Such a lot has happened in the past week.
 
There will be a blog posted about our experience at the Medieval Faire soon, but for now I must dedicate this blog to wholesomeness that is . . . Mannie.
 
Last Tuesday we were due to rehearse, however due to Bridget having the Black Lung we decided against it. Besides, Tasmanian legend and all-star Sunas member Helen was in Brisbane, so plans were made for Mannie, Paul & myself to catch up with her at our favourite venue, the Three Monkeys.
 
Anyone who has visited the Monkeys knows that sometimes you have Buckley’s chance of finding a vacant table. Fortunately we managed to find one in the beer garden next to the water fountain. The moment we all sat down, the laughs started. They always do. For some reason the boys are extra immature when around Helen (don’t be fooled, she’s just as naughty as they are). Our laughter attracted a lot of curious stares from people using the water fountain. Mannie gets particularly animated when retelling a story, and was in his element all night. We let him go; Mannie loves nothing better than to be the centre of attention.
 
Tonight was no different.
 
While we were waiting for our beverages, we were entertained with a dramatic retelling of naked Tassie moonlit frolicking fuelled by 8 ciders (it’s true!). Mannie paused to what appeared to be to catch his breath. But no. Instead, a look of intense concentration appeared on his mischievous face. Mannie looked directly at me, took a deep breath, leaned forward in his chair . . .
 
. . . and farted.
 
This was not your standard fart. This was a long, loud, split-your-pants-to-kingdom-come fart. We’ve never heard anything like it. As is the usual reaction to Mannie’s arse performances, we fell about laughing hysterically. What made it even more hysterical was that a man was standing directly behind Mannie at the water fountain when it happened, and without even revealing he’d heard this abomination, continued stoically filling up his cups with water while we were crying with laughter. Let me digress. This fart was so loud that several tables of people not only heard it, but laughed along with us, then stopped and watched the four of us nearly fall out of our chairs with hilarity for the next 10 minutes. One guy called out, ‘Gimme 5 minutes and I’ll match your efforts!’ Our waitress chose this exact moment to bring us our drinks – she had heard it too!
 
It took us quite a while and a second order of drinks for us to calm down.
 
I know I’ve said it before, but damn, I love this band
 
 
Listening to: ‘Santiago’ by Loreena McKennit

Here’s an odd little snippet of news:

We’ve just found out that we’re on the Lufthansa Airlines playlist for September/October.

Odd to think that somewhere, 50,000 feet above the twinkling lights of Berlin, someone might be listening to Sunas soon...

Listening to: ‘Daybreak’ by Altus

Well it may seem like we’ve drifted off the radar entirely, but I assure you we haven’t. We’ve been busy writing and rehearsing new songs and tunes for the next album and are looking forward to unveiling the material in the next upcoming gigs. Watch out for some songs sung by the lovely Bridgey, which I’m profoundly thankful for!
 
From a creative perspective it’s nice to plan the next album with four individual inputs from scratch (not to say that Bridget wasn’t involved with the creative concept of A Breath Away From Shadow, but a few of the tracks had already been decided on before she joined Súnas). Of course, we’re still coming down from finishing the first album; the second won’t be out for a little while yet!
 
Speaking of albums, A Breath Away From Shadow was recently reviewed in the Courier Mail and we were thrilled to have been given 4 out of 5 stars! We’ll post a copy up soon. Some other exciting news is that Travelling Man & Turn That Boat Around has been added to the BBC Radio Wales Celtic Heartbeat program playlist. We got some lovely comments from the host, Frank Hennessy and his show can be streamed from here. We also have special events in the pipeline, so keep an eye on the gig listings; we’ll update everyone as soon as we can!
 
Thanks again for your support, much coffee to yeh

Listening to: ‘Mercy Street’ by Peter Gabriel

Just a quick note to say thank you to everyone that came out on Friday to support us at the Queenland Irish Centre.

The gig was really great and it’s wonderful to be back in a central city location again. Makes it much easier for our northside friends to come and see us (and for us to grab coffees at 1am! ), and the recently refurbished Bunratty Brasserie is great now it’s on the ground floor with direct street access. We’re going to be tweaking the stage location over the next few gigs, to try and get an optimum sound/viewing level.

