ARIZONA IRISH MUSIC SOCIETY
AIMS NEWS AND NOTES
AIMS News and Notes 4-18-2007
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
--- Many Thanks
2. Irish Cultural Center News
1. OUT AND ABOUT
--- MANY THANKS
Last Sunday’s show was a lot of fun. I’d like to thank the Phoenix Scottish Pipe Band, Pat McCrossan, Jane Hilton, Johnny Kerr, the Academy fiddle students, the Brid Dower Band, the Brazen Heads, Celtic Dance Academy, and special guest Councilman Claude Maddox (who also helped out in the kitchen). I want to give special thanks to Greg Kozak who helped out on running the sound system.
Also deserving thanks are the rest of the volunteers (sorry if I miss someone): the Ed and Marie Cunningham on food, James Weber in the dunk tank, plus Peter McAvinney, Jack Moriarty, Chris, Ruth and Rachel Blair, Michelle Campbell, Sean and Pat Prior, Seamus Geary, Patricia Ward, Mary Hannon, Brenda McKay, Patricia Fuller, Jesse Curnow, and of course Mary Moriarty.
2. IRISH CULTURAL CENTER NEWS
Irish Cultural Center, 1106 N. Central Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85004
--- MONTHLY CEILI - FRI. APR 20
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All ages and abilities are welcome
Presented by: The Irish Cultural Center
The Center Monthly Ceili's on the third Friday of the month. Enjoy Irish social dancing in a relaxed atmosphere with live music and dance lessons.
--- IRISH FOUNDATION SPRING PICNIC - SUN APR 22
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$5.00 Admission for 12 and over. Under 12 free.
There will be a Silent Auction, donations welcome.
Everyone Is Welcome
This is a social occasion, come and meet friends and other members.
We are looking forward to seeing you all there.
--- ROBIN HUW BOWEN CONCERT ON THUR, MAY 3
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Presented by Welsh League of Arizona
Robin is recognized internationally as the leading exponent of the Welsh national instrument, the triple harp, which has three sets of strings. He is noted for his research and publications of the traditional dance music of Wales and also his research and recording of the music of the Welsh Gypsies. In 2000 Robin was awarded the Glyndwr Award for "an outstanding contribution to the arts in Wales".
Robin has played and toured with bands such as Mabsant and Cusan Tân, as well as touring solo regularly in Austrailia, North America, Germany and other parts of the world.
www.ceolas.org/artists/Huw_Bowen.html
"Robin Huw Bowen is the foremost player of the uniquely Welsh triple harp, as well as a campaigner for its revival and manager of his own record company and press.
The triple harp has obscure origins, in the eighteenth century; it has three rows of strings, the outer two in unision to each other, the middle for accidentals, making it a fully chromatic instrument. It was popular for a time throughout Europe, in art music as much as folk, but was later superseded by the pedal harp (which uses the pedal for accidentals). The triple harp lived on only in Wales, where it was extremely popular, and much cheaper and lighter than the new pedal harps. It became known as the Welsh national instrument in the nineteenth century.
Born in Liverpool (the unofficial 'capital of North Wales', despite being in England), to Welsh-speaking parents, Robin learned simple celtic harp while at school, inspired by the Breton harper, Alan Stivell. He was first exposed to the triple harp by the brothers Dafydd and Gwyndaf Roberts who played the instrument with the traditional Welsh group Ar Log. They had learned from Nansi Richards, the last of the Welsh gypsy harpists, and he in turn learned from them. He played locally for several years, and joined the Welsh traditional group Mabsant in 1986, toured and recorded with them for two years and then set out on his own. Since then he has played solo and with the vocal duo Cusan Tan, with whom he currently tours.
