Live Music Review: Celtic Colours – Celtic Stomp (another perspective)

In the world of venues, this had to be one of the most troublesome. The UCCB Cafeteria was given a quick de-chairing and transformed into a potential fire hazard (if you heard the alarm). The Bumblebees kicked things off with their blend of harp, fiddle, and banjo as they treaded through some imported Irish tunes. The harp playing was pretty amazing. She seemed to be able to play the thing as Cape Bretoners play the piano…with a very percussive feel. Next up were Slainte Mhath. This was one of the best sets I have seen them perform and the crowd definitely appreciated it, even though the crowd’s participation may have been hampered by people who thought it was Celtic Voyeur, not Celtic Stomp. Ashley closed things off with his Hi(tm) How Are You Today schtick. The only reason I was not really impressed with his act was that I had seen it four times before, almost unchanged. It just seemed monotonous after more repeated listenings and viewings. I am sure when his next project hits the shelves, a new look and sound will be in order…well, until he reinvents himself again.