I'm feelng guilty.

So summer's over in a week, and I haven't done half the things I had on my list to do. Go for that hike in the Helderbergs; start horseback riding again; read War & Peace. (No. I made that one up.)

Anyway, I always liked fall best. It's my favorite season: crackling leaves, cool, crisp air, beautiful mosquito-free evenings looking at the stars. Plus it means it'll be cool enough to want to be inside more so we can learn more new tunes.

Anybody going to hear any Irish music soon? I don't even know what's happening -- I'm on my own little planet. How 'bout if you guys give me an update, eh? I do know about a few things coming up in October, though:

The Joe Banjo Burke Festival is happening for the first time on October 5-8, 2007: www.joebanjoburke.org. It looks to be a very, very nice fall weekend festival that includes instrument classes, dancing, sessions, concerts and much more.

I encourage everyone to participate in some way, for two reasons: 1) it's Irish music, and it's the real thing. Go hear it, play it, share it, live it! and 2) the organization fundraises for research for Parkinson's Disease, which took Joe's life way too soon, and supports the cultural aspects of Irish life (music, dance, language, sport). They even have a "talent instrument clearinghouse" for deserving students who don't have an instrument. Father Charlie Coen has generously donated several beginner instruments, and I know they can use more, so if you'd like to donate an instrument you're not using or learn more about the program, visit the website.

The Irish Traditional Arts Advisory Board for this organization is full of pretty amazing musicians, including Joanie Madden, Mike Rafferty, Jerry O'Sullivan, Brendan Dolan, and more. They'll be looking for officers for the organization soon, so if you're interested, get in touch with them and get involved!

The other important event to note is The East Coast Pipers Tionol on Oct. 26-28, 2007 (www.eastcoastpipers.com). It's a weekend of classes in pipes and fiddle, sessions, a fabulous concert, and cameraderie in the music. This year, as you noticed the O'Connell Lounge has a distince Kosher flavor, the Tionol will be held up at Gavin's Golden Hill Resort. Make sure you check out the registration info so you can get accommodations if you need them.

These two events, in addition to the thriving Catskills Irish Arts Week, could bring that little sleepy town back to life! Now, if you know anyone who lives in the area, please pass along the info and help us figure out how to publicize these festivals!

OK, down off my soapbox. Enjoy the last hazy days of summer...

The Trad