In a linked strand, he worked for some years at the Welsh National library. While there he discovered several old collections of Welsh tunes and arrangements for harp. He set up his own press, Gwasg Teires (Triple Harp Press) to publish this material, one of the only current sources for traditional Welsh music; his book of two hundred hornpipes, Tro Llaw, mostly from this archives was published by the Welsh National Library. "
CRASDANT WEB SITE
"Robin Huw Bowen's influence on the worlds of Welsh folk music and harping has been far-reaching. Of the few harpists worldwide who can play the triple harp, he is the foremost professional now specialising solely in this particular field. He is recognized internationally as the leading exponent of the Welsh national instrument and ranks among the most important figures that Welsh traditional music has produced."
Robin Huw Bowen is probably the best known Welsh folk musician who tours regularly in North America. Like the Irish, the Welsh have their own style of percussive tap dance or clogging and in Wales the band traditionally includes the triple harp. Crasdant concerts are an exciting opportunity to explore the music and dance of one of the lesser-known Celtic cultures.
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--- DR. NIALL BRADY ABOUT THE MEDIEVAL RURAL SETTLEMENT PROJECT ON SUN, MAY 6
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Dr. Niall Brady, lead archaeologist and Project Director for the Medieval Rural Settlement Project, one of eight ongoing archaeological investigations carried out by The Discovery Programme. The Discovery Programme ( www.discoveryprogramme. ) is a non-profit research institute funded by the government of the Irish Republic. Dr. Brady's visit is made possible by the Office of International Education and the Study Abroad in Ireland Program at Mesa Community College. Students in that program will have the opportunity to work with Dr. Brady this summer in Ireland.
The Discovery Programme is an archaeological research institution dedicated to investigating Ireland's past from earliest times and presenting the results to as wide an audience as possible. www.discoveryprogramme.ie
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--- MOVIE NIGHT: EVELYN - PRESENTED BY MIKE PERKINS FRI. MAY 11
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Produced by the movie's star, Pierce Brosnan and directed by Bruce Beresford (''Driving Miss Daisy''), the 2002 movie Evelyn was based on a true story. Brosnan plays a man who fought the authorities of the 1950's for the rightr to raise his children and in the process would change Irish law and perhaps even Irish society.
"A drama based on the true story of Desmond Doyle and his young children, Evelyn, Maurice and Dermot. Abandoned by his wife, Doyle does his best to make it as a single dad, raising his kids alone in Ireland in 1953. Their life isn't easy--but above all else in the world, Doyle loves his children. Unfortunately, when his wife's mother reports her daughter's abandonment to the authorities, the power of the Church and the Irish courts take his children away and put them in orphanages. Doyle is devastated. Vowing to reunite his family, he enlists the help of new friend Bernadette Beattie, her solicitor brother Michael, their American lawyer friend Nick and Nick's mentor Tom Connolly. Together they attempt to do what has never been done before--challenge a law before the Irish Supreme Court. Doyle's fight to keep his family intact becomes an uplifting testament to the strength of a father's love and the power of the human spirit. " Yahoo Movies http://movies.yahoo.com/movie/1808403930/details
Produced by the movie's star, Pierce Brosnan and directed by Bruce Beresford (''Driving Miss Daisy''), the 2002 movie Evelyn was based on a true story. Brosnan plays a man who fought the authorities of the 1950's for the rightr to raise his children and in the process would change Irish law and perhaps even Irish society.
"A drama based on the true story of Desmond Doyle and his young children, Evelyn, Maurice and Dermot. Abandoned by his wife, Doyle does his best to make it as a single dad, raising his kids alone in Ireland in 1953. Their life isn't easy--but above all else in the world, Doyle loves his children. Unfortunately, when his wife's mother reports her daughter's abandonment to the authorities, the power of the Church and the Irish courts take his children away and put them in orphanages. Doyle is devastated. Vowing to reunite his family, he enlists the help of new friend Bernadette Beattie, her solicitor brother Michael, their American lawyer friend Nick and Nick's mentor Tom Connolly. Together they attempt to do what has never been done before--challenge a law before the Irish Supreme Court. Doyle's fight to keep his family intact becomes an uplifting testament to the strength of a father's love and the power of the human spirit. " Yahoo Movies
The movie Evelyn has an incredibly fine cast including
Of course, this is also one of the most genuinely sweet films to come along in quite some time.
