ARIZONA IRISH MUSIC SOCIETY
AIMS NEWS AND NOTES
AIMS News and Notes 12-12-2007
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.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
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
--- Get Ready For New Years Eve
2. Fri Dec 28 - Scots Of The West Valley Holiday Party Features Oceans Apart
3. Irish Cultural Center News
--- Fri Dec 21 - Third Friday Ceili
--- Sat Dec 22 - Winter Solstice Event
--- Mon Dec 31 - Contra Dance At The Center
4. Young Dubliners To Play O’donoghues On New Year’s Eve
5. Memo From Rick And Steve, And Shannon
6. Another Miracle On 34th Street
7. Irish Christmas Traditions
8. Gaelic Phrases Of The Month
9. This Week In Irish Music
1. OUT AND ABOUT
--- GET READY FOR NEW YEARS EVE
It is time to start planning for New Years with several venues requiring reservations. I am still seeking information about Fibber Magee’s and Molly Brannigans
Dubliner Irish Pub Rakes / Nightshift
3841 E. Thunderbird Rd.
Phoenix
602-867-0984
Irish Cultural Center Phoenix Contradance
1106 N. Central Avenue
Phoenix
602-392-7850
O'Connor's Pub Shay Veno and Jane Hilton
2601 W. Dunlap
Phoenix
602-997-7714
O'Donoghue's Irish Pub Young Dubliners
20469 N. Hayden Rd.
Scottsdale
480-585-6329
Rosie McCaffrey's Biffos (O'Carroll's Gate)
906 E. Camelback
Phoenix
602-241-1916
Rula Bula Love Brokers
401 S. Mill Ave
Tempe
480-929-9500
Seamus Mc Caffrey's Blackwood
18 W. Monroe
Phoenix
602-253-6081
Skeptical Chymist Scones
15688 N. Pima Ftw
Scottsdale
480-609-8677
Tim Finnegans Brazen Heads
9201 N. 29th Ave. #52
Phoenix
602-997-2323
Celtic Crossings Galway Bridge
3250 Gateway Blvd - #400
Prescott
928-443-8454
2. FRI DEC 28 - SCOTS OF THE WEST VALLEY HOLIDAY PARTY FEATURES OCEANS APART
The Scots of the West Valley presents an evening of Celtic Music – and a little Holiday music to keep the holiday cheer going. The event will be held at the Briarwood Country Club Sun City West on December 28. There will be a no host bar beginning at 5:00 and dinner will be served at 6:00.
Our Celtic Holiday fest will feature “Oceans Apart” with John Good and Steve Colby providing the lively entertainment.
“Oceans Apart”, as the name suggests, combines the best music from the British Isles and America. The crossover doesn't stop there; you will hear a Welsh vocal, an Irish Jig, Scottish Ballads, or one of many Celtic favorites. The music is infectious, ranging from breathless jigs and hornpipes, through the more relaxed popular songs. They have performed on network television and have been favorably received by the local and regional press.
John Good, a resident of El Mirage, was born in Wales and instructed in Classical Music since childhood. John is also a multi instrumentalist, a songwriter and poet. He received a Master’s in music composition at twenty-one and has practiced his trade — arranger, performer, studio musician, teacher — in Europe and the United States, ever since. Of his twenty-three years in America he says: “In San Francisco it was Jazz, in L.A, New Wave and in Phoenix, it’s Celtic!”
Steve Colby is a multi instrumentalist and vocalist whose interest in music began at the ripe old age of five or so. His musical interests are diverse, but within the past fifteen years has focused on Celtic, folk, folk-rock and old time Rock n’ Roll.
For dinner reservations contact Tom Dolan at 623-875-6891. For more information about the Scots of the West Valley contact President Gordon Walls at 623-544-2547, Membership Chairman Robert Knight at 623-876-9488 or email carnousie@cox.net.
