ARIZONA IRISH MUSIC SOCIETY
AIMS NEWS AND NOTES
AIMS News and Notes 1-2-2008
The Irish Cultural Center is at 1106 N. Central Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85004
Arizona Irish Music Society
www.azirishmusic.com
Information Line: 602-770-8077
Signup - signup@azirishmusic.com
George L. O’Brien - george@azirishmusic.com
News - news@azirishmusic.com
Anyone interested in receiving the Directory/Calendar only version of this newsletter should e-mail us at signup@azirishmusic.com. You will be able to read the entire newsletter on the web at www.azirishmusic.com/00000000.htm.
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The Expanded Irish Cultural Center Gift Shop run by Pat & Patty McCrossan, the former proprietors of Ireland's Own, is now open from 10:30 am until 6 pm Tuesday through Friday and from 10:30 am until 3 pm on Saturday. It will also be open for any ICC special events. Call (602) 254-6094.
602-258-0109 www.azirish.org
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. Out and About
--- Char Marquardt Passes Away - Services On Fri, Jan 4
2. Remembering Char
1. OUT AND ABOUT
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FUNERAL SERVICE
GRAVESIDE SERVICE
FUNERAL RECEPTION
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Jimmy O'Connor’s Pub, 2601 W. Dunlap, will be the site of the Phoenix Feis Fundraiser on Saturday, January 26. The activities will run from noon until 8:00 pm.
There will be several new bands playing as well as raffles, silent auction, and hot dogs and hamburger. There will be bands and dancers invited from all the local schools. The cover charge is $5. For further information check www.azirishmusic.com.
Some of the bands include Blackwood, The Brazen Heads, Celtica, Haiku Road, CJA, and the Fibber seisiun players. The evening’s show will be Shay Veno.
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Paul Knight has been performing at Into the Bean for quite a while, but has converted the First Wednesday gig into a seisiun. Unofficially this is an attempt to bring back some of the feel of the storied Bandersnatch seisiun.
Every First Wed.
Into the Bean 1710 W. Southern Ave, Mesa
2. REMEMBERING CHAR
By George O’Brien
I’m not sure when I first met Char. My first memory of Char and Jim Marquardt was at the old O’Connor’s seisiun back early in the decade. Like many other newcomers to Irish music, she tried to play the bodhran without much success. This was long before she discovered the button box and would work hard to become one of the key players in the local seisiun scene. But her love of the music was apparent from the start.
Char’s initial role was that of a “super-fan” who went to hear Irish music all the time. Along with her late husband, Jim, Char was often present at O’Connor’s for the shows and was well know to all the bands. After listening the music and going on a trip to Ireland, she became inspired to play Irish music.
Char was one of the first of a whole generation of new players who came to Irish music without any prior musical background. She tried various instruments before she found what she wanted and then worked and worked to become good.
Unlike those who could take classes at the Irish Cultural Center, she was essentially self taught. There just aren’t the upper level Celtic box players here for her to learn from. But with her dedication, she would inspire a lot of new people that with effort, they too could become really good players.
Beyond being a role model, she really encouraged people and went so far as to organize a weekly seisiun at her home. Over the years, her role expanded as she became a key organizer (along with others) of seisiun players for projects such as playing at Herberger prior to the Lieutenant of Inishmore, playing at the Irish Faire and Irish Festival, playing for the ceili’s, the Winter Solstice, and other projects.
In many ways, the seisiun scene is more than just people getting together to play music. It is at core a community drawn together by their love of the music. But it becomes more than that. No one will come to a seisiun week after week if they don’t like the other people. People who take the community part of the process are really crucial and Char was a real leader. Respected as a player and almost universally loved, she did a lot to keep the seisiun community together.
This Friday, there will be seisiun at the Elk’s Lodge on 32nd St at 1:30 PM as part of the reception/wake in Char’s honor. Later that evening the regular First Friday seisiun will be held at the Irish Cultural Center, but the Irish Cultural Center plans to have a special First Friday seisiun of March (Mar 7th). That seisiun will be specially dedicated to Char’s memory with photos and other items displayed that evening.
For me, Char was a good personal friend. But I know I’m not alone when saying, she will be sorely missed.
