Tuesday, August 14, 2007
Thursday, August 09, 2007
Sorry for the lack of posts busy busy time with the Arts Fest and all. Next up its Hot Chip in the Orchard on Fri 14 Sept.
Here's the details:
Daithi & Deep Fried Funk Present:
Hot Chip Dj Kicks
Fri 14 Sept
Club Ensanity, The Orchard, High Road, Letterkenny
Hot Chip (dj Set)
Deep Fried Funk Djs
Dj Dano
Tunes from 10pm until late.
Advance tickets 12 euros/ Pay at the Door 15 Euros
Tickets available from Universal records in the Market Square in Letterkenny
Wednesday, July 04, 2007
Thursday, June 21, 2007
Fair play to Rick for pushing me towards these people, check them out.. Russendisko.
Just got a double album of the stuff and its crazy drinking music! perfect for Letterkenny then... ;-)
I got the tunes, you bring the vodka ;-/
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
Friday, June 15, 2007
Earagail Arts Festival Highlights number 3
Joan as Policewoman
Joan as Policewoman may be a strange name but don’t let that put you off. In fact don’t let anything put you off buying tickets for this lady’s show on Sunday 15th July. Most recently she has plied her trade as a member of Antony & The Johnson’s and in Rufus Wainright’s Band, (what, you haven’t stopped reading and rung the box office yet?!) but also has a past in noisier, louder rock bands. Hence she maintians a credibility that few folk artists have, hip with the kids, hip with the moms and probably hip with the grandparents too. Her solo music inhabits a similar world to those of Antony or Rufus but in an easier to take form. No idea what I mean? Check her out on www.myspace.com/joanaspolicewoman then. But don’t leave it too long because this is a sure sell out in the 150 seat new auditorium in the Regional cultural centre (behind An Grianan) and don’t be ringing me when its sold out to see if I can get you a ticket, cos I wont be able to, this is fair warning!
Jerry Dammers
Jerry Dammers will joining me in the Fubar on Sat 30th June, in Derry during the Celtronic Festival on the Wed night and in Sligo on the Thursday night in the Left Bank. Never played in Sligo before and I’m looking forward to it!
Summer Things for the Young ‘Uns
As mentioned last week there’s a great range of Summer Camps at An Grianan Theatre running from Monday 23 July to Sat 18 August, there’s Drama, Singing, Dancing and a Musical. Which one do you want? Call the box office on 074 91 20777 or check it all out at the colourful, wonderful new webiste at www.angrianan.com
Music School in Inishowen
Bookings are now being taken for the “Encore International Music Summer School” taking place in Inishowen. It will be held in Scoil Naomh Mura, Tooban (outside Fahan), Inishowen, Co. Donegal 2nd- 7th July 2007.
It will combine the worlds of Irish traditional and classical music and offer first-class tuition in piano, violin / fiddle, viola, cello, classical guitar, flute, recorder as well as classical voice and sean-nós singing. Tuition at the School will be given by musicians drawn from well known ensembles such as the Vienna Chamber Philharmonic Orchestra. Ireland’s leading classical guitarist Michael O’Toole and renowned sean-nós singer Eilín Begley. For more information and an application form telephone 00353-74-9186083 or 00353-87-2259858 or email encoremusicschool@gmail.com
Inishowen Summer Gathering 2007
The Inishowen Summer Gathering is a weekend celebration of Inishowen’s heritage, community and environment. This year it is being held on Inch Island on June 30th and July 1st. As with the other years there will be a children’s play area, traditional crafts on display, creative opportunities for all ages, talks and walks, demonstrations of alternative technologies, holistic living experiences, camping for the family, good healthy food, and entertainment around the campfire. A detailed programme will be available closer to the weekend event. If you’d like to be involved, call 074 93 29489 or on-line at www.inishowensummergathering.com. Among all the workshops and entertainment will be a performance by the Henry Girls.
Joan as Policewoman
Joan as Policewoman may be a strange name but don’t let that put you off. In fact don’t let anything put you off buying tickets for this lady’s show on Sunday 15th July. Most recently she has plied her trade as a member of Antony & The Johnson’s and in Rufus Wainright’s Band, (what, you haven’t stopped reading and rung the box office yet?!) but also has a past in noisier, louder rock bands. Hence she maintians a credibility that few folk artists have, hip with the kids, hip with the moms and probably hip with the grandparents too. Her solo music inhabits a similar world to those of Antony or Rufus but in an easier to take form. No idea what I mean? Check her out on www.myspace.com/joanaspolicewoman then. But don’t leave it too long because this is a sure sell out in the 150 seat new auditorium in the Regional cultural centre (behind An Grianan) and don’t be ringing me when its sold out to see if I can get you a ticket, cos I wont be able to, this is fair warning!
Jerry Dammers
Jerry Dammers will joining me in the Fubar on Sat 30th June, in Derry during the Celtronic Festival on the Wed night and in Sligo on the Thursday night in the Left Bank. Never played in Sligo before and I’m looking forward to it!
Summer Things for the Young ‘Uns
As mentioned last week there’s a great range of Summer Camps at An Grianan Theatre running from Monday 23 July to Sat 18 August, there’s Drama, Singing, Dancing and a Musical. Which one do you want? Call the box office on 074 91 20777 or check it all out at the colourful, wonderful new webiste at www.angrianan.com
Music School in Inishowen
Bookings are now being taken for the “Encore International Music Summer School” taking place in Inishowen. It will be held in Scoil Naomh Mura, Tooban (outside Fahan), Inishowen, Co. Donegal 2nd- 7th July 2007.
It will combine the worlds of Irish traditional and classical music and offer first-class tuition in piano, violin / fiddle, viola, cello, classical guitar, flute, recorder as well as classical voice and sean-nós singing. Tuition at the School will be given by musicians drawn from well known ensembles such as the Vienna Chamber Philharmonic Orchestra. Ireland’s leading classical guitarist Michael O’Toole and renowned sean-nós singer Eilín Begley. For more information and an application form telephone 00353-74-9186083 or 00353-87-2259858 or email encoremusicschool@gmail.com
Inishowen Summer Gathering 2007
The Inishowen Summer Gathering is a weekend celebration of Inishowen’s heritage, community and environment. This year it is being held on Inch Island on June 30th and July 1st. As with the other years there will be a children’s play area, traditional crafts on display, creative opportunities for all ages, talks and walks, demonstrations of alternative technologies, holistic living experiences, camping for the family, good healthy food, and entertainment around the campfire. A detailed programme will be available closer to the weekend event. If you’d like to be involved, call 074 93 29489 or on-line at www.inishowensummergathering.com. Among all the workshops and entertainment will be a performance by the Henry Girls.
Friday, June 08, 2007
Wednesday, June 06, 2007
Saturday, June 02, 2007
Barba Papa
Dropped in to the Casbah to check out Barba Papa and was very glad I did. This 10 piece band out of Strabane already had the floor filled with happy dancers and the atmosphere was as good as I’ve ever seen it in there. Musically I kept thinking of Bedouin Soundclash but as the gig went on the styles changed subtly keeping the interest high. There were two lead singers, with the male, David, obviously doubling as band leader and definitely had the stronger voice, but the female singer did beautiful harmonies and kept the happy vibe high. When called on to carry the show herself it seemed her voice was a bit weak and it definitely worked best when coupled with his but its still early days for the band so we’ll see how it pans out. The brass section could come to the fore a bit more as well and the bongos were lost in the mix, indeed a talented, and attentive sound engineer could make so much more for this band than happened on the night, with ten on stage there’s no excuse not having someone on full time sound duties. Having said that I’m splitting hairs, the gig was good, the punters very happy and we all, I included, look forward to seeing them again, soon.
Earagail Arts Festival
yes we got the Earagail Arts Festival launched in the Radisson last Tuesday, this year its from the 7th to the 22nd July and as usual over the next few weeks I’ll be previewing my personal must see shows. Here’s a quick run down of what I’ll be going to see: The O’ Neill, Jaws, Luminarium, Sclavi, Joan as Policewoman, Circo Ba Rumba, Fidget Feet, Berkeley, Optimo, Gringo & The Pony Girls, The Skatalites and An Cosan Glas. Make any sense to you? Well over the next few weeks hopefully it will all become clearer, of course you could pick up one of the 50,000 brochures that are out there or surf the web to www.eaf.ie.
Here’s my first highlight: The Skatalites.
A personal thrill for me as heroes of the Jamaican music scene, the scene starters indeed, The Skatalites are to Jamaican music what Booker T and the MGs were to American Soul, the house band and originators of so much of what we now take for granted. The original line up reads like a who’s who of Jamaican music: Roland Alphonso tenor sax, Lester 'Ska' Sterling alto sax, Tommy McCook tenor sax and flute,(the leader of the group) Don Drummond on trombone, Johnny 'Dizzy' Moore on trumpet, Lloyd Knibb on drums, Lloyd Brevett on bass and on piano and organ Jackie Mittoo, Jah Jerry Haines on guitar. At times, other musicians played on the studio sessions, Ernest Ranglin on guitar, keyboards Lloyd Richards, Aubrey Adams. Trumpet Baba Brooks and Raymond Harper. Dennis "ska" Campbell played tenor sax on many sessions and added to the the pace and flavour on many tracks. Skatalites also featured vocalists on some recordings and when they played live. This included Tony DaCosta, Doreen Schaffer and Lord Tanamo. Jackie Opel also performed very well on stage and made some fine recordings with them. They started recording in June 1964 and only recorded for about fourteen months until the late summer of 1965. They were primarily a session band working in the studio during the day. They recorded for both Clement Dodd and Duke Reid, who both had sound systems; Sir Coxsone's Downbeat and Duke Reid the Trojan. Ska was played at all the dance halls and house parties. It is remarkable that during such a short period the Skatalites recorded so many tunes, when you consider that during the evenings most of the musicians played with other bands. When the band split in 1965 they became the Soul Brothers under the leadership of Roland Alphonso, later changing the name to the Soul Vendors, which also included Jackie Mittoo on organ. Tommy Mc Cook formed the Supersonics and joined Duke Reid at Treasure Isle. Naturally this current line up has changed somewhat form the early days , with not all original members still alive but they keep the spirit and more importantly the urgent rhythm, of ska alive. Put on your dancing shoes.... The Skatalites play the Hotel Clanree on Friday 13th July at 9pm, tickets now available from 074 91 20777.
Jerry Dammers
It seems appropriate when talking about ska to talk about the man who championed the second wave of ska in the late 70s. Jerry Dammers was the main songwriter and keyboard player behind the Specials, and the owner and manager of Two Tone Records which gave the ska movement in england, and across Europe and America, its identity. Since the specials split in the 80s he has kept his hand in as a producer, and mainly as a d.j. Every Jerry gig is a dancing party as he blends tunes from 60s ska, reggae, roots, dub, soul, funk into a seething dance floor melting pot of happiness, and occasionally he will delve deep into his sound effects records or over to hip hop and drum n bass to elevate the mood. He may even throw in some Two tone gems, with a particular fondness for the Selector, they were the best dance group out of all of us, he reckons. We Specials fans may argue but there’s no doubting his talent! Jerry is the man. Jerry Dammers, with support from Daithi, will play the full moon party at the Orchard on Saturday 30 June. Tickets are 12 Euros and on sale now from Universal Records in the Square in Letterkenny.
