Monday, June 30, 2008
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Thursday, June 19, 2008
No Must Mean No
And so in the aftermath' (yes they are really using this term) of the rejection of the Lisbon Treaty the politicians are trying to convince us of two things. One is that we niaevly did the wrong thing, but it wasn't our fault, we had our poor heads filled with 'lies' by the nasty no campaign, and secondly that it is a disaster of hurricane proportions that has sent the EU into a tailspin and will come crashing down if we don't have another vote and ratify it. It's an insulting and patronising view. We are the only people that have been given the vote on this, in all other countries it is to be decided by professional politicians. Now to suggest, as many have that what is good for professional politicians must be good for the ordinary person is not always correct, just ask those suffering in Zimbabwae under the 'elected' Robert Mugabe. This is not the end of Europe, what it means is it stays the way it is now. The way the politicians decided it must be only a few years ago when bringing in the Nice Treaty, which was so important we had to vote on it twice until we got the vote 'right'. Sound familiar? Never mind that the people of Europe where given the opportunity have rejected this: in France and the Netherlands, when they were given the chance when it was framed as the European Constitution, and now in Ireland. French politicians have suggested the rest of Europe go on ahead without Ireland, ignoring the legal reality that it only becomes law if ALL 27 ratify it, and others have suggested we vote again and again until we give them the answer the politicians want. Which suggests none of them give a damn about Democracy. Why don't they just do what Mugabe is suggesting and put armed police in the voting centres to watch you vote? That would clean it up quickly enough. If they care about Democracy the Lisbon Treaty will be scrapped, but then maybe they don't care about it? Maybe that is the European development that convinced so many to vote no in the first place, the worrying drift away from what the people want and what the politicians and bureaucrats decide we should have. If they bring it to a second referendum anyone who cares about Democracy must vote no. No must mean no for Democracy's sake.
Punx Picnic June 28 & 29
The inaugural (first) Punx Picnic is on this weekend out at Churchill, by the Rock. It's going to be a well organised musical weekend for up to 800 happy revellers. And a nicer bunch of people than the regular Rebellious Jukebox goers you would be hard pushed to meet. There's over 70 acts including punk rock, rock n roll, blues, garage, ska, reggae, acoustic, folk, polka and many more genres of music. Pick up your ticket at Universal Records in the Market Square. Letterkenny.
the Abbey and The Seafarer
Following on from all the publicity about the Seafarer winning a Tony Award (like an Oscar for Stage Actors) tickets have been flying out but fret not, ring now and get some of the remaining ones, call us on 074 91 20777 at An Grianan Box Office. It opens next Tuesday and runs until, and including, Saturday night. Author Conor McPherson will be on Shaun Doherty's radio show on Friday around about mid day so tune into Highland on 103.3fm, he's a very entertaining bloke (and Conor is too!).
Nasty & The Fantastics
Nasty and His Fantastics, all decked out in Superman underwear I believe, will be playing in Mary's (O'Shaughnessy's as it says above the door) also this Friday night, tunes from 10.30.
A Message From Jade
'yo, since you're always looking for stuff for your column why don't you mention how the amazing single 'Red Apple' by Cuckoo Savante featuring Mary Coughlan is currently on sale in Universal Records for 5 tiny euro, and all proceeds go to very worthy charities. The band are currently putting the finishing touches to their debut album and have a number of gigs lined-up in such reputable venues as The Boogaloo Bar in Highgate, London and Camden's Dublin Castle, not to mention slots at Electric Picnic and the Mantua Festival (with a lot more gigs in the pipeline). there ya go ;-) Jade.' So eeerrr who's Jade?
Earagail Arts Festival Highlights Number 2
Bell X1 have been the big highlight of the past few years on the Irish Music Scene, playing to huge crowds all over the country. Bell X1 stalwart Dave Geraghty released his own album Kill Your Darlings in September 2007. In conjunction with the release he completed a sell out Irish tour, and headlined the 2FM 2moro 2our last November. We are delighted to have him play An Grianan in the company of John Shelly & The Creatures on Wednesday 16 July. Tickets on sale now form 074 91 20777, www.angrianan.com.
