Postcard from Kilkelly, Ireland

(A series of posts leading up to/including The Nocturnes Photo Tour in the West of Ireland, July 15-25, 2013)

Back in the glory days of video production on "Irish-American Televison" in San Francisco, Elizabeth Platt (of "The Irish Hour" on KUSF) once said "This song has been known to bring battle-hardened ex-Marines to tears!" Why the song, you ask? Well, it IS The Nocturnes, afterall - and 'cos, as I'm reminded: the past is never far away in Ireland, and the music is even closer . . .



Words and Music by Peter Jones, based on the true story of 10 letters written to Jones' great, great grandfather who left Kilkelly around the time of the potato famine. And yes, the real-lfe Kilkelly is in Mayo.

Recorded at Matt Molloy's (of Chieftains fame) pub, Westport, Co. Mayo, Ireland.
Pat and Becky Egan: vocals, guitar; Olcan Masterson: flute and whistle; Tom Doherty: accordion; Johnny Curtis: mandolin. (Olcan is our local Guide and driver for this trip)

From The [not so] Daily Nocturne

Who was/is Strabo?

(A series of posts leading up to/including The Nocturnes Photo Tour in the West of Ireland, July 15-25, 2013)

Strabo (pron. stray-bow) was a Greek Geographer, Philosopher, and Historian living in ancient times (63 BC – 24 AD), His towering accomplishment, the 17-book "Geographica" preserved the work of many previous geographers (some dating back to Homer). We can learn a lot about the man, his life and times, by studying his work. Strabo's ability to turn basic observation - with insights from the worlds of Mathmatics and History - into Science is one reason why he is considered to be one of the most important of all the ancient geographers.

Strabo Tours was established in 2003. From Shaw Photography Guides: ". . . Strabo strives not only to show you the world and explore its breathtaking diversity, but to be inspired by it." With their "Photo Tour Collection" they work with many well-known (and travelled!) photographers, as well as extraordinary local guides for journeys that help increase the travellers photographic skills, while immersing them in the culture of the destination. We offer The Light of Ireland trip in July thru Strabo Tours.

From The [not so] Daily Nocturne