This past weekend I had my first taste of a music festival. I learned about the Great American Irish Festival a couple months ago, and when I realized the High Kings and Makem and Spain Brothers would be there, I bought my tickets immediately!
I decided to spend the money on a campsite so that any friends or family who wanted to could come up, and my sister and brother joined me.
It was nothing less than awesome! Irish folk music all weekend, great weather, good food and plenty of fellow Irish fans.
The High Kings were mind blowing. The energy and skill they brought to the stage was infectious. They encouraged us to sing along with them too, which, as a singer I love doing but often feel constrained to NOT do! Their song list was everything I could hope for, Fields of Athenry, The Town I Loved So Well, Marie’s Wedding, Wild Rover and such.
Here are. Couple short videos I took.
The Makem and Spain Brothers were awesome as well. I was sad to see Conor has left the group, his tenor was great. After their Friday concert, I went up to meet Roy Makem, and asked if they could play Ha’Penny Bridge, which I first learned from them and has become one of my favorite Irish songs. He graciously said he’d try to remember, and on Saturday, they played it! Thanks again!!!
Here is the one video I got of Ha’Penny Bridge.
Besides them, there were lots of great acts I heard for the first time, Seamus Kennedy, The Moxi Strings, Runa to name a few.
Saturday night I played my new set of bones with a group of guys in camp, one of the highlights of the weekend. I love how a shared love of music instantly creates a bond between total strangers.
Camping in my little canvas tent with my sheepskin was delicious. I slept like a rock both nights, so comfy and soft!
With the Sunrise 