It is late Sunday night and I am back at home after an exhausting couple
of days playing with the NBO at Maldon Folk Festival.
Our brief was to make the main street come alive with music and that was exactly what we did. It rained and shone and froze us and cooked us but the weather didn't stop the NBO from exhibiting one of its best performances Ever. We were rusty from the winter layoff but the old magic came to the fore and we attracted audiences of 40 and 50 as we rattled out local melodies by the dozen. All up we played for about 8 hours over 2 days and many gluttons went and joined other buskers just for the craic as the Irish say.
The tunes workshop went well and we have left a permanent positive impression on the punters who rolled up to participate. They will never forget Harry McQueens Jig!
Present at various times in our group were: Kathryn , Mark Allen, Adrian Clark, Wendy Love, Greg OL, Neil Jolly, Maryanne Charles, Dennis Charles, Bruce Williams, Kerry Duke appeared twice, Annete, Alan Davies, Trevor, Alasdair, Rhonwyn.
Again and again we prove it is the spirit that shines out of our musicmaking. This festival I could not think of anyone else I would rather be playing with (except maybe Animal from the Muppets).
Well done everyone!
Greg O'Leary
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A triumph indeed. It is always great to socialise and perform with NFFC members whether as the Bush Orchestra or in 'splinter' groups with common musical interests. We watched other selected Maldon Festival performers in halls, the main street, pub sessions, workshops and at the camping ground. There was so much to take in as an audience and in a play along capacity. Many of us also drooled in the Instrument Makers hall. Bruce Williams and I have fallen in love with Ray Black's fine selection of stringed instruments (LOL). Well done to Greg O'Leary for his leadership over the weekend. He can feel proud and satisfied about the NBO's learning curve to where it is today.
A cracker of an event to participate in!!
I can't wait for 2015 at Maldon.
Slainte, Neil Jolly
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