Hi Christy, just got my ticket for for the live gig Sept 19th…fair play to you! With no trip home to Kiltimagh this year, I’ll get a bit emotional no doubt, but really looking forward to it! If your taking requests The Voyage would be amazing to hear…Mam and Dad married 50 yrs nxt year and it’s their theme song Thanks for still spreading joy in such a unsettling time Aoife Merry
Christy's reply
hope it all goes well for you in Boston,
thanks Aoife
I hope everyone here and there is ok. Getting nervous here as i got the “unable to register at this time” message on the gig page since early this morning. Does anyone outside of the usual regions (europe us australia etc) been able to buy a ticket ? Living in hope, sure i would not like to miss a gig with you all… STay safe and saludos from Chile
Christy's reply
The Nighthawk flies, the Owl cries
as we’re driving down the road
listening to the muisc
on the all-night radio show…..
Hello Christy, this past Saturday I got married in my backyard. My good friend Edward Murphy was in charge of playing the music. We were patiently waiting for the parents, grandmother, bridesmaid, and bride to make their entrance so Edward put some music on while we waited. The song he chose was Magic Nights and the lady who was going to marry us was amazed, she asked me who was singing this song and said you must have an awful hard time charming the ladies. Luckily for us she kept her trousers on but I think you had them damn near charmed off her. Meanwhile inside the house me soon to be mother in law heard the music and thought that was their signal so she rushed everyone out of the house. Everyone except the bride made their entrance to Magic Nights. A great time was had by all that evening as we ate, drank, and sang around the fire.
Cheers,
Chris & Teresa
Christy's reply
sounds like ye had a great celebration,…
I wish ye well for many years to come…
ps
‘lowly’ might be appropriate,but I meant ‘slowly’.Have just noticed a wikipedia entry on Thom McGinty,which is very informative…he was brilliant and really did have to be ‘seen to be believed’. D
Pat’s post reminds me of visits to Dublin in the 80s,being riveted by the Grafton Street, mime/slow walk of ‘The Diceman’. Amazing control and charisma,attracting a huge crowd of onlookers. I didn’t know his name (Thom McGinty) until I chanced on his obituary in 2015. I was lucky to see him a few times and still find it incredible that anyone could move so lowly,in such a perfectly controlled way.
I assume you’ll have seen him/maybe have known him through his theatre work? For readers who will be puzzled by this post – it’s impossible to do justice to ‘The Diceman’ and I’m not sure if any film exists.But,there are some good online pieces. Bless him…great memories of wandering a favourite city.
Great that the gig buzz is returning to posts here.
Dave
Christy's reply
Thanks for mentioning Thom McGinty..he was a beautiful and gentle man…a true Master of the Art of Street Performance….manys the day was brightened by encountering Thom….remembered with warmth and affection
Ah Christy, donno how Bantry went for you. Did you take a trip to Whiddy Island?
Well, NCH ticket done and dusted….. I hope….. Thanks for the link.
The Dice app tells me I will get my access code at 8 o’clock on the 19th, for the gig that starts at 9. Agh. Technology! I would love a ticket in the hand…. But no matter, I am sure it will be alright on the night. It says solo. So no Declan? Can 50 people attend, like the 50 at Luka’s gig in Doolin last night?
I suppose living in Germany gives me/us a feeling that things can be managed effictively, but looking from afar at the shambolic situation in Ireland I must admit a feeling of sadness, and a bit of anger at legislators who can find time for holidays instead of leadership.
I hope Dave or Marty or Rebecca or someone, maybe Mary’s Gaeilgeoir sa chistin Will write the song. God bless, stay safe.
Christy's reply
we are going to hear Ye Vagabonds tonight and Donovan tomorrow..Storm Ellen went easy enough on us here..a few thunder claps, a few windy moments,plenty of rain…normal enough Irish Summer weather…
Hello Christy,
Things are getting desperate when I’m starting to wonder if adding a few sandwiches to a venue makes it a restaurant.
