Great concerts!

Well, I'm back from a break in France (perhaps I'll write a post about that later). Back to reality... and torrential rain in Cork!
At least, music-wise we are pretty spoilt at the moment. The Midsummer Festival is underway with many cool acts coming to the Spiegeltent on Emmet Place and the Live at The Marquee series was officially launched this morning.
I had a huge treat two weeks ago when I went to Dublin for the George Michael concert in the RDS, the night before flying off to France. That's me pictured just minutes before he arrived onstage. I think that grin never left my face for the time he was onstage (well over two hours).
Up until this 25 Live tour, he hadn't toured in 15 years (and had vowed to never tour again) so it really was a special occasion. He sang three Wham! songs: 'Everything She Wants', 'I'm Your Man' and 'The Edge of Heaven' (the latter which he was singing for the first time in 21 years!) I certainly never thought I would hear him singing those again! 'Careless Whisper' and 'Freedom 90' brought the set to a close, and I must admit I didn't want to end! I had to be dragged from the stadium!
The next morning, en route to the airport I couldn't believe the news on the radio... that he had cancelled the second concert. How lucky was I?! I had given up the opportunity to go to France five days beforehand so I would have soooo killed him if he had cancelled the first night! As it turned out I was glad I messed up my holiday for it as it was worth it... and maybe I'll even try and go to the re-scheduled concert too!

Obviously I wasn't mega close to the stage, but I quite like this photo which shows shows George doing a slow number on his stool with his image directly above on the screen.

Meanwhile I was at another super gig last night - Buena Vista Social Club's sell-out performance at Cork Opera House. It marked the launch of the Bulmers Original Artists Series which will see various artistes making appearances over the coming months.
The band were super lively, despite the fact that some of them are getting on a bit. They really gave a magnificent performance - and it was also great to meet many of my old salsa dancing pals again (I used to obsessed with salsa in the late 90's!)
I was seated on the balcony for the concert - but here is my attempt at a photo nonetheless....