Last night, my friend Ron and I went with my nephew Colin to see legendary Andy Irvine in concert in Madison, NJ as part of the Rose City Concert Series. I also ran into local Irish musician Frank Curran, one of "The Boys of County O'cean" who plays in the weekly "Sessions" at St. Stephen's Green Publick House. The venue was gorgeous and Andy said he really appreciated the acoustics of the old museum building. Very warm and lovely. About 50 of us filled the small auditorium and hung onto every note. His voice was in exceptional condition throughout the two-and-a-half-hour show -- this was the ninth gig of his tour, so he was in excellent form. Of course, there is no one who can play the way he does: lightening fast and oh-so-tastefully on his handmade instruments! Andy included a number of songs from his latest CD, "Abocurragh", introducing each one with a delightful story about its history or composition. One of the high-points of the evening for me was just before the intermission when he introduced "My Heart's Tonight in Ireland". He said: "This next song is for Greg." I nearly fell out of my chair! I had emailed him earlier in the day telling him I hoped he would be performing it that evening and he had replied that he would be. How thoughtful! How doubly-thoughtful!! If you ever get the chance to see Andy in concert, do not miss the opportunity. In the meantime, visit his Web site at www.AndyIrvine.com to learn more about him and to listen to his music. And get yourself a copy of "Abocurragh."
P.S. Liz and I will return to The Green on Sunday, November 13 (6:00-9:00). Come join us for an evening of Irish folk songs, including "My Heart's Tonight in Ireland" -- as an homage to Andy Irvine. :-)
