This has been a wonderful year so far, with so many interesting experiences playing music. Had a great trip to Guatemala in February, such a magical scene. Gypsy Reel was joined by our pal Marco Solo, and we played at spots near beautiful Lake Atitlan. Then on to Citrus Hills, Florida to play with uber Gypsy Jon Scaife, and work with a brilliant dance caller, Joyce Scaife. We are so lucky to have great guitarists who have learned our material in various places on the planet. Home to Ludlow VT for St. Patrick's Day, where we premiered our new lineup, including young Silas Hamilton on string bass and Reagh Greenleaf Jr on percussion and vocals-wow. Then I took off on a great springtime trip to Hillsborough NC, where I played a house concert with pals Bob Vasile on bouzouki and Jack Herrick on harmonium, whistles, trumpet. This was at the lovely home of one of my students at Swannanoa Gathering. Back to VT for some nice outdoor shows with Gypsy Reel. I also enjoyed playing solo at the Ludlow VT Farmer's Market. How cool is it to get a chicken, ears of corn, a big heirloom tomato, and a bag of cookies in your tip case! In mid-July I headed for my usual Summer's Home in Martin's River, Nova Scotia, Had some nice music with Sons of the Sea, some of the Klunkers (Paul MacLellan, Stewart Franck, and Ronnie MacEachern), Mike Hermiston, Pennybrook (Charlie Wilson and Jude Pelley), Bill Plaskett, and new pal Sara Johnston from Murder Point. Also enjoyed hearing some great music at Lunenburg Folk Harbour Festival, highlighted by Steve Poltz, and Joel and Bill Plaskett. What a treat!
Now it's back to school time! I'll be teaching at Connecticut Academy of Irish Music in Wethersfield CT every Sunday, with classes in mandolin, tenor banjo and guitar, as well as leading a Slow Session. ctirishmusic.com Also back to work Saturdays at Be Music Store in Rutland VT. And Gypsy Reel has some upcoming autumn shows, featuring our pal Orla McGovern from Doolin Ireland on keyboard.
A big thank you to all my friends for making my musical rambles so rewarding!
Now it's back to school time! I'll be teaching at Connecticut Academy of Irish Music in Wethersfield CT every Sunday, with classes in mandolin, tenor banjo and guitar, as well as leading a Slow Session. ctirishmusic.com Also back to work Saturdays at Be Music Store in Rutland VT. And Gypsy Reel has some upcoming autumn shows, featuring our pal Orla McGovern from Doolin Ireland on keyboard.
A big thank you to all my friends for making my musical rambles so rewarding!