And so in the aftermath' (yes they are really using this term) of the rejection of the Lisbon Treaty the politicians are trying to convince us of two things. One is that we niaevly did the wrong thing, but it wasn't our fault, we had our poor heads filled with 'lies' by the nasty no campaign, and secondly that it is a disaster of hurricane proportions that has sent the EU into a tailspin and will come crashing down if we don't have another vote and ratify it. It's an insulting and patronising view. We are the only people that have been given the vote on this, in all other countries it is to be decided by professional politicians. Now to suggest, as many have that what is good for professional politicians must be good for the ordinary person is not always correct, just ask those suffering in Zimbabwae under the 'elected' Robert Mugabe. This is not the end of Europe, what it means is it stays the way it is now. The way the politicians decided it must be only a few years ago when bringing in the Nice Treaty, which was so important we had to vote on it twice until we got the vote 'right'. Sound familiar? Never mind that the people of Europe where given the opportunity have rejected this: in France and the Netherlands, when they were given the chance when it was framed as the European Constitution, and now in Ireland. French politicians have suggested the rest of Europe go on ahead without Ireland, ignoring the legal reality that it only becomes law if ALL 27 ratify it, and others have suggested we vote again and again until we give them the answer the politicians want. Which suggests none of them give a damn about Democracy. Why don't they just do what Mugabe is suggesting and put armed police in the voting centres to watch you vote? That would clean it up quickly enough. If they care about Democracy the Lisbon Treaty will be scrapped, but then maybe they don't care about it? Maybe that is the European development that convinced so many to vote no in the first place, the worrying drift away from what the people want and what the politicians and bureaucrats decide we should have. If they bring it to a second referendum anyone who cares about Democracy must vote no. No must mean no for Democracy's sake.
Punx Picnic June 28 & 29
The inaugural (first) Punx Picnic is on this weekend out at Churchill, by the Rock. It's going to be a well organised musical weekend for up to 800 happy revellers. And a nicer bunch of people than the regular Rebellious Jukebox goers you would be hard pushed to meet. There's over 70 acts including punk rock, rock n roll, blues, garage, ska, reggae, acoustic, folk, polka and many more genres of music. Pick up your ticket at Universal Records in the Market Square. Letterkenny.
the Abbey and The Seafarer
Following on from all the publicity about the Seafarer winning a Tony Award (like an Oscar for Stage Actors) tickets have been flying out but fret not, ring now and get some of the remaining ones, call us on 074 91 20777 at An Grianan Box Office. It opens next Tuesday and runs until, and including, Saturday night. Author Conor McPherson will be on Shaun Doherty's radio show on Friday around about mid day so tune into Highland on 103.3fm, he's a very entertaining bloke (and Conor is too!).
Nasty & The Fantastics
Nasty and His Fantastics, all decked out in Superman underwear I believe, will be playing in Mary's (O'Shaughnessy's as it says above the door) also this Friday night, tunes from 10.30.
A Message From Jade
'yo, since you're always looking for stuff for your column why don't you mention how the amazing single 'Red Apple' by Cuckoo Savante featuring Mary Coughlan is currently on sale in Universal Records for 5 tiny euro, and all proceeds go to very worthy charities. The band are currently putting the finishing touches to their debut album and have a number of gigs lined-up in such reputable venues as The Boogaloo Bar in Highgate, London and Camden's Dublin Castle, not to mention slots at Electric Picnic and the Mantua Festival (with a lot more gigs in the pipeline). there ya go ;-) Jade.' So eeerrr who's Jade?
Earagail Arts Festival Highlights Number 2
Bell X1 have been the big highlight of the past few years on the Irish Music Scene, playing to huge crowds all over the country. Bell X1 stalwart Dave Geraghty released his own album Kill Your Darlings in September 2007. In conjunction with the release he completed a sell out Irish tour, and headlined the 2FM 2moro 2our last November. We are delighted to have him play An Grianan in the company of John Shelly & The Creatures on Wednesday 16 July. Tickets on sale now form 074 91 20777, www.angrianan.com.
