ARIZONA IRISH MUSIC SOCIETY

AIMS NEWS AND NOTES

AIMS News and Notes 8-20-2008
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 join@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

--- Annual Back To School Tea at ICC On Sat Afternoon
--- Seisiun Musicians Sought For The Tea Party

2. Seisiun News
--- New Seisiun At Lis Doon Varna Every Wed
--- Seamus Mccaffrey’s Sunday Seisiun Discontinued
--- Seisiun Shirts Now Available
3. Contra Dance At The Center Wed Aug 27
4. Derek Warfield And The Young Wolftones At Rosie’s On Sept 16-17
5. Memo From Brid Downer
6. Educator Workshop Introduction To Irish Music At ICC On Sat Sept 13 - 9:00 AM
7. Memo From Tony Norris
8. Acclaimed Irish Balladeer Ken O’Malley Comes To Phoenix Oct 26
9. Arizona Irish Festival Celebrates Ireland At ICC On Oct 4
10. This Week In Irish Music

1. OUT AND ABOUT

--- ANNUAL BACK TO SCHOOL TEA

On Saturday, August 23, 2008, The Center will be presenting it's 5th Annual Back to School Tea Party. Ladies, put on your fancy hats, grab your friends and favorite fellow and head to the Center. The party will run from 3:00 until 5:00 PM. Hostess Patricia Prior, ICC President, will provide delicious sandwiches and desserts and maybe even some other surprises. So come join us for a fun afternoon. Hats are optional. The cost is $10.00 per person.

--- SEISIUN MUSICIANS SOUGHT FOR THE TEA PARTY

The Irish Cultural Center has asked seisiun musicians to come by to play for the tea party this Saturday. Anyone interested in participating should contact Cyndy at cyndy@fourpeaksirisharts.org.

2. SEISIUN NEWS

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--- NEW SEISIUN AT LIS DOON VARNA EVERY WED
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16100 N. Arrowhead Fountain Center
Peoria, AZ
623-979-0730
(South of Bell Rd. at Stadium Way next to the Harley Davidson shop)

There will be a brand new seisiun at Lis Doon Varna.every Wed with an official start time of 7:00 PM. (we’ll probably setup, tune and warm-up starting as early as 6:00 PM.)

We’ll be setting up in the little “living room” near the first door. It’s not a big area, so people who want to listen should come by early.

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--- SEAMUS MCCAFFREY’S SUNDAY SEISIUN DISCONTINUED
---------------------------------------------------------

For the first time in a long time, there will no longer be a Sunday evening. Seisiun. But with Sunday afternoon seisiuns at Fibber Magee’s and Tim Finnegan’s, so there will be traditional music on both sides of town.

---------------------------------------------------------
--- SEISIUN SHIRTS NOW AVAILABLE
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“Craic: Once You’ve Had It You Can Never Get Enough”

Show your true colors and share the good stuff!

For a very limited time, you will be able to purchase AZ Seisiún Musicians t-shirts at the pre-sale discounted price!

Features of these high quality t-shirts include:

• Original design by native AZ seisiún player.
• Quality silkscreen print on a 100% cotton shirt available for $15.00 in sizes from adult small through XL (add $2 more for 2X or 3X).
• Design includes a black shirt with a tan imprint.
• Pre-orders open for one week only - for a limited time, receive two dollars off during the pre-sale event. Only $13.00 (or $15.oo for 2X or 3X)!

Get one for every member of the family! (It's never too early to start your holiday shopping, you know.)

Submit your orders (including quantity and size) along with your payment of cash or check (payable to Four Peaks Irish Arts) to any Four Peaks Irish Arts officer on or before August 2oth.

Feel free to mail your orders with payment as well!

