Keeping the head right...

Dear Reader –

It was nice to be asked by Rory O’Connor (Rory’s Stories) to be his guest on the Sligo leg of his national tour last Saturday night. We had a great chat and finished the show with a few tunes and a sing-song. The main topic of conversation was mental wellbeing, how we look after ourselves, and after plucking up the courage to speak about this in front of a full theatre (!), I thought it might be an interesting topic for today’s letter.

**All hyperlinks in bold.

The Big Thing

In October 2019 I was getting ready to release my first (and so far only) solo piano album. I had been regularly talking to a counsellor every Wednesday morning for the guts of a year at that stage and the sessions had inspired a lot of the music that ended up on the album.

I wanted to call the album ‘A Year of Wednesdays’, but knew if I did so that people would ask why. And so I had to figure out if I was OK with people knowing about what I got up to each Wednesday morning.

And after a bit of thought and a few conversations, I figured I was. It’s not something we talk about regularly, but I don’t see why that should be the case. I don’t feel it’s anything of which to be ashamed, in fact it has been a hugely positive thing in my life and I would recommend it to anyone.

There’s no doubt that these sessions are the big thing for me in terms of keeping my head straight. Nearly four years on and what brought me there is now in the past, but I keep going back. Why? It’s good for me. I don’t go every week, and some of the weeks I do go it can feel like a luxury and I wonder what we’ll speak about, but I always leave with something. A thought, an insight, a suggestion - something small that can make life better for me and those close to me.

I have a dodgy left hip. On a bad day I’ll hobble around a bit. It’s from years of wear and tear on the football pitch. I have to look after it, and so I see a physio who recommends daily stretches and movements to help it. And it’s exactly the same thing with a counsellor. An expert who can help you navigate difficulties that may arise from the general wear and tear of daily life.

I have had some lovely emails from letter readers sharing their stories in the last few days - some after the gig on Saturday, others by coincidence last week. Hopefully some of you get something from this. Please get in touch if you have something to say. It’s good to talk!

Where else but Sligo?

I have known Micky Downs a long time. He did fantastic work with huge numbers of local children in the martial arts field for years. Now he runs fitness classes for adults. Micky is very much about sustainable exercise. Valuing consistency over intensity, but with the aim of keeping us all fit and healthy as we get older.

I heard about the classes recently and am a regular attendee now. But while you go for the exercise, you come back for two reasons. Firstly the community. The morning class suits me (and many other self-employed people) and there is a great gang there from all walks of life who keep you entertained and motivated as you make your way through the programme.

If I told you the second reason you’d all be there tomorrow morning (!), so I’ll keep it a secret for now, but it’s Micky’s unique and generous way of making his gym a little bit different.

It’s great for the body, but crucially also for the head. And far easier to look after yourself in a group like this with a coach than on your own. And - the music is top class - Micky plays great drums too so knows his way around a good playlist!

What’s New?

1. SINGING TOGETHER: Sinéad commented after Saturday’s show that Rory clearly was onto something by finishing his show with a sing-song. The therapeutic nature of singing in groups has been written about many times, most notably here. From 2008, but still relevant today.

2. READING FICTION: One of my favourite ways to forget everything and get lost in a new world. This and this are my two most recent favourites.

3. SAYING NO: Sometimes you just have to. Here’s an entertaining (and possibly informative) look at how people have dealt with this issue over the years!

Finally

Here’s one of my favourites from the aforementioned A Year of Wednesdays. Featuring Niamh Crowley.

Till next time - Kieran.

TN #30 Teaser, and a ticket giveaway!

Dear Reader –

The Theme Night #30 sprint is about to start…

**All hyperlinks in bold.

The Big Thing

Just over three weeks to go, and the excitement is building.

And without giving too much away, there are some parts of the show which I can’t wait for you to see.

• The return of Georgie Gorman - and he and Sandy Kelly have been working on a special duet.

• 2 new and original songs from the Theme Night ensemble.

• The usual cast of brilliant young musicians and some amazing first-timers.

• Dean Gurrie is back!!

• Our 8-piece string section.

• And so many songs from the BIG shows - West Side Story/Les Mis/Grease/Wicked/Hamilton are all covered as well as almost 30 - yes 30 (!) more.

But the big question is - some of our gang are staunchly anti-musicals - so will they show up?! And if so, what will they sing?!

Where else but Sligo?

There were a few afternoons in mid-August where Seán (pictured below) and I would have preferred to have been at the beach. The sun was blazing outside, but we were in front of his computer screen going through 150 pages of songs, scales and puzzles detail by detail. Especially Seán.

The new teaching term started officially yesterday at 2.50pm, and at 12.30 I got the call to come and pick up the new books. And I was just as happy as I look below, knowing that I could deliver them on time to all the students this week. Seán looks delighted too - probably to get this project off his hands!

It’s the 3rd edition of the book - and this year we have 8 levels for students so we have split them into two books. Thanks a million to both Seán and Eamon in Tiger Print for all their hard work, and for getting them delivered on time. Now let’s get learning!

What’s New?

1. TICKETS GIVEAWAY: I’m very much looking forward to a chat and a few tunes as the guest of comedian Rory O’Connor this Saturday in the Hawk’s Well. I have two tickets to the show for the first person to email me with the name of the golfer who signed Rory’s bald head recently! *NB this competition is now over.

2. BATMAN: Actor Adam West played Batman in the 1960s ABC television series. Some would say his was the best Batman. I love the story of this prank he played using his local phone book.

3. MUSICALS: If you are a fan and missed out on tickets for our show, there are some great local productions coming up. Check them out here and here.

Finally…

Here’s one that didn’t make it in…ah but it’s so beautiful…maybe we’ll find room for it yet!

Till next time - Kieran.

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.