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 leprechauns 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.
Weve seen birthday girls turn into brides, honored the passing
of dear friends and have sent too many young soldiers off to wars
that we cant even begin to comprehend. Being part of your
celebrations at Kells in Portland, both joyous and bittersweet
changes ones life. I am humbled to have taken part and shared
our music with you. St. Jamess Gate will be playing the
Kells Festival over St. Pats (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
cant 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. Jamess 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