Four Peaks Irish Arts
Attn: Order Dept.
3165 S. Alma School Rd. #29-146
Chandler, AZ 85248

3. CONTRA DANCE AT THE CENTER WED AUG 27

Each fourth Wednesday, Contra Dance comes to the Irish Cultural Center. This month it falls on August 27. The dancing begins at 7:30 PM and were almost ready to hang up the shoes by 10 PM. Cost is only $7. Snacks provided by dancers. Watch your kids around dancers and bring your soft soled non scuffing dance shoes!

4. DEREK WARFIELD AND THE YOUNG WOLFTONES AT ROSIE’S ON SEPT 16-17

Rosie McCaffrey’s
909 E. Camelback Phoenix AZ 85251
602-241-1916 www.rosiemccaffreys.com

Tue, Sept 16
Wed, Sept 17

8:300 PM Special Event! Live Wednesday, Sept 17th at 9 pm, Derek Warfield from the Wolf Tones will be playing an intimate show at Rosie McCaffrey's for ticket holders only promoting his album "Songs for the Bhoys".

Only ticket holders will be allowed entry for this event!

Limited number of tickets available at Rosie's!
Tickets are $20.00 per person
See Andy or Seamus for more information

Derek Warfield is a singer, songwriter, noted historian and a charismatic founding member of the legendary Wolfe Tones. For 42 years he has been the voice behind the stirring introductions and author of many famous ballads that have endeared him to countless thousands of fans all over the world.

Considered a legendary figure on the Irish music scene, Derek continues to tour the world, taking with him the story of Ireland, which he has championed for over 40 years.

Accompanied by an excellent five piece group, Derek Warfield's shows are as energetic now as ever, his passion for the Irish ballad stronger than ever. In December 2004, Derek released his 8th solo album, a tribute to the greatest football club and supporters in the world, Glasgow Celtic.

If you like the songs and ballads of Ireland performed at their very very best, then you owe it to yourself to see the living legend that is Derek Warfield 'live' on stage

The following is from a review in the Bay City Times, Michigan: "Irish Music lovers ,may recognize Warfield as the founding member of The Wolfe Tones, a well-known folk band he performed with for almost 40 years before the group split up in 2002.

"The Wolfe Tones were the greatest Irish band in the last half-century," says Denny Hayes, president of The Friends of Celtic Culture.

A Veteran entertainer, 63-year-old Warfield has recorded 21 albums over his musical career, 13 with the Wolfe Tones and 8 on his own. When he performs in Bay City, he will perform with is four-member band, The Sons of Erin.

The Irish troubadour, who has traveled the world performing, has written and recorded more than 60 songs and ballads .

His first album, titled "The Foggy Dew" was written and recorded with The Wolfe Tones in 1964, while his most recent album "Songs for the Bhoys," was recorded in 2004.

Hayes describes Warfield as a "rustic rebel" and simply a must-see.

5. MEMO FROM BRID DOWNER

Hi everyone,

Just a quick note to let you know that Brid will be appearing this Wednesday night, August 20th at Rosie McCaffrey’s Irish Pub in Phoenix, from 8PM to 10PM. Rosie’s is located at 906 E. Camelback Road in Phoenix.

Hope to see you there!

Sláinte!

The Bríd Dower Band
Ph: (602) 625-3607
Email: info@briddower.com
www.briddower.com

6. EDUCATOR WORKSHOP INTRODUCTION TO IRISH MUSIC AT ICC ON SAT SEPT 13

[EDITOR’S NOTE: Last week I had this listed as starting at 1:00 PM, but it is actually starting at 9:00 AM]

Phoenix, AZ – Introducing school children to Traditional Irish Music

Irish Cultural Center
1106 S. Central Avenue
Phoenix, AZ

Sept 13 - 9:00 PM

Arizona educators have an opportunity to experience an innovative workshop which is an introduction to Irish music for the elementary and middle school classroom sponsored by Four Peaks Irish Arts. The organization is the Arizona chapter of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann (´k?l-tis kî?l-´t?r-? ´âr-in), which is the largest group in the world dedicated to the preservation and promotion of traditional Irish music, song, dance, language and culture. The information-packed four hour workshop will be given by Anita Arden, a respected elementary school music educator and accomplished Irish musician.

