A busker in Granada...

Dear Reader –

Information, not advice in today’s letter. Starting with adult learning and an intriguing story about a busker in Granada.

**All hyperlinks in bold.

The Big Thing

It’s a big thing to try and learn a new skill as an adult. As children we are used to trying new things and not necessarily succeeding, but the feeling of not being good at something is not generally a nice one, and hence as adults we tend to try and avoid it.

However getting over this hurdle can bring rewards, and it has been a joy to witness the satisfaction in many adult students over the years who have put their mind to learning something and eventually succeeded.

I enjoyed this short podcast recently on the value of learning in a community, and hence have tried to incorporate more of that into my learning programme for both adults and children this year.

There are an ever-decreasing number of slots left on the adult piano tuition programme that I offer. There are two learning options - more info here. And our music club will be starting soon too.

And while I’m on the subject, I have one - yes one (!) - slot left for a child on this year’s timetable. First come first served.

Where else but Sligo?

Many of you will know Fraser Gaine (pictured below with Joe Hunt in 2015). He looks a bit different now (!), and has recently moved to Granada for the year as part of his studies. I was chatting to him during the week about whether he would be able to take part in our next show in October - it’s unlikely unfortunately, but he finished the message by telling me that he just passed a harpist busking on the street in Granada playing An Cruitire!

An Cruitire is a beautiful tune written by Michael Rooney. I love to play it, and many others do too obviously.

I would love to know if somehow the tune has reached the music scene in Granada, or if possibly this harpist was from Sligo and is showing off Michael’s wonderful music to a new audience? Can anyone help?

What’s New?

1. DRAÍOCHT: Harp/flute duo Draíocht is Michael Rooney (harp) and his wife and long-time collaborator June McCormack (flute). Together they released their third album this summer just gone - and it’s great. Find out more, including how to order the album here.

2. DOLLY: I enjoyed this quote from the great Dolly Parton this morning - “I don’t like to give advice. I like to give people information because everyone's life is different, and everyone's journey is different."

3. SINÉAD: I had a great day with Sinéad Conway last Saturday. She had two wedding gigs in Co. Galway so we made a road trip of it and relived many of our memories from playing weddings together over the years. We surprised ourselves by remembering songs from 10 years ago and were enjoying ourselves so much that we got a picture in front of these fancy flowers!

Finally…

Here is the aforementioned An Cruitire - possibly the first song to feature for a second time in this section.

Also featuring Seamie O’Dowd (guitar) and Junior Davey (bodhrán). From Not a Theme Night - our Feb 2021 online show.

Till next time - Kieran.

Being a superfan...

Dear Reader –

More great things happened this week - this Ursula K. Le Guin (via James Clear) quote sums them up nicely.

“The daily routine of most adults is so heavy and artificial that we are closed off to much of the world. We have to do this in order to get our work done. I think one purpose of art is to get us out of those routines.

When we hear music or poetry or stories, the world opens up again. We’re drawn in — or out — and the windows of our perception are cleansed, as William Blake said. The same thing can happen when we’re around young children or adults who have unlearned those habits of shutting the world out.”

**All hyperlinks in bold.

The Big Thing

Theme Night #30 is now officially a sold out show. I know there are so many great supporters of the nights who read this letter and so I wanted to thank you for making this happen with more than 5 weeks still to go.

If I’m honest, this show is possibly our biggest challenge yet. For many reasons - there are SO MANY SONGS for one. But you guys have done your bit now, so the ball’s firmly in our court. Which is just the way we like it - can’t wait for you to see what we have in store for you in October!

Where else but Sligo?

If Coney Island was the place to be last week, well this week it was Strandhill. The Warriors Run was back, and what a fantastic event it was. The organising committee and all 162 (!) volunteers deserve huge credit.