Celtronic 2007
Here’s the full line up for the Derry Festival
Wednesday 27th June @ Sandinos, Water St, Derry
Jerry Dammers (The Specials)
Joe Driscoll (Buttercut Records - New York - Live)
Move (Live)
Wile Man (Live)
Sirocco Allstars featuring Era 2, M3 and Underdog(Live)
Daithi (Fubar)
Thursday 28th June @ Masons, Magazine St, Derry
Radioactive Man (Dex n Fx)
Phil Kieran (Novamute - Skint)
Boxcutter (Planet Mu - Live)
The Crimson Underground (Live)
Friday 29th June @ Masons, Magazine St, Derry
Alan Williams
Mezzanaesia (Live)
Stephen McCauley (Electric Mainline)
Cathy Taylor (Blend Social Shakedown)
Friday 29th June @ The Nerve Centre, Magazine St, Derry
Erol Alkan (Mustapha 3000 Beyond The Wizards Sleeve)
Riotous Rockers (Liars Club Fabric)
The Japanese Popstars (Live)
Darren Allen & Blee (Micro Error)
Zutekh DJs
Aaron Shim
Saturday 30th June @ Bound 4 Boston, Waterloo St, Derry
When Pilots Eject (Live)
Lateral Cut Groove (Live)
Hago & Johnny Boy (Global Virus)
Kwame (Bounce)
Gav & Oddie (Kreep)
Vincent O’Callaghan
+ Movida Corona DJ Competition Final
Saturday 30th June @ The Gasyard
Jimpster (Freerange Records The Bays)
Mark Jennings & David Campbell (Deep Fried Funk)
Chaz and Johnny (Beats Ahoy)
Doors: 9.30pm til Late Adm: £10/12 (Bring Yer Own)
Sunday 1st July @ Sandinos
Tom Middleton (Cosmos Amba)
Reverso 68 aka Peter Herbert & Phil Mison (Eskimo recordings)
check out more at www.celtronic2007.com
ARTLINK:
.
‘Darkroom to Digital’ exhibition launch: Saturday 9 June 2007 at 2.00pm. The exhibition will kindly by opened by Mr. John Hume. Artlink, Tullyarvan Mill, Buncrana, Co Donegal. The Gateway to Opportunity project is a cross-border project encompassing the catchment area of Derry/Londonderry, Limavady, Coleraine and Inishowen in County Donegal that aims to deliver a host of opportunities to young disabled adults aged 18-30 years through a variety of mediums including training, signposting, encouragement and by offering Peer support. Darkroom to Digital is an exhibition and arts programme completed by members of the Gateway to Opportunity project. In Artlink the group explored aspects of black and white photography in the darkroom, and in Derry Bytes (in conjunction with Janeen Whiteside) the group created images using digital and electronic media, assisted by Julie Mc Grory, Project worker. The Gateway to Opportunity Programme is being funded by the Cross – Border Consortium under the European Union Peace ll Programme and part financed by the UK and Irish Governments. Artlink is supported by The Arts Council and Donegal County Council. The Darkroom to Digital exhibition is open to the public from the 11 – 14 June, 9am to 5pm.
Balor Country
Hank Williams Musical Returns To the Balor Theatre. This musical will be presented in the Balor Theatre, Ballybofey on Sunday 10th June (Gala night in aid of Finn Harps FC), Tuesday 12th and Wednesday 13th June. It is filled to the brim with the cream of local musicians. Damien Duffy (Ramelton) excels in the title role as Hank Williams, ably supported by Pat Muldowney (Letterkenny) as Tee- Tot. Hanks backing group the “Drifting Cowboys” include Denis Bonnar (Stranorlar) as Hoss, Seamus Curran (Stranorlar) as Jimmy, Damien Doherty (Convoy) as Loudmouth and Jo McAuley (Donegal Town) as Shag. Marion Muldowney (Letterkenny) plays Audrey Williams, Hanks wife. His controlling mother Mamma Lilly is played by Mary Laverty (Stranorlar).Peter Wharton (Ballybofey) as “Pap” Hanks long suffering agent, Caroline Coyle (Ramelton) is the frustrated waitress and Aidan O’Sullivan (Letterkenny) plays the radio announcer. DQ . This show has all his hit songs “Jambalaya”, “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry”,“Your Cheatin’ Heart”, “Hey, Good Lookin’”, and “Lovesick Blues” which will have audiences singing along. To book contact the Theatre on 0749131840.
Dropped in to the Casbah to check out Barba Papa and was very glad I did. This 10 piece band out of Strabane already had the floor filled with happy dancers and the atmosphere was as good as I’ve ever seen it in there. Musically I kept thinking of Bedouin Soundclash but as the gig went on the styles changed subtly keeping the interest high. There were two lead singers, with the male, David, obviously doubling as band leader and definitely had the stronger voice, but the female singer did beautiful harmonies and kept the happy vibe high. When called on to carry the show herself it seemed her voice was a bit weak and it definitely worked best when coupled with his but its still early days for the band so we’ll see how it pans out. The brass section could come to the fore a bit more as well and the bongos were lost in the mix, indeed a talented, and attentive sound engineer could make so much more for this band than happened on the night, with ten on stage there’s no excuse not having someone on full time sound duties. Having said that I’m splitting hairs, the gig was good, the punters very happy and we all, I included, look forward to seeing them again, soon.
Earagail Arts Festival
yes we got the Earagail Arts Festival launched in the Radisson last Tuesday, this year its from the 7th to the 22nd July and as usual over the next few weeks I’ll be previewing my personal must see shows. Here’s a quick run down of what I’ll be going to see: The O’ Neill, Jaws, Luminarium, Sclavi, Joan as Policewoman, Circo Ba Rumba, Fidget Feet, Berkeley, Optimo, Gringo & The Pony Girls, The Skatalites and An Cosan Glas. Make any sense to you? Well over the next few weeks hopefully it will all become clearer, of course you could pick up one of the 50,000 brochures that are out there or surf the web to www.eaf.ie.
Here’s my first highlight: The Skatalites.
A personal thrill for me as heroes of the Jamaican music scene, the scene starters indeed, The Skatalites are to Jamaican music what Booker T and the MGs were to American Soul, the house band and originators of so much of what we now take for granted. The original line up reads like a who’s who of Jamaican music: Roland Alphonso tenor sax, Lester 'Ska' Sterling alto sax, Tommy McCook tenor sax and flute,(the leader of the group) Don Drummond on trombone, Johnny 'Dizzy' Moore on trumpet, Lloyd Knibb on drums, Lloyd Brevett on bass and on piano and organ Jackie Mittoo, Jah Jerry Haines on guitar. At times, other musicians played on the studio sessions, Ernest Ranglin on guitar, keyboards Lloyd Richards, Aubrey Adams. Trumpet Baba Brooks and Raymond Harper. Dennis "ska" Campbell played tenor sax on many sessions and added to the the pace and flavour on many tracks. Skatalites also featured vocalists on some recordings and when they played live. This included Tony DaCosta, Doreen Schaffer and Lord Tanamo. Jackie Opel also performed very well on stage and made some fine recordings with them. They started recording in June 1964 and only recorded for about fourteen months until the late summer of 1965. They were primarily a session band working in the studio during the day. They recorded for both Clement Dodd and Duke Reid, who both had sound systems; Sir Coxsone's Downbeat and Duke Reid the Trojan. Ska was played at all the dance halls and house parties. It is remarkable that during such a short period the Skatalites recorded so many tunes, when you consider that during the evenings most of the musicians played with other bands. When the band split in 1965 they became the Soul Brothers under the leadership of Roland Alphonso, later changing the name to the Soul Vendors, which also included Jackie Mittoo on organ. Tommy Mc Cook formed the Supersonics and joined Duke Reid at Treasure Isle. Naturally this current line up has changed somewhat form the early days , with not all original members still alive but they keep the spirit and more importantly the urgent rhythm, of ska alive. Put on your dancing shoes.... The Skatalites play the Hotel Clanree on Friday 13th July at 9pm, tickets now available from 074 91 20777.
Jerry Dammers
It seems appropriate when talking about ska to talk about the man who championed the second wave of ska in the late 70s. Jerry Dammers was the main songwriter and keyboard player behind the Specials, and the owner and manager of Two Tone Records which gave the ska movement in england, and across Europe and America, its identity. Since the specials split in the 80s he has kept his hand in as a producer, and mainly as a d.j. Every Jerry gig is a dancing party as he blends tunes from 60s ska, reggae, roots, dub, soul, funk into a seething dance floor melting pot of happiness, and occasionally he will delve deep into his sound effects records or over to hip hop and drum n bass to elevate the mood. He may even throw in some Two tone gems, with a particular fondness for the Selector, they were the best dance group out of all of us, he reckons. We Specials fans may argue but there’s no doubting his talent! Jerry is the man. Jerry Dammers, with support from Daithi, will play the full moon party at the Orchard on Saturday 30 June. Tickets are 12 Euros and on sale now from Universal Records in the Square in Letterkenny.
Celtronic 2007
Here’s the full line up for the Derry Festival
Wednesday 27th June @ Sandinos, Water St, Derry
Jerry Dammers (The Specials)
Joe Driscoll (Buttercut Records - New York - Live)
Move (Live)
Wile Man (Live)
Sirocco Allstars featuring Era 2, M3 and Underdog(Live)
Daithi (Fubar)
Thursday 28th June @ Masons, Magazine St, Derry
Radioactive Man (Dex n Fx)
Phil Kieran (Novamute - Skint)
Boxcutter (Planet Mu - Live)
The Crimson Underground (Live)
Friday 29th June @ Masons, Magazine St, Derry
Alan Williams
Mezzanaesia (Live)
Stephen McCauley (Electric Mainline)
Cathy Taylor (Blend Social Shakedown)
Friday 29th June @ The Nerve Centre, Magazine St, Derry
Erol Alkan (Mustapha 3000 Beyond The Wizards Sleeve)
Riotous Rockers (Liars Club Fabric)
The Japanese Popstars (Live)
Darren Allen & Blee (Micro Error)
Zutekh DJs
Aaron Shim
Saturday 30th June @ Bound 4 Boston, Waterloo St, Derry
When Pilots Eject (Live)
Lateral Cut Groove (Live)
Hago & Johnny Boy (Global Virus)
Kwame (Bounce)
Gav & Oddie (Kreep)
Vincent O’Callaghan
+ Movida Corona DJ Competition Final
Saturday 30th June @ The Gasyard
Jimpster (Freerange Records The Bays)
Mark Jennings & David Campbell (Deep Fried Funk)
Chaz and Johnny (Beats Ahoy)
Doors: 9.30pm til Late Adm: £10/12 (Bring Yer Own)
Sunday 1st July @ Sandinos
Tom Middleton (Cosmos Amba)
Reverso 68 aka Peter Herbert & Phil Mison (Eskimo recordings)
check out more at www.celtronic2007.com
ARTLINK:
.
‘Darkroom to Digital’ exhibition launch: Saturday 9 June 2007 at 2.00pm. The exhibition will kindly by opened by Mr. John Hume. Artlink, Tullyarvan Mill, Buncrana, Co Donegal. The Gateway to Opportunity project is a cross-border project encompassing the catchment area of Derry/Londonderry, Limavady, Coleraine and Inishowen in County Donegal that aims to deliver a host of opportunities to young disabled adults aged 18-30 years through a variety of mediums including training, signposting, encouragement and by offering Peer support. Darkroom to Digital is an exhibition and arts programme completed by members of the Gateway to Opportunity project. In Artlink the group explored aspects of black and white photography in the darkroom, and in Derry Bytes (in conjunction with Janeen Whiteside) the group created images using digital and electronic media, assisted by Julie Mc Grory, Project worker. The Gateway to Opportunity Programme is being funded by the Cross – Border Consortium under the European Union Peace ll Programme and part financed by the UK and Irish Governments. Artlink is supported by The Arts Council and Donegal County Council. The Darkroom to Digital exhibition is open to the public from the 11 – 14 June, 9am to 5pm.
Balor Country
Hank Williams Musical Returns To the Balor Theatre. This musical will be presented in the Balor Theatre, Ballybofey on Sunday 10th June (Gala night in aid of Finn Harps FC), Tuesday 12th and Wednesday 13th June. It is filled to the brim with the cream of local musicians. Damien Duffy (Ramelton) excels in the title role as Hank Williams, ably supported by Pat Muldowney (Letterkenny) as Tee- Tot. Hanks backing group the “Drifting Cowboys” include Denis Bonnar (Stranorlar) as Hoss, Seamus Curran (Stranorlar) as Jimmy, Damien Doherty (Convoy) as Loudmouth and Jo McAuley (Donegal Town) as Shag. Marion Muldowney (Letterkenny) plays Audrey Williams, Hanks wife. His controlling mother Mamma Lilly is played by Mary Laverty (Stranorlar).Peter Wharton (Ballybofey) as “Pap” Hanks long suffering agent, Caroline Coyle (Ramelton) is the frustrated waitress and Aidan O’Sullivan (Letterkenny) plays the radio announcer. DQ . This show has all his hit songs “Jambalaya”, “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry”,“Your Cheatin’ Heart”, “Hey, Good Lookin’”, and “Lovesick Blues” which will have audiences singing along. To book contact the Theatre on 0749131840.
