This place never ceases to amaze me. I look at al the good feelings expressed, and the friendships made, and realize just what a jewel we have here. Meeting Seamus at this festival just reinforced that which I have to know. We are a community, just as surely as if we all lived together in the same town.

Seamus was a pure delight. It is absolutely no wonder to me that he receives such accolades. He is, quite frankly, just an amazing performer. He is accomplished on his instruments, has a huge repertoire in his head, connects with his audience in a personal way filled with humor, history, fun and emotion, and has an obvious respect for the music of our people. He is one of those folks that one just feels immediately at ease with. He came into the acoustic tent we were jamming in and immediately connected in that special way that musicians know all about. To say the crowd loved him is classic understatement.

So here is to good friends, finally met. Seamus,......my friend......I am so glad we finally got to know one another. May our friendship last. You have made the music so much better for me.

Mick