ARIZONA IRISH MUSIC SOCIETY
AIMS NEWS AND NOTES
AIMS News and Notes 1-30-2008
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.
The Irish Cultural Center is at 1106 N. Central Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85004
602-258-0109 www.azirish.org
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. Out and About
--- Many Thanks From The Phoenix Irish Feis
--- Aims Booth At Games To Host An Irish Seisiun
--- Celtic Vocals Project Launched
2. Irish Cultural Center News
--- Feb 1 - First Friday Art Link Artists Announced
--- Feb 2 - Welsh League Meeting - Story Teller Liz Warren To Present
Pwyll And Rhiannon
--- Center Will Host Two Ceili Dances Per Month After Feb
--- Ceili Workshop On Sat Feb 9
3. Chuckawalla Rhythm Kings At Two Rivers Renaissance Festival
In Yuma This Weekend
4. Leahy Comes To Arizona
--- Sat, Feb. 9 - Chandler
--- Sun, Feb 10th - Tucson
--- Tue, Feb. 12 - Wickenburg
5. Contradance News - Some Like It Hot Festival Feb 8 To 9
6. Sat Feb 9 Arizona Colleen Pageant
7. Robert Burns Night Celebrated On Feb 9
8. Memo From The Knockabouts
9.. Raffle For Tickets For “Fire & Grace2…Strung High & Loose”
10. News From Tucson
--- Feb 29 - El Capitan Colorado (The Royal O'conor) Premier
--- Mar 1 - Tucson Emerald Ball
--- Mar 16 - Tucson St. Patrick Day Parade And Festival
11. The Royal Scots Dragoon Guards Play In Tucson On Feb 22
12. David Munnelly Band At Fox Theater In Tucson On Mar 5
13. About The Phoenix Irish Seisiun Scene
14. Looking For Bands/ Looking For Gigs
15. This Week In Irish Music
1. OUT AND ABOUT
--- MANY THANKS FROM THE PHOENIX IRISH FEIS
Last Saterday’s. fundraiser for the Phoenix Irish Feis at O’Connor’s was both an artistic and financial success. Following a performance by the seisiun players from Fibber Magee’s, there were three groups that have never performed at any show I’ve produced: Haiku Road, CJA, and Celtica and all received a very good response. Celtica in particular was well received as they sold out of all their CD’s. The show finished up with Blackwood (who played for the Celtic Dance Academy) and the Brazen Heads, both of whom are already well known on the Irish music scene. Bernie Flynn contributed on the pipes.
A special thanks goes to Shay Veno who lent the event the use of his sound system. (Quite a number of people stayed on to listen to Shay and Jane Hilton play that evening). In addition to the musicians and dancers, Jimmy O’Connor and his staff deserve thanks for all the help they offered.
On a personal note, I want to thank the musicians who offered to play. I cannot find time for everybody who might like to play, but I am glad they want to help. I really do try to get everyone involved at one or another of the events I produce. In any case, I hope everyone appreciates how much the Celtic musicians do to support the entire Celtic communities.
--- AIMS BOOTH AT GAMES TO HOST AN IRISH SEISIUN
The Highland Games have been moved to Hance Park this year, Feb 23 to 24. This is really an enormous event with activities stretching from near 3rd Ave to beyond 3rd St. The two parts of the park will be linked by a passage way under the Central Ave. bridge. AIMS will have a booth just east of the bridge.
I picked this spot because it will be a mid point that will be passed by everyone going from one end of the event to the other and it will be in the shade in the afternoon. It will be far enough from the stages and pipers that people will be able to hear the music.
In addition to the music, there will be a special guest from the international traditional Irish music and culture organization, Comhaltas. http://comhaltas.ie. The plan is to start a Comhaltas chapter in Arizona and we will provide information about getting involved.
--- CELTIC VOCALS PROJECT LAUNCHED
I have been trying to get more instrumentalists to learn to play songs (music with lyrics) for quite a while, but have been thwarted by the absence of sheet music for most songs. What is worse, the sheet music available is generally not in my key. (I’m a baritone and simply cannot sing in some keys).
My solution is to start the Celtic Vocals Project which will include sheet music with both the melody line and guitar chords, a midi file of the music, and a link to the lyrics from the AIMS lyrics section. Currently there are only two songs, but I will be adding more in future months.
A key to this project is that I will have these songs in a program called Finale. This means that upon request, I can transpose the songs to any keys desired.
