tag:thesweetsorrows.com,2005:/blogs/happy-new-year?p=2Blog2023-12-24T09:39:59+00:00The Sweet Sorrowsfalsetag:thesweetsorrows.com,2005:Post/73237702023-12-24T09:39:59+00:002023-12-24T09:40:00+00:00Christmas Holler from Down Under<div class="I_ZkbNhI D_FY W_6D6F" style='-webkit-text-size-adjust:auto;-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255);caret-color:rgb(29, 34, 40);color:rgb(29, 34, 40);display:table;font-family:"Helvetica Neue", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, "Lucida Grande", sans-serif;font-size:13px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;orphans:auto;outline:none !important;text-align:left;text-decoration:none;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;white-space:normal;widows:auto;width:942px;word-spacing:0px;' data-test-id="message-view-body">
<div class="msg-body P_wpofO mq_AS" style='font-family:"Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;line-height:normal;outline:none !important;overflow-wrap:break-word;padding:2px 0px 0px;position:relative;word-break:break-word;' data-test-id="message-view-body-content"><div class="jb_0 X_6MGW N_6Fd5" style="outline:none !important;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:24px;padding-right:16px;"><div style="outline:none !important;"><div style="outline:none !important;" id="yiv4362987676"><div style="outline:none !important;"><div class="yiv4362987676yahoo-style-wrap" style='font-family:"Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;outline:none !important;'>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/299292/5d436a922001c4e1087907eba0ba0b1210969c32/original/slow-down.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p><font size="3">Well…what a year! We decided for the first chunk of 2023 we would stay home and offer our house as a place of healing and rest. Initially we had no idea how that would go, but the diary soon filled up with friends and family coMing from the USA, England and Scotland. It was our turn to cook, listen, drive and be travel hosts for a short season and we loved every moment of it.</font></p>
<p><font size="3">We did hit the road a little bit in Germany and Switzerland with a wonderful two week tour playing creative and beautiful venues cross both countries, and The Electrics also played a few shows in Germany reconnecting us with old mates from way back.</font><br><font size="3">We had hoped to get to Ukraine again (Sammy was there in January), but in the end it just wasn’t do-able for a host of reasons, however, we have our sights set on a return to the country in 2024.</font></p>
<div style="outline:none !important;">
<font size="3">Our Trade-Off Charity in Thailand was a wonderful time. We trained a total of about 25 young men and women in electrical skills and medical knowledge. It was good to hear what has been happening in Burma during the pandemic. Incredible stories of bravery in the worst of conditions and more than 40 trade schools being run in villages making them safer for the local people.</font><br><font size="3">We headed to Scotland to make a new album with The Electrics in November, then a quick dash home before flying to Australia for Christmas with family and shall tour in January. </font>
</div>
<p><font size="3">Ongoing medical issues..Sammy's eye issue is still a concern, but other wise we are in good shape. (Now that Sammy is recovering from a gnarly dose of covid on our arrival.)</font></p>
<p><font size="3">It’s been a full year with as much travel as normal and we simply couldn’t have done any of it without your help and support, for which we are continually amazed.</font></p>
<p><font size="3">Thanks to all of you for every support you give to help us do our thing.</font></p>
<p><font size="3">Blessings and love this Christmas,</font></p>
<p><br><font size="3">S&K</font></p>
<div style="outline:none !important;" dir="ltr"> </div>
</div></div></div></div></div></div>
<div class="jb_0 X_6MGW N_6Fd5" style="outline:none !important;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:24px;padding-right:16px;"> </div>
</div><div class="H_7jIs D_F ab_C Q_69H5 E_36RhU" style='-webkit-text-size-adjust:auto;-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;align-items:center;caret-color:rgb(29, 34, 40);color:rgb(29, 34, 40);display:flex;font-family:"Helvetica Neue", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, "Lucida Grande", sans-serif;font-size:13px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-weight:400;height:64px;letter-spacing:normal;margin-left:-8px;margin-right:-20px;orphans:auto;outline:none !important;text-align:left;text-decoration:none;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;white-space:normal;widows:auto;word-spacing:0px;' data-test-id="toolbar-hover-area"><div class="D_F W_6D6F r_BN gl_C" style="cursor:default;display:flex;justify-content:center;outline:none !important;width:970px;" data-test-id="card-toolbar"> </div></div><p><br><br> </p>The Sweet Sorrowstag:thesweetsorrows.com,2005:Post/73058632023-11-19T17:49:07+00:002023-11-19T20:47:53+00:00From Switzerland to Germany now Scotland.<p> Our time since the Thai trip flew by! Culture Night at The Bear Cave Live (the best intimate listening venue in northern Co. Wexford) was a great way to beat jet lag and our first full length gig in our stomping ground. Thanks to Wexford Arts Council, <a class="no-pjax" href="https://lovegorey.ie/" data-link-type="url">Love Gorey</a> and Dan and Alba at <a class="no-pjax" href="https://hungrybear.ie" data-link-type="url">Hungry Bear</a>.</p><p>A huge thank you to all who came and supported our Swiss-German tour, first gigs there since 2019 and such a great turn out, not to mention standing room only at Belinda Diskotek for our last German concert. We are deeply grateful and had a blast!</p><p>We are now in Scotland while <a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/137436710188715/?ref=share" data-link-type="url">The Electrics</a> get their new album ‘Big Pub in The Sky’ in the can at <a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.lachunky.com" data-link-type="url">La Chunky Studio</a> in Glasgow aided by the exceptional talents of producer John Smillie (Thrum). 10 new great songs coming in the New Year. Next weekend is fam time followed the week after by Himself's 65th birthday - no, he doesnt look it.</p><p>Next year will be a busy one on the road for us Horners starting in Australia in January. Looking forward to an Aussie Christmas and some R&R with our mob in Adelaide first. Then plans are to hit the UK/ Ireland; Germany, Switzerland( mid summe) and then USA. Taking bookings for all of these so if you would like us to play your town, holler back on our<a class="no-pjax" href="/contact" data-link-type="page" data-link-label="Contact"> contact</a> page here or message us on our socials. Hope to see ye somewhere down the road.</p><p>Blessings <strong>♡ </strong><span><strong> </strong></span></p><p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/299292/0ce41a3ff379ec0a0910baf6ecf8517970a0c4c5/original/23tourcollage.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>The Sweet Sorrowstag:thesweetsorrows.com,2005:Post/72702872023-09-08T11:10:57+01:002023-10-16T15:52:31+01:00Sawat dee kha from Thailand.<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/299292/af5ae367fc154e36734596cc5c1e2e24d63c484b/original/collagetradeoff23.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><p>It's good to be back in Thailand after way too long. Our Trade-Off Electrical Training Course started Tuesday 5th Sep. We delayed a day due to greatly increased difficulty getting 5 here across Myanmar. There was rejoicing once they were safely this side of the border. These 15 students are learning well and all that is left now is their practical project tomorrow where they will get to prove they can apply learnt principals in the real. Huge thanks to all who have participated in this event. The funds for tools, electrical supplies, food to feed 20 people every day.. you all rock and we are all so grateful!</p><p>Graduation is Saturday(tomorrow). Monday is CPR and emergency 1st response training for the team here. Fruitful time and so good seeing old, and making new, friends. In particular we have been able to partner with an anti-trafficking group <a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.globalalms.com" target="_blank">https://www.globalalms.com</a> and due to the generous response of many after our recent social media appeal, we are enabled to help provide needs in a new safe house that G.A. will use as short term housing for rescues here. Many thanks again for those who helped with funds this week! The almost daily sounds of bombing and rockets impacting beyond the border we are so close to, is a sobering reminder of the war that very few hear about outside of this region.</p><p>We are looking forward to playing Culture Night Sep 22nd back in Gorey, Ireland and next month we are touring playing in Switzerland and Germany. See our <a class="no-pjax" href="/shows">shows</a> page for details. This life is not dull but it is full. </p><p> </p>The Sweet Sorrowstag:thesweetsorrows.com,2005:Post/71818222023-03-31T16:15:20+01:002023-04-02T14:05:12+01:00Latest News from the Irish Coast<p>Well, 2023 has been a different kind of year for us.<span> </span></p><p><span> </span>After fairly big UK and USA tours in ’22 we certainly felt the need to readdress how we do things. <span> </span>Figuring out a way to tour that is less time consuming but still doable is a challenge. We had the added issue that Sammy’s eye condition<span> </span>had returned, (the right eye was bleeding again as treatments were postponed for 11 weeks because of the USA tour.)<span> </span></p><p><span> </span>With this in mind, and some other medical tests/issues coming along we decided that 2023 needed to be the year we took care of health business.<span> </span>This is of course financially a hard decision as usually by now we have our work year mapped out.<span> </span>We also had a sense that this year was a time when we could host others, give respite, times of peace and care right here in Ireland.<span> </span>This has been the reality so far and the Horner Hotel has had swinging doors every month this year with visitors coming through almost every month for the rest of the year.<span> </span></p><p>We hope to play some shows locally and possibly look at European /UK shows at some point later in the year, these will need to fit around hospital appointments which limits us from booking long-haul tours to the USA etc.<span> </span></p><p>Sammy worked on producing an album for Scottish Artist Sheila Easson around the end of ’22 and early ’23.<span> </span>This should be available later this year. In April we will be hosting a <a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.facebook.com/people/Mercyland-Songwriter-Workshops/100063482654749/" target="_blank" data-link-type="url">Mercyland Songwriter Workshop</a> here in Gorey.