It’s never an easy race, and this year the clammy weather (and lack of training on my behalf) made it a bit more challenging than usual. However the support on the way around was amazing and definitely gave us all a lift. I must mention two local families in particular - the Cradocks and the O’Dowd-Hills. They had the tunes, the noise, the refreshments and even the sprinklers! I was reminded of this blog actually - they really have made this already great day into even more of a party.

Congratulations to local winner Seamus Somers - a fantastic achievement and one that gives hope to all of us in our forties!

What’s New?

1. FELIP: The next four Tuesdays (starting today) brings a wonderful series of gigs in Osta. 2 young artists and 2 established musicians. Mentored and coordinated (and joined) by the wonderful Felip Carbonell. It was lovely to be asked to play on today’s series opener and I’m very much looking forward to the evening, which also features spoken word from Patrick Curley. 6pm start.

2. LEAH: We were in Luke Devaney’s studio last week with Leah Davidson and two other great young musicians - her brother Thomas and Nils Kavanagh. Leah’s song was chosen after last April’s Young Songwriter’s Showcase to be professionally produced, recorded and featured in a custom-made music video (courtesy of TemperHound Productions). This was the result of our efforts last year - featuring Corcra - and Leah’s song and video will be out later this year.

3. THEO: Every so often a gig comes along and blows your socks off. Theo Katzman and his band were in Galway last Thursday and did just that. We were literally reeling afterwards and all immediately wanted to go see him again in Dublin a few nights later. Unfotunately it was sold out but I did pluck up the courage to ask the man for a picture afterwards! He’s coming back to Ireland next year - I’ll let you know when I hear details, or you can sign up to his mailing list here.

Finally…

I know - we have all heard so many versions of this song, especially on piano - BUT…it’s like this guy has given voice to all the influences you imagine were in Freddie Mercury’s head when he wrote it. Not only that, but interspersed them seamlessly throughout the tune itself. So clever - and incredible technique too.

Till next time - Kieran.

"Better than the frickin' Beatles"

Dear Reader –

I’m not sure if it was our Lady Madonna (below) that inspired some American visitors to utter the above famous words in The Strand last Friday, but I enjoyed hearing them I must say. Now watch out Paul McCartney!

More about that below, but first - does anyone want a bit more music in their lives this September?

**All hyperlinks in bold.

The Big Thing

Adult Classes have been popular since we were allowed meet in groups again, and there are now two options for any of you wishing to get stuck into music again this year.

• Piano classes. Lessons and group workshops for adults looking to play piano by ear. All the details you need here.

• Our Music Club. An informal and supportive environment for adults who want to sing/play with and for others. All the details you need here.

Both start in September - email kieran@kieranquinn.ie if you are interested.

Where else but Sligo?

I was lucky enough to get out to the Neap Tide festival on Coney Island last Saturday. Brian Mulligan was walking up the road with his double bass as I arrived, so I figured I must have just missed The Old Market St. Swing Band. However I did get to see Seamie and Sandy (loving this duo!), and the legendary No Crows.

And the day brought back so many memories - not just of a famous weekend in Belgium with No Crows in my early days as a musician, but also of the island itself, and fun times spent there over the years.

Everyone you met there was telling stories about the place. Picnics on sunny summer days, skinny-dipping on Carty’s Strand, paddling a homemade canoe in the dangerous channels that surround it (!) and the tastiest pints when the pub happened to be open. And my own favourite - having to ring Peter Ford telling him I couldn’t make it to training that evening because I had miscalculated the tides.

A magical place, and lovely to see it so alive last weekend.

What’s New?

1. BACK IN THE STRAND: What a gig with Seamie and Gerry last Friday in Strandhill. It was the first time we had played together since our last Connolly’s gig in May. The crowd were brilliant, including the aforementioned gang of enthusiastic Americans and plenty of happy locals. And bearing in mind the famous quote ‘writing about music is like dancing about architecture’, I’ll say no more, only that it was magic!