The setup is currently accessible from the Song Lyrics page ro directly at www.azirishmusic.com/vocals_project.htm
2. IRISH CULTURAL CENTER NEWS
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--- FEB 1 - FIRST FRIDAY ART LINK ARTISTS ANNOUNCED
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February First Friday is Friday February 1! Jerry Bauer bought his first camera in 1979. It was a used Pentax ME that he kept until 1990 when I made the switch to the Canon EOS 630. "I found my eyesight getting poor and I felt I needed their new auto-focus system. I should have kept the Pentax as a back-up because it was so compact & tough you could take it anywhere." Bauer is a completely self-taught in photographer except for the change-over to digital he made two years ago. Bauer decided he wanted a "digital darkroom" for the computer so with a Photoshop course at Glendale Community College, he I placed second in "Digital Photography" during the Student Art Show in 2005 with "Wrigley & McKinley". In November of 2005, Bauer was diagnosed with Esophageal Cancer but completed the Photoshop course and scored an "A". In February 2006, Bauer had an Esophagectomy. "This illness spurred me to actively pursue a second career as a freelance photographer so I can share my vision of this beautiful world with others."
Chef Steven Howard of Your Personal Chef will be doing an homage to our Scottish Clansman this February with his version of "*censored*-a-Leekie." The Chef's twist on this Scottish tradition is a Chicken Broth slowed cooked with Leeks, Rutabagas, Carrots, Celery, Onions and Prunes garnished with Fresh Parsley and Thyme then poured over mashed poatoes and topped with a Roast Chicken Leg & Thigh Quarter. Salad and Potato Rolls will accompany this month's $10.00 First Friday Dinner guaranteed to warm the *censored*les of your heart! We'll get Started around 6:00pm. For any Family Cooking or Catering needs contact Chef Steven and Your Personal Chef at (480) 421-CHEF or visit their website at www.ypchef.com.
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--- FEB 2 - WELSH LEAGUE MEETING - STORY TELLER LIZ WARREN TO PRESENT PWYLL AND RHIANNON
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Welsh League of Arizona presents Storyteller Liz Warren Presents "Pwyll and Rhiannon, The First Branch of the Mabinogion" -- Welsh Legend -- told in English. Saturday, February 2 at noon at the Irish Cultural Center. Plan for an exceptional meeting in February. We are very lucky to have Liz Warren from the South Mountain Community College Storytelling Institute. She does a wonderful performance and is well informed about myths of many societies. Several of us have heard her at the College
and found her stories fascinating. For this special meeting we are asking for a donation from those who attend, $10 if possible.
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--- CENTER WILL HOST TWO CEILI DANCES PER MONTH AFTER FEB
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The Center Monthly Ceili's on the second and third Fridays of the month. Enjoy Irish social dancing in a relaxed atmosphere with live music and dance lessons. Ceili dates for 2008 are: February 15, March 14 & 21, April 11 & 18, May 9 & 16, June 13 & 20, July 11 & 18, August 8 & 15, September 12 & 19, October 10 & 17, November 14 & 21, December 12 & 19. Admission is $6.00 with children under 12 Free (2 with each paid admission) Ceilis start at 7:00 pm.
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--- CEILI WORKSHOP ON SAT FEB 9
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Ceili dance workshops at the Center are on the second Saturday of the month from 1:30-3:30 PM. These are two hour dance intensive for beginning and advanced dancers. Beginners will focus on basic footwork and simpler Ceili dances (Fairy Reel, Siege of Ennis, etc). Advanced dancers will learn more difficult figure dances (Cross Reel, Trip To The Cottage, etc). If you are an experienced Ceili go-er or if you have never danced before, this is the class for you! Make new friends and learn how to dazzle the spectators at the next ICC Ceili. Admission is $16.00 for adults and kids under 12 $2.00. Ceili workshops for 2008 are: February 9, March 8, April 12, May 10, June 14, July 12, August 9, September 13, October 11, November 15 and December 13 . For further information, please call (602) 258-0109.
3. CHUCKAWALLA RHYTHM KINGS AT TWO RIVERS RENAISSANCE FESTIVAL IN YUMA THIS WEEKEND
Chuckawalla Rhythm Kings - www.chuckawallark.com/
FEBRUARY 1,2,3
Two Rivers Renaissance Faire
West Wetlands Park
Yuma
www.tworiversfaire.com
Dates and Times:
