Goodbyes, Grammys and Guts

Dear Reader - a huge congratulations to Eddie Lee and the Sligo Jazz team on 20 fantastic years. Another inspiring instalment last week…

The Big Thing

But first - this week we say goodbye to event producer and company manager Joy Feehily.

Joy worked with us for almost two years in Sligo Music Development and for a number of years before that in the Theme Nights and especially the Teenage Theme Nights. She had a huge impact in her time with us.

Joy was the driving force behind the formation and spirit of the new Theme Night Academy. She produced 4 of our most ambitious Theme Nights yet including our trip to Vicar St in 2024.

Outside of this work, her vision and instinct for structures and systems in education has helped continuously improve our learning piano by ear curriculum and service over the past few years.

And so on behalf of the board of directors of Sligo Music Development, the Theme Night crew and the many students on whom she had such a positive impact, I’d like to thank Joy for her dedication and commitment to music education and entertainment in Sligo and to wish her all the very best on her future adventures in Australia and beyond.

Where else but Sligo?

Speaking of music education, the satisfied smile on Eddie’s face here is well deserved! Many students left on Sunday evening full of passion and inspiration.

Also pictured is his daughter Mimi - who wasn’t even born when this started but now basically runs the show! Plus Grammy winners, Sligo Jazz favourites and former students who now teach on the course. Sums it up really…

PS I’m pretty sure there was some amazing music being played on this stage as this picture was being taken! I guess when you have 33 tutors on stage it’s nice for a few to take a break while the rest jam it out…

PPS It was another incredible week!

What’s New?

I love this insight - written by Gabe Anderson and titled “George Had The Guts.”

You’ve just written what will become one of the most famous ballads of all time. It’s called Something, and you’re George Harrison.
It’s an acoustic song with a beautiful melody so you’re thinking strings, bgvs, maybe some brass, probably no drums.
And then Paul comes in and wants to put this super busy bass line over it.
—
There had to have been fights.
George was already shy about his songs and now Paul wants to step all over it.
It took a lot of guts to have that bass line in there (which would also require a fuller drum groove to blend the rhythm track).
I don’t think most of us could handle Paul playing on our track. Most of us would be too precious to have a lead bass line on our sweet ballad.

Glad George had the guts.

Finally…

More Beatles for you today - this is from Dromore West sings - featuring Theme Night Academy graduate Jean Van Aswegen on lead vocals.

Till next time - Kieran.

Standing Ovation!

Dear Reader - no gigs for ages…and then two BIG ones this week!

The Big Thing

Firstly last night - recent Theme Night Academy graduate Zach McLoughlin performed his new release with us at our Boyle Arts Festival Theme Night and got a standing ovation. What a moment!

Top class original music from this year's Young Songwriters' Showcase.
Check it out here...

Where else but Sligo?

And secondly this coming Saturday - Eddie Lee wants a mixture between a Theme Night and a jam session - and so that’s what he’s going to get!

It’s Sligo Jazz week everyone - starting today - and as always there is an amazing week of gigs and masterclasses lined up - see image below.

The big one though is in Lillies on Saturday afternoon!
From 4.30-6.30pm I’ll be hosting a specially curated set featuring 15+ local artists young and old. Admission is free so come along and say hello!

What’s New?

Don’t forget this amazing workshop series for 12-18 year olds starts tomorrow (Wednesday) and runs for 5 weeks. Curated by us in the Theme NIght Academy.

Admission is free but you do need to be in possession of a ticket. Get them here.
Some sold out already so don’t delay!

Finally…

This was our response to the Heartbreak Story read out on Sunday night in Boyle…

Till next time - Kieran.

Al Fresco!

Dear Reader -

The Big Thing

Announcing a brand new workshop series for teenagers every Wednesday evening for the rest of the summer. In association with Sligo BID, Creative Ireland, Sligo County Council, the Hawk’s Well Theatre and Foróige.

Open to anyone aged 12-18 with an interest in these areas.

Tutors include Steve Wickham, Callum Wall, Orla McSharry, Terry Markey, Rory Maitland, Luke Devaney, Thomas Spratt, Sarah Middleton, Jonathan Carter and Avril O’Hanlon.

Admission is FREE but you must be in possession of a ticket. Get them here.

Where else but Sligo?

We’re half way through our term of summer lessons. And while the rest of you have been on the beach (!) lots of new students have been enjoying a gentle introduction to our learning by ear method with teachers Shauna, Joy and Odhrán.

It’s a great chance for us to try out new songs with the students.
Songs like Pink Pony Club, Killeagh, and an original hit from one of our teachers - Serotonin by Paddy Keyes.

Plus classic songs newly written out for our students - such as Golden Slumbers, Landslide and Viva La Vida.

These songs plus lots more will feature in the new edition of our Learning Piano By Ear book which is currently being edited.

What’s New?

We made the most of the weather last Sunday. A gorgeous few hours al fresco running this Sunday’s Theme Night set for the Boyle Arts Festival with the gang. And ten minutes after we finished the heavens opened - must be a sign!!

This is going to be a great gig - still some tickets here.