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
Blogorah says I'm the king of Letterkenny, man bring me my tributes. Word up.
Back at Earth here's what's happening...
Back to the Cell!
It’s a fun packed week first up let me just say again that the wonderful Belfast based Superstar Dj Phil Kieran will be in the fubar with me this Saturday. Why’s he playing a place about a tenth of the size he’s used to? Cos he’s my mate is why.. that and he remembers the fun times we had when he was a fledgling dj and used to rock the cell, as it was then known, sure its a bit like one of those reunion night things- Back to the Cell! Anyway hope to see plenty of you up there, get in early and party the night away. I’m away this Friday night so it’s the only gig I’ll be playing and if you want to hear me you better be up early other than that join me on the dance floor!
Riverdance
Yes the whole town has gone Riverdance crazy, and from further afield too it seems as all the hotels are booked up to the gills with revellers in search of high kicking jinks. Got to be good for the town, big respect to Pat Nora Gallagher for that gig.
Des Bishop to Andrew Maxwell
Comedian Des Bishop played the Balor theatre on Monday. Next up is the wonderful Andrew Maxwell on Monday 11th June. See him, he really is good.
Derry Comedy
Flick, a comedy by Irene Melaugh, who gave us the Derry Divorcee and Me Da’s Suit, is on at An Grianan Theatre from thurs 31st for three nights. Sure to be light hearted and good craic, just what we like around this time of year!
New Seats and Stairs
An Grianan will close for the month of June as we put in 45 new seats and a new stairwell. This will bring the capacity up near to 400 which should help us attract a few more artists. Add to this the new entrance, platform lift and acoustic panels and it’s nearly a whole new theatre!
Regional Cultural Centre
The new Regional Cultural Centre, behind An Grianan, is nearly finished and will most likely open its first shows during this year’s Earagail Arts Festival which runs for two weeks from 9th July. It’s a spectacular building, Sure with the new Regional Sports Centre opening Letterkenny may be going somewhere! Although I shed more than one tear for the old leisure Centre, its a pity that such a resource in the heartland of Letterkenny is closing for one on the periphary. Strange decision.
I’m famous
Well I’ve made it onto Blogorrah anyway! check out Derek O’ Connor’s Irish media round up at www.blogorrah.com, it’s good craic.
Johnny Boyle Exhibition in Ramelton
Johnny Boyle has an exhibition of new work opening at the Ross Fine Art Gallery, which is situated just before the bridge in Ramelton, this Friday, 25th May.
10 Years on in the Twin Towns
An interesting gig coming up in Ballybofey celebrates the golden summer of 1997, with Rat Republik, boiled Onion and Deep Down and Dirty sharpening up the guitars and djs John 'Universal' Brennan and Daniel Thompson keeping the tunes flowing. It's only a tenner in and it starts at 9.30pm, it’s on June 1st.
HEART sculpture trail
HEART Sculpture Trail is the working title given to a new sculpture trail that is being developed between Donegal County Council and Strabane District Council. The overall budget for the Sculpture Trail is in the region of €600,000. Artists should give Terre Duffy, Donegal Public Art Officer a ring if interested.
Young People's Summer Art Weeks at An Grianan,
There's the Ballet week, the Drama Week, the Musical Theatre Week and the Singing week. Call the box office at An Grianan on 074 91 20777 for more information, prices and dates.
Thursday, May 17, 2007
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
Bjork and Antony
Nicola just came in and told me to check out this duet between Bjork and Antony as it's beautiful and indeed it is. So check it out yourself, Dull Flame of Desire
By the way Nicola has just done a full redesign of An Grianan's website and a brilliant job she has done so check it out too.
Nicola just came in and told me to check out this duet between Bjork and Antony as it's beautiful and indeed it is. So check it out yourself, Dull Flame of Desire
By the way Nicola has just done a full redesign of An Grianan's website and a brilliant job she has done so check it out too.
Monday, May 14, 2007
Back from athens, photos and info tomorrow....
was idly google-ing and came across this story which took my fancy...
was idly google-ing and came across this story which took my fancy...
i am a cunt club
A club to which new or stupid pupils were told it was desirable to belong to. Membership was obtained by standing on one of the wooden benches which marked the boundary between boys and girls recreation areas and shouting 'I am a cunt!'
Your status within the club was determined by the number of shouts achieved. For instance a 25-cunter obviously outranked a 12-cunter. The shouts had to be audible to a panel of judges who stood at a safe distance.
Iain Grant's claim to be a hundred-cunter was dismissed as it was achieved outside school hours. If a teacher was on playground duty each shout counted as a shout and a half for scoring purposes.
The highest verified status was Mark Jeffries' 43-cunter and the lowest was for a shout of 'I am' followed by a punch in the stomach.
Rival clubs, such as 'I am a Bastard' and the boundary-stretching 'I am a fucking cunt' never really caught on.
Your status within the club was determined by the number of shouts achieved. For instance a 25-cunter obviously outranked a 12-cunter. The shouts had to be audible to a panel of judges who stood at a safe distance.
Iain Grant's claim to be a hundred-cunter was dismissed as it was achieved outside school hours. If a teacher was on playground duty each shout counted as a shout and a half for scoring purposes.
The highest verified status was Mark Jeffries' 43-cunter and the lowest was for a shout of 'I am' followed by a punch in the stomach.
Rival clubs, such as 'I am a Bastard' and the boundary-stretching 'I am a fucking cunt' never really caught on.
Tuesday, May 08, 2007
Photos from the Amsterdam trip
The Canal on Queen's Day, dig that orange!
Me & Tone on Queen's Day in Amsterdam after partaking in a local custom
Me & Keili a couple of days after Queen's Day, Kev took the photo and I was trying to see if I could zoom in to my glasses and catch a reflection of him, but alas no....
The Canal on Queen's Day, dig that orange!
Me & Tone on Queen's Day in Amsterdam after partaking in a local custom
Me & Keili a couple of days after Queen's Day, Kev took the photo and I was trying to see if I could zoom in to my glasses and catch a reflection of him, but alas no....Thursday, May 03, 2007
Back from the 'Dam. What a beautiful city. Big thanks to Kev and Tony for looking after me. Big Love. And also to Phil Kieran, of Alloy Mental, for putting us on the guest list for the Milkweg on Sat night. Cheers big fella.
Here's the Arts News:
Music news:
A new 9 piece band, from Strabane, Barba Papa will play in the Casbah, Letterkenny on May 18th and admission is free! Playing a mixture of covers and original material by singer David Oliver they call it World Music which I guess means there should be something for everyone no matter where you are from.. unless of course E.T. walks in....
Rebellious Jukebox, those people with Punk attitude, have announced another couple of gigs for Sister Sara’s: on friday 6 July it’s The Lobotomies, Mad Pookas and Blah vs Blah? And on 2 August its Heroic Doses and Bastion. Don’t say I don’t let you know in advance!
May 26th brings dj legend Phil Kieran to the fubar to play a special eclectic set in demand all over the world and on BBC Radio 1 this will be a special set where Phil gets to play all his favourite tunes from all styles of music, sounds like fun to me, you can download his essential mix for BBC Radio 1 at http://www.newmixes.com. It’s another of those ‘boutique’ nights dedicated to fun and good atmosphere, so get the party started... There’s also a Burlesque night in the Orchard on July 21st with Dublin’s Pony Girls performing after the album launch by Letterkenny’s own hip hop duo Dano & B Koz. The line up will be completed by me djing. And it’ll all be part of the Earagail aRts Festival, which is nice, check it out all out at www.eaf.ie
Theatre
At An Grianan theatre this week it’s Des Keogh and Rosaline Linehan with their ever popular fun and satire,Packed full of "golden oldies", topical sketches and up-dates on their last hit show, "Des and Rosie on the Luas"(seen recently at the Gaiety Theatre Dublin), the show coincides with the run-up to the general election so expect some irreverent fireworks to explode, Politicians, property developers, spin doctors, underage drinkers and others will all get a touch...
Barren Rock Productions present a play by Richard Lynch, ‘From the Shoulders Down’ in the Abbey Centre, Ballyshannon on Friday 18th May.
The Balor CEP presents Love Rides The Rails Monday 14th, Tuesday 15th & Wednesday 16th of May 8.30pm. ‘Love Rides The Rails’ is a comedy melodrama set in the wild west. Contact the Balor on 074 91 31840 for more info.
Tuesday 15 May at 8pm it’s Welsh and Irish language show Branwen at An Grianan. A modern day myth about love across the Irish Sea. This is story of two writers, one Irish and one Welsh, who are thrust together to create a script for an animated film of the Branwen myth from the Mabinogion (The Welsh equivalent of An Tain).
Film
The 2nd Guth Gafa Documentary Film Festival is on in Gort A Choirce from the 10th to 13th May, check out www.guthgafa.com.
Workshops
Franck Saucian is running Outdoor Summer Art Workshops in the grounds of the Glebe Gallery contact him on 0860554357 or at cianart@yahoo.ie.
Exhibition
Colin Montgomery’s exhibition Big Shots & Little Tots is still on in Cafe Blend.
Here's the Arts News:
Music news:
A new 9 piece band, from Strabane, Barba Papa will play in the Casbah, Letterkenny on May 18th and admission is free! Playing a mixture of covers and original material by singer David Oliver they call it World Music which I guess means there should be something for everyone no matter where you are from.. unless of course E.T. walks in....
Rebellious Jukebox, those people with Punk attitude, have announced another couple of gigs for Sister Sara’s: on friday 6 July it’s The Lobotomies, Mad Pookas and Blah vs Blah? And on 2 August its Heroic Doses and Bastion. Don’t say I don’t let you know in advance!
May 26th brings dj legend Phil Kieran to the fubar to play a special eclectic set in demand all over the world and on BBC Radio 1 this will be a special set where Phil gets to play all his favourite tunes from all styles of music, sounds like fun to me, you can download his essential mix for BBC Radio 1 at http://www.newmixes.com. It’s another of those ‘boutique’ nights dedicated to fun and good atmosphere, so get the party started... There’s also a Burlesque night in the Orchard on July 21st with Dublin’s Pony Girls performing after the album launch by Letterkenny’s own hip hop duo Dano & B Koz. The line up will be completed by me djing. And it’ll all be part of the Earagail aRts Festival, which is nice, check it out all out at www.eaf.ie
Theatre
At An Grianan theatre this week it’s Des Keogh and Rosaline Linehan with their ever popular fun and satire,Packed full of "golden oldies", topical sketches and up-dates on their last hit show, "Des and Rosie on the Luas"(seen recently at the Gaiety Theatre Dublin), the show coincides with the run-up to the general election so expect some irreverent fireworks to explode, Politicians, property developers, spin doctors, underage drinkers and others will all get a touch...
Barren Rock Productions present a play by Richard Lynch, ‘From the Shoulders Down’ in the Abbey Centre, Ballyshannon on Friday 18th May.
The Balor CEP presents Love Rides The Rails Monday 14th, Tuesday 15th & Wednesday 16th of May 8.30pm. ‘Love Rides The Rails’ is a comedy melodrama set in the wild west. Contact the Balor on 074 91 31840 for more info.
Tuesday 15 May at 8pm it’s Welsh and Irish language show Branwen at An Grianan. A modern day myth about love across the Irish Sea. This is story of two writers, one Irish and one Welsh, who are thrust together to create a script for an animated film of the Branwen myth from the Mabinogion (The Welsh equivalent of An Tain).
Film
The 2nd Guth Gafa Documentary Film Festival is on in Gort A Choirce from the 10th to 13th May, check out www.guthgafa.com.
Workshops
Franck Saucian is running Outdoor Summer Art Workshops in the grounds of the Glebe Gallery contact him on 0860554357 or at cianart@yahoo.ie.
Exhibition
Colin Montgomery’s exhibition Big Shots & Little Tots is still on in Cafe Blend.
Friday, April 27, 2007
AMSTERDAM BABY!
I'm off on Sunday, dont forget Soul Jazz tomorrow... here's the arts news...