I once played to one person. I was doing background music for the mayor’s Christmas fair in Halifax Town Hall. I was tucked away on a balcony above the main hall. There was a barrier up the main stairs to keep people in one place.
The mayor’s husband slipped through the barrier and snuck upstairs to listen while he ate a Greggs pasty. So I played and sang for him.
Playing seems more real if someone is listening. I prefer to practice with someone there too. I don’t think it’s a diva thing, more of a connecting all the bits thing.
There’s nothing like overthinking is there. I clearly need to get out more.
Rebecca
Christy's reply
to be spontaneous or to procrastinate..that is the question
I hope you had tea with the fish and chips… why is it that its the only hot meal that ‘works’ with a hot drink? Did you see Donovan scoffing a feed?
Have a great time
Dave
Christy's reply
I agree with you on these important matters, these life enhancing moments, but there is another repast that demands hot beverage ….
A Fry is not a Fry unless accompanied by a mug of strong (slightly sweetened) tea…
Hello Christy,
I absolutely get it.
There’s nothing else like that space.
Even one listener.
Rebecca
Christy's reply
you remind me of a Hamish Imlach Story.
He got a gig way back in the 60s from Glasgow City Council. he was getting £8 to play for an hour every sat morning in a local park…. one morning there was just ONE man sitting there in the rain..Hamish needed the £8, he started singing on the bandstand..after a while he was gettin into it, givin it all he had..after 40 minutes the ONE man shuffled up to the stage and said:
” when do you think you’ll be finished Son, I’m waiting to put the chairs away and lock up”
“”Six steps forward six steps back,,”” yes I know the feeling, the important thing is your able to take those steps without someone’s help, it’s a frusterating time for every man woman and and child in the whole world, with no end in sight, leadership on both sides of the pond are severely lacking, that’s putting it very mildly, it’s a shit show, the only thing we can do is take this time to be creative,if not in front of an audience then find some other way,, I am kinda lucky ,i have found ways to keep busy,some people are not so fortunate, I hope the gigs materialize, and you get to do what you love,
Christy's reply
would it be safe to run a gig in one of Larry Goodman’s meat joints ?
here on the lockdown ‘naughty step’,I can’t go to my grandkids’ house,but every feckin cafe and pub is packed…and we could meet there!
‘I hate politicians’ , as a fella sang at the last gig I attended…greeted by a mighty roar,I recall!
All the best,keep well and I hope the karma kicks in for some good times.
Dave
Christy's reply
Just after a great feed of ( Wharton’s) Haddock and Chips in Ma Murphy’s..great music house across the years..Mary & Seán keeping the flag flying…when the world settles down I’d love to do a gig there
Hi Christy,
I hope all is well. Hearing rumblings that you’re doing a streamed gig from the hallowed NCH. Is there any truth to these rumours?
Best,
Ken
Christy's reply
its gonna happen. they’re gonna announce it any day now…I’m lookin forward to it..lettin rip in the hallowed hall
Hi Christy.
Enjoy Bantry, Lockdowns or not, it is still one of the most beautiful places in the World. Hope you get on stage,,,, what a thrill that will be to get on Stage in front of a live audience, not matter how small. Fingers crossed
Best regards
Patsy
Christy's reply
gettin geared up now…its a short set, 45 minutes but its great to be getting the chance again to sing to listeners….
somethin happens to my spirit when I’m in front of listeners….everything fades into the background as words,melody, voice, accompaniment and listeners all meld into one for the duration…it never happens in practice room, rehearsal space,or recording studio….
its like we’re in it together, (not all of us, but most of us on any given night…)
its a precious thing..some would say sacred…not everyone gets it but thats only natural…
the Auld Sheebeen of a Saturday night in the height of Summer with the Bulmers flyin, half the audience with Sunstroke and the other half gettin geared up for the disco
Such a tricky balancing act with Covid restrictions.
