Music Archives on Shane McDonald - Music Posts on shanemcdonald.ie

Connecticut Native brings his Queen Tribute Band to his Home Town

by Shane McDonald | Sep 8, 2023 | Lifestyle, Music

Bristol native Jeaux Archambeault also known as “J.J. Midnight” is excited to return to his hometown of Bristol to bring the music of Queen to the Rockwell Theater on Saturday, September 9th. The Connecticut Queen Tribute band has been going for many years and now runs out of Las Vegas, so this Connecticut Queen Tribute show is a return and a homecoming for Midnight and his brother Carl.

Archambeault’s fantastic Queen Tribute band, “Celebrating Queen”, will perform this Saturday, September 9th at 8 p.m. in the Rockwell Theater on Memorial Boulevard. This is the first concert in the newly refurbished theatre and is part of the “Downtown Live” series of concerts and performances scheduled for this year.

Connecticut Queen Tribute Band – Find out how to get tickets

Celebrating Queen Live at the Rockwell Theatre is the first concert by Celebrating Queen since performing a high-profile showcase gig at the Silverton Casino in Las Vegas on August 19th.

The Celebrating Queen show at the Rockwell Theatre will be a show full of Queen hits, back-to-back; with all the Queen hits that you might expect from an awesome Queen Tribute. Songs like Now I’m Here, Don’t Stop Me Now, Bicycle Race, Bohemian Rhapsody, Killer Queen, Somebody to Love, One Vision, Hammer to Fall, We Will Rock You and We Are the Champions, and many more. There are not too many Connecticut Queen Tribute Bands so this will be a wonderful show for Queen fans and classic rock music lovers alike.

Celebrating Queen has performed its Queen Show in Connecticut many times before but has also performed across the world since 2007. They are the Foremost Tribute to the Music of Queen. This is a homecoming Bristol natives Jeaux and Carl Archambeault as Celebrating Queen bring their show to their hometown. You can get your tickets for Celebrating Queen in Bristol Connecticut by visiting https://www.celebratingqueen.com/bristol/

Celebrating Queen Live in Bristol Connecticut 9/9

Celebrating Queen at the Rockwell Theater on September 9th

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The Everybody Sings Project

Recently, Jeaux has found a much higher and greater purpose for performing music after he was seriously injured after being struck by an SUV and knocked off his bicycle in Sarasota Florida. This led to him having some serious brain injuries, the symptoms of which include depression, anxiety, and memory issues.

Jeaux has recently stated in a TV interview that “Singing releases an incredible amount of natural endorphins. Singing makes you feel good, it lifts depression, it helps with your memory. If I didn’t have singing, I don’t know what I would do”.

Jeaux and his brother Carl Archambeault also run the 501c3 Everybody Sings Project charity. With the Everybody Sings Project, they have been able to go to different schools and social projects across the nation to promote the health benefits of singing. Jeaux put it as follows, “We may not be curing cancer, but we are doing some great things to help people improve their lives.” We are delighted also to have Shane McDonald on the team as a member of the Board of Directors. The motto of the Everybody Sings project is Singing is Breathing. More information on the Everybody Sings Project can be found at https://www.everybodysingsproject.org/

About Celebrating Queen

The Celebrating Queen band is comprised of Jeaux Archambeault aka JJ Midnight on lead vocals, his brother Carl Archambeault aka CJ Midnight on Voicestravarius, Darrell Craig Harris on Bass, Steve Burchell on Guitar, James Sloan on Percussion, and Queen Keyboard player Shane McDonald on keyboards & as Musical Director for our shows.

From Sunrise Sets to Midnight Memories: Ultimate Guide to Music Festivals

by Shane McDonald | Aug 11, 2023 | Lifestyle, Music

The historical roots of music festivals stretch deep into the annals of time, a testament to humanity’s undying love for communal celebration and music. From the ancient civilizations, where sacred ceremonies were punctuated with rhythmic beats, chanting, and dancing, to the iconic Woodstock of the 1960s, a symbol of counterculture and a generation’s desire for peace and music, the evolution of music festivals is vast and varied.

