Sing Us a Song, Tell Us a Story...

Dear Reader –

It’s all things Theme Night #31 today as we prepare for our biggest ever Theme Night audience next week. If you haven’t got your tickets yet, you can still join us…

**All hyperlinks in bold.

The Big Thing

This show will feature….

• Our first Theme Night poet - and what a poet he is - coming all the way from Dublin to join us.

• The highest (non-falsetto) note ever sung by a male vocalist on a Theme Night.

• Gerry Grennan in the band!!

• Both a mother/daughter duet and a mother/daughter performing separately on the one night.

• An almost entirely different line-up to TN #30 - the depth of talent in these parts being tested but coming up trumps again!

• The most country and western songs on a Theme Night since it was all braces and bowties for our night at the The Grand Ole Opry 7 years ago.

Where else but Sligo?

As you surely know by now, Theme Night #31 is all about Stories - and last week’s letter featured the first in a series of stories about some of our Theme Night crew. Here’s Story No. 3…

Joe’s Dad is well known in Sligo and beyond. Now Sligo isn’t that big a place so many of you will know who he is (and I haven’t made it that difficult for the rest of you to work it out)! But although Joe’s Dad is great, so is Joe. And since not as many of you know his story, here it is (or part of it anyway).

I have known Joe for a long time. I remarked to him recently how a panto rehearsal in Ransboro School reminded me of a November afternoon more than ten years ago when he and his friends were playing football outside the window of the school hall. Now it just so happened that inside said hall at that very moment a gang of teenage girls his age were rehearsing for the show. He claimed no prior knowledge of the rehearsal. I’m not so sure.

Joe (along with his contemporary Nell Kelly) was the first ever Teenage Theme Night emcee, and it was clear from the start that this was a job that suited him down to his toes. He was our standard-bearer and many subsequent emcees mentioned Joe when I asked them if there was anyone they would like to emulate in the job. One even told me of their parents’ reaction when they heard the news that she was going to be an emcee – ‘Well done, but how are you going to be as good as Joe’? 

So I wasn’t surprised to see a picture of him speaking for our Taoiseach recently. He is a bright, upstanding and grounded young man and I can’t wait to see what the future has in store for him.

Joe is making his Theme Night debut on Theme Night #31, and while he has a fantastic baritone voice, it’s no surprise that he has chosen a song where many of the words are spoken. He will inhabit a character for its duration, and funny enough – he’ll tell us a story about that character’s Dad. Who was the opposite of well known, but did commit one very significant action in his life.

What’s New?

1. STORY NO. 2: In case you missed it on social media last week…read it here.

2. LEE KEEGAN: Possibly my favourite footballer of the last decade retired yesterday. Here are some of his greatest moments.

3. CONGRATS MARGARET…on winning four tickets to Theme Night #31 in the big final night raffle draw at the recent Coolera Dramatic Society Christmas pantomime. Thanks to Joe Grogan and Walker 1781 for sponsoring dinner for four as part of the prize.

Finally…

Surely one of the most famous story songs ever written…but did it make it into the show?? Or has he any other story songs that might?

Till next time - Kieran.

Four Thousand Weeks

Dear Reader –

A nice round number to put on our average lifespan. And we’re starting into another 52…let’s make the most of them!

**All hyperlinks in bold.

The Big Thing

It’s January - so that means the start of a new teaching term - and a brand new beauty of a digital piano (see below) is ready to get out of its box and help all our fantastic students sound better this year!

Regular readers of this letter will be familiar with my teaching philosophy, but if you’re new to these pages, you can read about it here.

We run classes in Strandhill and Rathcormac and cater for students of all ages, including tailored classes for adults. Or if it’s performing in which you’re interested, why not try our music club?

There are a few new slots available this term - if you or someone you know is interested please get in touch and I’ll tell you more.

Where else but Sligo?

Theme Night #31 is all about Stories and the songs that tell them best, so to get you all in the mood, over the next couple of weeks I’m going to tell you some good ones about some of our special guests on this show.

Here’s Story No. 1…keep an eye on my social media for the rest…

Sundays are long days in Panto land. A matinee followed by an evening show with possibly two hours in between to change and get a bite to eat. These days, much-loved panto-dame Brian Devaney doesn’t leave the theatre between shows – his costumes and make-up are so elaborate that it wouldn’t be worth his while – so he gets his grub delivered to the changing room and takes some time to himself.

