A recent press release concerning a proposed tour by what has been described as ‘The Specials’, failed to clarify the actual line up of the band. Not surprisingly therefore, many people are under the impression it is the original Specials. As was common knowledge at the time of their success, Jerry Dammers was the founder, main songwriter and driving force of The Specials. He recruited every member individually, and the musical and style direction was guided by him. He designed the 2 Tone logo and formed the 2 Tone record label.
Jerry has a duty to inform anybody who may be interested, of the true situation, which is that he was not invited to take part in this proposed tour, or even told about it. He also has to say that claims that “the door is still open” to him, fail to mention that Jerry has been driven out every time he has attempted to get involved over the last year. He also wonders why this appears in the newspaper when former bandmates have his phone number. “The prodigal sons came home, kicked me out, and have left the door open, great” says Jerry. These claims also contradict lawyers’ letters stating that former members have resolved to go ahead without him, and that Jerry is not to speak to any of them. Attempts to imply that any proposed tour has Jerry’s “blessing”, at this stage, are also highly misleading. These seem to be part of a wider attempt to rewrite the whole history of the band, in order to try and justify what is currently going on .
Jerry does not wish to go into too much detail at this point, except to say that for over 25 years he had dreamed that his former band mates might come back one day, and was deeply shocked to find that when they did, for some of them, it was apparently to kick him out. Jerry had already started recording with a couple of them and the results were good. However, Roddy Radiation started a campaign of verbal abuse against Jerry on the internet under the assumed name of Jett Rink, and progress was halted. Millionaire Simon Jordan has confirmed in The Sun (Dec 8th) that he helped put this latest proposed band together. Jordan first teamed up with Terry Hall and his manager then Lynval Golding. (Hall and Golding both played at Jordan’s 40th birthday party.) It has to be remembered that previously Terry Hall had for years attempted to distance himself from The Specials (and it’s politics) and even once described the band as an “embarrassment “ to him.
A meeting was called to which Jerry was not invited. Jerry turned up anyway and played the music he had started recording, and suggested starting serious rehearsals, but was subjected to a severe dressing down from people who had barely spoken to him in 25 years. Apart from the recording, Jerry wanted to try and aim for a proper reunion and thirtieth anniversary celebration, including the best part of both Specials albums, The Ghost Town E.P., and a small amount of new material, in proper concerts, in venues worthy of the band’s status and legacy. Jerry said he thought this would involve a fair amount of rehearsal (for himself as much as everyone else obviously), but some former members did not seem to think this was necessary, and it certainly did not feel like Jerry was going to get any thanks if he tried to make any musical suggestions. Jerry has heard that former members currently “want to play mainly the first album”, he doesn’t know if this is true, but it is definitely easier to sing and play .
Shortly after this meeting Lynval Golding told Jerry on the phone that his services would not be required, “like Bill Wyman in The Stones” said Lynval. Jerry persevered for over a year, but every conceivable obstacle was put in the way of him either attending or organising reasonable rehearsals. Secret rehearsals were held without him, and his own attempts were sabotaged. For about six months Terry would not even attend any rehearsal unless Jerry agreed in advance, to a tour organised by Terry’s manager. Lynval and Horace were also managed by Terry’s manager by this time. Jerry was expected apparently to agree to other absurd proposals from Terry’s manager including for example rerecording the entire first two Specials albums all over again. Roddy Radiation’s claim on the internet that Jerry wanted to do “slowed down jazz versions of Specials songs” is a complete lie.
Jerry sees this whole thing as a takeover, rather than a proper reunion, representing primarily Terry Hall and his manager’s (not to mention Simon Jordan’s) ideas of what ‘The Specials’ should be and do. Press claims that this proposed band is now “led by Terry Hall” seem to back this up. Jerry does not believe it represents what the real Specials stood for, politically, or in terms of creativity, imagination or forwardness of ideas, and he does not think the proposed venues would really be appropriate to a band of the status of the real Specials. He thinks the real test will come if or when another album is ever made. At the moment this is not the proud reunion and thirtieth anniversary celebration Jerry had hoped for.
Although a lot of the responsibility lies with Terry’s manager (who now apparently manages the whole project), these are grown men too, and they are more than responsible for the actions of their manager. Neville Staples is the only former member who demonstrated real commitment to Jerry’s involvement.
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Friday, October 31, 2008
Friday, October 10, 2008
Wednesday, October 08, 2008
Friday, July 25, 2008
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Aiken Promotions presents...
Jerry Dammers
Live at Vicar St -Friday 12h Sept '08
Tickets on sale Fri 25th July at 9am
Jerry Dammers' Spatial A.K.A. Orchestra present :
"Cosmic Engineers - a tribute to the mystic music mavericks".
Founder and keyboard player of seventies ska band The Specials, Jerry Dammers visits Dublin with his new orchestra for the first time, for an evening of retro future jazz, with a little reggae, library music and even ska thrown in. Prepare to be entertained by visitors from dark worlds as Dammers and a selection of the U.K.s foremost jazz musicians pay tribute to the music of Sun Ra, Alice Coltrane, Coxsone Dodd and others, even including the odd Dammers' classic, in a manner credible to jazz, funk, breakbeat, and rock fans alike.
Jerry Dammers
Live at Vicar St -Friday 12h Sept '08
Tickets on sale Fri 25th July at 9am
Jerry Dammers' Spatial A.K.A. Orchestra present :
"Cosmic Engineers - a tribute to the mystic music mavericks".
Founder and keyboard player of seventies ska band The Specials, Jerry Dammers visits Dublin with his new orchestra for the first time, for an evening of retro future jazz, with a little reggae, library music and even ska thrown in. Prepare to be entertained by visitors from dark worlds as Dammers and a selection of the U.K.s foremost jazz musicians pay tribute to the music of Sun Ra, Alice Coltrane, Coxsone Dodd and others, even including the odd Dammers' classic, in a manner credible to jazz, funk, breakbeat, and rock fans alike.
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Monday, July 07, 2008
Monday, June 30, 2008
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Thursday, June 19, 2008
No Must Mean No
And so in the aftermath' (yes they are really using this term) of the rejection of the Lisbon Treaty the politicians are trying to convince us of two things. One is that we niaevly did the wrong thing, but it wasn't our fault, we had our poor heads filled with 'lies' by the nasty no campaign, and secondly that it is a disaster of hurricane proportions that has sent the EU into a tailspin and will come crashing down if we don't have another vote and ratify it. It's an insulting and patronising view. We are the only people that have been given the vote on this, in all other countries it is to be decided by professional politicians. Now to suggest, as many have that what is good for professional politicians must be good for the ordinary person is not always correct, just ask those suffering in Zimbabwae under the 'elected' Robert Mugabe. This is not the end of Europe, what it means is it stays the way it is now. The way the politicians decided it must be only a few years ago when bringing in the Nice Treaty, which was so important we had to vote on it twice until we got the vote 'right'. Sound familiar? Never mind that the people of Europe where given the opportunity have rejected this: in France and the Netherlands, when they were given the chance when it was framed as the European Constitution, and now in Ireland. French politicians have suggested the rest of Europe go on ahead without Ireland, ignoring the legal reality that it only becomes law if ALL 27 ratify it, and others have suggested we vote again and again until we give them the answer the politicians want. Which suggests none of them give a damn about Democracy. Why don't they just do what Mugabe is suggesting and put armed police in the voting centres to watch you vote? That would clean it up quickly enough. If they care about Democracy the Lisbon Treaty will be scrapped, but then maybe they don't care about it? Maybe that is the European development that convinced so many to vote no in the first place, the worrying drift away from what the people want and what the politicians and bureaucrats decide we should have. If they bring it to a second referendum anyone who cares about Democracy must vote no. No must mean no for Democracy's sake.
