Dear Reader - New music and news of a new Sligo venue today…
The Big Thing
But first - this weekend our Theme Night Academy season goes BIG.
We have had some fantastic Open Mic events and masterclasses so far but the highlight of the year for the teens is always the showcase events - and this weekend in The Model the first one of the year - Teenage Theme Night #36 (The Best of British) takes place over three nights.
One of our performers this weekend is Zara Alexander, who recently collaborated with us on recording an original song of hers. The video was released last night, and Zara will perform this song live for the first time since its release on the Saturday night show this weekend.
Where else but Sligo?
I met a gentleman last week who told me that the last time I played the Art Deco theatre in Ballymote (at least ten years ago now), his daughter sang with me.
So it was lovely to be able to tell him that I’m returning there (twice!) in early 2026.
This is one of the best Sligo good news stories of the last few months - that the Hawk’s Well are taking over the running of this beautiful theatre. It felt wrong that this fantastic facility was lying unused - but not for long!
Kieran Griffiths and his team are breathing new life into the place - starting with a family Christmas experience this December and then launching a new programme of events there in 2026.
And I’m delighted to be a part of it - our new intimate Theme Night Social show which debuts in the Hawk’s Well Theatre next week (so excited for this by the way!) will also play at the Art Deco Theatre on Saturday Feb 14 and Friday April 17 next year.
Tickets go on sale tomorrow (Wednesday) from hawkswell.com - don’t miss out!
What’s New?
OK Adele being a huge favourite among all age groups is not a new thing at all obviously. But right up there with her (in terms of popularity with our teens’ song choices this weekend) is a British singer called Olivia Dean.
And I’m really enjoying her music I must say - proper songs with great melodies, lyrics and chords. Songs that you can get your teeth into as a musician but also songs that make you feel something.
Here’s one that’s being performed a couple of times this weekend…
Finally…
We first heard Zara’s song (above) at last January’s Young Songwriters’ Showcase.
We also decided to record Zach McLoughlin’s song (below) after hearing it that same night.
And - there is more release of new original music from our Theme Night Academy to come before 2025 is out…as always you guys will hear first.
Till next time - Kieran.