2. THE ECONOMICS OF MUSIC: With David McWilliams. Podcast here.

3. REGULAR JAZZ GIGS: Young pianist Nils Kavanagh remarked to me during this year’s Sligo Jazz that it was a real shame that for one week Sligo has the best jazz scene in Europe and for the rest of the year, nothing. No longer my friends (!), because Nils, SJP maestro Eddie Lee and talented young drummer Sam Purcell now have not one but two regular gigs - Thursday at 7 upstairs in Lillies - who it must be said are doing fantastic work putting on live music in town - and Sunday at 6 in The Strand. Only for the next few weeks so make sure and catch them.

Finally…

In memory of a wonderful day on Coney Island last Saturday - well done to all who made it happen.

Till next time - Kieran.

"They practise without being asked"

Dear Reader –

These days, it’s all about prep for Theme Night #30 and the new teaching term. More about the former below, but firstly the latter (thanks Dad for the help with the posters)!

**All hyperlinks in bold.

The Big Thing

In August 2018, I wrote this short blog about one of my star students.

Annette Hayden had been coming to me for lessons for a year at that stage and four years later she still is. Her drive to keep learning and improving is inspirational. And so last January when I was looking for someone to help me with the increased demand for lessons, Annette was the obvious choice.

And she has been just brilliant as a teacher. Her infectious personality and innate musicality are a winning combination and the students love her.

I got this testimonial recently from Sharon and Daithi (whose daughters come to lessons).

“Both girls love going to their piano lessons, it’s one of their favourite things to do! They are always so enthusiastic and excited on their way out to them and always come out buzzing. They love Annette, absolutely love Annette.

They’ve covered so much in such a short space of time and they always come home with something new learned. There’s definitely a passion in them with these lessons compared to other after school activities. Kieran and Annette are amazing with them and have a very personal approach to their teaching. The girls are made to feel very special with the attention they receive.

They’ve definitely gained a strong appreciation for playing the piano. The best thing is that they practise without being asked. We would highly recommend these classes to anyone considering sending their child to music lessons, and the girls would too!”

Annette will be teaching next term on a Monday, Thursday and Friday in Strandhill and there is still some availability. Slots also available in Rathcormac. Email kieran@kieranquinn.ie for details.

Where else but Sligo?

Last week I was out in Niamh Crowley’s house talking musicals (like we do most days at the moment) and she mentioned that the Hawk’s Well have a brand new website. I had a look later (and loved it by the way), but while I was there I checked how the tickets for Theme Night #30 were selling.

And I was amazed. The Friday and Saturday shows are completely sold out, and I’m not exaggerating when I say there are only a handful of tickets left for Thursday.

So I firstly wanted to thank you - beloved letter readers - for this incredible support, and secondly thought it would only be fair to give those of you who don’t yet have tickets fair warning of the situation. I’d imagine by the time next week’s letter comes out the shows will be sold out.

So - you can find the last few tickets here - and make sure to check out the entire website while you’re online.

What’s New?

1. BACK IN THE STRAND: My first gig in The Strand for a while - really looking forward to a blast this Friday 19th with Seamie O’Dowd and Gerry Grennan.

2. MAKE IT STICK: The best book on teaching/learning I have read in a while. Order it from your local bookshop.

3. RORY’S STORIES: Rory O’Connor, aka Rory’s Stories is a comedian from Co. Meath. He is embarking on a nationwide tour soon and it was lovely to be asked to be his special guest here in Sligo on Sept 17. According to the man himself he hopes for an honest conversation and possibly a tune or two. Tickets available here.

Finally…

I asked Mum and Dad last night if there was anything they would like to hear in the upcoming musicals Theme Night. Hadn’t heard this one for a while - but it has been in my head ever since!

Till next time - Kieran.

Is this the year?

Dear Reader –

It’s time to get ready for the new teaching term. I have had loads of inspiration over the summer, and I’m excited that it’s time to put these ideas into practice.

**All hyperlinks in bold.

The Big Thing

Next month will be the 18th September in which I will look forward to a new year of piano lessons starting.

