Once again, I apologise if I have offended anyone. That was never my intent. Seamus Kennedy is, surely, a full time professional folksinger, a friend of mine and one of the few full time touring folk performers (although, I suspect he goes on the road just to get out of Baltimore). He has my respect and awe, as do others in his situation. A life of long trips and one night stands requires more gumption than I have, God knows. He, and other touring folk pros, of my aquaintence, receive and deserve recognition. I do not begrudge them a hoorah or a Mudcat thread. But, there are few of them and many of us. We do not need plaudits from Mudcatters. We must be satisfied with singing for our suppers and getting to sleep in our own beds.
As an former wandering minstral, I am probably aquainted with more touring pros than my critics are and I can tell you that being on the road again has turned many a Willie Nelson into a Willie Loman.
Last year, I did five clubs in four days on a whirlwind Minnesota trip, just to remind myself why I do schools, seniors and hayrides.
In my twenties, it was an adventure. In my sixties, it is a bit of a pain in the ass. The more I think about it, Seamus, next time, I'll buy the beer.

                         Mike