Jigs and Feels

Greetings from the resident bard, song spinner and captain catch all here at the Riversea (Keelan). 

When I'm not answering the phone or chopping wood and hauling water, I'm weekly at the lounge striking up a song and hoping you'll sing along. You'll find me pitched in that cozy parlour like corner, surrounded by an arsenal of instruments of mass melody, hopping from guitar to accordion, tin sandwiches in every flavour of key, and a bodhran to beat; entreating you to clap those hands and stomp those feet. 

It's an informal setting, mimicking that of the parlour or kitchen that invites any that darken our door to enter: pop a squat, have a drink, don't go hungry, cause for sure we'll ask- " Ja-eat?" 

I've played many a stage stretching from one coast of this island to the other, and to further reaches of parts unknown, but by jove, being able to plug in and tune up at the Riversea feels like home. Partly because the audience that you are playing for, is more than likely going to be the same crowd that came to see you play last week; and as such, you build a rapport and camaraderie with each other. You learn pretty quick what works, and what doesn't-  encouraging you to update the setlist and try to bring something new each week, fighting any staleness that can come on. Doubly so, it makes the victory of getting an audience to sing along, or grab their sweetheart for a cheeky waltz on the floor, all the more special.  

It's a joy being able to reach an audience that otherwise wouldn't have that easy access to live performance; it creates a deeper meaningful connection, in which I feel as much the host, but patron as well, being brought into this community circle. 

And that's what the Riversea is: a port of call for the roving traveller, a place to pitch for the avid fisher, a stage for the aspiring and seasoned performer, and a holding ground to those that call it home; and that's something to think about. 

This summer. I'm playing every Sunday from 4-8pm at Riversea Lounge. Hope to see you for the next weekly session.