We're heading back to Vicar St!

Dear Reader –

Apologies for the late letter but we wanted to get all the details sorted before sending it out to you. The gig will be officially announced tomorrow but as always you guys get first notice.
It will have been over five years since we were in Vicar St. by the time we get back next May…I really hope you can join us.

We do of course have Theme Night #33 in February first though (Simon and Sting) - hers’s a beautiful arrangement from the pen of Luke Devaney that may just have to feature…

The Big Thing

But now - here all the details you need…

Theme Night #34 - Beginnings.
May 16th 2024 - Vicar St. Dublin.

Tickets on sale next Tuesday 12th Dec at 10am from ticketmaster.ie

Or why not treat someone special to an exclusive experience?

Where else but Sligo?

This blog post tells one of my favourite stories from our 2019 trip to Vicar St. It was published on March 3 2020, 6 weeks before we were due to return. Of course we never did…until now!

The theme really excites me I must say…I loved this quote i heard the other day.
‘And all of a sudden - you know it’s time to start something new and trust the magic of beginnings’.
It sums up the feeling of starting into a new theme night with a blank canvas.

But the word beginnings conjures up so much more…
New performers. Dublin audiences coming to see the show for the first time. Sligo folk heading to see us in Dublin for the first time. Veteran performers reflecting on their beginnings with the theme nights. New songs and arrangements. Our new YouTube channel. Even the importance of the first note of a song. There is so much we can do with this theme and I can’t wait to get stuck in.

Finally, I went to see Theo Katzman in Vicar St in October. And who came around at the end of the night to tell me it was time to go home? You guessed right - one of the men at the centre of the story above! We had a good laugh about it and he’s looking forward to the return of the ‘choir from Sligo’ in May!

What’s New?

1. CORCRA’s version of This Christmas is out on all streaming platforms now…

2. MATT HALPIN: This friend of Sligo and regular Sligo Jazz saxophone tutor brings a European seven-piece jazz supergroup to Lillies this Friday at 8pm. More here.

3. BRENDAN GRAHAM AND CATHY JORDAN: Cathy has been busy! Below is the first single from Brendan Graham’s (You Raise Me Up) new album…

Finally…

One of the big moments from the 2019 ‘Victor St’ gig…great to hear Georgie in full voice.
And the choir sound amazing!

Till next time - Kieran.

Big smiley heads!

Dear Reader –

Aileen Concannon was one of our guests on last Thursday’s first Theme Nights Unplugged gig. I met her again yesterday and after having watched the below video she asked me ‘Why was I smiling so much’?
It was just that kind of night I guess…

The Big Thing

But first - after more than FIVE years - we are finally returning to Vicar St.
Thursday May 16 2024 is the date for Theme Night #34 and tickets will go on sale next week.

All you need to know in next week’s letter, including details of VIP packages and chartered buses to the event.
Let the countdown begin!

Where else but Sligo?

Back to last Thursday briefly though - Aileen wasn’t the only one smiling - look at Niamh Crowley below!

And as Luke Devaney lead out on the last tune of the night for us I spotted his Dad Adrian watching him with one of those contented looks on his face that only a proud father can wear.

It was a lovely night. It’s a great room upstairs in Lillies - it was magic to get to play some of the music we have performed at Theme Nights over the years but in a looser fashion. And while I’m well used to playing with Seamie and Luke in that type of gig, it’s not something I have done too much with either Aileen or Niamh. Aileen was in great form all night - and I absolutely love Niamh’s improvising on Dirty Old Town above.

Outside of the music I found it really interesting too - I noticed myself addressing the audience as if I was in the Hawk’s Well - maybe a slightly more informal approach might work better in December - but hey one step at a time I guess.

Speaking of December - we’re releasing a small number of tickets for those two shows at 6pm this evening. Click here for Wednesday 20th and here for Thursday 21st. Two brand-new line-ups too - see links for details.

