BassFace67.com - Musical Happenings and WhatNot

Gratitude.
I am so grateful for my wonderful friends, amazing musical partners and for laughing my ass off for over 13 years as part of St. James's Gate. Apparently the leprechaun’s out of the bag… after playing every month for over a decade to incredible audiences and for the patient and hard-working staff at Kells Irish Pub in Portland, I am taking a break.

Many of you understand how hard any change in your musical life can feel, and how wonderfully satisfying it is when you find partners that help you grow as a musician and create magic with your audience. Griff, Cronin, Dennis and I have been doing that together for a very long time and it is a rare and special thing that I cherish. We’ve seen birthday girls turn into brides, honored the passing of dear friends and have sent too many young soldiers off to wars that we can’t even begin to comprehend. Being part of your celebrations at Kells in Portland, both joyous and bittersweet changes one’s life. I am humbled to have taken part and shared our music with you. St. James’s Gate will be playing the Kells Festival over St. Pat’s (see here: http://www.kellsirish.com/portland/festival_facts.html ) as well as a for a number of other public and private shows together prior to March 18, but this will be my last “regular” gig at Kells PDX for a while. If you can, please come down say hello and raise a glass, or catch us at the festival.

I can’t say enough good things about the entire staff at Kells both past and present, and the McAleese family for their many kindnesses and support of St. James’s Gate over the years. Thank you! I look forward to the upcoming shows, new musical adventures for all of us, and celebrating the fun this band has shared with all of you. Sláinte! M