“Evelyn” is a gripping and touching movie without special effects or fast cars. The film demonstrates how a powerful story can captivate and audience all by itself. “Evelyn” also proves Brosnan isn’t a one-trick-pony.
3. LOOKING FOR BANDS FOR JULY’S AZ HIGHLAND CELTIC FESTIVAL CEILIDH
Hi George,
I am looking for bands that are interested in playing on July 21st as part of the Celtic Festival "ceilidh" . This is the Saturday night of the festival. In the past, the event was not very organized so we are inviting bands that want to play for a share of the door. I think this format will be more exciting for everyone. We only have space for 4 groups so if anyone is interested in more details please have them contact me.
Thanks
928.814.2480 or e-mail info@knockabouts.org
4. VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES IN APR AND MAY
All events are at the Irish Cultural Center unless an alternate location is indicated
Events for April and May that we need volunteers for include:
April 20 - Gilbert Global Village Festival – Set Up – 4:00 pm-7:00 pm
April 27 – El Dia de los Ninos Festival – ICC Booth – 9:30 am-1:30 pm
This event is held at Margaret Hance Park east of Central Avenue
May 4 – First Friday Art Walk at the Irish Cultural Center – 5:00 pm-11:00 pm
May 11 – Movie Night – “Evelyn” – 6:30 pm-10:00 pm
May 25 – Annie Moore’s Birthday – 6:30 pm-10:00 pm
Upcoming Events
June 1 – First Friday Art Walk at the Irish Cultural Center – 5:00 pm-11:00 pm
June 3 – Fundraiser for the Irish Foundation Gate – O’Connor’s Pub – 12:00 pm-8:00 pm
June 16 – First Annual Bloomin’ Beerfest – 8:00 am-10:00 am – Set Up
3:30 pm-11:30 pm – Gates, check ID’s and sell souvenir beer mugs
Docents wanted for the Irish Cultural Center - Tuesday through Saturday
from 10am-3pm. Contact Mary Moriarty at mary@azirish.org or
phone 602 258-0109 for information.
Docents wanted for the Japanese Friendship Garden – Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday
and Sunday. Contact Michelle Campbell at 602 256-3204 for information.
If you are interested in the volunteer opportunities, please call
Anne at 480 946-5008 or email at stpatsvolunteers@gmail.com
5. ALASDAIR FRASER'S FIDDLE TRAIN: VANCOUVER-TORONTO NOV 3-7, 2007
Be a part of a legend in the making... A five-day adventure across Canada! Every day we'll have non-stop music and fun: workshops, open mic sessions and evening concerts. Three days and nights on board our own private section of the legendary streamliner "The Canadian" running through the Rockies from Vancouver to Toronto, 3,000 miles on the rails that built a nation! Comfortable sleeper berths, freshly-prepared meals, plus two nights in four-star Fairmont hotels in Vancouver and Toronto, kickoff concert and non-stop entertainment on board! A gorgeous 1950's art-deco dome lounge; diner and performance car with plenty of space for socializing, and our own on-board naturalist ready to explain the passing landscape. Join Alasdair Fraser, Natalie Haas and friends for the trip of a lifetime (Alasdair is threatening to organize dance parties. Is there any way this could be more fun than it's shaping up to be? And if you think of it, could you please let us know?)
Full booking details at www.flyingunderradar.com/rails/fiddletrain.htm
OR
Contact Charlie Hunter at flyradar@sover.net Toll-free 866-484-3669 or 802-463-366
6. CONTRADANCE NEWS
4th Sunday, April 22th “Potpourri” Contra Dance at the Augustana Church (Note the new time!)
