Edmonton Folk Music Festival – Page 3

Day 22 – last night in Brosna

November 5, 2013

Left Rob & Mary’s & caught the city bus to Eyre Square. I had a little job to do; buy some banjo CD’s for Jim Schiebelbein. So what are the chances? Do you have “The Cat that ate the Candle?” by Brian McGrath and the man serving you is Brian McGrath? “Are you the banjo player Brian McGrath?” “Sure there are loads of banjo players named Brian McGrath.” He was the man in question.

Next see old friend Werner Gladh (V), gypsy style fiddler. Such a rushed trip this year with only 2 days in Galway. Lucky that his girlfriend Charlene showed up so I could see her.

Need to get to Ennis to collect a flute from David Strauch but stop in Oranmore to see Corrina McGarrigle and her 2 babies. The coast road to Oranmore is absolutely beautiful. The tune that Georgia & I play the very best is “The Bucks of Oranmore” which is a traditional session last tune.

Finally arrive in Castleisland to a lovely dinner and tunes with Jackie Dan Gerry O’Connor. It will my my last time at Flannagan’s in Brosna this year, so let’s make it a great one. Terrence McQuinn collects us and we make the country drive. It was a lovely night, and of course we had to sing “Four Strong Winds” which has more or less become my theme song here… “If our good times are all gone, then I’m bound for moving on, I’ll look for you if I’m ever back this way…” Then it was good bye & we’ll see you in 11 monthes & hugs & kisses all around, some even from women!

Day 21 – 2 sessions in Galway

November 4, 2013

Went to the Americana session at The Salt House with old friend Noriana Kennedy who is now the Singer for Solas. Good on ya Noriana! Also there were Calvin on bass, Avey on cajone, and Mark on guitar. Another crowded pub and great tunes.

That broke up about half 9 so I wandered up the road intending to go to the Crane. Before I got there I could hear tunes coming out of The Old Forge. There was Johnny O’Halloran playing melodeon with Eoghan on guitar joined by Peter on guitar. Turned out to be a magical session. On the way home I made my only stop at the chipper this trip. Vinnie’s for curry chip.

Day 20 – Galway City

November 4, 2013

Left Roscommon & headed towards Galway. Stopped in Athenry for a visit with John & Mary O’Connor. There was loads of food & Their daughter, Julianna, & her daughters, Bloween & Murren. We had music by the fire where I played the fiddl and Bloween played the drum (a biscuit tin & a wooden spoon). Then to Renmore which is really touching Galway city to see the Fuller/ Byrne family. We have a tradition where I teach the children some tunes. This year I taught Daniel & Sarah ‘The Wind that Shakes the Barley’ & ‘Sally Gardens’. But in a nice twist Sarah, now 16, taught me a tune; The Boys of Knock.

Now, Saturday night Session at Tig Coili’s (the link is not my session but you get the feel). Connor on box, his wife Maureen on fiddle (the have 8 mo. old twin boys!) Jakub on guitar and Barry Brady on box. The tunes were flying and the place was packed. My Chicago Blackhawks jersey also got a lot of attention. Wearing a hockey jersey is a great way to meet Canadians, we always take the bait. I was a bit disappointed when they played the Buck at 12:10 and they were done. But then an English lad sat down and open up his fiddle and then Maureen Browne sat down and grabbed a fiddle. “I know Edmonton” she says, ” I played there last summer with the Alan Kelly Gang at the Edmonton Folk Music Festival.” so we had loads more music, hooray!