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Monday, June 16, 2008
Here Come The Abbey!
The Seafarer is taking the world by storm and An Grianan are one of only three venues outside of the Abbey to be receiving it, a huge coup for Donegal. It's a big play wth loads of laughs and plenty of sobering thoughts, although not too many sober characters! It's powerful, funny and unsettling tale that proves once again that Conor McPherson is a born storyteller. The Seafarer has received four nominations in this year's Tony Awards including Best Play. It's Christmas Eve and Sharky has returned to Dublin to look after his irascible, ageing brother who's recently gone blind. Old drinking buddies Ivan and Nicky are holed up at the house too, hoping to play some cards. With the arrival of a stranger from the distant past, the stakes are raised ever higher. In fact, Sharky may be playing for his very soul… Highly recommended for everyone, it's on at An Grianan from next Tuesday 24th for five nights.
Regional Cultural Centre Summer Camps
The Regional Cultural Centre is pleased to offer a variety of weeklong workshops for young people aged 5 – 16 years. Art Safari and Film Buffs will take place at the Regional Cultural Centre, Letterkenny from Monday 11th August – Friday 15th. This programme includes a Field Trip to the Glebe Gallery in Churchill. For further information please contact: Sally Murphy / Ruth McCullough on 074 91 29186. The Regional Cultural Centre also welcomes any feedback or suggestions for further courses.
Art Safari is an explorative journey through the wonderful world of art! This week-long creative workshop programme will have a wide range of fun and active art classes to engage all levels of ability in making and creating art. Sessions will include printmaking, 3d sculpture, painting, digital photography and much more. Group 1 will be led by artist / facilitator Roxane Keeney (ages 5-8) Group 2, led by artist / facilitator Mhairi Sutherland (ages 9-12).
Film Buffs, this week-long workshop for young people with artist / facilitator Tracy Cullen will guide budding filmmakers through all aspects of the movie process from storyboarding, cinematography, script development, lighting, sound, directing techniques, production and editing. Each participant will be given a specific theme and will have one week to make their own short film! Ages 13-16. Prior booking is essential as places are limited.
Children and their parents are invited to come to the Regional Cultural Centre for a drop-in Family Art Camp on Saturday 16th August, from 1 – 4pm to explore the magical world of Op Art through the work of Victor Vasarely. This exciting afternoon session offers families the opportunity to get together and be creative. Prepare to get paint on your hands! Admission Free. All adults must be accompanied by a child.
An Grianan Summer Camps
An Grianan has three Summer Camps this year: The Performing Arts Summer School, Mon 21 to Sat 26 July, suitable for ages 8 to 20. After the adventures of Red in 2006 and Finn McCool in 2007, this year's Performing Arts Summer School goes through the looking glass with Alice in Wonderland. Throughout the week participants will take part in a variety of workshops covering singing, acting, choreography and stagecraft. Running the school are a group of seasoned musical theatre professionals including actors, choreographers and technicians. The school culminates in a showcase performance where participants will perform alongside professional performers. A perfect introduction to the world of theatre for beginners and a great way for more experienced students to build on their knowledge.
Mon 28 July to Sat 2 August, Choral Academy with Jim Maley, suitable for ages 10 to 18. If singing's your thing then this is the workshop for you! As with all our summer schools the emphasis is on live performance and the week culminates in a concert in which the participants will sing together as a choir, complete with musical accompaniment from Jim Maley and guests. Every year we get the same feedback – the standard achieved in just one short week is nothing short of brilliant!
