When I was in college, I took a class called "The Irish Experience." As part of the class, we learned some of the traditional Irish sean-nos (don't know how to do the fada on the o there) singing style. I remember learning that when they would sing, sometimes they would actually turn their backs to the audience, in order (as I understood it from the professor) to allow people to concentrate on the song rather than on the performer. I found this idea fascinating.

That said, I know that when I listen to music, I will often close my eyes in order to better take in the sound and the feeling of it. Sure, I go out to see a musician or a band play, but really I go out to hear the music--seeing the musician playing live is just a bonus. I probably had my eyes shut through half of the Uprooted Tour show I saw last night with Seven Nations, Young Dubliners and Great(!) Big(!) Sea(!). But at the same time I had to remind myself to open my eyes to be able to enjoy the sights on stage--catch what chords they're playing, watch the fiddlers' fingers fly, and of course to see Sean McCann dance a ridiculous jig.

:)