Arranmore

It is not everytime that you get to hear a band that is totally perfect.  Arranmore had a performance at the Schaumburg Town Square Library and all those present enjoyed the old songs which had an Irish touch to it.  The group takes its name from an island on the northwest coast of Ireland.

All the members of the band were in perfect sync and Brian (the band leader) kept it flowing smoothly.

The ambiance too was perfect, I mean I would rather listen to a band playing in open air like this, than in a closed hall.

It was poetic justice that the swan chose to swim into the frame while filming Kirk Rende on the keyboard (I am not sure if it was a swan or a Canada goose)

Rich Prezioso plays with such ease, I like his "When the last leaves fall" by Small Potatoes. If you listen to the words, it is so meaningful.

The mandolin speaks on its own and I waited for Dave to pick up his mandolin more often (not that he was bad with the guitar)

I specifically liked the song Wild Rover, where the audience were made to participate and they responded equally well with their synchronised clap

I liked the subtle joke made by Brian mentioning Jack performing in front of Mount Rushmore, and Jack accepted the joke with the humble smile of his. (I have added it in the video)

All the songs in the video are clipped to make space to fit in more songs.
  Hope to catch them again sometime in the future on their next performance.

Market Festivals

When it comes to Market Festivals, most of the items displayed are very colourful. 

Had been to the Randolph street Market Festival last weekend and it was the perfect weather to stroll around in the sun.

Got to see some antique stuff, like a box full of radio valves (or are they TV valves) I can’t make out, but brought back memories of having to put on the radio and wait for all the valves to heat up so that we could hear some songs. 

This transistor radio was not overly priced, so I presume its not a working model.

There was this “Stereo record player” and a collection of records. Some of the records were priced under a dollar. 

There must be some meaning to these birds in the olden day globes

Saw this old poster of James Bond’s first movie and by the time I was ready to click it, the poster was already sold. 

Had a chat with the guy who bought it and he was all game to pose with it. He said that he is yet to see the movie and bought the poster for his Dad who was a James Bond fan. I told him that I too was a fan and that Sean Connery was the best James Bond so far. 

A table had a display of many tools used by carpenters and plumbers.

But I was intrigued by the odd shaped teeth that was on this saw. Wonder what it was used for......

Some colourful paintings of Bob Marley and Jimi Hendrix.

And some musicians with their instruments

Talking of musicians, there was a band playing the good old numbers especially from the 50s and the 60s I was impressed by their music and their retro attire.

The mic too that they used were from the fifties. You can hear some of the songs and tunes in the video 

Stretching and twisting

Nothing like seeing the youngsters taking an interest in Yoga. 

International Yoga day was celebrated last Wednesday and the participants were  a mix of the elderly and young ones. 

For those who could not sit on the floor, special chairs were provided. 

Stretching is one of those basic body movements that we forget to do on a daily basis. 

And the same goes for twisting. With proper guidance from the instructors, practically all could do it well. 

Some exercises work well with the help of a partner. While performing there is also a sense of “helping each other” 

While doing the “vrikshasan” alone, your raised palm goes only up to the top of your head, whereas while doing it with a partner your palm moves further by which there is a good stretch on the side ribs. 

The eye exercise is very relevant especially in the present era of computer screens 

I captured the complete program in a video of 16 minutes, but had to break it up in parts to send it across in 1.5 min capsules through WhatsApp. (the latest mode of communication for all) 

On the whole a good experience. My recommendation - make Yoga a daily habit.