Well, the weather managed great restraint in waiting until near the end of a terrific day in New York for Uilleann piper aficionados to release its wrath. The workshop was well attended, with at about 25 or so pipers and three instructors spread about the building for beginner, intermediate and advanced pipers. The instructers included Ivan Goff, Jerry O’Sullivan and Cillian Vallely (alphabetical order so not to offend anyone). Seth Gallegher also instructed some people that are very new to piping by taking there questions and giving them some vital information for newbees. Seth also gave reed making instructions, gave help to some on their pipe problems, brought his flat set for some to try and also brought a few of his new Irish flutes that he is now making for sale (they are terrific by the way!). Many of the area regulars showeed and many more came later for the subsequent recital. Mattie Connelly joined with the boys in each doing a 20 to 30 minute solo perforamnce in the IAC theater and then the four of them jammed for a few sets which was incredible. All in all it was a wonderful way to spend a cold Sunday in New York. And many of us topped it off with a pint or two perhaps in a nearby pub before we went on our way.
Hopefully there will be another one of two of these this year, and perhaps maybe New York could be the home of a longer form annual weekend tional. It has very many pipers in the area and many great venues. Perhaps us Long Island pipers will work on it.
Neil