Partner Intro - Eric

Eric’s blog entry really interested me. He states that while he is interested in Ireland’s rich history and beautiful scenery, what captivates him the most is the traditional pub life and music. The picture he chose is of a group of musicians in a pub in Dingle, Co. Kerry, which supports this. Also, his writing excerpt was by the band Flogging Molly. He says he chose it because it is reflective of the band members’ childhood spent in pubs. Eric likes the idea of the sense of community people get from such a lifestyle. Flogging Molly’s Rock/Trad Hybrid music was able to reach out to Eric in such a way that he feels connected to such a community just from listening to it. I actually feel like I have something in common with Eric in this aspect. He didn’t grow up being exposed to traditional Irish music and has a strong desire to pry his way into that world and, to quote him, “earn the right” to say that he is passionate about Irish culture. I feel this way sometimes, too. People who play traditional music or do Irish dance are already in a community with each other. To say you feel strongly for something when you’re not a member of the community is kind of awkward. At first, I was a little surprised to see a Flogging Molly song posted on the board, but I completely understand why he used it. Because of their pop-culture influence and their knowledge of Irish trad, they are able to bring completely new audiences to the genre because they relate it to something that more young people (especially in the States) understand. Eric has obviously made this connection.