ARIZONA IRISH MUSIC SOCIETY
AIMS NEWS AND NOTES
11-25-2009
AIMS News and Notes 11-25-2009 Arizona Irish Music Society
www.azirishmusic.com
Information Line: 602-770-8077
Signup - signup@azirishmusic.com
George L. O’Brien - obiewan@azirishmusic.com
News - news@azirishmusic.com
Anyone interested in receiving the Directory/Calendar only version of this newsletter should e-mail us at azirishmusic @yahoo..com. You will be able to read the entire newsletter on the web at www.azirishmusic.com/00000000.htm.
The Expanded Irish Cultural Center Gift Shop run by Pat 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. Come and browse through our extensive inventory. Everything from crystal, pewter, Belleek, Claddagh rings in gold and silver, Celtic jewelry, teas, candies, cookies, videos, DVDs, CDs, books, music and much more. Call (602) 254-6094.
The Irish Cultural Center is at 1106 N. Central Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85004
602-258-0109 www.azirish.org
TABLE OFCONTENTS
1. Out And About
--- Academy Fiddler’s Featured At ICC For First Friday
--- Celtica! Auditions Extended To December
--- Photos Added To Newsletter
2. Contradance On Fri Now 27 And Thur Dec 31
3. Celtic Yuletide With Michael Londra In Wickenburg - Wed 12-2-2009
4. Leahy Family Christmas - Sat 12-5-2009
5. An Irish Nutcracker - Sat 12 19 To 20, 2009
6. Winter Solstice Party At Icc - Mon Dec 21, 2009
7. Memo From Vyktoria Pratt Keating
8. Memo From Tramor
9. Memo From Captain Mackey's Goatskin And String Band
10. Buille Visits Arizona - Concert Review
11. This Week In Irish Music
1. OUT AND ABOUT
--- ACADEMY FIDDLER’S FEATURED AT ICC FOR FIRST FRIDAY
Jane invited
you to "First Friday Fiddlers Concert!" on Friday, December 4 at 7:00pm.
Jane says, "Your invited....to drop by the Irish Cultural Center for the Dec. 4 First Friday Fiddler's Celtic Christmas Concert! Hope you can stop by!!!".
Event: First Friday Fiddlers Concert!
What: Concert
Start Time: Friday, December 4 at 7:00pm End Time: Friday, December 4 at 8:00pm
Where: Irish Cultural Center 1106 North Central Avenue Phoenix Arizona 85004
To see more details and RSVP, follow the link below:
http://www.facebook.com/n/?event.php&eid=182641598023&mid=16c403aG5b4e7059Gf5d749G7
[EDITOR’S NOTE: The Fiddle concert will be followed by a seisiun.]
--- CELTICA! AUDITIONS EXTENDED TO DECEMBER
Due to heavy interest in this brand new
Celtic Chorale, Auditions have been extended into December.
Celtica! is Arizona’s Only Choir solely dedicated to the Music of the Celts. We are in Partnership with:
The Irish Cultural Center
1106 N. Central Avenue.
Phoenix, Arizona
Contact Director Coleen Van Slyke at:
celticachorale@gmail.com to reserve an audition time on Tuesdays, December First,
Eighth, or Fifteenth
--- PHOTOS ADDED TO NEWSLETTER
I am experimenting with using photos, although it makes it harder to get out on time. I will appreciate any feedback.
2. CONTRADANCE ON FRI NOW 27 AND THUR DEC 31
The regular 2nd Saturday and 4th Wednesday PFOTM contra dances in November will be combined on Friday, November 27th at the Irish Cultural Center, 7:30 – 10:00 “Burn The Calories” Contra Dance Friday 27th at the Irish Cultural Center Location: 1106 N. Central Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85004, map: http://www.pfotm.org/irishmap.html
Time: 7:30 – 10:00 pm
Cost: $7 all dancers
Note: Snacks provided by dancers. Please wear soft-soled non-scuffing dance
shoes! Come early, this is a very popular and well attended dance. Be sure to
bring your favorite dessert.
