ARIZONA IRISH MUSIC SOCIETY
AIMS NEWS AND NOTES
AIMS News and Notes 4-15-2009
Arizona Irish Music Society
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. Out And About
--- Ceili Band Forming
2. Knockabouts Featured At Durango Co Bluegrass Meltdown This Weekend
1. OUT AND ABOUT
--- CEILI BAND FORMING
Members of Four Peaks Irish Arts have expressed an interest in the possibility of forming a ceili band. Concertina player Flo Fahy will be heading up this project and lending her authentic experience and expertise. Having been a member of the Inis Og ceili band and various other traditional music groups while in Ireland, as well as being the daughter of a great Clare concertina player who often played with the great Kilfenora Ceili Band musicians (as well as many others in the 50’s and 60’s), Flo is certainly an asset to our local music community. Flo will be supported by a small committee to include our music director, Anita Arden.
The goal will be to establish a traditional Irish Ceili Band here in the valley, under Flo’s guidance and FPIA’s support and sponsorship that can play locally and (eventually) enter in competition. By now you may be asking yourself, “What does it mean to be an authentic Irish ceili band?” First of all, it is not at all like just showing up and playing at a session. There are certain traditional instruments that are needed to produce that trademark ceili band sound. A typical band would consist of eight melody players, primarily featuring the following instruments: flutes, fiddles, banjo, concertina and/or melodeon. Add the drums and piano as percussion and you have a typical ten piece ceili band. Some competitions accept bands containing a tin whistle, Uilleann pipe, cello, viola, double bass, harmonica, piano accordion, saxophone, oboe or clarinet. However, the goal is to obtain a very balanced and unified sound; ten players playing as one with an even, blended tone. For this reason instruments dissimilar in pitch (tin whistles, etc.) from the original four instruments listed above are often excluded by choice. Electronic instruments, singers, guitars, bodhráns, war pipes and harps are never accepted into competition. Competitions are judged based on musical uniformity, choice of instrumentation, tune selection, use of harmony and/or chords and band appearance.
Playing in a ceili band is a lot of fun and a lot of hard work. To establish a working band it will mean a minimum of two to three hours of band practice every week for ten months to a year. Anyone is welcome to participate provided that they meet the above ceili band requirements and can commit to the rigorous practice schedule. While Four Peaks Irish Arts will be lending our support and resources to Flo for this project, being a member of
Four Peaks Irish Arts is not a requirement to participate (though we hope you’ll consider it!). Additionally, every member needs to play the exact same version of each tune to achieve uniformity in sound. This means learning a lot of new tunes, putting together new sets of tunes and re-learning tunes that you may already know. A typical practice session (two to three hours) may consist of playing one set of tunes over and over as a group until the band sounds as one.
While we want everyone to be able to participate, playing in a ceili band is not for everyone and you should carefully consider the above before making a commitment. If you do participate you can expect to hone your music skills, learn many tunes and have great craic. If there is a good response to this project and we end up with more than ten players then all players will be able to practice and participate but may be required rotate on and off during ceilis or competitions based on skill level, optimal band arrangement, or randomization. If you have any questions or would like to express your interest in being a part of this project, please contact Flo Fahy at: flo_fahy@hotmail.com.
If you decide that you would like to be a part of the ceili band, please provide Flo with the following information: your name, instrument, e-mail address and phone number.
www.fourpeaksirisharts.org
2. KNOCKABOUTS FEATURED AT DURANGO CO BLUEGRASS MELTDOWN THIS WEEKEND
HI George,
The Knockabouts are the featured Celtic band in the 2009 Durango Bluegrass Meltdown April 17 - 19 in Durango, Colorado. We will be performing in the Durango Center for the Arts on April 18th at 3PM and 8PM and then off to the Irish Embassy Pub to lead a sessiun. We are really excited about being selected to perform and will do our best to represent Arizona in Colorado. For more info please visit www.durangomeltdown.com
Thanks,
The Knockabouts
3. GAELIC STORM AT CHANDLER CENTER ON SAT APR 18
Gaelic Storm
http://chandlercenter.org/performances/0409.html#anchor_gaelic_storm
“The steerage musicians from the movie "Titanic" exhibit high energy, brash wit and know how to sing well about drinking. Though the players come from all over the English-speaking world, the sound is unmistakably, exuberantly Irish.” - L.A. Daily News
Just Released:
The new album also posted at #5 on the Internet Chart (behind Coldplay and Beck BUT AHEAD of John Mayer and Billy Joel!), as well as #25 on the Independent Album Chart. As many of you already know, Gaelic Storm release their records through their own independent label, Lost Again Records - making this accomplishment that much sweeter.