Punx Picnic June 28 & 29
The inaugural (first) Punx Picnic is on this weekend out at Churchill, by the Rock. It's going to be a well organised musical weekend for up to 800 happy revellers. And a nicer bunch of people than the regular Rebellious Jukebox goers you would be hard pushed to meet. There's over 70 acts including punk rock, rock n roll, blues, garage, ska, reggae, acoustic, folk, polka and many more genres of music. Pick up your ticket at Universal Records in the Market Square. Letterkenny.
the Abbey and The Seafarer
Following on from all the publicity about the Seafarer winning a Tony Award (like an Oscar for Stage Actors) tickets have been flying out but fret not, ring now and get some of the remaining ones, call us on 074 91 20777 at An Grianan Box Office. It opens next Tuesday and runs until, and including, Saturday night. Author Conor McPherson will be on Shaun Doherty's radio show on Friday around about mid day so tune into Highland on 103.3fm, he's a very entertaining bloke (and Conor is too!).
Nasty & The Fantastics
Nasty and His Fantastics, all decked out in Superman underwear I believe, will be playing in Mary's (O'Shaughnessy's as it says above the door) also this Friday night, tunes from 10.30.
A Message From Jade
'yo, since you're always looking for stuff for your column why don't you mention how the amazing single 'Red Apple' by Cuckoo Savante featuring Mary Coughlan is currently on sale in Universal Records for 5 tiny euro, and all proceeds go to very worthy charities. The band are currently putting the finishing touches to their debut album and have a number of gigs lined-up in such reputable venues as The Boogaloo Bar in Highgate, London and Camden's Dublin Castle, not to mention slots at Electric Picnic and the Mantua Festival (with a lot more gigs in the pipeline). there ya go ;-) Jade.' So eeerrr who's Jade?
Earagail Arts Festival Highlights Number 2
Bell X1 have been the big highlight of the past few years on the Irish Music Scene, playing to huge crowds all over the country. Bell X1 stalwart Dave Geraghty released his own album Kill Your Darlings in September 2007. In conjunction with the release he completed a sell out Irish tour, and headlined the 2FM 2moro 2our last November. We are delighted to have him play An Grianan in the company of John Shelly & The Creatures on Wednesday 16 July. Tickets on sale now form 074 91 20777, www.angrianan.com.
And so in the aftermath' (yes they are really using this term) of the rejection of the Lisbon Treaty the politicians are trying to convince us of two things. One is that we niaevly did the wrong thing, but it wasn't our fault, we had our poor heads filled with 'lies' by the nasty no campaign, and secondly that it is a disaster of hurricane proportions that has sent the EU into a tailspin and will come crashing down if we don't have another vote and ratify it. It's an insulting and patronising view. We are the only people that have been given the vote on this, in all other countries it is to be decided by professional politicians. Now to suggest, as many have that what is good for professional politicians must be good for the ordinary person is not always correct, just ask those suffering in Zimbabwae under the 'elected' Robert Mugabe. This is not the end of Europe, what it means is it stays the way it is now. The way the politicians decided it must be only a few years ago when bringing in the Nice Treaty, which was so important we had to vote on it twice until we got the vote 'right'. Sound familiar? Never mind that the people of Europe where given the opportunity have rejected this: in France and the Netherlands, when they were given the chance when it was framed as the European Constitution, and now in Ireland. French politicians have suggested the rest of Europe go on ahead without Ireland, ignoring the legal reality that it only becomes law if ALL 27 ratify it, and others have suggested we vote again and again until we give them the answer the politicians want. Which suggests none of them give a damn about Democracy. Why don't they just do what Mugabe is suggesting and put armed police in the voting centres to watch you vote? That would clean it up quickly enough. If they care about Democracy the Lisbon Treaty will be scrapped, but then maybe they don't care about it? Maybe that is the European development that convinced so many to vote no in the first place, the worrying drift away from what the people want and what the politicians and bureaucrats decide we should have. If they bring it to a second referendum anyone who cares about Democracy must vote no. No must mean no for Democracy's sake.
Punx Picnic June 28 & 29
The inaugural (first) Punx Picnic is on this weekend out at Churchill, by the Rock. It's going to be a well organised musical weekend for up to 800 happy revellers. And a nicer bunch of people than the regular Rebellious Jukebox goers you would be hard pushed to meet. There's over 70 acts including punk rock, rock n roll, blues, garage, ska, reggae, acoustic, folk, polka and many more genres of music. Pick up your ticket at Universal Records in the Market Square. Letterkenny.
the Abbey and The Seafarer
Following on from all the publicity about the Seafarer winning a Tony Award (like an Oscar for Stage Actors) tickets have been flying out but fret not, ring now and get some of the remaining ones, call us on 074 91 20777 at An Grianan Box Office. It opens next Tuesday and runs until, and including, Saturday night. Author Conor McPherson will be on Shaun Doherty's radio show on Friday around about mid day so tune into Highland on 103.3fm, he's a very entertaining bloke (and Conor is too!).
Nasty & The Fantastics
Nasty and His Fantastics, all decked out in Superman underwear I believe, will be playing in Mary's (O'Shaughnessy's as it says above the door) also this Friday night, tunes from 10.30.
A Message From Jade
'yo, since you're always looking for stuff for your column why don't you mention how the amazing single 'Red Apple' by Cuckoo Savante featuring Mary Coughlan is currently on sale in Universal Records for 5 tiny euro, and all proceeds go to very worthy charities. The band are currently putting the finishing touches to their debut album and have a number of gigs lined-up in such reputable venues as The Boogaloo Bar in Highgate, London and Camden's Dublin Castle, not to mention slots at Electric Picnic and the Mantua Festival (with a lot more gigs in the pipeline). there ya go ;-) Jade.' So eeerrr who's Jade?
Earagail Arts Festival Highlights Number 2
Bell X1 have been the big highlight of the past few years on the Irish Music Scene, playing to huge crowds all over the country. Bell X1 stalwart Dave Geraghty released his own album Kill Your Darlings in September 2007. In conjunction with the release he completed a sell out Irish tour, and headlined the 2FM 2moro 2our last November. We are delighted to have him play An Grianan in the company of John Shelly & The Creatures on Wednesday 16 July. Tickets on sale now form 074 91 20777, www.angrianan.com.