<span> </span>Founded by American Grammy winning musician/songwriter/producer Phil Madeira, this will be the first Irish workshop. Around fourteen of us will get to work creating new music from April 11th.</p><p> </p><p>On our minds a lot is our mission work.<span> </span>Covid prevented us from going to Thailand for the past 3 years and so there have been no Trade-Off schools in that time. We hope to return late summer to run schools again.<span> </span></p><p>Ukraine is also on our mind often and Sammy has already made two trips there to bring aid, relief, music and support.<span> </span>This has been intense but important and will, as best we know be an ongoing part of our mission trips. <span> </span></p><p>This July The Sweet Sorrows have been invited to play in Ukraine at an event in which men will bring their families back to the country to all gather together for the first time since the beginning of this conflict. An act of unity, defiance and courage, this will of course be carefully planned by event coordinators.</p><p>Sammy hopes to be in the studio with The Electrics<span> </span>later this year for an album of new material, the band will also play two festivals in Germany May 5th and 6th:</p><p> <a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.narsapur.de/?fbclid=IwAR0gPAymdkUxCHW9nt7ilSO3pOtK1pdpuFS5ZDNUJQxjPhA2P8a-xxQ-RWU" target="_blank" data-link-type="url">IG-Narsapur Revival- & Abschieds-Festival</a> and <a class="no-pjax" href="https://reunion-christmasrocknight-de.translate.goog/?_x_tr_sl=de&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=sc" target="_blank">CRN One More Song</a> respectively.</p><p>So, all in all, a very different year for us.<span> </span>We are looking forward to how it works out and are thankful for our Patreon and Modern Day supporters.</p><p>We simply could not do any of this without your support (we are more thankful than you can know). Everything we do is based in relationship, from booking tours, places to stay, getting gear, running Trade Schools, bringing aid or simply hosting others…it’s you who make it possible. <span> </span></p><p>If you’d like to get onboard with<span> </span><a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.patreon.com/SammyHorner" target="_blank" data-link-type="url">P</a><a data-link-type="url">atreon</a><span> </span>or <a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.modernday.org/profile/sammyandkyliehorner/" target="_blank" data-link-type="url">M</a><a data-link-type="url">odern Day</a> you can find us at these links.<span> </span>This literally keeps the ‘wolf from the door’ for us.<span> (</span>If you are a US citizen you get a 501c3 tax break with Modern Day.)</p><p>Thanks for all you do for us so that we can do things for all of you!</p><p>Blessings,</p><p>Sammy & Kylie</p><p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/299292/e8f87c04e6f6be8c73f9eec0540e7bf16c52ebed/original/pressefoto-the-electrics.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p><p> </p><p> </p><p><a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.modernday.org/profile/sammyandkyliehorner/"><u>https://www.modernday.org/profile/sammyandkyliehorner/</u></a></p><p><a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.patreon.com/SammyHorner">https://www.patreon.com/SammyHorner</a></p><p> </p>The Sweet Sorrowstag:thesweetsorrows.com,2005:Post/71288882022-12-27T15:50:11+00:002022-12-27T15:50:11+00:00 Sammy & Kylie & 2023 '?'<p> "Life is what happens when you're busy making other plans.” </p>
<p> - John Lennon.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>It’s almost here, and like many of you we are wondering what shape 2023 is going to take. World economies running out of control, basic living costs skyrocketing, travel costs increasing and war on our doorstep…it all really does make you wonder. Both our tours in 2022 (UK & USA) cost just about double what they did before the pandemic. Almost three years of no travelling left us out of shape for our usual 40 odd weeks a year on the road. Health issues and Covid19 slowed us down, (along with everyone else in the arts) and we couldn’t really go and do our mission work because countries like Thailand and Burma were closed. </p>
<p>It all looks pretty bleak on the face of it, however halfway through 2022 we did hit the road again and also had the opportunity to go help a little in Ukraine. These trips reminded us of why we do what we do and how we do it. It’s really all about community and relational work and so we are spurred on to look ahead to 2023 with hope and, hopefully, a smarter way to work. </p>
<p>Some studio work has helped sustain us over the past year as well as a few other things (more on that later) and we had a great time on the road. Our UK trip brought us back to venues we have played for many years but also new places with new opportunities to play there in the future. The USA, as always was generous, kind and supportive of all we do but a few things have made us rethink how we do it. It was about 10 weeks and a 10,000 mile road trip playing venues from Vegas to Mississippi…a massive tour. This was nothing new to us, we normally do this every year, however, Sammy's health issues got worse because of the eleven weeks without treatment, the condition in his eye got worse and fatigue was a factor. This setback now means he is back to six week hospital visits and we really think it is crucial that we make this happen. End of year check up and tests were encouraging for Sammy. Blood sugar almost normal, heart looks in good shape and eye improving, but we need to pay attention to all these factors if we are to stay in shape. Some more tests and shots in 2023, but all in all, if we pay attention we will do OK. We both had Covid and wonder if that has contributed to the fatigue factor but frankly, we are getting older and even though we try to stay in decent shape you begin to notice things getting a little tougher as the years go by. Kylie has also had some medical stuff, jaw and knee issues that we are working on getting sorted. </p>
<p>So, what does all this mean for 2023? Well…being smarter in what we do, how long we do it for and how we do it is key. We are thinking that six-week tours for the likes of USA, Australia will be as much as we do. We realise it means we won’t see some of you as often but we seriously need to consider our own wellbeing if we want to continue to tour and serve. </p>
<p>So as far as music goes, apart from some local stuff, we are thinking West/SW USA only in 2023. We haven’t been to Germany and Switzerland for a few years, (although The Electrics are playing two German Festivals in May) so we’d love to head back over to you there. We may do a few UK dates in there somewhere and late year Australia is calling us. Message Sammy if you are keen to host a show. There will be a new Electrics album sometime in 2023 and Sammy will be working with long time friend Phil Madeira on the first ever MERCYLAND Songwriter Retreat Ireland in April ’23. We are also considering some more collaborations with Phil later in the year, stay tuned. Sammy has, as usual, a million ideas and another Rev. Sam album is possible, plus the second FINN (Finn And the Land beneath.) book is due to be edited through the year. He will also be finishing producing an album for Scots singer/songwriter Sheila Easson and Kylie will be helping with instruments and BGV’s on this project. We haven’t planned on a new Sweet Sorrows album yet, but you never know. </p>
<p>Our work of serving people will continue with Sammy heading to Ukraine early January to bring out supplies and play music at military bases and possibly hospitals around the country. We hope to be on the border of Thailand and Burma to run our TRADE OFF work, just trying see when it suits for us to go there. One other aspect is using our home as a place of rest for other artists, friends and co-workers. We already have folk coming to stay here for short periods about every month for the first half of the year, giving us the chance to reciprocate and give back to many who have done the same for us. All of these aspects of the work are covered by two sources. PATREON and MODERN DAY. Both allow us to perform non-profit service without getting ourselves in serious debt. We can see this area of our work taking more of our time in the future. </p>
<p>PATREON allows you to support this non-profit work by giving a small amount per month, (1 Euro, 3 Euros or 10 Euros) . In return you get exclusive videos, music, early access to new projects, news and more. MODERN DAY allows you to support the work at any level- monthly, weekly or one time donation. This has the benefit for USA supporters as they get their 501c3 tax relief. These two supports have been life savers for us, so if you’d like to help with these message us or hit the links below. </p>
<p>We are also aware how important it is to see our families. In the past we often fit in visits around tours meaning time with parents, family, kids and grandkids is cut short. We need to change this, so we will be making spending time with family a priority every year. </p>
<p>Finally, it is easy for us to fill up a year, but in 2023 we hope to also carve out some time to stop. We are pretty sure that “our usual” touring- constant driving, playing, travelling etc. is adversely affecting us, so in a Celtic tradition and dare I say it, even a biblical sense, we will be having times of stopping. Discipline if you will…this, as much as anything else needs to a part of our year or we will burn out. </p>
<p>So, unless ‘Life Happens’ as John Lennon reminds us, (because you just never know what unexpected thing might come up), this is a rough outline of how 2023 might look for us Horners. </p>
<p>Hoping we see lots of you in the coming year and we wish you all good health, hope and peace in 2023. </p>
<p>Sammy & Kylie </p>
<p><a contents="https://www.patreon.com/SammyHorner" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.patreon.com/SammyHorner" target="_blank">https://www.patreon.com/SammyHorner</a> </p>
<p><a contents="https://www.modernday.org/profile/sammyandkyliehorner/" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.modernday.org/profile/sammyandkyliehorner/" target="_blank">https://www.modernday.org/profile/sammyandkyliehorner/</a></p>