End 2009 with a bang by joining the New Years Eve dance at the Irish Cultural Center. Irish Cultural Center, 1106 N. Central Ave., Phoenix.
3. CELTIC YULETIDE WITH MICHAEL LONDRA IN WICKENBURG - WED 12-2-2009
Del
E. Webb Center for the Performing Arts
1090 S. Vulture Mine Rd
Wickenburg, AZ, 85390
Phone: 928-684-6624
Fax: 928-684-6698
Email: boxoffice@delewebbcenter.org
Date: Wed., December 2, 2009
Time: 7:30 pm
Price: Adults $40 – Children $5
www.michaellondra.com/
Michael Londra is from the singing capital of Ireland, a small town on the
South East coast called Wexford. He decided in the early 90s to follow his heart
and started singing professionally. His leap of faith was rewarded when he soon
became a leading man in musical theater in Dublin playing many roles. US director
and choreographer, Larry Fuller asked Michael to play Bobby Kennedy in the world
premier of "JFK" where he was noticed by the producers of Riverdance.
Michael's first album "Celt" was produced by acclaimed producer Steve
Skinner. The album was released in 15 countries worldwide selling particularly
well in Korea where it reached No 1 in the World Music Charts.
He appears with Pavarotti, Bocelli, Il Divo, Sarah Brightman and Kathryn Kenkins
on the Universal Records Asia 2009 release Arias : Ancora. His new album The
Road Not Taken will be released throughout Asia in early '09.
His recording of Danny Boy was described by The Irish Emigrant in New York
as "One of the best recordings of Danny Boy in history."The Youtube
video of this recording has been seen by over 1 million people as of Feb 2009".
(1,341,670 views by July 2009).
4. LEAHY FAMILY CHRISTMAS - SAT 12-5-2009
When::Dec 5,
2009
Start time::7:30 PM
Where:: Ikeda Theater
Ticket price: $30
Buy Tickets Preview
and Buy Tickets www.mesaartslive.com
Leahy is a Celtic Canadian powerhouse of eight siblings who are each a triple-threat
of fiddle-driven music, dance and vocals. From sacred hymns, slow airs, and
luscious Christmas carols to a toe tapping mix of fiery reels and jigs, Leahy
Family Christmas covers the full spectrum of the holiday.
"Leahy makes Christmas a true family affair!" - The Calgary Herald
<a href=”http://www.leahymusic.com/news.php”>Leahy
Web Site</a>
5. AN IRISH NUTCRACKER - SAT 12 19 TO
20, 2009
Presented by the Celtic Dance Academy 
When: Dec 19 - Dec 20, 2009
Where: Nesbitt/Elliott Playhouse
Start time: 2:00 PM, 7:00 PM
Public tickets on sale Now
http://www.mesaartscenter.com/index.php/performances/dance/irishnutcracker
Ticket Price: $11
"A magician with secrets, an enchanted gift, a battle with the Mouse Queen, a magical adventure through the land of Tir Na Nog where fairies, flowers and gypsies dance to Irish tunes: it must be the Irish Nutcracker. Join Claire as she experiences the classic holiday Christmas story the Irish way."
Box Office: 480-644-6500 Administration: 480-644-6501
One East Main Street Mesa, AZ 85201
http://www.celticdanceacademy.com
** Children 3 and under FREE**
6. WINTER SOLSTICE PARTY AT ICC - MON DEC 21, 2009
On Monday,
December 21, 2009, The center, will be presenting our 10th annual Winter Solstice.
Outside celebrations marking the longest night of the year start as the sun
goes down, so dress to keep warm.
Solstice, now as in ancient times, marks the longest night of the year whereby the Sun is at its lowest elevation in the sky. The return of the Sun from its most southern position on the horizon has always been of great ceremonial significance, in addition to serving as a celestial clock.
Through the magic of Irish mythology, special visitors from afar will be here on December 21st to help us celebrate Solstice, which is considered the oldest celebrated festival in the world. Our special visitors are known as the ‘Swans from Pleiades’.
