Unwanted Commentary

The North Texas Irish Festival was the weekend and surprise, surprise I went; yes I actually got out amongst the living. The festival was excellent, I went on Saturday, and the weather was extremely cooperative. I hadn't been to one in four years, exactly the amount of time that I met the wife and her absence marks my return to something I've truly missed. Verily I say unto thou, this is one more reason to laud the departure of that harpy. Bitterness and acid comments to the aside, I had a great time and got to hear some very excellent music. I also got to hang out with Rick and Wanda, two of my very favorite people in the world. The only downside was spending way too much money; most of it on Guinness, but some of it on the always delicious Irish Stew and a new treat for me, Haggis!

Here are the bands that I recall having watched: Teada, who were a very traditional sounding band and absolutely loved them as the peeled out jigs and reels with reckless abandon. This was the last band of the evening and I was exhausted (drunk?) at this point, but what a lovely way to end the evening. The Elders were another excellent band with a very smart mixing of rock with traditional Irish music. They were energetic and lively, a real pleasure to experience all the way around. Tim O'Brien was the head liner, but I have to admit I didn't really dig their set, though the fiddle player was very talented. Their music sounded folksier, bluegrass and while I enjoy that type of music it wasn't really what I was there for. The Rouges of Scottland, what can I say about these boys? They put on one helluva show with their energetic bag pipes and drumming all wrapped around with a quirky show and cheeky humor. I remember seeing them years ago at Scarborough Faire, which they will be performing at again this year, and it's good to see that they've done so well for themselves.

There were a few other smaller bands whose names I don't recall, but they were all so much fun to listen too. I'm a bit forlorn that I didn't get to watch the Irish Rouges who I haven't seen in ages, but find them utterly delightful. Imagine three old gentlemen who play traditional Irish folk tunes and provide you with a song book so you can sing along! Its great fun, but they're more geared toward the pubs.

I'm really in the mood now for Scarborough Faire in April and the Scottish Festival sometime in July (because I love to be sunburned). Too bad I really don't have a pub to frequent anymore, but that's really ok as I can't afford the beer money.