There was a time he did however, and it was one such Sunday in the Ark Bar during my first panto in 2006 that he took me aside and gave me some advice that I still remember. West Ham were beating Man Utd on TV and Scruffy Duffy was rocking a Christmas party in the adjoining room. There was some food laid on for the cast and crew and before we went back to the theatre Brian asked could he have a quick word with me. We went outside into the cold and he paid me a lovely compliment that I still treasure today. However it is the words with which he prefaced them that stuck with me. “Kieran”, he said, “I have long believed that if you have something nice to say to someone you should say it. And say it as soon as you can”. A simple but inspiring message and one that I have tried to live by since.

It makes me extremely happy that Brian is joining us on stage for Theme Night #31 (Wed 18th-Sat 21st Jan). He’ll be with us for the Wednesday show and will tell us the story of an unlikely reconciliation between a father and son. The shows are mostly sold out but there are still some tickets available here.

What’s New?

1. VIDEO SHOOT: My friends at TemperHound Productions are shooting a special video for the aforementioned Theme Night #31 and they need two volunteers. Preferably people in their 20s/30s and availability on Sunday 15th Jan would be preferable but not essential. Singing or acting experience not necessary. Get in touch if you’re interested.

2. PELE DID IT FIRST: No need to explain the concept of this short video - just watch it.

3. 2023: Well it’s new, isn’t it?! Here’s my favourite non-fiction read of 2022 - it might be relevant to anyone looking to reflect on their life as we head for another spin…

Finally…

Usually I’d be reluctant to share any songs from an upcoming Theme Night set, but a) this version is beautiful and b) what we do with it on this show is going to surprise you even if you know the song is coming…

Till next time - Kieran.

The 2022 review

Dear Reader –

Nothing too taxing this week - I hope you enjoy some 2022 reflections and highlights in today’s letter.

**All hyperlinks in bold.

The Big Thing

These were the biggest things this year - the five letters that interested you guys most…

1. A new residency begins (Oct)

2. When you play the wrong song (Nov)

3. Keeping the head right (Sept)

4. One we’ll always remember (March)

5. The review (May)

Where else but Sligo?

2022 was the year we got the show back on the road.

It’s easy to forget that this time last year pubs and restaurants were still closing at 8pm. Live music had yet to return in any meaningful way and we were budgeting for 50% capacity in music venues.

It all changed at the end of January however. Quickly in one way but slowly in others. Bit by bit confidence returned and venues filled. Theme Night #29 (Freedom) in May saw the return of a full Hawk’s Well for the first time and by the time October’s Musicals Theme Night came along there wasn’t a ticket to be found.

Coolera Dramatic Society’s Christmas pantomime made its long-awaited comeback, as did the Sligo Jazz and Sligo Summer Festivals.

It was a year Seamie and I found a new Monday home in Bree’s, and a year where we welcomed a huge number of new teenage performers to our Teenage Theme Nights. It was a year where I expanded my teaching philosophy, with new students, teachers and books, and a year where we opened for classes in Rathcormac for the first time.

Getting the show back on the road takes more than simply keeping it there however, and so 2022 was also a year where I got to create a bit less than I would have liked - in terms of writing music, recording podcasts and some other bits and pieces. Nothing that can’t be rectified in 2023 however!

Overall though a fantastic year - musically, socially and psychologically - and one on which I will look back fondly. Thanks for your part in that, and see you in 2023!

What’s New?

1. THEME NIGHT PERFORMANCES OF THE YEAR: For impact, Luda, for energy and communion between audience and performers, Joe, and for craic, Seamie.

2. NEW MUSIC OF THE YEAR: Thanks to letter reader Des Power for sharing this wonderful playlist of some of his 2022 favourites. You’ll definitely find something you like on it.

3. GIG OF THE YEAR: Theo Katzman in Galway in August. To give you a flavour, here’s a live album of his.

Finally…

My favourite new song of 2022 - has to be this one (from June).

Till next time - Kieran.

The Christmas Edition

Dear Reader –

Happy Christmas to you, and a huge thanks for reading in 2022. We begin today with a short message about the art of celebration - it’s called ‘Eve‘.

**All hyperlinks in bold.

The Big Thing

Eve

We’ve gotten really good at anticipation but have a harder time with the celebration.

