East Durham and the Irish Arts Week

Hi all,

wondering if anyone from this forum will be in East Durham next week? I have enrolled in Benedict K.'s class for intermediate pipes. Looking for additional support and guidance in both playing and reed making if anyone is willing to help me. Thanks.
Arbo

Have fun, and give our best to Benedict! Sorry to miss it this year. You’ll learn tons!

Arbo, how about a tale of your week at IAW in the Catskills. How was it mate?

Sorry John,

I hadn’t been to IAW in several years. This year I made a change in accommodations- I rented a room in a house with four others, 5 miles out of town. Beautiful. We cooked, taught each other tunes, etc. Everyone else played fiddle, with secondary instruments being banjo, mandolin, and concertina. I did not go out to many sessions, one to be exact with Joannie Madden and the Friel sisters leading. That was nice! I did manage to get to all of the concerts, and even had a private lesson with Joey Abarta. Benedict’s class was great. Methodical. Think we learned four tunes. The last day was a recital/ discussion with Benedict, Gabe McKeown, and Sheila Friel all playing pipes together. Nice last class… In a week and a half I am off to the Pipers’ Gathering with more classes from Benedict, and Eammon Dillon! Whew!

Arbo