I hope all goes well after so much creative thinking by organisers and artists.If no performances,hopefully,it will be good to meet some companeros/kick round some ideas etc.
In such a brilliant part of the world,you might even return with a song or several.
Good luck with plans.
Dave
Christy's reply
When elected representatives, career bureaucrats,and powerful lobbyists, form the troika that drives the engine….it sure is a tricky balancing act..but a balancing that always seem to weigh in favour of the powerful and wealthy…..
it surely is a difficult and challenging time… yet certain anomalies prevail…Drink Dealers and the Meat Industry Moguls obviously have more clout with the “troika” then front line health care workers..meaningful if essential workers were paid properly and helped in every way possible…..(how many advisors do I need to work that one out)
Political Priorities in the killing pandemic months???
6 weeks paid holidays in the middle of a worsening crisis….
3 months to form a Government while Covid 19 raged….
wrestling for power, salary increases, more “advisors”….
priorities ???
PS.rest assured Dave..your post did not inspire my wrath….thanks for all you good juju and feedback….yes, Bantry is beautiful…hoping to work here this weekend….after 6 months it would be great to get a chance to do a bit
“Boning Halls,
Boning Halls,
where the carcass is stripped down to the bone
and all the flesh is ripped off a country”
PPS…It was reported in the news last week that officials in the Dept of Justice are drawing up a list of artists who have voiced criticism of Direct Provision facilities…
Hi Christy, just got my ticket for for the live gig Sept 19th…fair play to you! With no trip home to Kiltimagh this year, I’ll get a bit emotional no doubt, but really looking forward to it! If your taking requests The Voyage would be amazing to hear…Mam and Dad married 50 yrs nxt year and it’s their theme song
Thanks for still spreading joy in such a unsettling time 
Aoife Merry
hope it all goes well for you in Boston,
thanks Aoife
I hope everyone here and there is ok. Getting nervous here as i got the “unable to register at this time” message on the gig page since early this morning. Does anyone outside of the usual regions (europe us australia etc) been able to buy a ticket ? Living in hope, sure i would not like to miss a gig with you all… STay safe and saludos from Chile
The Nighthawk flies, the Owl cries
as we’re driving down the road
listening to the muisc
on the all-night radio show…..
Hello Christy, this past Saturday I got married in my backyard. My good friend Edward Murphy was in charge of playing the music. We were patiently waiting for the parents, grandmother, bridesmaid, and bride to make their entrance so Edward put some music on while we waited. The song he chose was Magic Nights and the lady who was going to marry us was amazed, she asked me who was singing this song and said you must have an awful hard time charming the ladies. Luckily for us she kept her trousers on but I think you had them damn near charmed off her. Meanwhile inside the house me soon to be mother in law heard the music and thought that was their signal so she rushed everyone out of the house. Everyone except the bride made their entrance to Magic Nights. A great time was had by all that evening as we ate, drank, and sang around the fire.
Cheers,
Chris & Teresa
sounds like ye had a great celebration,…
I wish ye well for many years to come…
ps
‘lowly’ might be appropriate,but I meant ‘slowly’.Have just noticed a wikipedia entry on Thom McGinty,which is very informative…he was brilliant and really did have to be ‘seen to be believed’. D
we know you well enough to recognise your drift
Hi Christy
Pat’s post reminds me of visits to Dublin in the 80s,being riveted by the Grafton Street, mime/slow walk of ‘The Diceman’. Amazing control and charisma,attracting a huge crowd of onlookers. I didn’t know his name (Thom McGinty) until I chanced on his obituary in 2015. I was lucky to see him a few times and still find it incredible that anyone could move so lowly,in such a perfectly controlled way.
I assume you’ll have seen him/maybe have known him through his theatre work? For readers who will be puzzled by this post – it’s impossible to do justice to ‘The Diceman’ and I’m not sure if any film exists.But,there are some good online pieces. Bless him…great memories of wandering a favourite city.
