Every once in a while, something happens that makes life worth living. Makes the hours of practice worth enduring. Makes all the whistle buying, selling and trading worth the effort.
Last night, Dec. 4th, 2005, I not only got to see the Boys of the Lough holiday concert for free, I got to party with them after the show. And even though me and some of my band mates brought our instruments in hopes of playing with the Boys, the only person who had an instrument was…Cathal McConnell. Me and my mates played almost throughout. We arrived first, but as the Boys came through the door, Cathal pulled out his whistle and joined us in playing The Rose Tree. When finished, he looked right at me and gave me the thumbs up. How freakin’ cool is that?
Later, I was sitting by myself while the others went off to chat or get drinks. I started playing Down by the Sally Garden. Cathal came over and sat with me and played harmony. Everyone stopped talking to listen. What a great moment for me.
I only hope that someday, years from now, someone just starting out will get a kick out of playing with me in the same way.
Judy, try right clicking on the picture box with the “x,” clicking “properties” in the dialog box that comes up, selecting the URL of the JPG from the box that comes up. Copy and paste that into the URL box at the top of the screen and hit the “enter” key. The picture should then come up all by itself. Then, when you go back to the thread, the image will probably display properly.
Don’t you love stuff like that? Contact with well known musicians is a thrill I’m totally hooked on. I find the study of the real people vs. the public persona facinating. Hosting house concerts has been great for that, and so is going to top notch music camps.
I remember seeing these fellows a few years ago and really enjoying them. I have read in a couple of places about how nice Cathal McConnell is----sounds like those reports must be true!
Couldn’t happen to a nicer guy!! (unless it was me?)
I had the good fortune of sitting in on a ‘Master Class’ with Cathal a few years ago, by which I mean I was one of 70 or 80 whistle and flute players who sat around the Irish Arts Center–essentially slack-jawed-- while Cathal showed us amazing things with the flute and whistle.
Hey Mike:
What a nice story !!!
I sorta’ wish I’d been there to strum along on my six-string, like at last summers N.E.W.G. (which you organized) in Connecticut. The Rose Tree is one of your standards, a trusty choice for the occasion.
OKAY, SO WHAT WHISTLE were you playing ?? Key ??
And what sort of whistle did Cathal play ??
We Chiff & Fipplers want to know.
Thanks for sharing the experience, Lloyd
Hi Lloyd,
Wish you had been there as well. It was a great time.
I was playing my Lon Dubh. D of course.
Cathal was playing a Gen D.
And now you know the rest of the story.
Mike
