on Ocean FM last week about what the last few months has been like for him. It’s great to once again hear Georgie tell stories as only he can and the interview is certainly worth a listen.

Here he is on top form in ‘Victor Street’ in 2019. It may be raining Georgie, but there’s a rainbow above you.

Where else but Sligo?

“And how did you two young Sligo gentlemen come across these ladies”? Gently implying that we were doing well for ourselves. One was his daughter after all.

But I also sensed a hint of pride. Because he, the epitome of a gentleman, was from Sligo too, and once upon a time had also come to Dublin as a young man and met a young Dublin lady. And probably thought he was doing well for himself.

And my how he did. But not just for himself. In fact most of the good he did was for others. He brought his big mind and his bigger ideas to the big city, and made the people there think a bit more. And we were all better off for having met him.

Fergus Armstrong RIP.

What’s New?

1. THE DYNASTY: Chapter 2 of Jeff Benedict’s brilliant sports/business book contains one of the best love stories I have ever read. It’s from the early 1960s, and it’s true. Here’s a summary.

   • Boy spots girl in Boston cafe. Finds out her name and where she goes to college.

   • Boy tracks girl down in college library and asks her out. Tonight.

   • Girl has boyfriend. She is going out with him tonight.

   • Boy is persuasive and girl makes excuse to boyfriend.

   • Boy and girl have pizza and talk for hours.

   • Before returning to her dorm, girl asks boy to marry her.

   • Boy is speechless, but eventually says yes, and gives her his fraternity pin until he can get the money together for an engagement ring. They have a long and happy life together.

2. TEACHERS TEACHING TEACHERS: For any teachers out there, this short podcast contains a moving story of the effect we can have.

3. ADULT PIANO CLASSES/MUSIC CLUB: These will kick off in the first week of February. Full details in next week’s letter. In-person and online. If you would like to express your interest all you have to do is reply to this email. 

Finally…

After hearing it on the car radio on their first date, it is no surprise that Robert Kraft and Myra Hiatt danced to Moon River on their wedding day in 1963. They weren’t to know that over 50 years later Jacob Collier (and many more) would produce this beautiful arrangement.

Till next time - Kieran.

Johnny Saucepan - anyone for grub??

Dear Reader –

For anyone looking to make great things in their home town, you need look no further than this man for inspiration. More chef stories below, but first, some news…

The Big Thing

Adult piano classes and the second session of last term’s popular music club will start very soon. I’m looking for expressions of interest for both classes now - please reply to this email if you would like to hear more about either.

And…thanks for your response to last week’s letter - all after-school teaching slots bar ONE are now gone. Early Wednesday afternoon suit anyone?

Where else but Sligo?

I was in The Venue one evening recently with some friends. We were trying to figure out what to eat and Susie behind the bar told us that when it came to the lamb curry, she couldn’t recommend it highly enough. Her exact words.

So the three of us ordered it.

When you use words like Susie did to describe something, you put your neck on the line. She didn’t say ‘you should try it’, or ‘I enjoyed it for my lunch earlier’. She said ‘I couldn’t recommend this highly enough’. Which means if we don’t like it, we won’t trust her word again. Thankfully we did, and we will. A special mention to chef Ash too.

One more thought - wouldn’t it be great to hear someone use those words about something you made?

What’s New?

1. YOUR RESOLUTIONS: How are they going? I found this interesting framework on goal-setting recently.

2. GET BACK: I couldn’t recommend this highly enough. The best 15 minutes of analysis I have heard on Peter Jackson’s epic Beatles documentary is here.

3. ZEN AND THE ART OF MOTORCYCLE MAINTENANCE: I was reminded of this book recently when a friend told me of his upcoming holiday to Montana and the Dakotas. I read it twenty years ago and loved it. Anyone else read it? Let me know if so.

Finally…

Continuing this week’s foodie theme, I was reminded of this ridiculously fast food song. Local band Me and The Lads (Sinéad Dave and Luke) do a great version. See can you make sense of it…!

Till next time - Kieran.

The best time of the year...

Dear Reader –

I love January! An opportunity to reset. The year stretching out ahead of us, full of possibility…

*All hyperlinks in bold. Below image by Mark Basarab on Unsplash.

The Big Thing

The internet and newspapers this time of year are full of the subject of New Years Resolutions. The best way to achieve your goals. How to be smarter with your money. Follow this routine and lose weight. Some worthwhile, others not so much, and sometimes difficult to tell the difference.

Here’s the best thing I read in this regard. I found it on Zain Kahn’s Twitter feed. It’s a summary of Yale’s most popular course in it’s 320-year history. How to live a happier life.

Where else but Sligo?

I was lucky to spend most of 2021 in Sligo. For my last Sligo Weekender Column of the year I wrote about a few of my favourite things from the last 12 months.

I forgot to include the below song though! Such fun we had writing and recording it.

You can read the column here.

What’s New?

1. PIANO LESSONS: One job for this week is to finalise my teaching timetable for the new term (staring this month). A very small number of slots are still available for students aged 7-18. Reply to this email or contact me on 087-2390710 if you are interested. Info on adult classes to come.

2. GET BACK: I mentioned it in the article in the Where Else But Sligo Section, but I am loving Get Back at the moment. Amazing historic footage. I keep pinching myself to check it’s real. Available on Disney Plus.

3. THEME NIGHT VIDS: All theme night #28 vids are now uploaded to YouTube. Here is a link to the playlist. 34 vids in total!

Finally…

I was talking to a former student this morning about Keith Jarrett’s Koln Concert. Well known music YouTuber Rick Beato goes into detail on two minutes of the legendary recording below.

