Labor Day 2021

 

Okay, so it wasn't the full-bore blast of the overflowing porch-full of players as was typical during the halcyon years of 2010-2019, but a lovely session nonetheless; a perfect combination of players and tunes as well as a full complement of mystery guests in off the street. We started off with a CD launch celebration/concert with Paudie Walsh - an honor to have him with us, truly, and such a fine melodeon player - and then gathered the rest of the clan for tunes that went well into the evening, stopping at around 9pm out of respect for the neighbors. It was a festive, high-energy weekend, a fitting tribute to Paudie and his music and to summer's end. Warming up in the gallery
We always manage to find our way back into the kitchen.
Always fun to light up the little bottle lanterns I bought in Ennistymon and brought home in my suitcase, wrapped up in my socks. 
Lovely Maggie

Lettermullen, a slow air, for Maggie.

Fourth of July 2021

Despite a few challenges, including: pouring rain, a broken melodeon key, and no parade or fireworks, the music and spirit prevailed and we had a grand time. Thanks, all - players, listeners, and appreciative passersby - for adding to the fun. Paudie and Maggie  Who could imagine we'd be sitting in front of a fire on July 3? 
  David and Paudie
Erica

Dear Maggie
Leroy!
Bob, David, and Paudie
Monday morning in the gallery. Bob.


The Silver Spear and The Earl's Chair. Paudie held his own all day despite missing a critical note on his melodeon. 
Concertina Reel - the only tune that never needed the missing note. I never play this tune without thinking of Bob Denton, the one who introduced us to this tune right here on this porch many years ago.  I love how certain tunes bring to mind different people and places. 
Bucks of Oranmore


The Mountain Road and Rolling in the Rye Grass
Concertina Reel, take 2




The Rose in the Heather
Christmas Eve

Doctor O'Neill's

My favorite part of any session is the morning after. Everything has quieted down, but the inspiration from the night before is still flowing and there's usually time for a few intimate after-breakfast tunes before everyone has to head for the ferry. Loved these tunes with Bob.
(videos recorded and edited by SP)

First Porch Music of the Season - Hurray!

 

Friday was borderline for sitting on the porch, right around 60 degrees, but I was really in the mood to get out there. It's been a long winter. There's a spot at the far end where right around 5pm at this time of year the sun hits just right and warms that corner up nicely. Except for the fact that I am completely out of practice, it was quite a pleasant time. The town is still relatively quiet - but picking up, right on schedule. A highlight was when a young man stopped by to listen a bit and to speak with me about my music and to let me know that he plays acoustic bass and is always looking for people to play with. I told him he's welcome anytime. Sean spent his early childhood in Japan and grew up in England and is here for his second summer working at Bad Martha's brew pub. This is what it's all about - the people. I've said it many times before - playing on the porch here on Main Street is a combination of busking and playing in a pub. I love the interface between the porch and the public, and there's just enough space between us: close enough for interaction if desired, and far enough away to stay in my own little zone. It's gonna be a great summer.

 

Paudie and Sara

A wee photo shoot with Paudie, with a few tunes around the fireplace thrown in for good measure, all of a Sunday afternoon.

Altan!

Being one who prefers participating rather than observing, I do not attend many concerts - or movies, for that matter - but a few weeks ago I heard that Altan would be at the Somerville Theater, so I thought I would make a weekend for myself in Boston, a weekend that would include the concert, a session at Bunratty, and Mass at St Paul's; a trifecta - my favorite combination of music, photography, and church. (and who knows what other surprises lie in store, for, as I write this on Saturday morning, the weekend is still young).

And yes, the concert was great, as I knew it would be - high energy combined with well seasoned Irish talent, all made slightly more poignant and appreciated, perhaps - at least from this bouzouki player's perspective - by the fact that Ciaran Curran's cherished bouzouki, having been misplaced erroneously by Aer Lingus and heartbreakingly missing for two weeks, had recently been found. While all the music was superb, I especially enjoyed Ciaran's subtle countermelodies and understated backing. Lovely altogether.