I just got back from what Williamsport calls “Irish Fest 2003” and had a kickin’ time!!!
Solas was the opening act and John McDermott closed up the show. Solas was fantastic!!! Fortunately, they stayed away from their Jazzy stuff and sticked to pretty much trad pieces or contemporary-trad style. I had an amazing time. First official Irish concert I’ve been to excluding Celtic Fest in Bethlehem. “Johnny McDee” was very good as well. I went mostly to hear Solas but ended up enjoying John’s stories and songs. Great voice.
But Win on the fiddle was blazin’, not to mention Mick smokin’ up the accordian and Seamus fingers flailin’ on the whistles and Irish flute! (did I omit enough trailing "g"s?) My heart skipped a beat when Seamus whipped out that big copper low whistle during the first tune.
Can’t wait for Irish Fest 2004 and 2005!!! Hats off to PBS for bringing these guys in.
bob