I’m Forever Blowing Bubbles
This Thursday Bubbles in the Hot Tub, the latest comedy play out of Derry, opens it’s three night run in An Grianan. It’s got a good pedigree with writer DAve Duggan, who was Oscar nominated for his short film Dance Lexie Dance, which I looked for on you tube but sadly it’s not there! And also in this show is Carmel McCafferty who gained rave reviews for her portrayal of Maire, A Woman of Derry. It’s also got local twin towns favourite Rachel Devir in it, and Rachel runs our Youth Drama and Drama Classes here at An Grianan. It’s a rip- roaring comedy, according to Director and Producer Jonathan Burgess, so why not go along? More info and bookings on 074 91 20777 or on the web at angrianan.com.
Des & Rosie
A timely show, given the impending elections, is Des and Rosie at Large on at An Grianan from Tuesday 8 to Saturday 12 May at 8pm. Well known as actors in their own right, Des Keogh and Rosaleen Linehan, bring their unique blend of song, satire and sheer fun back to An Grianán for the first time since 2000. Packed full of "golden oldies", topical sketches and updates on their last hit show, "Des and Rosie on the Luas"(seen recently at the Gaiety Theatre Dublin), the show coincides with the run-up to the general election so expect some irreverent fireworks to explode, Politicians, property developers, spin doctors, underage drinkers and others beware...
Fionn Regan & Ollie Cole
Fionn Regan performed recently at An Grianan and a cracking gig it was too. The simple line up of Fionn on guitar and vocals and Brian on drums makes a surprisingly full sound, aided by the occasional backing harmonies of Laura, and it was easy to see that Fionn was fired up for this show. New material flew out of him with a fire and venom which we didn’t see last time and proved that he has many more strings to his bow. The tragedy may be that with his career taking off in both the UK and America we may not see him back at this venue. We will just have to keep our fingers crossed! Ollie Cole, formerly of Turn, did an admirable job of support duties and he was telling me he is currently recording these songs with a band made up of members of Ireland’s indie elite. A supergroup if you will, I look forward to hearing the album.
Django in the Wine Bar
On Bank Holiday Saturday, 5th May Django is set to liven up McDaid’s Wine Bar in Ramelton with a dj set of Jazz, Funk, Lounge, Latin & Soul. He says to expect to hear a anything from vintage Egyptian jazz to the sounds of Brazilian tropicalia.
Balor
Here’s the month ahead at the Balor:
Thurs 3rd, Carnival Saloon play the music of Tom Waits (Music)
Fri 4th, A Night of Pipe and Brass (Music)
Mon 14th – Wed 16th, Balor CEP presents Love Rides The Rails (Drama)
Thurs 17th,Eoin Dillon & the Third Twin (Music)
Mon 21st, The Lisa Richards Comedy Club presents... Des Bishop (Comedy)
Thurs 24th, Donegal Fiddle Night (Music)
Mon 28th to Wed 30th, Donegal National Schools Drama Festival (Drama)
Thurs 31st, Roy – A Footballers Tale (Drama)
Earagail Arts Festival Dates
This year’s Earagail Arts Festival runs from the 9th to the 22nd July. More details from eaf.ie
Kilkenny Cat’s Laughs
The premier Comedy Festival in Ireland is the Kilkenny Cat Laughs, and its on from 31 May to the 4th June this year. In previous years the outrageous cost of accommodation has put me off this but it really is a great way to see a lot of comedians in a short space of time and highly recommended, the atmosphere is great just pack lots of cash. Check out the listings at www.catlaughs.com
Electric Picnic Sold Out
The best festival by a long shot in this country is the Electric Picnic, and it’s now sold out. Proper Order. Check out why at www.electricpicnic.ie
Summer Camps
An Grianan is now taking bookings for both the Jim Mailey Choral Summer Camp on the week of 23rd July and the Ballet Ireland Summer School on the week of the 30th July. Both were great last year and I’ll give you more information on them next week. If you know what they are about and want to get that quick booking in try the box office on 074 91 20777.
I'm off on Sunday, dont forget Soul Jazz tomorrow... here's the arts news...
I’m Forever Blowing Bubbles
This Thursday Bubbles in the Hot Tub, the latest comedy play out of Derry, opens it’s three night run in An Grianan. It’s got a good pedigree with writer DAve Duggan, who was Oscar nominated for his short film Dance Lexie Dance, which I looked for on you tube but sadly it’s not there! And also in this show is Carmel McCafferty who gained rave reviews for her portrayal of Maire, A Woman of Derry. It’s also got local twin towns favourite Rachel Devir in it, and Rachel runs our Youth Drama and Drama Classes here at An Grianan. It’s a rip- roaring comedy, according to Director and Producer Jonathan Burgess, so why not go along? More info and bookings on 074 91 20777 or on the web at angrianan.com.
Des & Rosie
A timely show, given the impending elections, is Des and Rosie at Large on at An Grianan from Tuesday 8 to Saturday 12 May at 8pm. Well known as actors in their own right, Des Keogh and Rosaleen Linehan, bring their unique blend of song, satire and sheer fun back to An Grianán for the first time since 2000. Packed full of "golden oldies", topical sketches and updates on their last hit show, "Des and Rosie on the Luas"(seen recently at the Gaiety Theatre Dublin), the show coincides with the run-up to the general election so expect some irreverent fireworks to explode, Politicians, property developers, spin doctors, underage drinkers and others beware...
Fionn Regan & Ollie Cole
Fionn Regan performed recently at An Grianan and a cracking gig it was too. The simple line up of Fionn on guitar and vocals and Brian on drums makes a surprisingly full sound, aided by the occasional backing harmonies of Laura, and it was easy to see that Fionn was fired up for this show. New material flew out of him with a fire and venom which we didn’t see last time and proved that he has many more strings to his bow. The tragedy may be that with his career taking off in both the UK and America we may not see him back at this venue. We will just have to keep our fingers crossed! Ollie Cole, formerly of Turn, did an admirable job of support duties and he was telling me he is currently recording these songs with a band made up of members of Ireland’s indie elite. A supergroup if you will, I look forward to hearing the album.
Django in the Wine Bar
On Bank Holiday Saturday, 5th May Django is set to liven up McDaid’s Wine Bar in Ramelton with a dj set of Jazz, Funk, Lounge, Latin & Soul. He says to expect to hear a anything from vintage Egyptian jazz to the sounds of Brazilian tropicalia.
Balor
Here’s the month ahead at the Balor:
Thurs 3rd, Carnival Saloon play the music of Tom Waits (Music)
Fri 4th, A Night of Pipe and Brass (Music)
Mon 14th – Wed 16th, Balor CEP presents Love Rides The Rails (Drama)
Thurs 17th,Eoin Dillon & the Third Twin (Music)
Mon 21st, The Lisa Richards Comedy Club presents... Des Bishop (Comedy)
Thurs 24th, Donegal Fiddle Night (Music)
Mon 28th to Wed 30th, Donegal National Schools Drama Festival (Drama)
Thurs 31st, Roy – A Footballers Tale (Drama)
Earagail Arts Festival Dates
This year’s Earagail Arts Festival runs from the 9th to the 22nd July. More details from eaf.ie
Kilkenny Cat’s Laughs
The premier Comedy Festival in Ireland is the Kilkenny Cat Laughs, and its on from 31 May to the 4th June this year. In previous years the outrageous cost of accommodation has put me off this but it really is a great way to see a lot of comedians in a short space of time and highly recommended, the atmosphere is great just pack lots of cash. Check out the listings at www.catlaughs.com
Electric Picnic Sold Out
The best festival by a long shot in this country is the Electric Picnic, and it’s now sold out. Proper Order. Check out why at www.electricpicnic.ie
Summer Camps
An Grianan is now taking bookings for both the Jim Mailey Choral Summer Camp on the week of 23rd July and the Ballet Ireland Summer School on the week of the 30th July. Both were great last year and I’ll give you more information on them next week. If you know what they are about and want to get that quick booking in try the box office on 074 91 20777.
Thursday, April 26, 2007
MY NEW FAVOURITE BAND PART 2
The Klowns are often termed 'bubblegum' but hell it makes me smile.
Get the whole album here. God I love T'internet.
The Klowns are often termed 'bubblegum' but hell it makes me smile.
Get the whole album here. God I love T'internet.
MY NEW FAVOURITE BAND
Had a chat with Fionn Regan last night and he asked me what new music I was listening to and said Camera Obscura, cos after hearing a track on Kathy's myspace page I downloaded loads of songs by them. He then told me he had played gigs with them, I think he said Canada but I could be wrong there, certainly Belle and Sebastian came into the story somewhere... and the phrase 'Hot Ticket', and that they were lovely people. Which is nice.
Heads up: they are playing McGarrigles in Sligo on May 4th, which is a piss*r as I cant go, feck. But you should.
a tune by them
and another one
Had a chat with Fionn Regan last night and he asked me what new music I was listening to and said Camera Obscura, cos after hearing a track on Kathy's myspace page I downloaded loads of songs by them. He then told me he had played gigs with them, I think he said Canada but I could be wrong there, certainly Belle and Sebastian came into the story somewhere... and the phrase 'Hot Ticket', and that they were lovely people. Which is nice.
Heads up: they are playing McGarrigles in Sligo on May 4th, which is a piss*r as I cant go, feck. But you should.
a tune by them
and another one
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
Is this my good side?Dj Duties
Over the next couple of months I'll be doing a little less djing than I have been, due to other commitments like being a father and a husband and such like.
DAAAAAAANNNNNNOOOOOOOOOOO
DANO
all go for dano and b koz on the 21 July, need a couple of hundred words and a high res (300dpi) photo by thurs for the Earagail Arts Festival brochure... wanna make it your album launch? you are on before the pony girls check them out at www.myspace.com/ponygirls.
send stuff to chiba at eircom dot net
anyone sees this holler Dano and let him know.
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
Daithi goes to Athens...
yep work are sending me to Athens for a few days for a thing that's kinda hush hush, I am frizzled to a froth. That's a good thing by the way. And it wont be long after I come back from Amsterdam so my resolution to travel more this year is working well ;-)
Here's all the bits I wrote from the papers....
Reggae Stars Return!
Yes this Saturday the SoulJazz Records Reggae Soundsystem return to the fubar two months after their fabulous party night there in March. Doors are at 11pm and numbers are strictly limited to 250 good people to ensure a similar relaxed and pleasant atmosphere. So come early and help to get things moving, of course if you are particularly worried you can buy an advance ticket in Universal Records in the Market Square in Letterkenny. Only 10 Euros? Bargain! And sure it’ll be me warming up on the decks before the boys do their mighty mighty stuff. This time out its dj Scott Bethell who is a bit more soulful in orientation than Pete who was here last time, and its the same MC Oxman who impressed everyone so much last time out. Hope to see you there.
Fionn Regan tomorrow night
Here’s what Wikipedia, the online free encyclopaedia, say about Fionn Regan: ‘Fionn Regan is a singer-songwriter from Bray, Ireland. He is currently based in Brighton, England Following the limited release of the Hotel and Reservoir EPs on Anvil Records,Regan signed to former Cocteau Twin Simon Raymonde's independent record label Bella Union. His debut album, The End of History, was released in August 2006 and received much critical acclaim including four star ratings in The Times, The Independent on Sunday, The Guardian, The Sun, and Mojo magazine. His music is characterised by his soft vocals and smooth acoustic guitar work. Regan cites such artists as Neil Young and Bob Dylan as influences. Fionn was also the first artist signed to fellow Irish singer songwriter, Damien Rice's record label "heffa".’ We think he’s great so why not go along to An Grianan tomorrow night, it’s an 8pm start and support is from former lead singer of Turn, Ollie Cole. Tickets available on the door.
Bubbles in the Hot Tub
Starting on Thursday 3 March and running until Saturday 5 May is the new Dave Duggan play Bubbles in the Hot Tub. Described by the Director Jonathan Burgess as a rip- roaring Derry Comedy. So you know what to expect! Here’s the blurb ‘A new comedy by Oscar nominated writer Dave Duggan. Can the hot tub save Jack and Donna's marriage? Jack's rubber duck is stuck in the pump and Donna's mother Alice is coming round for a dip. Jack's boss Robin is coming too and Lorrie, their vivacious neighbour, thinks it's all a fantastic fancy dress party! Leave your cozzie at home and prepare to plunge in!’. tickets from An Grianan on 074 91 20777.