But even as time has moved on and the settings, artists, and scale of these festivals have transformed, the core essence of what makes them special has stayed. Music festivals have never been just about melodies, beats, or lyrics. At their heart, they are profound gatherings with deeper meaning.

Culture is another significant thread woven through the fabric of these festivals. Whether it’s the reflection of societal values, traditions, or contemporary movements, music festivals often display the popular culture at the time and the shared values of thousands. They capture the spirit of the times and amplify it, making the attendees not just passive observers but active participants in shaping cultural narratives.

Types of Music Festivals

Music, an art form that resonates with the soul, is deeply subjective and varies immensely in its appeal to different individuals. It’s this very subjectivity that has given birth to a myriad of genres, styles, and interpretations, each resonating with a particular group of listeners in unique ways. This diversity in tastes and preferences has paved the way for a plethora of music festivals around the world.

Major Festivals:

Names like Coachella, Tomorrowland, and Glastonbury resonate powerfully within the music and cultural spheres. These are not just events, but phenomena — mega-festivals that have transcended their original purposes as music gatherings to become emblematic of a lifestyle and an aspirational experience.

Each year, these festivals draw tens of thousands, if not hundreds of thousands, of eager attendees from every corner of the globe. They come not only for the music, which spans a range of genres and features a blend of legendary artists and up-and-comers, but also for the spectacle.

Niche or Genre-Specific Festivals:

Niche or genre-specific music festivals have carved out a distinct space within the broader music festival scene, offering aficionados an immersive experience tailored to their specific tastes. Unlike their more eclectic counterparts that aim to cater to a vast audience with varied musical preferences, these festivals focus on a singular style or genre, whether it be jazz, bluegrass, techno, or reggae, to name a few. This targeted approach not only ensures a more curated and authentic lineup but also fosters a unique sense of community among attendees.

Fans converge from various locations, not just to appreciate the music, but to revel in a shared passion, often resulting in deeper connections, more intimate performances, and an enriched overall experience. Such festivals highlight the richness of the musical spectrum and the deep-seated connections that particular genres can elicit among their devotees.

Local and Community-Driven Festivals:

In the vast landscape of musical celebrations, local and community-driven festivals stand out as cherished enclaves of authenticity and connection. While the mega-festivals may garner global attention with their big-name headliners and flashy production, it’s the smaller, locally-sourced festivals that often capture the heart’s true essence of music appreciation.

At these events, attendees aren’t just passive spectators; they’re active participants, becoming part of a close-knit community that values genuine artistic expression over commercial appeal. The artists featured are often emerging talents or well-respected figures within the local scene, offering attendees a chance to discover new sounds and support homegrown talent. The intimacy of these settings allows for a deeper connection between the artist and the audience, fostering moments of shared joy, emotion, and understanding that might be hard to find in larger venues.

Planning Your Festival Experience

Preparation is key. Dive deep into line-ups and schedules, ensuring your must-sees don’t clash. Think about the location: is it a day festival in the city or a full-blown camping extravaganza in the countryside? Will you need a train, plane, or a trusty pair of walking boots to get there? And don’t forget to budget – from tickets and tents to tasty festival treats.

Festival Fashion and Gear

Over the years, festivals have become catwalks of their own. Think boho-chic at Coachella or the wellies of Glastonbury. But remember, comfort is paramount. Pack essentials like hydration packs, sturdy tents, and comfortable footwear. Don’t sacrifice style; harmonise it with functionality.

At festivals, ensuring your phone remains charged can be a challenge given the hours spent away from traditional power sources. Attendees often turn to portable chargers or power banks, which can store multiple charges for smartphones and are compact enough to carry around. Many festivals also offer charging stations, though it’s wise to be cautious about potential security risks at public terminals.