<p> </p>The Sweet Sorrowstag:thesweetsorrows.com,2005:Post/71274572022-12-23T12:49:39+00:002022-12-24T22:48:01+00:00Rev. Sam's Christmas Rant<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/299292/532fcb3617885112f010fdcc2356f85dfcb48171/original/nativity22.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>It’s nearly here again. This past year I have noticed more than ever a common theme on media sites/newspapers/seats of government and TV. If you say it long enough, and loud enough it soon becomes the perceived truth…even if it is far from the actual truth. Repetition makes a fact seem more true, regardless of whether it is or not. Psychologist Tom Stafford says ‘Understanding this effect can help you avoid falling for propaganda.’ Seems like a good plan, so I got to thinking about one of the great stories that’s been told for centuries, how it’s been served up to us and how that version has impacted so much of what we think about the person at the centre of the story. </p>
<p>Who doesn’t love the kids with tea towels on their heads acting out the nativity? It’s cute right? Gentle, sweet, peaceful and even a bit funny. Every feel-good vibe is wrapped up in the kindergarten theatre version and sure, it’s sweet to watch the kids act out their version of the Christmas story. Problem is, we get the same version in churches all over the world. Gentle, sweet, lambs, cows, camels, Thing is, every Dec. 25th we repeat the story, print it on cards, have models of it on the mantelpiece and in the town square and mostly we love it. It’s cute, It’s cuddly, it’s…mostly wrong! </p>
<p>I mean, never mind Hallmark movies and cards, plum puddings, mince pies, trees, tinsel, flickering lights, stockings, coal, Santa Clause and maxing out the credit card….the depiction of the story isn’t what’s actually in the story…. at all. </p>
<p>No cows or camels to be seen in the actual story. Not even three wise men. Oh, and forget Dec. 25th ..didn’t happen, and the star lit barn is most likely, well, unlikely. There are shepherds, so maybe we can forgive the tea towels after all. Funny thing is…the guys who did show up, the shepherds, were, to put it mildly, the scum of the earth. Back then shepherds had bad reputations, untrustworthy, shady characters and no one had a good word for them. Yeah..his first visitors were not exactly the best examples of humanity, plus the fact they were tending sheep outside most likely meant it was more like spring, not winter. Mind you..his questionable birth etc. all went before their arrival…you know- pregnant before being married in that culture, and a bizarre story about that particular impregnation…it didn’t start well. </p>
<p>As for the ‘wise men’…probably astrologers….you know the kind of people the church has been warning us about for years…yeah them. They were the guys who showed up with the three gifts….(not three guys, three gifts..could have been two guys or sixteen guys…who knows, but still, they were dodgy astrologers). So, not three, probably not from the orient, maybe not that wise….they had no clue that Herod ( a well known psycho who had killed family members and rivals of any kind due to his own narcissistic, paranoid personality) wanted to kill the baby…but luckily they were warned in a dream..and Magi paid attention to dreams, so that paints a different picture of the wise guys …right? </p>
<p>Then there was that neurotic king who felt it was easier to kill all the baby boys under two years old rather than have someone usurp him one day. Now, images of thousands of dead babies might be an exaggeration , but let’s face it, even the notion of killing kids to keep your own political position safe is nasty, and killing babies, even a few, is largely frowned upon. </p>
<p>The stable probably wasn’t a stable, more like a spare room where sometimes animals might have been brought inside at points, but not necessarily at this point, and we read that when those wise guys showed up eventually, (aye, two years so no Magi GPS then lads?) it was two years later and the family were in a house. </p>
<p>Then there are the angels…who on our cards, look all lovely and artsy wearing long white gowns and basically being shiny. Well, if you believe such things, have a look at the reaction every time they appear, these suckers were terrifying…pant-wetting scary …everyone that sees them generally needs a change of their base layer. </p>
<p>So a peasant family with some serious social stigmas attached get a visit from the dodgy guys one spring night as they settling into a basic multi purpose room, spend a couple of years there and are then visited by dodgy astrologers as a mentally unstable king kills a bunch of young boys in the hope that he wipes out any rival early on……the dodgy, the violent, the disreputable, the social outcasts, the confusion, the neurotic leadership and terrifying other worldly preternatural beings, bring us a truer version of the Christmas story…but it just doesn’t play as well as the cute one does it? </p>
<p>OR……maybe it is the Christmas story we need..the story of the hope of the world coming in amongst it all…all the violence, all the socially despised, all the dodgy characters, all the insecurities, all the murder, the mistrust, the terror, the fear and the confusion…hope.. in all of it…Hope in a messy, broken world..in it with us. </p>
<p>For me, that’s a better Christmas play, ( tho' perhaps it needs Quentin Tarantino to direct)…a better Christmas story… </p>
<p>Hope in all of the mess, my mess, your mess, our mess..with us…hope. </p>
<p>Probably won’t fly in the local kindergarten production this year though. </p>
<p>Merry Christmas and a hopeful 2023, </p>
<p>Rev. Sam </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>The Sweet Sorrowstag:thesweetsorrows.com,2005:Post/70791122022-10-11T16:44:40+01:002022-10-11T20:15:51+01:00Autumn Catchup.<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/299292/c8d98c14c51eb2ae48d6cd00a742f25bdef56557/original/collage-summer22.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" />Well hullo!</p>
<p>Oh what a summer! It was SO good to get back in the saddle, on the road and 'with' you all again. Sammy's Ukraine trip in May was not thwarted by the covid we came down with a week before he went! It proved to be likely the first of many and he covered a lot of ground and came home with much to share. Our hearts and prayers are with our friends, and all there and he is planning on being back there early '23.</p>
<p>Kylie's lungs took awhile to bounce back, and June in the UK was a great way to work out the kinks as we dusted off our trusty PA system and hit the road. 2 weeks home in July and then we were off to tour the USA - and covered a fair bit of it in over 10,000 miles and 14 states from California to Pennsylvania and Montana to Georgia.</p>
<p>Grateful...is the word. SO grateful and thankful for all who help, support, book us, come listen, and buy merchandise. You validate us in our endeavours and our hearts overflow with the kindness, not to mention the great craic that we have shared with so many. </p>
<p>We have been home in Wexford over 2 weeks now and still processing all we have done and the 'hows' of what we do, as we re-cultivate the rhythms of homelife. Apple harvest, studio production work, writing for a new Electrics album in the new year. Good things.</p>
<p>More news to come before the end of 2022, but as the weather gets cool and crisp and the trees explode in a last hurrah of riotous colour, it is nice to be by the Irish Sea again. </p>
<p>With every blessing from our hearth to yours ♡</p>The Sweet Sorrowstag:thesweetsorrows.com,2005:Post/69388262022-04-02T18:07:54+01:002022-10-03T17:12:22+01:00Irish/UK Tour and Fundraiser for Ukraine in association with GSCMC<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/299292/a39ad982d31500e6b87e02888ee7d63a1a5ee2c2/original/tssblackandwhite-copy.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" />Greetings from Springtime in the sunny south east of Ireland!</p>
<p>Things are hotting up as we nail down the last few dates of our "AT LAST" Irish/UK Tour 2022 which will start and finish in Co. Wexford and cover Northern Ireland, Scotland, England and Wales from May 22 throughout June. ( *NB first Wexford date was double booked, thus 22 May in Wexford is postponed TBA.)</p>
<p>Bookings are also in earnest for what looks to be a busy USA Summer Tour (late July into September). We are grateful and excited to hit the road again. Bring it on! Please <a contents="holler" data-link-label="Contact" data-link-type="page" href="/contact" target="_blank">holler</a> for information and especially if you would like us to play your town.</p>
<p>Closer to home and our hearts at present is the plight of Ukrainians and their precious country. Sammy wrote a song earlier this year and we have used '<a contents="We All Have To Row" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://sammyhorner.bandcamp.com/track/we-all-have-to-row?fbclid=IwAR0vIc4C12POKPJJY9yLOQ3vrUl3NKd2OHNdlfF3dgWwX8RURJ6JS8XytQs" target="_blank">We All Have To Row</a>' and offered it for sale in a fundraising effort that has so far yielded just over €1150.</p>
<p>Our brothers in the Ukranian chapter of God's Squad CMC are working relentlessly providing aid, vital medical supplies, all of their military and chaplain skills. Its a considerable coordination effort and fraught with imminent danger given the offensives that are ongoing. The needs are great, we do all have to row and do what we can. Thank you to all of you who have helped, and please do share.</p>
<p><a contents="https://youtu.be/dT8ptbmzkMY" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://youtu.be/dT8ptbmzkMY" target="_blank">https://youtu.be/dT8ptbmzkMY</a></p>
<p>Meanwhile, Himself is painting up a storm as he prepares for Gorey Art School's student exhibition later in May. To say he has enjoyed the last 7 months is an understatement. He may go into a decline when it all ends, fortunately he will be busy touring and hey, you can draw wherever you are!</p>
<p>Here's to seeing you somewhere on the road.</p>
<p>Love & Revelation ♡</p>
<p> Kylie and Sammy</p>
<p> </p>The Sweet Sorrowstag:thesweetsorrows.com,2005:Post/68510272021-12-24T20:11:08+00:002022-10-03T17:11:02+01:00Christmas News from us<p>Well, here we are in 2021 and things have hardly changed in terms of what we do for a job. More lockdowns (Ireland had one of the longest lockdowns running for 500 days) and further restrictions due to Covid have left us firmly stuck in Ireland. The positive side of that is that we live on the Wexford coast…a pretty beautiful part of the world to be stranded. We have enjoyed our own home, bed, neighbours and local artists and art workers in our vicinity, but not being able to tour has caused obvious problems. In 2020 we had a children’s book published and produce two albums. Thanks to everyone who helped us with those projects but 2021 has been a bit slower. The studio finally died meaning a complete upgrade and some new learning curves to get it all running. </p>
<p>We are so hopeful that 2022 will mean working again.</p>
<p>Meanwhile we have started a subscription <a contents="Patreon" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.patreon.com/SammyHorner?fan_landing=true" target="_blank">Patreon</a> account to enable continued relational interaction with our global community, realising that 40+ wks per year aren't going to be endurable as this pandemic caper continues and it will enable a small income to tide us over the months at home (if we can make it a successful venture.) </p>
