A mixed bag!?

Okay, so the past week has been a bit hectic between rehearsals, gigs, photoshoots, radio interviews, parties and plenty of other things meaning work is already started to build up on me. So, as I have a few minutes to spare today here’s a quick run-down on whats been happening in and around KKM.

First up, last Wednesday night saw the return of the Cracked Bucket Band to Paris Texas after “a bit of a hibernation”. The band has been on the go for a long time now, and Wednesday saw their return with a few lineup changes. The five-piece now features KKM Chief Ken McGuire on the bass, and Gary McGuire on the drums. With their father Ivan on the guitar, it’s starting to look more like the “McGuire Family Band”.

Myself, Daw and MickeyBoo headed down to catch the lads in action. The pub was filled with Paris Texas regulars, tourists and even more McGuire family members. Everyone was treated to a great mix of jigs and reels, with plenty of tourists trying their best at Irish dancing by the end of the night.

Quotes of the night; “there’s way too many McGuires in here!” and “sure, they’re good, but they’re no Kelly family!”

With the lads playing most Wednesday nights and no cover charge on the door, make sure you check them out over the summer. You can also check out a couple of shots from the night in their brand new album in the Kilkenny Music Galleries, with plenty more shots to come.

Thursday night saw the One Take Sessions making a move to a brand new home, Cleeres Theatre. First up in the new Sessions venue saw the return of Kilkenny band Mantra, Wexford singer/songwriter Diarmuid Comerford and Dublin 3-piece ReClaim.

The sessions has given me a chance to shoot a wide variety of instruments over the past few months, but this was the first time I’ve ever seen a man playing a box!? Okay, so it was an acoustic drum but thats just a fancy name for an expensive box, right? He also played the spoons and washboard, which left me wondering what other household objects can be transformed into musical instruments?

The biggest crowd we’ve had at the sessions in a while and everyone got themselves a free cd from Diarmuid and ReClaim, you’ll be able to hear tracks from the night on the latest Sound System Podcast and you can check out my shots from the gig here.

Saturday night saw the return of the Guggenheim Grotto to KilkennyMusic.com. And what a night that was. Myself and the Ken dropped by KCLR for a quick radio interview to promote the gig and Heart Shaped Vinyl before we all headed to Cleeres. A rare “ticket-only” affair for this gig and Cleeres was packed, as tickets sold-out early Saturday afternoon.

Unfortunately for me, the sold-out gig meant not alot of room to get shots of the Guggenheim Grotto in action. I got a few shots, but I’m not happy with them so that means you’ll never see them! Hopefully, the lads will be back with us again soon and I’ll be able to get a few pics.

For anybody who’s been living under a rock, hasn’t seen the amazing posters designed by Mr Paddy Dunne, hasn’t seen any of the local papers in the last few weeks, or heard myself and Ken talking about it, then tomorrow night is the return of Devious Theatre’s ‘Heart Shaped Vinyl’ to Cleeres theatre.

The show is back by popular demand and tickets are still available BUT are being booked up quickly. For anybody who missed the show last August then I’d really recommend you catch it this time.

Last night saw a 5 hour technical rehearsal and tonight we’ll be in full costume for the dress rehearsals. The show starts tomorrow night and runs until Saturday night.

You can book tickets at the bar in Cleeres or ring 056 77 62573. Last year people were turned away and although thats a good complaint and it’s looking likely again this year, don’t miss out, book your tickets now!