Some time ago NPR reported on an ad-hock experiment which took place in the Washington D.C. subway in 2007. The Washington Post reported that world famous violinist Joshua Bell had played before an open instrument case for 45 minutes to whomever should happen by. At the end of his performance, Mr. Bell had been tipped around $27 dollars and no one had lingered to listen long. Bell sells out entire concert halls in cities all over the world, and yet his gift was squandered when offered for free.
Dublin is a musical city with a tradition of producing some great talent. In the bars of the Temple Bar neighborhood on any given night you will find professional level acts performing live for their whiskey and Smithwick’s sipping patrons. As I was perusing a table of used books on Friday afternoon, I heard the steady, soothing flits of a young man singing. I took my seat on a honed-granite step and enjoyed the music for a set.
At the conclusion of his performance, I met Iron Fin(n?). I have since searched the web to match some of his lyrics with famous songs. Ed Sheeran is the only name I’ve been able to harvest. Having good art around a city is like having good tasting water out of a tap or blooming flowers within view. Is it essential to life? I suppose that depends on how one chooses to define life.
albaniacalling 