Skotsko II

We got safely home Sunday, with various degrees of tiredness and hangover – not just from the whiskey and cider and copious quantities of “Best” brew, but also from the experience of travel and performance. Our last show in Greenock (former sugar capital of Europe in the 18th century – where all the British West Indies molasses came to be processed into sugar) had 11 attendees; even if the theater had been packed, though, it would have been tough. I was having trouble mustering the energy and attention to simply keep on playing.

It was a lovely trip, and was very interesting to see the Scottish bluegrass scene. They’re a country about half the size of Czech Republic…and apparently have about 3 bands who play on a reasonable level.  But there is a lot of activity – part of which is the annual visits of top euro and US bands.  So the small community  bluegrassers isn’t getting much younger, but at least they’re enjoying some fine concerts along the way.  Brings up interesting questions of sustainability.

for more photos, see:    www.flickr.com/photos/blidgood

Many thanks to the community there, especially John Sheldon (tireless organizer and expediter) and Alec Rennie, who hosted Vita and I in his home, and fed us spectacular breakfasts and tea.