Finally…

One of the songs featuring this Sunday in Boyle…

Till next time - Kieran.

It’s a curious thing…

Dear Reader - Yes we’re back!

The Big Thing

And back with a bang very soon…as part of the Boyle Arts Festival.

We revisit one of our most popular ever Themes - The Power of Love - NEXT WEEK (Sunday 20th) in St. Joseph’s Hall, Boyle.
Complete with full Theme Night band, strings, horns and a fantastic line-up of guest performers. Plus lots of brand new music and arrangements.

AND - as part of the show we are going to help one lucky audience member heal -live on the night. That’s right folks - today I’m asking for your heartbreak stories - I will read one out on the night and we will help you heal with a specially chosen piece of music to respond to it!
Anyone who sends one in will be entered in a draw for two free tickets to the show.
All the details you need are here.

Finally - it would be great to see you there - a few tickets still available here.

Where else but Sligo?

I was at my first ever movie (!) premiere in the Model last Thursday.
And from the moment Callum Wall’s voice soared over the opening credits, it was clear we were in for something homegrown and real.

CR2Y - written and directed by Brian F. Devaney, and authentically Sligo from start to finish. The locations, actors, language and music. All a joy to behold.
My favourite scenes featured Shan McGinley (Shan of the Slangs) in the plush surroundings of Markree Castle explaining the story behind local phrases like ‘Christ on a bike’ and ‘saucy minx’. Classic Sligo humour.

A big shoutout to friends and colleagues Rory and Rummy from TemperHound who shot the film and to Luke Devaney who recorded and designed sound. An amazing achievement by all to see this project through from start to finish.

What’s New?

Brand new Theme Night music on the way…
Video released July 20.
But can you figure out who’s in the woods?!

Finally…

I saw Jim Doherty and his band in the John Field Room of the National Concert Hall last week. They were paying tribute to the music of Nat King Cole.
Jim asked Nigel Mooney to sing this for his wife. Just beautiful.

Till next time - Kieran.

Here, There and Everywhere

Dear Reader - Just the Beatles and Adele featured today!

The Big Thing

And just like that it’s over.

All the thought and planning last summer that went into starting piano lessons in Dublin, and now the year has finished.

We had two lovely evenings of workshops and concerts last week in Clontarf GAA club and Wesley House. Two ideal venues whose staff have been so friendly and helpful to us throughout the year.

The best thing about it was seeing how people took to it. The smiles on the faces of the children as they completed their performance. The feedback from the parents on our learning by ear method and what a breath of fresh air it was for the students.

Thanks especially to my sisters-in law Laura and Clare who helped in getting the word out around the local communities, to everyone who helped in the search for venues, to all you readers who alerted your East Coast contacts and of course to Joy Feehily who looked after all things piano in Dublin this year.

Looking forward to our concerts in Boyle and Strandhill this week, and then to another summer of planning!

Where else but Sligo?

One project that is at a more advanced stage of planning is a brand new video series.

In association with Kevin Egan Cars, I will drive local personalities around Sligo and they will show me the places that have provided formative experiences in their lives.

It won’t be too far removed from a Carpool Karaoke video, but we will put our own musical twist on it.

We hope to start shooting in June, so I’m asking you guys today if there’s anyone you would like to see featured in this series?

What’s New?

1. HERE: A reminder that a short set of piano lessons starts on June 26 here in Strandhill. Reply to this email for details. Ideal for anyone wanting to try it out.

2. THERE: Almost 200 fantastic pics by Steve Rogers (see one below) on our Theme Night Academy Facebook page. Head over there to see them all.

3. EVERYWHERE there are teachers coming to the end of their year. But for those who aren’t, I read this yesterday (thanks James Clear).
   ”What is one topic that you are so fascinated by that you could teach a class about it”?

Finally…

Knowing that love is to share…

Till next time - Kieran.

Wait for the clarinet trio!

Dear Reader - The song at the bottom of this email is so good today!

The Big Thing

Exam weather is here and it’s the last official week of piano lessons.
Which means that summer must be coming!

We head to Dublin later this week for our end-of-year concerts in Clontarf and Donnybrook. And then next week we are looking forward to showcases in Boyle and Strandhill to sign off on the 2024-25 season with a bang.

But fear not - as per usual there will be summer lessons available. More details to come soon, but for now you can register your interest by replying to this email.

Where else but Sligo?

A huge thanks to the Sligo Champion, the Sligo Weekender (pictured below) and Ocean FM for the massive coverage they gave to Teenage Theme Night #35 over the past few weeks.
Such fantastic memories of what was our biggest ever showcase of youth music.

What’s New?

1. CHIEF KEEGAN: One of Ireland’s most exciting instrumental funk bands, hailing from Dublin and known for their feel-good music and tight, dynamic grooves. Playing at Lillies Live Lounge (upstairs in Lillies) this Thursday, May 22nd, 7.45pm! A small number of tickets left here.

2. SINGING TIPS: Great insight here - for example ‘Your facial expressions will come through the microphone!’ Thanks to Gabe The Bass Player.

3. MATTHEW CAREY: Great news - this Australian friend of mine has begun writing again! You can read some of his thoughts here (lovely to read the top article again)!