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Monday, June 16, 2008
Here Come The Abbey!
The Seafarer is taking the world by storm and An Grianan are one of only three venues outside of the Abbey to be receiving it, a huge coup for Donegal. It's a big play wth loads of laughs and plenty of sobering thoughts, although not too many sober characters! It's powerful, funny and unsettling tale that proves once again that Conor McPherson is a born storyteller. The Seafarer has received four nominations in this year's Tony Awards including Best Play. It's Christmas Eve and Sharky has returned to Dublin to look after his irascible, ageing brother who's recently gone blind. Old drinking buddies Ivan and Nicky are holed up at the house too, hoping to play some cards. With the arrival of a stranger from the distant past, the stakes are raised ever higher. In fact, Sharky may be playing for his very soul… Highly recommended for everyone, it's on at An Grianan from next Tuesday 24th for five nights.
Regional Cultural Centre Summer Camps
The Regional Cultural Centre is pleased to offer a variety of weeklong workshops for young people aged 5 – 16 years. Art Safari and Film Buffs will take place at the Regional Cultural Centre, Letterkenny from Monday 11th August – Friday 15th. This programme includes a Field Trip to the Glebe Gallery in Churchill. For further information please contact: Sally Murphy / Ruth McCullough on 074 91 29186. The Regional Cultural Centre also welcomes any feedback or suggestions for further courses.
Art Safari is an explorative journey through the wonderful world of art! This week-long creative workshop programme will have a wide range of fun and active art classes to engage all levels of ability in making and creating art. Sessions will include printmaking, 3d sculpture, painting, digital photography and much more. Group 1 will be led by artist / facilitator Roxane Keeney (ages 5-8) Group 2, led by artist / facilitator Mhairi Sutherland (ages 9-12).
Film Buffs, this week-long workshop for young people with artist / facilitator Tracy Cullen will guide budding filmmakers through all aspects of the movie process from storyboarding, cinematography, script development, lighting, sound, directing techniques, production and editing. Each participant will be given a specific theme and will have one week to make their own short film! Ages 13-16. Prior booking is essential as places are limited.
Children and their parents are invited to come to the Regional Cultural Centre for a drop-in Family Art Camp on Saturday 16th August, from 1 – 4pm to explore the magical world of Op Art through the work of Victor Vasarely. This exciting afternoon session offers families the opportunity to get together and be creative. Prepare to get paint on your hands! Admission Free. All adults must be accompanied by a child.
An Grianan Summer Camps
An Grianan has three Summer Camps this year: The Performing Arts Summer School, Mon 21 to Sat 26 July, suitable for ages 8 to 20. After the adventures of Red in 2006 and Finn McCool in 2007, this year's Performing Arts Summer School goes through the looking glass with Alice in Wonderland. Throughout the week participants will take part in a variety of workshops covering singing, acting, choreography and stagecraft. Running the school are a group of seasoned musical theatre professionals including actors, choreographers and technicians. The school culminates in a showcase performance where participants will perform alongside professional performers. A perfect introduction to the world of theatre for beginners and a great way for more experienced students to build on their knowledge.
Mon 28 July to Sat 2 August, Choral Academy with Jim Maley, suitable for ages 10 to 18. If singing's your thing then this is the workshop for you! As with all our summer schools the emphasis is on live performance and the week culminates in a concert in which the participants will sing together as a choir, complete with musical accompaniment from Jim Maley and guests. Every year we get the same feedback – the standard achieved in just one short week is nothing short of brilliant!
Mon 4 to Fri 8 August, Ballet Ireland Summer School, suitable for ages 6+. Dance alongside professional ballet dancers with Ireland's national ballet company! Suitable for boys and girls alike, each will be schooled to work to the best of their own abilities, and it may surprise you how much you can do under this expert guidance. During the week’s workshops, exploration into all the component parts of ballet is made: music, mime, painting and drama, as well as that of dance. Your friends and family will have the chance to see you in a wonderful end of week ballet performance alongside dancer/tutor Stephen Brennan and other members of Ballet Ireland. Book or get more information on 074 91 20777.
Earagail Arts Festival
The programme for the 20th Earagail Arts Festival is out now and very good it is too. Despite being reduced by a few days it has 20 or so more shows than last year! Get your hands on a brochure which should be everywhere around you at the moment, or you can definitely get one in An Grianan or The Balor. Loads of highlights but the stand out one is Sensazione, which will be the centrpeice of Letterkenny Town Park. Once through the gateway the audience are transported to a world of fairground folk with fantastic tales and extraordinary requests devised and improvised by the internationally renowned Laika performers. The audience are free to roam the fairground following the performers from location to location and enjoying the array of custom fairground rides all made from recycled materials by the ingenious Time Machine makers. In the true spirit of the new age of renewable power all the energy to operate the rides comes form the patrons of the funfair….even the lights.
A globascope, a ferris wheel, a merry-go-round, or a visit to the fairground fortune teller, are all on offer, the funfair, the carnival theatre and circus all rolled into one fantastic spectacle that is Sensazione Laika is an international theatre company based in Antwerp that creates ‘theatre for the senses’. Its productions appeal abound with tasty stories, new recipes and unknown worlds. Artists in different disciplines join forces to deliver the company’s hallmark: lucid, expressive, and accessible theatre. Time Circus Collective is a travelling company from Antwerp who specialise in building innovative theatre machines. Book now on 074 91 20777.
The Seafarer is taking the world by storm and An Grianan are one of only three venues outside of the Abbey to be receiving it, a huge coup for Donegal. It's a big play wth loads of laughs and plenty of sobering thoughts, although not too many sober characters! It's powerful, funny and unsettling tale that proves once again that Conor McPherson is a born storyteller. The Seafarer has received four nominations in this year's Tony Awards including Best Play. It's Christmas Eve and Sharky has returned to Dublin to look after his irascible, ageing brother who's recently gone blind. Old drinking buddies Ivan and Nicky are holed up at the house too, hoping to play some cards. With the arrival of a stranger from the distant past, the stakes are raised ever higher. In fact, Sharky may be playing for his very soul… Highly recommended for everyone, it's on at An Grianan from next Tuesday 24th for five nights.
Regional Cultural Centre Summer Camps
The Regional Cultural Centre is pleased to offer a variety of weeklong workshops for young people aged 5 – 16 years. Art Safari and Film Buffs will take place at the Regional Cultural Centre, Letterkenny from Monday 11th August – Friday 15th. This programme includes a Field Trip to the Glebe Gallery in Churchill. For further information please contact: Sally Murphy / Ruth McCullough on 074 91 29186. The Regional Cultural Centre also welcomes any feedback or suggestions for further courses.
