2. IRISH CULTURAL CENTER NEWS

Irish Cultural Center
1106 N. Central Ave.
Phoenix, AZ 85004
602-258-0109 www.azirish.org

--- CEILI THIS FRIDAY

Monthly Irish ceili with live music. Anne Daugherty will be the caller.

--- IRISH LANGUAGE WORKSHOP CANCELLED

The Irish Language Intensive Workshop, scheduled for December 2-3 in Phoenix has been canceled because the instructor Walter Stock is experiencing serious health problems and must undergo emergency surgery in New York. Your prayers for his speedy recovery will be appreciated. Anyone wishing to send him a card or note can send it to him at 80-07 Margaret Place, Glendale, NY 11385. The language intensive is still scheduled for Flagstaff in May. Email independentcelt@aol.com or call 928-779-3817 for information.
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--- SPIRITUALITY WORKSHOP ON MON DEC 4

The Spirituality Workshop to be given by Walter Stock on December 4 in Phoenix is expected to take place with a different instructor. For more information on the status of this workshop, call Pat McCrossan at 602-604-8408.
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--- PIPING WEEKEND - DEC 9 TO 10

There is still time to sign up for the Solo Piping Competition to be held in Phoenix on December 10--or the Piobaireachd Workshop to be taught by Iain Macey on December 9. For application forms or more information, contact Len Wood at lwagency@cox.net or call 602-274-8081.
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--- IRISH NUTCRACKER ON FRI, DEC 15 AND SAT, DEC 16

The Celtic Dance Academy will be presenting "The Irish Nutcracker" at 7:30pm. at The Irish Cultural Center located at 1106 North Central Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85004 This is an Irish Dance Drama inspired by the Tchaikovsky ballet and based on the popular Christmas story. Choral arrangements will be presented by the Children's Choir of Holy Spirit Church. Tickets will be $10 for adults and $8 for children under 12. All tickets will be sold at the door. There will be no advance ticket sales.

For information of "The Irish Nutcracker" or the Celtic Dance Academy call (602) 820-3988 or e mail celticdance@gmail.com

For further information, please call (602) 258-0109 or check www.azirish.org/newsletter .
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--- WINTER SOLSTICE ON THUR, DEC. 21

Once again preparations are underway at the Irish Cultural Center, 1106 N. Central Ave. Phoenix, for the annual celebration of the mid-winter Solstice Thursday, December 21. The occasion now as in ancient times marks the longest night of the year. For people living in Ireland, this could mean having darkness for as many as seventeen hours. So it is understandable why the first farmers who arrived Ireland over 5,000 years ago, so eagerly awaited evidence from within the passage tomb called Newgrange, in county Meath, for signs that the sun had started to return from it's annual southern migration. The penetration of light from the rising sun into the central chamber at Newgrange on December 21 had great ceremonial significance for the Irish and others in pre-historic times, in addition to serving as a precise celestial clock for those early farmers. Songs and poetry illuminate the longest night of the year. The vigil fire illuminates the monument, An Gorta Mor. We proceed to the Ribbon Trees and honor those no longer here to enjoy the fruits of life. By placing ribbons on the branches of this special tree(s), those dearest to us, but who are no longer here, can rest in knowing that their passing and suffering will long be remembered by those of us who care. Afterwards, the firelight guides us to the Great Hall where we feast and enjoy the music of our heritage.

To help raise funds and food for the needy, we will be placing ribbons on the "Ribbon Tree" being introduced for the first time this year. Also, those wishing to drop off non-perishable food items at the Irish Cultural Center may do so between now and the Solstice event on the evening of December 21 st .

This year, the Irish Cultural Center welcomes Grove of the Rising Phoenix, a Ár nDraíocht Féin (ADF) affiliate located in Arizona. They will present a Winter Solstice ceremony celebrating the return of the light.

The event begins at 6:00 PM. Dinner will be served at 7:00 PM. Admission is $5 per person, $10 per person with dinner. Ribbon donation is $1. Due to the popularity of this event, seating is limited, RSVPs before December 17 are necessary. Unfortunately, walk-ins for dinner cannot be accepted.