In order to stay online, some festivals provide free or paid Wi-Fi zones, the reliability and speed can be inconsistent due to the high number of users. To stay connected, it’s recommended to download necessary apps, schedules, and maps beforehand, and to consider pre-saving offline content. Relying solely on festival Wi-Fi can leave attendees disappointed or disconnected.

Experiencing the Festival

Navigating multiple stages can be daunting. Create a loose itinerary but leave room for spontaneity. Engage in workshops, side events, or even yoga sessions often available at these gatherings. Remember, it’s as much about the festival community as the tunes.

Staying active at festivals can be exhausting, so make sure to rest in your tent to be ready for your favourite band’s performance – you wouldn’t want to miss the artist you came for! To make the most of your downtime, consider playing mobile casino apps on your phone to occupy the time – don’t forget, you have charging and wifi facilities on site!

Sunrise Sets and Midnight Memories

There’s an indescribable magic as the first rays of sunrise greet a dedicated crowd or when a late-night set turns strangers into lifelong friends. From mesmerising laser shows under the starry skies to dancing in the morning mist, these are moments that truly resonate.

Health and Safety at Festivals

Stay hydrated, well-fed, and sun-protected. While mosh pits can be thrilling, know your limits. Designate meeting points and keep communication lines open with your group. Festivals are thrilling but only if experienced safely.

Sustainability and Festivals

With great parties come great responsibilities. The environmental impact of such large gatherings can be daunting. Thankfully, many events are adopting sustainable practices. As attendees, reduce, reuse, and recycle. Think about your carbon footprint; carpool, use public transport, or even cycle.

Summary

So, if you’ve yet to dance in the rain, or let a DJ dictate the rhythm of your heart, dive in. Experience the power of music, community, and the collective human spirit. Because festivals aren’t just events; they’re memories, emotions, and often, life-altering experiences.

Top 20 Glastonbury Festival Tips – Get the Most out of your Glastonbury Festival Experience

by Shane McDonald | Mar 27, 2023 | Lifestyle, Music

I have been to Glastonbury 3 times, 2013, 2015 and 2016 and I even played 2 of the official stages in 2015. The Glastonbury Festival is an amazing experience and lack of pre-planning can affect your enjoyment. These are my Glastonbury Tips for before, during and after the Glastonbury Festival. There were 18 but I have extended them with 2 great additional tips.

1) Bring the Right Stuff

The gates to the Glastonbury Festival open early on the Wednesday morning of the festival. Before you get to the gates you should have a think and plan your packing.

These are a few items you should think of bringing to Glastofest;

Good fitting wellies: If it rains the areas become very muddy quickly. Invest in a good pair of wellies which fit correctly. However, based on the recent weather in the midlands and south of the UK, there could easily be further rain issues affecting the Glastonbury Festival this year. (unlike last year’s weather)
Bring Hiking Boots or Hiking Shoes also: If it is sunny you don’t want to be dragging your feet around in warm wellies.
Phone PowerBar: You will need to charge your phone, 3 or 4 fully charged power bars might get you through a few days.
Torch: When it gets dark, certain areas of the site are unlit and a torch will help you find your way
Sunfactor and after-sun: You are standing outdoors most of the day waiting for your favourite band, don’t get burnt! You will need sun factor this year! Last year I brought it and never used it, as the weather was so wet.
Wet Wipes: You may not have a chance for a shower but at least you can be fresh-ish!
Sandwich Bags: These can help keep your phone and other items dry (should it rain)
Black Bin Liners: Can make for a quick and cheap poncho
Transistor Radio: Get one for a few quid so you can enjoy WorthyFM the Glastonbury Festival radio station.
Batteries: Bring some batteries for your radio and torch.
Toilet Rolls: If you are camping, this is a vital accessory … bring 3 or 4 each in a small plastic bag to keep them dry.
Hand Sanitiser: A useful and cheap alternative to soap which is not something you find in the drop toilets here.
Bring Layers: The temperature could be 27C and sunny or 12C and windy in the evening, so be prepared.
Tickets: Don’t forget your tickets as you won’t get in without them … no matter what the excuse.
Don’t bring anything you value … it will probably be ok but don’t risk it!