Mon 4 to Fri 8 August, Ballet Ireland Summer School, suitable for ages 6+. Dance alongside professional ballet dancers with Ireland's national ballet company! Suitable for boys and girls alike, each will be schooled to work to the best of their own abilities, and it may surprise you how much you can do under this expert guidance. During the week’s workshops, exploration into all the component parts of ballet is made: music, mime, painting and drama, as well as that of dance. Your friends and family will have the chance to see you in a wonderful end of week ballet performance alongside dancer/tutor Stephen Brennan and other members of Ballet Ireland. Book or get more information on 074 91 20777.
Earagail Arts Festival
The programme for the 20th Earagail Arts Festival is out now and very good it is too. Despite being reduced by a few days it has 20 or so more shows than last year! Get your hands on a brochure which should be everywhere around you at the moment, or you can definitely get one in An Grianan or The Balor. Loads of highlights but the stand out one is Sensazione, which will be the centrpeice of Letterkenny Town Park. Once through the gateway the audience are transported to a world of fairground folk with fantastic tales and extraordinary requests devised and improvised by the internationally renowned Laika performers. The audience are free to roam the fairground following the performers from location to location and enjoying the array of custom fairground rides all made from recycled materials by the ingenious Time Machine makers. In the true spirit of the new age of renewable power all the energy to operate the rides comes form the patrons of the funfair….even the lights.
A globascope, a ferris wheel, a merry-go-round, or a visit to the fairground fortune teller, are all on offer, the funfair, the carnival theatre and circus all rolled into one fantastic spectacle that is Sensazione Laika is an international theatre company based in Antwerp that creates ‘theatre for the senses’. Its productions appeal abound with tasty stories, new recipes and unknown worlds. Artists in different disciplines join forces to deliver the company’s hallmark: lucid, expressive, and accessible theatre. Time Circus Collective is a travelling company from Antwerp who specialise in building innovative theatre machines. Book now on 074 91 20777.
The Seafarer is taking the world by storm and An Grianan are one of only three venues outside of the Abbey to be receiving it, a huge coup for Donegal. It's a big play wth loads of laughs and plenty of sobering thoughts, although not too many sober characters! It's powerful, funny and unsettling tale that proves once again that Conor McPherson is a born storyteller. The Seafarer has received four nominations in this year's Tony Awards including Best Play. It's Christmas Eve and Sharky has returned to Dublin to look after his irascible, ageing brother who's recently gone blind. Old drinking buddies Ivan and Nicky are holed up at the house too, hoping to play some cards. With the arrival of a stranger from the distant past, the stakes are raised ever higher. In fact, Sharky may be playing for his very soul… Highly recommended for everyone, it's on at An Grianan from next Tuesday 24th for five nights.
Regional Cultural Centre Summer Camps
The Regional Cultural Centre is pleased to offer a variety of weeklong workshops for young people aged 5 – 16 years. Art Safari and Film Buffs will take place at the Regional Cultural Centre, Letterkenny from Monday 11th August – Friday 15th. This programme includes a Field Trip to the Glebe Gallery in Churchill. For further information please contact: Sally Murphy / Ruth McCullough on 074 91 29186. The Regional Cultural Centre also welcomes any feedback or suggestions for further courses.
Art Safari is an explorative journey through the wonderful world of art! This week-long creative workshop programme will have a wide range of fun and active art classes to engage all levels of ability in making and creating art. Sessions will include printmaking, 3d sculpture, painting, digital photography and much more. Group 1 will be led by artist / facilitator Roxane Keeney (ages 5-8) Group 2, led by artist / facilitator Mhairi Sutherland (ages 9-12).
Film Buffs, this week-long workshop for young people with artist / facilitator Tracy Cullen will guide budding filmmakers through all aspects of the movie process from storyboarding, cinematography, script development, lighting, sound, directing techniques, production and editing. Each participant will be given a specific theme and will have one week to make their own short film! Ages 13-16. Prior booking is essential as places are limited.
Children and their parents are invited to come to the Regional Cultural Centre for a drop-in Family Art Camp on Saturday 16th August, from 1 – 4pm to explore the magical world of Op Art through the work of Victor Vasarely. This exciting afternoon session offers families the opportunity to get together and be creative. Prepare to get paint on your hands! Admission Free. All adults must be accompanied by a child.
