Out our way there are parents who bring their children, fledgling step dancers, to the Irish sessions in our local pub. It seemed a grand idea for the first minute or two. Lovely, I thought, children, girls AND BOYS, learning a traditional art. The actuality was a cacophony of loud, off beat, drop beat, rhythms that completely destroyed the music of the session. Beaming parents looked on while musicians struggled to hold the tempos and hear the tunes over the tap shoes on plyboard. I have not been back and will not be. What ogre could call down these lovely children dancing? The session is ruined. Would you bring your elementry school trumpet player to a jam session?

Oh. Riverdance is obviously responsible. Grumpily yours, Fortunato.