Also, this year with the extended security searches everything will be searched. So if you can buy it, (e.g. beer, snacks) don’t bring it with you. There will be extra long queues on day one as a result so be prepared for this. It is hard to know how things will change after Covid-19/Corona Virus and Glastonbuey 2020 was actually cancelled due to the global Corona virua pandemic. It may or may not go ahead in 2021, it’s hard to know at this stage. As a musician myself I hope the live music scene gets up and running in last 2020 and hopefully GlastoFest can continue but we may need to include masks, sanitiser in a future list.

2) Download the Glastonbury Festival Smartphone App to schedule your week in advance

There are over 100 areas where you can catch a band, everything from a small stage in the corner of the site to the impressive Pyramid stage. The official Glastonbury EE smartphone app has the full listing for all the main stages. You can also plan your trip by marking the bands or events you want to see. This way, you can identify clashes. If you do have a clash I would recommend going to the band which either are harder to get a live concert of or the one which is more unusual. In the past I have seen the Moody Blues when there was a clash – I felt it was a once in a lifetime chance to see them live. I have used the smartphone app every year and it certainly helps – there is even a Glastonbury site map to help you get around.

To download the Official Glastonbury App powered by EE visit http://ee.co.uk/why-ee/tickets-events/glastonbury (note this is an old link and may not work for current events)

3) Expect Delays

If you are driving to Glastonbury for day one you will encounter delays. Last year some people were in the cars for up to 24 hours coming from London. Ensure you have enough petrol, water, snacks and patience when you are getting there. Don’t worry it will be worth it. Every year we go, we always stay at a nearby town called Nunney the night before, in a lovely pub/hotel called the George at Nunney, this is only 30 minutes from the Glastonbury Festival entrance. It’s a handy tip to get a bit closer to the event in advance.

Also, don’t forget the extra security which will be in place this year as mentioned in point 1 above which might cause further delays!

4) What to expect when you arrive at the Glastonbury Festival

Once you park your car or disembark your bus you will need too queue for entry. There will be a long queue and last year it took us 45 minutes to get through around 11:20 am but it might be a bit longer this year. In fast during the 2019 heatwave I recall hearing stories of a 2 hour wait, so ensure you have shade and sun screen, even at 10am you could get burned on a hot day. Present your ticket and you will get an wristband which must remain untouched on your wrist for the duration. You will also get the Glastonbury magazine and a lanyard with information about the acts etc.

Now if you are camping, quickly go find a good spot.

5) Pitching your tent

Obviously, you have to select an area to pitch your tent. Ensure to try to get an area which is uphill, so any rain won’t accumulate in your area, also not too near the path, so you don’t get trampled on in high footfall areas. If you have a pole or flag, this can help identify your tent amongst the thousands in the area. If you don’t have one, just identify some other landmarks or flags to help you.

We decided not to pitch a tent but to have one pitched for us – the Pop-Up Hotel is the ideal way to do Glastonbury if you prefer not to go down that route. The facilities include a really comfy pre-erected tent or yurt, security, electricity WiFi, dining options, hot showers, nice toilets, music and a great crew of friendly staff to help you at all times. I’m gone past the days of mucking it!!

Glastonbury Festival - Top Glastonbury Tips

6) Arriving on the Glastonbury Site on Day 1

I would recommend on day 1 getting to the Stone Circle as soon as possible. There’s lots of song and laughter in this area, we enjoyed a very “earth-song” like rendition around midday with lots of people holding hands, and a real throwback to the Glastonbury of the 70s.Very enjoyable just to sit and relax … you’re here ! After that, I recommend walking the site as much as possible to understand the areas like the Park, The Glade, Green Futures, the Healing fields and how to navigate between them. If you know where each route leads, should you need to get from the Pyramid Stage to the Park Stage in a hurry, you will know the route without looking it up on the map or reference the Glastonbury App.

