Back
The
Irish Rovers drew raves, as did Richard Thompson. Ragus
drew big crowds. Gan Bua tore it up in some extremely well-received
shows highlighting their new album, "Live At Martyr's
".Terrible weather Friday night. Lousy with humidity---though
later in the evening it was fine. Saturday and Sunday were
lively. Vendors reported great business, if slightly down.
The new Miller Stage is brilliant.
Again
and again, when we remember this year's Fest, though, we
will return in our memory and our heart to the Nova Scotian
experience. Let's get a bus and we'll ALL go! By the way,
Tommy Makem seemed to be in fine performing shape, despite
his serious illness. The Ward Brothers and Barry Stapleton
all had big smiles the entire weekend---so we know they
realized they had another hit on their hands. They and we
are also looking forward to their first-ever Irish Fest
Cruise, February 18-25. Big lineup of musical fun and a
great time, for sure. Go to the Irish Fest website, and
read all about it. We have offered to carry the Wards' and
Stapleton's' luggage---but so far to no avail. A great party
at sea! Ahoy!
As
we write this, we are planning our Peoria, Ilinois trip
for that town's great festival, the last weekend in August.
Cathie Ryan is the headliner this year. Need we say more?
Perforce,
this is going to be a short column this month, as we are
under pressure to get the thing in! Next month, the long-promised
CD Slam, featuring a bunch---a BIG bunch---of current releases
in Irish Music. Some will include the aforementioned Gan
Bua treasure, " Live At Martyr's " and the re-issue
of the great, great Irish documentary, "Mise Eire ".
Plus, lots lots more!
Don't
forget our weekly radio show, Blarney on the Air, with my
partner, friend and one of the most musically bewildered
people we have ever known, Shay Clarke. Lots of fun. WDCB—90.9
fm every Monday night in Chicago from 7-9. Also available
worldwide on the net over www.wdcb.org.