We’re back at the Irish Club on Friday 13th (and working out dates for the rest of the year) so please, come on town and have a sup of the best Guinness in Brisane.

Listening to: ‘A Deeper Silence’ by Steve Roach

Ok so here’s my side of the story… as far as I remember.
 
Sair and I had just come back from the National Folk Festival and were starting to think about when to have the launch. My friends George and Davydd had suggested that we do a joint event, as they had just recorded their first album also. After seeing them perform at the National, Sair and I were set on the idea of a double launch (seriously – these guys are amazing!) and were ready to discuss our options. We had a list of venues to consider and were throwing around a few different ideas when George announced that he was leaving on a 7 week tour with his family band, before leaving for America. This meant that to do a double launch, we had 1 available date, and it was in 2 weeks time.
 
From my knowledge of the function world, I figured that most places would simply laugh at us for suggesting that this type of even could be pulled together in under 2 weeks. But the Jubilee Hotel came to our rescue, and through many many emails, lists and ‘teacher moments’, I managed to squeeze some preferences out of the other 5 and convey what we wanted (quite specifically) to the Jube.
 
This would have all been fine… until the day before the launch. I woke up feeling ok. Had some breakfast, went for a walk… and had a bit of a pain in the stomach. Within an hour, I couldn’t move and off we went to the GP. He barely looked at me before sending me off to the hospital and another hour later I was in surgery. Of course I took it all very well…. Or maybe not… My poor family had to deal with a very distressed daughter going through lists and details just in case I wasn’t able to make it to the launch. My surgeon was extremely supportive (Thanks Dr Adib!!) and said that he would put it on my chart to have me discharged in time for the launch. (Mind you at this stage he thought I was just attending, not playing). The nurses however, thought I was totally insane for attempting to go out, let alone play in a concert less than 24 hours after surgery….
 
Anyway, as you all know, I made it. Very tired and sore, loaded with painkillers and possibly still a little sedated, I made it to the launch about 15mins before the doors opened. From here, I remember very little. I know that there were a lot of people there (thank you and I’m sorry if I was a little vague), there was food and drink involved (which I was not allowed any of), and there was music (some of which apparently came from me!).  Mannie followed me around making sure that I was sitting down and not doing anything too stupid, Sarah was equally concerned stopping me from lifting things, and Paul… sent me a tray of mini-appendix-looking sausage things and told me that I could be easily replaced! (Feel the love)
 
Ok, well that’s the end of my launch experience. I am now almost fully recovered and will be back to gigging this weekend at Fiddler’s Green. Thanks to everyone for looking out for me at the launch, and I hope you all had a great time. I think the others have thanked just about everyone else, so I’ll just echo what they said and leave you there until next time…

Well it’s been an absolutely mental few weeks for Sunas. Paul came down with the Black Lung (*cough cough*) and I developed laryngitis and promptly lost my voice completely! It was the first time in a while the boys could get a word in! Meanwhile throughout this Bridget was busy organising the launch for everyone as we were all out of action. We were on track for what promised to be a stellar although hastily arranged double CD launch with George Jackson and Davydd McDonald. My voice came back on the Friday beforehand, so Bridgey and I got together and learnt a few tunes to play with George & Davydd as a finale. We were joking that it was her turn to get sick, and she faithfully promised that would get sick on Monday – AFTER the launch.
 
Saturday midday. My mobile rings, it’s Bridget. I answer, but it’s not Bridget, it’s her father John telling me Bridget was on her way to hospital with appendicitis. I felt my stomach turn to ice, and after 15 ‘Oh my God’ proclamations, I let the boys know we would be playing Meadowbrook sans our beloved fiddler! The launch was still going ahead. Saturday, 2pm. Bridget’s mother Paula called me to tell me that Bridgey was in emergency surgery having her appendix out. The surgeons said she should be able to make the launch, weren’t sure if she would be able to play, but were forbidding her to sing. They also wanted a copy of the album! Paula was utterly wonderful, and before saying goodbye, forbid me to panic. OH MY GOD, WHO’S PANICKING???
 
