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.
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