The eve is the time just before the thing…and so we get to fill in whatever story we want about how it’s going to go. But for the actual celebration we have to deal with reality, how it is. 

We’ll get better at the celebration the more we practise.

Courtesy of Gabe Anderson.

Where else but Sligo?

We’ve been doing our best to fill Sligo with Christmas cheer over the last few days.

Gerry Grennan had the Bree’s crowd just where he wanted them last night as our gig drew to a close. Not only had he made them wait until the end to hear a Christmas song, he also made them wait for 6-7 instrumental choruses of the song itself before actually singing it. And his craftiness (!) paid off - I have never seen such a reaction to Santa Claus is Coming To Town! Great to have John Joe Kelly (bodhran) back out with us too.

But first prize must go to the children who came to see our Anything Goes Christmas Toons show on Sunday and Monday. Now we only have ourselves to blame, since Sinéad encouraged them to sing Jingle Bells so loud that Santa himself would hear us. As you can see from the picture below it worked - I just hope the roof in the Hawk’s Well is OK!

What’s New?

1. WORLD CUP FINAL: This Argentinian commentator’s reaction to the final Argentinian penalty being scored last Sunday would bring a tear to a glass eye. Starts at 0:36.

2. WITH GLOWING HEARTS: A gorgeous-looking Christmas gig taking place in the Hawk’s Well Theatre tomorrow evening (Wed 21st). What a line-up!

3. BONG DING A LING: If weird, wacky and witty Christmas songs are your thing, check this brand new one out. Courtesy of Theme Night Ensemble members Ken Roht, Dave Flynn and Ryan Scanlon (among others by the looks and sound of things)!

   Finally…One of the sadder Christmas songs, but no doubting its beauty. I always love to listen to Eoin singing it at this time of year. Live version from Vicar St 2019 below, or else check out this 2021 studio version.

Till next time - Kieran.

Dublin tales...

Dear Reader –

The gigs, the train, a request for you, Christmas present ideas and more original Christmas music…

**All hyperlinks in bold.

The Big Thing

Last week’s letter and the concept of building something great came back to me when I joined the Second Captains crew for two shows in Dublin last Wednesday and Thursday.

I have written about these lads before, most notably after our series of shows in March of this year, which included a star singing performance by George Hamilton among other things. They are first and foremost great (and funny) sports journalists and have recently asked me to add some music to their live shows. As a big fan of what they do I have been more than happy to oblige!

They have been working together for almost 20 years and celebrate 10 years of this particular incarnation next spring. They have lasted in a tough business and have the freedom to create whatever content they want due to their subscriber-led model. And they are good people.

How do they do it?? No easy answer to this one - I’m sure it’s a combination of many things, but here are three I saw for myself last week…

• They’re not afraid to try things (and bin them if they don’t work). No idea is a bad one.

• Impeccable musical taste.

• They bring you for exotic late-night meals and to secret pubs!

Where else but Sligo?

The Sligo-Dublin train is a big feature of life for many of us who live in this part of the world. We all have our stories from over the years - here’s mine from Friday morning.

I was to catch the early train home but due to the icy weather was standing on the (very cold) platform in Connolly Station for over an hour waiting for the train to emerge from its overnight shelter.

I was feeling sorry for myself until a man approached me and told me of a young American lady he had just met on the same platform who thought she was about to get on the Galway train. He sent her off on the Luas to Heuston Station to catch the correct one. What’s more, he was late and if the train had been on time he would have missed it. So he was delighted with himself (and with the train being late) - and his good cheer rubbed off on me! Thank you sir.

Finally, Sligo is all shades of white and grey at the moment. Here’s one from a few weeks back with a similar mood but a bit more colour…

What’s New?

1. HELP NEEDED: I’m looking for a venue in Dublin with a piano. Not necessarily a live music venue (although that would be great too), but any smallish (50-100 capacity) room with what you think may be a decent piano. Thanks!

2. CHRISTMAS PRESENT IDEAS: We begin a new term of both our adult piano classes and our music club in early 2023. Also Theme Night #31 (extra date) tickets are on the move - a great gift which will give the January-hater in your life a lift!

3. BREE’S DEC 19th: I have missed the last couple of Mondays due to panto commitments, so I’m really looking forward to getting back to Bree’s next Monday 19th with Seamie and a few special guests. Our last Monday gig of 2022 so come on out!