<p>It’s a bit hard to know how this pandemic will pan out as the bug becomes endemic.. meanwhile, we bloom where we are planted and have developed beautiful relationships here at home. </p>
<p>Sammy is largely working on writing, working with new software in the studio, getting the word out about the children's books - Evie Versus The Dark, a rhyming bedtime book for young children, is available in hardcopy, and Finn And The Wild Goose in both hard copy and audio book. Available on his <a contents="WEBSITE" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://sammy-horner.com/shop/" target="_blank">WEBSITE</a>. We can and shall ship to you wherever you are!<br> We were so so grateful to get to see family/grandkids in Scotland twice this year after a long 20 months without hugs. </p>
<p>Kylie did a course with Dr. Baxter Kruger and Perichoresis Australia, Feb - April which was timely and wonderful, called 'Introducing the Trinitarian Faith', zoom lectures and seminars and times of encounter and rich fellowship/teaching. </p>
<p>Since then she has been asked to help facilitate 2 further courses, one on Australian time, the other USA timeframe which is a challenge given it runs midnight to 3am our time zone...regardless it has been a delight to see Jesus, Abba and Holy Spirit at work and participating in what they are doing in people's lives and hearts. Such a privilege. <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/299292/2185315190a0b9ad3b3d9b1291a1651459ff96ac/original/thumbnail-1.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>Joy and Love and Revelation to you all, we sincerely hope to see you in 2022!</p>
<p><br> Kylie and Sammy xx</p>The Sweet Sorrowstag:thesweetsorrows.com,2005:Post/68042112021-11-10T11:51:44+00:002022-01-13T11:50:30+00:00November news<p>Greetings all,</p>
<p>Its been a wee while since posting here. We had hoped to have seen some of you in a UK tour off the back of book launches late Sep and Oct but the pandemic made that counter-intuitive. Not making money for this long means touring requires a positive fiscal outcome. So, back to the drawing board and we shall tour in earnest next year. </p>
<p>In the interim this has been a time of online zoom courses (Kylie) and attending Gorey Art School (Sammy) both very enjoyable pursuits as well as getting to perform locally here in Carlow for the book launch of 'Smith Happens' Sammy's humorous book on the many mishaps that that great man survived despite all odds. The craic was mighty and validated that we've all been far too long without the joy of live performance.</p>
<p>Some of you who follow us on social media will know that we are looking at the "hows" of doing our thing at this juncture. Being global peeps means adjusting to how we reach fans and friends best. We have gotten some encouraging feedback on our plan to start a <a contents="Patreon" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.patreon.com" target="_blank">Patreon</a> account to better enable connectivity and some regular income and whilst our hope is to be touring as soon as practical, Patreon ensures accessibility to our tribe without the algorithms and bollocks of Facecloth and the like.</p>
<p>So, stay tuned, we plan to launch on Himself's birthday Dec 1st, and if you want to get the details, sign up for emails. </p>
<p>Love & Revelation!</p>The Sweet Sorrowstag:thesweetsorrows.com,2005:Post/66751672021-06-30T19:24:08+01:002021-11-10T10:54:41+00:00Mid-year @ Camp Horner<p>Heya!</p>
<p>How are you?</p>
<p>As we think on how this year is flowing and gear up for the rest of it we hope you are managing life-with-the-plague and various related issues okay. We are both jabbed up and "ready to roll" when travel restrictions ease. </p>
<p>Himself has been busy on all things 'Sammy Horner', tweaking a brand new website that will provide info/sales on every front be it music, books, The Electrics memorabilia and not least Rev. Sam & The Outcasts merchandise. The latest addition to this is RS&TO Bourbon from the wonderful people at <a contents="Spirit of Alba" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://spiritofalba.com" target="_blank">Spirit of Alba</a>... made in Kentucky it is a topnotch whisky with 'spicy complexity a little like the Reverend himself'. First order has sold out, more ordered, our only regret is that no international shipping is available, so UK and Ireland sales only at this stage. We'll let you know how it goes down ;)</p>
<p>Many thanks for the response via social media for a Book/Music tour for Finn & The Wild Goose in September. So far we have interest in Wexford, Belfast, Glasgow, Dundee and Balloch...all of these dates are of course, dependent on restrictions being lifted by that time. We'd love to fill out a couple of weeks, and we realize that 'book tour' isn't what we usually do, but we promise it will be fun with readings from Finn & The Wild Goose, thoughts on writing, Q & A and a little bit of music from the two of us for good measure. Message us for details....thanks in advance...Let's get some live events happening again! </p>
<p>Meanwhile, take care of one another, consider/pray for our friends in Myanmar who are doing it tough, and hang in there, the best is yet to come.</p>
<p>Peace.</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/299292/17080f83ee6c9dfd31a571a0f0623da860a06598/original/blog-collage2-fotor.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p> </p>The Sweet Sorrowstag:thesweetsorrows.com,2005:Post/65833172021-03-24T11:46:55+00:002022-10-03T17:11:31+01:00Trade-Off project 'On Yer Bike'<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/299292/381cf4be8d702972d3af957fa267b9accdfb4d67/original/onyerbike.png/!!/b:W10=.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>So…a lot of you know that we run a little charity thing called <a contents="Trade-Off" data-link-label="Trade-Off" data-link-type="page" href="/trade-off" target="_blank">Trade-Off</a>. The idea is simple…we both have various skill sets so we go and teach them to people who have no access to educational possibilities. We have done this in Eastern Europe and Thailand in northern Chiang Mai and the Thai Burmese /Border. The idea is to give people skills that will either help them find decent paying work, or simply keep them alive! Sammy trains young men (mostly) to be basic electricians (lights power, earthing/grounding and safety) and Kylie trains basic first response medical skills and hygiene etc. Last year we introduced another area of training when Australian musician/writer and producer Rhys Duursma came with us to build a recording studio and train audio engineers. In 2020 we were invited to Myanmar to build a brand new training centre. This was amazing on multiple levels but then COVID kicked in and now Burma/Myanmar is in crisis. We were left wondering what we could do this year, since we cannot physically travel and teach. We had long chats with some of our friends and underlined the issues. We haven’t been able to tour, so we haven’t been able to put the funds to the side for our annual work…but we have a plan -if you want to help us! </p>
<p>We will be launching a project called ‘ON YER BIKE’ and it’s a simple but brilliant idea. If we can provide 20 front line health workers with a bicycle and a basic first aid back pack we can help around 25,000 people in remote villages. These workers would teach hygiene, family health, pregnancy advice, basic health check ups and would be able to communicate more serious health issues to the bigger clinics. We know it sounds like a lot, BUT a bike in Thailand costs around $50 USD and the medical backpack around $100 USD. …so for $3000 USD we can help, support and care for 25,000 people. That is great value and it will actually save and prolong the lives of a lot of people. We are going to auction off some authentic Thai / Burmese items, art work and more but we hope that you can join with us and bring some good news and hope to some of the very poorest people on the planet.</p>
<p>Just for anyone wondering about our 'Trade-Off' or 'On Yer Bike' projects..there is no middle man and every cent goes to the given project. We don't work alone..we have friends in two amazing organizations who live and work on the Thai/Myanmar border doing incredible work. The Trade Off schools work along side these incredible people in<a contents=" The Charis Project" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://thecharisproject.org" target="_blank"> The Charis Project</a> and <a contents="Global Catalytic Network" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.globalcatalyticnetwork.com" target="_blank">Global Catalytic Network</a>. </p>
<p>Please don't hesitate to go directly to them if you need any information or you see some of the other work they are involved in. In this case, 'ON YER BIKE' will be supporting the ongoing family support work with The Charis Project and, hopefully by next year we will be building a training center in Myanmar with the Global Catalytic Network. These folk are already impacting thousands of lives in some of the poorest communities on earth...let's lend a hand. We will be putting up items for auction via Facebook...thank you to everyone who wants to be in.</p>
<p>Use this link:</p>
<p><a contents="On Yer Bike Paypal" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.paypal.com/pools/c/8xYxOxXtw3" target="_blank">On Yer Bike Paypal</a></p>The Sweet Sorrowstag:thesweetsorrows.com,2005:Post/65700552021-03-10T18:26:45+00:002021-09-20T12:43:17+01:00March, Merch and More<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/299292/9953cf71bf79f8b6ae329ba1b1313225a288ae94/original/marchspring.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" />Spring tidings to you all as we relish sunshine ( a bit more) and welcome definite signs of a new season.<br>Continued 5km lockdown aside here in Ireland, we have given our local postmaster a run for his money with all the Kickstarter pledge-rewards being thrown at him!</p>
<p>The combined joys of brexit and covid made actually getting our hands on Rev. Sam & The Outcasts and Far Away Places somewhat of a challenge, but obstacles were over come, and vinyls, cds, t-shirts, artwork, hip flasks and all manner of swag are in the mail on their way to all who participated in our crowd funder to get these albums made. Huge thanks, we are so grateful!</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/299292/9b2794d937ceadc06e599bd05106e8c281ec5171/original/mixmerch.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" />The house is full of merchandise, we cant tour for the foreseeable future and our turn for vaccinations is doubtless months away.</p>