The customary Irish dinner will be served starting at 4:00 p.m. Reservations for food would be appreciated by December 19th. Please call 480-242-3500 or 602-258-0109.
WHAT: Solstice celebrations
WHERE: Irish Cultural Center, 1106 N. Central Ave., Phoenix.
(A Light Rail stop is nearby at Roosevelt St.)
WHEN: Monday, December 21, 2009 4:00 pm
COST: $12.00 includes dinner. $6.00 for presentations only.
For further information, please call (480) 242-3500 or (602) 258-0109 or check
www.azirish.org.
7. MEMO FROM VYKTORIA PRATT KEATING
HI George,
Thanks for adding this to your calendar.
Happy Thanksgiblings !
Vyktoria
NOVEMBER 27th
A "BRILLIANT" CELTIC MUSIC CONCERT 7:30pm at Old Town Center for
the Arts Vyktoria Pratt Keatiing teams up with Flagstaff Celtic 
sensations
“Pure Dead Brilliant”,a 6 piece group, for a dual concert of Celtic
music at The Old Town Center For The Arts in Cottonwood on Friday November 27th
from 7:30-9:30pm.
Info: 928-634-0940 address: 633 N Main st Cottonwood $15 at the door or in advance
www.oldtowncenter.org for more info
NOVEMBER 28th
VYKTORIA PRATT KEATING PERFORMS AT CELTIC CROSSINGS PUB 6:30-9:30pm Prescott
928-443-8454 THE best fish and chips in AZ...(I should know)
8. MEMO FROM TRAMOR
http://www.tramormusic.com
http://www.youtube.com/user/TramorMusic
http://www.celticharvestfestival.com/
-------------------------------------------------------------
Ah! Diolchgarwch/Thanksgiving and Nadolig/Christmas are just around the corner
again. Maybe it'll snow this year ... well we've seen snow in the desert before!
Anyway, Tramor now has a Youtube presence http://www.youtube.com/user/TramorMusic
Gwyliau hapus. Happy holidays.
(Go to http://www.tramormusic.com and
click Electronic Press Kit for MP3 preview [rehearsal recording]) 
Tramor/Abroad, John Good and very special guest Billy Parker, will be at:
Sunday, November 29th. [12:00 -- 3:00]
Lis Doon Varna Irish Pub
16100 N Arrowhead Fountains Center Dr
Peoria, AZ 85382
(623) 979-0730
http://www.lisdoonvarnapub.com/
Saturday, December 12th [2:00 -- 3:30]
Fountain Hills Branch Library
12901 N. LaMontana Dr.
Fountain Hills, AZ 85268
(602) 652-3000
http://www.mcldaz.org/library/userdef/branches/ud_mcld_branch_FH.aspx
Saturday, December 12th [5:00 -- 8:00]
O'Connor's Pub
2601 W. Dunlap Avenue
Phoenix, AZ
(602) 997-7714
http://www.oconnorspub.com/
Monday, December 14th [7:30 - 9;00]
The Palace Hotel and Saloon
120 S. Montezuma
Prescott, AZ 86303
(928) 541-1996
http://historicpalace.com/
Sunday, December 27th. [12:00 -- 3:00]
Lis Doon Varna Irish Pub
16100 N Arrowhead Fountains Center Dr
Peoria, AZ 85382
(623) 979-0730
http://www.lisdoonvarnapub.com/
For more information on the band, please go to:
http://www.tramormusic.com
http://www.youtube.com/user/TramorMusic
http://www.celticharvestfestival.com/
To unsubscribe from this list, reply to this E-mail and write/copy Unsubscribe
in the topic box.
