Review: Seamus Kennedy in Concert - Abq. Zoo '05

Subject: Review: Seamus Kennedy in Concert - Abq. Zoo '05
From: freightdawg
Date: 23 Jul 05 - 12:44 PM

Last night we had our every-other-year sighting of the Seamus meister himself. Myself and the Mrs. Freightdawg got to the zoo in plenty of time to see the polar bears and get a good seat for the concert. I was hoping for the back, about 1/4 mile from the stage so that the performers look like little ants on a pie saucer. Unfortunately, the only seats to be had were almost in the middle, about 150 feet from the front. To make matters worse, an elderly couple offered to change places with us, placing us smack dab in the middle and maybe 10 feet from the front row. (Luckily the stage was separated from the crowd by a moat full of hungry goldfish and angry looking ducks). Seamus appeared in all his glory in his green plaid kilt and green flowerdy Hawaiian shirt (at least that's what it looked like from our vantage point.)

The concert itself was pure Seamus - lots of good songs and funny jokes (I really liked the commentary about the "singing hats"!) He performed some "old standards" and threw in a couple that I had not heard him sing before.

Before I knew it he was bowing off stage and I looked at my watch and an hour had gone by. As Kermit-the-Frog says, times fun when your having flies.

Come back more often, Mr. Kennedy - every 24 months is not enough. (Jes teasin' about the seats - we had the best seats in the house and loved every minute of the show.)

Freightdawg

Subject: RE: Review: Seamus Kennedy in Concert - Abq. Zoo '05
From: GUEST,Jed Marum in New Orleans
Date: 23 Jul 05 - 01:04 PM

Everywhere I go I hear wonderful Seamus stories.

One tourist in New Orleans where I'm playing this week said, if you look up "funniest man in the world" in the dictionary, there's a picture of Seamus Kennedy.

I couldn't agree more ... a fine singer, player and some even say gentleman, as well!

Subject: RE: Review: Seamus Kennedy in Concert - Abq. Zoo '
From: artbrooks
Date: 23 Jul 05 - 01:06 PM

Hey, dawg...we must have been 10 feet from ya!!

Subject: RE: Review: Seamus Kennedy in Concert - Abq. Zoo '05
From: freightdawg
Date: 23 Jul 05 - 03:18 PM

Hey Art,

Sorry we were so close and I didn't know. I usually keep kind of hunkered down in the shadows 'cause folks seem to like me better that way. I was looking for a Mudcat tee shirt - did you have one on? I don't have one.

And I don't have the legs for a green plaid kilt.

Freightdawg

Subject: RE: Review: Seamus Kennedy in Concert - Abq. Zoo '05
From: Bert
Date: 23 Jul 05 - 09:07 PM

Where's Abq? is it Albuquerque or Abquaic or somewhere else?

I agree that Seamus is the greatest though.

Subject: RE: Review: Seamus Kennedy in Concert - Abq. Zoo '05
From: freightdawg
Date: 25 Jul 05 - 02:02 PM

Bert,

That would be Albuquerque, New Mexico - The "Land of Enchantment" and home to some of the world's most beautiful scenery, quite possibly the best mixture of ethnic foods in one locale (Spanish, Mexican, several varieties of Native American and, um, "American"), and home of the world's largest hot air balloon fiesta (celebration).

New Mexico was birthplace of the most excellent John Denver, and the most questionable "Freightdawg".

And it is the home of some of the most outrageously, stupendously, mind-numbingly, incomprehensibly stupid politicians on the planet. Been that way for years, will be that way for many more.

We don't have any luminaries such as "Alaska Mike" or "McGrath from Harlow" or "John from Hull", but we do have a few Mudcatters around.

All-in-all, the positives far outweigh the negatives! Especially on a warm summer evening with Mr. Seamus singing away.

Would love to have anyone drop by for a visit.

Freightdawg

Subject: RE: Review: Seamus Kennedy in Concert - Abq. Zoo '05
From: Seamus Kennedy
Date: 26 Jul 05 - 12:21 AM

Thanks for all the kind words, guys, but I can't claim all the credit for a great concert.
The second half of the show featured the inimitable Eileen Ivers (complete with blue fiddle) and her band. Stupendous musicianship all around, and she knows how to work a crowd.
Not only is she a brilliant fiddler, but she is also a wonderful entertainer, something which is very important in my book.
And I got to join Eileen and the band for their last song - will the Circle Be Unbroken.
What a thrill!
The Albuquerque Zoo is a splendid venue for a concert. There were over 4,000 people sitting on the lawn in front of the band-sheel. Superb sound system and lighting, and a very family-oriented presentation.
There is a small moat filled with huge carp between the stage and the lawn.
Next time I play there, I'm bringing my fishing rod.
It was good to meet Art brooks again in his Mudcat Tee shirt.
Freightdawg, you shoulda come up and introduced yourself.

Seamus