<p>We shall be launching the new albums on Bandcamp on April 2nd, digital downloads and hard copies. Thanks to those who have already written with orders and purchases, we are delighted and glad to off load all this stuff to anyone interested. Stay tuned we shall plug it all on social media etc.</p>
<p>Peace and Love to y'all.</p><!-- more -->The Sweet Sorrowstag:thesweetsorrows.com,2005:Post/65318862021-01-27T17:09:26+00:002022-04-06T13:41:36+01:00How's Your January?<p>G'day folks, from our wet but pretty part of the world...Day "I-dont-know" of Lockdown #3 - or is it 4?</p>
<p>We lose count and it will continue into March here as they trickle the vaccine out. Staying home, minding ourselves etc.</p>
<p>There's not much news and won't get into the mundanities of home water leaks and damage but on the music front all is coming along. Our Kickstarter campaign last year enabled us to get Sammy's first lockdown projects manufactured and we are delighted that both Far Away Places and Rev. Sam & The Outcasts are (nearly) in our hands - both Brexit and covid have slowed down delivery. ygt ;) Test pressing of the vinyl Rev. Sam sounds great and all is go on that front. </p>
<p>We are so grateful for all the help we have had from so many to help these albums to completion. Thank you! Release of both albums on band camp is slated for April. Himself has recorded an audio book of Finn and The Wild Goose, an immersive experience complete with side effects, stay tuned for more info about release on that. Writing continues, as the weeks stretch in the meantime.. Herself will be able to - at last- apply for Irish naturalisation in March. No travel is imminent so may as well get that process going. </p>
<p>The wild garlic is coming, the birds are definitely louder and happier, bring on the Spring as we wait in hope for change, safety and a better new normal.</p>
<p>Peace xx</p>The Sweet Sorrowstag:thesweetsorrows.com,2005:Post/65069572020-12-24T14:32:00+00:002022-10-03T17:12:07+01:00Sammy's Christmas Musings<p>So this is Christmas. It’s upon us again in what we might all call the weirdest year of our lives. Truth is, it’s been a crappy year for a lot of people. Businesses hammered, families separated, </p>
<p>art and music locked down, houses of worship closed, people sick and dying and travel has basically been non existent. </p>
<p>It’s been horrible but that is 2020 for a lot of us. For us the year hadn’t finished sticking the boot in. In December we had two deaths in the family and two surgeries..you know, Murphy’s Law.. when you think it can’t get any worse… it does. However this time of year is always when I seem to reflect best and the arrival of the most beautiful Nativity Scene, made by a dear friend delighted me and made me think about this time of year. </p>
<p>The weird thing about the ‘Christmas Story’ that we see on cards, in town squares, children’s plays and under Christmas Trees is that mostly it is untrue…or at least inaccurate. </p>
<p>The idea of the nativity combines a bunch of stories, myths and ideas into one perfect beautiful scene while in reality there wasn’t much all that beautiful about it…but we like the illusion ( and I do like it because like everyone else, I like lovely things) better than the reality. </p>
<p>The Christmas story took place in a country occupied by an invading brutal force. An unmarried pregnant girl and her fiancé are forced to travel for census/ taxation purposes just before one of the worst cases of mass infanticide would take place. </p>
<p>When the baby finally arrives..(they said he was Immanuel, King of kings, the Saviour etc etc)….he is dropped in an animals’ feeding trough….makes you wonder doesn’t it? </p>
<p>2020 has been a horrible year…..2000 years ago, (give or take) it was also a horrible year. And there have been horrible years since. A pandemic isn’t the norm for sure, but years come and they go and there is no telling how good or bad they might be. </p>
<p>This year would have been much worse without the things we have learned. We are thankful for the support and love of family and friends globally, but this year has allowed us to stay home and get to know our neighbours and find a wonderful richness in the artistic community in Wexford. We have learned that medical workers, shop keepers , postmen and other, often overlooked services are truly essential. We have seen a rallying in communities and the heroes amongst us are often the ‘ordinary’ folk around us. </p>
<p>Some things go without saying…proud of my son who has climbed to the top of his game by his mid 30’s, my daughter for starting a new career in health care just as Covid hit. My grandkids for no particular reason except the joy of being their Pop. My wife for putting up with my very focused but annoying mind. </p>
<p>My old friend John Smith once told me that artists and those on the fringes of society often intuitively ‘feel’ the truth…he called such people the ‘nerve endings of society.’ Also, personally I’ve been lifted out of potential gloom by 71 year old Bruce Springsteen’s keen observations on life…by Cursed Murphy v’s The Resistance’ passionate wails for justice. Ian Doyle’s reminders of how dark life can be, the commitment to excellence of The Remedy Club, ( you can google all these artists and buy their music). The inspirational creativity of Emma Sherman’s needlework, Dan Comerford’s guitar building, Kylie’s kitchen endeavours, Ecke Weiland’s painting, Alexander Lee Buie’s exceptional art work, Yuval Noah Harari’s prophetic warnings of the terrifying possibilities of technology and my late sister’s ability to laugh at life. The commitment of local businesses like RED BOOKS in Wexford to support local writers like Dan Finn. The coexistence of joy and grief we find in the Irish wake. Hemingway’s Old Man Of the Sea and the exhausting struggle that is his working life. CS Lewis reminds us that there may well be someone out to get us in Screwtape Letters. Roald Dahl, Richard Rohr, Robert Kirk, John Smith, Jesus Christ and more all help me navigate life. </p>
<p>In the Christmas story, it still strikes me that the first visitors were shepherds. These guys knew things before anyone else. The dodgy, hard drinking, smelly, dirty, potty mouthed, rough, untrustworthy dwellers from the edges (The general social thinking on shepherds in that time) knew about good news before the politicians, the religious people, the rich, the high society tribe, the intellectuals and the do-gooders. Over the years it has often been those on the edge of society who have taught me my most sobering lessons. </p>
<p>I love that it is these men who tell everybody this good news. Perhaps in 2021 we need to listen harder to those on the edges because if we think good news just comes from preachers and those in power, maybe we still prefer the illusion more than the truth. </p>
<p>Make it as merry as you can, and a hopeful New year to you all..</p>The Sweet Sorrowstag:thesweetsorrows.com,2005:Post/64726232020-11-08T12:10:54+00:002022-10-03T17:12:22+01:00Fully Funded! Amazed, Humbled and Grateful<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/299292/3b3f3b11106a5e17e2bd2340aebe1f4eb36ef6f2/original/blogksdone.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>We did it - and the 'we' includes so many from all over the globe who made the decision to support and see this project come to fruition.</p>
<p>Thank you! </p>
<p>As touring musicians who can't just now, this is encouragement, this is connection, and inspite of pandemics and a myriad of struggles, this is hope in action. </p>
<p>As Kylie applies for Irish naturalisation and we get these musical albums manufactured, know that our hearts are full, humbled and so grateful. We will work to get all the pledge rewards to you as soon as practicable keeping in mind that UK and parts of Europe are again locking down and non-essential services won't be available. Still, most businesses we are using are still on track with our orders, so God willin' and the creek don't rise...</p>
<p>Music is important, the arts are vital. Now as much as ever, and whilst we are unable to stand in front of you and entertain you in a typical way, we hope that Far Away Places and Rev. Sam & The Outcasts will lift your spirits, remind you of things past, and that the best is yet to come.</p>
<p>Love from our patch of green.</p>The Sweet Sorrowstag:thesweetsorrows.com,2005:Post/64643082020-10-27T17:01:57+00:002021-11-10T10:55:58+00:00Video fun and info during 2nd Lockdown this year.<p><a contents="Sammy sharing a bit about the recording process in Covid-Lockdown" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://youtu.be/YywjTTvEg1Q" target="_blank">Sammy sharing a bit about the recording process in Covid-Lockdown</a></p>
<p>Hey groovers,</p>
<p> We are nearly to the half way mark with our crowd funder campaign and we are so grateful to those who have chipped in. Lockdown here in Ireland allows us plenty of time to consider how best to share parts of the process with you and some of the flavours of both albums, one so different to the other. See above and below links which feature music from both Far Away Places and Rev. Sam & The Outcasts. This 'year of flowing gently' though so different to most for us has not been boring and we hope you like what has been created with some talented musician-friends.</p>
<p><a contents="Rev. Sam has a word" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://kck.st/30NAJzs" target="_blank">A word from Rev. Sam</a> </p>The Sweet Sorrowstag:thesweetsorrows.com,2005:Post/64578302020-10-17T12:56:34+01:002022-01-13T11:51:50+00:00Nearly 30% and a third of the way there..<p> How are you? <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/299292/5c9b4243dea252139ad01a7c8349f3cdb334b722/original/woodspic.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>We are working' it to try and get this crowd fund kicking thing to it's goal. Challenging times to run a campaign and we are relying on our friends and fans as always to want to hear these new offerings in music. Social media is a help but seems these days to work against the artist struggling to put the word out. </p>
<p>Far Away Places and Rev. Sam & The Outcasts were born in lockdown. Both conceived in a place of fertile creative need. Both enabled many talented artists to give of themselves and earn some much needed dosh (if somewhat limited given our budget). These albums are good, they are rich both lyrically, musically and messaged in hope.</p>
<p>We hope you can find a few bob to help us get these into yours and others hands. The best is yet to come, despite pandemics and the ills we see globally... These days shall pass. On on good people. </p>
<p>Here's a link to our project, have a look, enjoy the updates, follow our progress. Thank you xx Kylie&Sammy</p>