3. TUCSON EMERALD BALL ON MAR 1
St. Patrick’s Celebration
The Emerald Isle Society of Tucson presents the Fourteenth Annual Emerald Ball on Saturday, March 1, at the elegant Skyline Country Club. The festivities begin at six o’clock in the evening, as bagpipers sound an Irish welcome. While enjoying libations, hors d’ouevres, and beautiful harp music, our guests can merrily peruse and bid at the exciting silent auction tables. The gala continues with an Irish -themed gourmet dinner, followed by traditional and nouvelle Irish entertainment, including the international Riverdance star Michael Patrick Gallagher. For your dancing pleasure, featured California band The Mulligans will have you waltzing and quick stepping to the lively music of Ireland.
The Emerald Isle Society is a 501©3 non-profit corporation whose mission is to educate the local community about Irish culture, tradition, and history; to celebrate Irish culture in music, song and dance; and to donate back to the community. Proceeds from this year’s Emerald Ball will benefit the Tucson Alliance for Autism and The Tucson Ulster Project for Children.
Tickets are $125.00 per person. Dress is black tie optional. Reduced pricing is available for children under 12. For more information and to secure a reservation, please call Susan Dooley at (520) 722-1018.
4. VOCAL COMPETITION AT FEIS IN DESERT
Hello,
My name is Alexis Hodel and I am an Irish Dancer and teacher with the Bracken School of Irish Dance.
Each year, our non-profit group—Damsha Irish Dance Company, hosts a colorful Feis in the Desert where we feature nearly 400 Irish Dancers from all over the United States, and neighboring countries in a fun-filled dance competition.
Admission is free to the public and the event is held at the Crowne Plaza San Marcos Golf Resort in Chandler. This year, the event takes place January 18-20 in Dowtown Chandler.
Along with the dancing, the Mary Yolanda Dowling Vocal Competition will be held on Friday, January 18, 2008. The beautiful and often referent mezzo-soprano voice of 46-year old Mary Yolanda Dowling was silenced on September 11 in the World Trade Center Disaster. A dear friend of Thomas Bracken’s, Mary Yolanda was an inspirational and generous woman who will be greatly missed and, with fondness, remembered.
There is a reception at 6:30pm, followed by the vocal competition at 7:00pm on Friday, January 18, 2008. Soloists and Small groups (5 members max) of all ages are welcome to compete.
Entry prices are as follows:
$15 for soloist
Payments can be made in cash or check.
Notes:
Entries Close January 10, 2008
Damhsa Irish Dance Company
Entries may be made on-line at www.efeis.com, click on “Feis in the Desert”
4. Questions? Please contact Sharon Anderson, (480) 940-4924 or email
duner@cox.net
We hope to see you all out there!!
Thank you,
Alexis Hodel
Name
Song title
Payment:
VOCAL CATEGORY:
GROUP INFORMATION:
Mail this form with a check (in the amount of $15 for solos and $25 for groups) to:
Damhsa Irish Dance Company
Questions? Call Sharon Anderson at (480) 940-4924 or email at duner@cox.net.
Thank you for entering the music competition!
5. NEW IRISH CRAFTERS GROUP FORMING
“ IRISH You a Merry Christmas”
There is a new group forming and we are hoping for lots of new members so if you are someone who enjoys doing arts and crafts, knitting, crocheting, sewing, baking, embroidery, or being creative in other ways be sure to stop by the Irish Cultural Center at 1106 N. Central on the third Saturday of each month between the hours of 10:00am and 12:00pm and share your clever ideas with all of us.
The main focus of this group is to plan and put on a Christmas Bake & Crafts sale to be held November 7th, 8th of 2008. We need people who like to make, bake and donate the fruits of their labor to this cause. The craft fair theme will be “Irish You a Merry Christmas” and a portion of the proceeds of this fundraiser will go to the Irish Cultural Center to purchase much needed items.
Already scheduled for sale are Home Baked Goods, Hand Made Crafts, Knitted and
Crocheted Gifts, Irish Holiday Wreaths, Advent Wreaths, Elegant “Etched in Celtic Design” Glassware, Soaps, Gift Baskets, Wood Crafted Holiday Yard Signs and Lawn Ornaments, Tree Ornaments, Linens, Cookbooks and everything else Christmas!
For more information e-mail the Irish Cultural Center at info@azirish.org or phone Ann Sutton 602-843-6731
Watch for our NEW Website coming soon!
When asked about the formation of this group one of the co-founders Carole Joyce says, “ultimately one of our goals in the Spirit of the holiday season, is to produce an Annual Irish Christmas Holiday Sale, showcasing Irish traditions, baked goods, with holiday decorations and gifts! An event like this will bring out the best of the best in the Irish community .
So, stay tuned for more information!
