As some of you may know, the last time I was in Ireland I had three wrecks with rental cars. None of them were my fault; in all cases the victims (the van, the sign post and the sheep) darted out into the road. But I come again; prior notice is given!

My summer season has started early. This weekend I will be playing at Tamarack, (the Cultural Arts Center of West Virginia outside of Beckley, WV) with the venerable Sam Rizzetta (one of the Gods of the Hammered Dulcimer) and a group of musicians assembled from the regular players at the O'Hurleys jam on Thursday nights. We have decided to name our group, Deer In The Headlights, as most of us are just part-time musicians, and this is one of our first really big gigs. Sam has played at the jam for years, and when he asked us to accompany him; we were honored to do so. Maddie McNeil, who is also on the Dulcimer "A" list, will play with the group.

Then I am going to Ireland, arriving June 22 to play at the Cork Dulcimer Festival (June 25 to 27) with the Martin Family Band. The other band playing there is No Strings Attached, whom I highly recommend. A week later, we are up at the Ulster American Park outside of Omagh, playing at the American Independence Celebration on July 2-4th. Hence back to West Virginia, if I'm allowed to board with a rental car agent wrapped around my neck...

Fionn, Fibula, Ella, lets see if we can't meet somewhere…