7) Understanding the Limits of Glastonbury

There are a few things which you will find about the Glastonbury Festival and some home comforts which you won’t have. These are a few which the first time visitor may encounter.

You probably won’t have a phone signal all the time – you will be off the grid sometimes (or at least I was)
Toilets are a luxury and you can forget any thoughts of having a pine scented bathroom to enjoy (Try the long drop toilets)
Showers are a real luxury (unless you’re lucky enough to be glamping), get your wet wipes for that or queue for a shower in the early morning.
There will be a lot of walking, ensure your footwear is good.
If it rains – it gets muddy very fast. Check the forecast for each day ahead if you can so you are prepared!
There are a lot of people so just remember to be patient and just go with the flow.

8) Grab a spot for a wonderful Sunset

At the end of day 1, climb one of the hills, such as the one with the Glastonbury sign on it – This is a good spot to watch the sunset. As long as it is not raining! You really could sit here all night.

Glastonbury Festival - Glastonbury Sunset

9) Don’t just limit yourself to one stage

The music at the Glastonbury Festival starts on the Friday and it is worth getting to the first act on the first music day. You will always remember the thrill of saying, it has started – Glastonbury Festival is on!! You now have 3 packed days of music and around 100 stages or areas to try visit. I would recommend trying to visit all the major stages from Pyramid to West Holts and the Other Stage to the Park. You will enjoy a great variety of genres and even a few bands which you may fall in love with. I recall seeing bands like Haim, First Aid Kit and Rudimental for the first time – all great acts.

10) Expand your tastebuds

There are some spectacular food options at Glastonbury. Yes, you can get burgers, chips and hot dogs but there is a lot more to enjoy. I recommend going to places like Greenfields for a veggie option or over near the Double Decker which serves tea there is a wonderful seafood kitchen where I got the most amazing crab dish. I also remember overdosing on Tom’s Pies somewhere near the Pyramid stage. The final recommendation is Pachamama, go there and try the Tibetan soup and other delicious options.

11) The Circus Fields … not just for children

You really should spend some time in the Circus fields. Many people overlook this area of the Glastonbury Festival. Last year I saw some of the most amazing acrobatics – one of the acts included a drummer playing with a band who was on a bungee cord. You will get exactly what you though, circus acts but you will also see many walk-about acts, comedians and a few musicians just to keep the Glastonbury feeling alive in that area.

12) Push your Limits, Open Your Mind

There are some amazing venues which may (or may not) push your limits. These include areas such as the Unfairground, Block9 and Shangri-La. I really enjoyed areas like the Cave, Glasto Latino, The Common, and Copperdollar (my favourite). These areas at night become like a scene from a post-apocalyptic world like Mad Max. After 11pm these areas are very popular and you probably will see very big queues.

13) Watch the Arcadia Spectacular Spider awaken from its slumber

On Thursday evening at 10pm the Arcadia Spider dress rehearsal takes place. This is your chance to see the whole show before the official start of Arcadia proceedings on the Friday night. If you miss the Thursday rehearsal then just make sure you get there early on Friday to get a good spot. The arcadia spectacular is amazing.

The Arcadia Spider at Glastonbury Festival

14) Chill Out

If you want to chill out there are a number of areas you can do so. I like visiting the healing fields and the craft fields. Last year in the healing fields I got a gong bath which is 2 gongs being banged for 30 minutes – sounds terrible, but I fell asleep and felt great after it. You can also do yoga, meditation, reflexology and much more in the healing fields area. The Craft fields are great for trying something new, everything from axe wielding and ring making to wood work and silversmiths. I made a ring for £20 – a very enjoyable 3 hours silversmithing. Try visit the craft fields on the Thursday as the music has not yet started. The Peace tent near the stone circle is also another amazing spot to visit. The flame in the centre was (apparently) lit from the embers of the flames of the bombed Nagasaki. Very moving area to come and meditate.