A lot has changed in that time, but my core teaching philosophy hasn’t.

In 2005 all I knew was that I wanted to teach the piano in the way the guitar was taught. Enable people to work out melodies, play the chords to the songs they liked, and further down the line maybe figure out those licks or solos that would make them stand out. Make it fun, make it relevant, make it exciting.

Since then I have refined these aims into a structured curriculum with a workbook and online videos. There are 8 levels, designed to take students from the beginning to the stage of being so versatile in their playing that they can be independent of any teacher or sheet music. We don’t skimp on the basics either. The programme comes with the following…

• Notes, chord charts and videos for 100+ songs.

• Ear training puzzles and challenges.

• Group workshops and end-of-term concerts.

• Scale and chord technique exercises.

It works. Some former students are now working as professional musicians, others have gone on to further study, and many more I won’t hear about until I meet them on the street and they tell me they are happily playing away for themselves and perhaps their families at home.

I am lucky to have three brilliant ladies - Annette, Scarlett and Niamh - working with me to deliver this programme to students. And this September we will have after-school slots available in both Strandhill and Rathcormac, as well as group adult classes.

More details to come. Please get in touch if you or someone you know may be interested. Maybe this is the year you decide to get back into it!

kieran@kieranquinn.ie

Where else but Sligo?

One of my senior students at the moment is Orla Devlin, who has also taken part in our Teenage Theme Nights for the last two years.

As well as playing piano, she sings and wrote a great song for our Young Songwriters Showcase last April. She was also part of the Sligo Minor team which won a Connacht Championship earlier this year. I’m sure she does lots of other great stuff too of which I’m not aware but you get the impression - she is a talented and hard-working young lady. What’s even better is that she has her head screwed on and is a credit to her parents.

She was at the Gaeltacht this summer and - well - had a slightly different experience to what you might imagine. Her Mum sent me this amazing video - Orla is the lead vocalist. Well done to all involved.

What’s New?

1. SUMMERFEST REVIEW: When I walked into the Stephen St. Event Centre (as it’s now called), Rovers were 5-0 down and the few supporters who had stayed around were braving another downpour. The situation didn’t look too promising, but after a late penalty, two great support acts, the arrival of some blue skies and a big influx of music lovers we were ready to rock. Thanks to all who made the magic happen last Thursday - it’s always a highlight of my year.

2. SUMMERFEST HIGHLIGHTS: First on the list has to be the return of Georgie Gorman. The welcome that you guys in the crowd gave him before and after the song was incredible, and I know it meant a lot to him. It was so nice to see him back on stage. A shoutout too to Sinéad Conway, who showed her versatility by performing duets with 5 (yes 5!) different singers.

3. SUMMERFEST TALENT: Congrats to Paddy Keyes and Callum Wall (both pictured below) who performed their own music on the main stage during the Sligo Summer Festival last weekend. Also to Joy Feehily and her band, Ryan Scanlon, Whatever Suits, Paro, and the other current and ex-Teenage Theme Nighters who rocked the town over the few nights.

Finally…

Two weeks in a row in this slot for Gillian, but given yesterday’s sad news about Olivia Newton-John, I had to share her beautiful vocal on Hopelessly Devoted to You - from the very first Hawk’s Well Teenage Theme Night back in 2017.

Till next time - Kieran.

Endings...

Dear Reader –

They can be good or bad, joyous or heartbreaking. Everything has to end though. And it’s the thread that ties today’s letter together.

**All hyperlinks in bold.

The Big Thing

But first - we have just 2 days to go until this week’s big gig! On Thursday evening we’re live from Stephen St Car Park for a bumper 6 hours of entertainment. Brought to you by Sligo Summer Festival.

• Our biggest SummerFest line-up yet. Full 14-piece Theme Night Band.

• An entertaining and uplifting set of Summer Anthems brought to you by the likes of Seamie O’Dowd, Sandy Kelly, Tabby Callaghan, Sinéad Conway, and Jamie Callaghan.