Callers/Band: Peg Hesley teaches a workshop called “The Art of the Twirl” A Special Folk Sessions Tribute to Warren Miller
Friday, April 20th beginning at 7:00 pm; $10.00 admission
at the Granite Peak Unitarian Universalist Hall at 882 Sunset Drive, Prescott, AZ 86305 (Whipple at Sunset behind True Value Hardware)
Performances by: Bob Ward, D-Squared, Half Way Home, Gail Steiger, Jan Alexander & Friends, Lon Austin & Dean Cook, Sistah Mary Grace, Tom & Alexa, Tony Norris & Bill Burke, Contra Dancing with Peg Hesley calling, and more...
7. LOREENA MCKENNITT TO PLAY AT SCOTTSDALE CENTER ON MAY 9TH
MEDIA CONTACT: Bill Thompson | (480) 874-4626 | billt@sccarts.org
BOX OFFICE & TICKETS: (480) 994-ARTS (2787)
American Express Concerts Under The Stars Features Canadian Singer And Composer Loreena McKennitt
Loreena McKennitt: An Ancient Muse
May 9, 2007, Wednesday @ 7:30 p.m.
Scottsdale Civic Center Mall Amphitheater
(SCOTTSDALE, Ariz.) – Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts will present an outdoor concert with Loreena McKennitt on May 9, 2007, at 7:30 p.m. in the Scottsdale Civic Center Mall Amphitheater. The performance is part of the American Express Concerts Under the Stars series.
Single tickets are available for $45 from the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts box office at (480) 994-ARTS (2787) or online at www.scottsdaleperformingarts.org.
The timeless, Celtic-inspired music of Canadian singer and composer Loreena McKennitt sweeps across eras and musical genres, fusing the melodic sensibility of Scottish and Irish balladry with traditions from ancient Greece, Turkey, Spain and even Scandinavia. In a recording career spanning nearly two decades, she has won critical acclaim worldwide and gold, platinum and multi-platinum sales awards in 15 countries on four continents As part of her first North American tour in nearly a decade, McKennitt, accompanied by a nine-piece band, will perform highlights from her latest album, An Ancient Muse, as well as much-loved favorites from earlier recordings.
LOREENA MCKENNITT
Born in the province of Manitoba, Canada, Loreena McKennitt moved to Stratford, Ontario, in 1981, where she still resides. She has acted, sung in and composed music for Stratford Festival of Canada productions ranging from The Tempest (1982) to The Merchant of Venice (2001).
McKennitt’s recording career began in 1985 with the album Elemental. In the fledgling years of her label, Quinlan Road, she ran its operations from her kitchen table, selling recordings by mail order and producing her own concert tours across the country. Quinlan Road’s catalogue is currently distributed around the world by The Verve Music Group (United States), Universal Music (Canada and other territories including Italy and Spain) and a number of independents including Keltia Music (France) and SPV (Germany).
McKennitt continues to manage her career from her Stratford base. An active member of her community, she has founded and oversees important charitable undertakings in the fields of water safety and family/childhood support services.
8. THIS WEEK IN IRISH MUSIC
PHOENIX
WED
Paul Knight will be at into The Bean on Wed.
FRI/SAT
There will be a ceili at the Irish Cultural Center
Shay Veno will be at the Celtic Curtain on Fri.
Keltic Cowboys will be at the Dubliner on Fri and Sat
Molly Brannigans will host Shark Therapy on Fri evening
The Rakes will be at O’Connor’s on Fri and Sat
Biffos (O’Carroll’s Gate) will be at Rosie McCaffrey’s on Fri and Sat
Traveler will be at Rula Bula on Fri and Sat
Seamus Mc Caffrey’s will host Krystal Baker on Fri evening
SUN
The Irish Foundation picnic will be at the Irish Cultural Center on Sun afternoon
There will be a Potpourri Contra Dance at the Augustana Church on Sun afteroon.
TUCSON
There will be a contradance at the First Methodist on Sat
PRESCOTT
The Knockabouts will be at Celtic Crossing on Fri and Sat while Iona will be at Celtic Crossing on Sun afternoon.
There will be a special Folk Sessions tribute to Warren Miller at the Granite Peak Church on Fri evening.
Poor Kids Without Cable will be at Brian’s Irish Pub on Sat.
