Past
Kindness and Kinship in Kaslik : USEK 2012
What a privilege and honour to represent Ireland alongside the soldiers from UNIFL at the USEK 2012 Heritage and Cultural Diversity Day. This highly successful and popular event was organised by USEK Deputy Director Khalil Abboud -Ambassador of Goodwill , Tipperary Peace Convention. I am grateful to him, Guy Younes Chair of the Irish Lebanese Foundation and … Continue reading
Double Black and St. Patrick’s Day Crack*
What a good choice Ross! This intriguing arts and crafts pub built in 1875 and remodelled three times spanning the art nouveau and art deco period was the first venue for our annual SPD “musical” voyage Jammed into the corner of the door – the atmosphere, decor, food and Scottish Black Stout – was so good … Continue reading
India and The Incredible String Band
I was pleased to discover that someone from India was the 200th unique visitor. It reminds of the day I stood in the music shop in the newtown of Edinburgh pondering whether to buy a small compact sitar once owned by the Incredible String Band – a psychedelic folk group formed in Scotland in 1966. A “difficult-to … Continue reading
Congratulations Colorado – 100th Visitor
Thank you to the 101 unique visitors from 11 Different countries who have visited in the last 2 weeks I note that there are 17 Flags collected (if you include regional state flags) so far. First one Brazil – Last one New York – Congratulations to Colorado – the 100th visitor! Typing this brought back … Continue reading
Bobby and Brains – The Ultimate World Instrument?
Bobby McFerrin demonstrates the power of the pentatonic scale, using audience participation, at the event “Notes & Neurons: In Search of the Common Chorus”, from the 2009 World Science Festival, June 12, 2009. While researching the neuropsychology of music , I came across this video in a series of 5 where Bobby (Don’t Worry – … Continue reading
Brian Blasts in from the Past
What a delight to hear from my friend Brian – the brains behind “FRAGILE” A Glasgow-based duo playing a variety of instruments and material from a wide range of sources including American, Bluegrass, Scottish Folk, Jug Band, Skiffle, Singer-Songwriter etc Influenced by such heavyweights as Mungo Jerry, Matt McGinn, Billy Connolly, Iain Mackintosh, Hamish Imlach etc … Continue reading
Edinburgh Mandolin Festival
This event is features the EMGO led by Nigel Gatherer http://www.emgo.org.uk/ Nigel (pictured right) also runs a very useful website. Check it out http://www.nigelgatherer.com/Cheers Nigel – hope you still find time to update your interesting database of bands and performers. Stay in touch.
Cambridge Capers
St Patrick’s Day is approaching……. The usual practice of playing for 12 hours around the City of Cambridge will be followed assisted by an intricately choreographed network of music-friendly (Irish) pubs in the University area. Hey Ross ! Where is the list, where are we going?………………see you there (The Venue list will be published here with “target” times in next … Continue reading
Boogie in Beirut
Hoping to attend a charity event at this amazing venue in downtown Beirut – you must check it out !!! SKY BAR Two videos – the second is a small treat for all you Snoop Dogg people – he played in Beirut when I was here in 2009
Cohen Croons in Croce
What a wonderful surprise to find Leonard Cohen playing in Piazza St. Croce, Firenze on 1 September 2010 – here he is singing a perfect song on a perfect evening on the eve of a perfect day – Hallelujah and greetings to all the young family members who sang this with me in Yahchouch last … Continue reading
