June/July Tour Ramblings Ireland, Czech Republic, Germany
1st Stop was auld Dublin town. 2 gigs here.
One at the Glor Sessions and it was great. Completely unplugged and a small room in a basement with everyone being ever so quiet and listening.
The 2nd was at Sweeney’s in Dame Street on a Wednesday night, good little crowd and I returned there a week later.
I rambled the busy streets of Dublin for hours at times.
2nd Stop
I did a fundraiser in Killiney ( just south of Dublin) for a local Church group to help some of the less fortunate than ourselves.
It was an honour to be involved. Thanks Ciaran and everyone involved and thanks for the lift to the Avalon guitar factory.
It was great to try some out...
3rd Stop
Czech Republic, Prague (Praha).
I played a couple spots at the united Islands Festival on the Yornet Stage.
There was a great crowd here and people of Prague all seemed to come out for the festival.
I met and got to play with some great Musicians from Carolina and TheNetherlands ( Prague too of course).
I have some new friends in Prague and beyond now, You can get good Asian food in Prague if you know where to go.
The Yournet stage was fantastic, Also I dropped by the world music stage had my feet tapping away for hours.
Thanks to the Yornet crew!! You are all great... We all went to late night music venues after the shows were finished.
And we Finshed the show with Ben Jordan leading all the participants into a unplugged version of ‘Helpless’...
The time limit was up and sound was cut, and the crowd Stayed for the whole last song and didn’t want to leave,
I never experienced anything like it. Thanks Bill and Co.
4th Stop
Freiburg, Germany. A friend I met in Dingle(Ireland) a few years back asked me to come to Freiburg for a gig.
She said Prague is close to there, pop over for a gig. So I did.
I double billed with the coolest little band in the world ‘Pony und Kleid’
Consisting of Freddy and Charly playing a mulitude of instruments.
We played in a little cafe that was specially opened for us on the night. I loved it.
5th Stop
Cloughjordan, Tipperary, Ireland. I was very honoured to be invited to Cloughjordan festival.
Thanks Liz and Everyone there ( they know who they are). I opened for Mary MacPartlan, Taught a workshop
Judged a busking competition and had my own gig as well. I left the town with a big wide smile.
I even saw an old friend in the park on a sunny Sunday,Only in Ireland
6th Stop
Dingle, Kerry,Ireland. I didn’t have a gig as such this year but did a podcast With Mazz O’Flaherty from the Dingle Record Shop.
We had a laugh, even my phone rang twice during the live interview, gee it hadn’t rung for two weeks.
I also caught up with some good friends while in town and played a couple tunes at a session and went to the Dingle Film club
7th Stop
Clonakilty, Cork, Ireland. I stayed with a great guitar player Stephen Housden for a couple days and was treated to some fine home cooking and free lounge room guitar shows.
I also for the 3rd or 4th time opened and also played for the great Irish Songwriter John Spillane. To think that such talent doesn’t mind me hanging around for a tune or two is quite humbling! I also bumped into a friend I didn’t expect to see, that topped off the little stay in ‘Clon’. and thanks to Richie for the pics, Awsome!
8th Stop
Christ church Cathedral, Waterford, Ireland. I hadn’t been at the Cathedral for 3 years and was looking forward to a special gig.
The show went well and some Folk who came three years ago were happy to see me again. Very Cool indeed.
Thanks Joan and also Brian for travelling quite a way.
Overall the whole tour went well, I had less shows than previous years but sold far more CDs of both the new and old one.
I also got to do some exploring on as I had a week spare, I explored Achill Island in Mayo, It was funny, spooky( you had to be there) Rainy, Sunny and a right treat and good company.
Also went up to West County Donegal and had a look around and joined in some music sessions.
The whole trip I caught up with people I didn’t expect to see, I did however miss some good friends in Tralee and Cork. We can’t be everywhere I guess...
Sorry Donnacha, Dave, The Henchman and Caroline to name a few.
Also to Martin in Hamburg, I just didn’t have time
I was very happy to hear that Richard Gilewitz’s first Aussie tour went well. I believe he plans to return..
Hope this wasn’t too long for ye all.
yours in music and other things.
I hope to return more regularly!!!
A special thanks to Peter Moore, take care Mr Moore!!
