1. Out And About

--- Busy Winter

--- Jan Events

2. Irish Nutcracker At Mesa Arts Center This Weekend
3. Winter Solstice Party At ICC On Mon Dec 21
4. Fingal Coming To Arizona 1-15-2009
5. Randal Bays - House Concert In Tucson Sat Jan 16
6. Memo From The Strand
7. Memo From Meadowlark
8. Memo From Round The House
9. Contradance At ICC On New Year’s Eve
10. This Week In Irish Music

1. OUT AND ABOUT

--- BUSY WINTER
With Christmas parties at the ICC (IFA, Academy and four Peaks), Scottsdale (Caeledonian Society,, CHANUKAH (at O’Connors), Pub Grand Opening (Irish Wolfhound) and that was just last week. Next Monday will be the Solstice Part at the ICC, and on Sat is a house party for CCE and the Irsh Nutcracker on Sat and Sunday. (see articles). . I’ve got photos from the Irish Wolfhound Grand Opening and the party at the ICC, but it will take a while before I get them ready for the website.

--- JAN EVENTS
Next week I’ll run a detailed description of the next two months of major events. However the first “big” event of the year will be the Fingal Concert (see article below) a the ICC on Fri Jan 15.

Randal Bays will perform in Tucson on Sat Jan 16..

4:00 PM Jan 16 the Mesa Caledonian Pipe Band will have a concert at the Mesa Amphitheatre. (more information next week).
Jan 15 to 17 the Feis in the Desert will be held at the Crowne Plaza San Marcos Golf Resort http://www.feisinthedesert.org/index.html.

Jan 30 the Mesa Robert Burns Dinner at the Crowne Plaza San Marcos Golf Resort
One San Marcos Place, Chandler, AZ 85225

2. IRISH NUTCRACKER AT MESA ARTS CENTER THIS WEEKEND

When: Dec 19 - Dec 20, 2009
Where: Nesbitt/Elliott Playhouse
Start: 2:00 PM, 7:00 PM
TicketPrice:$11 ** Children 3 and under FREE**

"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 85201NTER SOLSTICE MON DEC 21
WINTER SOLSTICE PARTY AT ICC ON MON DEC 12

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

4. FINGAL COMING TO ARIZONA 1-15-2009

Join Four Peaks Irish Arts in welcoming Fingal to Phoenix! Fingal is an exciting new trio in the world of Irish music. Its members - Randal Bays, Daithi Sproule and James Keane - are well known and respected worldwide for their musicianship and commitment to the roots of the Irish tradition. These are master musicians who know how to deliver the passion and power of this ancient music in the here and now.

Fingal will be performing in Arizona on Friday January 15th at 8:00 PM at the Irish Cultural Center 1106 N. Central Ave, Phoenix, AZ. in downtown Phoenix. Admission is $20 in advance or $22 at the door. FPIA members and Academy students receive a 10% discount!

Join Four Peaks Irish Arts in welcoming Fingal to Phoenix! Fingal is an exciting new trio in the world of Irish music. Its members - Randal Bays, Daithi Sproule and James Keane - are well known and respected worldwide for their musicianship and commitment to the roots of the Irish tradition. These are master musicians who know how to deliver the passion and power of this ancient music in the here and now.

To reserve your tickets, please contact a Four Peaks Irish Arts officer at:info@fourpeaksirisharts.org or call Mary at (512) 917-0279.
We look forward to seeing you there!
--
Four Peaks Irish Arts

www.fourpeaksirisharts.org
info@fourpeaksirisharts.org

Saturday, Jan. 16, 7:30 pm
Reservations required ($15 donation)
Email Jenny Franklin or call 520-991-3687

Randal Bays is an American musician whose mastery of the intricate art of Irish fiddle playing has earned him an international reputation among fans of Irish music. He’s known as an exciting and dynamic performer whose music grows out of a deep respect for the ancient wellsprings of the Irish tradition. But he’s equally well-known as a superb fingerstyle guitarist, whose playing has been featured on many recordings, including The 2005 compilation, “Masters of the Irish Guitar” on Shanachie Records.

As one reviewer put it, “Bays’s playing is light and fluid yet still has a sense of power and passion. He's simply a joy to listen to.” (Dirty Linen Magazine, April 2001) His 2005 release, “House to House” was selected by the Irish Times as one of the top five traditional recordings of the year, and the Cork Examiner called him "a rare beast, a master of both the fiddle and the guitar.” He's a co-founder and Artistic Director of the Friday Harbor Irish Music Camp, now in its ninth year on San Juan Island, Washington.

Randal will be making a rare Tucson appearance in the intimate setting of one of Tucson's most interesting houses. He'll be playing both fiddle and solo guitar, and hopefully will be joined by various musical friends. An Irish tune session will follow the concert.
You can read more, listen to sound clips and even learn an Irish tune on Randal's website, www.randalbays.com
"Randal Bays is the genuine article." - The Rough Guide to Irish Music

" Bays is one of the few Americans to have mastered the complex art of traditional Irish fiddling." - Gearoid O hAllmhurain (author of “A Pocket History of Irish Traditional Music”)

Seating is extremely limited, so please reserve early.
Please pass this along to anyone who might be interested.

Hi George, if you would be so kind, please put this ad in for The Strand, for our 12/19 gig at Fidd's. Thanks! Rick

The Strand will be playing their annual Christmas set at Fiddler's Dream (www.fiddlersdream.org) on a special two-set night, Saturday, Dec. 19 starting at 8 pm. Fiddler's Dream is the longest running acoustic venue in the Valley, located at 17th Street and Cactus Wren (1 block north of Glendale/Lincoln).

