Towards the beginning of the semester, the study abroad office organized a trip and performance to the Merry Ploughboy Pub in Dublin. It was a bit off the beaten track, but upon entering, you could totally tell that it was mostly for tourists because of the large advertisement complete with pictures of musicians and dancers. Also, we as a large group were all herded upstairs to a big room with a stage all set to go. Contrary to popular belief (outside of Ireland) not every pub has traditional Irish music playing or Irish dancers tapping their feet along to the music. Most pubs have the decor that has become very welcoming to me, but are playing modern music on the radio - Mumford and Sons, Lady Gaga and such.
The tune above was one of a couple of tunes that were meant to be more reflective rather than clapping along, singing merrily. Personally, I liked the tin whistle tune loads better than listening to the tradition reels and double jigs that I've been learning about in class on the various instruments. Also, if you look closely, you can see that on the microphone stands there are cup holders for the beer. Only in Ireland, I feel. I saw that and just laughed. Have to make the drinks super accessible even while on stage! Bulmers, Guinness, Smithwick's galore!
This tune was particularly funny - I wish I got a longer clip. The singer began by asking us if we knew our ABCs, which of course we do. This modern take is definitely not age appropriate for kindergardeners learning their ABCs for the first time.. considering they're talking about Jack and Jill going up the hill to get some water (which is fine) but Jill comes back crowning... yeah. that.
I just love the music so much. Honestly, this night at the pub was one of my favorite nights so far. I just was so excited. Being here in Ireland listening to traditional Irish music and watching dance (sometimes) is a totally different experience than being home in DC listening to tunes on my Macbook. I know, first world problems while studying abroad..
In fact, I got so excited that I was clapping the most excitedly out of everyone in the group. And because of that, I got to go on stage and be right next to the musicians! AND I got a free t-shirt out of it. Granted.. the instructions that the cute little Irish man told me to do when he started playing were a little odd coming from him.. I was told to put on the t-shirt as "sexily as possible".. I think it was the fastest I had ever put on a t-shirt. And that was even something the musicians commented while I was leaving the stage.
Also, I do realize that this happened in January and now it is March, but I hadn't figured out how to upload videos onto the blog until now. Better late than never, right?
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