Pics from the night by Sam Elliott.

What’s New?

1. COOLERA CHRISTMAS PANTO: Dick Whittington, his cat Tommy and all your panto favourites return to the Hawk’s Well stage this week. And while I’m guessing people will presume that tickets are all gone (because they almost always are), for once they aren’t…there are still some available here.

2. NEW TERM OF PIANO LESSONS: If anyone is interested in signing up for our new term in January, please get in touch. More info here.

3. PHARRELL DISCOVERS MAGGIE ROGERS: This is so good! It shows Pharrell Williams trying to keep his excitement in as he discovers the music of then NYU music student (and now Grammy-nominated) Maggie Rogers for the first time…

Finally…

The latest release from Cathy Jordan and the Crankie Island project…

Till next time - Kieran.

We have a theme...

Dear Reader –

A big week this week - Morrissey discovered the Teenage Theme Nights…and if you watch our latest video you’ll discover Sam Purcell on the tin whistle!

The Big Thing

But first - Theme Night #33 - February 2024.
Inspired by a gig that Sinéad and I saw in Glasgow in 2015…
Still some tickets available for the Wednesday and Thursday shows here.

The first time since Theme Night #25 four years ago that we have used an artist-focused theme, and the first time that we will look again at an artist previously covered by the Theme Nights. I’d love to know of any memories some of you may have of Theme Night #5 (Paul Simon) in Source in 2012…

AND - all details for Vicar St 2024 announced next week - you’ll hear first here next Tuesday.

Where else but Sligo?

A serious shift put in by this crew last Sunday!

Pro Murray (below, seated) wrote a fantastic song called Underneath The Chandelier which was selected to be professionally recorded at our Young Songwriters’ Showcase last March. It’s about a frustrated dancer.

So we asked UL dance student Jayne Feehily to choreograph and perform a dance routine for the song.

Luke Devaney (not pictured) recorded and produced the track at his studio this summer.

And finally Rory and Rummy from TemperHound came up with a plan for the music video and shot it all last Sunday.

Big thanks to everyone who made this happen, including the Hawk’s Well Theatre, Robbie Fitzpatrick and the good people at Castle Dargan who allowed us use their premises to record.

The video will be released in January 2024…can’t wait to see it!

What’s New?

1. THEME NIGHTS UNPLUGGED: The first gig in this series kicks off this Thursday upstairs in Lillies. It will feature Aileen Concannon, Luke Devaney, Niamh Crowley and Seamie O’Dowd, and I can’t wait for it! Thanks to everyone who managed to get tickets, and to the many of you who have told me you couldn’t, we certainly hope to put on more of these gigs in 2024…

2. MORRISSEY DISCOVERS TTN…17 year-old Keelan Murphy (with Aisling Little on BVs) presented a fantastic version of Morrissey’s Jack The Ripper at the recent Teenage Theme Night #30. Keelan grew up listening to the music of Morrissey - and indeed recently played at Sligo Live with These Charming Men - a Morrissey/Smiths cover band. So you can imagine how excited Keelan was when Morrissey posted his performance on his website…

3. SAM ELLIOTT took some amazing photos at TTN #30 - and indeed is joining us too in Lillies this Thursday…you can check out more of his work here.

Finally…

Here’s Sting performing Paul Simon’s America…

Till next time - Kieran.

Go Your Own Way...

Dear Reader –

Firstly a huge thank you - your response last week made it three Theme Night Unplugged gigs sold out in a matter of hours. Very much looking forward to the first one next week.

Here’s a brand new release from our YouTube channel to get you in the mood…

The Big Thing

But first - Teenage Theme Nights are back with a bang!
We played The Name Game all last weekend in The Model.
Rosanna. Gloria. St. Thomas. Jackie AND Wilson.

Amazing support shown to first-time performers and emcees.
Thanks to Sean Blaine Sam Sarah Mimi Maya Cara Joseph.
Taylor Swift taking over - Betty. Marjorie. Dear John.
Some older favourites too - Iris. Valerie. Jolene.

