I received the following earlier today, and after mulling over, it seems appropriate to reprint these upbeat words for all to see, with only a few minor changes since I didn’t ask permission. My guess is that as a fellow New Albanian and co-conspirator, he’s okay with me doing it.
After the undeniably successful Celtic Fest concluded, I peddled back to Bank Street Brewhouse for the after party. There were bands playing, open-air courtyards pumping, and people walking through the streets. If only for one night, downtown was one big YES yard sign, repudiating the foolishness, repelling the acrimony, rebutting the naysayers, and replacing their negative vibes with testimony that speaks to what’s possible.
It felt quite good, for once. Here’s the note from my pal.
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I can not begin to describe how much fun we had last night. I think my friend said it best when he asked the question, “Other than Harvest Homecoming, when was the last time you were walking around downtown New Albany at 10 o’clock at night?” The answer was never.
Our travels were as follows:
Arrived and parked in the parking garage around 5:30. Walked down to the amphitheatre. Listened to fine Irish music. Located you and the beer garden. What a coincidence. Had a few finely crafted beers as we listened to the next group. Decided to walk to Steinert’s to give the new location some moral and financial support. We had a couple of appetizers and a Stella. Saw the owner, congratulated him and wished him well at his new location. Walked over to Bank Street Brewhouse for craft beers, pomme frittes, and dinner. I had the braised pork shank. My compliments to Josh.
Walked back to the amphitheatre, which is when my friend asked the above noted question, and caught six or seven songs by Brendan. That was undoubtedly the best rendition of “Waltzing Matilda” I have ever heard. Unfortunately, Daddy duty called and we had to go home and I couldn’t make it for the after party, although my friend and I discussed and schemed to try and make it by ourselves.
All in all, probably the best night we’ve ever had in downtown NA. Thanks.
