Bodhrans on Inis Oírr (Inisheer) and Music in Milltown

My god I don't even know where to start. It's been a crazy time since I arrived here and the best was on Inis Oírr (Inisheer is the medium of the Aran Islands off the west coast of Co. Clare). Took the ferry out and there was the girl on there, but after being extremely hungover from the night before, I didn't feel like talking. All I wanted to do was dodge the clouds, set up camp and make a little space for myself where I could practice and kinda hide. So, we said a quick hello, I set up camp and went to the west of the Island for the sunset. It was so good to be home again. I love that Island. So, there were 80 Bodhran players on this Island of just 200 people. Couldn't wait to see what that would bring.

So, after the sunset, went to another part of the rocks and found the girl... the girl, that is, Denise (from Cork, IRE)... and, right away hit it off. She's fun, bold, sarcastic and we got along so well... we did hang out and create some little havoc on the island for the 5 days we were there! So much fun.

We met some amazing people... some Bodhran teachers, some locals, some families and all we made strong connections with. This festival, Craicaan, really drew some amazing quality of people to this small little island and everything was just wonderful. Saw Simon, Francisca and Derek... met Willy (funny piper) and Vinny showed up on Friday night for some music. I camped for all 5 days and just loved it... no miggies for me, Denise! We never went to bed when the sun was still down and the music was like nothing you could even imagine.

Instead of going into details about specific encounters (which there are too many too mention)... I'm just going to say thank you to the wonderful people I met and let you all back home enjoy the pictures... So, Stoífan, Carol, Denise, Willy, Derek, Mahesh, Frank, Hannah, Shelby, Leah, Adadh, Alan, Mary, Michael, Eamon, Eddie, Shannon, Fin, Ben, Will, Fionnan (Feenon), Caoimhan (Queevon) (yeah... Denise... thanks for all the Irish spellings) and his brother who's name we don't know and probably a million others who's names escaped me but faces never will... What a time, what a time...

Now, Carol, Stoífan (Stefan), Shannon and I piled into a tiny tiny car and made our way from the teary-eyed ferry to Milltown Malbay where we will stay for 9 days for the Willy Clancy Music School/Festival. This place is insane and there is so much music I don't even know what to do with it all! Last night was the first night here and after I checked into my BEAUTIFUL b&b and took a well-needed shower, I headed into town to meet everyone from the island for some fun. I was so damn tired though that I couldn't stand so I only made it until 1 or so and returned back (Ben put me into a car with a famous box player... really famous I guess) to my bed and had an amazing night's sleep interrupted only to eat a fantastic breakfast. Shannon came out to my place and we played tunes for a little bit sitting in the sun and on the beautiful grass. THEN... we went to Willy Clancy's grave where they were holding a memorial service there (more like a small session) and then guess what!!!! (MATT, GET READY)... Marty came out and played at his site! Marty is a 94 year old man that plays in our sessions in Rochester. It was so cool... I took great pictures and said hello and it was great fun. I met a wondeful man named Patsy at this service and he was just wonderful.

Will, Shannon and I had a wonderful lunch and learned a lot about our teacher lives. Now... I will buy some groceries and head back to take my laundry off the line and prepare for this evening which should be awesome.

Should be running into some old friends from this year soon and classes start tomorrow morning. super nervous for that, but I'm sure I will manage... well, until next time! Smiles, Jess

(please note... this entry was made on July 2nd and published later)

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