When one door opens, another closes
<<sigh>>
I was all excited to write a completely positive post today. I was going to start by thanking everyone who came to our show on this past Sunday at The Port Tavern in Newburyport. The support was great and, as a result, it looks like we’ll be part of the regular Sunday rotation there. We’ll be performing again as Sligo Road with our friend Terry Weir on Nov. 8, Nov. 29, Dec. 6 and Dec. 20. We’re psyched because the crowds and the staff are great, and they really seem to dig the music we’re doing. Your support helped make it possible…thanks.
That’s the good news. Unfortunately, there’s also some bad news in the world of òran mór.
We just learned that our regular pub, McMenemy’s in Portsmouth, NH, has closed. Kind of out of the blue. Kind of on the one year anniversary of the new ownership. And, considering the place is haunted, it’s kind of spooky that it’s happening two days before Halloween.
We want to thank Bob and Traci Shaake, the owners of McMenemy’s, for being such gracious hosts during the past year. Every Thursday and Saturday, they’d open their doors and give us a table in the corner where we could play music, sing songs, and have a laugh with the customers.
It was nice. I’d have a lovely meal after work (usually the rueben, chicken ceasar, or their amazing meatloaf and mash). Our local friends would stop in and join us. Occassionally, we’d have musicians visiting from Montreal, Tucson, Wexford, or some other far-flung place sit-in because they had heard about our session.
More importantly, we became friends with Bob, Traci, and their amazing staff. It’ll be odd to not see them on a regular basis…I’m hoping they’ve at least bookmarked this site or ‘friended’ us on Facebook so they can stay in touch.
I’m sure we’ll find another home for the session — maybe even a place that can accommodate more than five players. In the meantime we’ve got plenty of gigs lined up, so if you need an òran mór fix, don’t worry.
I just worried about where I’m going to get a good meatloaf dinner…Traci’s kicked butt.
I can’t wait! See you there!
Hey Guys! The site looks great! I’m excited to be able to keep up with your events now. Are you accepting nominations for President of your fan club?
If only I could catch a quick flight from Paris to listen to you guys! I had so much fun the last time I was in Portsmouth!
Hi Brandon,
Thanks for the long distance vote of support. In the course of learning my way into this site design I’ve been digging some of your tunes — how ’bout we trade places for a week? I’m overdue for a trip back to Paris.
Cheers,
Dave
That sounds really nice! Tara and I would love to meet you down there some Tuesday for dinner and music… Good to see you posting Pete!
Anytime. If you’re down this way on a Tuesday, there are plenty of sessions to check-out. I’d be just as happy going with y’all (and my girlfriend if she’s available), having a pint and listening.
ROCK ON, EMILY!
We love Celtic music here in Michigan, as noted anytime Lord of the Dance comes to town. Just wondered if you are any relation to my dad James Marshal McMenemy who came to the US from UK in 1930’s. You never know. Enjoyed listening to your music.
I’ll check with Traci, the owner of McMenemy’s Pub, you never know –but I’ll have her post an answer.
Thanks for your note.
Sweet link! I remember cassettes of ClareFM broadcasts getting handed around before the ‘net…now we’ve got a live link!
Hey, nice site. Great mix of stuff. Hope to catch a bit of you guys on Tuesday, although it looks like you’ll be dashing off to McMenemy’s while Eamon and I start at Kelley’s. Enjoy the day.
David
[...] pmto11:00 pmApril 11, 20098:00 pmto11:00 pmSpecial things can happen on Saturday nights in McM’s Pub. While we do have limited space at our table for musicians and singers – we make the best use [...]
[...] Peter Hale [...]
[...] Fun night captured [...]
Class that. You’re a great bunch to sit in with. There’s always a surprise song that knocks me over. Finding good songs is always a challenge, making them work is the other half. Dave does that smoothly. See you guys across the counties….(hey we should make a CD and name it that).