Busy time for the Balor
With Leslie Dowdall & Mike Hanrahan in concert on Thurs Apr 26th. Leslie Dowdall first came to prominence with In Tua Nua, a seven piece outfit, who fused Celtic Tradition with Rock. Mike Hanrahan was the singer, songwriter and guitarist with Stockton’s Wing, a band who released album after album of greatness during the 80’s and 90’s. The live show features Leslie on Vocal, Keyboard and Guitar and Mike on Guitars and Vocal.
On Thur 3rd May 8.30pm Carnival Saloon play the music of Tom Waits. The Carnival Saloon is a tribute act of sorts to the great Tom Waits, who has retained a fiercely loyal cult following throughout his 30+ year career. Join them on their once-in-the-end-of-a-lifetime voyage through howling jagged blues, demented rhythms, dust-bowl ballads and broken eastern promise. Carnival Saloons gigs are more than just a musical treat with the musicians staying in character and providing a full blown musical stage show to assault all five senses.
And on Friday 4th of May it’s a Night Of Pipe and Brass, featuring Thievpal Memorial Pipe Band Convoy, St. Nauls Pipe Band Ardaghey, Bready Ulster-Scots Pipe Band & St. Josephs Brass Band Strabane.
Brendan McGloin’s Exhibition of High Cross
Brendan McGloin, the Bundoran native, who is based in the Craft Village is exhibiting a beautiful piece of work he has done, a High Cross, which will shortly be making its way to its new home in Portland, Oregon. He’s exhibiting it, and details of the process, in his studio in the Craft Village from 1st- 8th May so pop along and prepare to be very impressed!
Bits and Bobs
Dj Marty Clampett has a new rock night up and running in the Voodoo on Thursday nights, upstairs, admission is only 5 euros. Letterkenny’s Shindig crew have a video of their new rap track with Dj Dano and B Koz up on the web at http://shindigrecords.blogspot.com/ and damn fine it is too. Strong language tho. I Went to see Dj Healer Selecta in Sandino’s in Derry recently and it was great dancing music: soul, swing, rock n roll all tumbling together to put a smile on every face and a skip in every step. Sweet. Pop Punk girls the Priscillas are playing there on 17th May so I’ll be popping along to that. There’s currently an exhibition of paintings by Colin Montgomery in Cafe Blend in Letterkenny.
Reggae to the Max!
I'm fizzled to a froth. Yes its only a couple of days away from the return of the SoulJazzRecordsSoundSystem. Last time they were here was the best night I, and many others, have had out in Letterkenny in the last year! As one Polish friend said to me 'I didn't know Letterkenny could party like this!". It wasn't just the great music, it was the great atmosphere, not only the lack of hassle, so welcome on a night out in Letterkenny, but the very positive and friendly atmosphere from everyone to everyone. It's the way I've always believed clubs should be and worked towards being, sniff I think I'm going to cry... anyway... I'm expecting this Saturday night in the Fubar to be the same and I'll be warming up with tunes from 11'ish, come early it really helps to get the mood going!
I've heard a few whispers about this year's Earagail Arts Festival and its got some brilliant music gigs in it. Go to www.eaf.ie, put in your email address and be the first to know when they are announced. Trust me you wont be disappointed.
A cracking comedy play from Derry is Bubbles in the Hot Tub which is on at An Grianan Theatre from next thursday 3rd to Sat 5th May, written by Dave Duggan it's all good clean summer fun. Sure go along or find out more by ringing 074 91 20777.
Coming up in Sandinos in Derry on the 17th May are the Priscillas, a rock n roll combo out of London who I saw at Electric Picnic in 2005 and promptly fell in love with. With the music, honest.... anyway to me they sound like the female Ramones.. luuverlly! That'll be me in the front row if you are wondering... and I'm working on a Burlesqu evening at the moment which I'll tell you more about as I get the details finalised.
The Casbah has another of those open mic nights on Wednesday 2 May, I hear the last one was really well attended. Never mind them saying it's American style my Dad says all the folk clubs did the same in the 60s! sounds like fun so why not pop in it's on the Main Street in Letterkenny..
Tonight is the Thursday Night Project in The Voodoo where Brian McDaid plays to the masses while dj Clampett lays down the rock for the people in black. only a fiver in....
Brendan McGloin, Bundoran native and former pupil of the LYIT back when it was known as The Donagh O' Malley Regional Technical College (why ever did they drop such a snappy name?), is exhibiting a beautiful piece of work he has done, a High Cross, which will shortly be making its way to its new home in Portland, Oregon. He’s exhibiting it, and details of the process, in his studio in the Craft Village Donegal Town from 1st- 8th May, go ask him why he was known as Animal......
yep work are sending me to Athens for a few days for a thing that's kinda hush hush, I am frizzled to a froth. That's a good thing by the way. And it wont be long after I come back from Amsterdam so my resolution to travel more this year is working well ;-)
Here's all the bits I wrote from the papers....
Reggae Stars Return!
Yes this Saturday the SoulJazz Records Reggae Soundsystem return to the fubar two months after their fabulous party night there in March. Doors are at 11pm and numbers are strictly limited to 250 good people to ensure a similar relaxed and pleasant atmosphere. So come early and help to get things moving, of course if you are particularly worried you can buy an advance ticket in Universal Records in the Market Square in Letterkenny. Only 10 Euros? Bargain! And sure it’ll be me warming up on the decks before the boys do their mighty mighty stuff. This time out its dj Scott Bethell who is a bit more soulful in orientation than Pete who was here last time, and its the same MC Oxman who impressed everyone so much last time out. Hope to see you there.
Fionn Regan tomorrow night
Here’s what Wikipedia, the online free encyclopaedia, say about Fionn Regan: ‘Fionn Regan is a singer-songwriter from Bray, Ireland. He is currently based in Brighton, England Following the limited release of the Hotel and Reservoir EPs on Anvil Records,Regan signed to former Cocteau Twin Simon Raymonde's independent record label Bella Union. His debut album, The End of History, was released in August 2006 and received much critical acclaim including four star ratings in The Times, The Independent on Sunday, The Guardian, The Sun, and Mojo magazine. His music is characterised by his soft vocals and smooth acoustic guitar work. Regan cites such artists as Neil Young and Bob Dylan as influences. Fionn was also the first artist signed to fellow Irish singer songwriter, Damien Rice's record label "heffa".’ We think he’s great so why not go along to An Grianan tomorrow night, it’s an 8pm start and support is from former lead singer of Turn, Ollie Cole. Tickets available on the door.
Bubbles in the Hot Tub
Starting on Thursday 3 March and running until Saturday 5 May is the new Dave Duggan play Bubbles in the Hot Tub. Described by the Director Jonathan Burgess as a rip- roaring Derry Comedy. So you know what to expect! Here’s the blurb ‘A new comedy by Oscar nominated writer Dave Duggan. Can the hot tub save Jack and Donna's marriage? Jack's rubber duck is stuck in the pump and Donna's mother Alice is coming round for a dip. Jack's boss Robin is coming too and Lorrie, their vivacious neighbour, thinks it's all a fantastic fancy dress party! Leave your cozzie at home and prepare to plunge in!’. tickets from An Grianan on 074 91 20777.
Busy time for the Balor
With Leslie Dowdall & Mike Hanrahan in concert on Thurs Apr 26th. Leslie Dowdall first came to prominence with In Tua Nua, a seven piece outfit, who fused Celtic Tradition with Rock. Mike Hanrahan was the singer, songwriter and guitarist with Stockton’s Wing, a band who released album after album of greatness during the 80’s and 90’s. The live show features Leslie on Vocal, Keyboard and Guitar and Mike on Guitars and Vocal.
On Thur 3rd May 8.30pm Carnival Saloon play the music of Tom Waits. The Carnival Saloon is a tribute act of sorts to the great Tom Waits, who has retained a fiercely loyal cult following throughout his 30+ year career. Join them on their once-in-the-end-of-a-lifetime voyage through howling jagged blues, demented rhythms, dust-bowl ballads and broken eastern promise. Carnival Saloons gigs are more than just a musical treat with the musicians staying in character and providing a full blown musical stage show to assault all five senses.
And on Friday 4th of May it’s a Night Of Pipe and Brass, featuring Thievpal Memorial Pipe Band Convoy, St. Nauls Pipe Band Ardaghey, Bready Ulster-Scots Pipe Band & St. Josephs Brass Band Strabane.
Brendan McGloin’s Exhibition of High Cross
Brendan McGloin, the Bundoran native, who is based in the Craft Village is exhibiting a beautiful piece of work he has done, a High Cross, which will shortly be making its way to its new home in Portland, Oregon. He’s exhibiting it, and details of the process, in his studio in the Craft Village from 1st- 8th May so pop along and prepare to be very impressed!
Bits and Bobs
Dj Marty Clampett has a new rock night up and running in the Voodoo on Thursday nights, upstairs, admission is only 5 euros. Letterkenny’s Shindig crew have a video of their new rap track with Dj Dano and B Koz up on the web at http://shindigrecords.blogspot.com/ and damn fine it is too. Strong language tho. I Went to see Dj Healer Selecta in Sandino’s in Derry recently and it was great dancing music: soul, swing, rock n roll all tumbling together to put a smile on every face and a skip in every step. Sweet. Pop Punk girls the Priscillas are playing there on 17th May so I’ll be popping along to that. There’s currently an exhibition of paintings by Colin Montgomery in Cafe Blend in Letterkenny.
Reggae to the Max!
I'm fizzled to a froth. Yes its only a couple of days away from the return of the SoulJazzRecordsSoundSystem. Last time they were here was the best night I, and many others, have had out in Letterkenny in the last year! As one Polish friend said to me 'I didn't know Letterkenny could party like this!". It wasn't just the great music, it was the great atmosphere, not only the lack of hassle, so welcome on a night out in Letterkenny, but the very positive and friendly atmosphere from everyone to everyone. It's the way I've always believed clubs should be and worked towards being, sniff I think I'm going to cry... anyway... I'm expecting this Saturday night in the Fubar to be the same and I'll be warming up with tunes from 11'ish, come early it really helps to get the mood going!
I've heard a few whispers about this year's Earagail Arts Festival and its got some brilliant music gigs in it. Go to www.eaf.ie, put in your email address and be the first to know when they are announced. Trust me you wont be disappointed.
A cracking comedy play from Derry is Bubbles in the Hot Tub which is on at An Grianan Theatre from next thursday 3rd to Sat 5th May, written by Dave Duggan it's all good clean summer fun. Sure go along or find out more by ringing 074 91 20777.
Coming up in Sandinos in Derry on the 17th May are the Priscillas, a rock n roll combo out of London who I saw at Electric Picnic in 2005 and promptly fell in love with. With the music, honest.... anyway to me they sound like the female Ramones.. luuverlly! That'll be me in the front row if you are wondering... and I'm working on a Burlesqu evening at the moment which I'll tell you more about as I get the details finalised.
The Casbah has another of those open mic nights on Wednesday 2 May, I hear the last one was really well attended. Never mind them saying it's American style my Dad says all the folk clubs did the same in the 60s! sounds like fun so why not pop in it's on the Main Street in Letterkenny..
Tonight is the Thursday Night Project in The Voodoo where Brian McDaid plays to the masses while dj Clampett lays down the rock for the people in black. only a fiver in....
Brendan McGloin, Bundoran native and former pupil of the LYIT back when it was known as The Donagh O' Malley Regional Technical College (why ever did they drop such a snappy name?), is exhibiting a beautiful piece of work he has done, a High Cross, which will shortly be making its way to its new home in Portland, Oregon. He’s exhibiting it, and details of the process, in his studio in the Craft Village Donegal Town from 1st- 8th May, go ask him why he was known as Animal......
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
Monday, April 16, 2007
Friday, March 30, 2007
I'm on leave for the next two weeks, more bits to be done to the house, try and get some scooters running, learn to surf, visit friends and the like. Might not be too near a computer so posts may be a bit thinner. My apologies in advance. I've just booked to go to Amsterdam for Queen's Day, apparently its their Paddy' day but madder, at the end of April. Woo Hoo!! Bring it on....
I’m forever blowing bubbles....