Cue 4pm. I’m in the van travelling with Mannie to Meadowbrook discussing Bridgey and hoping she’ll be ok for the launch. My mobile rings again. It’s none other than Bridget herself – straight out of surgery, may I add! Mannie was so excited he nearly drove us into a ditch. She was calling to let me know that she wouldn’t be gigging that night, but would do her damndest to be at the launch the next day. Meanwhile, she was sending the wonderful Georgia to come and help us out ‘with a list of a few things to do’. Ok then! Fortunately we managed to secure my sister Hayley (with an hour’s notice) to gig that night, it was wonderful to sing with her again!
 
Sunday dawned bright and early. We arrived at the Jubilee Hotel and got stuck into setting up. Georgia arrived shortly after and handed me the clipboard. ‘A few things to do’ turned out to be an entire A4 page filled with things to confirm, do and check off! Well Georgia and Davydd turned out to be my right hand people. Big thanks to you legends! They kept me sane by helping getting things accomplished while the boys sound checked (Mannie: ‘One, two, buckle my shoe!)and did secret men’s stuff (Paul holding the mic and slapping Mannie on the top of his head so it came out through the speakers. Mannie: ‘Ow, my head!). George’s family were also invaluable helping us setting up – thanks guys. I kept a stressed wary eye on the clock, and by some miracle we all managed to be ready by 2:30pm.
 
Not only did Bridget manage to turn up (held together by stiches and Panadol), she also looked absolutely stunning AND managed to play fiddle! I asked her if she would be ok to play tunes and she brushed me off, giving me this ‘I’m fine, my arms are a long way from my appendix’ look. She lasted the entire launch, what a trooper! (although I have it on good authority that by the end of the night the Panadol was replaced by Nurofen with healthy slugs of whisky). The launch was packed to the rafters – thank you to everyone who came along and supported us! We had the most incredible time. I am especially proud of my sister Hayley, who once again came through with the goods (and vocal talent), literally driving straight from work to the launch and running on stage as we were about to start. I was so thrilled to have her there! Huge Sunas thanks to Georgia the Door Minion, Ben & Kristie the CD Minions, and Paula & John AKA Bridget’s Minions. It was a privilege to play alongside George & Davydd for our big finale tuneset – these boys are incredibly talented. I was so elated I wanted to play it all over again!
 
To all of our family and friends, well-wishers, minions, groupies and stalkers (please circle one): We couldn’t have done this without you. You guys rock!
 
This is Sairey, signing off with freshly diagnosed glandular fever. Seriously! According to my doctor, I’m nearly over it (apparently). I’ll get through it. We’ve started calling it ‘Doing a Bridgey’.


Listening to "The Scientist' by Martha Tilston

So, the cd launch that very nearly didn’t happen.

To start off, I need to backpedal just a little bit, about ten days or so. Basically, I got a bit sick. Pharyngitis and sinusitis. Nothing too deathly, but the night before I was due to go to the doctor I had my first asthma attack for nearly 14 years. So, that knocked me out for the time leading up to the launch. Then a few days later, Sarah was struck down with serious Laryngitis, so much so that she lost her voice entirely. Exactly one week away. We weren’t panicking. There was still a enough time to get better.

But then came the phone call. A few hours out from our regular Saturday gig, the night before the launch, we found out the Bridget had been rushed to hospital with suspected appendicitis. Yes, we were the band of 'itises' (except for Mannie who is immune to everything except chicken). We decided to carry on as normal, after all, what could we do? Everything was arranged, paid-for, invites had been sent out, interviews given, reviews and publicity received, then there was George & Davydd, our partners in crime to think of.

But we were about to find out what our fiddle player was made of.

The first clue about Bridge’s chutzpah came when we got a call on the way to the Saturday night gig. It was Herself, just ringing to confirm it had indeed been appendicitis, the 'stand-back-it's-about-to-blow' kind and that oh, she’d just got out of surgery and was fully intending on being there tomorrow. Well, we were astonished, to say the least, even just to hear from her. Before she succumbed to the painkillers, she’s written out lists and given Georgia, her sister, specific instructions for each of us ( “…Mannie: DON’T PANIC! BREATHE...").

Well we still convinced she wouldn’t be able to make it, after all, she’d spent the night in hospital and wasn’t due to be discharged, sedated, until a few hours before the gig.

