For the last two years there have been 10-20 folks who stay around playing until the wee hours of the morning Sunday. Of course having a left over half keg of Guiness may have been some encouragement. That and several of the musician were roudy re-inactors from the Irish Brigade that have tents set up in the back of the festival.
This is not a strictly ITM festival, but it is a lot of fun.
If you have Saturday free, come and join us.
Our Lady](http://www.ladyofthecreek.com/%3ELady) of the Creek, Marguerite Plank, will be giving a beginners class for whistle.
It only an hour or so north of Washington DC, some come and take the opportunity to …
I will not be able to make it this year due to other commitments. I enjoyed myself last year though even though I had to leave early because of my wifes health problems. I was going to come and bring my Alba Q1 and my Walton Mellow D, my two favorite whistles. Maybe next year.
Is there much of an Irish scene in the area? My family has a cabin over in Pinegrove Furnace (about 18 miles away) and when I’m out there, I’m always interested in finding some local music. Is there a contact or a local session to be found?
I haven’t learned of an Irish session, but there’s a regular (and pretty strong) bluegrass session on Friday nights. I think it’s at Arrowhorse (or at least within a door or two) on Chambersburg Street, in the first block off the square.
As for the ahem whistle workshop–it’s only for an hour and I’ve been told that last year’s group was mostly beginners, so that’s what I’m planning for. Anyone with a more advanced skill level should study Lee’s picture and track him down for a pickup session under the trees.
Marguarite gave a wonderful class despite my interuptions. By popular demand it ran twice as long as scheduled.
Wonderful weather, simple setting, good folks.
The after-hours session started about and included a couple of wonder full players from Derick Warfields band. It ranged about and included blue grass and Blues as well a lot of Irish tunes and songs. We also had a poet present several poems. We unfortunately were unable to finish of the keg of harp, but it was probably the case of guiness appetizer. Unfortunately, as designated driver for myself, I couldn’t fully appreciate all the free consumables … I passed on the Guiness roast beef stew in bread bowls.
With a 2 hour ride home, I did the responsible thing and arose at midnight to begin to pack up for home. Well, maybe one more tune … oh you going to play that, let me join for that too. I finished play the last tune around 2 a.m. fired up with the music to get me most of the way home on endomorphs, no caffiene necessary.
It was a great time–and Lee is too modest! He made terrific contributions to the workshop. My friend and I bailed out fairly early. Maybe next year I’ll bring a sleeping bag…
I stopped by and had a chance to meet Lee Marsh and Margueritte.
Lee seems almost normal in person. Although I had to laugh after he had shown off his whistle collection and pulled out a flute he said, “I mostly play airs because I’m still just learning the whistle…” Just picked up the instrument but already has a collection and has branched out into flute. He’s the perfect Chiff & Fippler!
Ufortunately, I was only up for a few hours so I missed the “session”. We might have gotten one started after the whistle lesson, but we got kicked out of the tent by … bodhran players. The ignominy!
Excellent Idea, in fact a quiet spot with a schedule of sessions, might be really nice and give more folks a chance to join in on the fun. The after festival session is most of why I go.