The Irish Crafters Group
6. DEADLINES APPROACHING FOR ARIZONA OUTSTANDING IRISH TEEN AND LITTLE MISS SHAMROCK
ARIZONA COLLEEN PAGEANT
PRESS RELEASE
Deadlines Approaching for Irish American Contests
The St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Faire Committee sponsors three events to honor Arizona girls and young women who have at least a wee bit of Irish ancestry. Each winner receives a prize package, rides in the St. Patrick’s Day Parade and debuts at the Phoenix Emerald Ball.
The upcoming 25th annual pageant will crown the next Arizona Colleen to serve as a spokesperson for the Irish Community in area events. She is awarded a free trip to Ireland and $1,000 in scholarships. Contestants must be single, without children, ages 18-26, and are judged on poise, communication skills, and talent. Two titleholders will be selected as Arizona Outstanding Irish Teen for ages 13-17 to recognize great female communicators as a tribute to Irish writers and poets. Application deadline for both Colleen and Teen programs is January 11.
Two Little Miss Shamrocks will be selected for ages 6-12. Judging is based on her ability to introduce herself on stage and meet new people; to share about her family; her overall well-roundedness in life – school, family, and extracurricular; and poise and manners; with a one to two-minute performance of a talent. Shamrock application deadline is January 22.
All three competitions are not beauty contests but rather a selection process to recognize our youth in the Arizona Irish Community. Participating builds self-confidence and introduces families to the Irish Cultural Center in downtown Phoenix. See details at www.azcolleen.org or call Ann at 602-568-3455. ###
7. MEMO FROM IRISH FOUNDATION
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
The first Irish Foundation of Arizona meeting of 2008 will be held on Wednesday, January 2, at 7:00 at the Irish Cultural Center, 1106 N. Central, Phoenix. Hopefully everyone will be recovered from celebrating the New Year.
At our December meeting a motion was made to donate $500 toward the purchase of a Marley floor covering to protect the beautiful new wood floor in the Great Hall. Since not everyone understood what Marley is and how it works, Jim Daugherty has agreed to attend this meeting and explain it to us. Then we will vote on the motion.
www.theirishfoundationofarizona.org/newsletter.html
8. ABOUT ABSOLUTELY IRISH
Mick Moloney and I wanted to let you know about Absolutely Irish, a concert of traditional Irish music to be broadcast on public television in the US. It features, Seamus Egan, Eileen Ivers, John Doyle, Joannie Madden, Liz Carroll, Athena Tergis, Mick Moloney, Karan Casey, Robbie O’Connell and Susan McKeown.
You can see a clip on Youtube.com: www.youtube.com/v/uR1l169_mVA
Thanks for your help in spreading word about the program. It woudl be great if your members contacted their local public television stations
(ASAP) to request the program.
All best,
Paul Wagner
[EDITOR’S NOTE: I put a link to this site on the front page of our site.]
9. THIS WEEK IN IRISH MUSIC
PHOENIX
Michael McClanathan will be at the Westin Kirland every evening at sunset.
WED
Paul Knight will lead a seisiun at Into The Bean on Wed.
THUR.
Liam Mackey will be at Skeptical Chymist on Thur
FRI/SAT
There will be a seisiun at the Irish Cultural Center as part of the First Friday program.
The Biffos will be at the Dubliner on Fri and Sat
The Brazen Heads will be at Fibber Magee’s on Fri and Sat
Pat McCrossan will be at O’Connor’s on Fri
O'Donoghue's will host Trevor Jones on Fri and Pat McCrossan on Sat.
Keltic Cowboys will be at Rosie McCaffrey’s on Fri and Sat
TUCSON
There will be a contradance at the First Methodist Church on Sat featuring music by the Privy Tippers.
PRESCOTT
There will be a contradance at the Prescott Activity Center on Fri.
