Friday, February 15, 2008

My Goodness, My Guinness

Wednesday night brought the return of Irish band Gaelic Storm to the Pearson Lakes Art Center in Okoboji--a sold out show. They'd been there last year and a lot of people came back for more. I've never scene such a buzz in the lobby--people wearing their wellies and Gaelic Storm t-shirts. Myself, I'd been a fan since 1997 when the movie Titanic came out (Gaelic Storm played the party band in the steerage scene). I hadn't heard much of them since then (not that they weren't out there, I just wasn't paying attention), but when I heard they were coming to the area, on my BIRTHDAY, no less, I knew how I was celebrating my __th!

After an excellent meal at Minerva's, followed by turtle cheesecake and crème brûlée, my party enjoyed 3rd row seats to the lively show. Gaelic Storm is made up of five very talented musicians from Ireland, England, Canada, and New Jersey. Frontman Patrick Murphy (accordian, harmonica, as well as lead vocals) is part musican and part comic and introduced the audience to the "Irish moonwalk" (the kind you take after a night of drinking). Bagpipe player Peter Purvis brought out an electric bagpipe toward the end, which I thought was really interesting as I'd never thought about them existing. It's pretty much just the chanter, a wire, and a footpedal (no blowpipe or drones).

I good time was had by all, and the show ended with plenty of audience screaming, singing, and jazz hands. I hope they come back next year!

Check out upcoming show schedule at PLAC.

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