Holy ASDFG@#$%^!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

So here I am in Columbus, Ohio. And who do I randomly get to meet today?

George Schwindt.

Ok... if you don't listen to celtic punk rock, he's the drummer of the amazing band Flogging Molly.

Most of the time my brain was going OMG It's George from Flogging Molly. No F'in Way!. He was a really nice guy. Surprisingly soft-spoken considering how hard he rocks on stage. Very down to earth.

I'm going to be a geek and post a copy of my autograph once I scan it. So probably tomorrow. I also went ahead and treated myself to their iTunes EP to celebrate.

I'm still a little in shock and completely elated at my luck.

irish festival

I finally got around to attending the Dublin Irish Festival.

Highlights:

Purchased my first proper bodhran. It's a small (~14") traditional drum (non-tuneable) - nothing fancy - but sounds good. I got it directly from Michael Vignoles. He was kind enough to give me a few pointers, and even sent a follow up email. Great guy - great bodhrans! (He also makes other traditional Irish instruments). I got a new tipper, too, and absolutely love it!

Gaelic Storm - only saw a small portion of the set but good stuff

The Mickey Finns - yay for Celtic punk! (photo*)

The Prodigals - yay for more Celtic punk! (photo*)

Whiskey Asylum - The Mickey Finns & The Prodigals team up to rock your face off (photo*)

Flogging Molly - OMG it's MORE Celtic punk! I don't know what it is, but there's something about Flogging Molly that reaches that sweet spot for me - I revert to the reckless, joyful abandon of a 17 year old at her first punk rock concert, dancing around in exuberance. (Well, dancing around as much as possible without damaging my new bodhran).

There was even more great stuff, but those were the big ones for me. The finale consisted of musicians and dancers from the entire weekend getting up and performing together. Good stuff! (Finale Photo*)

*The photos are rather poor quality. I didn't get too close to any stages - partially to protect the new bodhran and partially because it was about 102 degrees and I didn't want to be smashed in too closely to sweaty, smelly strangers.