1. PHOENIX
Dubliner Irish Pub
--- Phoenix Feis Fundraiser At O’Connor’s On Sat Jan 26
--- First Wednesday Seisiun At Into The Bean
3. Tucson Emerald Ball On Mar 1
4. Vocal Competition At Feis In Desert
5. New Irish Crafters Group Forming
6. Deadlines Approaching For Arizona Outstanding Irish Teen
And Little Miss Shamrock
7. Memo From Irish Foundation
8. About Absolutely Irish
9. This Week In Irish Music
--- CHAR MARQUARDT PASSES AWAY - SERVICES ON FRI, JAN 4
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Cross in the Desert United Methodist Church
12835 N. 32nd ST, Phoenix, AZ 85032
Friday 1/4/08, at 11AM
National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona
23029 N. Cave Creek RD, Phoenix, AZ 85024
Friday 1/4/08, 1:00 PM
Elks Lodge #335, 14424 N. 32nd ST, Phoenix, AZ 85032
Friday 1/4/08, 1:30 PM
--- PHOENIX FEIS FUNDRAISER AT O’CONNOR’S ON SAT JAN 26
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--- FIRST WEDNESDAY SEISIUN AT INTO THE BEAN
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7:00 PM to 9:00 PM
www.intothebean.com 480-890-0579
Tucson’s Fourteenth Annual Emerald Ball on March 1, 2008
$25 for group (5 members max)
Mail entry from and check to:
P.O. Box 186, Chandler, AZ 85244
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MUSIC COMPETITION ENTRY FORM
Phone number
email:
Age category:
-- Under 17
-- 17 and over
Requirements:
-- cd player
-- music stand
check
Solo
Group
Group Name:
group member 1:
group member 2:
group member 3:
group member 4:
group member 5:
PO Box 186
Chandler, AZ 85244
“IRISH You a Merry Christmas”
3614 E. Brookwood Court
Phoenix, AZ 85048
FAX 480-706-1479
ann@azcolleen.org
www.azcolleen.org
Contact: Ann Niemann FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
602-568-3455 cell December 31, 2007
pw@paulwagnerfilms.com
producer of Absolutely Irish (and Out of Ireland)
Scott Jeffers will be at the Dubliner on Wed
3841 E. Thunderbird Rd.
Phoenix
602-867-0984
| Fri | 9:00 PM | Biffos (O'Carroll's Gate) |
| Sat | 9:00 PM | Biffos (O'Carroll's Gate) |
Fibber Magees
1989 W. Elliott Rd. #19
Chandler
480-722-9434
| Fri | 9:00 PM | Brazen Heads |
| Sat | 9:00 PM | Brazen Heads |
| Sun | 3:00 PM | Fibber Magee's Sunday Afternoon Seisiun |
Into the Bean
1710 W. Southern Ave
Mesa
480-890-0579
| Wed | 7:00 PM | Irish Seisiun with Paul Knight |
Irish Cultural Center
1106 N. Central Avenue
Phoenix
602-392-7850
| Fri | 7:00 PM | First Friday Art Walk |
O'Connor's Pub
2601 W. Dunlap
Phoenix
602-997-7714
| Fri | 9:00 PM | Pat McCrossan |
O'Donoghue's Irish Pub
20469 N. Hayden Rd.
Scottsdale
480-585-6329
| Fri | 9:00 PM | Trevor Jones |
| Sat | 9:00 PM | Pat McCrossan |
Rosie McCaffrey's
906 E. Camelback
Phoenix
602-241-1916
| Fri | 9:00 PM | Keltic Cowboys |
| Sat | 9:00 PM | Keltic Cowboys |
Seamus Mc Caffrey's
18 W. Monroe
Phoenix
602-253-6081
| Sun | 7:00 PM | Seisiun with Sven Henrich |
Skeptical Chymist
15688 N. Pima Ftw
Scottsdale
480-609-8677
| Thu | 9:00 PM | Liam Mackey |
Westin Kierland Resort
6902 E Greenway
Phoenix
480-624-1030
| Wed | 5:00 PM | Michael McClanathan |
| Thu | 5:00 PM | Michael McClanathan |
| Fri | 5:00 PM | Michael McClanathan |
| Sat | 5:00 PM | Michael McClanathan |
| Sun | 5:00 PM | Michael McClanathan |
| Mon | 5:00 PM | Michael McClanathan |
| Tue | 5:00 PM | Michael McClanathan |
2. TUCSON
Auld Dubliner
800 East University
Tucson
520-206-0323
| Sun | 7:00 PM | Tucson Irish Seisiun |
First Methodist Church - Tucson
915 E. 4th Street
Tucson
520-293-3783
| Sat | 7:00 PM | Tucson Contradance |
| Sat | 7:00 PM | Privy Tippers |
3. FLAGSTAFF
Flagstaff Adult Center
245 North Thorpe
Flagstaff
928-526-0525
| Tue | 7:00 PM | NACHS Meeting |
Uptown Billiards
114 N Leroux St
Flagstaff
928-773-0551
| Sun | 7:00 PM | Flagstaff Irish Jam |
4. PRESCOTT
Prescott Activity Center
824 E. Gurley St.
Prescott
928-445-8823
| Fri | 7:00 PM | Prescott Contradance |
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Arizona Irish Music Society
Info Line: 602-770-8077