Finally…

I had the pleasure of bumping into Georgie Gorman last Friday at Joe Kelly’s book launch. We had a lovely chat and reminisced about this Christmas song we wrote together five years ago. Listen to that voice!

Till next time - Kieran.

How to build something great...

Dear Reader –

December is here, and with it a flurry of exciting and original work to tell you about. New songs, books and shows - all in today’s letter.

**All hyperlinks in bold.

The Big Thing

Do your future self a favour - when January rolls around you’ll be glad you booked these tickets!

Theme Night #31 - Stories in Song.

Thurs-Sat shows are sold out but we have added an extra date due to popular demand - Wed 18th Jan 2023.

Tickets on sale tomorrow (Wed) at 10am here.

Where else but Sligo?

There are so many things to admire about what Coolera Dramatic Society have done over the years. It’s such a good example of how to build something great.

• This is their 42nd pantomime in 44 years - the recent pandemic being the only reason for it not being 44 in a row. They do 16 shows and could do more given its popularity. And there is no slacking - each show is as good as the night before. It’s an amateur production in name only.

• Longevity like this doesn’t come without a big commitment from a large group of people. But it is a great example of what can be done when that does come about.

• The panto has given an opportunity to perform to so many young talented people in Sligo over the years. Acting, singing, dancing - it has it all, and a large number of local people of all ages have cut their teeth in it over the last four decades.

• The atmosphere is second to none, It’s welcoming, warm and inclusive.

• This is evident in the fantastic team they have built over the years. It’s wonderful when you see the same people giving of their time backstage each year, as well as young people who have been on stage in previous years wanting to come back to help out.

It’s lovely to be back in their company for the next few weeks - they certainly haven’t forgotten how to put on a show. I managed to get a picture with some of the stars after last night’s fun - it’s easy to spot the one who’s not on stage!

What’s New?

1. SLIGO ACADEMY OF MUSIC CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR CONCERT: Niamh Crowley and her gang of teachers do fantastic work all year round with a huge number of Sligo’s young musicians. Their Christmas concert features them all and is always top class. It takes place on Fri 16th Dec in Summerhill College. Still some tickets available here.

2. FAIRYTALE OF NEW YORK: Learn to play it on piano here. This video is available to all - and demonstrates three ways to play the song - pick the one that suits your level best.

3. JOE KELLY: Joe is a stalwart of the music scene in Sligo - he ran the Sligo Choral Festival for years, has a beautiful tenor voice and is a great supporter of all things music locally. He is also a cherished member of our music club…and now a published author! It was a real honour to be asked to launch his new book this coming Friday at 3pm in Eason’s. It would be lovely to see some of Joe’s fellow letter readers there.

Finally…

Corcra know how to get things done…AND they can write songs too. They sent me a draft of this one as recently as late Oct - and now barely a month later here it is out there, complete with a feel-good Christmas video! Lovely as always to work with these ladies and congrats to all who worked on this project.

Till next time - Kieran.

Passing on the tradition...

Dear Reader –

A story today of how values get taught from one musician to another…

**All hyperlinks in bold.

The Big Thing

The big news last week was that January’s Theme Night #31 had sold out.

And while it has never been the aim of the theme nights to run for as many shows as possible, I do feel it’s right this time to do a fourth show.

Mainly for you guys - the audience - I heard from many of you in the last week who hadn’t managed to get tickets yet. But it will also mean more performers can get involved, and that we can try a few new and exciting things we have been planning for a while.

And it will be January! The last January theme night we did was Theme Night #14 in 2016 and I remember lots of people telling me then that we should have a theme night every January as it gives performers and audience alike something to which they can look forward in an otherwise quiet month.

So here are the new details…

Theme Night #31 - Stories in Song.

Hawk’s Well Theatre - Jan 18-21 2023.

Tickets for extra date (Jan 18) go on sale next Wed Dec 7 at 10am.

Where else but Sligo?

One of my favourite things about playing with Seamie on Mondays is to ask him where he was playing over the weekend. He could be with anyone anywhere - elsewhere in Ireland, the UK, Europe or sometimes even further afield. He didn’t quite make it back from wherever he was in time this week so Gerry Grennan filled in for last night’s Bree’s session.

And we had a ball! It had been a while since we had done a gig together as just a duo and we certainly won’t leave it as long again.