And…if you’re in the mood, you can listen to the full concert on Spotify here.

Till next time - Kieran.

The difference between good and great??

Dear Reader –

Soccer pundit Eamon Dunphy used to be very clear on the difference between a good and a great player. More on this below, but mostly in this week’s letter I will be looking back on 2021 and looking forward to 2022..

*All hyperlinks in bold.

The Big Thing

Firstly, here are 4 new pieces and 8 new arrangements in which I was lucky to be involved this year...

The first 6 are from earlier in the year, the second six all from the Theme Night Album.

1. The Saunter (Quinn) - see below

2. Something Beautiful - new arrangement (Quinn)

3. In The Lamplight Long Theme (Quinn)

4. Moments (Devaney/Maitland/Quinn)

5. Waiting (Brennan/Devaney/Feehily, arr. Devaney/Quinn)

6. Minstrel Boys and Girls (new lyrics O’Dowd, arr. O’Dowd/Quinn) - for Fleadh Cheoil 2021 - no longer available online.

7. She’s Always a Woman - new arrangement (Courell/Quinn)

8. That Was Your Mother - arr. Devaney/Quinn

9. I Started a Joke - arr. Concannon/Quinn

10. How Sweet it is (To be Loved by You) - arr. Conway/Gorman/Quinn and Theme Night Ensemble

11. How Can I Keep From Singing? - arr. Flynn/Quinn

12. Going Home - arr. Quinn

Where else but Sligo?

Given we are approaching the end of the year, I decided to celebrate some of the great people who make up our local music scene for last week’s Sligo Weekender. Including Felip Carbonell.

You can read the article here.

What’s New?

1. The videos from Theme Night #28 are steadily appearing online. Thanks as always to Kris and Dominika Manulak for their consistently great work in this regard. Check out this playlist to see if your favourite is up yet.

2. Tommie Gorman wrote this beautiful piece for The Currency on the positives taken out of an aborted trip to Italy.

3. Courtesy of James Clear’s newsletter…a thought as we go into 2022…

   "The difference between good and great is often an extra round of revision.

   The person who looks things over a second time will appear smarter or more talented, but actually is just polishing things a bit more.

   Take the time to get it right. Revise it one extra time."

Finally…

This was Oonagh Monahan’s 6th Theme Night, but her first time singing out front on her own. Worth waiting for however…this was beautiful.

Till next time - Kieran.

Is love alive??

Dear Reader –

More about this week’s title shortly, but we certainly kept the Theme Night spirit alive last week. A magical five nights from start to finish, and a huge thanks to everyone who made it so - musicians and audiences alike.

*All hyperlinks in bold.

The Big Thing

I loved every minute.

• The incredible energy brought to the stage by the likes of Tabby, Jamie and newcomer Cuan Durkin.

• The horn section outdoing themselves on White Christmas.

• The gong!

• Sinéad Conway getting out of her pyjamas to fill a late gap at the end of the show on Wednesday night.

• And the way the half-capacity audiences seemed determined to make as much noise as if we were playing to a full house.

There were so many highlights, but I have to pick out the moment at the end of Sunday night’s show when aunt and niece Aileen and Cara stood singing the words ‘is love alive’ to each other as if there was no-one else in the room.

Watch the below video and the answer to that question is clear.

Where else but Sligo?

We found a way for New Zealander Chris Baillie to join us for the shows even though he lives on the other side of the world. He may no longer be living in Sligo, but is very much with us in spirit.

One of his legacies was the donation of his famous golden jacket and the suggestion that it goes to the person who best embodies the spirit of each Theme Night once the run of shows is finished.

Previous winners include Luke Devaney, Therese O’Loughlin, Maev Gallagher, Rory Maitland and Sinéad Maguire, and there was great anticipation as we gathered briefly in the foyer of the Hawk’s Well post show on Sunday.

Realistically, there was only going to be one winner this time, and if I’m honest, she had it sown up long before the curtain ever went up on the shows.

Because the work done behind the scenes in the weeks preceding the show to make it happen was immense. From COVID risk assessments to an ever-changing budget to the huge task of reassigning tickets when the new 50% capacity rule came in. Not to mention her in-show jobs of playing violin and stage management.

Marie O’Byrne - you are such a deserving winner of the Golden Jacket. You’re simply a star and we are blessed to have you here in Sligo as part of our Theme Night gang.

What’s New?

1. To thank you for reading this letter each week, there is a special offer of 50% off all Theme Night albums, books, t-shirts and hoodies TODAY ONLY. Order here by end of today (Dec 21) and if you’re in Sligo I promise to get your purchases to you before Christmas. Use the code THEMENIGHT28 at checkout for 50% off all purchases. Available today (Dec 21) only.

   **Note - Hoodies not available until Jan 2022.

2. This two-line blog was published on Saturday by Seth Godin and couldn’t have been more appropriate for the week we had.

   “Markets often persuade us that we don’t have enough. Communities remind us that we do”.

3. A small bit of sad news to finish. Our upcoming gig in Vicar St on Feb 17 has been called off. A casualty of the pandemic unfortunately. All ticket-holders will be refunded. I hope to announce Theme Night #29 early in 2022, but we’ll let the dust settle for a while before doing so. As always, you as a weekly letter reader will hear any news in this regard first.

Finally…

Seamie O’Dowd has written a Christmas song! And it was a huge hit all week at the shows.

Have a listen below, or head to Seamie’s Bandcamp page where you can download it in aid of Focus Ireland.

Till next time - Kieran.