Friday, Feb. 1st: 10 am - 6 pm
Saturday, Feb. 2nd: 10 am - 6 pm
Sunday Feb. 3rd: 10 am - 5 pm
4. LEAHY COMES TO ARIZONA
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--- SAT, FEB. 9 - CHANDLER
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8:00 PM
Chandler Center for the Arts
250 N. Arizona Ave.
Chandler AZ 85225
Phone: 480-782-2680
www.chandlercenter.org
$30, $34 & $38
(Call ahead to ask for $4 discount for Leahy fans)
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--- SUN, FEB 10TH - TUCSON
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2 :00 PM
UA Centennial Hall
888 N. Euclid, Rm. 203 • Tucson, AZ, 85721-0158
Phone: 520-621-3341
www.uapresents.org
$15, $25, $38
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--- TUE, FEB. 12 - WICKENBURG
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7 :00 PM
Del Web Center
1090 S. Vulture Mine Rd
Wickenburg AZ 85225
Phone: 928-684-6624
www.delwebbcenter.org
$28
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Nine Siblings in Leahy Bring Family Band to Tucson
Imagine “Riverdance” on Overdrive
TUCSON – With their first note, when the faint puff of rosin alights from the fiddle, it could just as easily be smoke preceding the fire yet to come. Such is the reputation of Leahy, the group of 9 siblings from Canada who gained international stardom when they toured 175 dates with Shania Twain in 1998. Imagine “Riverdance” but with dancers who also play musical instruments - expertly. Add the sound of Leahy’s step-dancing and you have a powerful percussive instrument. Leahy has taken North America like a bracing nor’easter. The band, featuring three violins, two keyboards, bass, guitar, banjo, mandolin and drums, reportedly “tore up the stage at Merlefest,” America’s largest folk music festival in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina.
Their first CD, Leahy, released in 1996 went double-platinum in Canada and earned two Juno awards for Best New Group and Best Instrumental Group (the Canadian equivalent of a Grammy®) That album reached No.4 on the Billboard World Music Chart. Their second CD, Lakefield, named for their hometown in Ontario, was released in 1998 and took home another Juno for Best Country Group. In the US, the Twain tour and a PBS special, “Leahy in Concert,” put them on a fast track.
Their set may include a Scottish medley, an Irish jig, a ragtime piece, a bluegrass hoedown or a Hungarian-influenced Gypsy lament. Influenced by Irish, Scottish, classical, jazz, folk and more, Leahy expands the boundaries of traditional Celtic music.
It will take two buses to ferry the four brothers, five sisters, assorted young children, a nanny and sound engineer to their Arizona debut at Centennial Hall on Feb. 10th.
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Their family comes by their Celtic influences with pedigree. Their mother, who taught them how to dance, is Scottish and grew up on Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia, where she was a champion step dancer. Their father, who taught them how to fiddle, is Irish.
They grew up in the small Ontario town of Lakefield, just east of Toronto where the Leahy family has farmed since 1825. The siblings worked the fields by day and performed with their parents at night and at parties. Soon the group was in demand and performed as The Leahy Family. The family act disbanded in 1990 as each one pursued school, travel and marriage. In 1995 nine of the eleven siblings reunited to form Leahy.
Of their athletic performance, Maria Leahy says, “The work ethic on the farm is very similar and it’s probably where we get our endurance, from the work we did as children. It takes us a long time to tire out.” Maria Leahy, 36, is the middle child of the 11 siblings.
Donnell, the oldest of the men, is married to Canadian fiddle queen Natalie McMaster. His fierce and aerobic fiddling on “Orange Blossom Special” and “Cape Breton Medley” shows he can keep pace with the best Celtic and Bluegrass fiddlers in world, all with the breathless energy of the Kentucky Derby. “Donnell combines the onstage energy of Bruce Springsteen with the virtuosity of Itzhak Perlman,” reports The Record from Wilkesboro, North Carolina.
Onstage, Donnell baits the audience, “We like to imagine what we would do if we got to a gig and had lost our bows.” He and his fiddle-playing brothers then toss their bows and proceed to pick the violin like Doc Watson.
5. CONTRADANCE NEWS - SOME LIKE IT HOT FESTIVAL FEB 8 TO 9
Some Like It Hot! Mini-Festival
Concert: Friday, February 8th
8:00 pm
Irish Cultural Center
1106 N. Central Avenue
Phoenix, AZ 85004
PFOTM Members: $12, Children $5, family max $34
General Admission: $15, Children $5, family max $40
Note: Click this link for more Sandia Hots info: www.sandiahotsband.com
Traveling Waltz Workshop: Saturday, February 9th
3:30 – 5:30 pm
Kenilworth School
1210 N. 5th Avenue
Phoenix, AZ 85003
PFOTM Members: $7 & General Admission: $9
Note: Peg Hesley teaching: members.cox.net/peglova/pegschedule.htm
Sandia Hots playing the waltz music!
2nd Saturday Contra Dance: Saturday, February 9th
7:30 – 10:30 pm
Kenilworth School
1210 N. 5th Avenue
Phoenix, AZ 85003
PFOTM Members & Students: $7
General Admission: $9
Dancers under 18 years: $3
Note: Peg Hesley calling! members.cox.net/peglova/pegschedule.htm
Sandia Hots playing dance music!