Teachers can expect to become familiar with the instruments, types of traditional music, and dance. They will learn how to use the music to meet Arizona standards and how to incorporate it into the General Music classroom. In addition they will be given resources for more information.

This exciting workshop will be held on Saturday, September 13, 2008 from 9:00 A.M. until 1:00 P.M. The location is the Irish Cultural Center, 1106 S. Central Avenue in Phoenix. The workshop fee is just $20 per person. As space is limited, those interested are encouraged to pre-register early for the workshop.

For more information and to pre-register please contact:

Four Peaks Irish Arts, Arizona branch of Comhaltas International
info@fourpeaksirisharts.com
602.315.3065
www.fourpeaksirisharts.org

7. MEMO FROM TONY NORRIS

Dear George,

The monsoon rains continue to fall and feed my personal rain forest. The night blooming primroses smell so sweet in the morning. The tomatoes are ripening at a respectable rate and Sue actually picked a peck of beans today in her garden.

Recently KNAU, our local NPR affiliate did a series on the economic challenges of living in Flagstaff called POVERTY WITH A VIEW. They interviewed lots of our friends and neighbors and Sue and I and several of our kids. I've been told an edited version will run tomorrow morning on national National Public Radio during Morning Edition. I think an interview with some of my family will start off the second story so listen up for the Norris' debut on national radio.

Hope you are all enjoying the summer. It should be a great time to take a picnic to a music festival. My band THE SPRINGFED BAND will be playing at the Pickin' In The Pines bluegrass festival at 10am on Saturday September 13th at Pine Mountain Amphitheater. See the band line-up at http://pickininthepines.org/lineup.html .

Ya'll take care,
Tony

8. ACCLAIMED IRISH BALLADEER KEN O’MALLEY COMES TO PHOENIX OCT 26

Irish Cultural Center
1106 N. Central Ave.
Phoenix, AZ
602-258-0106 www.azirish.com

Oct. 26 7:30 PM

Dublin born singer-songwriter Ken O’Malley will be the featured performer on Sunday, October 26, 2008 at the Irish Cultural Center in downtown Phoenix, In this captivating solo show, O’Malley will transport his audience to his beloved Ireland with his rich, resonant voice and engaging stage presence accompanied by his remarkable talent on guitar and mandolin. The University of St. Thomas at Houston pronounces that Ken O'Malley is "widely regarded as the finest Irish folk singer/songwriter in the United States today" and the Irish News calls this consummate entertainer "without question, . . .the single most enduring, influential and proficient of all Irish musicians in Southern California . . ."

The event promises to be a magical evening of music with songs in both English and Irish Gaelic, suitable for all ages. Not just a singer, about whom Dave Soyars of the Irish Herald writes "his powerful and emotive voice shines through on everything he does", O’Malley is also a cultural ambassador and educator who infuses every performance with a genuine passion and love for his native land and its people. As longtime fan Mark Dresser says "the songs Ken sings touch all of us, Irish or not, to the very core of the human heart".

Admission to the event is $10. Showtime is 7:00 PM on Sunday, October 26, 2008 at the Irish Cultural Center, 1106 N. Central Ave. in Phoenix, AZ. For more information, contact the Center at 602-258-0109 or online at www.azirish.com

9. ARIZONA IRISH FESTIVAL CELEBRATES IRELAND AT ICC ON OCT 4

Ancient and Modern

MUSIC * DANCE * FOOD!

Where: Irish Cultural Center, 1106 N. Central Avenue * Phoenix, AZ 85004 Margaret T. Hance (Deck) Park
602.308.4601 * azirishfestival.org

Who: The Irish Cultural & Learning Foundation
What: The Arizona Irish Festival ~ Where everyone is a wee bit Irish!
When: Saturday, October 4, 2008 from 10am~9pm (NEW TIME! WE STAY OPEN LATER!)