Terry Weir
Looking at this photo of Eamon and Mike, I’m just DYING to know what they’re plotting. That was some fun craic…thanks lads.
the picture was very deceiving…I think I was caught “Bruceing” the song “The Creel”…which I sang accapella this time. Eamon’s just giggling at the naughty bits, as usual. Thanks to all that came in and joined us/listened, and see you again soon!
Someone is getting some REALLY good photos these days… in bad light no less!
It’s all because someone ELSE pointed the way to ISO 3200 and beyond….(many thanks)
The cat that drank the stout
‘Twas not against the law
But when he tried to chase the mouse
He wobbled on one paw.
look at me all smiley-like!
I had to catch the odd ‘off’ moment – for contrast. And my caption isn’t fair – that wasn’t really a klunker note (I don’t think….)
My 88-year old mother can’t remember steve’s name, and just refers to him as “the good-looking young man”.
About time I found this site…GREAT JOB!
The cat that drank the stout
The cat had found the Stout
And noticed it was draft
He quickly lapped some up and thought,
it added to his craft.
He really did feel fine
extending every claw
And then as if by magic
the mouse he thought he saw
The mouse of course was not adverse
to taking just a sip
and always felt that he was bound
to give the cat the slip
So very soon the hunt was on
and who was watching who
We know for sure that both had eyes
upon that fetching brew
While Kitty pounced on shadows
to the pint the mouse was bound
there to try to drink his fill
and make just not a sound
But as he sipped he could not keep
the pleasure from his sigh
So kitty turned and straightaway
had mousy in his eye
But the pint was in between them
and as Stout will often do
just a small bit of confusion
spills an awful lot of brew
The mouse was inundated
but the cat had suffered too
for the wave of foam and liquid
into his maw just flew
The pair now staggered to their feet
and insults filled the air
But somehow what was missing
was that pugilistic flair
The eyes of each kept wondering
down to that liquid stream
A sip, a lap, and maybe more
was rather quickly seen
At last the two just staggered off
sad ending to the bout
and both were only thinking
of tomorrows pint of Stout
Refrain:
‘Twas not against the law
But when he tried to chase the mouse
He wobbled on one paw.
He wobbled on one paw.
Go get ‘em Pete! I wish I could be there.
We’ll be wishing you were there for a while, Brandon, but thanks for the positive energy. It was a fun night, for sure. Mike and I were joined by Eamon Coyne, Kevin Sheehan and Ramona Connelly, with Bill Zecker coming a bit later. A grand night of tunes.
at least I’m smiling for the camera this time…fun we had indeed!
I love Little Musgrave and Christy Moore is brilliant but I must say Nic Jones is my all time favorite singer (next to Dick Gaughan) and Ballads and Songs is a fantastic album!!
I’m sorry I missed you guys last week. I’ll be taking the summer off from the club and I’ll get a chance to get out more!!
To Pete Hale, Hi cousin! Your father let me know about this site. I’ve been listening to your group’s recordings as I explore the postings. My dau. L found this, and I’ve passed it on to my “kid” sister in Calif. You must have heard her LP done with Mike McC in the late ’60’s. Especially like the contributions for the “cat who drank the stout.” Surely one of you will come up with music for that, if you havn’t already. Tom W
The DVD has some extraordinary tracks/performances.
Yo Pete…here’s a thought…come visit TUCSON (note the correct spelling).
Round the House are a friendly bunch as you noted…and believe me its HOT here…not only the varied music scene (Mark regularly plays at a good steakhouse on Sundays)(I’m in a Brazilian bateria…although we do public performance less frequently) but the weather will make you absolutely WILT!
Now who could ask for more!
Susie T
Old friend of the band and contradancer.
Susie,
First: Oy…I’m an idiot! Tucson. Tucson. Tucson.
Second: I’ll start booking my tickets. I need some heat…we’ve been 60s and rainy for the month of June.
Hope to meet some day.