~ For more information and directions to the venues go to this link: http://www.pfotm.org or call 602.564.6620 ~
6. SAT FEB 9 ARIZONA COLLEEN PAGEANT
St. Paul's Catholic Church
O'Carroll's Hall
330 W. Coral Gables, Phoenix
Tickets:
$35 Full-course Dinner AND Pageant
Table of 8 for $250
[Purchase by February 2]
$15 Pageant ONLY theatre-seating
[Sold in advance and at the door]
You may purchase on-line at www.azcolleen.org
Pageant Evening includes:
Blackwood, live Irish band
Presentation of Former Colleens, escorted by Firefighters Emerald Society
Debut of Shamrock and Teen winners
Several celebrity judges and guests
Guest royalty from Arizona Renaissance Festival
Raffle and Silent Auction
Multi-media Talent by Colleen contestants
Preview Ireland's Rose of Tralee Festival
Celebration Dance
And More!
You don't have to be Irish to be a part of this event!
25th Annual
Arizona Colleen Pageant
Saturday, February 9, 2008
The Colleen Pageant is a heritage pageant that started in 1983. It is open to single women of Irish ancestry ages 18 through 26 years old. Every year in February the Arizona Colleen is chosen, and she and her court reign over the St. Patrick's Day Parade and Faire which follows. Along with the crown and the title "Arizona Colleen," the winner is also awarded $1,000 in scholarships, jewelry, and a free trip to Ireland.
Hosted by the St. Patrick's Day Parade and Faire Committee
info@azcolleen.org
7. ROBERT BURNS NIGHT CELEBRATED ON FEB 9
The Caledonian Society of Arizona presents Robert Burns Dinner. Saturday, February 9th, 2008 at 6:00 pm. Fiesta Inn 2100 S. Priest Dr. Tempe, AZ 85282. Tickets are $45.00 per person or $80.00 per couple. Entertainment by Wallace Galbraith of the Ayrshire Fiddle Orchestra, Mesa Caledonian Pipe Band. Please make your reservations by February 2, 2008. Call Elizabeth Grant at 480 892 4749 for more information.
8. MEMO FROM THE KNOCKABOUTS
HI George,
Just a reminder that the Knockabouts will be at Charly's Pub in the historic Weatherford Hotel in downtown Flagstaff on Feb 1st.
Thanks
John McGregor
j14abut@hotmail.com
9. RAFFLE FOR TICKETS FOR “FIRE & GRACE2…STRUNG HIGH & LOOSE”
Enter To Win
Rebate Drawing Exclusive!
Fire & Grace2
…Strung High & Loose
World Premiere Performance ~ Tempe Center For The Arts!
(Event Dates: April 4-6, 2008. For Event Details Go To: www.Tempe.Gov/Tca/ Or Call 480.350.2822)
Award-Winning, Multimedia Producer, Choreographer, And International Scottish Highland Dance Champion Laura Carruthers Brings Alasdair Fraser (Violin), Natalie Haas (Cello), Mike Hoffmann (Guitar) And Other Brilliant Artists Together For Three Virtuosic And Electrifying Performances!
Enter To Win
Rebate Drawing Exclusive!
Robert Burns Dinner Attendees
February 9, 2008
Enter A Chance To Win
2 Tickets To Fire & Grace2
Eligibility: Purchase Tickets By Mail Prior To, Or The Night Of The Dinner On February 9!
(Ticket Cost Is Only $42, Which Includes A Donation To The Caledonian Society Of Arizona)
Winner Will Be Announced At The Conclusion Of Dinner
Winner will be entitled to two ticket purchases, valued at $80
Don't miss it!
10. NEWS FROM TUCSON
Dhia duit!
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--- FEB 29 - EL CAPITAN COLORADO (THE ROYAL O'CONOR) PREMIER
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El Capitan Colorado (The Royal O'Conor)-World Premiere Play about Tucson Founder Hugh O'Conor, at the Berger Center Theater, on Feb. 29, presented by Tucson-Roscommon Sister Cities.
Music being provided by the Hugh O'Conor Memorial Pipe Band, Sharon Goldwasser, Dave Firestine, Jamie O'Brien and Diamond Jim Hewitt.
For further information or ticket purchase, please contact Winnie Ryan Nanna on 520-747-005 or Meg! (me)
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--- MAR 1 - TUCSON EMERALD BALL
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The Emerald Ball- at the Skyline Country Club on March 1, presented by the Emerald Isle Society.