Art Safari is an explorative journey through the wonderful world of art! This week-long creative workshop programme will have a wide range of fun and active art classes to engage all levels of ability in making and creating art. Sessions will include printmaking, 3d sculpture, painting, digital photography and much more. Group 1 will be led by artist / facilitator Roxane Keeney (ages 5-8) Group 2, led by artist / facilitator Mhairi Sutherland (ages 9-12).
Film Buffs, this week-long workshop for young people with artist / facilitator Tracy Cullen will guide budding filmmakers through all aspects of the movie process from storyboarding, cinematography, script development, lighting, sound, directing techniques, production and editing. Each participant will be given a specific theme and will have one week to make their own short film! Ages 13-16. Prior booking is essential as places are limited.
Children and their parents are invited to come to the Regional Cultural Centre for a drop-in Family Art Camp on Saturday 16th August, from 1 – 4pm to explore the magical world of Op Art through the work of Victor Vasarely. This exciting afternoon session offers families the opportunity to get together and be creative. Prepare to get paint on your hands! Admission Free. All adults must be accompanied by a child.
An Grianan Summer Camps
An Grianan has three Summer Camps this year: The Performing Arts Summer School, Mon 21 to Sat 26 July, suitable for ages 8 to 20. After the adventures of Red in 2006 and Finn McCool in 2007, this year's Performing Arts Summer School goes through the looking glass with Alice in Wonderland. Throughout the week participants will take part in a variety of workshops covering singing, acting, choreography and stagecraft. Running the school are a group of seasoned musical theatre professionals including actors, choreographers and technicians. The school culminates in a showcase performance where participants will perform alongside professional performers. A perfect introduction to the world of theatre for beginners and a great way for more experienced students to build on their knowledge.
Mon 28 July to Sat 2 August, Choral Academy with Jim Maley, suitable for ages 10 to 18. If singing's your thing then this is the workshop for you! As with all our summer schools the emphasis is on live performance and the week culminates in a concert in which the participants will sing together as a choir, complete with musical accompaniment from Jim Maley and guests. Every year we get the same feedback – the standard achieved in just one short week is nothing short of brilliant!
Mon 4 to Fri 8 August, Ballet Ireland Summer School, suitable for ages 6+. Dance alongside professional ballet dancers with Ireland's national ballet company! Suitable for boys and girls alike, each will be schooled to work to the best of their own abilities, and it may surprise you how much you can do under this expert guidance. During the week’s workshops, exploration into all the component parts of ballet is made: music, mime, painting and drama, as well as that of dance. Your friends and family will have the chance to see you in a wonderful end of week ballet performance alongside dancer/tutor Stephen Brennan and other members of Ballet Ireland. Book or get more information on 074 91 20777.
Earagail Arts Festival
The programme for the 20th Earagail Arts Festival is out now and very good it is too. Despite being reduced by a few days it has 20 or so more shows than last year! Get your hands on a brochure which should be everywhere around you at the moment, or you can definitely get one in An Grianan or The Balor. Loads of highlights but the stand out one is Sensazione, which will be the centrpeice of Letterkenny Town Park. Once through the gateway the audience are transported to a world of fairground folk with fantastic tales and extraordinary requests devised and improvised by the internationally renowned Laika performers. The audience are free to roam the fairground following the performers from location to location and enjoying the array of custom fairground rides all made from recycled materials by the ingenious Time Machine makers. In the true spirit of the new age of renewable power all the energy to operate the rides comes form the patrons of the funfair….even the lights.
A globascope, a ferris wheel, a merry-go-round, or a visit to the fairground fortune teller, are all on offer, the funfair, the carnival theatre and circus all rolled into one fantastic spectacle that is Sensazione Laika is an international theatre company based in Antwerp that creates ‘theatre for the senses’. Its productions appeal abound with tasty stories, new recipes and unknown worlds. Artists in different disciplines join forces to deliver the company’s hallmark: lucid, expressive, and accessible theatre. Time Circus Collective is a travelling company from Antwerp who specialise in building innovative theatre machines. Book now on 074 91 20777.
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Claire told me to get back to blogging so here I am!
Ah yes folks I'm back from my trip to the sun. One week in Mallorca is officially over, and I'm back to the cloudy overcast skies of Donegal. I'm told the sun scorched everyone while I was away but they would say that ... A few things occurred to me on holiday: only a parent finds it funny when their four year old screams in a stage whisper 'we are all going to die' as the plane gets ready for take off. We are all being clothed by the same companies. Time was you could tell the different nationalities apart by how they dressed, now they all look the same except the English who appear obsessed with all the other nationalities knowing they are English, the number of them wearing Union Jacks t shirts and England football jerseys is outrageous considering they failed to qualify for Euro 2008! We are all getting bigger, and particularly the Scandinavians seem to be the ones who are getting biggest quickest. The Euro is a good thing, no more commission or rip off charges. I wasn't made for the sun but I like it. Mosquito bites are really irritating. And it's good to be home.
The Seafarer
It's time to see a brilliant play and the play is the Seafarer which opens on Tuesday week, 24th June. The opening night is now booked up but there's plenty of tickets for Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday so don't miss this one! It's the Abbey putting it on, small t, in joke there. Sorry bout that. Made me smile though. Give the Box Office a ring on 07499120777 or go to www.angrianan.com.
The Central
Contrary to popular advertising the Joe Dolan tribute Act is on this Saturday night in the Central, with Marty swinging the tunes thereafter..
Des Bishop
Des is back in the theatre this Tuesday night and as I type this there are a couple of single seats left, ring now and catch them.
Earagail Arts Festival
The 20th Earagail Arts Festival (how time flies...), is on from 10th to the 20th July with a fun filled and entertainment packed programme. And indeed the programmes are out now. Check it all out on eaf.ie or pick on up in a shop near you, or indeed in the theatre. I'll be giving you my highlights over the next few weeks....
The New Balor
The new Balor has a cracking series of events to kick off their new venue, and it ties in nicely with the Earagail festival, so if you get the Earagail brochure you will see what's going on their too. Course they have their own brochure out now too.
Summer Camps
We have a Performing Arts Summer School here at An Grianan, a Choral Academy and a Drama Camp, over the summer months. These are all week long and you can get more info on 074 91 20777, or again online at www.angrianan.com
The Harps
The League of Ireland has a 2 week break now which is just as well 'cos the lads look tired. Hopefully Minno will be back soon, we've missed him. Its a tough season but remember: In Higgsy We Trust.
Ah yes folks I'm back from my trip to the sun. One week in Mallorca is officially over, and I'm back to the cloudy overcast skies of Donegal. I'm told the sun scorched everyone while I was away but they would say that ... A few things occurred to me on holiday: only a parent finds it funny when their four year old screams in a stage whisper 'we are all going to die' as the plane gets ready for take off. We are all being clothed by the same companies. Time was you could tell the different nationalities apart by how they dressed, now they all look the same except the English who appear obsessed with all the other nationalities knowing they are English, the number of them wearing Union Jacks t shirts and England football jerseys is outrageous considering they failed to qualify for Euro 2008! We are all getting bigger, and particularly the Scandinavians seem to be the ones who are getting biggest quickest. The Euro is a good thing, no more commission or rip off charges. I wasn't made for the sun but I like it. Mosquito bites are really irritating. And it's good to be home.
