February 26, 2019

The winds are howling here on Frost Hill Road in Belmont, Vermont, but the sunshine is gaining in strength, and the long cold snowy winter may be giving way. I haven't been writing much, because of a long struggle with my vision, recovering from surgeries, but now things are looking up! In the months ahead, I am looking forward to playing more music. St. Patrick's Day 2019 is right around the corner, and Gypsy Reel is excited to welcome former Gypsy Jon Scaife, extraordinary guitarist from Sheffield UK, for the big weekend! Right after, I'm taking off for another visit to North Carolina, playing with Fiddling' Al McCanless, Will McCanless, Colin Shoemaker, and Bob Vasile, and also with Jack Herrick of the Red Clay Ramblers and Jane Peplar of Pratie Heads. Also hope to get together there with Eleanor Ellis, wonderful singer and blues guitarist-stay tuned for developments.

I continue to play most Thursdays with Gypsy Reel at our fine session at The Killarney in Ludlow Vermont, and I continue to teach fretted instruments at The Connecticut Academy of Irish Music in Wethersfield CT most Sundays through April. I also sing with Mount Holly Folk Club most Mondays when I'm in town. Check my schedule for solo gigs in the spring; also will be performing in a duo with Silas Hamilton, and with Celticado (Adam Sweet and Jim Bunting). If all goes well, I'll be in Nova Scotia July-August, will keep you posted-usually loads of fun music collaborations there.

I recorded my solo cd The Tartan Project many months ago, but am just getting around to offering it for sale here. This one's got more of a Scots/Nova Scotian/Shetland focus. I hope you'll enjoy it. Stay well, keep smilin'!

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