SEDONA
Oceans Apart will be at the Fequa Festival Marketplace on Sat.
1. PHOENIX
Augustana Church
--- Monthly Ceili - Fri. Apr 20
--- Irish Foundation Spring Picnic - Sun Apr 22
--- Robin Huw Bowen Concert On Thur, May 3
--- Dr. Niall Brady About The Medieval Rural Settlement Project On Sun, May 6
--- Movie Night: Evelyn - Presented By Mike Perkins Fri. May 11
3. Looking For Bands For July’s Az Highland Celtic Festival Ceilidh
4. Volunteer Opportunities In Apr And May
5. Alasdair Fraser's Fiddle Train: Vancouver-Toronto Nov 3-7, 2007
6. Contradance News
7. Loreena Mckennitt To Play At Scottsdale Center On May 9th
8. This Week In Irish Music
602-258-0109 www.azirish.org
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Live Music
Ceili Caller: Sarah Houghtelin
7:00 – 9:00PM
Admission: $6 per person
Children 12 and under: Free (two children per paid admission)
1106 N Central Phx AZ
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Sunday, April 22nd - 12:00pm to 5:00pm
Hot Dogs and Hamburgers will be provided.
Bring your favorite pot-luck dish. Please no chips and dip.
Cash Bar
Musicians please bring your instruments.
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Thur. - May 3, 7:30 PM
$15
Robin Huw Bowen: Triple Harp
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Renowned Welsh triple harpist, Robin Huw Bowen brought together the most exciting folk band to come out of Wales in the last twenty years. He is joined by Stephen Rees, a fiddler known from his work with the premier Welsh folk band Ar Log, Andy McLauchlin, a flute player and a multi-instrumentalist, and the clogging and guitar of Huw Williams, who is known as part of the singer/songwriter duo Huw & Tony Williams and for the songs he has written that have been recorded by many other musicians.
Sun, May 6 (afternoon, time TBA)
$5
Fri. May 11
7:30 PM
$5
Pierce Brosnan
Aidan Quinn
Alan Bates,
Stephen Rea
Julianna Margulies
Sophie Vavasseur (as Evelyn).
Jeff Vice Deseret News movie critic
Tony Toscano, Talking Pictures (U.S.)
John McGregor
April 21 – Gilbert Global Village Festival – ICC Booth – 9:30 am-4:30 pm
April 21 - Gilbert Global Village Festival – 6:00 am-6:00 pm
This event is held at the Town of Gilbert Civic Center
50 East Civic Center Drive, Gilbert. (Southeast corner of Gilbert and Warner)
Sell tickets at door and for Silent Auction – prepare and cook food
This event is held at O’Connors Pub – 2601 West Dunlap, Phoenix.
(see below)
Location: 2604 N. 14th Street, Phoenix, AZ 85006, map: http://www.pfotm.org/augustanamap.html
Time: 2:30 – 4:30 pm
Cost: Free!
“The Art of the Twirl”
Twirling is an optional embellishment to the figures in contra dancing and
can add to the "thrill factor" of a wonderful dance. But twirling also can
ruin the timing and flow of that wonderful dance if not used appropriately.
In a workshop setting, we'll explore the what, when, how and who in the Art
of the Twirl.
Scott Jeffers will be at into The Dubliner on Wed.
