We saw Karine Polwart.....

....at the spring and airbrake.

There were lots of free tickets floating around for this gig as it was a Monday night, the least rock and roll of all week nights. We picked up some freebies and headed in. At the bar I got talking to someone a fella who was 'the only person who seemed to have paid in!' he was in a bit of a strop as a result.

The warm-up act, some chancer called Andy who was from Southern Ireland, would have had me wondering why I'd paid in, if I had done. Andy played 3 or 4 variations of the same song over and over again. He babbled incomprehensively. I made out the occasional word relating to death or loss or unrequited love, and then, just as we were all wondering if the drinks we had bought would be strong enough to get us through his set, on came Karine and band. The mood was immediately different.

By the end of their first song we were all grinning at the scottish lilt and lovely 3 part harmonies.

There was a wide and varied use of instruments. The songs were a mix of uplifting ballads and dark tales. My favorite of the darker tunes was "The Sun's Comin' Over The Hill" a story about love and loss and life afterward.

There’s some say you get what you deserve but they’re wrong
Sometimes you get what you’re given and then it’s all gone
And you are lucky if you are sufficiently strong
To daily decide not to die

Oh the nights are long
But life is longer still
Oh the nights are long
But the sun’s coming over the hill

Since we blagged free tickets, I thought it was only fair we bought a CD or two.

Probably my favorite song of the lot is shown below: "Follow the heron home"

We had a chat with Karine afterwards and told her we really enjoyed the show. She seemed genuinely humble and lovely even though we asked her to sign the albums we bought, a practice that usually makes me feel like a crazy person!

Busy Busy Bzzzzzz......

Currently Listening to: "Holy"
Artist: Allan Ellingsgaard
Album: Going Home

I've been a little run off my feet for the last few weeks. Lets start with Valentines' week.

I finished off a video my friend Nathan's mum filmed while on a trek from Mount Sinai to the Red Sea, realised that the flowers I ordered for Jo for Valentines' day weren't coming. The usually reliable Marks and Spencer's (who obviously had an offer on) politely e-mailed me to tell me that my delivery (which is not any ordinary delivery), could not be made as Joanne lived too far out of their delivery zone. She lives less than one mile from an M&S store.

I thought about politely telling them where to place their flowers, but then still went and bought some in store, as they are maybe the best around. They are still alive, I checked this evening.

Next was 2 nights of tech where I've found that my lecturer is still a little lacking in the enthusiasm department. I've been compensating by going to the library and reading the material myself.

Thursday I had a practice with Allan Ellingsgaard, a great Christian singer/songwriter who was releasing his debut album "Going Home". Basically when someone asks for guitar help, I'm a sucker! Practice went well.

Friday I played a "love" gig in Larne Baptist Church. The whole idea was to play 30 mins of love songs, then they explained about Christ's love for them. It was an excellent setup. I relaxed into my set after a few songs and had one of the loveliest solo gigs I've ever played. I even sang some of my own songs to a warm reception.

The weekend was a little relaxing time with Mr Fellowes during the day, then my lovely missis-to-be, Raj and Sarah for a winter BBQ and movie night at Jo's. We watched "Phone Booth", "Lost Boys" and "Flatliners". All movies had a Keifer Sutherland kick to them. Any excuse really to watch Lost Boys, a film I watched repeatedly in my formative years.

Sunday was photo taking, and a proper, wonderful, cooked to perfection Sunday roast at Raj's. (and more movies - "the Sentinel").

The last week was a blur. Setting up for "Stars In Their Eyes" with the Belfast Giants official supporters club on Monday, DJing and hosting the event on Tuesday, took it easier on Wednesday, caught up on 24 and Lost, practice with Allan on Thursday after a killer of a work day, Allan's album launch gig in Ballymena Elim on Friday. (see dermo.co.uk for some pics. You need firefox or IE7 to view properly)

Today Elia and I made a movie mockup for a Baptist Youth roadshow about mission work.

Phew!

This week is exciting enough because not only are we going to see Colin Hay, formerly of Men at Work - 'we come from a land down under.....' but also Tuesday brings Dave Matthews to Belfast's Waterfront Hall. I have tickets!

I have been wanting to see Dave Matthews in concert since I was 16. It has only taken 11 years.

Well, to bed now as I really am not getting enough sleep.