($125 per person, plus+++ Raffle Tickets for Round Trip Travel to Ireland for Two (2). Raffle tickets are $20 each or 3 for $50 and they will be available for purchase all evening at the Ball. The drawing will be held after the evenings showcase entertainment. You need not be present to enter. For more information, call 722-1018. For your convenience EIS accepts check, Visa and Mastercard. Sorry, no American Express.
wwwemeraldislesociety.org
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--- MAR 16 - TUCSON ST. PATRICK DAY PARADE AND FESTIVAL
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The Saint Patrick's Day Parade and Festival-at Armory Park on March 16
For further information, contact Andy Brown at 520/419-1057 and for Sponsorship info, Joan Beckim 520/904-3397.
If you have never been to this event, shame on you! It's a family fun fest, set in a park that feels like a Glen in Co. Cork. Music, Food, Kid's Korner, Celtic Goodies to buy and a few men in kilts, which is one of the ways the good Lord shows us we are loved!
The Annual Mayor's Lunch-at the Manning House on March 17. Mayor Walkup and the Mayor John Kelly of Roscommon, Ireland meet for lunch and you all are invited! Entertainment, Silent Auction and more combine for a lovely break from your busy day.
For further information, contact Laurie Howard at lori@keepyourplace.com or
Lynn Perez Hewitt perezhewitt@hceonline.com
Whew! I am sure to have forgotten some other doings, but if we all forward this announcement, (edit at will), everyone can succeed and our events will flourish. With all of that in mind, listen to the song that Dr. Karl, who is an old friend, sent to me. His background is Armenian, I think, but being from the Boston area, we Irish have rubbed off on him....
Also, thanks for all who made it to the Dubby last might. Irish Hugh was superb and all of the college kids were on their best behavior. Most even stood when he sang, A Nation Once Again! Round the House will be there next Thursday, the 31st, so come on down and get a leg up, (Amputee Humor!), on the weekend! Have a Great Week!
Slainte!
M!
11. THE ROYAL SCOTS DRAGOON GUARDS PLAY IN TUCSON ON FEB 22
The Royal Scots Dragoon Guards and The Band of the Coldstream Guards The Music of Scotland, England, Ireland and Wales Featuring Pipes, Drums and Dancers
Few Performers Have Their History and Pageantry
Her Royal Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, will send her 50-member Band of Coldstream Guards and 15- member pipes, drums, and Highland dancers of The Royal Scots Dragoon Guards to Tucson on February 22nd. The spectacular program features the music of Scotland, England, Ireland and Wales, with military marches and traditional music, as well as a tribute to the American and Canadian Armed Forces.
The Royal Scots Dragoon Guards is an ancient regiment whose lineage began in 1678. The Royal Scots Dragoon Guards is Scotland's senior regiment and her only regular cavalry. Today the regiment is the oldest surviving Cavalry of the Line in The British Army. They have performed around the world and released many successful albums, while also undertaking military assignments in service to the Queen.
The Coldstream Guards is the oldest regiment in the British Army in continuous active service, originating in Coldstream on the Scottish border in 1650.
On Feb. 22 Arizonans can enjoy the pomp and pageantry of two of the most famous and popular of British regiments.
The Royal Scots Dragoon Guards and The Band of the Coldstream Guards Friday, Feb. 22, 2008 @ 8:00pm Centennial Hall, 1020 E. University Blvd on the campus of the UA Full price: $50, $40, $30, $20 with Senior, Group and Military discounts available Student, UA faculty & staff tickets starting at $10 Tickets by phone: (520) 621-3341; TTY: (520) 626-3980 At UApresents Box Office Monday-Friday, 10 am to 6 pm and Saturday, 12 pm to 5 pm On the web: www.uapresents.org
12. DAVID MUNNELLY BAND AT FOX THEATER IN TUCSON ON MAR 5
Get Your Irish Up at the Fox Theater:
Start out the Patrick's Day season with a gala event at Tucson's FOX Theater on Wednesday March 5th. This jam packed evening of high spirited music will lead off with music by Tucson's award winning band, Round the House, followed by the sensational David Munnelly Band, and includes performances by former Riverdance lead Darren Maguire and championship dancers from the Maguire Academy.
Round the House will be sharing the stage with an absolutely fabulous band from Ireland, the David Munnelly Band. Featured on PBS, NPR, & BBC World Television - they showcase a driving Mayo-style of playing with a bit of the jazz-influenced Roaring 20's Irish American style thrown in (they even travel with a tap dancer). Button accordion wizard & leader of the overall mayhem David Munnelly performed with The Chieftains for 4 years. His multi-award winning band creates a tight, spirited sound. Not only that, but singer, Shauna Mullin is truly one of the most gifted traditional singers we have heard. We are lucky to get them in Tucson, which is why this concert is on a Wednesday - they are off to LA for the weekend. Check out their Website at http://www.davidmunnelly.com
Where: Fox Theater, 17 West Congress
When: Wednesday, March 5th, 7:30 pm, cocktails available at the bar at 7 pm
Tickets: $18 front 15 rows, $15 back rows, $36 for two seats in balcony love seats All the seats are great and the theater is just beautiful.
