Last night was our first performance of the 2012 St. Patrick’s Day season!  March is the one month of the year that an Irish band is sure to find steady work and this year is no exception.  St. Patrick’s Day (March 17) falls on a Saturday this year and it will be a 15 hour work day for us.  We already have our massage appointments scheduled for March 18…

I’ve been to Fairfield many times and I always look forward to being there but last night was the first time that we have played at the Fairfield Arts and Convention Center.  It is such an amazing building and also houses the Stephen Sondheim Center for the Performing Arts.  We were transfixed by the incredible mosaic piece inlaid into the floor in the lobby and the beautiful quilts hanging from the railings above.  Did I bring my camera?  Sadly, no.  You’ll just have to take my word for it.

We were invited to play this time by Father Stephen Page for a benefit for The Greater Jefferson County Habitat for Humanity and the St. Mary’s Stained Glass Window Fund.  We met the nicest people last night, many of whom had traveled to Ireland and shared some of their family stories with us.

We were just about to finish our first set and I was wishing that we had a dancer because the most fun time that we played these particular reels was at The Riverside Theatre with World Irish Dancing Champion Taylor Best.  No sooner had that thought bubble dissipated over my head when a trio of beautiful dancers from the Passion Dance Studio who were performing next door at the Sondheim came up to the stage and asked if they could dance some reels with us.  So much fun!  I am now convinced that I have magical powers.

As if that weren’t enough awesome for one day, during intermission I was gifted with a perfect round loaf of soda bread that I just sliced into for my breakfast this morning.

Fairfield never fails to bring the splendid.

Next up on Tuesday March 13, a performance at my home away from home, the Coralville Public Library!  Family Night begins at 6:30 pm.