Infectious enjoyment…

Dear Reader - some Theme Night news for the first time in a while today!

The Big Thing

When announcing last January that the Theme Nights were taking a break for the rest of 2025, I was careful to say that there would be no more Sligo-based Theme Nights this year. That’s because I knew we had this exciting gig in the pipeline for this summer.

And so today we are delighted to announce the Theme Nights as part of the Boyle Arts Festival for the first time.

The Power of Love was possibly our most popular theme yet, so we’re bringing a brand new version of the show to Boyle on July 20.
For one night only.

And…these tickets will sell out, so get them here before they do!

Where else but Sligo?

Shane Filan joined us for the final Theme Night Academy Masterclass of the year last Wednesday. And we had such a good time.

The teenagers asked some great questions and Shane as always was generous with his time and information.

He told us about playing for the Pope, for the Queen, and Mariah Carey flying them out to an island off the coast of Italy.

We heard his opinions on vocal warm-ups, setlist preparation and what makes a great studio producer.

He gave the teenagers tips on practising, on getting their music out there and on preparing for a show.

But above all what came across was his love and enthusiasm for what he does.
It was infectious, so we all went home inspired!

What’s New?

1. NILS KAVANAGH DEBUT SINGLE: Great to see this young Sligo pianist going from strength to strength. This is called Hazelwood Home.

2. PHIL: Getting ready for Thursday’s sold out (sorry) gig in Rosses Point Golf Club by reading Alan Shipnuck’s biography of Phil Mickelson. It’s good fun to say the least - what a character. Available in your local bookshop.

3. CONOR DUFFY: Thanks to this talented teenage artist for coming up with this image for our upcoming extravaganza. We are so excited about it!
   Just 11 days to go…get your tickets here.

Finally…

So good! But as a friend of mine said - still not quite up to Sarah Crummy doing To Win Just Once…

Till next time - Kieran.

Listen!

Dear Reader - Plans plans plans gigs plans gigs plans plans…

The Big Thing

We may be on a break from Theme Nights at the moment, but that doesn’t mean that there’s nothing happening.

Very much looking forward to a sold out private gig on May 1 in Rosses Point Golf Club featuring many Theme Night regulars.

May 10 and 11 brings a top class celebration of youth music in Sligo - Teenage Theme Night #35 - a collaboration between our Theme Night Academy and the Sligo Academy of Music Sinfionetta. And seriously - if you are missing Theme Nights please come to this - it’s going to be top class.

Finally, preparations are ongoing for a number of summer gigs.
We have an announcement coming shortly regarding a nearby festival, and yesterday we took a look at the Cleveragh Performance Space - a fantastic outdoor venue here in Sligo - with the possibility of putting something on later this summer.

As always you guys will be the first to hear any confirmed plans.

Where else but Sligo?

Lots of exciting Theme Night Academy activity at the moment!

We are recording three songs from January’s Young Songwriters’ Showcase - from Sam Regan, Zach McLoughlin and Zara Alexander (pictured at rehearsals below with producer Luke Devaney).

Rehearsals for Teenage Theme Night #35 are underway - and each time this part of the process comes around I get a kick out of it. Watching the teens get stuck into their song, hearing what new arrangements they have come up with, and finding ways to make it a memorable performance for them…

Finally, the 6th and final Masterclass takes place this week. This will be facilitated by none other than Shane Filan - giving Academy members a first hand insight into the music industry.

What’s New?

1. NEW HAWK’S WELL SUMMER SEASON: All the shows here.

2. CABBAGE COLLECTIVE: Talented performer and songwriter Sean ‘Cabbage’ Callaghan plays the latest Lillies Live Lounge on April 30.
   Tickets here.

3. SWEENEY TODD: Best of luck to Theme Night regulars Dave Flynn + Jack Courtenay AND piano teachers Katelyn Rafter + Niamh Keaveney PLUS all the cast and crew of what looks like it will be a fantastic show.
   Great to see such ambition being shown by Karen Gordon and her crew.

Finally…

One on the menu for May 10 and 11 in Hawk’s Well…what a vocal!

Till next time - Kieran.

Milestones

Dear Reader - It was a week of season endings and celebrations…

The Big Thing

Our debut season of Open Mic events for the Theme Night Academy finished last night, and as always it provided plenty of memorable moments.

We had a brand new band “What’s Her Face”, a song with two bass guitars as the only instruments and a few first-timers as always.