The Seafarer
It's time to see a brilliant play and the play is the Seafarer which opens on Tuesday week, 24th June. The opening night is now booked up but there's plenty of tickets for Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday so don't miss this one! It's the Abbey putting it on, small t, in joke there. Sorry bout that. Made me smile though. Give the Box Office a ring on 07499120777 or go to www.angrianan.com.
The Central
Contrary to popular advertising the Joe Dolan tribute Act is on this Saturday night in the Central, with Marty swinging the tunes thereafter..
Des Bishop
Des is back in the theatre this Tuesday night and as I type this there are a couple of single seats left, ring now and catch them.
Earagail Arts Festival
The 20th Earagail Arts Festival (how time flies...), is on from 10th to the 20th July with a fun filled and entertainment packed programme. And indeed the programmes are out now. Check it all out on eaf.ie or pick on up in a shop near you, or indeed in the theatre. I'll be giving you my highlights over the next few weeks....
The New Balor
The new Balor has a cracking series of events to kick off their new venue, and it ties in nicely with the Earagail festival, so if you get the Earagail brochure you will see what's going on their too. Course they have their own brochure out now too.
Summer Camps
We have a Performing Arts Summer School here at An Grianan, a Choral Academy and a Drama Camp, over the summer months. These are all week long and you can get more info on 074 91 20777, or again online at www.angrianan.com
The Harps
The League of Ireland has a 2 week break now which is just as well 'cos the lads look tired. Hopefully Minno will be back soon, we've missed him. Its a tough season but remember: In Higgsy We Trust.
Friday, April 18, 2008
1 million Tiny Plays About dj’ing..... number 2.
Two girls approach the d.j box as everyone else is walking away after the last song. They have probably had a few drinks...
Go’on play ....
Can’t, I’m sorry it’s over.
Ah just one more tune ...
I adopt a jocular manner.
I was thinking that we should change the National Anthem to ‘One More Tune’ ‘cos it’s always the last thing I hear ...
Girl Number One attempts a disaproving look. I ignore it and give her the false broad smile. This throws her, she looks to her friend for support who pipes up...
Have you got MGMT?
Yes I played it earlier.
Go’on play it now.
I can’t the lights are on, the music has stopped and it’s time to go. The Gardai are very strict these days. And if I play tunes twice the other tunes get jealous, (I'm getting into my stride now, they have no chance interrupting me). I mean think of all the tunes that don’t get played at all and then to play one twice! Sure there’d be murder in the car on the way home, they’d be fighting their way out of the box.
She looks at me as if I’m a mentalist.
Ah go’on.
I can’t.
You can.
It’s over, if you want a song you should request it early on and we can try and get it in.
But I wasn’t here when you played it.
Well maybe you should come earlier and then you’d get your one more song, lots more songs, I’ve been here for over two hours....
They consult, I pack things away but they aren’t finished. The other friend comes back flashing big doe eyes,
Are you going to play it then?
No.
Well I’m not coming back again you know.
Ok.
What?
Ok. I put out my hand over the partition. She puts out hers, looking a little confused, I shake her hand, smiling.
It was good to meet you this once anyway, take care of yourself.
Oh charming, that’s bloody charming that is, oh you’re very funny.
She takes her friend by the arm,
Come on we’re off....
Fast forward to the next Friday ....
Hi remember me?
MGMT is it?
YES! you remembered
How could I forget? ... I’ve already played it .....
Get Thee Hence to the Ballet ...
This Sunday, An Grianan, two shows, 3pm and 8pm, there’s tickets left so no excuses, I’m taking my Megan to it to (ahem) celebrate her Holy Communion. Based on Charles Perrault’s fairy story, the ballet is about a beautiful Princess bound by a wicked fairy’s spell to sleep for a hundred years. She can only be woken by the kiss of a handsome prince. The ballet is full of wonderful characters including the Lilac Fairy, the Rose Adagio, the Bluebird as well as a cast of fairy-tale characters who gather for the sparkling final wedding celebration, under the direction of Stanislav Tchassov, former Principal dancer of The Bolshoi Ballet. I love a good ballet, me.
It’s Conal Time!
And on this Friday and Saturday nights in An Grianan is Conal Gallen, supreme gag teller of the old school. Sure everything is back to the old school these days. C’mere Murphy walks into a bar .... Show at 8pm, Tickets available on the door.
Finn Harps
I’m presuming last week’s performance was just so RTE would have enough comedy clips to play for rest of the season on the excellent Monday Night Soccer programme and hope they are back to normal this week away against Cork. ‘Mon the lads. May I suggest Higgsy gets the defence introduced to each other through speed dating? Aaron this is Malcolm, Malcolm this is Aaron. Pleased to meet you, and what do you do? Oh your a right back, funny I’m a centre half! What a small world, eh?
Regional Culture
The RCC in Letterkenny have Liam O’ Flynn and Paddy Glackin this Friday night. Master uillean piper Liam O'Flynn, the current TG4 ‘Traditional Musician of the Year’, and leading fiddle player Paddy Glackin are two of the greatest living Irish traditional musicians (it says here, my in laws would beg to differ about Paddy Glackin and his rewriting and retuning of Donegal fiddle history but we’ll gloss over that bit). O'Flynn’s career includes Planxty, the National Symphony Orchestra and ‘The Poet and the Piper’ with the Nobel laureate Seamus Heaney. Glackin’s recordings include his eponymous debut album and duet albums with uilleann piper Paddy Keenan, keyboard experimentalist Jolyn Jackson and Donal Lunny, who just performed in the Balor. Tickets on door.
Theresa’s in a play...
My mate, and occasional surfin’ buddy, Theresa is in a play. In the Balor.This group, comprised entirely of HSE employees, produce and perform a play every year with the proceeds going to a number of worthy causes including St. Mary's National School, the Patient Comfort Funds of St. Joseph's Hospital and the Sean O Hare Unit. This year's play is a Sam Cree crowd pleaser – Separate Beds. There's tipsy housekeepers, eccentric vicars, pretend wives and a very lazy painter. You know exactly what you're getting with a Sam Cree show - lots of belly laughs, double entendre and innuendo combining into one damn good night out. It’s from Sun Apr 20 to Wed Apr 23. Tickets are €10 and available from The Balor Box Office on 074 91 31840.
Two girls approach the d.j box as everyone else is walking away after the last song. They have probably had a few drinks...
Go’on play ....
Can’t, I’m sorry it’s over.
Ah just one more tune ...
I adopt a jocular manner.
I was thinking that we should change the National Anthem to ‘One More Tune’ ‘cos it’s always the last thing I hear ...