I thought I’d look for more information about Dave Duggan, the author of Bubbles in the Hot Tub, so I googled him and a site called blurtit.com gave me this snippit: ‘Dave Duggan or also known as Oscar-nominated Dave Duggan or Academy Award nominated Dave Duggan is a playwright, film maker and teacher who works in Derry in Northern Ireland. Dave holds a degree in science and has widely traveled throughout the world.
He is co-artistic director of Sole Purpose, a theatre company based in Derry, at the Playhouse Theatre. He has written many plays which have been performed across the UK and Ireland. His screen-play Dance Lexie Dance was funded by a number of bodies and won a number of film festival awards and was eventually nominated for an Oscar in the short film category, which is quite an honour. Most recently he has been teaching playwriting at the University of Ulster to second year students.
Dave is a down to earth man with strong convictions and no-nonsense approach to his craft. He is admired throughout the city.’. Well that’s hard to beat! And having met Dave many times I’d happily concur. Bubbles in the Hot Tub is his latest play, and I’m told a great Derry comedy romp. It’s on at An Grianan from Thursday 3 to Saturday 5 May at 8pm, sure give it a lash! Call 074 91220777 for the box office.
Fionn, Fionn, Fionn,
Also frequently award nominated, but not quite at oscar level yet, is Fionn Regan. I went to ask.com this time and searched and came up with this piece from the Guardian: ‘
Fionn Regan was born in Dublin but now lives in Brighton, and his debut album evokes the best of both cities. Seaside imagery and Celtic romance flood each impressive acoustic rhythm, the cosy folk fighting off a chilly cynicism. The usual suspects influence Regan's style - there are the lilting high notes of Damien Rice, the scathing tone of Bob Dylan and the literate lyricism of Nick Drake - but the frozen heart and warm touch belong to Regan alone. "Step out of your dress and I'll wear you like a hood," he sings in The Underwood Typewriter. Hey Rabbit has the twisted naivety of Alice in Wonderland, while an acoustic guitar chases an excitable piano melody in Bunker or Basement. Woven through the wonder is Regan's gorgeous, easy voice, as spellbinding as anything his imagination can conjure up. Folk has a new Pied Piper.’. Betty Clarke, The Guardian. You can hear, and see Fionn on WEd 25 April at An Grianan.
Freddie White in the Balor
Went to yahoo.com for this search and came up with the following blurb ‘Freddie White is something of a legend. He was a founding member of Scullion, later he formed The Fake, regarded as one of the seminal Irish bands of the late 70's. Next came The Freddie White Band, which toured with Eric Clapton on his Irish Tour. His first album, Live on Tour, recorded by Nicky Ryan while Freddie toured with Clannad, brought him national attention. His second album, 'Do You Do', was the biggest selling Mulligan Label album of 1981. Long Distance Runner in 1985, featured original songs such as "Goodbye This Time", "Down Without A Fight" and the hit single "Frozen Heart" co-written with Johnny Duhan. His fourth album, "Close To You" continued this trend, most of the songs being Freddies own. In 1994, he released Straight Up, fourteen songs recorded live by Dan Fitzgerald. And now a new all original album, "My Country" recorded in Ireland, was released in 1999. Freddie White's popularity has endured for many years and there is a very good reason why - he delivers! He has released seven albums to date to critical acclaim, but it is his live performance that stuns. He can rock your socks off, bring tears to your eyes with a ballad, or croon a jazz standard, all the while giving this apparently diverse material a common thread.’ You can catch Freddie at the Balor in Ballybofey on Friday 13th June.
Album Review- Soul Gospel 2
The good people at Soul Jazz sent me over a few cds and this one blew me away. Soul Gospel 2 mixes elements of Soul, Gospel, Rare Groove Funk and New York Underground Disco. Celebrated gospel artists such as The Staple Singers , Clara Ward and Marion Williams are present, alongside many lesser known gospel artists like The Sensational Cymbals, and The Lovers of God, who you’re unlikely to find mentioned in any discography of either gospel or soul music. But it’s all good! All the artists on this album are unique in that they grew up in the church and their music includes the emotional and spiritual depth and soaring vocals of what would become the defining ingredients of Gospel’s secular counterpart – Soul Music. This depth comes from a vocal schooling in the environment of the church, against a background of social hardship and political change. My stand out tracks would be Wade in the Water, a personal favourite anyway but here stirringly performed by The Angelic Choir. The Marion Gaines Singers with Do Your Thing, so funky! And Martha Bass with the beautiful Since I been born again. The album comes with extensive text, exclusive photos, slipcase and super-loud double vinyl or c.d. And I’m not even a Christian so true believers will get even more out of it no doubt, but as a music lover it hits the right spot. You can get the album form Universal records in the square in Letterkenny or on the web at www.soundsoftheuniverse.com
The Return of the Soul Jazz Sound System Friday 28th April
Went back to google for this search. ‘A heady blend of reggae, latin, funk and soul from the immaculate Soul Jazz Sound System, whose regular guests at their celebrated London club nights include Norman Jay, David Holmes, ESG and Jerry Dammers. Also responsible for the classic 100-600% Dynamite and Studio 1 compilation series, the Soul Jazz crew are consummate ambassadors of funky, soulful rhythms and grooves.’. Soul Jazz return to the fubar on April 28th, this time its dj Scott Bethell and mc Oxman. Well funky, well soulful, well get dancing!
I thought I’d look for more information about Dave Duggan, the author of Bubbles in the Hot Tub, so I googled him and a site called blurtit.com gave me this snippit: ‘Dave Duggan or also known as Oscar-nominated Dave Duggan or Academy Award nominated Dave Duggan is a playwright, film maker and teacher who works in Derry in Northern Ireland. Dave holds a degree in science and has widely traveled throughout the world.
He is co-artistic director of Sole Purpose, a theatre company based in Derry, at the Playhouse Theatre. He has written many plays which have been performed across the UK and Ireland. His screen-play Dance Lexie Dance was funded by a number of bodies and won a number of film festival awards and was eventually nominated for an Oscar in the short film category, which is quite an honour. Most recently he has been teaching playwriting at the University of Ulster to second year students.
Dave is a down to earth man with strong convictions and no-nonsense approach to his craft. He is admired throughout the city.’. Well that’s hard to beat! And having met Dave many times I’d happily concur. Bubbles in the Hot Tub is his latest play, and I’m told a great Derry comedy romp. It’s on at An Grianan from Thursday 3 to Saturday 5 May at 8pm, sure give it a lash! Call 074 91220777 for the box office.
Fionn, Fionn, Fionn,
Also frequently award nominated, but not quite at oscar level yet, is Fionn Regan. I went to ask.com this time and searched and came up with this piece from the Guardian: ‘
Fionn Regan was born in Dublin but now lives in Brighton, and his debut album evokes the best of both cities. Seaside imagery and Celtic romance flood each impressive acoustic rhythm, the cosy folk fighting off a chilly cynicism. The usual suspects influence Regan's style - there are the lilting high notes of Damien Rice, the scathing tone of Bob Dylan and the literate lyricism of Nick Drake - but the frozen heart and warm touch belong to Regan alone. "Step out of your dress and I'll wear you like a hood," he sings in The Underwood Typewriter. Hey Rabbit has the twisted naivety of Alice in Wonderland, while an acoustic guitar chases an excitable piano melody in Bunker or Basement. Woven through the wonder is Regan's gorgeous, easy voice, as spellbinding as anything his imagination can conjure up. Folk has a new Pied Piper.’. Betty Clarke, The Guardian. You can hear, and see Fionn on WEd 25 April at An Grianan.
Freddie White in the Balor
Went to yahoo.com for this search and came up with the following blurb ‘Freddie White is something of a legend. He was a founding member of Scullion, later he formed The Fake, regarded as one of the seminal Irish bands of the late 70's. Next came The Freddie White Band, which toured with Eric Clapton on his Irish Tour. His first album, Live on Tour, recorded by Nicky Ryan while Freddie toured with Clannad, brought him national attention. His second album, 'Do You Do', was the biggest selling Mulligan Label album of 1981. Long Distance Runner in 1985, featured original songs such as "Goodbye This Time", "Down Without A Fight" and the hit single "Frozen Heart" co-written with Johnny Duhan. His fourth album, "Close To You" continued this trend, most of the songs being Freddies own. In 1994, he released Straight Up, fourteen songs recorded live by Dan Fitzgerald. And now a new all original album, "My Country" recorded in Ireland, was released in 1999. Freddie White's popularity has endured for many years and there is a very good reason why - he delivers! He has released seven albums to date to critical acclaim, but it is his live performance that stuns. He can rock your socks off, bring tears to your eyes with a ballad, or croon a jazz standard, all the while giving this apparently diverse material a common thread.’ You can catch Freddie at the Balor in Ballybofey on Friday 13th June.
Album Review- Soul Gospel 2
The good people at Soul Jazz sent me over a few cds and this one blew me away. Soul Gospel 2 mixes elements of Soul, Gospel, Rare Groove Funk and New York Underground Disco. Celebrated gospel artists such as The Staple Singers , Clara Ward and Marion Williams are present, alongside many lesser known gospel artists like The Sensational Cymbals, and The Lovers of God, who you’re unlikely to find mentioned in any discography of either gospel or soul music. But it’s all good! All the artists on this album are unique in that they grew up in the church and their music includes the emotional and spiritual depth and soaring vocals of what would become the defining ingredients of Gospel’s secular counterpart – Soul Music. This depth comes from a vocal schooling in the environment of the church, against a background of social hardship and political change. My stand out tracks would be Wade in the Water, a personal favourite anyway but here stirringly performed by The Angelic Choir. The Marion Gaines Singers with Do Your Thing, so funky! And Martha Bass with the beautiful Since I been born again. The album comes with extensive text, exclusive photos, slipcase and super-loud double vinyl or c.d. And I’m not even a Christian so true believers will get even more out of it no doubt, but as a music lover it hits the right spot. You can get the album form Universal records in the square in Letterkenny or on the web at www.soundsoftheuniverse.com
The Return of the Soul Jazz Sound System Friday 28th April
Went back to google for this search. ‘A heady blend of reggae, latin, funk and soul from the immaculate Soul Jazz Sound System, whose regular guests at their celebrated London club nights include Norman Jay, David Holmes, ESG and Jerry Dammers. Also responsible for the classic 100-600% Dynamite and Studio 1 compilation series, the Soul Jazz crew are consummate ambassadors of funky, soulful rhythms and grooves.’. Soul Jazz return to the fubar on April 28th, this time its dj Scott Bethell and mc Oxman. Well funky, well soulful, well get dancing!
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
Back in the day when I was enthusiastically given to promoting new bands and stuff two friends of mine, Alan O' Boyle and Dennis McNulty ran away from their respective indie bands and started making dance music. Back in 1993 or thereabouts this was practically a crime. I remember going to their first club might in the Rock Garden where they gave away a free tape containing music form the bands who were performing and some tracks by themselves on it, and free sweets. This built into the most succesful Irish electronica act ever, dEcal, and the legendary U:Mack night in the Funnel where the cream of the world's electronic djs played every Friday night to rapturous and ecstatic (ahem) crowds. There was also various side projects including a drum n bass act with Alan and Rohan which went under the moniker AjaxDiscoSpanner that I got signed to a 4AD offshoot label, only one 12 inch was released but it did very well. But I digress, dEcal is now Alan alone as Dennis has wandered off into high art. And the reason for this post is that Alan has put up some free tracks on his website and fabulous they are. Click here as they say on primitive websites http://www.decal-artifacts.com/audio.html
I recommend the mechanise e.p very highly.
EDIT* actually while that stuff is good skip straight to the new stuff, absolutely amazing .. here... http://decal-artifacts.com/audio/Sketches/Decal_little_sketches.zip
Monday, March 26, 2007
Ok
Being away in dublin for a couple of days has really perked me up. I've confirmed Soul Jazz to return on Sat 28th April and have Jerry Dammers booked for the last weekend in June. I'm working on a Hot Chip dj set as well for May 26th which will be cool if it comes off. I'm feeling very positive! Somtimes i like looking at Postsecret but sometimes I find it too depressing so I've laid off it recently. But in my refound optimism and joie de vivre I surfed there today and found this wonderful postcard, made me smile.