The Scots of the West Valley is a non-profit social and philanthropic organization providing fellowship for people of Scottish birth or ancestry who are interested in programs and events that focus on their Scottish heritage, culture and traditions
3. IRISH CULTURAL CENTER NEWS
Irish Cultural Center
1106 N. Central Ave.
Phoenix, AZ 85004
602-258-0109 www.azirish.org
----------------------------------------------------------
--- FRI DEC 21 - THIRD FRIDAY CEILI
----------------------------------------------------------
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. The final date for the 2007 Ceilis is December 21. Admission is $6.00 with children under 12 Free (2 with each paid admission) Ceilis start at 7:00 pm.
Ceili dance workshops at the Center are on the second Saturday of the month from 1:30-3:30 PM. These are two hour dance intensive for beginning and advanced dancers. Beginners will focus on basic footwork and simpler Ceili dances (Fairy Reel, Siege of Ennis, etc). Advanced dancers will learn more difficult figure dances (Cross Reel, Trip To The Cottage, etc). If you are an expereinced Ceili go-er or if you have never danced before, this is the class for you! Make new friends and learn how to dazzle the spectators at the next ICC Ceili. Admission is $16.00 for adults and kids under 12 $2.00. The last date for the Ceili workshops for 2007 is December 15. This is a new date. For further information, please call (602) 258-0109.
----------------------------------------------------------
--- SAT DEC 22 - WINTER SOLSTICE EVENT
----------------------------------------------------------
This year’s Solstice celebrations at the Irish Cultural Center in Phoenix are anticipated to draw a larger attendance than past years, particularly since celebration of the occasion falls on the evening of Saturday December 22nd, and those attending won’t have to deal with normal rush hour traffic.
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. In Phoenix the occasion is marked by music and poetry. Ribbons are placed on the branches of the special Ribbon Tree, to spiritually unite us with those no longer here. A parade from the hunger memorial on site takes us to the bonfire where the Grove of the Rising Phoenix shares their ritual traditions.
This year, the customary special Irish dinner, prepared by chef Steven will be served starting at 4:00 p.m. Note, that reservations for the food are required, call 602-258-0109. Outside ceremonies start at sunset (5:25 p.m.)
WHAT: Solstice celebrations
WHERE: Irish Cultural Center, 1106 N. Central Ave., Phoenix.
WHEN: Saturday December 22nd, starting 4:00 p.m.
COST: $12. includes dinner. $6.00 for presentations only.
----------------------------------------------------------
--- MON DEC 31 - CONTRA DANCE AT THE CENTER
----------------------------------------------------------
December 31st, “New Year’s Eve Dance” at the Irish Cultural Center. (Takes the place of the regular 4th Wednesday contra dance in December.) Time: 8:00 – 12:00 pm (No Lesson). Cost: $10 members/$12 for everyone else. A non-alcoholic toast will be served at midnight. All figures will be taught during the evening; no formal workshop. • Non-dancing children must be attended by their parents at all times. Snacks are potluck provided by the participants; water fountain available. The Irish Cultural Center has a new wood floor, please wear soft-soled non-scuffing dance shoes!
4. YOUNG DUBLINERS TO PLAY O’DONOGHUES ON NEW YEAR’S EVE
New Year’s Eve takes us to Scottsdale for the grand opening party of my buddy Paul
Discans new Irish bar. Paul is a co owner of O'Briens on Main Street
in Santa Monica and a long time friend. His new bar is called
O"Donoghues and is beautiful. We will do two sets on NYE and the price includes
dinner, wine, champagne and the gig. Call the venues for more info and
tix and make sure you make the Young Dubs part of your Holiday
celebration.
That's it, see ya out there
Keith Roberts
www.youngdubliners.com
UPCOMING SHOWS
Mon. Dec 31
O’Donoghues
20469 N. Hayden Rd.
Scottsdale, AZ
New Years Eve Show. Call 480-600-2303
Right Now For Tix. Only 200
5. MEMO FROM RICK AND STEVE, AND SHANNON
Hello friends—
It’s a great time of year to celebrate in songs and tunes, so we’re pleased to have two holiday/Christmas gigs to let you know about. And, this year Steve and I are very happy to have Shannon Schumann accompanying on flute and whistle—she adds that beautiful and mysterious “third” that makes us sound better than we deserve.
