GIGS - 1999
08/10/99 Clwb y Bont, Pontypridd (Ysbryd Chouchen)
30/01/99 Oxwich Bay, Gŵyr.
27/02/99 Y Neuadd Gymuned, Penclawdd
01/03/99 Ysgol Erw’r Delyn, Penarth
05/03/99 Cyngerdd Preifat: Margaret Waters, Swydd Henffordd
07/03/99 Neuadd y Seiri Rhyddion, Rhisga
19/03/99 Oxwich Bay, Gŵyr
04/04/99 Y King’s, Casnewydd
17/04/99 Y Maes Manor, Y Coed Duon
01/07/99 Plas Nanteos, Aberystwyth
10/07/99 Gŵyl Werin y Cnapan (Ysbryd Chouchen)
07-08/08/99 Y Gŵyl Bysgio, Porthcawl
14/08/99 Y Plasdy, Llancaiach
05/09/99 Allt yr Ynys, Y Fenni
07/10/99 Canolfan y Graddedigion, Prifysgol Caerdydd
09-10/10/99 Gŵyl Cocos a Cheltiaid, Abertawe
20/10/99 Tŷ Olwen, Treforys
30/10/99 Castell Coch a Chastell Caerdydd
04/11/99 Tŷ Olwen, Treforys
01/12/99 Tŷ Olwen, Treforys
16/12/99 Tŷ Olwen, Treforys
Without question, 1999 was my most difficult year as a full-time harpist. The PhD seemed to be drifting, and I was having a hard time financially. Waking up every morning to go busking was becoming a strain, and I was living with a crew of friends where there was too much temptation to mess around rather than knuckle down to work. Somehow, in spring 1999, my late father persuaded me to stick at the studies. Then, in August 1999, my girlfriend Kathryn and I decided to move in together for the first time, in the Cathays area of Cardiff. Finding a settled home was the most important turning point of the PhD, and I managed to regain momentum with the busking as well during the Autumn. One sad note: during the end of 1998 I had started to sense tension within the ranks of Ysbryd Chouchen. I never really received a full explanation, but it became clear that the nucleus of the group wished to change musical direction. It became apparent that my gig at the 1999 Cnapan Festival would be my last with the group, after two happy years with them. Nevertheless, I am very grateful to Ysbryd Chouchen, especially "Huw M" for the opportunities that came my way during 1997-99.