And fittingly, the last song was performed by two of our soon-to-be departing 6th Yrs - Sarah and Michael (pictured below).

Overall the year was a huge success though, a great addition to our Theme Night Academy programme. We hosted 6 events around the town and county of Sligo, welcomed over 100 musicians, lots who are members of our Academy and others who just wanted to try it out.

Thanks to Joy Feehily for all the work in designing and producing the programme, to James McManus, Luke Devaney and Sean ‘Cabbage’ Callaghan and to The Crib, Kilmacowen Hall and The Nest for hosting us along the way.

Where else but Sligo?

I was delighted to join Niamh Crowley and the Sligo Academy of Music Sinfionetta last Saturday night in the Hawk’s Well to celebrate their 25-Year anniversary.

What a milestone, an incredible achievement for Niamh and her team and a hugely significant contribution made to Sligo in that time.

It was lovely to hear some personal stories from past students about the impact of what Niamh has built, great to look at pictures from trips away to places such as New York, Prague and Barcelona, and then of course there was the music!

Niamh has built up a large library of self-penned orchestral arrangements over the years, and we were treated to a variety of them on Saturday night - from some past Theme Night favourites (Going Home, Listen) all the way to Broadway hits (Some Enchanted Evening, On My Own) and more modern choices (You Raise Me Up, Something Inside So Strong).

Congrats to everyone involved on this landmark achievement. It is always such a pleasure to work with Niamh and her team. It’s not easy to build something like this but it’s even more difficult to commit the time, energy and resources necessary for longevity and sustainability.

Wishing Niamh and all in the Sligo Academy of Music all the best for the future.

What’s New?

Three beautiful solo piano pieces below.
I have either learned them recently or am doing so at the moment.
Have a listen!

1. IL POSTINO (SANGAH NOONA): Here.

2. DOROTHY (DR. JOHN): Here.

3. I (YIRUMA): Here.

Finally…

So much fun playing this with Niamh and the gang last Saturday!

Till next time - Kieran.

Where are you Now?!

Dear Reader - things are starting to get moving again…I hope you’re not too far away over the coming weeks!

The Big Thing

The Theme Nights may be taking a break for the moment, but our Theme Nights YouTube channel has remained very much active, and we have lots of new music videos on the way in the coming weeks.

January saw us release Frames by Theme Night Academy member Kenya Leigh, and we recorded Visiting Artists Clada during February’s Theme Night run.

March was a month for making plans but we’re back with a bang now in April with the latest single from 2024 Visiting Artist and Russell Crowe’s singer Lorraine O’Reilly.

Go on - have a look - it’s a great song and Lorraine’s voice is special!

Where else but Sligo?

Some reflections on last Sunday’s Informal Afternoon gig at The Model.

There was a time that Seamie and I played together every week.
A long time actually.
And then one day a couple of months ago I realised all of a sudden that it has been 8 years since we released Melodic Reflection together.

Thankfully around that time Anna Houston kindly invited the two of us to do a couple of short sets at April’s Informal Music Afternoon.
This is one of Sligo’s longest-running gigs. The first Sunday of every month. Without fail.
For years now - in fact even longer than Seamie and I have been playing together.
And it’s great. Varied yet consistent. Music that you don’t hear anywhere else.
From amateurs and professionals, old and young.

And it was a joy to be part of it today.
We did 4 tunes and a song, and the magic I feel every time I play with Seamie was there immediately. That unmistakeable quality, Sligo soul and familiar sense of mischief.
We had a quick chat after and resolved to make the time to do more together.
And we will.

What’s New?

1. 25 YEARS OF SLIGO ACADEMY OF MUSIC: Another pillar of Sligo’s music scene. Big celebration in the Hawk’s Well this Saturday - and Niamh has me learning some tricky stuff for this one! Get the last few tickets here.

2. I LOVE YOU’RE PERFECT NOW CHANGE: Back by popular demand after a hugely successful run last year. Luke, Sinéad, Katelyn and Warren. Plus Niamh and Mimi! A small crew but wow do they pack some punch.
   Directed by HWT director Kieran Griffiths - and on next week!

3. LAST OPEN MIC OF THE YEAR: And just like that the first year of our Theme Night Academy is coming to a close. The 6th and last Open Mic of our hugely popular series takes place in Kilmacowen Hall.
   And it’s open to anyone, not just members of our Academy.
   But you must be in possession of a (free) ticket. Get them here.

Finally…

One of Seamie’s compositions from the aforementioned Melodic Reflection (2017) - wait for the harmonica to come in!

