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?
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.
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.
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.