An Grianan Summer Camps
An Grianan has three Summer Camps this year: The Performing Arts Summer School, Mon 21 to Sat 26 July, suitable for ages 8 to 20. After the adventures of Red in 2006 and Finn McCool in 2007, this year's Performing Arts Summer School goes through the looking glass with Alice in Wonderland. Throughout the week participants will take part in a variety of workshops covering singing, acting, choreography and stagecraft. Running the school are a group of seasoned musical theatre professionals including actors, choreographers and technicians. The school culminates in a showcase performance where participants will perform alongside professional performers. A perfect introduction to the world of theatre for beginners and a great way for more experienced students to build on their knowledge.
Mon 28 July to Sat 2 August, Choral Academy with Jim Maley, suitable for ages 10 to 18. If singing's your thing then this is the workshop for you! As with all our summer schools the emphasis is on live performance and the week culminates in a concert in which the participants will sing together as a choir, complete with musical accompaniment from Jim Maley and guests. Every year we get the same feedback – the standard achieved in just one short week is nothing short of brilliant!
Mon 4 to Fri 8 August, Ballet Ireland Summer School, suitable for ages 6+. Dance alongside professional ballet dancers with Ireland's national ballet company! Suitable for boys and girls alike, each will be schooled to work to the best of their own abilities, and it may surprise you how much you can do under this expert guidance. During the week’s workshops, exploration into all the component parts of ballet is made: music, mime, painting and drama, as well as that of dance. Your friends and family will have the chance to see you in a wonderful end of week ballet performance alongside dancer/tutor Stephen Brennan and other members of Ballet Ireland. Book or get more information on 074 91 20777.
Earagail Arts Festival
The programme for the 20th Earagail Arts Festival is out now and very good it is too. Despite being reduced by a few days it has 20 or so more shows than last year! Get your hands on a brochure which should be everywhere around you at the moment, or you can definitely get one in An Grianan or The Balor. Loads of highlights but the stand out one is Sensazione, which will be the centrpeice of Letterkenny Town Park. Once through the gateway the audience are transported to a world of fairground folk with fantastic tales and extraordinary requests devised and improvised by the internationally renowned Laika performers. The audience are free to roam the fairground following the performers from location to location and enjoying the array of custom fairground rides all made from recycled materials by the ingenious Time Machine makers. In the true spirit of the new age of renewable power all the energy to operate the rides comes form the patrons of the funfair….even the lights.
A globascope, a ferris wheel, a merry-go-round, or a visit to the fairground fortune teller, are all on offer, the funfair, the carnival theatre and circus all rolled into one fantastic spectacle that is Sensazione Laika is an international theatre company based in Antwerp that creates ‘theatre for the senses’. Its productions appeal abound with tasty stories, new recipes and unknown worlds. Artists in different disciplines join forces to deliver the company’s hallmark: lucid, expressive, and accessible theatre. Time Circus Collective is a travelling company from Antwerp who specialise in building innovative theatre machines. Book now on 074 91 20777.
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Claire told me to get back to blogging so here I am!
Ah yes folks I'm back from my trip to the sun. One week in Mallorca is officially over, and I'm back to the cloudy overcast skies of Donegal. I'm told the sun scorched everyone while I was away but they would say that ... A few things occurred to me on holiday: only a parent finds it funny when their four year old screams in a stage whisper 'we are all going to die' as the plane gets ready for take off. We are all being clothed by the same companies. Time was you could tell the different nationalities apart by how they dressed, now they all look the same except the English who appear obsessed with all the other nationalities knowing they are English, the number of them wearing Union Jacks t shirts and England football jerseys is outrageous considering they failed to qualify for Euro 2008! We are all getting bigger, and particularly the Scandinavians seem to be the ones who are getting biggest quickest. The Euro is a good thing, no more commission or rip off charges. I wasn't made for the sun but I like it. Mosquito bites are really irritating. And it's good to be home.
