A night of gorgeous song by candlelight that pays respect to Irish songwriters old and new

Meet Lizzie Flynn, a member of Fly Little Sparrow. Lizzie is a singer-songwriter who with a combination of lyrical honesty and charming melodies, writes songs that blend a little satirical storytelling with a lot of joyful emotion. Lizzie has toured Australia and produced several independent CD’s and composed songs for a number of children theatre shows including The Tuck Shop Kid, Eric Vale Epic Fail, Two Weeks with the Queen and My Dead Bunny. Lizzie dished to NEHIB recently about her upcoming Anywhere Theatre show Sparrow Candlelight Sessions.

Tell us about the show in 100 words or less

Fly Little Sparrow presents, by candlelight in the cosy Farrier Bar, songs inspired by contemporary Irish singer-songwriters such as The Cranberries, Glenn Hansard, U2, Sinead O'Connor, Luka Bloom, Foy Vance, Mic Christopher and Damien Rice. The evening starts with traditional Irish tunes at the bar.  Lisa Brennan and Lizzie Flynn come together as Fly Little Sparrow to sing harmonies that emulate riding on the wings of a strong-willed bird. Heading on a flight path of beautiful harmonic arrangements, their eclectic repertoire and commentary will take you on a journey from fragility to hope.

Anywhere Festival takes place anywhere but a theatre. Tell us about your venue. What is it about your space that adds to your audience experience?

The Farrier Bar is a ‘secret’ underground bar and supper club found in the old horse stables underneath New Farm’s landmark historic Queens Arms Hotel. Where 19th century hotel patrons’ horses were once tethered, now drinkers and late night diners gather on vintage armchairs, rustic chairs and tables for boutique wines, craft beers and cocktails. Entry is via a black stables door around the corner on Arthur St. Push it open and take the stairs down through a foyer, past a wall display of vintage farm implements and into one of Brisbane’s coolest most ambient bars, that also happens to be a fantastic late night supper club.

What is your creative process like?

Lizzie and Lisa both went to Southern Cross University in Lismore and completed music degrees in the 90s. Following that period both have become accomplished songwriters with influences from listening to many fine Irish songwriters popular in the 90s.

Lizzie also spent time living in Dublin in the early 2000s and attended the iconic Ruby Sessions in Doyle’s of College Street. Here she listened to, in an acoustic style and candlelit atmosphere, some of the world's biggest songwriter names.

This new show is influenced from the energy of Irish songwriters and the vibe of The Ruby Sessions. Their includes songs from artists such as The Cranberries, Glenn Hansard, U2, Sinead O'Connor, Luka Bloom, Foy Vance, Mic Christopher and Damien Rice who have led the Irish song-writing revolution. They will also be adding some of their owns songs to the mix.

And to keep the Irish theme a traditional Irish music session will warm up the proceedings.

Tell us your origin story. How did your company/show/collaboration start?

Lizzie and Lisa met at Lismore University in the 90s and played together for a number of those early student years. Life later took them on separate musical journeys but in 2015 Lizzie and Lisa started performing again and in 2019 created Fly Little Sparrow based upon the title track of the song Little Sparrow by Dolly Parton.

Who is your perfect audience member? Who is going to LOVE this event?

50 is the limit for this intimate venue and to recreate that ‘Ruby’ Sessions feel by candlelight.

Anyone who loves Irish contemporary music scene and the movie Once, will love this show.

Is there anything else we simply MUST know about the show?

Lizzie and Lisa are going to be backed by an amazing band of musicians - Gareth Mewes, violinist (Cigany Weaver, Zumpa), Kym Ambrose, percussion (Cigany Weaver and The View From Madeleine’s Couch), Samuel De Santi guitars (Zumpa) and Reuben Johnson, bass (A Bridge In September).

‘Sparrow Candlelight Sessions’ plays the 2021 Anywhere Theatre Festival on 14 and 15 May at the Farrier Bay, Queens Arms Hotel, Fortitude Valley. Title image by Polly Armstrong.