See a Celebration of the Sun or www.azirish.org or call 602-258-0109
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- --- ACADEMY BEGINS CLASSES ON MON, JAN 8

Contact: Pat McCrossan
(602) 254-6094 or academy@azirish.org

On Monday, January 8, 2007, The Irish Cultural Center will be starting Term 1 of the Academy of Irish & Celtic Studies. Classes are offered in Music (13 different instruments) and Language (Irish and Welsh) We will also be offering a music theory class which will cover all instruments. The academy classes are 50 minutes in length and meet once a week for 9 sessions. The cost for music and language classes is $90.00 per class. Private lessons are 25 minutes in length and are available on a limited basis. The cost for private lessons is $20.00 per class. The 2 nd Saturday of most months, we offer Ceili dance lessons. This is a 2 hour dance-intensive workshop, geared towards both beginning and advanced dancers of all ages. Cost is $16.00 for adults and $2.00 for children under 12

Classes offered: (Beginner Start Time)

5-String Banjo (Clawhammer) Monday 6pm
5-String Banjo (Scruggs Style) Wednesday 8pm
Accordion Wednesday 8pm
Bagpipes Wednesday 6pm
Banjo (Irish Tenor) Wednesday 7pm
Bodhran Monday 5pm
Ceili Dance 2 nd Sat. of Month 1pm
Fiddle Monday 5pm
Guitar Monday 7pm
Harp Wednesday Private Lessons Only
Irish Language Tuesday 6:30pm
Irish Conversational Wednesday 8 pm
Mandolin Wednesday 7pm
Music Theory Thursday 6:30 pm
Piano/Keyboard Wednesday 8pm
Pipe Band Drumming Wednesday 7pm
Welsh Language Tuesday 6pm
Whistle/Flute Monday 6pm

For further information, please call (602) 258-0109 or check www.azirish.org/newsletter .

3. ABOUT ARADIA BOOKSTORE

Flagstaff brings news from Flagstaff through The Independent Celt Newsmagazine. Aradia specializes in Celtic Books and music, and carries some piping supplies, some clothing supplies (hose, flashes, sporrans, glengarries). Aradia has Scottish, Irish, Welsh, and Cornish calendars and Celtic jewelry. For more information call 928-779-3817 or email independentcelt@aol.com.

WE WISH ALL ARIZONA CELTS a very happy harvest season and a wonderful Thanksgiving!

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4. MEMO FROM BLACK VELVET BAND

Just to let you know that the Black Velvet Band in going to be at Mama Java's on Indian School on Nov. 30 7:15 -8:15 AND the Tempe Arts Fair Dec. 3 at 1:00.

That's all for the moment. Take care.

Cathy Vaughn
cvfarmer@hotmail.com

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5. NEWS FROM TUCSON

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--- SAT, NOV. 18 - BATTLEFIELD BAND CONCERT
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Rhythm and Roots, www.rhythm and roots.org, will present Battlefield Band, www.battlefieldband.co.uk, in concert at 8 p.m., Sat, November 18th at the Berger Performing Arts Center, 1200 W. Speedway, www.asdb.state.az.us/berger/home.html. Refusing to be limited musically by suffocating antiquarianism, or the music business' fashions, they have mixed the old Scottish songs and music with a new self-penned repertoire, all played on a fusion of ancient and modern instruments: bagpipes, fiddle, synthesizer, guitar, flutes, bodhran and accordion. Tickets are $22 in advance, $25 at the door. They are available at Antigone Books, 411 N. 4th Avenue, CD City, Campbell & Glenn, Enchanted Earthworks, Swan & Ft. Lowell, on-line at Rhythm and Roots Online Ticketing, or at 800-594-8499. For further information call 297-9133.

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Sun, November 19
Sun, November 26
Auld Dubliner Seisiun
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The Auld Dubliner Tucson's, http://aulddubliner.com/Tucson, brand new Irish pub at 800 East University Blvd., near the University of Arizona main gate is hosting weekly Irish music seisiuns at 4:00 p.m. on Sunday afternooons. The restaurant's telephone number is 520/206-0323.

