What can I say? We’ve thought long and hard about this one - moving the One Take Sessions - but I’m delighted to say that as of this evening (or about 20 minutes ago) it was agreed that we would move the One Take Sessions to Cleere’s. Of course, the four of us had already agreed that the Sessions needed to move in order to really fulfil its potential but we needed to talk to Cleere’s first to see if it was possible - what do you know, all the dates are free so far.

I’ve viewed the ‘Sessions as our little baby since last year, something I’ve always wanted to do in Kilkenny and I’m delighted that we at KilkennyMusic.com are able to cater for the Sessions. ID have been great to us from the beginning of the Sessions back in November last year, having provided the venue downstairs and a stage as well. We’d be there every night at seven but things were getting a little impractical for us - moving pool tables, space confinements, unexpected delays. Don’t get me wrong, we’re more than thankful to the staff and management there for allowing us to host the Sessions in ID but given that we hold all our music throughout the year in Cleere’s it makes sense for us to bring the One Take Sessions there as well.

Cleere’s just feels like home for us when we’re running a gig - we know the venue inside out, know how long things take to get done and running in there and we’ve a fantastic relationship with the Cleere’s staff as well (having launched KilkennyMusic.com there in October 2005 and subseqeuently having brought The Devious Theatre Company through two stage performances there, the second of which is next week).

I think this marks a serious progression for the Sessions. We can offer more space, better viewing, more freedom to perform as well as offering acts the chance to play in one of Ireland’s best venues, something they might not otherwise be able to achieve.

We’ve had over 30 acts through the Sessions since November last year and we’re fully booked for June (3 acts), July (4 acts), August (4 acts), September (3) and the first of the October nights (4 acts) which will see at least 9 new acts in those dates playing in the sessions. 9 out of 18 is testament to showing that people want to come back and play again. Only this time when they come back they’ll be doing it in Cleere’s.

So, here’s to the future of the sessions, a parting farewell to ID and a new welcome of sorts to Cleere’s Theatre. Don’t forget, we’re on this Thursday with Mantra (Kilkenny), Diarmuid Comerford (Wexford) and ReClaim (Dublin).