Report from the Portsmouth session:

In attendance, beside the regulars, were Bill, Sam and Ian (duh), Dan Milner (Liam's Brother), Barry Finn (who looks and sounds absolutely great, and is allowed light hugging), and Lars (did I get the name right), a shanty singer from the Netherlands. The shy, reserved John Nolan was also seen.

About Sam's accordion playing - I watched him some of the time. Sam's right hand is like, well, imagine a very large spider on a very hot griddle. In any case, the lot of them were astounding. They should find the roof of the place by next week.

I was sitting right in between Sam and Ian for most of the night. I got stereo squeezies. I may not be able to hear anything now, but I sure had a great time! (They shoulda brough more CDs. They're gonna run out.)