Tickets: FOX ticket booth (you can drive up and park at their pull out) Phone the FOX at 520-547-3040 x 2, or visit their Web site
www.foxtucsontheatre.org
13. ABOUT THE PHOENIX IRISH SEISIUN SCENE
[EDITOR’S NOTE: This is taken from recently revived “George’s Blog”].
Irish seisiuns are a key part of the Irish music scene. This is where musicians learn new tunes, get tips on how to play the music, get used to playing well with others, and socialize. In recent years the more advanced seisiun players have begun performing at events such as the Winter Solstice Celebration at the Irish Cultural Center, play for the Irish ceilis, played at the Irish Faire and the Arizona Irish Festival, performed for the audiences at the Herberger Theater, to name just a few of the events.
Not all seisiuns are the same. Each seisiun is designed for different purposes depending on the experience of the players and what they want to do. New players should visit and listen to get a feel for what the ssisiuns are like to find the best fit.
In the Phoenix area, the largest seisiun is held each Sunday afternoon at Fibber Magees, 1989 W. Elliott Rd. #19 Chandler 85224. This is actually two seisiuns: 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm is a “slow seisiun” which is followed by a “fast seisiun” from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm.
From 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm on Sundays there is a very high level seisiun at Seamus McCaffrey’s (18 W. Monroe Phoenix 85004) led by Sven Henrich of the band Blackwood.
On the First Friday of each month, there is an Irish seisiun at the Irish Cultural Center, 1106 N. Central in Phoenix that runs from 7:00 pm to 9:30 pm. This is an “open seisiun” with players of a variety of different levels of experience. Since his is a seisiun that I lead, it has more vocals than some of the other seisiuns.
The newest public seieiun is held on the first Wednesday of each month at the Into the Bean Coffee House, (1710 W. Southern Ave Mesa 85004) from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm. Led by Paul Knight of the band Four for Naught, this seisiun features more vocals than the other seisiuns. The plan is to develop this into an heir to old Bandersnatch seisiun of years past.
In addition to the public seisiuns, there are several private seisiuns. Private seisiuns are invitation only, but play a big role in giving players experience. These kitchen seisiuns are focused on learning tunes and giving newer players a chance to play without slowing down more experienced players. Currently there are kitchen seisiuns every Tuesday and Wednesday. The best place to ask about these seisiuns are at Fibber Magees on Sundasy.
Pat McCrossan has a seisiun class at the Irish Cultural Center which is part of the Academy (602-258-0109). While similar in purpose to the kitchen seisiuns, this is a more structured process with a real emphasis on practicing between classes.
In addition to these regularly scheduled seisiuns, there are periodic musician parties held at player’s homes on Fridays or Saturdays. In most cases these parties are potlucks and always include something to eat. Unlike the smallish kitchen seisiuns, these events attract a lot of players and usually go well into the night. Generally information about these parties is distributed at the Fibber seisiun.
A list of public seisiuns in Arizona can be found at www.azirishmusic.com/ven0.htm.The Phoenix seisiun scene is developing a new website, www.irishseisiun.org while Tucson has www.tucsonirishsession.org. More on Tucson and Flagstaff in a future posting.
14. LOOKING FOR BANDS/ LOOKING FOR GIGS
I have not received any requests for bands this week, but I will be checking with some locations.
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--- LOOKING FOR GIGS
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RICK NESTLER
Hey George,
I'll Be Out In Phoenix From March 12 Thru March 31. I'd Love To Fit In A Couple Of Irish Gigs In If I Could. Here Is My Info:
Rick Nestler
1128 Old Liberty Rd.
Monticello, Ny 12701
Phone: 845-434-0340
Email: Ricknestler @ Hvc.Rr.Com
Thanks For All You Do. Anything I Can Do For You?
Later,
Rick
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LYNN WIN ROBERTS
George, Yes, Please do list me on your Looking for band, looking for gigs. I would appreciate it very much. Call it the Lynn Win Roberts Band. I do the Irish act " A Wee Bit of Ireland" either with tracks as a single or with the band, 4 pieces.
I am still open as a band or a single Irish show on March 14,15. or as American music too.
I have 3 booking on the 17th and evening of the 18th.
Thanks again George.
Lynn
Lynn Win Roberts
www.lynnrobertsenterprises.com
602-553-0704.
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TOMMY GRILLS
hi george,
The Rakes are looking for St Pattys day gigs so let me know,
tommy grills
602 487 6050
email me at therakes@cox.net
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PADDY’S PEG LEG
Hey George,
I just wanted to let you and everyone know that "Paddy's Peg Leg" is available for gigs and private parties this St. Patrick's Day. We had a blast last year and are eager to do it again this year!
