so i just got back from spending all day shooting the pipes in the valley festival in hartford. wow. that's really all i can say right now. it had to be one of the best days i've ever spent as a kinda sorta not really amateur photographer. thanks to my sweet "staff" tshirt i was able to go anywhere i wanted to, whenever i wanted to, taking pics of whoever i wanted to. i got some fantastic free stuff - ice cream made from ten penny ale, a few tastes of wonderful glen garioch, cutty sark, and tullamore dew - lunch of dirty steak and colcannon, dinner of bangers and mash. but the best part for me was being able to see the bands - i'm just bummed i wasn't able to see gaelic storm (but seeing as i was there at half past a monkey's ass, i felt it my duty to return to mommy-land). seven nations was one of the later bands, and i LOVE their combination of modern sounds and gaelic tones. there were a few locals - like maiden IV and fergus (gave great performances - with some amazing vocals and musicians). i think my favorite of the day was wicked tinkers - - - they are absolutely fantastic! i got some great shots of the band - but i was also able to visit and chit chat after their performance. it was amazing to meet them close up - not only to grab some great shots, but as a musician at heart, i was so inspired by their sounds and songs. i doubt you'll see me in a kilt anytime soon, but i may just be that much closer to picking up my drumsticks...

i took about 500 pics today - so it may take me a while to get thru the good and bad - but i'll share as soon as i can!