Not only did she show up, but Bridget played the entire gig, and with the exception of a couple of songs where she didn’t sing (and here I have to say thanks to Hayley, not only for stepping in at the last moment –she literally ran in just as we were about to start- but also because her being there was just so great, as she sings on the album too). It was an amazing night, and we were truly humbled by the turnout (we honestly had no idea people would be standing five-deep at the entrances. It was said by no small number of people that perhaps we should have booked Customs House or City Hall -next time!) and I'm sure one of the others will blog about everything in more detail later. Just finally, I'd like to say thanks to Davydd, George and Beth for being musically brilliant, Georgia for holding down the door and Ben, for stepping in to be the storekeeper at no notice, and of course, everyone who came. Thanks All!

Hi all,
 
Bridget & I spent Easter bashing about at the National Folk Festival in Canberra, and we had quite a weekend. Bridgey was invited to play with the National Celtic Fiddle Rally and I went along firstly as a punter and secondly to play sessions and catch up with lots of friends.
 
The weekend passed so quickly, but Bridge & I were lucky enough to play two chalkboard gigs. Can I just say that Bridge is a wonderful addition to this band? I was so proud of her. We are indebted to Davyyd McDonald and Mackenzie for backing us on guitar and bodhran. Davyyd did an admirable job considering both times our rehearsals went like this:
 
Bridget: ‘Mr Thompson’s, two reels, first in D major, second in F major, three times around each, I’ll call the changes’
Davyyd: ‘Yep’
Bridget: ‘Slow song, jig in G minor. Follow Sarah’
Davyyd: ‘Yep’
Bridget: ‘Acapella song, Sarah sings, then we sing with her’
Davyyd: ‘Yep’
Baidget: ‘Triple A set, all in A, starting with a jig then two reels, fast’
Davydd: ‘Yep’
 
And off he went!  Poor Mackenzie, he was literally dragged up by Bridget in the second chalkboard gig to back the Gravel Walk tunes on bodhran. All I got to say to him was, ‘One, two, three, go!’ Spontaneous chalkboards are so much fun. Cheers lads, job well done.
 
Eddi Reader was headlining this festival. She is absolutely nutty and completely adorable. Her vocals on My Love is like a Red Red Rose was just spine-tingling. Actually, the entire performance sucked me in and left me breathless. Due to popular demand, she also played her most well-known song ‘Perfect’ – and was better live than the recording! Definitely one to see when she tours.
 
I had the most brilliant moment meeting Irish singer-songwriter Eleanor McEvoy. She’s the type of person who is cool without having to even try. What an amazing performer. From guitar to bodhran to fiddle; I’m not kidding, Eleanor plays everything and has such a dry sarcastic sense of humour – that’s my kind of woman! I bought her album Out There and asked her to sign it and she then asked if I was a musician? I replied yes, I’m in a band, but we’re not playing at the Nationals, I’m here to enjoy the music. So then she asked me if I had a CD (which I did – always carry one, you never know who you’ll bump into!), and I gave her a copy, which she ordered me to sign, and then swapped our Sunas CD for her latest album Love Must Be Tough. Instant fan here.

 
I have a crush on Pascal from Quebec folk group Genticorum – who wouldn’t when he speaks French and sings so beautifully? Oh, he also plays fiddle and uses his feet as percussion while singing. Disgustingly talented. Bridgey has stars in her eyes after spending a mammoth 7 hour session learning fiddle tunes from him – you go girl!
 
The rest of the time Bridgey & I were girl bonding, ie, drinking cider (terriblyterribly important!), watching performances, spending far too much money (as was in my case) or just hanging out at Mike & Beth’s Celtic stall (the coolest one, I might add), sometimes doing all four things at the same time. It was mental and we had a blast.
 
Nationals aside, home grown news here: We have some gigs coming up starting in mid April on the 12th at the Meadowbrook Hotel, but I’m waiting on a few more to trickle in before that, so check out the Gigs page over the next few weeks. Hope you all had an amazing Easter and stayed safe on the roads. We look forward to catching up with everyone at our next gig.

