Joy

I was thinking about Irish Fest this morning. Shocking, I know. But I was. Specifically, I was thinking about how much you all are going to enjoy watching Goitse (gwi-cha) at the fest this year. I predict that this will be the hey-did-you-hear-them band of 2011. I'm listening to them as I type this.

We found these young players in Ireland last fall at the Irish World Academy at the University of Limerick and knew immediately that we had to book them. You'll see why in 85 days. When they get here, pay particular attention to banjoist James Harvey of Co Laois. If you've ever wondered what pure joy looks like, watch this young fella play. The whole band as a matter of fact plays with such exuberance and abandon that even if they sucked as musicians they'd be fun to watch. The fact that they're top to bottom virtuoso players makes them the rare total package. The fact that they're all younger than the shoes I have on today...well, actually that just kind of pisses me off.

If you have to miss your elective surgery, the birth of your child (yes, that means you too, ladies) or your sentencing hearing, do not miss Goitse this year. Friday on the Park Stage, Saturday on the Miller Lite Stage.