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
Saturday, March 17, 2007
Loft Exhibition
Here are photos from the opening of the Loft LK Young People’s Exhibition at An Grianan Theatre, Youth workers, Parents and Young People mingled happily to celebrate these works. The artwork explores labels and identity, how these relate to mental health. The young people seek to identify and challenge the stigma that pertains to mental health issues. Bullying, depression, prejudice and isolation are among the issues addressed in the exhibition. The "But names will never hurt me" project coincides with a Mental Health Week organised by the LOFT's Youth Health Group. And very good it is too, pop in to An Grianan any time at all and have a look.
Here are some photos from the An Grianan/ Ouroboros production of Brian Friel’s Making History, and a wonderful production it is too!
And here are some photos of patrons at the opening night of Making History. l/r Paula, author and storyteller Joe Brennan, Mary Lynch, Marjorie Blake, and Art Curator John Cunningham.
What’s On?
Juan Martin Flamenco Guitarist in an Grianan tomorrow (wed), David O’ Doherty comedian Thursday night, both at An Grianan. Demon’s Eye, Deep Purple Tribute Act, tomorrow night at the Balor, Put Your Sweet Lips at the Balor Thurs night, Jack L Friday night. Jon Kenny thursday week in the Abbey, Ballyshannon.
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
Further to the Spank Rock reference below here's the song they sampled for Sweet Talk, 'Do I love You' performed by the original artist Frank Wilson, at a show in England a couple of years ago. It is officially the most valuable record ever, with one of only two known orginal copies changing hands last year for $18,000. Worth every cent.
Here I am on bended knees
I lay my heart down at your feet
Now do I love you
All you have to do is ask
I'll give until there's nothing left
do I love you
As long as there is life in me
Our happiness is guaranteed
I'll fill your heart with ecstasy, forever darling
Do I love you?
Do I love you?
Do I love you?
Indeed I do Indeed I do
The very thing that I want most
Is just to have and hold you close
Do I love you?
From early morning until late at night
You fill my heart with pure delight
Do I love you?
Now whenever I lay me down to sleep
I pray the Lord your soul to keep
And bring you home safe to me, for ever darling
Do I love you?
Do I love you?
Do I love you?
Indeed I do, sweet darling, indeed I do
Here I am on bended knees
I lay my heart down at your feet
Now do I love you
All you have to do is ask
I'll give until there's nothing left
do I love you
As long as there is life in me
Our happiness is guaranteed
I'll fill your heart with ecstasy, forever darling
Do I love you?
Do I love you?
Do I love you?
Indeed I do Indeed I do
The very thing that I want most
Is just to have and hold you close
Do I love you?
From early morning until late at night
You fill my heart with pure delight
Do I love you?
Now whenever I lay me down to sleep
I pray the Lord your soul to keep
And bring you home safe to me, for ever darling
Do I love you?
Do I love you?
Do I love you?
Indeed I do, sweet darling, indeed I do
Tuesday, March 13, 2007
Freak Scene (J. Mascis)
The weirdness flows between us
Anyone can tell to see us
Freak scene just can't believe us
Why can't it just be cool and leave us?
It's so fucked I can't believe it
If there's a way
I wish we'd see it
How it could work
Just can't conceive it
Oh what a mess
It's just to leave it
Sometimes I don't thrill you
Sometimes I think I'll kill you
Just don't let me fuck up, will you?
'Cos when I need a friend
It's still you
What a mess...
The weirdness flows between us
Anyone can tell to see us
Freak scene just can't believe us
Why can't it just be cool and leave us?
It's so fucked I can't believe it
If there's a way
I wish we'd see it
How it could work
Just can't conceive it
Oh what a mess
It's just to leave it
Sometimes I don't thrill you
Sometimes I think I'll kill you
Just don't let me fuck up, will you?
'Cos when I need a friend
It's still you
What a mess...
Wednesday, March 07, 2007
Tuesday, March 06, 2007
Very much liking this Dublin outfit Abigail Song, a bit Joanna Newsom without all the edges... think i prefer the instrumental one tho....
Abigail Song at myspace
cheers to Blogorrah for the heads up.
Abigail Song at myspace
cheers to Blogorrah for the heads up.
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
Tuesday, February 27, 2007
Friday, February 23, 2007
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
Friday, February 09, 2007
We All Love a Laugh...
Loads of comedy around these days what with Colin Murphy this coming Monday in the Balor, Phil Nicholl in An Grianan last week (he was amazing), and coming up very soon 22nd February to be precise, Jason byrne at An Grianan. You may have seen him recently on The Weakest Link, or on the Royal Variety Performance, or on The Panel, or at the helm of Anonymous but t.v. has never really suited this amiable but manic Dubliner. Somehow the T.V. is too small to show his true glory. It’s his live shows that are where you have to see Jason, and its the power of his live shows that makes hm the most popular comedian at the Edinburgh Festival each year, selling more tickets form ore shows than anyone else. Tickets have sold very well so to make sure you see what all the fuss is about ring An Grianan Theatre now on 074 9120777 or book online at www.angrianan.com. Oh and a quick warning if its a wisecracking gag teller you like skip this one, you need to be the sort of person who can relax and go with the flow to appreciate Jason!
Jon Kenny
There are only a very few genius’ of Irish Comedy, and in fact there are only two in my mind: Kevin McAleer and Jon Kenny. Both of them are truly Irish in that their comedy is of here and only here, it is so culturally Irish that any other country would have trouble grasping its nuances. Tommy Tiernan may well be the best stand up in the world now but Tommy’s humour is broad and universal, Kevin and Jon will never break America because they are simply too clever, and too Irish. Jon, the original behind the d’Unbelievables and hence Pat Shortt’s success has taken a different path from his erstwhile partner and is making the comedy he truly believes in and while we still have the familiar larger than life parochial characters we also get the ‘Windy Man’ in all his Beckettesque glory. He’s playing in the Abbey Centre Ballyshannon on 29th March Tickets are 25 Euros and you can find out how to get them by calling 071 98 51375. Call soon, call often!
Footsteps...
Cois Ceim Dance Theatre are what I like to call the Arcade Fire of Dance. All dramatic build ups, stirring music and delivering the goods every time. CoisCéim bring Out of Harm’s Way, a follow up to last year’s show Knots which they performed to great acclaim last Spring at the theatre, the show later went on to win a prestigious Fringe First award at the Edinburgh Festival . They also gave a thrilling performance of Intimate Details at the Ryder Cup Opening Ceremony.
Featuring a troupe of top class Irish and international dancers, as always, Out of Harm’s Way sees eight dancers dashing about in the darkness fearing for their lives. The safe haven of a cosy room later becomes a prison as they wonder if they have locked the danger outside or within. The show has been choreographed by CoisCéim’s artistic director David Bolger. David was also responsible for the choreography in Druid Theatre’s recent production of The Year of the Hiker at An Grianán in November. Perceived by many, including me, as the best choreographer working in Ireland today, among his many other credits are the DruidSynge project and the 2003 Special Olympics opening ceremony. And his work is always sexy. Maybe you didn’t get tickets for Arcade Fire in Dublin, (well who did?!?) but you can see this it’s on at An Grianan Theatre on Saturday 24th February. Oh and I’ve heard the new Arcade Fire album Neon Bible: cracking it is too.
Papa Gee Afrobeat...
A recently added event for An Grianan Theatre is also an exciting one. Papa Gee Afrobeat. Gboyega 'Papa Gee' Akerele is a Singer/song writer, drummer/percussionist, and saxophonist born in Nigeria in West Africa. Boye as a drummer played, toured and recorded with such groups as Proyecto Secreto a 12-piece renowned Reggae/Ska band based in Belgium. Also performed as a drummer with the group Kaiiman-a 4 piece desert blues/Afro-jazz band also based in Belgium. Boye formed Odura Afro Jazz band in 1999. His long years of experience as a freelance musician in different bands both in Nigeria and Europe inspired him into introducing a new and fresh sound. Afrobeat is a fusion of American Jazz, funk/soul, Hi-life, rock & roll, reggae blended with heavy percussion rhythm-as long as it grooves, thats Afrobeat. It was created by the late legendary Fela Kuti - Originally from Nigeria. Apart from direct inspiration from God almighty, Boyes inspired by musicians such as Femi-Kuti, Manu Dibango,Tony Alen, Egypt 80 (Late Fela Kuti's Original band.) lead by Seun Kuti, Hugh Masala, King Sunny-Ade, Sunny Okosuns, Majek-Fashek,Lagbaja, and of course the late Fela-kuti (The undisputed King of Afrobeat). And there are dancers too! The gig is on Thursday 5 April and tickets are a very reasonable 10 Euros.
The Return of Fionn Regan
A masterful gig by the young Fionn Regan in Letterkenny this year is happily to be followed up by another appearance in an Grianan on 24th April. Just three days after my birthday so it happens, presents to the usual address!.
The Jamaican Sound System
The sound system concept first became popular in Jamaica in the 1950's, in the ghettos of Kingston. DJs would load up a truck with a generator, turntables, and huge speakers and set up street parties. In the beginning, the DJs played American R&B music, but as time progressed and more local music was created, the sound migrated to a local flavour. Eventually two legendary DJs emerged as the stars of the scene: Clement 'Coxsone' Dodd, and Duke Reid. The popularity of a sound system was mainly contingent on one thing: having new music. In order to circumvent the release cycle of the American record labels, the two sound system superstars turned to record production . What began as an attempt to copy the American R&B sound using local musicians became Jamaica's first unique music: Ska, and then to Reggae, to Dub to Dancehall and so on. As this new musical form became more popular, both Dodd and Reid began to move more seriously into music production. Coxsone Dodd's production studio became the famous Studio One, while Duke Reid founded the famous Treasure Isle. Soul Jazz Records in England have become synonymous with Studio One through their many releases of such hard to find material. Now the Soul Jazz Records Sound System will play in Letterkenny with DJ Pete Reill and MC Ox on Saturday March 3rd in the fubar at the Orchard on the High Road. Tunes from 11pm, come early and join the party!
Arthur Ebeling & Sephira & The Castleblaney Players
Thursday the 15th sees Arthur Ebeling take to the stage of the Balor. Arthur is one of Holland’s top guitarists and is joined on stage by Ronald Ebeling (probably a relation I’m guessing) on double bass and Thomas Streutgers on saxophone. Conor at the Balor describes the music as a cross between Tom Waits, Ray Charles and Eddie Cochrane and is a gig that Conor reckons will be perfect for the Balor. And is so confident that he’s offering a money back guarantee if you are not impressed! Fair play that man.
On Friday it’s Sephira. Sephira comprises Joyce O’Leary on Vocals and Violin, Ruth O’Leary on Violin and Colm Henry on Piano. Three young classically trained musicians who’s sound can compare to the emotional swells of a movie, sensational, dramatic, and filled with the full sweep of human passions it says here not really sure what that means! This tour will be the last chance to catch them in Ireland for a while as they head overseas for touring commitments before beginning work on their second album. Update: I went to their myspace page and its all lovely piano, violin and breathy vocals. It would be a perfect Valentine’s gig! Go on impress that girl you have been mooning over all year by inviting her to this gig...
The Castleblaney players round off a hectic week at the Balor when they bring their production of the famous Bernard Farrell play 'I Do Not Like Thee Dr. Fell' to Ballybofey. This is a black comedy with elements of thriller and mystery which audiences will find both gripping and funny. Six people gather in a locked room for Encounter Therapy and are exhorted to express total honesty for its positive therapeutic value. They get more than they bargain for when one the group exposes their deceptions and secrets to comic effect.
Loads of comedy around these days what with Colin Murphy this coming Monday in the Balor, Phil Nicholl in An Grianan last week (he was amazing), and coming up very soon 22nd February to be precise, Jason byrne at An Grianan. You may have seen him recently on The Weakest Link, or on the Royal Variety Performance, or on The Panel, or at the helm of Anonymous but t.v. has never really suited this amiable but manic Dubliner. Somehow the T.V. is too small to show his true glory. It’s his live shows that are where you have to see Jason, and its the power of his live shows that makes hm the most popular comedian at the Edinburgh Festival each year, selling more tickets form ore shows than anyone else. Tickets have sold very well so to make sure you see what all the fuss is about ring An Grianan Theatre now on 074 9120777 or book online at www.angrianan.com. Oh and a quick warning if its a wisecracking gag teller you like skip this one, you need to be the sort of person who can relax and go with the flow to appreciate Jason!