9. MEMO FROM CAPTAIN MACKEY'S GOATSKIN AND STRING
BAND
A Chara, 
Go raibh míle maith agat as teach aréir! Thank you very much for coming out to see us last night.[EDITOR’S NOTE: They performed on Nov 17 at the Daugherty’s]. Máirtín & Jimmy here just letting you know that you are NOW on de mailing list.Do keep in touch with us over the passing of time by checking in online at www.CaptainMackey.com
Our other websites are www.MairtinMusic.com & www.JimmyCrowley.com for all the minutia you ever wanted.
We hope to see you again soon,
Máirtín & Jimmy
Captain Mackey's Goatskin and Stringband is the name we have and the album
is entitled:
"Soldiers' Songs: The Irish Abroad ans Soldiering"
Check it out and buy a copy for yourself if you don't have one already at www.CDBaby.com/cmgas
Máirtín and Jimmy are going on a Cruise this winter!!
Join Captain Mackey's on the 19th Annual Irish Festival Cruise this January!
We sail the tranquil Caribbean for a week long tropical hooley on January 23rd.
Sailing along with us are Johnny McEvoy, The Black Family, The Elders, Tommy
Sands, Ennis, The Karan Casey Band and many more! Join in the revelries of nightly
concerts, hootenannies, na seisiún and more, all while calling on lush
ports of call. Rates are from $1099.00. Details http://www.irishtours.com/ or
call 1-800-441-HARP. See you on board! Remember...a salty sea is better than
a salty driveway!
Notice: If you wish to Opt-out of this mailing list please send a reply with
"GO 'WAY WILL'A" in the subject title.
10. BUILLE VISITS ARIZONA - CONCERT REVIEW
By George O’Brien
Buille performed
at the Irish Cultural Center on Nov 17 in the first of three concerts in Arizona.
Buille, word meaning “hit, blow, stroke; stress, emphasis, importance”
(http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/buille)., is the name of one of the top traditional
bands in Ireland.
The name Buille is relatively new, but the players were well established before
they formed Buille in 2004. The lead player is Niall Vallely who began to learn
the concertina at the age of seven.
In 1990 Niall helped to form the very influential band Nomos. Indiviuallly
Niall performed for the BBC/RTE 'A River of Sound', and had a track included
on the Virgin album and BBC video that accompanied the series. .In 2000 Nomos
broke up and Niall began performing with musicians such as Karan Casey, Tim
O’Brien, Mícheál Ó Súilleabháin, Paddy
Keenan, Mel Mercier, among others”. He worked on a number of projects
such as the 2003 “Callan Bridge” with his brother Cillian on uilleann
pipes. Other projects include an Ireland/Asturias project with the Asturian
band Tejedor and Dublin born whistle player Cormac Breatnach.
Niall gained addition notority.in 2007 when he married Karan Casey after performing
in her band. Karen is best known for being an original member of Solas and as
a former singing partner of our own Brid Dower.
In 2004 Niall joined with his brother, Caoimhín Vallely to form Buille
Caoimhín first came to prominence as fiddle player with the exciting
Cork band North Cregg, formed in 1996. The name "North Cregg" comes
from a tune composed by uilleann piper, Jimmy Morrison, who named his composition
after a small townland near Fermoy, County Cork.
While Caoimhín played fiddle with North Cregg,, with Buille he has focused
on the piano. “He has recorded on albums and performed with groups and
musicians such as - Nomos, his brothers Niall and Cillian, Karan Casey, Tejedor,
Cormac Breatnach, and Mícheál Ó Súilleabháin
and Mel Mercier, Alan Kelly, Crash Ensemble, RTÉ Concert Orchestra, Meabh
O’Hare & Conor Byrne, Martin Meehan, Barry Kerr, ABOUT THEIR MUSIC
“Irish concertina genius Niall Vallely has been quiet of late, but this
recording with brother Caoimhín on keyboards and Paul Meehan on guitars
is a timely reminder of his brilliance and style. Buílle is mostly Niall's
own tunes, often in the Irish or Scottish idiom, and invariably played with
the type of flair and musicality which most of us can only wonder at. “Alex
Monaghan - Irish Music Magazine/Living Tradition
Buille has a rather quirky “trad-jazz fustion” style “ - “Tunes and their basic structure are left more-or-less alone (although they are sometimes a little quirky), but there are often improvised breaks and jazz-style solos that will surely annoy many.” Niall Keegan - Journal of Music
The best realization of a trad-jazz blend … is the medley of "1st of August/2nd of August," two Niall Vallely tunes played by him with stirring virtuosity, panache, and almost puckish glee. Vallely knows how to swing, and Caoimhín and Meehan know how to weave their own playing around and into his. The guitar builds tension within the tempo and erects a short bridge between tunes, and the piano in one passage provides a percussive beat and in another lays down the melody. Published on September 14, 2005, in the IRISH ECHO newspaper, New York City. Copyright (c) Earle Hitchner.
