After the emotion of the concert two-weeks ago, I decided that we needed a Celtic Gala of comfort food music. I picked an assortment of some of my favorite classic Celtic songs including “Sheebeg Sheemore,” “Eleanor Plunkett,” and “Fanny Powers” by Turlough O’Carolan. Carolan was a blind harpist in Ireland from 1670-1738. He is considered the patron saint of Celtic harpers and we play a lot of his music today. I had a few Scottish songs including a pipe tune call “Cho Chin t-Saile” and one of my favorite’s “Crossing to Ireland.”
Also, a mash-up song that I created for my CD called “A Gaelic Lass.” As well as a song called “Fires at Midnight” by Wendy Stewart who is a leading Scottish harper. I said she was Welsh in the video and I apologize to her.
We rounded out the evening with a request by my friend, Jo Ann, for Pachelbel’s “Canon in D.” I hope you enjoy the 20-minute video (link below).
A highlight for me was the greatest compliment a musician can receive. My four-year old neighbor said during the concert, “That was the best song ever.” Possibly several times. Ok, she thinks I play a guitar so she needs to develop her musical appreciation skills. But she is obsessed with wanting to play the guitar so clearly she has a musical soul. I’m honored by her faith and will do all I can to foster her love of music. We had a lovely time with our friends and neighbors at the Celtic Gala Event. For me, music and seeing everyone is the best medicine for our troubled times.
