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)

Trad Session - Old Time Style August 11, 2016

I couldn't have planned this one any better myself if I had tried. I did make an attempt to get Paul Rucker and Bob Denton together for some old-time/bluegrass music, but due to missed calls and messages, this gathering just kind of happened of its own doing. One minute we were sitting on the porch after dinner, the next minute, Paul was arriving (and his family and friends shortly thereafter) at what he thought was a scheduled session. "You didn't get my messages or texts?" "Nope, but I'm glad you're here." This was a lovely impromptu evening of music - the best kind, I find. How fortuitous that Bob and Paul happened to be in town at the same time - Bob in from Tucson and Paul from Roanoke. Another bit of Vineyard summer magic was seeing the presidential motorcade pass by, twice: once going into town, then again when he headed back up-island.


Paul Rucker does indeed play well with others.


We first met Paul when he wandered onto the porch one summer's night a few years ago with his five-string. Little did we know then the extent of his banjo prowess.


Paul's niece, Michelle.

 Nancy, with another niece, Lisa.


Ron





Bob - old time and Irish musician par excellence - was a co-anchor at our early Irish sessions here on the porch and it was great to see him again after his being away from the New England music scene for the past few years. He and Priscilla made their way from Tucson to Massachusetts in an RV, playing in various sessions along the way.








Priscilla


Michelle