I have played in many bands since Jr. High School. Most never made it out of the basement. But we always had fun! I've tried everything from cover tunes to country rock. Even a bit of ear bleeding, head banging punk rock. I gave up playing when it became a choice between music and raising my kids. Now that the kids are grown, I decided to start up again. I wanted something new.

While bicycle touring through Canada, I saw a video on MUCH MUSIC (Canada's version of MTV). It was a song called "Mari-Mac" by a Celtic Rock band from Newfoundland named "Great Big Sea". As soon as I saw these four lads play, I was hooked.

Between them they play, accordian, fiddle, penny whistle, bones, folk and bass guitar, bazooki, mandolin and, my favorite, a traditional Irish drum called the Bodhran (pronounced "bow-rahn").

All four of these guys, Darrell, Sean, Bob and Alan, can belt out a tune with incredible power. Together, they perform with so much energy, that it's impossible to sit still, watching them. They just happen to be touring the US for the first time a month later, and as luck would have it, Boston was the first stop.

Immediately after seeing them, I ordered my first Bodhran. It's been about a year now, and I've met some fantastic musicians. Mance Grady, my mentor, is one of the most talented players in N. America if not the world. He can literaly play the melody of a tune, not just keep the beat. Mance also builds drums , which is where my second Bodhran came from. He manufactures some of the finest instruments around, and I strongly suggest you consider his. I would also like to recommend you try his tunable system as well as his patented slide system. You can E-mail him at Mance@Mance.com

Another great band I've met in my travels is "Pendragon". They are a Providence based band who perform traditional Irish tunes. This band is comprised of some very talented people. Their site is http://www.bcnmusic.com/pendragn/pendragn.htm. Check it out!

Below are a few of the "jam-sessions" that I attend regularly. I hope that you'll stop by some time, join us for a pint of Guinness, and enjoy the music sometime.

Also check out the "Great Big Sea" page and have a listen to their tunes. You be hooked too!