This Saturday, December 15, starting at 7:30 p.m., we’re playing two full sets at The Music Corner, at 1500 West Maryland Avenue, between Bethany Home Road and Glendale Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85015. The performing space is in the Youth Room in the Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church—here is the website with directions and information:
themusiccorner.org
Next week, on Friday, December 21, we’re playing the first set at 8 p.m., at Fiddler’s Dream, 1702 East Glendale Street (the SE corner of Cactus Wren and 17th Street, one block north of Glendale/Lincoln). Here is their website for directions, performers, etc.:
www.fiddlersdream.org
Besides Shannon’s flute and whistle accompaniment, we’ve also asked (or possibly bribed) our daughters to join us—Sarah Pawlowski will play fiddle and Madeleine Boyle will play piano on some select songs and tunes.
If you really can’t celebrate the season properly without hearing some carols and songs backed by acoustic guitar, Irish bouzouki – and now flute and whistle--come on out and we’ll oblige!
See you soon—
Rick and Steve, and Shannon
6. ANOTHER MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET
George,
Here's the info for the Christmas musical I'm playing in this week.
Another Miracle on 34th Street
December 13th, 14th, and 15th (Thursday, Friday, and Saturday) at 7:00 P.M.
Free admission.
located at First Southern Baptist Church of Scottsdale
5230 N. Scottsdale Road
Bill's a part time Santa losing his marriage. Kyle is a ten year old losing his mom. Through the shenanigans of two fun loving angels, their paths cross and on Christmas Eve, at 876 34th Street, Bill discovers what Christmas is all about. Join the cast of over 75 actors, dancers, and singers accompanied by live orchestra in this delightful Broadway styled musical sure to be the highlight of your Christmas season.
Free photos with Santa (kids 12 and under) after the show!
Elizabeth Hutchins
irishprincess414@hotmail.com
7. IRISH CHRISTMAS TRADITIONS
[EDITOR’S NOTE: This piece is from www.ireland-information.com which is a fun website with a lot of interesting information.]
Ireland, like most countries, has a number of Christmas traditions that are all of its own. Many of these customs have their root in the time when the Gaelic culture and religion of the country were being suppressed and it is perhaps because of this they have survived into modern times.
THE CANDLE IN THE WINDOW
The placing of a lighted candle in the window of a house on Christmas eve is still practised today. It has a number of purposes but primarily it was a symbol of welcome to Mary and Joseph as they travelled looking for shelter.
The candle also indicated a safe place for priests to perform mass as, during Penal Times this was not allowed.
A further element of the tradition is that the candle should be lit by the youngest member of the household and only be extinguished by a girl bearing the name 'Mary'.
THE LADEN TABLE
After evening meal on Christmas eve the kitchen table was again set and on it were placed a loaf of bread filled with caraway seeds and raisins, a pitcher of milk and a large lit candle. The door to the house was left unlatched so that Mary and Joseph, or any wandering traveller, could avail of the welcome.
THE WREN BOY PROCESSION
During Penal Times there was once a plot in a village against the local soldiers. They were surrounded and were about to be ambushed when a group of wrens pecked on their drums and awakened the soldiers. The plot failed and the wren became known as 'The Devil's bird'.
On St. Stephens day a procession takes place where a pole with a holly bush is carried from house to house and families dress up in old clothes and with blackened faces.In olden times an actual wren would be killed and placed on top of the pole.
This custom has to a large degree disappeared but the tradition of visiting from house to house on St. Stephens Day has survived and is very much part of Christmas.
DECORATIONS:
The placing of a ring of Holly on doors originated in Ireland as Holly was one of the main plants that flourished at Christmas time and which gave the poor ample means with which to decorate their dwellings.