Peter
After sitting in last Thursday and being a bit hesitant about more electronics robbing the spirit of the ancient Gael, it sounded great to me. Just gives it a nice firm lift in volume while maintaining the acoustic feel. See you around lads, strings in hand!
Terry Weir
Bob,
Thanks so much for sharing this. I’m Joe’s daughter, and it means the world to us that so many people appreciated Dad’s music. We miss him dearly! Stay tuned, Dad and Joanie made an album during a trip to Ireland last summer, and we’ll be working on getting that released soon! Thanks again, and God Bless, Bernadette Madden Kane
I love it!
Where are you guys playing this week?
Hey Terry,
Thanks for asking …. here’s the list:
- Wed (tonight) Pete and I will be standing in at Harrington’s in Wakefield, MA (8:30 – 11:30)
- Thurs. McMenemy’s regular session in Portsmouth (7-10)
- Sunday – Pete and I stand in with Sligo Road at The Port in Newburyport, MA (5:30 onward)
- Monday – Classic oran mor, with Bob Dunlavey, Pete and I at McMenemy’s St. Practice Day (7-10)
Busy few days coming up — I’ll have to update our site calendar!
They wouldn’t have green beer at Mac’s, now would they? Please tell me they wouldn’t do that. Please.
In the words of the popular ballad: “No! Nay! Never!” They are publicans of fine ales like Smithwicks, Dogfish and, of course, Guinness.
Great fun last night. Hadn’t had the full trio together for awhile, but it all fell into place. We had a surprise as a couple from Long Island was having dinner…turns out he was originally from Co. Wexford and HAD HIS FLUTE WITH HIM! He joined us for a few tunes and songs.
You know, sometimes the music can produce great memories.
Thanks for letting me sit in with you last Monday night, 17 Aug. JoAnne and I both enjoyed the night immensely. Hope to see you all the next time we’re in the area. Keep up the great music and singing.
Pete you’ll be proud to know that your wonderful picture of Barry was used for his prayer card at his wake today!
He might not be there in body but Barry will be with us at the Press Room always!!
I, too was shocked & devastated to learn that Barry, who we thought had “made it through” the earlier heart attack & was on the road to recovery, had succumbed to a second one. So right, he was a wonderful voice, wit & spirit. I was privileged to kind of ‘know’ him via Mudcat & to get to meet him & record these videos last year.
Salonika – Barry & Mick at FSGW Getaway 2008
Barry Finn – original song, “Guantanamo Bay,” at FSGW Getaway 2008
Barry Finn & MIck Lane – “Woolloomooloo Lair” at FSGW Getaway 2008
Genie
Barry was the funniest, kindest, wickedest soul I ever knew. His heart was as big as his voice. He will be missed greatly.
Sing on down to Cuba…
What? But… but… I was just checking your site to make sure you were playing there tonight before talking Fred into going there for dinner!
(lip trembles)
Rats.
Best wishes to Bob and Traci.
I’m happy that you have found another place to play but I’m terribly disappointed to learn that McMenemy’s is closing. I really felt at home there. God – that meatloaf sandwich was unreal!
Thank you Peter for all your kind words! We appreciate each and every one of you and have become friends over the past year. Your talents were expressed with dedication and love of the music each week! We will stay in touch and in the mean time I would love to hook up with you to supply a meatloaf dinner
Traci
McMenemy’s
I just want to say thank you for everything I am very sad to have to say goodbye to Mc Menemy’s one of the best jobs i have had. You guys are the best and I am really going to miss you all. I don’t understand why bad things happen to good people and i think i never will. But you guy’s really made Mc Menemy’s home in so many way’s please keep in touch.
Abby,
Mc Menemy’s crew
Hey Abby – we’re with you – McM’s was great fun, and you did a lot to brighten the place with your quick wit and smile. As you know, things have a way of working out, we’ll be popping up in many musical places. Please keep in touch, and keep an eye on our site.
All the best,
Dave