• Special guests Joe Shannon and Georgie Gorman!

• New music from Tabby Callaghan, Paddy Keyes and Callum Wall.

• Sligo Rovers game shown live on the big screen from 6pm.

• Support acts exclusively from past and present Teenage Theme Night participants.

All times confirmed below.

Where else but Sligo?

We had a most special evening last week.

Two years on from meeting my Cultural Companion Máire Dufficy for the first time, we were finally able to complete the project. Last Wednesday in Máire’s house her friends and family gathered and we shared food, wine and music, including a performance of the song I wrote inspired by the wonderful chats I had with Máire after the first lockdown in 2020.

Pictured also below (left) is Maeve McGowan from the Hawk’s Well Theatre, who co-ordinated the project and brought much joy and fun to many artists and cocooners at a time when there wasn’t much else happening.

I wrote this in September 2020, soon after meeting Máire. Almost two years on and we still get on the best, proof that good things can come out of difficult times.

What’s New?

1. HELP NEEDED: Mentioned in last week’s letter, I watched A Year Til Sunday again over the weekend. Can anyone tell me the name or composer of the piano piece that rounds off the documentary (1:11:36)?

2. BLOG REVISITED: Another blog from days gone by today - on goodbyes…

3. SLIGO ROVERS: We were lucky to be in the Showgrounds last Thursday for an historic evening. That feeling when Mata’s goal went in at the end of the game - Pure joy! Continued success to this well-run Sligo institution.

Finally…

Getting us all in the mood for a set of Summer Anthems this Thursday, this is from our Summer and Sunshine Theme Night two years ago - courtesy of Naoise, Jayne and Gillian from Corcra.

Till next time - Kieran.

From one festival to another...

Dear Reader –

Sligo Jazz delivered again last week. A magic few days in the company of Eddie Lee, Therese and all the crew.

In the midst of it all I managed to get up to the National Concert Hall on Friday night to do some Theme Night research. Acclaimed Irish pianist/arranger/composer (and former Sligo Jazz faculty member) Brian Byrne had put together a programme of songs from Broadway for the National Symphony Orchestra and a big band.

And who were the featured soloists in this 100-strong line-up of top class musicians? Ryan Quigley (trumpet) and Paul Booth (tenor sax) - who had been teaching and playing in Sligo all week but had been given the day off to do this gig. A sign of the standard of musicians that are attracted to Sligo by what Eddie has built.

**All hyperlinks in bold.

The Big Thing

The focus now switches firmly to our Sligo Summer Festival Gig next week.

Thursday August 4th will see us bring our biggest line-up yet to the Stephen St Event Centre for a night of Summer Anthems.

Among those performing on the night will be Sinéad Conway, Jamie Callaghan, Sandy Kelly, Tabby Callaghan, Seamie O’Dowd, Aileen Concannon and many more. Backed by our Theme Night Band, complete with string and horn sections, we can’t wait to get back on this stage and rock the town.

I’m also delighted to announce that for the first time ever the support acts will be entirely made up of current and past Teenage Theme Night participants. More than 20 young musicians will get the experience of playing on this amazing stage so be sure to get in early and hear what they have in store for you.

And…we have more special guests to be announced this week - keep an eye on my social media for details.

Where else but Sligo?

We’re backstage in the Hawk’s Well on Saturday night. Waiting to play on the Sligo Jazz tutors gig. I’m in the middle of a conversation between Mike Nielsen (Ireland, guitar) and Pete Churchill (UK, voice) about solfa. You know – do-re-mi and all that.

Pete had done some work on melody with the students during the week and had used these syllables (in place of dots on a stave) in order to let the students know what notes he wanted them to sing.

After a while the conversation came around to the other five notes – the ones that aren’t in the major scale (these can be best visualised as the black notes on the piano in the scale of C) – and what to call them. Pete had learned in Hungary and Mike in the US and they couldn’t agree on (moving downwards for example) whether it was Do-Ti-Ta-La-Si-So or Do-Ti-Le-La-Se-So etc.

