It's Saturday night as I sit at the computer to write something for Sunday's blog post, and through social media, I know what act is about to take the stage at Almonte Celtfest momentarily. It interests me because we attended the Celtfest weekend for 15 years. In the early days, it was mainly just a Sunday afternoon concert. Presently, it begins on Friday night, continues on Saturday afternoon and evening and then onto and through Sunday afternoon. The curtain will come down with everybody singing The Parting Glass. It's a great event.
We loved it in our time, but that miserable pandemic came along and essentially cancelled it for two years. By then, we were further into our 70s and the thought of lugging lawn chairs and picnic baskets around a hot, sunny hillside in search of a patch of shade felt like a little much. I miss it somewhat, but I take joy in 15 years of memories. We have moved on to a different phase of life, and we appreciate it for what it is.
I looked through some past photos. I think everyone of which appeared in posts back in those days
This first photo is of the very last act of Saturday night of our final concert in 2019. I have thought that it was the final act that we ever saw but there would have been others on the following Sunday afternoon. However, I don’t remember them, so Ashely MacIssac’s performance stands out as the final act for me. It’s very fitting because he is a world class fiddler who left me feeling that I had been in the presence of musical genius.
also 2018, a drummer with another group, slightly re-edited 2026
Simply enjoyable to see these musicians and learn about your good memories of those times taking the photos and hearing the music!
ReplyDeleteI love folk festivals and some of my favorites have been Quebecois groups as well as Cape Breton and Natalie McMaster. I often listen to CBFM from the Cape. This would be such fun and your photos are terrific.
ReplyDeleteI'm pretty sure the drummer you feature is my brother in law DavidG.. I'm going to show him the photo!
ReplyDeleteSorry, I should have finished the story. COVID really had a BIG impact on his music career. His band, a touring group, were sidelined. David rarely performs at all any more. He has retired to the Opeongo.
DeleteLooking at your photographs I can just imagine the energy. Wonderful! The best of all, though, is the little drummer in your last photo. Does she still drum??
ReplyDeleteBoy, that looks like a great event!
ReplyDeleteIt looks like this is a great event. Many of the photo club folks went to all the events in town last night. Street Dancing, live music, Fireworks, Old Car show, and more. I am still not into events and crowds.
ReplyDeleteThis looks like it would have been fun to listen to.
I love music.
But prefer no crowds.
And I'll bet the last drummer is a relative of yours. I know that we find it more difficult to attend shows. Maybe they could arrange for more senior friendly performances.
ReplyDeleteTime marches on. You have good memories of the past shows.
ReplyDelete