Michigan Irish Festival Muskegon

Subject: Michigan Irish Festival Muskegon
From: Jack the Sailor
Date: 12 Sep 03 - 08:58 AM

Big Mick and Seamus Kennedy are performing. Will any other 'catters be there?

Carol and I will be there Saturday taking in the sights and sounds, keep and eye out for us!!

Subject: RE: Michigan Irish Festival Muskegon
From: PeteBoom
Date: 12 Sep 03 - 09:00 AM

I'm working Saturday morning - serving stew.... Really!

May grab my darling bride and head back Saturday night... and Sunday...

Subject: RE: Michigan Irish Festival Muskegon
From: Jack the Sailor
Date: 12 Sep 03 - 08:52 PM

Looks like we may not make Muskegon. Maybe another time Pete?

Subject: RE: Michigan Irish Festival Muskegon
From: PeteBoom
Date: 15 Sep 03 - 08:34 AM

Fine little festival (for those who have never been there). This kilted guy playing a guitar marked "Guinness" picked on my niece throughout his show Sunday afternoon. This big huge guy was wandering around having a good time with his band mates (and others). It was fun meeting JtS and CarolC (who really *were* there) and Seamus.

Now, regarding the threads in the past about "entertaining" and "performing" - one fellow I know was there commented on what a great show Seamus did - he could have simply stood there and sang songs, nope - he pulled the audience right in - kicking and screaming in the case of some folks... ;-) If ya want to see how its done, check out one of his shows.

Cheers -

Pete

Subject: RE: Michigan Irish Festival Muskegon
From: Big Mick
Date: 15 Sep 03 - 09:37 AM

Yeah, great time this year. Seamus did his usual thing, that is he owned the place. I believe he will be a regular....

Started out Friday nite for me. Hooked up with Seamus and Susan and headed for dinner after the Festival closed for the night. Saturday started out with a bit of precip to clean the place up, and then took off. The Conklin Ceili Band hosted the seisun tent. Went very well. That night we played at a local pub named Racquets to a packed house. CarolC and Jack the Sailor showed up later in the afternoon, and finally got to meet Seamus 3D. They hung out in the session area, and came to see the band that night. The next day they stuck around a bit to see some of the bands, and then had to head home. It was a 3 hour drive. It was a wonderful treat to see these good friends again.

Sunday the weather tried to whip us, but we all prevailed. My new old friend Cathie Ryan had what can only be described as a magical moment. Envision the setting. You are in the Port city of Muskegon, right on the harbor. The setting is a large, open park setting with a very large stage with a tented cover that looks for all the world like the sails of a schooner. The rain starts to come down in sheets, and Cathie tells everyone to come up on the stage with her and the band. Then she does the last 45 minutes surrounded by fans and kids. If you know her, you know that God only made a couple of voices like hers and she is in firm control of hers. That, combined with her natural warmth and grace, left the air around you tingling.

Later that night, we all went to dinner. Cathie, her band (Hi Peter!), Seamus, Susan, and a couple of friends from the area. We ate Chinese until it hurt, had a sinful dessert...............Seamus kept everyone laughing......We were doing bits from Father Ted episodes........and went home sated, exhausted.......and dreading going to work today.

The bands were The Fenians, bohola (Directive from Mick.........never miss a chance to see this band.....astounding talents).....Cathie Ryan, Seamus, The Conklin Ceili Band, Switchback.

All the best,

Mick

Subject: RE: Michigan Irish Festival Muskegon
From: GUEST,Big Mick
Date: 16 Sep 03 - 01:16 PM

One more thing. Seeing Rob aka Jack the Sailor, and Carol was testament as to why this Mudcat is such a phenomenon. I would encourage all here to never miss an opportunity to get together. Something about connecting up with folks that you have come to know so very well, yet have never met is wondrous. You feel connected to a larger family, and your view of the world is altered in the way that only comes from having a view shaped by the "circle of experiences" of others.

Carol and I were talking during dinner (just before the Saturday night gig) about how our lives were literally changed by this place. Mudcat helped Carol out of a place that she no longer wanted to be. It gave her a whole circle of friends that are now very important to her. And most of all, it introduced her to the love of her life. For me, it introduced me to a circle of musicians and musicologists that have affected my music in profound ways. I have become friends with people that passed on to me songs and stories with but one command. And that is to pass it on to the next one. And I will.

Never in my lifetime has the need for the bards been so great. We live in a time that will have profound consequences for the future. It is incumbent on us to come to know one another so that we may use our instruments and voices to help shape our world for our children. The Mudcat, like no other place, will allow us to do that in a sane way, tempered by our exposure to one another, and respect for one another's views. It is a worldwide community.

All the best,

Mick

Subject: RE: Michigan Irish Festival Muskegon
From: Jack the Sailor
Date: 17 Sep 03 - 08:38 AM

I surely enjoyed talking with Mick, Seamus and Pete. Speaking with Mick reminded me of the gathering last year when Max warned me that He couldn't be held responsible if my marriage to Carol does not work out. :D

So far since we have come North we've met Clinton Hammond, Marieanne, PeteBloom, Seamus Carol has become seen her old friends Little Hawk, Hespiris and Mick. We are truly blessed to be aquainted with you all.

Subject: RE: Michigan Irish Festival Muskegon
From: Seamus Kennedy
Date: 17 Sep 03 - 07:59 PM

Jack it was great meeting you and Carol, and PeteBoom too.
Next time, bring the instruments so you can sit in on the jam.
Mick, as always pal, it was a joy seeing and hearing you and the CCB once again. And you're right. Cathie Ryan is not only a superb singer and entertainer, but a real sweetie as well.
Hope to see you next year, if not before.
All the best.

Seamus