15) Find a random piano

There are a few pianos dotted around the site and as a piano player I get to one each day for a few minutes. A good crowd will draw and my favourite moment in 2016 was how 2 or 3 people turned into about 50 or 60 as I played Bohemian Rhapsody (I will edit the post in the at some point to share this)

16) Get a view of the Glastonbury Tor

The Glastonbury Tor can be seen from some locations but the iconic ancient building a few miles away is often captured by the BBC in their coverage. Find it and grab a photo of it for yourself.

17) Climb the Ribbon Tower

There will be a queue for this iconic tower but the views are worth it. You have probably seen this on BBC coverage or Glastonbury images. The ribbon tower gives great panoramic views of the whole Glastonbury Festival site.

18) Board the Double Decker Bus for Tea

Yes, there is a red double decker bus serving tea and crumpets (and a lot more). Located not too far from the pyramid stage this bus is always busy. With comfy seating it’s a great place to go after you have been standing for 4 hours watching your favourite headliner. The simple things in life often bring the greatest joy, and you can relax onboard the double decker and take in some well deserved treats. There are cakes here too and they are great.

19) Listen to the Glastonbury Festival Local Radio Station

Tune into WorthyFM for the very latest news about the festival plus some secret gigs. In 2015 we were listening to WorthyFM and heard that the Dali Lama was going to be at the stone circle. Only for that we would not have been at an audience with this great man. Tune in to Worthy FM at 87.5MHz.

View from the Ribbon Tower at Glastonbury Festival

20) End as you started – at the Stone Circle

End your visit to Glastonbury as you started it, at the stone circle. This spot at around 3am early on Monday morning after all the music has ended is a very fitting place to be. Song, laughter and a very relaxed feeling over the site. It’s over for another year – but you were there.

Enjoy Glastonbury! Don’t Pee on the Land and Leave no Trace !

My Glastonbury Festival Photo Gallery

Glastonbury Sunset

The Arcadia Spider

View from the Ribbon Tower

View from the Ribbon Tower at Glastonbury Festival

Sunsets at Glastofest

Sunsets at Glastonbury Festival are always best from one of the hills.

Arcadia Spectacular

Watch the Arcadia Spectacular explode into life. Rehearsal is on Thursday evening around 10pm and the opener is Friday around the same time.

The Peace Tent

The Peace Tent is a very solemn and peace place to be.

The Stone Circle at Glastonbury After Dark

The Stone Circle after the final act

The Stone Circle after the final act. People stay until the sun rises on Monday morning. No-one wants to leave

Pachamama Cafe – Delicious food within

Piano Learning Tips For Beginners that Really Work

by Shane McDonald | Oct 24, 2022 | Featured, Lifestyle, Music

Many people dream of playing the piano but never take the plunge and start learning. Lots of students are simply unsure of where to start. There are several reasons why playing the piano can be an extremely rewarding experience. Playing the piano is not only a great way to relax and de-stress, but it can also boost your self-confidence. In addition, it’s a great way to meet new people and make new friends. If you’ve been thinking about taking up the piano, there’s no time like the present. With just some practice, you’ll be playing your favorite songs in no time. Playing the piano can be both a fun and a rewarding experience, but it takes time and practice to master this complex instrument. Here are a few tips for beginners:

Choose a Good App

As a beginner, finding a good piano-playing app should be the first position on your to-do list. If you’re starting to learn piano from scratch or returning to the instrument after a long break, there are a few apps out there that could be helpful in jumpstarting your journey. Many apps have a guide on how to play the piano for beginners and offer clear and concise instructions that can help you get started quickly and easily. In addition, they often come with a built-in metronome, which is essential for keeping tempo while you practice. Finally, most of these apps are affordable, making them an excellent option for budget-conscious beginners. So if you’re looking to start playing the piano, be sure to download one of these helpful apps.