All decorations are traditionally taken down on Little Christmas (January 6th.) and it is considered to be bad luck to take them down beforehand.
TRADITIONAL GAELIC SALUTATION
The Gaelic greeting for
'Merry Christmas' is:
'Nollaig Shona Duit'
......which is pronounced as 'null-ig hun-a dwit'.
HAPPY CHRISTMAS!
8. GAELIC PHRASES OF THE MONTH
-------------------------------------------------
PHRASE: Nollaig faoi shean is faoi mhaise duit!
PRONOUNCED: Nullig fwee yan iss fwee mway/shih dwit
MEANING: A prosperous and enjoyable Christmas!
PHRASE: Nollaig Shona duit
PRONOUNCED: nullig hunna dwit
MEANING: Happy Christmas to you
PHRASE: Athblian shona duit
PRONOUNCED: ought/bleen hunna dwit
MEANING: Happy new year to you
View the archive of phrases here:
www.ireland-information.com
9. 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 with Brid Dower will be at Rosie McCaffrey’s on Wed
THUR.
Celtica will be at Rula Bula on Thursday
Liam Mackey will be at Skeptical Chymist on Thur
Another Miracle of 34th St. will be at the First Southern Baptist in Scottsdale on Thur, Fri, and Sat.
FRI/SAT
The Rakes will be at the Dubliner on Fri and Sat
The Brazen Heans will be at Fibber Magees on Fri and Sat
Molly Brannigan’s will host Southern Style on Fri and Insomniacs on Sat
McMorrows will be a O’Connor’s on Fri and Sat
Pat McCrossan will be at O’Donoghue’s on Sat
Biffos will be at Rosie McCaffrey’s on Fri and Sat
Keltic Cowboys will be at Rula Bula on Fri and Sat
Skeptical Chymist will host the Scones on Fri and Sat
SAT
Oceans Apart will be at the Fountain Hills Library on Sat afternoon
Rick and Steve Christmas Spectacular will be at Shepard of the Valley Church on Sat
