Announcing Theme Night Social

Dear Reader - it’s exciting to announce a brand new Hawk’s Well Theme Night show this week!

The Big Thing

Yes folks - Theme Nights are back!
Theme Night Social - our brand new show - for one night only this November.

Join myself and the Theme Night Band for a more intimate and informal show - a social event between band and audience and still containing the usual feast of great music, surprise performers and live entertainment.

Friday November 21 - Hawk’s Well Theatre.
Tickets on sale at this link tomorrow (Wednesday) morning from 11am.
As always letter readers get first dibs on tickets so get in there early!

Where else but Sligo?

Sligo resident - actor and Tony award winner Brían F. O’Byrne was interviewed on RTE Radio 1 by Eoin McDevitt and Ciaran Murphy of Second Captains on Saturday last.

He told the remarkable story of the below photograph, taken as he was being arrested by the NYPD in the aftermath of the famous World Cup game between Ireland and Italy in 1994.

It was either in this interview or the previous week’s interview with Joseph O’Connor that I heard this quote for the first time - “sport was invented so that men could have emotions”.

A small reach perhaps (!), but I was reminded many times last weekend of the power of sport to bring people together. Music does it too.
And hence their importance lasts beyond the moment.

You can listen here - I would thoroughly recommend it.

What’s New?

It’s new to write this letter outside - but on this beautiful Monday evening it’s one of those rare but wonderful occasions where it’s warmer outside than inside.

Decided to go for a walk later too…

Finally…

The Theme Night Band (well most of us anyway) in top form with Steve Wickham a few years ago…
Looking forward to seeing lots of you in the Hawk’s Well on November 21!

Till next time - Kieran.

New world in the morning!

Dear Reader - it’s the start of August and so there’s not much going on.
There will be some big announcements in the next week or two but for today I thought I’d share a few pieces of music I have come across recently…

And they’re all upbeat and feel-good - so if you needs a lift today stick them on nice and loud!

The Big Thing

Firstly - have been loving this live Sting concert - some great arrangements including this!

Where else but Sligo?

The craic continues at Micky Downs’ gym each week. It’s a unique crew there and every morning brings a new surprise. One morning recently Micky himself was away and so none other than Scruffy Duffy took over the DJ duties.

And so after only a few minutes the nature of the exercise done in the gym had completely changed - he put on some country favourites of his and had the whole place jiving!
Here’s one from that famous day!

What’s New?

A new world in the morning - that’s what’s new!

So good from Roger Whittaker…enjoy.

Finally…

Finally - this is fun - and a new favourite! Music starts 1 minute in…

Till next time - Kieran.

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.