Now what did I come in here for?

Dear Friends,

About a week ago, I had this great idea for an essay involving the approach of Lent and something about giving something up and gaining something unexpected. And then I had a bunch of stuff to do, so I didn't write it. Now it's completely gone. I can't even conjure up the barest flicker of a memory of it.

Nope. Totally gone.

So I just wanted to stop in to say that I'd recommend that you not give up Irish music for Lent because now is when it's the most prevalent!

Here's what's happening over the next few weeks:

A week from Wednesday is our Trad Irish Slow Session -- March 11, 2009 from 7:30-9:00 PM
at the Old Songs Community Arts Center, 37 South Main, Voorheesville, NY
Everyone's welcome! Remember, we're focusing specifically on Irish music, as we do all 12 months of the year! If you're interested in Over the Waterfall and Ashokan Farewell, I've got some really nice folks I'd like you to meet. We're working on jigs, reels, hornpipes, etc. If you have the faintest notion of who Liz Carroll or the Bothy Band or Altan or the Chieftains are, you might enjoy our little session! We charge $3 for heat/lights/photocopies of sheet music!

If you want to bail on the Slow Session for a little classic Irish wildness, I won't blame you, because The Boys of the Lough will be at The Egg in Albany that night, March 11. Show starts at 7:30 and tickets are $25. If I know our Karen, she'll be there instead of whistling with us! That's ok. There's always next month...

A week from Thursday is Liadan, an all-woman all-Irish band -- March 12, 2009, also at the Old Songs Community Arts Center. Doors open at 7:30, Concert at 8:00 PM. Visit www.OldSongs.org for details! I hope you can make it to this! These gals played ICONS Festival outside of Boston, and they're just fresh off of performances at The Micho Russell Festival in Doolin, West Clare. I think you'll enjoy their gracious and sometimes raucous take on the trad music! Come on out and support women and music, eh?!

We always encourage a field trip to go see Hair of the Dog. While I wouldn't classify them as truly trad Irish, they have the pub spirit in them and they are fabulous entertainers! They'll be at The Parting Glass in Saratoga Springs, NY for a couple of shows on March 14 and at Revolution Hall in Troy, NY on March 17.

Of course, if you're looking for something to do, you can always come over to Jose Malone's on St. Patrick's Day and keep The Broken String Band company for a while! We'll be playing all day...no rest for the weary!

When I start dusting off the Pub Bands, you know I've reached the end of my lead. Lads, I hope you're playing hearty and I look forward to seeing you all troddin' the boards! Get out there and mingle.

See you soon,

The Trad