Tickets: Adults $10, Children 6-12 $1, Children under 6, FREE!

Phoenix, AZ ~ The Eighth Annual Arizona Irish Festival is coming to the Irish Cultural Center in Phoenix on Saturday, October 4, 2008. The event takes place at Margaret T. Hance Park where visitors can enjoy a celebration of Irish culture through music, dance, food & live entertainment!

Shoppers will enjoy an array of Irish gifts, souvenirs and merchandise! Do you love meat pies, corned beef & cabbage and fish & chips? Visit the food court for a selection of fine Irish grub that’s sure to please any palate.

A silent auction will offer unique prizes to the bold bidder with good timing, and the winner of the raffle at the end of the day will find tickets to Ireland in his or her hand. Children (of all ages!) are welcome to wear Halloween costumes in honor of the October 31 holiday that once marked the end of summer for the ancient Celts.

There are plenty of pubs, vendors and rich cultural presentations and displays. Trace your Celtic roots and come back to the bogs ~ follow the story of the Irish in Arizona!

NEW THIS YEAR! ENTERTAINMENT SCHEDULE:

The Festival, known for its top-notch musical entertainment, kicks into high gear with a number of well-known and loved Celtic groups. There are so many performances scheduled that musical entertainment will flourish on two stages! They are broken down by style: traditional and modern ~ the Harp Stage and Pub Stage, respectively.

On the Harp Stage, guests will enjoy the likes of world renowned Celtic dance academies featuring Tir Conaill School, Celtic Dance Academy, McTeggart Dance School, The Bracken School along with seasoned Irish musicians such as Oceans Apart, Molly’s Revenge, and The Academy Fiddlers!

The Pub Stage boasts the rowdy and raucous stylings of the Center’s own Pat McCrossan, The Knockabouts, The Biffos, Keltic Cowboys, rounding out the day’s festivities with two sets “after dark” with The Brazen Heads! That’s right! This year’s Festival will open at 10am and close at 9pm. The evening hours are a first for the Festival and what better way to celebrate than with beer, spirits and music flowing late into the evening!

HARP STAGE

10:30am Opening Ceremonies
10:45am Tir Conaill School
11:05am Oceans Apart
11:50am Celtic Dance Academy
12:10pm Molly’s Revenge
12:55pm Dignitaries & Colleen
1:10pm The Academy Fiddlers
1:55pm McTeggart Dance School
2:15pm Oceans Apart
3:00pm The Bracken School
3:20pm Molly’s Revenge
4:05pm Raffle of Trip to Ireland Winner Announced
4:15pm Harp Stage Closes

PUB STAGE

10:45am Pat McCrossan
11:30am The Knockabouts
12:30pm Pat McCrossan
1:30pm The Knockabouts
2:30pm Keltic Cowboys
3:30pm The Biffos
4:30pm Keltic Cowboys
5:30pm The Biffos
6:15pm Irish Toast Contest Semi-Finals
6:45pm The Brazen Heads
7:30pm Irish Toast Contest Finals
8:00pm The Brazen Heads
8:45pm Pub Stage Closes

*Times are approximate and subject to change.

ALSO NEW THIS YEAR ~ IRISH TOAST CONTEST!

ARE YOU A TOASTER?

Calling all toasters to enter The First EVER Bushmill’s Best Irish Toast Contest!

Phoenix, AZ ~ Sharpen your wits and brush up on your blarney to write a prize-winning expression of that Celtic Pride!

Beginning now through Festival time (October 4 th ) participants are invited to write and “perform” their best Irish toast! Sign up on-line at www.ArizonaIrishFestival.org to pick your preferred pub! (On-line forms available August 1.)

The finals will take place on the Bushmill’s Irish Pubs of the Valley Stage at the Arizona Irish Festival on Saturday, October 4 th . Compete for Cash Prizes: $500, $250 & $100! Worst Irish Toast: Into the dunk tank!

Bring all your friends to the Festival to cheer you on to victory!