Start by learning the basic chords

Chord refers to the simplest musical device in existence. It’s just two or more notes that are played together, but it can make for some really beautiful music! TogetherChords can be created by overlapping two melody lines or by playing multiple notes at the same time. When multiple notes are played together, harmony is created. The notes in a chord can be related to each other in different ways, depending on the type of chord being played. Major and minor chords, for example, have a different relationship between the notes than a seventh chord does. Chords can also be described by their function, such as tonic, subdominant, or dominant. Chords are an essential part of music theory, and understanding how to create and play them is essential for any musician. Once you know how to form chords, you can start playing simple songs.

Don’t be afraid to make mistakes

It’s natural to be afraid of making mistakes when you’re learning something new, but don’t let that fear hold you back when it comes to playing the piano. Everyone makes mistakes when first starting out, which is perfectly okay. In fact, making mistakes is an essential part of the learning process. Every time you make a mistake, you’re giving yourself an opportunity to learn and improve. So do not be afraid of making mistakes, embrace them and use them as a chance to grow as a musician. You’ll be surprised at how noticeable your progress will be with time and practice. Just keep practicing, and you’ll eventually get it right.

Practice, practice, practice!

We all know that practice makes perfect, and that is especially true when it comes to learning to play the piano. But what does it really mean to practice? According to dictionary.com, to practice is to “repeatedly perform or execute an action or activity in order to acquire proficiency in it.” In other words, practice is about repetition and mastery. It’s about practicing something over and over again until you can do it without thinking until it becomes second nature. Thus, the more you practice, the better and better you will become at it. So, set aside some time each day to sit down at the piano and just play around. Try different chords, experiment with different rhythms, and just have fun. The more you play, the faster you will progress. Soon, you’ll be playing your favorite music not only for fun but also as a proficient piano player. So don’t be discouraged and demotivated if it takes a little time to get the hang of things. Just keep practicing and you’ll be a pro in no time.

Conclusion

Anyone can learn to play the piano, regardless of age or natural ability. However, becoming a proficient pianist takes time, dedication, and practice. If you’re serious about becoming a skilled pianist, there are a few things you can do to help improve your chances of success. A good app and a consistent practice schedule will help you make the most of your time. Finally, don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Everyone makes mistakes when learning something new, so don’t let them discourage you from pursuing your dream of becoming a pianist. With these tips in mind, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a proficient pianist in no time!

Piano Learning Tips For Beginners that Really Work - Learning Piano

Funniest Christmas Song – Dominick the Donkey

by Shane McDonald | Dec 14, 2012 | Music

Dominick the Donkey – Christmas Song

I heard this on BeatFM a few years ago as a cheesy Christmas Song. This is called Dominick the Donkey and it is actually a very old song. Dominick the Donkey was a Christmas song written in 1960. The song Dominick The Donkey was recorded by Lou Monte in 1960. The festive tune is all about a brave donkey, Dominick, who helps Santa to bring gifts and presents to children in Italy. Apparently, the donkey is required because the reindeer cannot climb Italy’s hills.

The reason why I heard this song a few years ago is that Dominick the Donkey was re-released on September 26th 2011 and was included on a few Christmas compilation albums. Dominic the Donkey was listed at in the top 20 in the charts in 1960.

The song was used on BBC Radio 1 morning programme ‘The Chris Moyles Show’ while they were making a bit of fun of show contributor Dominic Byrne. So much so, with all this media play, the song appeared in the UK Singles Chart and was in at No. 2 in the British iTunes during Christmas week. It would have been amazing if it had reached the Christma Number 1 spot.