The Seafarer
It's time to see a brilliant play and the play is the Seafarer which opens on Tuesday week, 24th June. The opening night is now booked up but there's plenty of tickets for Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday so don't miss this one! It's the Abbey putting it on, small t, in joke there. Sorry bout that. Made me smile though. Give the Box Office a ring on 07499120777 or go to www.angrianan.com.
The Central
Contrary to popular advertising the Joe Dolan tribute Act is on this Saturday night in the Central, with Marty swinging the tunes thereafter..
Des Bishop
Des is back in the theatre this Tuesday night and as I type this there are a couple of single seats left, ring now and catch them.
Earagail Arts Festival
The 20th Earagail Arts Festival (how time flies...), is on from 10th to the 20th July with a fun filled and entertainment packed programme. And indeed the programmes are out now. Check it all out on eaf.ie or pick on up in a shop near you, or indeed in the theatre. I'll be giving you my highlights over the next few weeks....
The New Balor
The new Balor has a cracking series of events to kick off their new venue, and it ties in nicely with the Earagail festival, so if you get the Earagail brochure you will see what's going on their too. Course they have their own brochure out now too.
Summer Camps
We have a Performing Arts Summer School here at An Grianan, a Choral Academy and a Drama Camp, over the summer months. These are all week long and you can get more info on 074 91 20777, or again online at www.angrianan.com
The Harps
The League of Ireland has a 2 week break now which is just as well 'cos the lads look tired. Hopefully Minno will be back soon, we've missed him. Its a tough season but remember: In Higgsy We Trust.
Ah yes folks I'm back from my trip to the sun. One week in Mallorca is officially over, and I'm back to the cloudy overcast skies of Donegal. I'm told the sun scorched everyone while I was away but they would say that ... A few things occurred to me on holiday: only a parent finds it funny when their four year old screams in a stage whisper 'we are all going to die' as the plane gets ready for take off. We are all being clothed by the same companies. Time was you could tell the different nationalities apart by how they dressed, now they all look the same except the English who appear obsessed with all the other nationalities knowing they are English, the number of them wearing Union Jacks t shirts and England football jerseys is outrageous considering they failed to qualify for Euro 2008! We are all getting bigger, and particularly the Scandinavians seem to be the ones who are getting biggest quickest. The Euro is a good thing, no more commission or rip off charges. I wasn't made for the sun but I like it. Mosquito bites are really irritating. And it's good to be home.
The Seafarer
It's time to see a brilliant play and the play is the Seafarer which opens on Tuesday week, 24th June. The opening night is now booked up but there's plenty of tickets for Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday so don't miss this one! It's the Abbey putting it on, small t, in joke there. Sorry bout that. Made me smile though. Give the Box Office a ring on 07499120777 or go to www.angrianan.com.
The Central
Contrary to popular advertising the Joe Dolan tribute Act is on this Saturday night in the Central, with Marty swinging the tunes thereafter..
Des Bishop
Des is back in the theatre this Tuesday night and as I type this there are a couple of single seats left, ring now and catch them.
Earagail Arts Festival
The 20th Earagail Arts Festival (how time flies...), is on from 10th to the 20th July with a fun filled and entertainment packed programme. And indeed the programmes are out now. Check it all out on eaf.ie or pick on up in a shop near you, or indeed in the theatre. I'll be giving you my highlights over the next few weeks....
The New Balor
The new Balor has a cracking series of events to kick off their new venue, and it ties in nicely with the Earagail festival, so if you get the Earagail brochure you will see what's going on their too. Course they have their own brochure out now too.
Summer Camps
We have a Performing Arts Summer School here at An Grianan, a Choral Academy and a Drama Camp, over the summer months. These are all week long and you can get more info on 074 91 20777, or again online at www.angrianan.com
The Harps
The League of Ireland has a 2 week break now which is just as well 'cos the lads look tired. Hopefully Minno will be back soon, we've missed him. Its a tough season but remember: In Higgsy We Trust.
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