Gerry is a generous soul. I hear regularly from parents about the great way he has with their children in lessons. Unlike many in Sligo, I never had formal lessons from him. However that doesn’t mean I haven’t learned loads from him along the way. It was Gerry back in 2011 who ignited my love for improvising, and ever since I have tried to learn from the great values he exhibits during gigs - work hard, appreciate your audience and give everyone their time to shine.

He comes from that tradition of passing songs around among the group. Everyone gets a go, but is expected to be able to lead a song. He knows his chords, knows his words and he’ll politely say no if he doesn’t know a song!

Oh and he’ll be in the Theme Night band with us in January - that will be fun!

What’s New?

1. KEN ROHT joined our Theme Night choir for the first time last month. Now he and Dave Flynn have collaborated on a wonderfully witty and wacky Christmas song and are shooting a video for it this Sunday. They need some 15-25 year-old actors/singers to take part. Email opcircus@mac.com if you’re interested.

2. RED ÓG: Malachy Clerkin of The Irish Times wrote this about Red Óg Murphy - the young Sligo footballer who died by suicide last April. One of the best things I have read in a while. His parents sound like amazing people.

3. STARTING NOW: Regular readers will recognise the first picture. Two weeks on and the leaves are gone. Two weeks from now and it’s Dec 13. Two more weeks and Christmas is over and we’re nearly into 2023. But you don’t have to wait until then to start…

Finally…

This is one of Gerry’s staples on a gig. One enthusiastic audience member told us last night that ours was the best version he had ever heard. And it’s not that we don’t believe you but this one’s pretty good too!

Till next time - Kieran.

This is the life!

Dear Reader –

Stories on the brain today…

**All hyperlinks in bold.

The Big Thing

I was meant to be away this week. The trip didn’t work out, and I’m here instead with an empty diary.

So I decided to get stuck into Theme Night #31 - Stories.

Everyone loves a good story, and how better to tell a story than through song? It’s a broad theme, and I especially love this part - where the setlist is blank and all I have are a bunch of ideas and a big rock of potential waiting to be sculpted into a show.

And then I saw that we are sold out. Already - with more than two months to go. Fantastic - a record for us. And I had three thoughts.

• You guys are amazing. Both the audience who come out to see us time and time again and the team of musicians and performers who make it all happen.

• Can we find an extra night in the Hawk’s Well calendar for a fourth show?

• There are 1000+ people out there expecting a great night out in January so we’d better get to work!

As always you will be first to find out about any developments.

Where else but Sligo?

Here’s my favourite story of the week!

I have been working with Jayne, Gillian and Naoise (known collectively as Corcra) since they were 16 and wowing us all in the Teenage Theme Nights. When Seamie O’Dowd first saw them he commented that they were so tight it was like watching three parts of the same clock. I remember saying to them years ago that they should get out there and gig together. They have done many a theme night with us since but Sunday night upstairs in Lillies (what a venue by the way) was their first proper gig.

It was so nice to be asked to play with them, and it was a great night all round. Lovely also to play with Luke (bass) and Sam (cajon, pictured below). And I got a special kick from playing with James McManus and Sean Callaghan (aka Bacon and Cabbage) in the band - as they were contemporaries of the girls from the Teenage Theme Night class of 2017.

The gig went down a treat - I lost count of the amount of encores we did, and there was a great atmosphere in the room. Full of warmth and support - the guys are at the stage where their family and friends still come to all their gigs!

Anyway as mentioned in last week’s letter Corcra will be releasing their self-penned Christmas song in the coming weeks - I’ll be sure to include it in an upcoming letter.

What’s New?

1. SPEAKING OF STORIES…here’s Steve Jobs showing Bill Gates how to tell one.

2. MORE STORIES: Courtesy of The Collaborative Fund, here are a few great (and short) ones. Including the truth about Martin Luther King’s I Have a Dream speech.

3. WHEN A STORY GETS TOLD IN THE NEWSPAPER: I got a lovely surprise when this photo was sent to me last week. Thanks to Theme Night Regular Liam Gannon who detailed the story of Theme Night #30 in such a heartfelt way for last week’s Sligo Champion. Still on the shelves of your local shop until tomorrow.

Finally…

This is one of the songs we did with the gang on Sunday - it’s been in my head since. This is the life folks!

Till next time - Kieran.