Finally…

One of Chief Keegan’s stated influences.
I couldn’t help watching this whole performance again - so good!
Wait for the clarinet trio…

Till next time - Kieran.

Exit Music…

Dear Reader - The class of 2025 made their exit this weekend…

The Big Thing

So the first year of our Theme Night Academy is finished.
And the current crop of 6th Yrs set us all a new standard, with the support of the amazing Sligo Academy of Music Sinfionetta of course.
What a weekend we had in the Hawk's Well Theatre.

The shows were more ambitious than anything we had tried before, but boy did they work. It took the expertise of ten professionals to get them there however - so a huge thanks to Aileen, Sinéad, Dave, Ken, Eddie, Niamh, James, Luke, Rory and Joy for all the hard work.

And while these nights are about the music, they also aren't.
They are about providing teenagers with a platform to express themselves and access to a community of like-minded people at what can be a difficult time in their lives. And if you saw the camaraderie and warmth around the piano in the back room of McLynn's after the show last night, it was clear that the friendships and memories made by this gang in their time with us will last a long time.

Musically it is unfair to single anyone out, but I'm going to do it anyway!
I have known Darragh O'Keeffe (below) since he was kind to our son during football matches on the green outside our house in Strandhill 8 or 10 years ago.
And while kindness can't really be associated with the lyric 'I hope that you choke', by the time he got to the end of his vocal on Radiohead's Exit Music (for a film) it didn't matter what the words were - we were hanging on every single one.
A remarkable performance.

So farewell to the class of 2025.
You brought so much to our lives over the last three years.
You will be missed, but this is not the end.

Where else but Sligo?

It’s festival season!
And we have a new Sligo date to add to our schedule over the coming months.
We had a fantastic time in Cloonacool last year and can’t wait to get back there.

And who remembers the song Seamie wrote about this festival on Theme Night #35?!
“It’s the Clooooonacoooooool Sheep Festival - the wooliest ceili around”.

It may have to be resurrected that night!

Tickets for both gigs available now - follow this link.
And more announcements to come soon!

What’s New?

1. PUT DOWN YOUR PHONE: This photograph collection is compelling.

2. BARCELONA: The most exciting foorball team around at the moment. Watch here and here for highlights of their two recent 4-3 classics.

3. CRINNIU NA NÓG: It’s exciting to be working with Sligo BID, The Crib and the Hawk’s Well Theatre in preparing a multi-disciplinary arts event for Sligo’s youth in early June. More info here.

Finally…

This is the song that Darragh sang over the weekend. So powerful.

Till next time - Kieran.

The grand finale

Dear Reader - a bittersweet weekend ahead..

The Big Thing

The biggest sporting event in Jamaica is nothing to do with soccer, basketball or even baseball. It is the National Boys and Girls Athletics Championships - the ‘Champs’ as it is affectionately known.
To Jamaicans it is the highlight of the sporting year, with crowds of 30,000 people gathering from across the island to watch over 100 schools battle it out for title of "King" or "Queen".
It is a showcase for emerging talent - the next generation of athletes who will represent their country at the Olympic Games or World Championships.

This event was an inspiration to me when setting up the Teenage Theme Nights over 11 years ago. To create a showcase for young musicians, where people would come from far and wide to see the next generation of talent.

And this weekend is the closest we have got yet to realising that vision.

On Saturday and Sunday we present Teenage Theme Night #35 - featuring the talents of our 100+ members accompanied by the Sligo Academy of Music Sinfionetta.

We would all love for you to join us.
It will be sad, as we are saying goodbye to a fantastic bunch of 6th Yrs.
But it will also be uplifting, and it’s for everyone - these guys are good - trust me!

Where else but Sligo?

“Do you have any idea how lucky you are to casually say yeah I’d like a choir and an orchestra on my song”?

Aileen Concannon is one of our tutors brought in to help the teens prepare for the big show this weekend. And she let the teenagers know in no uncertain terms how great an opportunity she felt they were getting.

Niamh Crowley, Sinéad Conway and Dave Flynn have also been involved over the last few weeks.

It is always amazing to see Niamh in full control of her orchestra and Saturday was no different - 20 new pieces tackled with the minimum of fuss.

Aileen and Sinéad took the 4th/5th Yrs through their vocal paces, and despite Dave having had a crazy few Sweeney Todd months, he was in great form and taught the choir their 4 songs in just 90 mins!

What’s New?

1. BILLY AND ELTON: For any fans of these two fantastic piano men, we have a combined seven songs from their back catalogues on this weekend’s setlist.

2. EOIN AND LIAM: Our last show in March saw the emergence of two fantastic TY guitarists. We have paired them together on a few songs for this show!

3. THEME NIGHTS UNPLUGGED SUCCESS: A big thanks to the Captain and Lady Captain for the invite to play at Co. Sligo Golf Club last Thursday (Lady Captain happens to be a decent fiddle player too). It was a wonderful evening! More Theme Nights dates announced next week.

Finally…

Our Academy members may be young but they know their history!
Here is one classic choice for this weekend’s show…

Till next time - Kieran.