Smoot Mahooty will be at Rosie McCaffrey’s
2604 N. 14th Street
Phoenix
4/22/2007 | Sun | 2:30 PM | Potpourri Contra Dance |
Celtic Curtain
3128 E. Cactus Rd
Phoenix
4/20/2007 | Fri | 9:00 PM | Shay Veno |
Dubliner Irish Pub
3841 E. Thunderbird Rd.
Phoenix
602-867-0984
4/18/2007 | Wed | 9:00 PM | Scott Jeffers |
4/20/2007 | Fri | 9:00 PM | Keltic Cowboys |
4/21/2007 | Sat | 9:00 PM | Keltic Cowboys |
Fibber Magees
1989 W. Elliott Rd. #19
Chandler
480-722-9434
4/22/2007 | Sun | 3:00 PM | Fibber Magee's Sunday Afternoon Seisiun |
Gilbert North Civic Center
50 E Civic Center Drive
Gilbert
480-503-6895
4/21/2007 | Sat | 10:00 | Gilbert Global Village Festival |
4/21/2007 | Sat | 12:55 | Irish Dancing By Gladysiewski and Hahn |
Into the Bean
1710 W. Southern Ave
Mesa
480-890-0579
4/18/2007 | Wed | 7:00 PM | Paul Knight |
Irish Cultural Center
1106 N. Central Avenue
Phoenix
602-392-7850
4/20/2007 | Fri | 7:00 PM | Irish Ceili |
4/22/2007 | Sun | 12:00 | Irish Foundation Spring Picnic |
Molly Brannigan's Traditional Irish Pub
1744 S. Val Vista Dr -
Mesa
480-507-7827
4/20/2007 | Fri | 9:00 PM | Shark Therapy |
O'Connor's Pub
2601 W. Dunlap
Phoenix
602-997-7714
4/20/2007 | Fri | 9:00 PM | Rakes |
4/21/2007 | Sat | 9:00 PM | Rakes |
Rosie McCaffrey's
906 E. Camelback
Phoenix
602-241-1916
4/18/2007 | Wed | 7:30 PM | Smoot Mahooty With Brid Dower |
4/20/2007 | Fri | 9:00 PM | Biffos (O'Carroll's Gate) |
4/21/2007 | Sat | 9:00 PM | Biffos (O'Carroll's Gate) |
Rula Bula
401 S. Mill Ave
Tempe
480-929-9500
4/20/2007 | Fri | 9:00 PM | Traveler |
4/21/2007 | Sat | 9:00 PM | Traveler |
Seamus Mc Caffrey's
18 W. Monroe
Phoenix
602-253-6081
4/20/2007 | Fri | 9:00 PM | Krystal Baker |
4/22/2007 | Sun | 7:00 PM | Seisiun with Sven Henrich |
Westin Kierland Resort
6902 E Greenway
Phoenix
480-624-1030
4/18/2007 | Wed | 6:00 PM | Michael McClanathan |
4/19/2007 | Thu | 6:00 PM | Michael McClanathan |
4/20/2007 | Fri | 6:00 PM | Michael McClanathan |
4/21/2007 | Sat | 6:00 PM | Michael McClanathan |
4/22/2007 | Sun | 6:00 PM | Michael McClanathan |
4/23/2007 | Mon | 6:00 PM | Michael McClanathan |
4/24/2007 | Tue | 6:00 PM | Michael McClanathan |
2. TUCSON
Auld Dubliner
800 East University
Tucson
520-206-0323
4/22/2007 | Sun | 4:00 PM | Tucson Irish Seisiun |
First Methodist Church - Tucson
915 E. 4th Street
Tucson
520-293-3783
4/19/2007 | Thu | 7:30 PM | Scottish Country Dancing |
4/21/2007 | Sat | 7:30 PM | Tucson Contradance |
4. PRESCOTT
Brian's Irish Pub
218 W Gurley St
Prescott
928-771-8782
4/21/2007 | Sat | 9:00 PM | Poor Kids Without Cable |
Celtic Crossings
3250 Gateway Blvd,
Prescott
928-443-8454
4/20/2007 | Fri | 7:00 PM | Knockabouts |
4/21/2007 | Sat | 7:00 PM | Knockabouts |
4/22/2007 | Sun | 3:00 PM | Iona |
Granite Peak Unitarian Church
882 Sunset Ave
Prescott
4/20/2007 | Fri | 7:00 PM | Special Folk Sessions Tribute to Warren Miller |
5. REST OF AZ
Tequa Festival Marketplace
SR179 and Ridge Trail
Sedona
4/21/2007 | Sat | 5:00 PM | Oceans Apart |
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