# # #

The Arizona Irish Festival is directed by members of E.R.I.N. (Executive Resources for Irish Networking) in association with the Irish Cultural and Learning Foundation, a 501(c)3 not-for-profit corporation. The Irish Cultural Center, The Heart of the Celtic Community, is a division of The Irish Cultural and Learning Foundation, a 501 c (3) Not For Profit Corporation, and is owned and maintained by the City Of Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department. All proceeds of the Festival will benefit the Irish Cultural Center and its ongoing activities.

The Irish Cultural Center is also the year-round home for Celtic music, language, and dancing classes; Irish literature and film; touring musicians and actors; and First Friday art exhibits. For more information about the Eighth Annual Arizona Irish Festival, please contact Jacqueline Carro, 480.495.8924.

Note to Media: Thank you for promoting this event. The Irish Cultural Center and Learning Foundation is a 501(c ) 3 Non-profit organization.

10. THIS WEEK IN IRISH MUSIC

PHOENIX

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
Smoot Mahooty and Liam Mackey will be at Rosie’s on Wed
Michael Littwin will be at Devonshire Community Center on Wed

--- THUR.

Shay Veno will be at Tim Finnegan’s on Thursday
Celtica will be at Rula Bula on Thursday

--- FRI/SAT

The Dubliner will host Shawn Johsnon on Fri and Sat

Fibber Magee’s will host Nine Ball on Fri and Sat

O’Donoghue’s will host Whiskey River on Fri

The Biffos will host the Biffos on Fri and Sat.

Keltic Cowboys will be at Rula Bula on Fri and Sat

Seamus Mc Caffrey’s will host Krystal Baker on Fri and the Dan Mc Guiness Duo on Sat

Skeptical Chymist will host Walken on Fri and the Insomniacs on Sat

Tim Finnegans will host Shirley’s Temple on Fri and Insomniacs on Sat. (one or the other of Skeptical and Finnegan’s is wrong)

TUCSON

Round the House will be at the Janos J Bar on Wed

Round the House will be at Javalinas on Fri.

There will be a contradance featuring Round the House at the First Methodist Church on Sat evening

SHOW LOW

Meadowlark will be at the Greenhouse Nursery and Gifts in Show Low on Fri

Meadowlark will be at Juniper Ridge RV Restor Grand in Shaw Low on Sun afternoon.

SEDONA

Karl Jones will be at the Granite Creek Vineyards on Sat afternoon, Indiana Gardens on Sun, and the Martini Bar on Mon evening.

1. PHOENIX

 

Devonshire Community Center
2802 E. Devonshire    Phoenix   

8/20/2008

Wed

7:00 PM

Michael Littwin

Dubliner Irish Pub
3841 E. Thunderbird Rd.    Phoenix    602-867-0984

8/20/2008

Wed

9:00 PM

Scott Jeffers

 

8/22/2008

Fri

9:00 PM

Shawn Johnson

 

8/23/2008

Sat

9:00 PM

Shawn Johnson

Fibber Magees
1989 W. Elliott Rd. #19    Chandler    480-722-9434

8/22/2008

Fri

9:00 PM

Nine Ball

 

8/23/2008

Sat

9:00 PM

Nine Ball

 

8/24/2008

Sun

1:00 PM

Fibber Magee's Sunday Afternoon Seisiun

Irish Cultural Center
1106 N. Central Avenue    Phoenix    602-392-7850

8/21/2008

Thu

8:00 PM

Grove of the Rising Phoenix Meeting

 

8/23/2008

Sat

3:00 PM

Irish Tea Party

Lis Doon Varna
16100 N. Arrowhead    Peoria    623-979-0730

8/20/2008

Wed

7:00 PM

Seisiun at Lis Doon Varna

O'Donoghue's Irish Pub
20469 N. Hayden Rd.    Scottsdale    480-585-6329

8/22/2008

Fri

9:00 PM

Whiskey River

Rosie McCaffrey's
906 E. Camelback    Phoenix    602-241-1916

8/22/2008

Fri

9:00 PM

Biffos (O'Carroll's Gate)