The concert at the Irish Cultural Center drew almost 70 people, which is quite
strong for a Tuesday night and the response was generally pretty strong. Not
everyone liked their jazz influence, but there is no doubt these are three extraordinary
musicians. It was a fine show.
11. THIS WEEK IN IRISH MUSIC
PHOENIX
Michael McClanathan will play the pipes each day at sunset at the Westin Kirland.
WED
Paul Knight will be at Cup O Karma on Wed evening.
Scott Jeffers will be at the Dubliner on Wed evening
There willl be seisiun at Lis Doon Varna on Wed eveing
Brid Dower and Smoot Mahooty will be at Rosie’s on Wed Evening
THUR
Shay Veno and Jane Hilton will be be at Tim Finnigans on Thur
Brian O’Carroll will be at the Dubliner on Thur
FRI/SAT
There will be a contradance at the ICC on Fri.
Auld Dubliner will host Spin Cycle on Fri and Vide on Sat
Darcy McGee's will host Modrocker on Sat
Dubliner will host the Knobs on Fri and Sat
Biffos will be at the Irish Wolfhound on Fri and Sat
Lis Doon Varna will host "Temperature is Rising" on Fri and Sat
O'Donoghue's will host Easton Ashe on Fri.
Murphy's Law will host Paul Frame on Fri and Mike Mercer on Sat
Rosie McCaffrey's will host the Waters on Sat
Rula Bula will host Walt Richardson on Fri and Sat..
Skeptical Chmist will host Insomniacs on Fri and Sat.
The Turf will host the Jump Back Brothers on Sat.
SAT/SUN DAYS
Paddy's Peg Leg will be at Lis Doon Varna on Sat afternoon.
Tramor will be at Lis Doon Varna on Sun.afternoon.
There will be a seisiun at Tim Finnegans earlly Sun afternoon
There will be a seisiun at Fibber Magee's late Sun Afternoon
TUE
There will be an open mic at Lis Doon Varna o Tue
TUCSON
There will be a seisiun at the Auld Dubliner late on Sun afternoon.
FLAGSTAFF
There will be a seisiun at Charly's late on Sun afternoon.
PRESCOTT
Celtic Crossing will host the Unsure Duo on Fri and Vyktoria Pratt Keating on Sat.
COTTONWOOD
Vyktoria Pratt Keating will join Pure Dead Brillian at the Old Time Cottonwood Center on Fri.
