Great Big Sea swells local performing arts center
Updated: 2009-10-06 17:55:42
The Joplin Independent
The musical group Great Big Sea gathers to open the second half of their performance in Joplin recently.
Great Big Sea surged like the ocean from which they take their name
when they performed recently in the Taylor Performing Arts Center at
Missouri Southern State University.
Dr. Chad Stebbins, director of the Institute of International
Studies was excited to report that over 1,000 spectators filled the
auditorium on October 5, 2009, to listen, clap and sway to the music of
this Celtic rock group from Newfoundland. Clearly, the event was the
most popular of the events scheduled for the Canada Semester, the theme
designated for fall 2009 that includes a free series of events meant to
acquaint students and the community with many aspects of a chosen
country considered vital to the United States.
The band's cult following were quickly on their feet in what
they considered the best position to embrace the music. With a backdrop
of ever changing lights and visual images, the five musicians, playing
several instruments that kept a grip hopping, pushed the boundaries of
their art and music. The sounds reverberating throughout the theatre
were as thunderous at times as waves crashing against the
shore...helped out as time progressed by the sound man who upped the
intensity.
The easy-going repartee of the group worked well with the
introduction of several Irish folk tunes, although it appeared that the
lyrics chosen were less bawdy than the musicians might have been
accustomed to singing. After All, thoroughly mesmerized by what he was
seeing and hearing, Jack, a wee tot, was in the front row with his mom
and grandmom. He momentarily became part of the show when lead
guitarist Alan Doyle lifted him high into the air.
Based on his bio "lusty songs of loose women and pirates" would
best be attributed to Sean McCann into whose hands a bodhrán was placed
at an early age. The Celtic frame drum made of stretched goatskin has
become more popular because of its increased versatility, going beyond
the creation of traditional Irish music.
Demonstrating that he could play several instruments well was
Bob Hallett. Besides joining the group on the fiddle, Hallett soloed
with a flute and paraded around the stage compressing and expanding the
bellows of a small accordion.
The drummer was Kris MacFarlane. He also is a known
multi-instrumentalist. Most importantly, his Scottish background adds a
unique flavor to the beat.
Photographer Vince Rosati has captured the intensity of the
musicians and their audience in the photos that follow. Click on a
thumbnail for a larger view.
Where is Stormy?