When it was first released in 2007, I saw the Irish movie musical Once three times at three different theaters. Sunday night I watched it again on DVD the final minutes reconfirming my faith in humanity more than any other movie in a long time. During another favorite scene a group of local musicians share performances of Irish songs over dinner and a few pints at a friends house and, with a bit of envy, I always ask myself if that could ever happen here. Turns it out it does! Every Wednesday night the Groton Session meet at the Bull Run in Shirley to jam on traditional Irish songs. Fiddlers, tin whistlers, accordionists and guitarists learn a few tunes "reely" slowly and then work to bring them up to speed in a friendly and supportive enviroment.
May 13th, PEI fiddling sensation Cynthia Macleod will participate in a free Celtic music workshop at 7:00 followed by a short half hour concert in the Tap Room at 8:30. Cynthia has been dazzzling audiences throughout Canada and New England with her electrifying performances. Beginner or pro, player or listener, this should be one rollicking night of music.
The scene where Glen and Marketa first play and sing together in the music store on their lunch break is one of the most beautiful things ever captured on film. Seriously. For some reason, I had a similar experience with the film Velvet Goldmine. I saw it five or six times in the theater when it first came out - I had never seen another music film quite like it. Once definitely deserved the Oscar - even though it was more for the music than the film itself.