<p><a contents="Rev.Sam & The Outcasts Recording" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://tinyurl.com/y2q75su6" target="_blank">Rev.Sam & The Outcasts Recording</a></p>The Sweet Sorrowstag:thesweetsorrows.com,2005:Post/64544572020-10-13T12:03:05+01:002021-11-10T10:54:07+00:00Rev. Sam & The Outcasts Recording is kicking!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/299292/cf2449a19c83b7c09ba63977f030a43435381c78/original/revsamoutcastsbadhabits.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>We are 5 days into our campaign to get these latest albums made and already nearly <span class="font_large">20% </span>funded! Huge thanks to all who have contributed and we deeply appreciate it. <br>We are excited for you all to hear both of these projects - each seriously good records in their own right and with a cast of talent from all over.</p>
<p>We are doing updates on our progress and adding info on the 'how to' of the whole shebang, you can follow along on our <a contents="KICKSTARTER" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/isolation-creation/rev-sam-and-the-outcasts-recording?ref=creator_nav" target="_blank">KICKSTARTER</a> page.</p>
<p>Upcoming will be a vid by our talented friend and artist <a contents="Alexander Buie" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.instagram.com/alexander_buie/?hl=en" target="_blank">Alexander Buie</a> on his creative process.</p>
<p>Stay tuned, stay safe, please check out the project and feel free to ask questions, we have til Nov 4 to make our goal and we need your help.</p>
<p>Go to: <a contents="Rev.Sam & The Outcasts Recording" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/isolation-creation/rev-sam-and-the-outcasts-recording?ref=creator_nav" target="_blank">Rev.Sam & The Outcasts Recording</a>, click on 'Back This Project' and see what it's all about.</p>
<p>Thanks for the support.</p>
<p>Peace!</p>
<p>Team Horner</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>The Sweet Sorrowstag:thesweetsorrows.com,2005:Post/64518972020-10-08T22:07:51+01:002022-01-13T11:52:05+00:00Starting With a Kick! **New Music from Sammy Horner<p>Hey ho and away we go with this project, the creating of which got us through lockdown early in the pandemic this year. Himself needs to keep his head busy and 2020 has been, well, a huge opportunity. Thus we bring you our latest crowd-funding venture. </p>
<p>Two amazing albums, one folk, one rock... Far Away Places and Rev. Sam & The Outcasts. </p>
<p>Two very different styles from one artist. From Sammy- " For some years I've been writing material for both of these albums, one delving into the Irish famine and resultant emigration to far away places adding in all of the uncertainty being experienced in the current season, the other a kind of in your face, raw gospel album that doesn't sugar coat or sanitise ideas on good news, justice, mercy and love and delivers a spankin' hard rock edge with all the 'doo-wops' and 'shalalala push-push' backing vocals of my hey day." </p>
<p> Collaboration with a gifted group of musicians from Ireland, UK, Germany, USA and Australia via the internet adds to the quality, creativity and experience tenfold. </p>
<p>We have 30 days from Oct 8th to make our goal to get the project funded. Kickstarter is a reputable and safe platform that we are well seasoned in utilizing and we encourage you to have a look at what rewards are on offer for pledging and supporting our endeavour. </p>
<p>Thanks in advance for having a look at the project and the rewards for pledging and if you can share the news we'd so appreciate it.</p>
<p>Here is the link: <a contents="Rev.Sam & The Outcasts Recording" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/isolation-creation/rev-sam-and-the-outcasts-recording?ref=project_build#" target="_blank">Rev.Sam & The Outcasts Recording</a> </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/299292/d9db0a878f1af7a9db5df506a71bd9dd3e08eefa/original/blogks.png/!!/b:W10=.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>The Sweet Sorrowstag:thesweetsorrows.com,2005:Post/64237272020-09-03T13:10:35+01:002021-09-20T12:45:02+01:00Finn and the Wild Goose<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/299292/645a7725a8c6064d1bd003a2bc9158966e4f2b17/original/bookgoose.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" />We are very happy to announce Sammy's first foray into children's novels is now available for order and download on Amazon in Kindle format where, on Sep 2, it started in the top 20 for children's multicultural, folktales and myths genre. We are stoked and so grateful to all who supported and encouraged himself on the journey to publication.</p>
<p> It's also available on <a contents="AMAZON" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/s?k=Sammy+Horner&rh=n%3A291761&ref=nb_sb_noss" target="_blank">AMAZON</a> UK for hardcopy orders. For anyone not wanting to wait until they are available in your area ( ie. Australia) our publishers Malcolm Down have conveyed that it is available at the <a contents="Book Depository" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.bookdepository.com/Finn-and-the-Wild-Goose-Sammy-Horner/9781912863600" target="_blank">Book Depository</a>.</p>
<p>We have some advance copies available if you would like to purchase a signed copy. <a contents="Contact us" data-link-label="Contact" data-link-type="page" href="/contact" target="_blank">Contact us</a> for information. We hope in the future to have opportunity to sell them on the road- when we ever get back on the road.</p>
<p>Watch this space, here's to 2021 allowing more normal activities for the likes of us troubadours.</p>
<p>Go get a copy and enjoy the adventures.</p>The Sweet Sorrowstag:thesweetsorrows.com,2005:Post/63897472020-07-22T17:05:52+01:002021-04-27T13:05:26+01:00German/Swiss Tour Cancelled<p>Greetings from Wexford...</p>
<p>It is with the acceptance that it's the only choice we have given these days of uncertainty due to Covid 19, we have called it on whether to tour this September. Sad as we are not to be with friends and fans in lovely Switzerland and Germany, we cant avoid the fact that there are too many compelling reasons to not leave Ireland.</p>
<p>All non-essential travel is strongly advised against; there is still a 14 day isolation rule if returning from countries not on the 'green list' and this would apply; singing is even worse than talking as far as droplet spread considerations; multiple contacts in two countries would be a tracking nightmare.... and so on.</p>
<p>Here's to a better year for us muso's, artists and performers in 2021.</p>
<p>Peace and hand gel be with you all and don't forget yer masks.</p>The Sweet Sorrowstag:thesweetsorrows.com,2005:Post/63690362020-06-28T12:13:15+01:002020-06-28T12:45:12+01:00Author at work!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/299292/accb82e4cb9901894b34c444625306ff1cbd2d9c/original/small-cover.png/!!/b:W10=.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" />As many of you are aware, Mr. Horner is never happier than when creating, indeed lockdown has been a benefit for the Horner camp as writing, recording and general creativity ensued. We are considering a new way to promote Sammy's books and solo musical projects, prolific is the word that comes to mind. Two new albums are largely completed and a Kickstarter is planned to assist in getting these pressed and available to you. Faraway Places and Rev. Sam and The Outcasts (working title at present) promise to entertain.</p>
<p>Meanwhile Finn and The Wild Goose is at the publishers (huge thanks to editor Angela Little Smith and Malcolm Down and Sarah Grace Publishing) and we hope to have physical copies in hand by end of July. More literature is coming as well and we think himself needs another website to better serve his different creative hats. Stay tuned. </p>
<p>PS. For the streaming types, <a contents="Breathe" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://open.spotify.com/album/1SugFgjY9rwyJNX7K1IESK" target="_blank">Breathe</a> produced by Sammy and electronica/techno whizz-kid Tony 'Tonesteppa' Silcock is now available for your listening/dancing pleasure ;) Also available for download purchase or hard copy order via <a contents="BANDCAMP" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://sammyhorner.bandcamp.com/album/worship-like-a-celt-breathe">BANDCAMP</a>. </p>The Sweet Sorrowstag:thesweetsorrows.com,2005:Post/63431902020-06-05T11:23:38+01:002020-09-08T12:21:11+01:00The Sweet Sorrows Live on a screen near you<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/299292/e0774a586c723b7adce6e934bd158a040b83cfd4/original/latestuspic.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /> How are you?</p>
<p>This weekend would have seen us in the UK on our annual tour. Instead we are joining friends online (Sunday 7th) for <a contents="The Doghouse Open Mic Lockdown Session" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/224900031946651/" target="_blank">The Doghouse Open Mic Lockdown Session</a> which is based in Balloch, Scotland and where the craic is always mighty. Our set is scheduled for 6.30pm GMT and we look forward to seeing you there and mingling with beloveds we cant be with. Stay tuned for more news, Mr. Horner (alias Rev. Sam) has been cranking and we are in the process of 2 new albums in our Covid-staycation. Remember #thesedayswillpass and mind yourselves. </p>
<p>Peace out.</p>The Sweet Sorrowstag:thesweetsorrows.com,2005:Post/62820612020-04-14T16:20:14+01:002020-09-05T15:37:14+01:00No June UK tour <p>It is with regret and great necessity that we are calling time on our proposed and fully booked June UK tour. We are so very grateful to all of the hosts who had planned concerts in Scotland, England and Wales. The dates were set but never made it onto our SHOWS page for obvious reasons. Here's to flattening the curve of this virus, staying safe, staying home and staying connected in all of the marvelous ways we can these days. </p>
<p>We hope to still tour in Switzerland and Germany planned for September but of course its too early to be sure of much just now.</p>
<p>Stay tuned and we will see you all on screens and one day eventually this shall pass and we can be face to face again.</p>
<p>May peace fill your cup as we take opportunity to flow gently and love one another the best way we possibly can for now.</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/299292/5abdd08acf61c887998e29e9d2bd6811bbf44850/original/thumbnail.jpeg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" />Blessings from our patch of green and may you and yours stay safe and well.</p>
<p>With love, Kylie and Sammy</p>
<p> </p>The Sweet Sorrowstag:thesweetsorrows.com,2005:Post/62572432020-03-21T12:34:52+00:002020-03-21T12:48:16+00:00More March Madness<p>Cooee folks, </p>
