Photo // Photo Credit: Dearbhlá Harpúr

Music/News: 21 May 2018
David Keenan

David Keenan's Tour Diary Part 11: Duncairn Arts Centre, Belfast

David Keenan's tour diary, as penned by the man himself.

Stripped Bare for the second last and final time.

Sandinos of Derrry is a place that emanates pureness. It wraps you in a warm sheet and whispers tales of former glories into your ear.

I was delighted to make that journey once again, to the walled city where all peoples are freed.

The rom itself conjures images of a bygone time, blues and silvers, red candles glowing on a hallowed stage. I was joined by Rebecca Mulhern & Conal McGrellis. Rebecca is an incredible artist who will leave her mark on this earth in many ways, Conal has a presence, warmth and voice that would fill any room of tuned in truth seekers. Gerry sailed the sound waves from the back of the room, and what a vessel she was!

A gent of a man who took me in that night as his guest. The following morning we headed for The Grianan Of Aileach, the ancient 6th century ring fort which overlooked four sun saturated lands around us. Such sights would alter a man, thank you for the gesture Gerry brother.

I boarded a bus to Belfast, to another home from home, a holy place devoid of pretentiousness, purveys of community, togetherness and teachings, the Duncairn Arts Centre. This was not my first trip to this place, on every occasion my soul has been filled up by the palpable positivity that lives on the auras of all who thrive under it’s roof.

Ray and all the family are impeccable people.

A full room awaited me for the last of my first tour of Ireland. A tour that has acted as an education for me, the understanding that was cultivated the journey brings a tear from the eye at the thoughts.

I extend my hand, I extend my spirit to all of you in thanks for joining me along the way!

I am very fortunate to be living through such a life, very thankful and humbled by it all.

I am living, I merely existed in a past life and I appreciate all of these adventures deeply.

I shared it with many friends new and old and was helped along the way by many beautiful people.

Thank you all, full stop.

Special thanks to LemonCello, Junior Brother, Harry Hoban and the Brothers Kane, my band of brothers, Aidan Shortall for his constant guidance and support & Hot Press Magazine for allowing me the opportunity to fulfill a childhood dream to have my writings featured with their name attached.

I proceed now into the next chapter, full of appreciation, focus and energy.

Gra Mór friends !!!

David Xx