 

8/23/2008

Sat

9:00 PM

Biffos (O'Carroll's Gate)

 

8/26/2008

Tue

9:00 PM

Frank Mackey

Rula Bula
401 S. Mill Ave    Tempe    480-929-9500

8/21/2008

Thu

9:00 PM

Celtica

 

8/22/2008

Fri

9:00 PM

Keltic Cowboys

 

8/23/2008

Sat

9:00 PM

Keltic Cowboys

Seamus Mc Caffrey's
18 W. Monroe    Phoenix    602-253-6081

8/22/2008

Fri

9:00 PM

Krystal Baker

 

8/23/2008

Sat

9:00 PM

Dan McGuiness Duo

Skeptical Chymist
15688 N. Pima Ftw    Scottsdale    480-609-8677

8/22/2008

Fri

9:00 PM

Walken

 

8/23/2008

Sat

9:00 PM

Insomniacs

Tim Finnegans
9201 N. 29th Ave. #52    Phoenix    602-997-2323

8/21/2008

Thu

9:00 PM

Shay Veno

 

8/22/2008

Fri

9:00 PM

Shirley's Temple

 

8/23/2008

Sat

9:00 PM

Insomniacs

 

8/24/2008

Sun

1:00 PM

Tim Finnegan's Seisiun

Westin Kierland Resort
6902 E Greenway    Phoenix    480-624-1030

8/20/2008

Wed

7:00 PM

Michael McClanathan

 

8/21/2008

Thu

7:00 PM

Michael McClanathan

 

8/22/2008

Fri

7:00 PM

Michael McClanathan

 

8/23/2008

Sat

7:00 PM

Michael McClanathan

 

8/24/2008

Sun

7:00 PM

Michael McClanathan

 

8/25/2008

Mon

7:00 PM

Michael McClanathan

 

8/26/2008

Tue

7:00 PM

Michael McClanathan

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2. TUCSON

 

Auld Dubliner
800 East University    Tucson    520-206-0323

8/24/2008

Sun

4:00 PM

Tucson Irish Seisiun

First Methodist Church - Tucson
915 E. 4th Street    Tucson    520-293-3783

8/23/2008

Sat

7:00 PM

Round the House

 

8/23/2008

Sat

7:00 PM

Contradance - Tucson

Janos' J-Bar
3770 E Sunrise Dr    Tucson    520-615-6000

8/20/2008

Wed

6:30 PM

Round the House

Javalinas
9136 Valencia    Tucson   

8/22/2008

Fri

6:30 PM

Round the House

Rincon Market
2513 East Sixth St.    Tucson   

8/26/2008

Tue

7:00 PM

Celtic and Old Time Jam

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3. FLAGSTAFF

 

Charly's Pub and Grill
23 N Leroux St    Flagstaff    928-779-1919

8/24/2008

Sun

7:00 PM

Flagstaff Irish Seisiun

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5. REST OF AZ

 

Granite Creek Vineyards
2515 N. Road 1 East    Chino Valley    928-636-2003

8/23/2008

Sat

1:30 PM

Karl Jones - Irish Rover

Greenhouse Nursery and Gift Shop
181 E. McNeil, Show    Show Low    928-537-0356

8/22/2008

Fri

7:00 PM

Meadowlark

Indian Gardens Country Store
3951 N Az-89-Alt    Sedona    928-282-7702

8/24/2008

Sun

4:00 PM

Karl Jones - Irish Rover

Juniper Ridge RV Resort's Grand Lodge
1911 Juniper Ridge    Show Low    928-537-4805

8/24/2008

Sun

3:00 PM

Meadowlark

Martini Bar
89A at New Frontiers    Sedona   

8/25/2008

Mon

7:00 PM

Karl Jones - Irish Rover

 

 

 

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Info Line: 602-770-8077