PRESCOTT
Bill Craig will be at Celtic Crossings on Fri and Sat
Oceans Apart will be Palace Restaurant on Mon
1. PHOENIX
Dubliner Irish Pub
3841 E. Thunderbird Rd.
Phoenix
602-867-0984
|
12/12/2007 | Wed | 9:00 PM
| Scott Jeffers
|
|
12/14/2007 | Fri | 9:00 PM
| Rakes / Nightshift
|
|
12/15/2007 | Sat | 9:00 PM
| Rakes / Nightshift
|
Fibber Magees
1989 W. Elliott Rd. #19
Chandler
480-722-9434
|
12/14/2007 | Fri | 9:00 PM
| Brazen Heads
|
|
12/15/2007 | Sat | 9:00 PM
| Brazen Heads
|
|
12/16/2007 | Sun | 3:00 PM
| Fibber Magee's Sunday Afternoon Seisiun
|
First Southern Baptist Church
5230 N. Scottsdale Road
Scottsdale
|
12/13/2007 | Thu | 7:00 PM
| Another Miracle on 34th Street
|
|
12/14/2007 | Fri | 7:00 PM
| Another Miracle on 34th Street
|
|
12/15/2007 | Sat | 7:00 PM
| Another Miracle on 34th Street
|
Fountain Hills Library
12901 N. La Montana
Fountain Hills
|
12/15/2007 | Sat | 2:00 PM
| Oceans Apart
|
Into the Bean
1710 W. Southern Ave
Mesa
480-890-0579
|
12/12/2007 | Wed | 7:00 PM
| Paul Knight
|
Molly Brannigan's Irish Pub
1744 S. Val Vista Dr -
Mesa
480-507-7827
|
12/14/2007 | Fri | 9:00 PM
| Southern Style
|
|
12/15/2007 | Sat | 9:00 PM
| Insomniacs
|
O'Connor's Pub
2601 W. Dunlap
Phoenix
602-997-7714
|
12/14/2007 | Fri | 9:00 PM
| McMorrows
|
|
12/15/2007 | Sat | 9:00 PM
| McMorrows
|
O'Donoghue's Irish Pub
20469 N. Hayden Rd.
Scottsdale
480-585-6329
|
12/15/2007 | Sat | 9:00 PM
| Pat McCrossan
|
Rosie McCaffrey's
906 E. Camelback
Phoenix
602-241-1916
|
12/12/2007 | Wed | 7:30 PM
| Smoot Mahooty With Brid Dower
|
|
12/14/2007 | Fri | 9:00 PM
| Biffos (O'Carroll's Gate)
|
|
12/15/2007 | Sat | 9:00 PM
| Biffos (O'Carroll's Gate)
|
Rula Bula
401 S. Mill Ave
Tempe
480-929-9500
|
12/13/2007 | Thu | 9:00 PM
| Celtica
|
|
12/14/2007 | Fri | 9:00 PM
| Keltic Cowboys
|
|
12/15/2007 | Sat | 9:00 PM
| Keltic Cowboys
|
Scottsdale Senior Center
1700 N. Granite Reef Rd
Scottsdale
480-832-0243
|
12/13/2007 | Thu | 7:30 PM
| Caledonian Christmas Party
|
|
12/13/2007 | Thu | 7:30 PM
| Oceans Apart
|
Seamus Mc Caffrey's
18 W. Monroe
Phoenix
602-253-6081
|
12/14/2007 | Fri | 9:00 PM
| Blackwood
|
|
12/15/2007 | Sat | 9:00 PM
| Lynwood Flyers
|
|
12/16/2007 | Sun | 7:00 PM
| Seisiun with Sven Henrich
|
Shepard of the Valley Church
1500 West Maryland
Phoenix
|
12/15/2007 | Sat | 7:00 PM
| Rick and Steve Christmas Spectacular
|
Skeptical Chymist
15688 N. Pima Ftw
Scottsdale
480-609-8677
|
12/13/2007 | Thu | 9:00 PM
| Liam Mackey
|
Westin Kierland Resort
6902 E Greenway
Phoenix
480-624-1030
|
12/12/2007 | Wed | 5:30 PM
| Michael McClanathan
|
|
12/13/2007 | Thu | 5:30 PM
| Michael McClanathan
|
|
12/14/2007 | Fri | 5:30 PM
| Michael McClanathan
|
|
12/15/2007 | Sat | 5:30 PM
| Michael McClanathan
|
|
12/16/2007 | Sun | 5:30 PM
| Michael McClanathan
|
|
12/17/2007 | Mon | 5:30 PM
| Michael McClanathan
|
|
12/18/2007 | Tue | 5:30 PM
| Michael McClanathan
|
2. TUCSON
Auld Dubliner
800 East University
Tucson
520-206-0323
|
12/16/2007 | Sun | 4:00 PM
| Tucson Irish Seisiun
|
Rincon Market
2513 East Sixth St.
Tucson
|
12/18/2007 | Tue | 7:00 PM
| Tucson Slow Seisiun
|
4. PRESCOTT
Celtic Crossings
3250 Gateway Blvd -
Prescott
928-443-8454
|
12/14/2007 | Fri | 9:00 PM
| Bill Craig
|
|
12/15/2007 | Sat | 9:00 PM
| Bill Craig
|
Palace Restaurant and Saloon
120 S Montezuma
Prescott
928-541-1996
|
12/17/2007 | Mon | 7:30 PM
| Oceans Apart
|
St. Pauls Anglican Church - Prescott
581 Lincoln
Prescott
928-771-1218
|
12/14/2007 | Fri | 7:00 PM
| Irish Story Telling
|
|
12/15/2007 | Sat | 9:00 AM
| Irish and Scottish Gaelic Language Workshops
|
|
12/16/2007 | Sun | 1:00 PM
| Irish and Scottish Gaelic Language Workshops
|
This site © 2005
Arizona Irish Music Society
Info Line: 602-770-8077
