Meaití Jó Shéamuis Ó Fátharta

Regret for the things we did can be tempered by time; it is regret for the things we did not do that is inconsolable.

~ Sydney J. Harris

Pam Asberry and Meaití Jó Shéamuis Ó Fátharta

On the heels of two days of selling my handmade jewelry at the craft show last weekend, all I really wanted to do Saturday evening was go home, change into my jammies, and crawl into bed with a glass of wine. But I had promised my friend Julia that I would attend her house concert Saturday night, so I did. As is always the case, I was so thankful I made the effort.

The featured artist was acclaimed Sean nós singer, Uilleann piper and flutist from Connemara, County Galway, Ireland, Meaití Jó Shéamuis Ó Fátharta, also known as "Mattie." He shared all of his gifts with us. And in between songs and musical sets, he educated us about the history, culture and music of his beloved Ireland. If I hadn’t already wanted to visit, I would have after spending an evening with Mattie.

 

My favorite performance came at the very end of the program, when Mattie invited my piano student Liam to be his accompanist on his final set on the Uilleann pipes.

At intermission, I bought a copy of Mattie’s CD Bóithríní an Locháin (click HERE for more info) so I can listen to his beautiful music anytime, anywhere. If you love Irish music or would like to get a taste of it you can’t go wrong with this one.

Thanks to Julia, Liam and Mattie for letting me be a part of a magical Saturday night that otherwise would have been completely forgotten.

I’ll sleep when I’m dead.

~ Warren Zevon