Greetings and a special welcome to any new "recruits"
Life at O'HAGAN'S continues on its chaotic way with (every other) Sunday being packed and people thoroughly enjoying themselves. It's interesting to see that the "restaurant-side" of the bar is also chocker now. It continues to amaze us but long may it continue and please keep spreading the word -- you are our greatest ambassadors!
Thurs 27th Sept was O'HAGANS 3rd Birthday, complete with cake and was another "sell-out" night with standing/dancing room only left in front of us. We played from 7 - 10 and we've been there for 2 out of 3 of the O'HAGANS Birthdays. Please put a circle round Christmas and New Years Eves as we will be spending both of them at O'HAGANS (times tba).
An interesting new addition/development is 4--7 at The IMMIGRANT (Irish Bar) in FANSHAWE ST on alternate Sundays with O'HAGANS. It is fast becoming a very popular venue and John Collins the Proprietor goes to great lengths to make everyone welcome.The CELTIC RHYTHM DANCERS perform frequently throughout the evening and are quite superb -- a la Riverdance etc .There is incredible face painting for the children along with Mr Sausage the Clown, great (and reasonably priced) pub food and ourselves thrown in for good measure. I'd describe it as a creche for parents! Certainly it's becoming very popular and has a wonderfully chaotic, friendly atmosphere. Try it (next date Sun 14th Oct). We're sure you won't be disappointed.
Some would say that production of our forthcoming video (live footage of the "Any Other Sunday" CD) seems to be taking on epic proportions -- certainly in terms of time getting it done, and I would have to agree! With a recent burst of enthusiasm and viewing it looks as if it could be ready for Christmas or certainly early next year. We're pretty pleased with the results and think it should make up a pretty good hours edited highlights. Not necessarily corresponding exactly to the CD tracks but to include alot of audience participation stuff and all that "oi-ing". If you would like to book a copy in advance or a CD, if you don't already have one email us on mcsweeny@ihug.co.nz. The cost of the CD is $20 (plus $3 p&p) and we estimate the video to be around $25.
For a bit of a buzz get a copy of REAL GROOVE magazine (Sept edition) and look up "Noisy Neighbours" by Brent Cardy for what is a very favourable review of the CD. He seems to capture the essence of a Sunday afternoon at O'HAGANS very well and our next move is to try and get him out to experience an afternoon first hand and perhaps to write an article. (A copy of the write up will be published shortly on this Site).
Just another plug/reminder about MULDOON'S in OREWA (Moana Ave). Although we are only there about every 6 weeks it is well worth the trip. We are very well received up there and always have a great turnout of people and regular supporters. Les, the proprietor up there loves us as it means if we're playing he'll be booked out 2 months in advance! Good for our spirits and his bar-take! Our next scheduled appearance there is Fri 2nd Nov. See you there. It's worth checking out (and in fact has been increased in size taking over a disused shop next door to the premises).
NEWS IN BRIEF .....
Watch the beginning of the new XENICAL ad very closely for a familiar face .....
Last week on the National Airways The McSweeneys were mentioned twice -- on 5 O'CLOCK WITH JUDE when Marian was featured and on JIM SUTTON'S NOSTALGIA -- 1ZB as possibly being played as part of a programme showcasing New Zealand talent.....
Marian has been in Taupo and Queenstown recently and phoned me to say that MORRISON'S IRISH PUB would be keen for us to play there. I've also had calls this week from O'MALLEY'S in Rotorua and the CROWN and BADGER in Tauranga it could be time for us to consider a National Summer Tour ?......
Mercifully, not much work recently for RIGGER and The MORTIS BROTHERS (some of you might disagree with this!) as we finished at FINNEGAN'S in June ...... Incidentally Eamon McIntyre is reported to be holidaying in Spain. Obviously we're paying him far too much.....
In the "truth is stranger than fiction" column we were invited back to play at The MUDDY FARMER on Friday night (28th Sept) as they've had to join the mainstream and have live music on a Friday nite. I'd say watch this space but "live" is not a word that readily springs to mind with this particular establishment! .......
We're booked to play for the "unofficial" opening of the newly refurbished THOROUGHBRED TAVERN (to the tune of $800,000 --who said theres no money in horses?) in TAKANINI on Tues 6th of Nov from 7pm onwards which is also MELBOURNE CUP DAY so it could be quite a night -- might be worth a look.....
Rumour has it that the old Grain and Grope in Takapuna is to become the new DOOLAN'S on the Shore. We'll be watching that space! ......
If we have a Fri & Sat nite in a row free (this year) we might be spending them in the CROWN and BADGER in TAURANGA -- we'll keep you posted.
So long for now
Slainte
Paddy.