We are a duo (and now sometimes a trio) that plays the whole gamut of drinking songs and ballads. Dan Agle is on mandolin, guitar and vocals and Chris Floyd on guitar and vocals. When our buddy Dominic joins us on guitar, vocals & banjo, we have an even better, stronger sound.
I can be contacted by phone or e-mail:
Thanks,
Chris
cdfloyd@aol.com
602-321-1924
p.s. We are available for regular gigs in the meantime too!
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BERNIE FLYNN - PIPERS
Hi George:
Let me know if anyone is looking for pipers or a pipe band of any size.
Thanks
BF
piperirish@cox.net
15. THIS WEEK IN IRISH MUSIC
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PHOENIX
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Michael McClanathan will be at the Westin Kirland every evening at sunset.
WED
Paul Knight will be at into The Bean on Wed.
Scott Jeffers will be at the Dubliner on Wed
Greg LaCosse will be at the Encanto Park Clubhouse on Wed.
Karl Jones will be at R.T. O’Sullivans on Wed.
THUR.
Shay Veno will be at Fibber Magee’s on Thur
FRI/SAT
There will be a seisiun at the Irish Cultural Center on Fri.
Haiku Road will be at Paisley Violin on Fri
The Biffos will be at the Dubliner on Fri and Sat
Fibber Magee’s will host Jay and Ash on Fri and Sat
O’Connor’s will host Rocket 88 on Fri and Sat.
O’Donoghue’s will host Los Guys on Fri and Tramps & Thieves on Sat
Rosie McCaffrey’s will host Krystal Baker on Fri and the Scones on Sat.
Rula Bula will host Shawn Johnson on Fri and Sat
Blackwood will be at Seamus McCaffrey’s on Fri.
Storyteller Liz Warren will talk to the Welsh League at the Irish Cultural Center on Sat at noon.
Meadowlark will be at the Cave Creek Coffee House on Sat evening.
MON
Rick Cyge will be at the Cave Creek Coffee House on Mon
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TUCSON
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Round the House will be at the Auld Dubliner on Thursday
There will be a contradance at the First Methodist Church on Sat
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FLAGSTAFF
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The Knockabouts will be at Charly’s on Fri.
There will be a contradance at the Ashurst Hall on Sat
There will be a Robert Burns Dinner on Sat at the Kilted Cat.
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PRESCOTT
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There will be a contradance at the Prescott Activity Center on Fri.
Celtic Crossing will host Vyktoria Pratt Keating on Sat.
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SIERRA VISTA
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Tony Norris will be at the Buena Performing Arts Center on Fri.
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YUMA
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The Chuckawalla Rhythm Kings will perform at the Two Rivers Renaissance Faire on Fri, Sat, and Sun
1. PHOENIX
Cave Creek Coffee Company
6033 E. Cave Creek
Cave Creek
480-488-0603
|
2/2/2008 | Sat | 7:00 PM
| Meadowlark
|
|
2/4/2008 | Mon | 6:00 PM
| Rick Cyge
|
Dubliner Irish Pub
3841 E. Thunderbird Rd.
Phoenix
602-867-0984
|
1/30/2008 | Wed | 9:00 PM
| Scott Jeffers
|
|
2/1/2008 | Fri | 9:00 PM
| Biffos (O'Carroll's Gate)
|
|
2/2/2008 | Sat | 9:00 PM
| Biffos (O'Carroll's Gate)