Girl Number One attempts a disaproving look. I ignore it and give her the false broad smile. This throws her, she looks to her friend for support who pipes up...
Have you got MGMT?
Yes I played it earlier.
Go’on play it now.
I can’t the lights are on, the music has stopped and it’s time to go. The Gardai are very strict these days. And if I play tunes twice the other tunes get jealous, (I'm getting into my stride now, they have no chance interrupting me). I mean think of all the tunes that don’t get played at all and then to play one twice! Sure there’d be murder in the car on the way home, they’d be fighting their way out of the box.
She looks at me as if I’m a mentalist.
Ah go’on.
I can’t.
You can.
It’s over, if you want a song you should request it early on and we can try and get it in.
But I wasn’t here when you played it.
Well maybe you should come earlier and then you’d get your one more song, lots more songs, I’ve been here for over two hours....
They consult, I pack things away but they aren’t finished. The other friend comes back flashing big doe eyes,
Are you going to play it then?
No.
Well I’m not coming back again you know.
Ok.
What?
Ok. I put out my hand over the partition. She puts out hers, looking a little confused, I shake her hand, smiling.
It was good to meet you this once anyway, take care of yourself.
Oh charming, that’s bloody charming that is, oh you’re very funny.
She takes her friend by the arm,
Come on we’re off....
Fast forward to the next Friday ....
Hi remember me?
MGMT is it?
YES! you remembered
How could I forget? ... I’ve already played it .....
Get Thee Hence to the Ballet ...
This Sunday, An Grianan, two shows, 3pm and 8pm, there’s tickets left so no excuses, I’m taking my Megan to it to (ahem) celebrate her Holy Communion. Based on Charles Perrault’s fairy story, the ballet is about a beautiful Princess bound by a wicked fairy’s spell to sleep for a hundred years. She can only be woken by the kiss of a handsome prince. The ballet is full of wonderful characters including the Lilac Fairy, the Rose Adagio, the Bluebird as well as a cast of fairy-tale characters who gather for the sparkling final wedding celebration, under the direction of Stanislav Tchassov, former Principal dancer of The Bolshoi Ballet. I love a good ballet, me.
It’s Conal Time!
And on this Friday and Saturday nights in An Grianan is Conal Gallen, supreme gag teller of the old school. Sure everything is back to the old school these days. C’mere Murphy walks into a bar .... Show at 8pm, Tickets available on the door.
Finn Harps
I’m presuming last week’s performance was just so RTE would have enough comedy clips to play for rest of the season on the excellent Monday Night Soccer programme and hope they are back to normal this week away against Cork. ‘Mon the lads. May I suggest Higgsy gets the defence introduced to each other through speed dating? Aaron this is Malcolm, Malcolm this is Aaron. Pleased to meet you, and what do you do? Oh your a right back, funny I’m a centre half! What a small world, eh?
Regional Culture
The RCC in Letterkenny have Liam O’ Flynn and Paddy Glackin this Friday night. Master uillean piper Liam O'Flynn, the current TG4 ‘Traditional Musician of the Year’, and leading fiddle player Paddy Glackin are two of the greatest living Irish traditional musicians (it says here, my in laws would beg to differ about Paddy Glackin and his rewriting and retuning of Donegal fiddle history but we’ll gloss over that bit). O'Flynn’s career includes Planxty, the National Symphony Orchestra and ‘The Poet and the Piper’ with the Nobel laureate Seamus Heaney. Glackin’s recordings include his eponymous debut album and duet albums with uilleann piper Paddy Keenan, keyboard experimentalist Jolyn Jackson and Donal Lunny, who just performed in the Balor. Tickets on door.
Theresa’s in a play...
My mate, and occasional surfin’ buddy, Theresa is in a play. In the Balor.This group, comprised entirely of HSE employees, produce and perform a play every year with the proceeds going to a number of worthy causes including St. Mary's National School, the Patient Comfort Funds of St. Joseph's Hospital and the Sean O Hare Unit. This year's play is a Sam Cree crowd pleaser – Separate Beds. There's tipsy housekeepers, eccentric vicars, pretend wives and a very lazy painter. You know exactly what you're getting with a Sam Cree show - lots of belly laughs, double entendre and innuendo combining into one damn good night out. It’s from Sun Apr 20 to Wed Apr 23. Tickets are €10 and available from The Balor Box Office on 074 91 31840.
Tuesday, April 08, 2008
Friday, April 04, 2008
What time does the last train go?
When I was about 15 an American tourist asked a group of us young ones hanging around bored, which is the essential pastime of young ones, what time the last train went to Derry. 1953 was the witty, and correct, answer. Which begs the question how can we expect to become a city without a train station? It is a basic transport need, and indeed requirement for any forward thinking urban area. At the moment Letterkenny is choc a block with car traffic at peak times. The Neil T Blaney Road was apparently designed as a relief road but has added to the pressure by being the site for high traffic out of town retail units there. How will the Letterkenny roads, already jammed, cope with even more of a population? Sligo, a comparable size, has a train line to Dublin, an airport, and a fine town bus service. We dont even have a decent road to Lifford, the first step on our journey to Dublin.....! If Letterkenny really wants to move forward good access and transportation is essential. Maybe now that we no longer have a Dublin Taoiseach the rest of the country will get a lash at the billions of Euros earmarked for rail services in what is now a fine 21st Century capital city. Unfortunately we're still behind where we were mid 20th Century .....
Ocean Colour will be Seen...
The Grill has now reopened and thanks to the huge publicity is being talked about like never before! It's an ill wind and all that. And it is timely because I think this Sunday night could be the best gig they have had on yet as Ocean Colour Scene, who are known for their great live gigs, come to town. They have had two big albums in Moseley Shoals and Marchin' Together and first came to my attention when I realised that two of them were members of Paul Weller's regular backing band. Many of their influences are the same as Weller's, most notably the Small Faces I'd say (feel free to argue with me in person). They've also been close to Oasis, indeed they were a support act at the legendary Knebworth gig and have performed and toured with Oasis over the years. Still it's on their own merits they should be taken and the acoustic set up of this gig will suit classics such as The Day We Took The Train perfectly. Only 20 Euros in. Bargain. I'll be dragging myself away from Sunday evening telly for this one!
What's it all about, Beckett?
Samuel Beckett is one of those names that often gets bandied about by people who want to show their intellectual superiority so I never expected to like his stuff but as I work in the theatre I thought I better give it a go and was shocked to find out that it's really funny cracking entertainment, not quite sure what the story was about but I laughed all the way through. Now I couldn't tell you about the big themes that people go on about on T.V. when talking about him but I do know that there's now way he was po faced as he loves a giggle, and indeed toilet humour, they never tell you that on The View! There's a Beckett play on in An Grianan next Tuesday. 'First Love' focuses on a first love affair, and the primary loves that influenced Beckett's life and writing - his dead father, his delight in language, and his profound need for isolation. The 39 year old narrator looks back to when he was 25 and talks about the eviction from his childhood home, his life as a vagrant in Dublin and his meeting with his first love. It's performed by Conor Lovett who has made a fine career out of Backett's works. Why not come along and try it, don't worry too much about understanding everything, and if you feel like laughing do. It's what Beckett would have wanted.
