Old Blind Dogs really have a great lineup now, with singer Jim Malcolm (lovely baritone) and percussionist Paul Jennings (no slight intended to the previous singer and drummer); and fiddler Johnny Hardie and smallpiper Rory Campbell making a wondrous racket; plus Buzzby McMillan who started the set on cittern but soon switched to electric bass guitar. A very tight ensemble sound, and they rocked the place!

Danu are somewhat more traditional (bodhran instead of hand drums, and no bass), but there are seven of them, including two box players (one piano, one button) so it's a really full sound. I thought they were the tops, until along came --

Dervish!! kicking up a notch what I did not think could be kicked up. Even tighter ensemble playing, plus the vocals of Cathy (dang, can't think of her last name but she's great). At the end of their set they brought out Danu for a set of tunes: twelve people on stage -- it was mighty!

I should also mention a trio from Killarney that performed on the second stage: Alanna, featuring the lovely voice of Catherine Teahan. Their CD is kind of pop/produced, but live this band was very good.

With the apparent demise of the S.F. Celtic Festival after nine years, the folks at O'Reilly's have really stepped up to fill the void. Check it out next year!

Oh yes, and the oysters (from Johnson's in Point Reyes) were excellent!

Cheers,
Michael