Do yourself a favour and have a listen to Dominic the Donkey, I think it’s hilarious but you will either love it or hate it. If you hate it, it will probably end up as an ear-worm for you as it did me…

Is there a video to beat this – if to leave a comment or YouTube Link to a funnier one …

Guns N’ Roses forced Off Stage At Dublins O2 Arena

by Shane McDonald | Sep 2, 2010 | In The News, Music

I was at the Guns N’ Roses concert at the O2 in Dublin, and I was appalled at the behaviour of so called fans when Guns N’ Roses eventually took to the stage at around 10:30pm. The support act were late finishing and for 1h 30 minutes there was a gap. For the most part it was good humoured with a few Mexican Waves, cheers and so forth. However once it came near 10:15pm booos started to ring out. The band took to the stage at 10:30 to a tirade of boos and jeers. Then bottles and cups full of liquid started hitting the stage and for Axl all hell was breaking loose. This Guns N’ Roses Riot was in my view the result of people drinking and not appreciating the music.

For a performer, being on stage, with the lights in your face, you may not see very much – so if a bottle or cup full of beer is thrown you have no way of avoiding it. I think that sort of behaviour from “Fans” was uncalled for. Axl asked for people to stop and said that he would walk if it happened again … only minutes later this is exactly what happened and I don’t blame him. No performer should be attacked in this way.

The start to the show was spectacular, fireworks, pyros, huge intro so it wasn’t a half-baked or poor performace. There was no need for the jeering or throwing. Many people left when the house lights came back up, thinking it was all over. I asked an O2 steward and was told ” There is no chance of him coming back on “. Apparently the promoter, MCD, restrained Axl and prevented him from leaving the venue after walking off stage. The promoters did come on stage twice to ask for calm and patience while technical difficulties were looked at.

Guns N’ Roses Riot – Alx goes off stage

I left the O2 once the house lights came back on, and 20 minutes later I got a phone call from my sister (Thanks Elaine) letting me know that the concert was back on. We went back and the atmosphere was less hostile but still not right. Axl was back mid-stage to avoid any missiles, almost at the drum kit. He just stood at the mic and sung, breaking once or twice to play the piano – November Rain was excellent. The band itself were excellent and it good humour despite what happened.

They played until just before 1am to a creshendo of tickertape and pyros.

I think the organisers should have had the stage better perpared, as they seemed to be doing sound checks, stage clearance, wiring and so on for about an hour. Also, having people drinking for 4 hours before Guns N’ Roses appeared on stage was not a good idea. Although Guns N’ Roses have a history of problems and late shows, you know this about the band and its not a reason to run riot and physically attack an artist.

Guns N’ Roses released a statement after the concert which read: “Despite every effort being made by promoters to ensure Guns N’ Roses would go on stage on time, they went on at 22:26hrs having been due to be on stage at 21:45hrs, support artist finished at 21:00hrs.

“During the second song Axl requested members of crowd who were throwing plastic glasses containing unknown substances to immediately stop or he would have no option but to leave the stage. He confirmed band’s wish to perform stating “we want to stay…one more bottle and we go home”. Despite his continued appeals, having tried to continue performing for 22 minutes, people continued throwing unknown substances leaving artist with no choice but to leave the stage.

“From the stage MCD Promoter Denis Desmond again appealed to audience to refrain from throwing items and stated that the band would be back on stage shortly.

“The artist was prevented from leaving the venue by the Promoter and following backstage discussions Guns N’ Roses went back on stage at 23:20 hrs and performed their full set until 00:53 hrs.

“While the artist has a long history for being late on stage (Slane 1992 – crowd waiting 2 hours and last weekend’s UK Reading festival), NO artist should be subjected to missiles and unknown substances being thrown at them. However, despite this the band went back on stage after people stopped throwing items performing their full set of songs in full.

“MCD and The 02 wish to apologise for any inconvenience caused due to late running of the show.”

Video – Guns n’ Roses at the O2