Thursday
 
I’ve finally managed to close my suitcase (not an easy task with a very awkward shaped fiddle stand taking up much room) and I’m waiting for Sarah to finish work and pick me up. I’m listening to Dougie McLean, my Christmas present from Helen (who we’ll be seeing in a few hours). I can’t wait. I’m nervous about a few things – our live to air session in the morning on ABC radio, meeting Rabbit (Helen’s husband who I’ve heard many interesting stories about – but no idea why he’s called Rabbit) and, the possibility of Mannie and Rabbit running around naked (apparently this is quite a regular occurrence –something in the Tasmanian air I think). But despite all that, I’m starting to get excited. Hopefully I haven’t forgotten anything essential. I have my fiddle and my boots… what else would a girl possibly need
 
Friday
 
We woke up at Stanton, Helen and Rabbit’s beautiful home and B & B. We only had time for a quick cup of tea and a flying stop in at Passions café before heading off to ABC radio for a live spot. Apparently Sunas was made famous last radio appearance by Sarah being the second person to ever say ‘arse’ on the ABC (second to Kate Miller-Heidke I might add – one of our idols!). This time the language remained kiddy-friendly and we managed to go for a full 30 minutes without saying anything too stupid… Well except for my declaration again classical music, which wouldn’t have been so bad if the person interviewing me wasn’t Christopher Lawrence! Oops. He took it well, and was seen later that night enjoying some of our non-classical music at the New Sydney. Helen was ever helpful, holding up a ‘classic ABC’ sticker to point out my mistake – thanks Helen!
 
From there we headed off to Jackman and McRoss for lunch which the others had been raving about since I joined the band. I wasn’t disappointed! We finally arrived at the New Sydney, picked up our room keys and lugged all our stuff up the many stairs (which will later prove to be a problem for one band member in particular….)
 
With no rest for the wicked, we went straight down to the bar for a quick cider and session, where I was surprised by my good friend Beth, as well as meeting some of the long time Sunas friends, The To Rags and Brian Owens. One cider turned into another and before we knew it, it was time for our 11pm gig.
 
Now here I would like to point out that Sarah and I were sharing a room at the hotel, and before we went to bed, Sarah warned me that she occasionally mumbles in her sleep. I didn’t think anything of it until about 3am when I very distinctly heard from the top bunk “Go team, we can do it! We’re nearly there”. Go team Sarah!!!
 
Saturday
 
Saturday morning we awoke nice and early to head off to the markets for a bit of busking. On our way, we decided to stop for a bite to eat – bad move! Sarah described the coffee as ‘arse in a cup’, Mannie was fairly sure that he was given a used tea bag, and the toast was a charred black piece of cardboard with something vaguely resembling egg on top. Paul was nearly crying at this point, having missed his morning coffee, so he followed his nose off to Starbucks.
 
The story of our busking became quite well known throughout Tasmania, and I’m sure the others will describe it in their own blogs, but lets just say there’s a very unhappy unicyclist somewhere in Hobart now. Sorry!!! We just wanted our 20min spot to make our $17.
 
The rest of the day was spent eating, shopping and drinking before our gig at 9.30 that night. I had a great gig and enjoyed a few quiet ale’s afterwards with Sarah. Despite what others may tell you, we were very ladylike, remained coherent for the remainder of the night and even managed a few tunes.  Well… that was me at least. Sarah on the other hand become very good friends with everyone in the pub, was carried upstairs and proceeded to collapse on the couch before informing us she was just going to head back down for another drink with Mick before bed. To her credit, she managed to get herself onto the top bunk and wasn’t even all that seedy the next day!
 
Sunday
 
Sunday started with a late greasy breakfast at Harbour Lights, with a very-friendly-but-slightly-too-happy waitress. The afternoon concert was very relaxed and we took the opportunity to try some of the more mellow songs and tunes. Sarah got everyone singing The Yorkshire Couple (I may be making up the name of that song – but whatever it was I really enjoyed it and was thrilled to see the entire audience participating!).
 
We then had to say our farewells before heading off for a final night back at Stanton, where we sat and looked at the millions of stars (I swear there’s not that many in Brisbane!!).
 
Overall, I had an amazing time and everyone involved in the Fleadh Ceol should be really happy with how everything went. The organisers, MC’s, musicians, hotel and bar staff, sound guys and audience were all fantastic and I can’t wait for my next Tassie trip.

Bridget's late night cabaret was a hit with the locals...