Extra Show for Des Bishop
Told you it was flying. With the Sunday show sold out we've added an extra show for Des on Monday 29th April. Having spent the past twelve months of intense study and immersion in Connemara’s Gaeltact in an effort to speak as Gaeilge Des Bishop is back on the road again. Drawing from his experiences, the star of the RTE show ‘In the Name of the Fada’, comes to An Grianan with his live stand up show ‘Tongues’. ‘Tongues’ deals with Des’s most formidable challenge yet, taking the ultimate step towards Irishness. Already attracting rave reviews, ‘Tongues’ also explores the religious side of Des’s identity, from his early days as an overly theatrical altar boy to his experience with people who have the power to speak in tongues. Call the Box Office now on 074 91 20777.
Happy Birthday Rebellious Jukebox!
Next Friday 11th April, The Red Room, Sister Sarah’s, Letterkenny, wear your party hats for The Dangerfields, a three piece rock n roll band originally from Belfast, formed in 2000. Apparently their debut album Born To Rock swaggers like the Stones, swings like the Ramones and kicks the door in like Motorhead. Dublin band Moutpiece play garage rock, and have many of the best Dublin punk musicians of the last 20 years in the line up, in particular Conzo erstwhile leader of the God like Female Hercules, Tommy Trousers (who was one of the 48 guests at my wedding 10 years ago) and Derek Moulds and of course the ironically named 'safe' Gary. If you see only one band this year ..... and the line up will be completed by Elroy and another Letterkenny band who are spending too much time trying to come up with a name. Doors 9pm. Admission a meager €6. Presents optional.
Julie Fowlis
Also on Friday 11th April is a must see gig in a very different vein, she won loads of awards and had people make many ridiculous claims about her voice but the reality is that this Hebridean singer is fabulous. Go see her. You can thank me later. She's in the Regional Cultural Centre in Letterkenny. Doors from 8pm. All my brother in laws are going (there's four) and if they are impressed anyone will be!
Oh Super Higgsy he used to be a mucker but he's alright now...
Bit of a setback against Bohs last week and another away game this Friday against Bray, hopefully a point or three there. Next home game is against St Pats on 11 April. Why is everything on that night? I'm going to be soooo busy.
Universal Books on the move
Universal Books has moved, lock stock and barrel to beside Bakersville on the Church Lane. Now stocking even more new, old, rare and hard to get books at fantastically small prices (and don't forget to haggle!). I love shops like this and now it's closer to me. Happy days. Tell David I sent you.
When I was about 15 an American tourist asked a group of us young ones hanging around bored, which is the essential pastime of young ones, what time the last train went to Derry. 1953 was the witty, and correct, answer. Which begs the question how can we expect to become a city without a train station? It is a basic transport need, and indeed requirement for any forward thinking urban area. At the moment Letterkenny is choc a block with car traffic at peak times. The Neil T Blaney Road was apparently designed as a relief road but has added to the pressure by being the site for high traffic out of town retail units there. How will the Letterkenny roads, already jammed, cope with even more of a population? Sligo, a comparable size, has a train line to Dublin, an airport, and a fine town bus service. We dont even have a decent road to Lifford, the first step on our journey to Dublin.....! If Letterkenny really wants to move forward good access and transportation is essential. Maybe now that we no longer have a Dublin Taoiseach the rest of the country will get a lash at the billions of Euros earmarked for rail services in what is now a fine 21st Century capital city. Unfortunately we're still behind where we were mid 20th Century .....
Ocean Colour will be Seen...
The Grill has now reopened and thanks to the huge publicity is being talked about like never before! It's an ill wind and all that. And it is timely because I think this Sunday night could be the best gig they have had on yet as Ocean Colour Scene, who are known for their great live gigs, come to town. They have had two big albums in Moseley Shoals and Marchin' Together and first came to my attention when I realised that two of them were members of Paul Weller's regular backing band. Many of their influences are the same as Weller's, most notably the Small Faces I'd say (feel free to argue with me in person). They've also been close to Oasis, indeed they were a support act at the legendary Knebworth gig and have performed and toured with Oasis over the years. Still it's on their own merits they should be taken and the acoustic set up of this gig will suit classics such as The Day We Took The Train perfectly. Only 20 Euros in. Bargain. I'll be dragging myself away from Sunday evening telly for this one!
What's it all about, Beckett?
Samuel Beckett is one of those names that often gets bandied about by people who want to show their intellectual superiority so I never expected to like his stuff but as I work in the theatre I thought I better give it a go and was shocked to find out that it's really funny cracking entertainment, not quite sure what the story was about but I laughed all the way through. Now I couldn't tell you about the big themes that people go on about on T.V. when talking about him but I do know that there's now way he was po faced as he loves a giggle, and indeed toilet humour, they never tell you that on The View! There's a Beckett play on in An Grianan next Tuesday. 'First Love' focuses on a first love affair, and the primary loves that influenced Beckett's life and writing - his dead father, his delight in language, and his profound need for isolation. The 39 year old narrator looks back to when he was 25 and talks about the eviction from his childhood home, his life as a vagrant in Dublin and his meeting with his first love. It's performed by Conor Lovett who has made a fine career out of Backett's works. Why not come along and try it, don't worry too much about understanding everything, and if you feel like laughing do. It's what Beckett would have wanted.
Extra Show for Des Bishop
Told you it was flying. With the Sunday show sold out we've added an extra show for Des on Monday 29th April. Having spent the past twelve months of intense study and immersion in Connemara’s Gaeltact in an effort to speak as Gaeilge Des Bishop is back on the road again. Drawing from his experiences, the star of the RTE show ‘In the Name of the Fada’, comes to An Grianan with his live stand up show ‘Tongues’. ‘Tongues’ deals with Des’s most formidable challenge yet, taking the ultimate step towards Irishness. Already attracting rave reviews, ‘Tongues’ also explores the religious side of Des’s identity, from his early days as an overly theatrical altar boy to his experience with people who have the power to speak in tongues. Call the Box Office now on 074 91 20777.
Happy Birthday Rebellious Jukebox!
Next Friday 11th April, The Red Room, Sister Sarah’s, Letterkenny, wear your party hats for The Dangerfields, a three piece rock n roll band originally from Belfast, formed in 2000. Apparently their debut album Born To Rock swaggers like the Stones, swings like the Ramones and kicks the door in like Motorhead. Dublin band Moutpiece play garage rock, and have many of the best Dublin punk musicians of the last 20 years in the line up, in particular Conzo erstwhile leader of the God like Female Hercules, Tommy Trousers (who was one of the 48 guests at my wedding 10 years ago) and Derek Moulds and of course the ironically named 'safe' Gary. If you see only one band this year ..... and the line up will be completed by Elroy and another Letterkenny band who are spending too much time trying to come up with a name. Doors 9pm. Admission a meager €6. Presents optional.