A TY show for the first time since 2020.
No bother to them. Amazing audiences.
Original songs and 9-minute epics.

Graduates Stephen Fraser Leanne.
Dave Ken Keith - what a band!
100+ performers. 90+ songs.
Minnie. Delilah. Seymour. Jesus!

Next one in January.

Where else but Sligo?

Two subjects not usually mentioned in these pages are my family and politics - but this week is different…

My wife announced last week that she will be stepping down from her role as a county councillor at the time of the next local elections in 2024. I was looking back through some photos of her tenure and was filled with awe at her sheer selflessness and dedication to the role.

It’s not something I could ever do - and I know many of you feel the same, and so I believe that those who do enter that world deserve our respect, especially those who display the courage and work ethic shown by Sinéad over the last ten years.

Those of you on Facebook can read her statement here, and I wanted to mention it today in the hope that it may encourage someone out there to think about the possibility of putting your own name forward. Sinéad is hugely passionate about the importance of public service and diverse representation - and indeed makes a generous offer to assist or mentor anyone who is thinking of running for election next year.

The people of Sligo were (and still are) lucky to have her as their representative. Thankfully we as her family and friends get to have the privilege of her company and wisdom for many years to come yet.

What’s New?

1. THEME NIGHTS #33+34: Two big announcements on the way - the theme for Theme Night #33 and the date for Theme Night #34 (Vicar St). Stay tuned here - as always letter readers will hear first…

2. ON COMPLIMENTS: Here’s a great take from Gabe the Bass Player on this subject…

3. ON MISTAKES: And one below from James Clear on this topic…

Finally…

While we’re on the Fleetwood Mac buzz…

Till next time - Kieran.

We've hired someone...!

Dear Reader –

More big announcements today, including another Lillies date in December…

But first - the opening Teenage Theme Night of the year is upon us. More details below, after you check out our latest video - featuring current 6th Yr Cara Carleton with one of our heartbreak songs from Theme Night #32.

The Big Thing

Thanks everybody for selling out our first two Theme Nights Unplugged dates in Lillies in a matter of hours last week. Anyone who has been speaking to me over the last few days knows how excited I am for these.

And so happily today we get to announce an extra date - Wed 20th Dec - again upstairs in Lillies.
Tickets on sale at 6pm today (Tuesday) here - once again capacity is small so don’t miss out!

Where else but Sligo?

I’m excited to announce that the post advertised in this letter in September has been filled. Thanks to all candidates who applied and indeed interviewed for the post - the quality was extremely high - and I’m happy to say that the successful candidate in the end was Joy Feehily.

I first met Joy over 7 years ago through the Coolera Dramatic Society pantomime and then the Teenage Theme Nights. We have worked together in various ways since then and her drive, initiative and passion for the arts have been clear throughout that time. She is a wonderful singer in her own right - many of you will know her from the Theme Nights stage - and she has played a huge part behind the scenes in the success of the shows over the last 18 months or so.

We have lots of exciting plans for the Theme Nights and Teenage Theme Nights over the next few years and I’m looking forward to working with Joy to make them happen.

What’s New?

1. TEENAGE THEME NIGHT #30: We have four (yes 4!) shows in The Model this weekend. Friday, Saturday and 2 shows on Sunday. 120+ teenagers and some fantastic talent. Tickets here.

2. THE RUNNING GRAVE: Good fiction alert!! Robert Galbraith (aka J.K. Rowling) is back with another Strike and Robin story - I ordered this book this morning.

3. SLIGO LIVE: Congrats to Rory, Willie and all behind Sligo Live. A great few weeks of music by all accounts - The Waterboys were one of the headliners of course and I enjoyed this tweet from Mike Scott after last Saturday’s show.

Finally…

From Teenage Theme Night #29 back in May…featuring Annie Buick and Alannah Donohue.