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--- SAT, NOV. 18 - TUCSON IRISH COMMUNITY SINGING SESSION
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The Tucson Irish Community sponsors monthly Sat night Irish/Scottish singing sessions at 7:00 p.m. The sessions are held in a private home. For more information contact aine@tucsonirishcommunity.com">Aine. Come and sing, bring an instrument, or just listen.

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6. ROGER LANDES TO OPEN FOR BATTLEFIELD BAND AT BERGER CENTER THIS SAT.

Just wanted to let you know that I'll be in Tucson this Saturday the 18th opening for Battlefield Band with Chipper Thompson. We'll be playing our globe-trotting, genre-blending, duo bouzouki music - a little something different from the Irish traditional music you're used to hearing from me.

Concert details:

www.rhythmandroots.org/

Hope you all can make it out!

Roger Landes
rwlandes@taosnet.com
Website: http://rogerlandes.com
Bouzouki duo CD: http://janissarystomp.com ZoukFest World Music Camp, June 10-16th, 2007: http://zoukfest.com

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7. CONTRADANCE NEWS

Dance Etiquette

Never forget that you were once a newcomer, and that others helped you become a good dancer by tolerating your mistakes. Remember, always help new dancers - that's how to keep folk dancing alive!

Future Special Dances/Events to Place On Your Calendar!

-- Fri., November 24th "Burn The Calories Dance" at the Irish Cultural Center in downtown Phoenix (in place of the regular 4th Wednesday dance)
-- Sun, December 31st "New Year's Eve Dance" at the Irish Cultural Center in downtown Phoenix (in place of the regular 4th Wednesday dance)
-- Sat, January 13th "Bill & Judy Norman's 10th Anniversary Dance." Richard Wilson from NM is the caller with The Crustaceans band from Flagstaff.
-- Fri., February 2, 2007 "Peg's Belated Birthday Tour" at the Grace Sparkes Activity Center in Prescott, AZ. The band will be Atlantic Crossing from CA.
-- Sat, February 3, 2007 "Peg's Belated Birthday Tour" at the First United Methodist Church in Tucson, AZ. The band will be Atlantic Crossing from CA. -- Sun, February 4, 2007 "Peg's Belated Birthday Tour" the Norman Dance Space in Peoria, AZ . The band will be Atlantic Crossing from CA.

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8. MEMO FROM VASH

I am currently sitting on (not literally) the last 20 copies of my album "...Up Til Now". The album is a sort of Greatest Hits of the recordings I did (live and in studio) from 2000 - 2005. The album is 14 tracks long and features selections from my work with both The Bringers and Circled By Hounds.

These last 20 copies are the last that will be produced of this album. These last 20 CD's qualify for the "scratch & dent" rack, as the cardstock paper envelope packaging is a bit faded around the edges. The disc itself is in perfect condition but since the packaging has seen better days, I'm dropping the price from their normal $15 to just $10 per copy.

So, this is your last chance to get a copy of this album, only 200 were produced (only 100 of this cover design) and I have no plans to produce anymore. If you are interested in getting one (or more) send an email to: kiltedvash@gmail.com with "CD" in the suject line and I'll let you know where to send the check.

Thanks for all your support and I hope you enjoy this CD as much I enjoyed making it.

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9. THIS WEEK IN IRISH MUSIC

PHOENIX

Michael McClanathan Will Be At The Westin Kirland Every Evening At Sunset.

WED

Meadowlark will be at Desert Ridge Market Place on Wed
Paul Knight will be at into The Bean on Wed.
Scott Jeffers will be at into The Dubliner on Wed.
Smoot Mahooty with Brid Dower will be at Rosie's on Wed.

FRI/SAT

There will be a ceili at the ICC on Fri.

A Universe of Dreams - Ensemble Galilei will be at the Scottsdale Center for the Arts

Keltic Cowboys will be at the Dubliner on Fri and Sat

Bill Craig will be Fibber Magee's on Fri and Sat

Molly Brannigan's will host Oceans Apart will perform on Sat afternoon with Booya playing on Sat night.

Rocket 88 will be at O'Connor's on Fri and Sat

O'Carroll's Gate will be at Rosie McCaffrey's on Fri and Sat

Love Brokers will be at Rula Bula on Fri and Sat

Crystal Baker will be at Seamus McCaffrey's on Fri.

