Feb 11.
Last night was magic. Where to start? The vibe was amazing. The snow storm (heavy even by Finnish standards didn't prevent a great night from unfolding. First off, the opening band ; Suuri Valliriutta were great, despite Jussi blowing up his amp at the soundcheck. After running about town like a mad man (in the snow storm) he eventually got his hands on a replacement amp. Their gig went well. Thanks for doing the gig lads!

When I took the stage I recognised some familiar faces. Glancing down from time to time during the gig I did notice some new faces, hope you enjoyed the gig. Everything more or less went according to plan. The strings sounded amazing, thanks to Seppo Santala. In fact, the whole band sounded great Seppo, thanks a million man. I'd also like to thank Jan forstrom and Zaida Bergroth for filming and making the video for pretty much cost price. Priceless. Thanks to Mikko Ojanen for recording the gig. Turned out well. Thanks to Léo Fourastié for the loan of your camera and DAT machine. Once again, you came through. I'm working on getting you that stick!

Now to my band. I've thanked you all in my own way, but again, thanks to Sanna Helen (for your time, encouragement, hugs and for bringing Seppo to do sound!) Nicce Lindholm for great drumming, humour and a practice place, Jukka Jylli for your great playing, lending yourself selflessly to my thing & for finding Nicce! Suski for your backing vocals at such short notice, you did it!, Jaakko Kyro for his violin and arranging the music with Sanna and Tuukka. Thanks to Tuukka for your great playing and your time. Last but by no means least, thanks to Neff Irizarry on lead guitar for playing a blinder, you were great man.

Thanks for everyone who came down including Kaisa and your friend for coming all the way from Turkku. Bless. Hope it’s not too long before I see you all again. Thanks for making the night a very special one.

Love to you all

Steafán

Jan 28.
In Helsinki now a week. There have been the obvious challenges. Guitar player (not Neff!) is experiencing a "domestic crisis" and is less available than originally expected. The cds which were due to leave Dublin on Friday the 21.1 were "caught up" in the postal dispute, according to the guy I finally got to talk to at SDS. I've been assured that they will be here on Monday, Wednesday at the latest. It's no
wonder they're threatening to lay these guys off.

Snow is falling all around, it's very beautiful. At times wondering why I ever left. The bus, which comes on time, is warm, clean and cheap, if you get the public transport travel pass. (which gets you on everything, yes, EVERYTHING!) Take a leaf out, what?

The sun is shining, got my first (shining) Finnish review in a magazine called "six Degrees". Pleased as punch. More to follow I'm told. I'm off to help my friend Jaakko, who plays violin in the band, paint his new flat. Got to pay the man somehow. Then it looks like it's sauna time. Feels like I've come home.