|
Encanto Park Club House
2605 N.15th Ave
Phoenix
602-262-3562
|
1/31/2008 | Thu | 8:00 PM
| Greg La Cosse
|
Fibber Magees
1989 W. Elliott Rd. #19
Chandler
480-722-9434
|
1/31/2008 | Thu | 9:00 PM
| Shay Veno
|
|
2/1/2008 | Fri | 9:00 PM
| Jay and Ash
|
|
2/2/2008 | Sat | 9:00 PM
| Jay and Ash
|
|
2/3/2008 | Sun | 3:00 PM
| Fibber Magee's Sunday Afternoon Seisiun
|
Into the Bean
1710 W. Southern Ave
Mesa
480-890-0579
|
1/30/2008 | Wed | 7:30 PM
| Paul Knight
|
Irish Cultural Center
1106 N. Central Avenue
Phoenix
602-392-7850
|
2/1/2008 | Fri | 7:00 PM
| First Friday Art Walk
|
|
2/2/2008 | Sat | 12:00
| Welsh League Meeting
|
|
2/2/2008 | Sat | 12:00
| Pwyll and Rhiannon - by Liz Warren
|
O'Connor's Pub
2601 W. Dunlap
Phoenix
602-997-7714
|
2/1/2008 | Fri | 9:00 PM
| Rocket 88
|
|
2/2/2008 | Sat | 9:00 PM
| Rocket 88
|
O'Donoghue's Irish Pub
20469 N. Hayden Rd.
Scottsdale
480-585-6329
|
2/1/2008 | Fri | 9:00 PM
| Los Guys
|
|
2/2/2008 | Sat | 9:00 PM
| Tramps and Thieves
|
Paisley Violin
1030 NW Grand Ave
Phoenix
602-254-7843
|
2/1/2008 | Fri | 7:00 PM
| Haiku Road
|
R.T. O'Sullivans (Glendale)
5830 W. Bell Rd.
Glendale
602-938-5300
|
1/30/2008 | Wed | 8:00 PM
| Karl Jones - Irish Rover
|
Rosie McCaffrey's
906 E. Camelback
Phoenix
602-241-1916
|
2/1/2008 | Fri | 9:00 PM
| Scones
|
|
2/1/2008 | Fri | 9:00 PM
| Krystal Baker
|
Rula Bula
401 S. Mill Ave
Tempe
480-929-9500
|
2/1/2008 | Fri | 9:00 PM
| Shawn Johnson
|
|
2/2/2008 | Sat | 9:00 PM
| Shawn Johnson
|
Seamus Mc Caffrey's
18 W. Monroe
Phoenix
602-253-6081
|
2/1/2008 | Fri | 9:00 PM
| Blackwood
|
|
2/3/2008 | Sun | 7:00 PM
| Seisiun with Sven Henrich
|
Skeptical Chymist
15688 N. Pima Ftw
Scottsdale
480-609-8677
|
2/1/2008 | Fri | 9:00 PM
| Brazen Heads
|
|
2/2/2008 | Sat | 9:00 PM
| Keltic Cowboys
|
Westin Kierland Resort
6902 E Greenway
Phoenix
480-624-1030
|
1/30/2008 | Wed | 5:00 PM
| Michael McClanathan
|
|
1/31/2008 | Thu | 5:00 PM
| Michael McClanathan
|
2. TUCSON
Auld Dubliner
800 East University
Tucson
520-206-0323
|
1/31/2008 | Thu | 9:00 PM
| Round the House
|
|
2/3/2008 | Sun | 7:00 PM
| Tucson Irish Seisiun
|
First Methodist Church - Tucson
915 E. 4th Street
Tucson
520-293-3783
|
2/2/2008 | Sat | 7:30 PM
| Tucson Contradance
|
3. FLAGSTAFF
Ashurst Hall - NAU
Creative & Comm Arts
Flagstaff
928-523-1889
|
2/2/2008 | Sat | 7:30 PM
| Flagstaff Contradance
|
Charly's Pub and Grill
23 N Leroux St
Flagstaff
928-779-1919
|
2/1/2008 | Fri | 9:00 PM
| Knockabouts
|
Kilted Cat
2600 W. Kiltie Ln
Flagstaff
928-556-3161
|
2/2/2008 | Sat | 5:00 PM
| Flagstaff Robert Burns Dinner
|
Uptown Billiards
114 N Leroux St
Flagstaff
928-773-0551
|
2/3/2008 | Sun | 7:00 PM
| Flagstaff Irish Jam
|
4. PRESCOTT
Celtic Crossings
3250 Gateway Blvd -
Prescott
928-443-8454
|
2/2/2008 | Sat | 7:00 PM
| Vyktoria Pratt Keating
|
Prescott Activity Center
824 E. Gurley St.
Prescott
928-445-8823
|
2/1/2008 | Fri | 7:00 PM
| Prescott Contradance
|
|
2/1/2008 | Fri | 7:00 PM
| Rakish Paddy
|
|
2/4/2008 | Mon | 7:30 PM
| Prescott Contradance
|
5. REST OF AZ
Buena Performing Arts Center
5225 Buena School
Sierra Vista
520-515-2820
|
2/1/2008 | Fri | 9:00 PM
| Tony Norris
|
West Wetlands Park
Second Ave. - Just
Yuma
|
2/1/2008 | Fri | 10:00
| Chuckawalla Rhythm Kings
|
|
2/1/2008 | Fri | 10:00
| Two Rivers Renaissance Faire
|
|
2/2/2008 | Sat | 10:00
| Two Rivers Renaissance Faire
|
|
2/2/2008 | Sat | 10:00
| Chuckawalla Rhythm Kings
|
|
2/3/2008 | Sun | 10:00
| Chuckawalla Rhythm Kings
|
|
2/3/2008 | Sun | 10:00
| Two Rivers Renaissance Faire
|
This site © 2005
Arizona Irish Music Society
Info Line: 602-770-8077
