jakorte's blog

Ach, well, it seems my timing was off a bit, although, I ran into some other lately-type festival folks outside the pub door. It’s been so long, I had to laugh at my own entrance. I’d forgotten bar set-up usually required the band to be up front, door-side. So, along with my acquaintances, we stepped into the set, bringing a cool breeze, a bit of rain, and a distracting commotion. To the side we scuttled, to the back as far from the action as space would allow. Along the way, I surprisingly encountered several slightly familiar faces. Although, by their reactions when I said hello; some of them were indeed merely familiar looking strangers.

A short step here or there to at least get a line of sight on the band, slowly landed me a straight shot less than five feet away. At a tall table strewn with table tents, single CD’s, and someone willing to by me a Guinness, I found myself the subject of some inquisitive looks. It dawned on me eventually that I’d placed myself in a much more prominent position than warranted. I realized I was smiling and something was expected of me. So, I nodded, accepted and gave way more greets than I’d imagined I would. Especially since I expected to be a casual, hang back observer. But I suppose that’s the price for having been given good reason to wide smile.

After two riling, completely and competently energetic offerings, Tupelo took a break along with all in attendance, most of Ireland and many world-wide, to raise a darkened pint to Mr. Guinness. I took a good long gulp of my draught, and a good long look around at about 80 celebratory pubbers. Gotta give great big props to a band who gives huge performances in small places to small crowds.

One brilliant final song, the new single, and it was time to move on. I snagged a World Guinness Celebration coaster for my memorabilia, although what I really wanted was a snippet of the swag streamer, and wandered back to the Arms, rolling along with the crowd, the music and performance adrenaline pulsing through me, smiling.

And the first evening was only getting started…