Albannach

[Jerry]

Albannach's performance at the Frederick festival and games was amazing. I have several of the old band's (Clan an Drumma) cds, and I love the music. But to see them in person, is another whole level of the experience. The pounding drums seem to get into your blood. They are so energetic, that I can understand why they might not perform at Richmond. I don't know if they could expend that much energy for two straight days. I don't know any of the member's names other than Jaquline, but the long haired drummer was totally soaked in sweat by the end of each set in spite of the temperatures being in the low to mid 60s F. I would venture to say he must have lost several pounds (weight) during the performances. Anyhow if anyone has an opportunity to see them perform, do not miss it. I just checked on the band's website and found that they will be performing live on Fox TV for the opening ceremonies at the Charlotte World 600 Nascar race on May 28. I believe the telecast starts at 5PM eastern time.

[ByDand]

I'll agree with Jerry. WOW talk about enthusiasm, you got sweaty just watching the band in action. They drew the largest crowds at the games and no one could sit still while they were playing.

[Mike1]

Jerry, her name is Jacquie Holland. The long-haired drummer is Jamesie Johnston. Kyle Gray is the front drummer. Aya Thorne plays bodhran (the young laddie), as does Davy Morrison, who also provides vocals. Donnie MacNeill is the piper.

Come to the Glasgow, KY Games, where the temperatures are usually over 90°, with the humidity right behind. Three sets on Saturday, an evening show and three more sets on Sunday. Talk about expended energy!

I've had opportunity to get to know the band members, both at shows here in the States and in Alba, and they are a really good lot. And there is no truth to the rumor that Jamesie and I have a store of both Guinness and Corona laid in for the Glasgow show, what with Barren County being dry and all...

[jjoseph]

Agreed. These folks rocked. I saw them before the performance wandering the tents and vendors. Not knowing who they were but thinking they looked cool, I took a pic. A vendor asked where they were from and one said Glasgow. I butted in, "hence the patter." They all laughed but the poor vendor just looked vexed as they broke into something not quite Lallans not quite English, LOL. Heard the performance later and I'm sold on them now... and proselytizing like mad. I've managed to sell several friends on them with th CD I bought.

Beaucoup de fun!

[Mike1]

They all laughed but the poor vendor just looked vexed as they broke into something not quite Lallans not quite English, LOL.

Ahh, that would be affectionately referred to as 'weegie.

[HeathBar]

Albanach will be in Gatlinburg this weekend, and then this October they will return to the Tennessee Highland Games (HOTSC).

[JayFilomena]

Albannach's performance at the Frederick festival and games was amazing...But to see them in person, is another whole level of the experience. The pounding drums seem to get into your blood. They are so energetic, that I can understand why they might not perform at Richmond. I don't know if they could expend that much energy for two straight days... Anyhow if anyone has an opportunity to see them perform, do not miss it.

And yet another thing to add to my list of "what to do when I get home" plan.

[phinz]

Jacquie and Donnie did a beautiful job today before the NASCAR race. Very, very moving. Donnie's fingers were shaking like he was a nervous wreck, but they both *nailed* it!

[Jerry]

Jacquie and Donnie did a beautiful job today before the NASCAR race. Very, very moving. Donnie's fingers were shaking like he was a nervous wreck, but they both *nailed* it!

I agree. They both did an excellent job with Amazing Grace. From what I read, the band did a performance at around 2 pm also. I wish Fox gad shown at least some of that on taped delay. I bet they impressed the heck out os more than 100,000 sreaming "rednecks" (no offense intended, cause "I are one" in some ways).

[smaughazard]

Yes, they did well on Amazing Grace; if you've never been to a NASCAR race, there's an amazing amount of background noise from the crowd, various vehicles, etc. even during the relative quiet of the opening ceremonies. I do think it's a shame that the programming numbskulls at Fox & Speed totally ignored the opportunity to give them a bit more exposure, but they also pretty much ignored media darling Kelly Clarkson other than the national anthem.

Oh, well, I saw them several times last year when they were still part of Clann an Drumma; and my wife and I were captivated not only by the music but also by the energy and enthusiasm. We're very much looking forward to seeing them again this year at Grandfather in July and at Carolina Celtic Jam in October (and more times if possible).