Till next time - Kieran.

A new gig next month!

Dear Reader –

A couple of different Theme Night announcements today!

Firstly - a new type of video went up on our YouTube channel this week…here was the challenge…

Put five musicians in a room...only I know who the others are.
They can't see each other and none of us are allowed to talk.
Plus - only I know what the song we’re recording is - can I (non-verbally) explain what’s happening to the others so we come up with some sort of half-decent arrangement??

Full story in the vid below...

The Big Thing

Secondly - and I’m really excited by this - announcing the first ever Theme Nights Unplugged gigs.

Two before the end of 2023 for now but hopefully this will develop into something more regular.

I always think it’s a shame that once a Theme Night is done it’s done, and we don’t get to play any of the great songs or arrangements written for the show again.

But that’s all about to change…these Theme Nights Unplugged gigs will bring together smaller groups of Theme Night regulars to make some Theme Night magic in a different way.

Upstairs in Lillies. 8-10pm one Thursday each month - all details below.

Tickets only €10 - available here (November gig) and here (December gig). Available from 6pm this evening (Tuesday). Capacity is small though - so get on it quick to avoid disappointment!

Where else but Sligo?

Schools are off this week, which means a well-earned break for all of our piano students (and teachers)!

We’re six weeks into term and I’m delighted with how all has gone. Our new teachers have settled in well, students are enjoying the 80 (!) new songs now available to them, and my colleagues Sorcha and Annette are playing a blinder in making sure that people are looked after wherever possible if they can’t make a lesson.

A few short anecdotes from the term that you might enjoy…

One of our new students (who shall remain nameless) has learned to look for the teacher’s approval not after playing a song, not even after playing one line of the song, but after playing each note of the song!

Three adult students came to me the week after Theme Night #32 looking to learn the Cinema Paradiso Love Theme after Niamh Crowley’s amazing rendition of it in the show.

And my favourite - about Ben, whose Mum told me that piano is the only activity about which she doesn’t have to fight with him to go.

What’s New?

1. FURTHER DOWN THE LINE: I have been listening to Seamie O’Dowd’s latest offering - his first fiddle album if I’m not mistaken - and it’s great. Available in local music shops - or I’ll put you in touch with Seamie to get one!

2. TTN #30: Check out this playlist put together by our Teenage Theme Night Committee to showcase some setlist possibilities for next weekend’s shows…

3. LETTER TREE (AUTUMN VERSION): She’s looking well today…

Finally…

I ain’t afraid of no ghosts!

Till next time - Kieran.

Living someone's dream...

Dear Reader –

Two HUGE events this weekend…and both couldn’t really have gone any better. Glory days indeed.

The Big Thing

We were giddy as we arrived to Ballyshannon on Saturday morning.

Excited by the prospect of getting the theatre ready for the show that night. One of the lads said he would do this every day of the week if he could. But there was also a healthy set of nerves about presenting the show to a new crowd. And meeting the dozen or so local musicians who were going to be performing with us.

The day moved on and the challenges presented themselves as they always do, but one by one we figured them out and managed to finish our marathon rehearsal a full 20 minutes before showtime!

There were magic moments as there always are, but it was the strength of the applause received by Drew Maitland and then Seamie O’Dowd straight after when I knew it was truly working. Sinéad Conway got her now usual standing ovation (!) for her rendition of I Will Always Love You and all of a sudden the show was over, and I was meeting smiling faces in the foyer just like in the Hawk’s Well.

“You’ll be back?” I was asked (or possibly told) by many audience members afterwards - and I’d say there’s a very good chance of it. As always, letter readers will hear first.

Thanks so much to all the musicians, theatre staff and audience members who made us feel so welcome in Ballyshannon. As a friend said to me - “you’re certainly living someone’s dream”!
See the bottom of this letter for a video from the show.

Where else but Sligo?