Great that the gig buzz is returning to posts here.
Dave
Thanks for mentioning Thom McGinty..he was a beautiful and gentle man…a true Master of the Art of Street Performance….manys the day was brightened by encountering Thom….remembered with warmth and affection
Ah Christy, donno how Bantry went for you. Did you take a trip to Whiddy Island?
….. Thanks for the link.
Well, NCH ticket done and dusted….. I hope
The Dice app tells me I will get my access code at 8 o’clock on the 19th, for the gig that starts at 9. Agh. Technology! I would love a ticket in the hand…. But no matter, I am sure it will be alright on the night. It says solo. So no Declan? Can 50 people attend, like the 50 at Luka’s gig in Doolin last night?
I suppose living in Germany gives me/us a feeling that things can be managed effictively, but looking from afar at the shambolic situation in Ireland I must admit a feeling of sadness, and a bit of anger at legislators who can find time for holidays instead of leadership.
I hope Dave or Marty or Rebecca or someone, maybe Mary’s Gaeilgeoir sa chistin Will write the song. God bless, stay safe.
we are going to hear Ye Vagabonds tonight and Donovan tomorrow..Storm Ellen went easy enough on us here..a few thunder claps, a few windy moments,plenty of rain…normal enough Irish Summer weather…
Thanks Christy, the Tweet said it was streaming and gave price of tickets. Very glad to support.
Hi Christy, just read tweet about your gig in the National Concert Hall in September how to we purchase tickets?
Hi Mary….its going to be a filmed gig for streaming..far as I know there will be no audience….
Hello Christy,
Things are getting desperate when I’m starting to wonder if adding a few sandwiches to a venue makes it a restaurant.
I once played to one person. I was doing background music for the mayor’s Christmas fair in Halifax Town Hall. I was tucked away on a balcony above the main hall. There was a barrier up the main stairs to keep people in one place.
The mayor’s husband slipped through the barrier and snuck upstairs to listen while he ate a Greggs pasty. So I played and sang for him.
Playing seems more real if someone is listening. I prefer to practice with someone there too. I don’t think it’s a diva thing, more of a connecting all the bits thing.
There’s nothing like overthinking is there. I clearly need to get out more.
Rebecca
to be spontaneous or to procrastinate..that is the question
Hi Christy
Good call about the fry… I’m tempted by a coffee ,these days,but you’re spot on.
Nothing so exciting here,but whatevermusic making restrictions are thrown into your plans,I hope all goes well. Starting with a good breakfast!
All the best
Dave
I read your post and straight away put on a coffee pot
Sounds like a great feed,Christy
I hope you had tea with the fish and chips… why is it that its the only hot meal that ‘works’ with a hot drink? Did you see Donovan scoffing a feed?
Have a great time
Dave
I agree with you on these important matters, these life enhancing moments, but there is another repast that demands hot beverage ….
A Fry is not a Fry unless accompanied by a mug of strong (slightly sweetened) tea…
Did they do the damn thing or not?
most uncertainly not
Hello Christy,
I absolutely get it.
There’s nothing else like that space.
Even one listener.
Rebecca
you remind me of a Hamish Imlach Story.
He got a gig way back in the 60s from Glasgow City Council. he was getting £8 to play for an hour every sat morning in a local park…. one morning there was just ONE man sitting there in the rain..Hamish needed the £8, he started singing on the bandstand..after a while he was gettin into it, givin it all he had..after 40 minutes the ONE man shuffled up to the stage and said:
” when do you think you’ll be finished Son, I’m waiting to put the chairs away and lock up”
“”Six steps forward six steps back,,”” yes I know the feeling, the important thing is your able to take those steps without someone’s help, it’s a frusterating time for every man woman and and child in the whole world, with no end in sight, leadership on both sides of the pond are severely lacking, that’s putting it very mildly, it’s a shit show, the only thing we can do is take this time to be creative,if not in front of an audience then find some other way,, I am kinda lucky ,i have found ways to keep busy,some people are not so fortunate, I hope the gigs materialize, and you get to do what you love,
would it be safe to run a gig in one of Larry Goodman’s meat joints ?
well justified wrath,Christy…
here on the lockdown ‘naughty step’,I can’t go to my grandkids’ house,but every feckin cafe and pub is packed…and we could meet there!