CALENDAR
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1. PHOENIX
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Auld Dubliner - Peoria
9780 W. Northern Peoria 623-877-1918
11/27/2009 Fri 9:00 PM Spin Cycle
11/28/2009 Sat 9:00 PM Vibe
Cup O Bean
1710 W. Southern Ave Mesa 480-890-0579
11/25/2009 Wed 7:30 PM Paul Knight
D'Arcy McGee's
2000E Rio Salado Parkway Tempe 480-557-9087
11/28/2009 Sat 9:00 PM Modrocker
Dubliner Irish Pub
3841 E. Thunderbird Rd. Phoenix 602-867-0984
11/25/2009 Wed 9:00 PM Scott Jeffers
11/26/2009 Thu 9:00 PM Brian O'Carroll
11/27/2009 Fri 9:00 PM Knobs
11/28/2009 Sat 9:00 PM Knobs
Fibber Magees
1989 W. Elliott Rd. #19 Chandler 480-722-9434
11/28/2009 Sat 9:00 PM Capitol Down
11/29/2009 Sun 4:00 PM Fibber's Sun Seisiun
Irish Cultural Center
1106 N. Central Avenue Phoenix 602-392-7850
11/27/2009 Fri 7:00 PM Contradance - Phoenix
Irish Wolfhound
16811 N. Litchfield Surprise 623-214-1006
11/27/2009 Fri 9:00 PM Biffos
11/28/2009 Sat 9:00 PM Biffos
Lis Doon Varna
16100 N. Arrowhead Fountain Center Peoria 623-979-0730
11/25/2009 Wed 7:00 PM Irish Seisiun
11/27/2009 Fri 9:00 PM Temperature Is Rising
11/28/2009 Sat 12:30 Paddy's Peg Leg
11/28/2009 Sat 9:00 PM Temperature Is Rising
11/29/2009 Sun 12:00 Tramor
12/1/2009 Tue 8:00 PM Lis Doon Varna Open Mic
Murphy's Law
58 S San Marcos Place Chandler 480-812-1588
11/27/2009 Fri 9:00 PM Paul Frame
11/28/2009 Sat 9:00 PM Mike McKee
O'Donoghue's Irish Pub
20469 N. Hayden Rd. Scottsdale 480-585-6329
11/27/2009 Fri 9:00 PM Easton Ashe
Rosie McCaffrey's
906 E. Camelback Phoenix 602-241-1916
11/26/2009 Thu 8:00 PM Smoot Mahooty With Brid Dower
11/27/2009 Fri 9:00 PM Waters
11/28/2009 Sat 9:00 PM Waters
Rula Bula
401 S. Mill Ave Tempe 480-929-9500
11/27/2009 Fri 9:00 PM Walt Richardson
11/28/2009 Sat 9:00 PM Walt Richardson
Skeptical Chymist
15688 N. Pima Ftw Scottsdale 480-609-8677
11/27/2009 Fri 9:00 PM Insomniacs
11/28/2009 Sat 9:00 PM Insomniacs
Tim Finnegans
9201 N. 29th Ave. #52 Phoenix 602-997-2323
11/26/2009 Thu 9:00 PM Shay Veno and Jane Hilton
11/29/2009 Sun 1:00 PM Finnegan's Sun Seisiun
Turf
705 N. First St. Phoenix 602-296-5043
11/27/2009 Fri 9:00 PM Jump Back Brothers
Westin Kierland Resort
6902 E Greenway Parkway Phoenix 480-624-1030
11/25/2009 Wed 5:30 PM Michael McClanathan
11/26/2009 Thu 5:30 PM Michael McClanathan
11/27/2009 Fri 5:30 PM Michael McClanathan
11/28/2009 Sat 5:30 PM Michael McClanathan
11/29/2009 Sun 5:30 PM Michael McClanathan
11/30/2009 Mon 5:30 PM Michael McClanathan
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2. TUCSON
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Auld Dubliner - Tucson
800 East University Blvd. Tucson 520-206-0323
11/29/2009 Sun 4:00 PM Tucson Irish Seisiun
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3. FLAGSTAFF
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Charly's Pub and Grill
23 N Leroux St Flagstaff 928-779-1919
11/29/2009 Sun 4:00 PM Flagstaff Irish Seisiun
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4. PRESCOTT
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Celtic Crossings
3250 Gateway Blvd - #400 Prescott 928-443-8454
11/27/2009 Fri 6:30 PM Unsure Duo
11/28/2009 Sat 6:30 PM Vyktoria Pratt Keating
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6. REST OF AZ
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Old Town Cottonwood Center for the Arts
5th Street and Main Cottonwood 480-481-9647
11/27/2009 Fri 7:00 PM Vyktoria Pratt Keating
11/27/2009 Fri 7:00 PM Pure Dead Brilliant
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