Nimbus Northern Ireland Tour

17th April

“Sorry mate. Its bank holiday today and all the chefs are in the pub”.
It is only 8pm and we have just arrived in Bangor, Northern Ireland, from the UK and are in need of food. A walk round the town reveals many Chinese restaurants, the usual fastfood outlets and a large number of drunken revellers. But we are hungry and head for an asian place on a quieter street. Nat and Nick take a while to catch the accent; my ears seem a little more attuned, probably from the visit last year.
The B&B is good. We have a fantastic couple looking after us who are interested in all the places we are going to and are already looking out maps. Tomorrow we are in Lisburn and Belfast.

19th April
Today is a hectic day;the only one with 3 concerts. We start off in central Belfast in a day centre squeezed in amongst tiny streets. Many of the houses have IRA murals. We feel ignorant of the history surrounding this area. The audience are great. A real mixture of people, they love everything we play. Next we head up to the Crumlin Road, aware of its past. We are lucky with parking, finding a spot right outside the hospital. The concert is sparsely attended and the young girl in charge seems unsure what to make of us. The patients are a mixed bunch, and very emotionally charged. We connect with some of them, including a couple of younger men who respond positively. Our last concert of the day is in Knockbracken Healthcare Park. It transpires that this is a medium security unit for men aged 20 to 30. Our usual programme may not work here. It is quite intimidating playing to this audience; the testosterone is tangible and they casually walk in and out, stare at Nat and I shamelessly and comment audibly. But Nick’s “Variations” seem to do the trick, commanding “respect” and thawing the ice. From there we all have a good time and the room relaxes. This is our first meeting with local musician Brendan Popplestone.

22nd April
We have the most stunning drive this morning. A twisting turning road that runs right along the beach in places. We were heading for NI’s most famous natural monument, the Giant’s Causeway. Despite crowds it was breathtaking, not least because of the sharp wind. Cramming on to the stones, we try to find new publicity shots; Nimbus, moodily gazing out to sea; Nimbus, at one with the elements…
Only time for a short visit as we have 2 concerts later today. The first at the British Legion in Portrush is challenging, as it involves a huge age range, from children to the elderly. Somehow we keep them all entertained. The last concert tonight is a gentle residential home for the elderly patients with dementia and Alzheimers. Apparently Daniel O’ Donnell’s mum lives round the corner. Music is a great healing spirit here, they really love it.

23rd April
An early start but a fantastic morning with blue skies and blustery clouds.
First port of call is a nursing home in Newtownards. They love our music so much Natalie is kidnapped by a fan. Some really joyful singing and dancing throughout the concert here. We then get time to drive down to Strangford Lough which is idyllic. The time flies by as we gaze out across the estuary and watch the ferry. We do another concert this afternoon and then have dinner with Michael Swallow and his wife. They are interested in all our concerts and especially in the fact that we are going to Thompson House tomorrow where he used to work. They lovingly look after many musicians that come to NI as they are so close to the centre of Belfast.

24th April
We finally brave the local looking pub and Nat and Nick get the best Guinness they have had all week. The moment is only slightly marred by the landlord ticking off Nat for tearing up beer mats. Idle clarinet fingers….
Today has been another tiring one. I think we were all touched by this afternoon at Thompson House Hospital. All the patients are severely disabled, often as the result of accidents. Communication is challenging for all of us and yet the response is sincere and strong.

25th April
The last day. We say our goodbyes to Jacqui and her husband who have provided us with amazing breakfasts for the last 10 days. Those and the Guinness may have added to our baggage allowance. A sad and fond farewell to Bangor which has been a home from home.
Our first concert feels difficult. It is a group of young adults in a psychiatric unit who don’t applaud between items, but, equally, don’t leave. Afterwards they are surprisingly enthusiastic. One lady said she had been converted to classical music. Previously she had been put off because she didn’t know the names of anything and thought everything was long and boring. She hadn’t recognised the titles but as soon as we started playing she knew every piece.
The last concert is an unmitigated success. Knockbracken Day Centre rocks to the sounds of Nimbus…we have conquered NI. Brendan is cheering and 150 people leave in good spirits. Nat sets a new record for Rondo alla Turca; 56 seconds.
Then we peg it to the airport. Unfortunately it is rush hour. A detour into Republican heartland provides a good and empty route…. And we zoom up the Crumlin Way and out of Belfast.
10 days, 17 concerts. It has been great.