After a few minutes of this conversation (now dominated by nonsense syllables), a voice piped up from outside the green room – ‘It’s like the outtakes from the Sound of Music in there!’

What’s New?

1. SLIGO LIVE: The gang behind this festival have been announcing some brilliant acts for this October - all details here.

2. A YEAR ‘TIL SUNDAY: It wasn’t to be Galway’s day last Sunday, but this one-of-a-kind documentary of happier times for the county in 1998 is well worth a watch.

3. YOUR LIFE SUMMED UP: This chart is fascinating. It details how on average, time spent with our family peaks at below 15 years of age. Time spent with our friends peaks at 18, with our coworkers at 30, with our children peaks at 40. Finally time spent with our partner peaks at 70, and time spent alone peaks at the end of our life.

Finally…

A fun look at the many activities and events that took place last week at Sligo Jazz 2022. Well done all!

Till next time - Kieran.

Time for throw-in...

Dear Reader –

I was lucky enough to attend the All-Ireland Hurling Final on Sunday. And you can only marvel at what Limerick have built. It was inspirational to watch.

As Ronan O’Gara tweeted about another victorious coach of an Irish team this weekend - ‘evident that Andy Farrell has created a special environment that shows everyone in their best light’. I love that.

**All hyperlinks in bold.

The Big Thing

Eddie Lee and his wife Therese have built something special too. Their latest production - Sligo Jazz 2022 starts today, and I can’t wait to get lost in it.

The festival is back to in-person for the first time since 2019 and there is so much to look forward to.

The line-up is different every year, but one thing is constant - it’s always a magical week.

There are the lessons you learn (musical and otherwise) from just being in the company of the visiting world-class musicians. The pride and joy in showing these people your hometown. Watching the younger students having the time of their lives. And dashing around town trying to catch the sublime musical moments that could be happening anywhere at any minute of the day.

This year is extra-special as two former students and Teenage Theme Night graduates will be on the Youth Academy teaching faculty with me. Conor Bastible and Nils Kavanagh (pictured below) are both currently attending jazz colleges in the UK and I can’t wait to see what I learn from them this week too.

Full report next week…but for now - let’s go!

Where else but Sligo?

Back in 2002 I was a student in Dublin. I was out one night in a pub in Ranelagh with some friends. It was the usual story, we had cobbled together a few quid and were trying to make it last as long as we could in the search for craic.

But we had run out. It was time to go home. Or was it? I still remember the feeling of what happened next.

An older man I knew from Sligo approached me. He had been a regular customer in the cafe in which I worked in Sligo for the previous summer. He was in Dublin for the night and by pure chance we had ended up in the same pub. We had a nice chat, then he handed me €20 to buy myself a drink or two.

I want back to my friends like I had won the Lotto. Pure joy. We could extend our night by one more drink. We toasted this man and I’m not sure if any pint since has tasted as good as this one.

Now I’m probably the age of the man who bought us the drink that night. I’m no longer a student and realistically can go out and drink as many pints as I like on a night and it won’t break the bank.

But they’re not quite as tasty.

What’s New?

1. UNCOMFORTABLE, NOT IMPOSSIBLE: Last week I heard the story of a young athlete who was asked how he manages to train in the summer heat (in a climate much warmer than ours). His answer? It’s uncomfortable, but not impossible.

2. SLIGO SUMMER FESTIVAL: Just over two weeks to go until our big outdoor gig on August 4th. More details coming in next week’s letter.

3. SELF-PROMOTION: Many of us struggle with this idea. This short podcast helped me think about it in a different way.

Finally…

Another great Sligo Jazz performance from previous years. Bassist Federico Malaman (returning this year) and Joe Dart (Vulfpeck) with drummer Nicholas Viccaro from 2018.

Till next time - Kieran.