So what do you want?

**turpin** · 23rd July 09, 09:59 AM

Saturdays does not seem to be a good nite for SEKS - Atlanta Chapter. Last 3 or 4 kilt nites have had low turn-out though they always the same scinillating personalites. Those who did not attend at Paddy's last Saturday missed out on a good time. At least I had a good time. Picked up by a couple of kilt fans and danced till the bar closed (that's all, though *dern it*). These things can happen, but you have to play to win.

Anyway, I'm wondering if Saturday doesn't work for most folks, or is it just pure ennui? Or is the opportunity for a monthly kilt night so frequent that folks just decide to maybe catch the next one? We have tried to move it around to make it occasionally convenient to attend from all parts of Metro Atlanta. Over the last 2.5 years or so we've done James Joyce in Decatur, Harp in Roswell, Paddy's at Chateau Elan, Loafing Leprechaun, Spotted Dog (gone) in Downtown, Johnny McCracken's in Marietta, one I forget in Sandy Springs, and this Saturday will be an off-schduled gathering at the Manchester Arms in College Park. To see if there is/are better options on your minds I'm soliciting ideas to energize the ATL group and see if we can recover some momentum. For those occasional kilties, it's a great opportunity to get unbifurcated.

Some options:

1. Less frequent "organized" events i.e., have a set date every other month or quarter at a consistent location, with impromptu events announced by whoever wants to do get one up at any other time.

2. Change to a different nite. Fado in Buckhead has a Session of Irish music every Monday nite a 8 pm, with some of the best musicians in town attending. Yes, it's Monday, but in Buckhead that might be the best time to get parking. Here's a pic from one I attended

3. Look for venues that are hosting Celtic music and have the event coincide with same. It has been noted that just because an event is held at a Celtic-themed location doesn't mean you'll get Celtic-themed entertainment. Celtic Atlanta often has anouncements of such events well in advance.

4. Have it at the same place, same time each month and cancel if no one confirms online.

5. A Tilted Kilt has just opened up in John's Creek at State Bridge and Medlock Bridge Roads.

So, what say you, folks? The floor is open for other ideas. I know there are a lot of ATL kiltroSEKsuals out there, but we aren't connecting very well. Is there interest still?

cheers

**tyger** · 23rd July 09, 10:12 AM

I am going to make a quick reply, just to let you know that I am thinking, seriously, about your suggestions. At least 6/5 ths of your ideas have merit, so I do not want to give a too-casual answer. I know that work and family easily get in the way for many of us....and I want to take all that into account too.

**Dall_Piobaire** · 23rd July 09, 10:44 AM

I was formerly Captain, my father Governor, of one of the NC Mayflower society groups. We tried everything, speakers, covered dishes, etc..etc. Usually the same group would show up all the time, and that was just twice a year. Yet, no one could come up with any suggestions on how to improve attendence. It was a labor of love, but it was hard not to lose the desire to go out of your way to find the new and interesting to get people to show up!

**gilmore** · 23rd July 09, 09:07 PM

Judging by Paddy's, I suggest places with better music, a wider selection on the menu, less greasy food, and women who are not so high maintenance.

Monday nights a Fado's might be the thing. Maybe I will go soon, since I am leaving town in September. Anyone else?

#3 is a great idea.

**MacKay71** · 23rd July 09, 09:33 PM

I would like to make it to a gathering, but right now I'm usually teaching on the weekends. Hope to come soon.

**ohneplo** · 25th July 09, 09:40 PM

Turpin et All,

Have to admit I've been a lurker but could not attend due to almost continuous deployments with FEMA on disaster recovery assignments for 20 of the last 24 months. Hopefully that ends soon (new position based here in town) so when a night and location is designated I'll try to be there and meet the SEKS members.

Fair winds,

Bruce

**gilmore** · 25th July 09, 10:08 PM

Bruce, You might be interested in Atlanta St Andrew's Society. It meets at the policemen's hall in Stone Mountain, not too far from you. I probably will not be in town at the time of the next one, on September 12, othewise I would invite you.

**Wompet** · 26th July 09, 03:34 PM

I know that I'm only visiting, and will return to the frozen north at the end of August, but if I can toss in my 2¢ -

Originally Posted by turpin

Those who did not attend at Paddy's last Saturday missed out on a good time. At least I had a good time. Picked up by a couple of kilt fans and danced till the bar closed (that's all, though *dern it*).

Yep, Turpin bought the lasses a round of drinks, and I was the one to get a kilt check when he went inside. Life isn't fair.

On to the suggestions:
1. I can't speak to less frequency equaling better turnout, but I would like to meet more of the SEKS before I leave.
2. Buckhead is a good thought (guaranteed Irish music

), but a three hour round-trip on a Monday night ... Could you hold off on that one until September?

3. Checking Celtic Atlanta, the musicians at the Olde Blind Dog look good for August. And since the Olde Blind Dog was mentioned at the last two kilt nights, this may be a good opportunity to check it out.

4. Nothing to add here.

5. Since they don't have them in the Northeast yet, I am in favor of checking out the Tilted Kilt.

**ohneplo** · 27th July 09, 06:13 PM

Wompet,

Sounds like good ideas for group S.E.K.S.. Sorry that I probably will not have the chance to meet you before you return North. My fair wife Jean was born and raised on Grand Island, and we'll fly there Friday evening to visit friends before a family reunion Saturday down in Scio, NY. Maybe August SEKS will still work out if I can stay in town a few days that month and the hurricane gods smile on us.

Fair winds,

Bruce

**ohneplo** · 27th July 09, 06:17 PM

Originally Posted by gilmore

Bruce, You might be interested in Atlanta St Andrew's Society. It meets at the policemen's hall in Stone Mountain, not too far from you. I probably will not be in town at the time of the next one, on September 12, otherwise I would invite you.

Gilmore,
Thanks for the kind thought. I'd be interested as my brother is St. Andrews in the DC area. Perhaps another evening as we pass into Fall. Hope we'll meet when the SEKS gets together some evening.

Fair winds,

Capt Bruce