I just got back from the annual Westbrook, CT fife and drum muster where I saw two performances by this great marching band and got to meet and chat up a number of the members. I also got to drool over and try out a couple of their instruments. They play wooden flutes in I think 4 different keys. One fellow let me play his 6-key F flute, just an awesome instrument!
They were all surprised by the tremendous interest we have in Irish trad music. They like our ancient American tunes and even learned some in anticipation of this trip. At least half a dozen of them wanted to have a picture taken with me in my (Union) Civil War uniform. It was a really cool experience.
On top of that, I caught up with Drummerboy (and his better half), found Skip Healy and pinned him down for a little Q&A, and spent some time giving a new Wilson Woods whistle a good workout (and decided it isn’t for me).
Oh yeah, I also performed with my own band and jammed until the wee hours Friday and Saturday night. What a weekend!