Till next time - Kieran.

Making and fooling…

Dear Reader - Happy April!

The Big Thing

Courtesy of Gabe Anderson - for anyone who is into making stuff…

Three phases…I’m not sure they always go in order and there’s plenty of overlap along the way…

Making it…starting out you wanna make it. Make it big. To the top. Toppermost of the poppermost. It’s all about hype and glitz and leather boots and wearing sunglasses inside and being so cool it hurts. It’s all about being somebody everywhere you go…and you go everywhere.

Making something great…the realization that you’d trade all the cool in the world for a great song, a great offering that will lift you and the world around you. Magic is cooler than cool. Whatever it takes to make the people laugh and cry and pump their fist. Take the sunglasses off, let the people see into your soul.

Making…creativity is the gift. The feeling you get when you make the thing, that’s what music is for. Starting with nothing and ending up with something. Creation. A miracle. And making with others is a binding force that lasts forever…connecting with others through creativity…in real time.

Where else but Sligo?

Sunrise. New blossoms. New morning. New month.
Another chance to make things better. And make better things.

What’s New?

1. GIG WITH SEAMIE THIS WEEKEND: Looking forward to playing at the Informal Music Afternoon in The Model with Seamie O’Dowd this coming Sunday April 6th. More here.

2. GIG WITH NIAMH NEXT WEEKEND: And…to being part of the very special 25-Year celebration of the Sligo Academy of Music next Saturday April 12th in the Hawk’s Well Theatre. More here.

3. GIG WITH ALL THESE GUYS IN MAY: Thanks to Sinéad, Aileen, Niamh, Joy and the many teenagers who came to Summerhill College last weekend to start preparations for May’s Teenage Theme Night extravaganza with the Sligo Academy of Music Sinfionetta. More here.

Finally…

Once again - to those fooling, those who were fooled or those just getting on with their day - Happy April!

Till next time - Kieran.

Around the world!

Dear Reader - we were taken around the world by members of our Theme Night Academy this weekend - from Babylon to Brazil, from Tennessee to Tunisia and finally back home to the Hills of Donegal and the Isle of Innisfree.

The Big Thing

Yes that’s right - the theme for Teenage Theme Night #34 was Places - so any song with a place name in the title. A brilliant theme choice actually - some great songs and huge variety all weekend.

Think about it - what would you pick?
Hotel California? Sweet Home Chicago? Budapest? Englishman in New York?

As always the weekend produced lots of memorable performances and some great stories. I’ll fill you in on more below, but to start it was lovely to see each of our featured graduates include a sibling who is a current member of our Academy in their performances.

So a huge thanks to…
Emily Howard (2019) and her sister Bella
Eddie Fitzpatrick (2021) and his sister Meadhbh (pictured below)
Patrick Conneally (2022) and his brother Rory

Happy families all round!

Where else but Sligo?

There are always standout musicians on these nights. Especially in terms of the 6th Yrs who are coming to the end of their three years with us.
Sam Regan played on 14 songs this time. Drummer Cal Halpin wasn’t far behind him and has developed such a great feel in his playing. And Rory Conneally brought a smile to my face every time he played that piano. Such a special talent.
One of the highlights of the weekend was when he accompanied Mimi Lee on Georgia On My Mind and watching Eddie Lee and Ken McDonald enjoying every minute of playing with him.

And then there was the birthday trio. Sarah Flavin, Jack Keaveney and Mimi Lee all celebrated their 18th birthday over the weekend and there were 6 cakes between the three of them!
There was a big crew of 6th Yrs in the green room after the show on Saturday hanging out, chatting about the show and eating cake. And it struck me that this is what the Theme Night Academy is all about really.
Yes the music is important but the personal development and friendships made is what really matters.

I thought back to when these guys joined us as Transition Year students back in 2022 and how they have grown and matured since. And then I looked at some of our current TYs and looked forward to seeing how their 18 yr-old selves will show up in two years time.

The likes of Liam Curran who blew people away with his guitar playing on a Motorhead song. Laynah Murphy who delivered an emotionally powerful version of Brooklyn Baby. Or Brooklyn Hunter (pictured below) whose voice captivated our Sunday night crowd.

I can’t wait to find out!

What’s New?

1. BIG NEWS: Only 6 weeks to go until the last Teenage Theme Night of the year - and for the first time we will be collaborating with the Sligo Academy of Music Sinfionetta for what feels like the biggest ever celebration of youth music in Sligo! More here.