4. CELTIC WOMAN CONCERT AT DODGE THEATER ON THUR, APRIL 23
Thursday 04/23/09 at 7:30 PM
ISLE OF HOPE TOUR
Rehearsals and pre-production are well under way for the Celtic Woman Isle of Hope tour. Come and experience Celtic Woman’s most magical production yet, featuring brand-new renditions of “Fields of Gold” and “Have I Told You Lately That I Love You,” as well as an original anthem by Brendan Graham, writer of “You Raise Me Up.” Musical Director David Downes has composed stunning new music for the 19 member ensemble featuring the wonderful voices of Celtic Woman—Chloë, Lisa, Lynn and Alex and the energetic musical inventiveness of Celtic violinist, Máiréad. The show will also feature cornerstone favorites such as “The Sky and the Dawn and the Sun,” “Danny Boy,” and “Spanish Lady,” among others.
The Isle Of Hope tour will dazzle the eye, enchant the ear and stimulate both the mind and the heart. Click here for tour dates and information on how to get your tickets to the show.
We cannot wait to share this musical experience with all of you!
5. GETTING READY FOR HOT WEATHER
I tend to think of the period from early Feb to mid Apr as the long version of the “Green Season” highlighted by parades, highland games, concerts, banquets etc. As the weather is getting warmer in May. there starts a series of special events throughout Arizona.
I’m waiting for information about the Beer Fest at the ICC in June, but nothing has bee released yet.
The Flagstaff Renaissance Festival seems to have been cancelled..
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The four stages are all within walking distance from the corner of Church Street and Alameda Street, allowing for many musical choices. The Plaza Stage is at El Presidio Park; the Courtyard Stage is on the lawn of the Old Pima County Courthouse. The Museum Stage is at the Tucson Museum of Art; the Old Town Artisans stage is located in the courtyard of the Old Town Artisans complex at 201 North Court Avenue, adjacent to the Tucson Museum of Art.
The schedule for all Tucson Folk Festival events and performing artist information will be updated at the official website as it is confirmed:
visit www.TKMA.org or call 520-792-6481 for
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When: Saturday, May 16th, 2009
How to Get There
From Phoenix: Take the 17 North to the 69 North, to Prescott
Turn right on Prescott Lakes Parkway, to the 89 North
Take the 89 North, to Hillsdale Road
Turn right on Hillsdale Road and enter Watson Lake Park
We invite your entire family to enjoy a wide array of musicians, Scottish and Highland dancing, pipe bands, tasty British food and drink, handmade crafts, Sheepdog demonstrations, Scottish athletic competitions including the amazing caber toss and more! Research your ancestral roots by visiting the genealogy tent! Don't miss the opening ceremonies with the massed bands and march of the clans! The wee ones will enjoy the chidren's glen offering many exciting activities for kids!
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In association with: The Maguire Academy of Irish Dance
Holiday Inn Palo Verde, 4550 S. Palo Verde Rd. Tucson, Arizona
Registration 5pm until 8pm Friday,
- 7am Saturday
Friday - Evening Meet and Greet in the hotel lobby
Saturday - All Championships; Solo competitions for U10 and under, including specials and figures; T-shirt Double Jig Special; All Adult competitions and all Family Specials, Music competition.
Mass around 6:45pm
DJ and pool party starting at 6pm
Sunday - All solo competition for 10 and over, including Figures and Specials. T-shirt Double Jig Special
Writing Competition - All entries must be mailed or emailed to FRT2009writingcontest@hotmail.com no later than May 8, 2009. Please send payment to Feis address.
Irish Soda Bread - Bring entries to the registration table by noon on Saturday. Winner announced on Sunday afternoon.
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In Association with Tir Conaill Academy of Irish Dance
under the direction of
Michael Patrick Gallagher, ADCRG
Welcome to our Second Annual Grand Canyon Feis! We hope that you will enjoy our venue, the Scottsdale Hilton, located in the heart of the most fabulous shopping and golf suburb of Phoenix, Arizona. There will be poolside dining available on Friday and Saturday night, with barbecue fare and a cash bar. Come hang out with us, meet old friends and make new ones,swim, eat, drink, and enjoy the craic!
The Hilton Scottsdale Resort & Villas
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The Flagstaff Folk Festival takes place this year on June 27th and 28th at the Coconino Center for the Arts and Arizona Historical Society Pioneer Museum, and proudly showcases the best in folk and acoustic music in Arizona and beyond. We feature over 100 acts on four stages, workshops, a saturday night dance, and more. The festival is produced by The Flagstaff Friends of Traditional Music in partnership with Flagstaff Cultural Partners and the AHS Pioneer Museum.
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Foxglenn Park
www.nachs.info/flagstafffestival.asp
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Adults: 1-day: $12; 2-days: $18
Festival Related Events Include
Friday Night: FREE Concert, Heritage Square, Downtown 6pm to 8pm
Friday Night: Single Malt Whisky Tasting…8ish, (fee charged; must be over 21) Uptown Billiards, 114 North Leroux, Downtown
Saturday Night: Single Malt Whisky Tasting at 7pm $25, (must be over 21), Charly’s in the Weatherford Hotel, 23 N. Leroux St. – Downtown
Saturday Night: Celtic Ceilidh at 8pm…cover charge $5, Charly’s in the Weatherford Hotel, 23 N. Leroux St. – Downtown
Music by the Wicked Tinkers, Alex Beaton, Highland Way, and The Knockabouts
6. THIS WEEK IN IRISH MUSIC
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Michael McClanathan will play the pipes each day at sunset at the Westin Kirland.