<p>Well, we are following precautions and enjoying the rural life here in Co. Wexford...grateful for being able to do so. Covid-19 is not robbing us of either joy or peace. Ireland is both sensible, unhysterical and forewarned and if we all maintain pretty simple instructions we will for the most part be fine. Just remember, this lurgy likes lungs, protect them, wash hands, no nosepicking... you get it!</p>
<p>Last week we had another release on streaming platforms, <a contents="Adelady" data-link-label="Music" data-link-type="page" href="/music" target="_blank">Adelady</a> is available everywhere including right here! Check us out on <a contents="Spotify" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://open.spotify.com/track/3uAMC2Fv1CDJo8tEbDuG9t" target="_blank">Spotify</a> and <a contents="CD Baby" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://store.cdbaby.com/cd/thesweetsorrows5" target="_blank">CD Baby</a>.</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/299292/4f5bc3566c8fce054a30fdb6880b0e7e4518a222/original/adelady.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" />Our days are unhurried, ample time for rehearsal, writing, reading and admin. Obviously we too have had work for the next weeks cancelled and/or postponed. The 'Mercyland in Ireland 2020' songwriters event is hopefully postponed until October. Stay tuned for info later this year!</p>
<p>Its a wee bit early to tell whether our summer tour in the UK will still go ahead, dates are set, just not posted. We will let you know for sure as soon as we can. We are also aware that people are wanting to buy Sammy's Worship LIke A Celt CDs and are working to make them available on our music page here as well as on <a contents="BANDCAMP" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://sammyhorner.bandcamp.com/album/worship-like-a-celt-an-aid-to-contemplation-and-personal-devotion" target="_blank">BANDCAMP</a>.</p>
<p>Meanwhile we thank you all for your support, friendship and spirit of community inspite of current hardships and uncertain days. </p>
<p>This too shall pass, and we believe, the best is yet to come.</p>
<p>Peace, out x</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>The Sweet Sorrowstag:thesweetsorrows.com,2005:Post/62249492020-02-23T20:10:00+00:002020-02-23T20:10:00+00:00Wiradjuri. New release to CD Baby,Spotify...<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/299292/fa639d3cc226d2a522f5e34531ea367f73289566/original/wiradjuri-fotor.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" />This was a part of Australian history too important not to put to song and share. These brave Wiradjuri tribesmen Yarri and Jacky Jacky (and others) were responsible for saving many lives in the tragic flood of Gundagai (NSW) when the Murrumbidgee River swept homes, livestock and folk away in June 1852.</p>
<p>White settlers had been warned by local aboriginal people not to build on the flats but move to higher ground, they did not heed this advice to their peril and the Wiradjuri men and their fragile bark canoes worked tirelessly rescuing people through three long days and nights. If not for their bravery most of the town's population would have perished, and this despite the fact that many Wiradjuri lost their lives due to the colonisers’ violence during the settlement of Gundagai and surrounds...racism was rife in the region. The rescuers were even treated badly after the flood!</p>
<p>Hat's off to these gentleman who deserve an Australian Government Bravery Award, that has been denied initially but the Brungle Tumut Local Aboriginal Land Council are reapplying for this recognition.</p>
<p>Enjoy the track here <a contents="CD Baby" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://store.cdbaby.com/cd/thesweetsorrows3" target="_blank">CD Baby</a>, <a contents="Spotify" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://open.spotify.com/album/3TTzkLOhslSmdqBsu2S0C1" target="_blank">Spotify</a></p>
<p><a contents="The Australian Sessions" data-link-label="" data-link-type="album" href="/album/1208988/the-australian-sessions">The Australian Sessions</a> CD is available now in hardcopy or download.</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>The Sweet Sorrowstag:thesweetsorrows.com,2005:Post/62134712020-02-12T23:52:09+00:002020-02-12T23:52:09+00:00February News, Singles releases and Trade-Off<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/299292/cee6e27d1a1a3df763ceeb9f900061897d04e3d2/original/dont-weep-fotor.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" />Valentines Day is Feb 14th and to celebrate love we are releasing our first single off "The Australian Sessions" on <a contents="Spotify" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://open.spotify.com/artist/6X3rW0aGTWLsfptNY1OOMx" target="_blank">Spotify</a>, CD Baby and anywhere else one streams from! This beautiful song by Rich Davies is a heart breaker and so far proving to be a crowd pleaser. Check it out, this Friday.</p>
<p>Meanwhile in Mae Sot,Thailand Sammy and Rhys Duursma are smashing the electrical and studio trade schools with 17 and 7 students respectively making this our biggest training event thus far. Check out our <a contents="TRADE-OFF" data-link-label="Trade-Off" data-link-type="page" href="/trade-off" target="_blank">TRADE-OFF</a> page for all the details and images, it takes a tribe and we've got the best.</p>
<p>Lastly, the Australian Bushfire Benefit Concert in the Wexford Arts Centre on Jan 31st was epic, well executed, vibrant and diverse. A great night was had by all and we raised €2000 thanks to the wonderful people of Wexford. Huge thanks to all who came, supported, played, and to the Wexford Arts Centre for hosting the event. The proceeds are being donated to the <a contents="SA Bushfire Appeal" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.sa.gov.au/topics/emergencies-and-safety/bushfire-appeal" target="_blank">SA Bushfire Appeal</a>. </p>
<p>Peace out x</p>The Sweet Sorrowstag:thesweetsorrows.com,2005:Post/60958472020-01-13T19:37:49+00:002020-07-06T13:02:41+01:00Australian Bushfire Benefit @ Wexford Arts Centre update<p>THE REMEDY CLUB, THE MAN WHOM, BEKI HEMINGWAY, THE SWEET SORROWS, CURSED MURPHY VERSUS THE RESISTANCE, FRANKENSTEIN BOLTS, TEN OUNCE MOUSE and COLM MAC CON IOMAIRE.<br>Australia is burning. It is both catastrophic and unprecedented. Australia, long known as the land of fires, droughts and floods, is experiencing the worst ever crisis in its recorded history. Since September 2019, in a hideously premature fire season, 33 people have perished, at least 1 billion animals have died, and over 2000 homes and nearly 11 million hectares have been incinerated. Wiped out. That’s nearly twice the size of Ireland.</p>
<p>The artists above are staging a benefit concert on January 31st at the <a contents="Wexford Arts Centre" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.wexfordartscentre.ie/" target="_blank">Wexford Arts Centre</a>, who have generously provided their beautiful venue. All profits raised will go to the Australian Bushfire Appeal. Specific details will be announced on the night. If you would like to get on board, come and support the concert. If you can’t make it to the Arts Centre on January 31st, you can plan an event, or fund-raise, using your talents and initiative. Every little bit helps. We are many. Here are some useful links for donations: </p>
<p><a contents="THE RED CROSS BUSHFIRE EMERGENCY APPEAL" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.theintrepidfoundation.org/australian-bushfire-appeal?fbclid=IwAR1YrNUbNVH270C9StAd27W7NFZKfycpEN2vY3_nzNoopTezofy90Cm25cw" target="_blank">THE RED CROSS BUSHFIRE EMERGENCY APPEAL</a></p>
<p><a contents="THE KANGAROO ISLAND MAYORS BUSHFIRE APPEAL FUND &amp;&nbsp;SA BUSHFIRE APPEAL " data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://southaustralia.com/travel-blog/how-you-can-help-with-the-bushfires-in-south-australia?fbclid=IwAR2s2KBxX5QJonpD7C58mh4cwenKuCPivMjmnpfizpBnS2uGPPnCRUsjP1U" target="_blank">THE KANGAROO ISLAND MAYORS BUSHFIRE APPEAL FUND & </a><a contents="SA BUSHFIRE APPEAL " data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://southaustralia.com/travel-blog/how-you-can-help-with-the-bushfires-in-south-australia?fbclid=IwAR2s2KBxX5QJonpD7C58mh4cwenKuCPivMjmnpfizpBnS2uGPPnCRUsjP1U" target="_blank">SA BUSHFIRE APPEAL </a></p>The Sweet Sorrowstag:thesweetsorrows.com,2005:Post/60563552020-01-02T16:19:24+00:002020-02-04T12:31:28+00:00Happy 2020 Folks!<p>Happy New Year, New Decade!! Welcome to the 20s!! </p>
<p>Rest is top of our list thus far (and himself is better for it) but after a month of that we are starting to think, plan and create towards all the year has in store @CampSweetSorrows! Thailand looms for Sammy; we have a Wexford <a contents="show" data-link-label="Shows" data-link-type="page" href="/shows" target="_blank">show</a> in March thanks to Real Rockin' Roots; and ongoing discussion with publisher-types regarding Mr Horner's book - Finn and the Wild Goose. 'The Australian Sessions' are leaving the shelves and we've been getting some great feed back and response thanks guys! If you haven't heard the new tunes or would like to purchase a copy go <a contents="HERE" data-link-label="Music" data-link-type="page" href="/music" target="_blank">HERE</a>!</p>
<p>Only two tours for The Sweet Sorrows in 2020...UK/ Ireland first in May / June and then to Switzerland and Germany in September. Some dates are in for the UK tour, but we'd love to come and play for you...<a contents="message" data-link-label="Contact" data-link-type="page" href="/contact" target="_blank">message</a> us for details, with any questions or if you would like to book us in your venue or your lounge room, we aren't fussy!</p>
<p>Our hearts and prayers and thoughts are with all suffering in the Australian fires, such devastation and loss...such courage from so many.. The heartbreak will continue for awhile yet. Aussies are a tough breed and are rallying with typical resilience but this is the worst disaster on record. Much love to all of you that we know down unda, stay safe, we are rooting for you!!</p>
<p>Slainte!</p>
<p>TSS</p>The Sweet Sorrowstag:thesweetsorrows.com,2005:Post/60299402019-12-18T22:20:25+00:002019-12-18T23:38:43+00:00Christmas Musings..<p>All kinds of feelings about this time of year depending on who you ask. Looking back, I can’t help but be thankful for 2019. There are lots of things I think I control, and I work hard for a living and yet, more than my efforts and more than my skills, one thing has been on my heart all year…the kindness of others. </p>
<p>It would be fair to say that we simply would not survive or be able to continue to do what we do if it was not for the kindness shown to us. Hospitality, warm beds, food, promotion, purchase of our music, support, kind audiences, generosity, and more. </p>
<p>Any musician who thinks that anyone owes them a listen is mistaken, it is a joy and privilege to have people in front of us who hear and watch what we do. It’s a gift. </p>