2. 3 MOST POPULAR SONGS OF THE WEEKEND: I’m always interested in this - to see what is currently resonating with the younger generation.
   The answer?
   Billy Joel (Vienna, New York State of Mind) and Hozier (From Eden).

3. COOL ENVY: A friend of mine said to me over the weekend - “Kieran I’m probably 40 years older than Sean Boni (pictured below) and I’m pretty sure I have never in my life been as cool as he is now”.

Finally…

This is a fantastic album. Dave Grusin’s arrangements of tunes from West Side Story.
Thanks to Sean’s coolness for reminding me of it today!

Till next time - Kieran.

Rockin’ The Boat

Dear Reader - firstly a reminder that Teenage Theme Night #34 takes place in the Model this coming Friday Saturday and Sunday. I’m not exaggerating when I say that this looks like it will be the best one yet!

Still some tickets here.

The Big Thing

I made the trip to Belfast on Sunday evening to see a gig in the Ulster Hall. It was my first time in the venue - it’s a bit like the National Concert Hall but slightly smaller.

Michael Rooney was conducting a 105-strong orchestra playing his arrangements of Máirtín O’Connor’s music. Theme Night regulars will be familiar of course with both artists - Michael as someone who regularly joins us and Máirtín as a visiting artist on our Let’s Dance show last October.

I loved it. The show also featured Zoe Conway (fiddle and vocals) and John McIntyre (guitar) and it was such a treat. Máirtín’s music is so interesting and uplifting - and Michael’s choices and arrangements were spot on. Plus the orchestra were right on top of what at times was quite difficult music.

One tune in particular built and built and built - my mind was urging them to keep going keep going keep building - there’s more in ye - go on go on go on - and Michael milked every last drop of it - it was just fantastic.

On top of it all it was just so nice to see Michael up there in front of almost 1000 people doing his thing and doing it so well!

But the best thing about going to see these gigs is when they light a fire inside you…

Where else but Sligo?

Great to see the big stage back in Queen Maeve Square this weekend.

And equally great to see the line-ups over the three nights featuring lots of local talent - the Pound Street Boys, Sonic Minds, The Atlantic, Grooveline and Phoenix (pictured below), featuring 6 members of our Theme Night Academy - Darragh, Eoin, Cal, Zach, Sam and Dara.

Reports back were strong from all gigs and I spoke to two of the participating musicians today - both said that they would love to get up and do the gig all over again tonight. Well done to all!

What’s New?

1. LORRAINE O’REILLY NEW MUSIC: Another of our Visiting Artists from last October. Listen to Lorraine’s new single here.

2. SLIGO GAA: Great to see the men’s footballers hit a bit of form as championship season approaches!

3. ROCKIN’ THE BOAT: I found that Máirtín O’Connor tune that built and built mentioned above. Listen below from 1:49 on. I’m afraid you’ll have to imagine the 105-strong orchestra though!

Finally…

One of Michael’s tunes we played together - written one Christmas day if I remember correctly.
Also featuring Marie O’Byrne and Niamh Crowley.

Till next time - Kieran.

The Graduates…

Dear Reader - Lots of really exciting Theme Night Academy events taking place in the next few weeks - so today’s letter is a celebration of some of the musicians who have graduated from this programme over the last 10 years.

The Big Thing

But first - Teenage Theme Night #34 takes place the weekend after next.

March 21-23 in The Model.

4 shows, including a matinee on Sunday.

You can get tickets here.

*Please note that there is a concession price for U-18s but these tickets are only available to be bought in person in The Model.

Where else but Sligo?

Emily Meades only took part in two Teenage Theme Nights but her performance of Imelda May’s Black Tears has left a legacy. Even seven years later some of the current crop are looking to perform it. Imelda herself shared one such video last year.

Here is an example of what Emily can do - with members of our Theme Night band.

What’s New?

Some of my favourite performances from previous members of our Academy.

1. WHEN SHE LOVED ME: Sung by Cara Carleton (2024).

2. SEVENTEEN GOING UNDER: Vocals by Sam White (2015), percussion by Sam Purcell.

3. JESSICA McCAUNA: Vocals and song by Pro Murray (2024).
   Guitar Michael Clancy, Bass Sean Murray, Drums Morgan McNamee.

Finally…

The aforementioned performance.
From Theme Night #22. Vicar St - Feb 2019.

See you next week I hope!

Till next time - Kieran.