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This Limerick Life - Niamh Mac
Niamh Mac, co-organiser of Speak Easy Jazz in the Shannon Rowing Club and music impresario believes that shows like the X-Factor are a kick in the teeth for musicians who have trained and studied for a long time
Speak Easy Jazz is an independent, not-for-profit venture. It's a monthly jazz and blues event arranged by myself and partner Alona Troy which takes place in the Shannon Rowing Club.The only people who get paid are crews and musicians. It's self sufficient in that regard. At the moment, we are taking a break for the summer, but we will be back later in the year.
The traditional music night in the White House Bar (which runs every other Tuesday) is an open session. If you want to come and play, bring an instrument and if you think you can keep up with the lads, you are more than welcome! The core band members of the session are Ronan Ryan, who plays the flute. He is fantastic - one of the most versatile flautists in Ireland, I think. There is also Brian Mooney, who travels in from Ennis to play. There is a great dynamic between the two of them.
These events could not go ahead without the crew of people who are involved. They are very co-operative between musicians and ourselves. Everybody who is involved plays an equal part. If you have the right people involved, things can move along naturally.
I think my biggest challenge is trying to keep the events consistent, especially with Speak Easy Jazz, because in order for it to survive it has to be self-sufficient. So, the numbers have to be consistent for it to continue. There are local musicians, musicians who have travelled, and a lot of people from the jazz workshops come and play. But trying to get the tone of what the gig is going to be, so people can understand what they are going to see.
I love all types of jazz, there is no kind of jazz I couldn't not listen to. I love the older stuff, rhythm kings, that sort of thing. But jazz is a very changeable kind of music, in that there are so many different types. It can be any amount of things. The challenge with the jazz nights is to find a happy medium, so that it appeals to everybody.
You can't walk down the street in Limerick without tripping over a musician! What I love about the arts scene in Limerick is there is constantly someone who is trying something new. There is always somebody trying to put something on for someone else's entertainment or enjoyment to show what Limerick has to offer. Limerick is really moving at the moment, especially with the month of music which is taking place in the park. It's a great idea to bring it outdoors, and enjoying the weather while we have it.
I think there could be a little bit more co-ordination. Especially at the moment, in the summer, when there are not enough crowds to keep every gig afloat all the time. Everybody should be able to get a fair share of the custom that is around.
I think shows like the X-Factor are a bit of a kick in the teeth for musicians who may have trained and studied for a long long time to get where they are today. I think it cheapens the whole thing a bit. It's great for people who have a dream they want to follow but for trained and studied musicians, I think it's a bit of a kick.
I think my earliest memories of Limerick was feeding swans on Clancy Strand. I remember getting attacked by the swans! My father had a rowing boat, and we used to go out to Thomsons Island on the river. I was born and raised in Thomondgate, before we moved out to Ballyneety when I was in my teens.
There is no reason for Limerick to have a bad name anymore - it is just a regurgitation of the old. The moniker 'stab city' is a bit old at this stage. There are fabulous people here, a great shopping scene. There is a great university here. Visitors should visit the galleries, visit the People's Park, and maybe rent a car and get out and see the outskirts of Limerick. The countryside around here is beautiful. Don't be scared to go out and do things.
Interview: Nick Rabbitts
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Weather for Limerick
Wednesday 08 February 2012
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Wind Speed: 22 mph
Wind direction: South east
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