Life on the Fleadh Road

By Larry Kirwan

Greetings from the road. We're now well into the the second week of the American Fleadh tour. I'm writing this while moving on to Buffalo. It's been an intense and whirlwind-experience. Some great music from some great bands: Flogging Molly, The Saw Doctors, Black 47, Hothouse Flowers, Eileen Ivers and Immigrant Soul, The Prodigals and O'Malley's March.

We've already played Baltimore, Philadelphia, Boston, Meadowlands NJ, Cleveland and Pittsburgh. Buffalo, Milwaukee, Chicago and Columbus lie ahead. It still seems amazing that a sleep-deprived idea, born last year at Gaelic Park in Chicago, is now a reality taken seriously by many thousands of people.

Mike Farrahger in The Irish Voice superbly sums up the general mood of the American Fleadh while backstage at the Meadowlands.
Go to <http://www.irishvoice.com>www.irishvoice.com for his take on things.

But let's just say that the interaction between players themselves and listeners, in general, has been inspiring and augurs well for the future and special nature of this event. I've seen all these bands many times. I can vouch that the American Fleadh has brought out new elements and peaks in their performance.

And now the rain has finally stopped, South East Pennsylvania is green and luscious as we speed by. It's always strange for me leaving Pittsburgh, seeing the highway sign for Wexford — wondering about the emigrants from my hometown who came to and named this area

Were they lonely in this strange new land? Did they miss the simple certainties of home? Did they eventually fit in, or continue westwards like so many others? I never have time to stop and inquire. Always moving — the next gig, the next city, the next audience, the next...

But now the land is warm and sunny — the countryside dotted with little fundamentalist churches full of their own certainties — the accents are almost southern — not even a trace of the staccato Wexford drawl that I grew up with and remember.

But I digress. With six shows under our belts, the American Fleadh is already somewhat of a success and seems to have found a spot in many people's hearts. With a bit of a push, we'll do it again next year — perhaps, in your city. Already, we're thinking of new bands and performers to bring aboard.

How about Richard Thompson? Arguably, the founder of Celtic Rock — what a blast to hear him reprise some of the songs and music that he pioneered with Fairport Convention. How about a Fairport Convention reunion with Richard? Sadly, there's way to bring back the great Sandy Denny, but how about Dolores Keane singing "Who Knows Where the Time Goes?"

How about Boston's Dropkick Murphys blowing the roofs off all the venues? Ashley MacIsaacs fiddling up a storm? Shane showing how he can be imitated but not surpassed? Damien Rice who may be a superstar by this time next year? What do you think? Let me know? I'm always amazed at how big the tent is for Irish/Celtic type music.

Any other ideas that might add to the potency of the Fleadh are welcome too. Constructive criticism about the shows you've seen. I have many, myself, still I'd love to hear yours. But whatever you do, come out and support the remaining shows. You're the ones who make this type of event possible, and your presence will encourage promoters to book the event next year.