Julie Fowlis
Also on Friday 11th April is a must see gig in a very different vein, she won loads of awards and had people make many ridiculous claims about her voice but the reality is that this Hebridean singer is fabulous. Go see her. You can thank me later. She's in the Regional Cultural Centre in Letterkenny. Doors from 8pm. All my brother in laws are going (there's four) and if they are impressed anyone will be!
Oh Super Higgsy he used to be a mucker but he's alright now...
Bit of a setback against Bohs last week and another away game this Friday against Bray, hopefully a point or three there. Next home game is against St Pats on 11 April. Why is everything on that night? I'm going to be soooo busy.
Universal Books on the move
Universal Books has moved, lock stock and barrel to beside Bakersville on the Church Lane. Now stocking even more new, old, rare and hard to get books at fantastically small prices (and don't forget to haggle!). I love shops like this and now it's closer to me. Happy days. Tell David I sent you.
Thursday, April 03, 2008
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
http://www.scouttufankjian.com/
Scout Tufankjian is a photographer who has been following Barack Obama's campaign for the last 14 months, see these amazing photos, and others on http://www.scouttufankjian.com/ go on click on through, it's worth it.
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Call for Freelance Facilitators
Regional Cultural Centre, Letterkenny
The Regional Cultural Centre, a fabulous new multidisciplinary arts facility developed by Donegal County Council, opened adjacent to An Grianán Theatre Letterkenny in July 2007. Described by the Irish Times as a ‘cultural beacon’ this incredible building presents a programme of exhibitions, concerts, film, digital media, education and outreach. The Regional Cultural Centre incorporates: A first floor art gallery; an auditorium with 150 retractable seats and full cinema facilities; three multi-purpose workshops; two dedicated digital media suites; two small music rehearsal rooms and two Foyer galleries.
Education and outreach is interwoven into all aspects of the overall programme and the Centre will present an extensive education and outreach programme for all age groups in 2008. The two state of the art digital media suites will run a programme of creative digital media workshops catering to all ages and levels of experience, in areas such as animation, music, photography, video, web-design & interactivity. We are currently seeking artists, animators, designers, filmmakers and musicians to deliver a wide range of exciting arts and digital media workshops for our 2008/2009 programme. We are also seeking facilitators for a range of projects in the coming year for artist led workshops, community and outreach projects in the following areas
Arts and Crafts
Creative Writing
Drawing / Painting
Animation & Claymation
Digital Photography
Film & Digital Video Production
Music Production and Digital Audio
Graphic & Web Design & Interactivity
To apply send a current CV with availability, references and support documentation where applicable. For further information contact:
Ruth McCullough, Digital Media Manager / Sally Murphy, Education and Outreach Manager
Regional Cultural Centre, Cove Hill, Port Road, Letterkenny
Tel: 0749129186 / E-mail: rcc@donegalcoco.ie
Regional Cultural Centre, Letterkenny
The Regional Cultural Centre, a fabulous new multidisciplinary arts facility developed by Donegal County Council, opened adjacent to An Grianán Theatre Letterkenny in July 2007. Described by the Irish Times as a ‘cultural beacon’ this incredible building presents a programme of exhibitions, concerts, film, digital media, education and outreach. The Regional Cultural Centre incorporates: A first floor art gallery; an auditorium with 150 retractable seats and full cinema facilities; three multi-purpose workshops; two dedicated digital media suites; two small music rehearsal rooms and two Foyer galleries.
Education and outreach is interwoven into all aspects of the overall programme and the Centre will present an extensive education and outreach programme for all age groups in 2008. The two state of the art digital media suites will run a programme of creative digital media workshops catering to all ages and levels of experience, in areas such as animation, music, photography, video, web-design & interactivity. We are currently seeking artists, animators, designers, filmmakers and musicians to deliver a wide range of exciting arts and digital media workshops for our 2008/2009 programme. We are also seeking facilitators for a range of projects in the coming year for artist led workshops, community and outreach projects in the following areas
Arts and Crafts
Creative Writing
Drawing / Painting
Animation & Claymation
Digital Photography
Film & Digital Video Production
Music Production and Digital Audio
Graphic & Web Design & Interactivity
To apply send a current CV with availability, references and support documentation where applicable. For further information contact:
Ruth McCullough, Digital Media Manager / Sally Murphy, Education and Outreach Manager
Regional Cultural Centre, Cove Hill, Port Road, Letterkenny
Tel: 0749129186 / E-mail: rcc@donegalcoco.ie
Monday, January 14, 2008
Wednesday, January 09, 2008
Darklight Wants You!
Ireland’s premier festival for digital filmmakers, animators and artists wants YOU!
Well, we want your work, anyhow.
The 2008 Darklight Festival will take place from Thursday 26th – Sunday 29th June. Mark your calendars.
Darklight explores the convergence of art, film, and technology and focuses on work that challenges concepts, visual aesthetic, narrative, access, methods of production, and dialogue, through contemporary film-making techniques. We support and encourage work that pushes technological boundaries and displays creative excellence. Our mission is to nurture new talent and to create bold new possibilities for the imagination.
Which is where you come in.
As ever, Darklight have an open submission screening policy. We want to see your work. Eligible for entry are feature films, documentaries, animations, experimental video works, music videos, commercial work, motion graphics, game sequences, live-action shorts and student productions. There are no restrictions on genre, length or number of submitted works.
Darklight actively encourages the submission of contemporary works that demonstrate and explore the creative potential of digital technologies. The entries must use some sort of digital process in their production.
The official Call For Entries (complete with with on-line registering process) will be made on the Darklight website within the next seven days... So do stay tuned. And Happy New Year : )
Ireland’s premier festival for digital filmmakers, animators and artists wants YOU!
Well, we want your work, anyhow.
The 2008 Darklight Festival will take place from Thursday 26th – Sunday 29th June. Mark your calendars.
Darklight explores the convergence of art, film, and technology and focuses on work that challenges concepts, visual aesthetic, narrative, access, methods of production, and dialogue, through contemporary film-making techniques. We support and encourage work that pushes technological boundaries and displays creative excellence. Our mission is to nurture new talent and to create bold new possibilities for the imagination.
Which is where you come in.
As ever, Darklight have an open submission screening policy. We want to see your work. Eligible for entry are feature films, documentaries, animations, experimental video works, music videos, commercial work, motion graphics, game sequences, live-action shorts and student productions. There are no restrictions on genre, length or number of submitted works.
Darklight actively encourages the submission of contemporary works that demonstrate and explore the creative potential of digital technologies. The entries must use some sort of digital process in their production.
The official Call For Entries (complete with with on-line registering process) will be made on the Darklight website within the next seven days... So do stay tuned. And Happy New Year : )
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