“One day Tourlestrane won’t win. Maybe it will be us who does, or maybe someone else. But one way or another a county final is a big thing. And it’s nice to know it still feels that way”.

I wrote this a couple of years ago. It was the closing paragraph of a blog about the 2021 county final. And finally, for the first time since 2015, Tourlestrane didn’t win. And…it was us who did.

You can get the match report elsewhere, but it’s the individual stories that are always more interesting to me.

I got a picture during the celebrations with two of the heroes of Sunday - Niall Murphy (left) and Keelan Cawley (right). I played with both in the 2011 final (which we lost), and the two lads also lost finals in 2019 and 2021. So they were feeling pretty good about life, having finally picked up that elusive championship medal.

It was no coincidence that they were the two men that scored the points that started our comeback in the second half. Add the equaliser by another elder statesman of the team Barry O’Mahony and it was clear that the leaders of the team were determined that they weren’t going to lose again.

Talking to them afterwards the overriding emotion was relief and a deep sense of satisfaction. There was a great pic going around of Keelan as a 16 yr-old on someone’s shoulders watching us win the 2005 final, and Niall spoke of similar formative experiences as a child.

Joint-manager Adrian McPartland summed it all up in a message - saying that the part that he enjoyed most about the win was seeing the many children of the club around to witness it all. The bonfire, the cavalcade, the trophy presentation, the sense of elation and general madness around the whole thing. Inspiring. Lighting their fire. Letting them know this is something that can be done as a player from this club. Magic stuff.

Enjoy the feeling lads.

What’s New?

1. THIS IS THE LIFE: My favourite sports book of the year so far. Written by Ciarán Murphy of Second Captains, it’s a witty and provocative look at grassroots GAA in Ireland. Available from your local bookshop.

2. TTN #30: The first Teenage Theme Night of the year is on the horizon. Anyone looking to get involved should get in touch ASAP.

3. BEHIND THE SCENES: This video got a huge reaction. It’s so well put-together, and provides a feel-good glimpse into what goes on backstage at a Theme Night.

Finally…

Here’s one from Ballyshannon - brought to you by John Meehan and the Theme Night crew.

Till next time - Kieran.

I Wanna Be From Somewhere...

Dear Reader –

A theme of Home running through today’s letter…partly inspired by this morning’s incredible sunrise!

The Big Thing

As many of you will know, part of the joy of the Theme Nights is the local nature of it. Seeing people we all know from our daily lives up there giving it socks with the band. A sense of pride in seeing what people from our home town can achieve.

And this weekend’s show in Ballyshannon will be no different. Because sprinkled in the below line-up (among some familiar names) are 12 Donegal musicians who will be joining us on stage in the Abbey Arts Centre this Saturday night. And there may well be more recruited in the meantime!

It will be similar in some ways to the Sligo shows but very different in others. Still some tickets left here - please tell your friends!

Where else but Sligo?

This beautiful Sigrid song is all about the restorative powers of home and the people who live there.
Singer Drew Maitland made his Theme Night debut last week and will also be performing this in Ballyshannon this coming weekend.

It’s the latest video on our new Theme Nights YouTube channel - and one of the most powerful yet.

What’s New?

1. COUNTY FINALS: There’s nothing like a county final to make you proud of where you come from. Congrats to the Coolera-Strandhill ladies team who won a Junior county final last Sunday, and best of luck to the men’s senior team in their final this coming Sunday..

2. STATS CORNER: The ten richest men in the world have had a cumulative 13 divorces between them. Read into that what you will…

3. ESCAPING: Despite all the love for our home place in this week’s letter - sometimes an escape is good too! The In The Lamplight crew of Rory, Luke, Mícheál and I took a trip to Glasgow last week and discovered Escape Rooms! Great fun…especially when you escape!

Finally…

Part of the reason for the trip to Glasgow was to see this man live. He closed with this - a love song to home.

Till next time - Kieran.