Somewhere in the middle of “I’m officially taking a step back from a Tune a Week” and “I’ll just casually noodle for five minutes,” I accidentally learned two tunes in the last two weeks. I didn’t write about them. I didn’t record them. I didn’t announce them with fanfare or a thumbnail or a clever caption. They … More Two Tunes, Zero Posts, and a Very Strong Cup of Tea
Friends, I have a small confession to make: my “Tune of the Week” has officially been bumped down the priority list by a bunch of green-clad, toe-tapping, St. Patrick’s Day gigs. And honestly? I have zero regrets. March is basically the musical equivalent of being swept up in a very joyful, very loud, very Irish-flavored … More Tune of the Week…on a Slightly Longer Coffee Break
Tune # 5: The Minor Slip I’m kicking off the new year with one of my favorite slip jigs — The Minor Slip (thanks for the suggestion, Harold!). Honestly, I don’t know why it took me so long to actually sit down and learn this one. It’s not a complicated tune; in fact, once it gets … More The Emotional Charm of The Minor Slip Tune
The week of Christmas, my “tune a week” project quietly went on pause. No announcement. No explanation. I just skipped a week. And while I was internally negotiating with myself about the responsibility and commitment I made to myself and my readers, my dog, Noah, was already several naps ahead of me and completely at peace with … More Learning to Take a Break (According to my Dog)
This week’s tune is The Rookery by Vincent Broderick. Hope you enjoy! … More The Rookery: A Tune for Intentional Playing
This year I accidentally picked up a new hobby: crocheting. By “picked up,” I mean I went down the YouTube rabbit hole, bought entirely too much yarn, and suddenly became a crocheting queen. Which basically means that if you’re in my family circle, you’re getting something crocheted for Christmas — a deeply sincere something. Handmade gifts … More Making Something Out Of Nothing and Getting Into the Christmas Spirit
The solstice always sneaks up on me. One day you’re complaining about how early it’s getting dark (hello, Vermont), and the next you realize you’ve hit either the longest or shortest day of the year. Either way, it feels like a moment worth noticing — especially if you spend a lot of time with music. … More Celebrating the Solstice: A Time for Reflection
If you’re new to Irish sessions—or you’ve been around them for years—you know they have a way of taking on a life of their own. The Drinkwater Session is a perfect example. This session is a migratory continuation of the old Charlotte Session that got its start back in early 2016. Like a good tune, … More Drinkwater Irish Sessions: A Cozy Community
A Tune A week #3 Some tunes feel like a friendly walk down the road. Others feel like a lively argument you’re happy to listen to. “Grumbling Old Man and the Growling Old Woman” definitely falls into the second category. This tune is notey. There’s no getting around that, especially in the B-part] The first few times through, … More Why The Grumbling Old Man and Growling Old Women is Great for Skill Building
Join us on Friday, December 12th for live Irish music at Foam Brewers in Burlington, VT from 8-10pm. … More Playing Music vs. Running Sound: Two Very Different Gigs
Session Obsession 