Weekend Fun: Natalie MacMaster and Great Big Sea

Gotta say, I've never seen Woodstock folks so energized as at last night's concert at Suicide Six! Natalie MacMaster opened with her trademark fancy footwork and even fancier fiddling. She was engaging and adorable (as always) and we were all impressed by the energy she exerts while on stage - and pregnant with her 4th kid, no less! Her sixteen year old niece came on for a couple of cameos, too, and wowed everyone with her rich, jazzy voice.

I've seen MacMaster several times and knew she'd put on a spectacular show. Great Big Sea, however, was a complete unknown to me. My first clue that they weren't just some pub band from Newfoundland should have been all the tots scrambling around wearing Great Big Sea T-shirts. When a mosh pit formed on their opening song and most of the audience began belting out the lyrics, I was blown away. Apparently, Woodstock is Rife with Great Big Sea fans, and I had no clue! (Me, the veteran Celtic music fan...) Let me say, they put on an awesome show. At least one band member was even game enough to chug Vermont Maple Syrup on stage.

Play Great Big Sea's "Sea of No Cares"



Although I had a great time at the concert, I regret that my shirking of email the last few weeks caused me to miss a fantastic-sounding event held this weekend: Alchemical Wedding at White Owl Farm. (Music, magic, farm work....gah, it sounds great.) Anyway, I'm marking my calendar for next year! If it sounds like your kind of gig, friend them on Facebook and sign up for updates from the Boston area super-fun spiritual/creative/environmental/just all around fantastic group Hearbeat Collective. Their Forestdance at Earthlands Institute is coming up soon too, yay!!