Jon Kenny
There are only a very few genius’ of Irish Comedy, and in fact there are only two in my mind: Kevin McAleer and Jon Kenny. Both of them are truly Irish in that their comedy is of here and only here, it is so culturally Irish that any other country would have trouble grasping its nuances. Tommy Tiernan may well be the best stand up in the world now but Tommy’s humour is broad and universal, Kevin and Jon will never break America because they are simply too clever, and too Irish. Jon, the original behind the d’Unbelievables and hence Pat Shortt’s success has taken a different path from his erstwhile partner and is making the comedy he truly believes in and while we still have the familiar larger than life parochial characters we also get the ‘Windy Man’ in all his Beckettesque glory. He’s playing in the Abbey Centre Ballyshannon on 29th March Tickets are 25 Euros and you can find out how to get them by calling 071 98 51375. Call soon, call often!
Footsteps...
Cois Ceim Dance Theatre are what I like to call the Arcade Fire of Dance. All dramatic build ups, stirring music and delivering the goods every time. CoisCéim bring Out of Harm’s Way, a follow up to last year’s show Knots which they performed to great acclaim last Spring at the theatre, the show later went on to win a prestigious Fringe First award at the Edinburgh Festival . They also gave a thrilling performance of Intimate Details at the Ryder Cup Opening Ceremony.
Featuring a troupe of top class Irish and international dancers, as always, Out of Harm’s Way sees eight dancers dashing about in the darkness fearing for their lives. The safe haven of a cosy room later becomes a prison as they wonder if they have locked the danger outside or within. The show has been choreographed by CoisCéim’s artistic director David Bolger. David was also responsible for the choreography in Druid Theatre’s recent production of The Year of the Hiker at An Grianán in November. Perceived by many, including me, as the best choreographer working in Ireland today, among his many other credits are the DruidSynge project and the 2003 Special Olympics opening ceremony. And his work is always sexy. Maybe you didn’t get tickets for Arcade Fire in Dublin, (well who did?!?) but you can see this it’s on at An Grianan Theatre on Saturday 24th February. Oh and I’ve heard the new Arcade Fire album Neon Bible: cracking it is too.
Papa Gee Afrobeat...
A recently added event for An Grianan Theatre is also an exciting one. Papa Gee Afrobeat. Gboyega 'Papa Gee' Akerele is a Singer/song writer, drummer/percussionist, and saxophonist born in Nigeria in West Africa. Boye as a drummer played, toured and recorded with such groups as Proyecto Secreto a 12-piece renowned Reggae/Ska band based in Belgium. Also performed as a drummer with the group Kaiiman-a 4 piece desert blues/Afro-jazz band also based in Belgium. Boye formed Odura Afro Jazz band in 1999. His long years of experience as a freelance musician in different bands both in Nigeria and Europe inspired him into introducing a new and fresh sound. Afrobeat is a fusion of American Jazz, funk/soul, Hi-life, rock & roll, reggae blended with heavy percussion rhythm-as long as it grooves, thats Afrobeat. It was created by the late legendary Fela Kuti - Originally from Nigeria. Apart from direct inspiration from God almighty, Boyes inspired by musicians such as Femi-Kuti, Manu Dibango,Tony Alen, Egypt 80 (Late Fela Kuti's Original band.) lead by Seun Kuti, Hugh Masala, King Sunny-Ade, Sunny Okosuns, Majek-Fashek,Lagbaja, and of course the late Fela-kuti (The undisputed King of Afrobeat). And there are dancers too! The gig is on Thursday 5 April and tickets are a very reasonable 10 Euros.
The Return of Fionn Regan
A masterful gig by the young Fionn Regan in Letterkenny this year is happily to be followed up by another appearance in an Grianan on 24th April. Just three days after my birthday so it happens, presents to the usual address!.
The Jamaican Sound System
The sound system concept first became popular in Jamaica in the 1950's, in the ghettos of Kingston. DJs would load up a truck with a generator, turntables, and huge speakers and set up street parties. In the beginning, the DJs played American R&B music, but as time progressed and more local music was created, the sound migrated to a local flavour. Eventually two legendary DJs emerged as the stars of the scene: Clement 'Coxsone' Dodd, and Duke Reid. The popularity of a sound system was mainly contingent on one thing: having new music. In order to circumvent the release cycle of the American record labels, the two sound system superstars turned to record production . What began as an attempt to copy the American R&B sound using local musicians became Jamaica's first unique music: Ska, and then to Reggae, to Dub to Dancehall and so on. As this new musical form became more popular, both Dodd and Reid began to move more seriously into music production. Coxsone Dodd's production studio became the famous Studio One, while Duke Reid founded the famous Treasure Isle. Soul Jazz Records in England have become synonymous with Studio One through their many releases of such hard to find material. Now the Soul Jazz Records Sound System will play in Letterkenny with DJ Pete Reill and MC Ox on Saturday March 3rd in the fubar at the Orchard on the High Road. Tunes from 11pm, come early and join the party!
Arthur Ebeling & Sephira & The Castleblaney Players
Thursday the 15th sees Arthur Ebeling take to the stage of the Balor. Arthur is one of Holland’s top guitarists and is joined on stage by Ronald Ebeling (probably a relation I’m guessing) on double bass and Thomas Streutgers on saxophone. Conor at the Balor describes the music as a cross between Tom Waits, Ray Charles and Eddie Cochrane and is a gig that Conor reckons will be perfect for the Balor. And is so confident that he’s offering a money back guarantee if you are not impressed! Fair play that man.
On Friday it’s Sephira. Sephira comprises Joyce O’Leary on Vocals and Violin, Ruth O’Leary on Violin and Colm Henry on Piano. Three young classically trained musicians who’s sound can compare to the emotional swells of a movie, sensational, dramatic, and filled with the full sweep of human passions it says here not really sure what that means! This tour will be the last chance to catch them in Ireland for a while as they head overseas for touring commitments before beginning work on their second album. Update: I went to their myspace page and its all lovely piano, violin and breathy vocals. It would be a perfect Valentine’s gig! Go on impress that girl you have been mooning over all year by inviting her to this gig...
The Castleblaney players round off a hectic week at the Balor when they bring their production of the famous Bernard Farrell play 'I Do Not Like Thee Dr. Fell' to Ballybofey. This is a black comedy with elements of thriller and mystery which audiences will find both gripping and funny. Six people gather in a locked room for Encounter Therapy and are exhorted to express total honesty for its positive therapeutic value. They get more than they bargain for when one the group exposes their deceptions and secrets to comic effect.
Wednesday, February 07, 2007
Funking up the Fubar
CONFIRMED! woo hoo! I have the Soul Jazz Sound System booked for the Fubar for Sat 3rd March, should be a cracking night. Soul Jazz are the people behind the label that has brought us the 100% Dynamite series of reggae releases and the Studio One Series alongside such gems as New Orleans Funk and Saturday Night Fish Fry. Need to know more log on to www.soundsoftheuniverse.com or www.souljazzrecords.co.uk. Soul Jazz Sound System Radio Shows on Resonance FM. The best way to hear the show is to log on to resonancefm.com. The show is broadcast every Thursday at 9.30pm- 10.30pm. The shows are themed and recent shows have included Post-Punk, Tropicalia, Gospel, Deep Jazz, Studio One. Check it out! It will be dj Pete Reilly and M.C. Ox and of course my good self cranking up the vibe on the night.
CONFIRMED! woo hoo! I have the Soul Jazz Sound System booked for the Fubar for Sat 3rd March, should be a cracking night. Soul Jazz are the people behind the label that has brought us the 100% Dynamite series of reggae releases and the Studio One Series alongside such gems as New Orleans Funk and Saturday Night Fish Fry. Need to know more log on to www.soundsoftheuniverse.com or www.souljazzrecords.co.uk. Soul Jazz Sound System Radio Shows on Resonance FM. The best way to hear the show is to log on to resonancefm.com. The show is broadcast every Thursday at 9.30pm- 10.30pm. The shows are themed and recent shows have included Post-Punk, Tropicalia, Gospel, Deep Jazz, Studio One. Check it out! It will be dj Pete Reilly and M.C. Ox and of course my good self cranking up the vibe on the night.
An Incredibly busy week at An Grianan Theatre
Yes as the headline would have it its an incredibly busy week at An Grianan Theatre! First up is the wartime sea Drama, Lifeboat on Tonight (Tuesday) and tomorrow night. In September 1940, a ship set sail from Liverpool for Canada carrying ninety young evacuees from the relentless bombing of Britain. Four days into the crossing the ship was torpedoed and sank, killing all but eleven of the evacuees. Two girls spent 19 terrifying hours in the water on an upturned lifeboat. They willed each other to survive. The two girls, now elderly women, remain friends to this day.
Then on Thursday its Eamonn McCann’s take on the events surrounding the Bloody Sunday Inquiry in Heroes With Their Hands In The Air. Friday brings us the The Irish Pink Floyd who do exactly what they are supposed to: play Pink Floyd music perfectly, and then on Saturday it’s the David Kitt gig. Busy busy week! Sure we’ll be relieved to have Pat Shortt in the building for a whole week from the 12th! And for those who like comedy don’t forget Jason Byrne will be coming up on 22nd February....
Flight of The Earls
If you don’t know by now that its the 400th Anniversary of the Flight of The Earls you must be hiding under a rock. There was a very good documentary on it on BBC last week, which is a 3 parter, and all over the country from Kinsale to Rathmullan to Cookstown people are getting ready to celebrate it. Here’s my quick summary: Basically what happened brought about the end of Gaelic Rule and the start of what became English Rule and Law over the Northern part of Ireland. Various Irish chieftains, including Hugh O’ Neill, refused to recognise Queen Elizabeth the first’s dominion over Ireland but after 9 years of fighting, with the support of the King of Spain, and realising that their resistance was futile they left Ireland on a ship, from Rathmullan, settling in many places across Europe.
Hope I got all that right now: History was never my strong point at school! There’s loads and loads more at the Donegal County Council site at www.flightoftheearls.ie. Incidentally Brian Friel’s play about these events will be playing in many of the most relevant areas of Ulster throughout March, shipping up in Derry, Armagh, Coleraine and Cookstown after it opens in An Grianan on 14th March.
Yes as the headline would have it its an incredibly busy week at An Grianan Theatre! First up is the wartime sea Drama, Lifeboat on Tonight (Tuesday) and tomorrow night. In September 1940, a ship set sail from Liverpool for Canada carrying ninety young evacuees from the relentless bombing of Britain. Four days into the crossing the ship was torpedoed and sank, killing all but eleven of the evacuees. Two girls spent 19 terrifying hours in the water on an upturned lifeboat. They willed each other to survive. The two girls, now elderly women, remain friends to this day.
Then on Thursday its Eamonn McCann’s take on the events surrounding the Bloody Sunday Inquiry in Heroes With Their Hands In The Air. Friday brings us the The Irish Pink Floyd who do exactly what they are supposed to: play Pink Floyd music perfectly, and then on Saturday it’s the David Kitt gig. Busy busy week! Sure we’ll be relieved to have Pat Shortt in the building for a whole week from the 12th! And for those who like comedy don’t forget Jason Byrne will be coming up on 22nd February....
Flight of The Earls
If you don’t know by now that its the 400th Anniversary of the Flight of The Earls you must be hiding under a rock. There was a very good documentary on it on BBC last week, which is a 3 parter, and all over the country from Kinsale to Rathmullan to Cookstown people are getting ready to celebrate it. Here’s my quick summary: Basically what happened brought about the end of Gaelic Rule and the start of what became English Rule and Law over the Northern part of Ireland. Various Irish chieftains, including Hugh O’ Neill, refused to recognise Queen Elizabeth the first’s dominion over Ireland but after 9 years of fighting, with the support of the King of Spain, and realising that their resistance was futile they left Ireland on a ship, from Rathmullan, settling in many places across Europe.
Hope I got all that right now: History was never my strong point at school! There’s loads and loads more at the Donegal County Council site at www.flightoftheearls.ie. Incidentally Brian Friel’s play about these events will be playing in many of the most relevant areas of Ulster throughout March, shipping up in Derry, Armagh, Coleraine and Cookstown after it opens in An Grianan on 14th March.
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