At the Shaskeen in Manchester NH with Roger Burridge

There was a T-shirt seen at a number of Irish music sessions around New England this summer, with “What would Roger Do?” inscribed under a silhouette of Roger Burridge in his trademark sunglasses. He’s a legend, and for good reason: this English fiddle player who moved to the US some years ago has played with absolutely everyone in Irish music (Tommy Peoples, Davy Spillane, Fairport Convention, etc.), yet is always gracious in his encouraging support of Irish music enthusiasts at any level of proficiency.

I’ll never forget my first meeting with Roger Burridge at the Shaskeen Pub in Manchester NH about 4 years ago. It was a very quiet Sunday afternoon, just Roger playing solo. After an enchanting hour listening to his sweet and supple playing, I timidly asked to join him on DADGAD guitar. We’ve been friends ever since, and are exploring musical ideas at Mill Pond Music whenever time allows.

Check out the Trad Irish Session hosted by Roger Burridge, James Prendergast and Chris ‘Junior’ Stevens, every Saturday afternoon (3-6) at the Shaskeen Pub in Manchester NH. Cartoonist Mike Lynch captured us recently in full sail as we tried to keep up with the brilliant young fiddler Jake Stewart.