Skeptical Chymist will host Shirley's Temple on Fri and the Scones on Sat.

SUN

Oceans Apart will be at the Pueblo El Mirage Sports Bar on Sun evening.

Meadowlark will be at Desert Ridge Market Place on Sun.

TUCSON

Battlefield Band will be at the Berger Center on Sat.

PRESCOTT

Battlefield Band will be at the Yavapai College Performance Hall on Fri.

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1. PHOENIX

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Desert Ridge Market Place
21001 N Tatum Blvd    Phoenix    480-419-2714

11/15/2006

Wed

6:00 PM

Meadowlark

11/19/2006

Sun

6:00 PM

Meadowlark

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

11/15/2006

Wed

9:00 PM

Scott Jeffers

11/17/2006

Fri

9:00 PM

Keltic Cowboys

11/18/2006

Sat

9:00 PM

Keltic Cowboys

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

11/17/2006

Fri

9:00 PM

Bill Craig

11/18/2006

Sat

9:00 PM

Bill Craig

11/19/2006

Sun

4:00 PM

Fibber Magee's Sunday Afternoon Seisiun

Into the Bean
1710 W. Southern Ave    Mesa    480-890-0579

11/15/2006

Wed

7:00 PM

Paul Knight

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

11/17/2006

Fri

7:00 AM

E.R.I.N. Breakfast Meeting

11/17/2006

Fri

7:00 PM

Irish Ceili

Molly Brannigan's Traditional Irish Pub
1744 South Val Vista    Mesa    480-507-7827

11/18/2006

Sat

12:00 PM

Oceans Apart

11/18/2006

Sat

9:30 PM

Booya

O'Connor's Pub
2601 W. Dunlap    Phoenix    602-997-7714

11/17/2006

Fri

9:00 PM

Rocket 88

11/18/2006

Sat

9:00 PM

Rocket 88

Pueblo El Mirage Sports Bar
11201 N.El Mirage Road    El Mirage    623-583-0425

11/19/2006

Sun

6:00 PM

Oceans Apart

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

11/15/2006

Wed

8:30 PM

Smoot Mahooty With Brid Dower

11/17/2006

Fri

9:00 PM

O'Carroll's Gate

11/18/2006

Sat

9:00 PM

O'Carroll's Gate

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

11/17/2006

Fri

9:00 PM

Love Brokers

11/18/2006

Sat

9:00 PM

Love Brokers

Scottsdale Center for the Arts
7380 E. 2nd St    Scottsdale    480-994-2787

11/17/2006

Fri

8:00 PM

A Universe of Dreams - Ensemble Galilei

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

11/17/2006

Fri

9:00 PM

Wild Angels

11/19/2006

Sun

7:00 PM

Seisiun with Sven Henrich

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

11/17/2006

Fri

9:00 PM

Shirley's Temple

11/18/2006

Sat

9:00 PM

Scones

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

11/15/2006

Wed

5:30 PM

Michael McClanathan

11/16/2006

Thu

5:30 PM

Michael McClanathan

11/17/2006

Fri

5:30 PM

Michael McClanathan

11/18/2006

Sat

5:30 PM

Michael McClanathan

11/19/2006

Sun

5:30 PM

Michael McClanathan

11/20/2006

Mon

5:30 PM

Michael McClanathan

11/21/2006

Tue

5:30 PM

Michael McClanathan

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2. TUCSON

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Auld Dubliner
800 East University Blvd.    Tucson    520-206-0323

11/19/2006

Sun

4:00 PM

Tucson Irish Seisiun

Berger PCA - Celtic Crossroad
1200 W. Speedway (1/2    Tucson    520-297-9133

11/18/2006

Sat

8:00 PM

Battlefield Band

Rincon Center
6th St. at Tucson Blvd    Tucson    520-298-3014

11/21/2006

Tue

8:00 PM

Old Timey Session

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4. PRESCOTT

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Yavapai College Performance Hall
1100 E. Sheldon    Prescott    928-776-2033

11/17/2006

Fri

7:30 PM

Battlefield Band

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