WED
Paul Knight will be at Into the Bean on Wed evening.
Trevor Jones will be at Murphy’s Law on Wed evening
Smoot Mahooty with Brid Dower will be at Rosie McCaffrey’s on Wed evening
Scott Jeffers will be at the Dubliner on Wed evening
FRI/SAT
Biffos will be at the Dubliner on Fri and Sat
The Brazen Heads will be at Fibber Magees on Fri and Sat
Lis Doon Varna will host the Insomnicas on Fri and Sat
Murphy’s Law will host Howiewood on Fri and Freddy Thunder on Sat
O’Donoghue’s will host Easton Ashe on Fri
Keltic Cowboys will be at Rosie’s on Fri and Sat
Rula Bula will host Walt Richardson on Fri and Sat
Skeptical Chymist will host Halken on Fri and Kyle Phelan on Sat
Tim Finnegans will host the Waters on Sat
SAT
Paddy’s Peg Leg will be at Lis Doon Varna on Sat afternoon.
Gaelic Storm will be at the Chandler Center of the Arts on Sat evening.
SUN
Inis will be at Lis Doon Varna on Sat afternoon.
MON
Greg LaCosse will be at the Peoria Public Library on Mon
Tom Teven will be at Rosie McCaffrey’s on Mon
PRESCOTT
Iain Walinck WILL BE AT Celtic Crossings on Fri
SEDONA
Karl Jones will be at Oak Creek Brewing on Thursday
Karl Jones will be at the Martini Bar on Mon
COTTONWOOD
There will be a contradance at the Cottonwood Civic Center on Sat.
3. Gaelic Storm At Chandler Center On Sat Apr 18
4. Celtic Woman Concert At Dodge Theater On Thur, April 23
5. Getting Ready For Hot Weather
--- Tucson Folk Festival: May 2 - 3, 2009
--- Prescott Highland Games May 16
--- 2009feile Rince Tucson Feis May 15 Through 17
--- Grand Canyon Feis June 6 To 7
--- Flagstaff Folk Festival June 27 To 28
---- Arizona Highland Celtic Festival In Flagstaff July 18 & 19,
6. This Week In Irish Music
(512) 917-0279
www.knockabouts.org
Saturday, April 18, 2009 8pm
Chandler Center for the Arts
250 North Arizona Avenue Chandler, AZ 85225
480-782-2680
$24, $28 & $32
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One listen to the infectious drumming and swinging fiddle of the fast spitting opener Scalliwag, and you won’t be able to resist the invitation to “Come on and wade way out into the water with me, we’re drowning on dry land.” In 1997, Gaelic Storm was catapulted out of their formative pub haunts by an appearance in the blockbuster film Titanic. Since its inception nearly ten years ago, Gaelic Storm continues to broaden the musical horizons of the Celtic music genre by creating compelling originals and fresh arrangements steeped in Irish traditional melody and acoustic instrumentation combined with their unique blend of world rhythms.
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Gaelic Storm's new album "What's The Rumpus?" debuted at #1 on the
Billboard World Chart after its first week on sale!!
Dodge Theatre
Phoenix, AZ All Ages
Thursday 04/23/09 at 7:30 PM
Dodge Theatre
PhoeniX
http://www.celticwoman.com/trellis/isle_of_hope
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David Downes is a graduate of Trinity College Dublin, where he studied music and composition.Performing credits include concerts in Carnegie Hall, Boston Symphony Hall, Wembley Arena, and on Capitol Hill, Washington DC, appearing with among others, James Galway, Alan Stivell, Boyzone, The Washington Symphony, Moravian Philharmonic, Hollywood Studio Symphony, and National Symphony Orchestras. Recording credits as soloist include Michael W. Smith, Michael Crawford, Clannad, Moya Brennan, and Bill Whelan.
--- TUCSON FOLK FESTIVAL: MAY 2 - 3, 2009
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--- PRESCOTT HIGHLAND GAMES MAY 16
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Where: Watson Lake Park in Prescott, Arizona
3101 N Hwy 89 (4 miles North of Prescott) - [ map ]
Time: 9am - 5pm
--- 2009FEILE RINCE TUCSON FEIS MAY 15 THROUGH 17
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- 8am Sunday
www.tucsonfeis.com
--- GRAND CANYON FEIS JUNE 6 TO 7
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Christopher McGrory, TCRG
Rosemary Browne, TCRG
633 North Scottsdale Road
Scottsdale, Arizona
www.grandcanyonfeis.org/
--- FLAGSTAFF FOLK FESTIVAL JUNE 27 TO 28
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---- ARIZONA HIGHLAND CELTIC FESTIVAL IN FLAGSTAFF JULY 18 & 19,
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4200 East Butler Avenue
Flagstaff, AZ 86004
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Children 3-12 years: 1-day: $4; 2-days: $6
PHOENIX
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