<p>It’s a gift to have people share their homes with you, pay for a hotel room, prepare a meal, drive you to the airport and buy your recordings and art. </p>
<p>It is a luxurious gift to get to travel all over the world to play music or to play in your local community to friends and fans. </p>
<p>Sure, it’s hard work too and there is no excuse for not putting time and effort into what you do, but at this point I am aware that the amount of grace shown to us is really what makes it happen. </p>
<p>People consistently put us before themselves, give freely and bless us so that we can keep doing our simple thing. It’s a beautiful thing, grace. I can’t control it, I can’t expect it, I can’t earn it and yet it is evident all around me in every country and culture. </p>
<p>So, to everyone who has extended grace to us in any way I’d like to take the time to thank you as this year comes to an end. You embody the Christmas message of the gift of grace in so many ways…..I am thankful for you and that we have been recipients of your freely given gifts of support, love, care, hospitality and everything else…. In fearful times I find comfort that the Christmas story almost begins with the words “Don’t be afraid.” 2019 gave me hope once again that, because of grace, fear takes a back seat. </p>
<p>Merry Christmas and a blessed 2020.. </p>
<p>“I will honour Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year. I will live in the Past, the Present, and the Future. The Spirits of all Three shall strive within me. I will not shut out the lessons that they teach!” </p>
<p>― Charles Dickens, A Christmas Carol </p>
<p> </p>The Sweet Sorrowstag:thesweetsorrows.com,2005:Post/57991182019-06-21T12:40:38+01:002019-07-30T13:52:02+01:00Thankyou UK! <p>Heading for Irish Ferries in Wales and chatting with <a contents="Mayfair Lane" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://mayfairlanemusic.bandcamp.com/">Mayfair Lane</a> about this last 3 weeks. Northern Ireland, Scotland, England and Wales, you rock and we thank you! Beautiful audiences and great craic! Now for some catch up on work at home for a short week, then off we go! Check our <a contents="SHOWS" data-link-label="Shows" data-link-type="page" href="/shows">SHOWS</a> page for upcoming dates. Slainte folks! <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/299292/895820d396f8d65e4489c182bd9578033b8d2aa9/original/d85-5601-fotor1.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>The Sweet Sorrowstag:thesweetsorrows.com,2005:Post/55740942018-12-30T11:14:07+00:002020-06-25T10:39:22+01:00Thank you for a great 2018!!<p>Whew! It was a belter year and we couldn't have done any of it without the many of you who help make it happen!!</p>
<p>As 2018 draws to a close, we are mindful of the support, friendship and love that enables us Horners to do all that we do. Thank you! For listening, for sharing, for buying, for extending yourselves to us...for supporting live music, the arts, the creatives, the troubadours...for helping us make a difference, for helping spread light and love. We are grateful and humbled and ready to work hard for another year. </p>
<p>May 2019 find our paths meeting on the road, and may there be joy in the journey.</p>
<p>With every blessing.</p>The Sweet Sorrowstag:thesweetsorrows.com,2005:Post/55656592018-12-22T16:04:31+00:002019-08-28T08:45:17+01:00Sammy's Christmas Blog<p>Well, 2018 was a big year. We travelled all over the planet and found love, hate, joy, anger, unity, division, warmth and icy cold. No different to other years in some ways, but context is everything and 2018 brought me into sharper focus than other years…maybe it’s just getting older does that. Last week I spent time with family. It had been the worst kind of year for them…the worst kind of loss. Some of my friends in the USA had suffered a similar loss and wrote to me to offer sound advice. </p>
<p>During this time I heard the full horror of the story. The hopelessness and sense of loss was tangible and I saw the kind of tears that only old men can cry roll down cheeks. The story was soaked in pain, helplessness, terror and emptiness but as they told the saddest of stories, a memory would insert itself and the tale took another direction. There it was, ‘joy’ had her say right there! This story brought a smile to the room, then, back into the dark for more horror. The ‘whys’ and ‘hows’ continued for sometime, then an unrelated story brought laughter to every heart. We all glimpsed it. The light got in and somehow it let us see with some clarity for a moment. Then typical Irish sayings made the whole scenario seem laughable and ridiculous until we were all giggling in spite of the sadness that was still our constant companion in the room, because peace got a foot in the door and refused to leave until we all had a little taste. </p>
<p>I had watched from afar as my friends in the USA walked a similar road, but their counsel was perfect because they already knew that place and what was required for visitors. <br>So, as we head into Christmas, it is not lost on me that context is everything. A couple of thousand years ago, in a distant land that was occupied by an invading force with a deeply insecure ‘world’ leader. People longed for a big helping hand, a saviour, something bigger than their problems. It was a dark time, a violent time, an oppressive time and an uncertain time. They needed a big thing and yet the story tells us that a teenage peasant girl gave birth to a baby boy. </p>
<p>The one who would be hailed as the light of the world, the prince of peace, the way the truth and the life, came as something small, insignificant, helpless and easily mistaken as small and useless. It was (once more) not lost on me that in this story eventually a mother would walk the same road as my friends and family have in 2018. </p>
<p>It seemed to me that it was the small joys that became important. The hint of peace of mind and heart. The laughter that was found in the light. They had joined in with the tears of sorrow. Not overtaking the sadness or making it vanish but rather, easing it with small glimpses of hope and goodness. The sadness seemed bigger, but it couldn’t keep holding on to us like it wanted too. Peace would insist on being heard. Joy was going to have her say and the light made sure that the darkness became a foggy blur that we could squint through, rather than the total blindness that leaves us numb. It was the little things that helped us push on when the big things try to crush us. <br>I head into 2019 with the thought that just maybe, the peace and joy and light that we quote at this time of year is there for all of us. It’s not big, it’s not blinding and it’s not always in our face. </p>
<p>It shows up when the big hurts come and the large disappointments batter us. It’s small and can almost be overlooked, but it is what keeps the darkness lit, what reminds us of the good during the bad and the joy that curls our lips upward when the grimace of pain thinks it has won. <br>Like everything else this year, I guess I already knew this, and ancient wisdom has <br>told us that it is dark and sad out there, however, <br>‘The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it’. <br>So here’s to the little things that endure for each of us.... </p>
<p>Merry Christmas and a Happy 2019 to you all.</p>The Sweet Sorrowstag:thesweetsorrows.com,2005:Post/54337482018-09-18T20:09:51+01:002019-08-27T11:42:41+01:00Celticana Australia<p>Looking forward to being Down Unda again after 18 months and playing, catching up with friends and family and enjoying the Antipodes! Our gig in China was cancelled, we will spend some time in Hong Kong instead. You can find all of our Australian concert dates on our <a contents="SHOWS" data-link-label="Shows/FAQ" data-link-type="page" href="/shows-faq">SHOWS</a> page, still booking and up for house shows, pubs, you name it, we'll play it! </p>The Sweet Sorrowstag:thesweetsorrows.com,2005:Post/54172612018-09-06T13:01:54+01:002018-09-13T14:04:57+01:00Celticana 2018, there's more! <p>Celticana USA 2018 was epic! 10 states, 35 concerts in 45 days... It was great craic and we loved it! Thankyou to all who hosted, booked, supported and helped make it successful! Next, China and Aussie we are headed to you in Oct/Nov! Dates coming soon!! </p>The Sweet Sorrowstag:thesweetsorrows.com,2005:Post/53407972018-07-11T14:49:25+01:002019-08-27T11:42:02+01:00USA, we are coming your way!<h4>We are touring from the west coast to the east coast and back again. Check out our <a contents="SHOWS page" data-link-label="Shows/FAQ" data-link-type="page" href="/shows-faq" target="_self">SHOWS page</a> for more information on where we will be!</h4>
<p>Sammy's latest epic solo project 'Worship Like A Celt' incorporating two albums and two books is ramping up. The first album 'An Aid To Contemplation and Personal Devotion' will be available from July 19th. Stay tuned for release dates for the rest! </p>
<p>It's all go, never boring and filled with blessings! Life in all its fullness! Grateful for the support and love that we received and giving thanks for the many opportunities that we are given. Holler if there are any questions! </p>The Sweet Sorrowstag:thesweetsorrows.com,2005:Post/52651832018-05-30T12:25:37+01:002022-01-16T18:30:36+00:00The Electrics 30th Anniversary<p>June is when its all happening for Electrics fans!</p>
<p>One show only in Paisley,Scotland this Sunday June 3rd! German fans get two choices to see the original line up play!</p>
<p>Check the <a contents="SHOWS" data-link-label="Shows/FAQ" data-link-type="page" href="/shows-faq" target="_self">SHOWS</a> page for details! Dont miss out!</p>The Sweet Sorrowstag:thesweetsorrows.com,2005:Post/52116002018-03-21T17:30:00+00:002021-04-05T10:22:54+01:00Celticana Tour 2018<p>Dates just posted for our upcoming Celticana Tour! Go to our <a contents="SHOWS" data-link-label="Shows" data-link-type="page" href="/shows" target="_self">SHOWS</a> page for all the details as they are posted.</p>The Sweet Sorrowstag:thesweetsorrows.com,2005:Post/52115962018-01-29T22:45:00+00:002018-05-01T16:44:37+01:002018, New Projects!<p>Happy New Year from Big Feet Studio! January has been record, write, record! February sees TSS in Mae Sot, Thailand teaching electrical trade school and plugging in with friends who “do” for the many there 24/7! </p>
<p>2 books, 2 albums AND tours to UK, Germany, USA and Australia plus China on the way! 2018 is huge! Website update needed, stay tuned for new stuff!</p>The Sweet Sorrowstag:thesweetsorrows.com,2005:Post/52115992017-08-12T02:00:00+01:002020-02-01T09:25:37+00:00USA CELTICANA TOUR<p>Whoopin’ it up here in Utah! Salt Lake this weekend, Helper Arts Festival next weekend! St George date added at the beautiful Sand Hollow Resort Aug 25th. Coming your way NE, KS and CO! It’s all very good! Slainte!</p>The Sweet Sorrows