At the kick off of the Midwest Arts Conference last night, we saw a slew of performances, some outstanding, some dreadful. If you've never been to one of these things, it's an odd way to see a band. The stages, such as they are, are in small rooms, in this case with a seating capacity of maybe 50. The bands play 20 minute sets with little fanfare, then are shuttled off and quickly replaced with the next group. Conference attendees who make up the audiences come and go, and by late last night many had apparently either headed to the hotel bar or to their rooms and bed. The last group we saw played to an audience of six people. And honestly for that last act, who shall remain nameless, at least two of us were wishing we were somewhere else. Ugh.
A highlight was Cara Dillon. What a voice. She did a short set of classics like "Black is The Colour", "She Moved Through The Fair" and "P Stands For Paddy" backed by a tight three band that included her husband. I met her earlier in the evening at the kick off party and we visited while one of her 2 year old twin boys crawled over her like she was a piece of playground equipment.
Anyway, the conference goes on today and we'll keep looking and learning. Irish Fest never stops.
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9 comments:
just because some of you owned a box of crayons at one time in your life you are not an art critic or artist.
You're right. How dare I express an opinion.
Anonymous, are you implying that only musicians can critique musical performances? That's idiocy.
As an artist/musican your biggest and most important critic is the public. So while someone may not be able play an instrument, be able to carry a tune or know the basic fundamentals of music, that doesn't mean their opinion doesn't count, especially when they are the ones buying the CD's and doing the bookings! Besides,we can't all like the same things. And as an artist, you have to be a little thick skinned because all the world is a critic!
BTW - Cara Dillion is on of my favorite female Irish artists. Fabulous voice and wonderful arrangements!
Cheers,
Kelly D
Then you'll love this, Kelly. I was taking notes during all the performances I saw last night and while watching Cara I wrote "reminds me of Kelly D."
Gold Star for you, Dan! Thank you for the lovely compliment!
Kelly D
Hey you two... get a room!
ROFL
As for the first comment on this thread about the 'crayons' and as the ( supposed ) target of the original quote ( No, I didn't post that comment on this thread ) let me say that it's not the same thing.
Scouting for talent that is going to appear on stages with thousands and thousands of dollars on the line REQUIRES some hard decision making.
That being said... 'to each his/her own' applies.
I happen to be one of those that just simply 'doesn't get' Damien Dempsey. When I READ his lyrics I think I see some talent but other than that I just don't think he would make it past even a regional final in your average talent contest.
I just think that Christy Moore still does the best imitation of Christy Moore. It's just a shame that he doesn't see the point in touring the USA anymore.
HOWEVER!... I also KNOW that I "don't get Dempsey" and that's just me.
The whole French ( Irish? ) nation can't be wrong. Some people might cringe when he tries to hit those notes he is not capable of hitting but others aren't seeing or hearing it with those eyes/ears. There's 'something there' for them and that's what it's all about.
It's music... but it's also 'show-biz'... and as PT Barnum said "If the people won't come, you can't stop 'em".
Even Damien says he's "an acquired taste."
just think that Christy Moore still does the best imitation of Christy Moore. It's just a shame that he doesn't see the point in touring the USA anymore.
based on what he's said on his guestbook, I was never under the impression that he didn't tour the US because "he didn't see the point" rather that he can't fly for such long distances.
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