‘I hate politicians’ , as a fella sang at the last gig I attended…greeted by a mighty roar,I recall!
All the best,keep well and I hope the karma kicks in for some good times.
Dave
Just after a great feed of ( Wharton’s) Haddock and Chips in Ma Murphy’s..great music house across the years..Mary & Seán keeping the flag flying…when the world settles down I’d love to do a gig there
Hi Christy,
I hope all is well. Hearing rumblings that you’re doing a streamed gig from the hallowed NCH. Is there any truth to these rumours?
Best,
Ken
its gonna happen. they’re gonna announce it any day now…I’m lookin forward to it..lettin rip in the hallowed hall
Bonnie Prince Charlie was the only man ever named after three sheepdogs.
Never trust a man who, when left alone with a tea cosy, doesn’t try it on.
Billy Connolly
Good Man Billy…I hope he is safe and well
Christy,
concerning your Galway Races question ‘you’ll never guess what happened’. Did you get on a lucky one, came it at 18/1?
there was no happy ending John..I lost my shirt..
used to like a flutter in my early days
but good wisdom prevailed and I spent it all on drink
Hi Christy.
Enjoy Bantry, Lockdowns or not, it is still one of the most beautiful places in the World. Hope you get on stage,,,, what a thrill that will be to get on Stage in front of a live audience, not matter how small. Fingers crossed
Best regards
Patsy
gettin geared up now…its a short set, 45 minutes but its great to be getting the chance again to sing to listeners….
somethin happens to my spirit when I’m in front of listeners….everything fades into the background as words,melody, voice, accompaniment and listeners all meld into one for the duration…it never happens in practice room, rehearsal space,or recording studio….
its like we’re in it together, (not all of us, but most of us on any given night…)
its a precious thing..some would say sacred…not everyone gets it but thats only natural…
the Auld Sheebeen of a Saturday night in the height of Summer with the Bulmers flyin, half the audience with Sunstroke and the other half gettin geared up for the disco
Hi Christy
Such a tricky balancing act with Covid restrictions.
I hope all goes well after so much creative thinking by organisers and artists.If no performances,hopefully,it will be good to meet some companeros/kick round some ideas etc.
In such a brilliant part of the world,you might even return with a song or several.
Good luck with plans.
Dave
When elected representatives, career bureaucrats,and powerful lobbyists, form the troika that drives the engine….it sure is a tricky balancing act..but a balancing that always seem to weigh in favour of the powerful and wealthy…..
it surely is a difficult and challenging time… yet certain anomalies prevail…Drink Dealers and the Meat Industry Moguls obviously have more clout with the “troika” then front line health care workers..meaningful if essential workers were paid properly and helped in every way possible…..(how many advisors do I need to work that one out)
Political Priorities in the killing pandemic months???
6 weeks paid holidays in the middle of a worsening crisis….
3 months to form a Government while Covid 19 raged….
wrestling for power, salary increases, more “advisors”….
priorities ???
PS.rest assured Dave..your post did not inspire my wrath….thanks for all you good juju and feedback….yes, Bantry is beautiful…hoping to work here this weekend….after 6 months it would be great to get a chance to do a bit
“Boning Halls,
Boning Halls,
where the carcass is stripped down to the bone
and all the flesh is ripped off a country”
PPS…It was reported in the news last week that officials in the Dept of Justice are drawing up a list of artists who have voiced criticism of Direct Provision facilities…