The Strand is Rick Boyle (bouzouki, guitar, mandola, and vocals), Hana Mattson (vocals and wire harp); Steve Pawlowski (guitar, vocals, and bodhran); and Shannon Schumann (flute, whistles, and vocals). Formed in 2007, this foursome has built on the yearly Christmas set that Rick & Steve started playing at Fidd’s some 20 years ago. Come out and enjoy a lovely set of Christmas, Hannukah, and seasonal tunes and songs, drawn from the well of American, Irish, Scottish, and English traditions, and always laced with a few surprises. Madeleine Boyle and Sarah Pawlowski will assist for the show on keyboards, vocals, and fiddle.

Rick

7. MEMO FROM MEADOWLARK

Meadowlark's 'Spirit of the Season'
Holiday Concerts

Greetings! Our beautiful Holiday shows are tonight in Cottonwood and next weekend in Sedona for those looking for a special night out with the family! We hope to see you there! ~ Meadowlark

HOLIDAY CONCERT DETAILS:
7:30pm Saturday December 19 at Studio Live! in West Sedona

"Join Meadowlark for their annual 'Spirit of the Season!' concert -a spellbinding evening of Christmas and Celtic-inspired music celebrating the Holiday Season. Meadowlark's founders Rick Cyge & Lynn Trombetta will perform their enchanting blend of "harp-like" acoustic fingerstyle guitar and effervescent flutes and pennywhistles and will be joined by violinist extraordinaire, Allen Ames. Visit www.MeadowlarkMusic.com to purchase tickets online and for more information on this and other upcoming performances"

For a sampling of music from the concert, listen to samples of Meadowlark's Christmas CD "A Silent Night" .

This and their Newest Release, "First Light ~ the early years" a compilation of Meadowlark's very popular first two releases (now out of print), will be available at both events!
(Click titles for more information and to hear samples.)

New Year’s Eve Dance at the Irish Cultural Center – Come party and revel at the Irish Cultural Center New Year’s Eve! AZ Callers team up with the incomparable Hands Four from Tucson. Celebrate the New Year joyfully with music and dance. Join the tradition of past years by bringing tasty treats to share. A non-alcoholic holiday toast will be served at midnight. The dance is from 8:00 pm to 12:00 am and the cost of admission is $12 for Members and $15 for Non-Members.

PFOTM is now on Facebook and Meetup! Check these sites out and participate to help spread the news about our contra dances.
FaceBook: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=129551624372&ref=nf
Meetup!: http://www.meetup.com/CONTRA-DANCE-PHOENIX/

10. THIS WEEK IN IRISH MUSIC

PHOENIX

Michael McClanathan will be at the Westin Kirland at sunset every day.

WED

Paul Knight will be at Cup O Bean on Wed.
Scott Jeffers will be at the Dubliner on Wed.
There will be a seisiun at Lis Doon Varna on Wed

THUR.

Shay Veno and Jane Hilton will be at Tim Finnegans on Thursday
Trevor Jones will be at D’Arcy McGee’s on Thur.
Eddie McAtear will be at the Dubliner on Thur.
Meadowlark will be at O'Donoghue's on Thur

FRI/SAT

There will be a ceili with live music at the Irish Cultural Center on Fri

Auld Dubliner will host the Walken on Fri and JG Modrocker

D'Arcy Mc'Gee's will host Trevor Jones on Fri and Sharett Mill Duo on Sat

The Biffos will be at the Dubliner on Fri and Sat.

The Brazen Heads will be at Fibber Magees on Fri and Sat

The Strand will be a Fiddler's Dream on Sat..

Pat McCrossan will be at the Irish Wolfhound on Fri and Sat

Lis Doon Varna will host the Insomniacs on Fri and Sat.

Murphy's Law will host Along for the Ride on Fri and Paul Frame on Sat.

O'Donoghue's will host Meadowlark on Thur and Easton Ase on Fri.

Keltic Cowboys will be at Rula Bula on Fri and Sat.

Traveler will be at Rula Bula on Fri and Sat.

Seamus McCaffrey's will host the Nick Howard Trio on Fri.

Skeptical Chymist will host Shirley's Temple on Fri and Zimis on Sat

Tim Finnegan's will Host Edde mcAtear on early on Sat eveing and Walken late Sat eveing.

The Turf will host Trvor Jones early on Fri evening and the Waters late on Fri

SAT/SUN DAYTIME

Paddy's Peg Leg will be at Lis Doon Varna on Sat afternoon

There will be a seisiun on early Sun afternoon at Tim Finnegans.

There will be a seisiun on late Sun afternoon at Fibber Magees..

Eddie McAtear will be at Tim Finnegan's on Sun evening.

MON

The winter Solstice will be held at the ICC beginning at 4:00 PM on Mon

TUCSON

Trevor Jones will be at the Arena Grill in Maricopa on Wed

Round the House will be at the Auld Dubliner of Tucson on Thur

There will be a seisiun at he Auld Dubliner of Tucson on Sun.

FLAGSTAFF

There will be a seisiun at Charly's in Flagstaff late Sun afternoon

SEDONA

Meadowlark will be at Studio Live in Sedona on Sat.

COTTONWOOD

There will be a contradance in Cottonwood on Sat.

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1. PHOENIX
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Auld Dubliner - Peoria
9780 W. Northern Peoria 623-877-1918

12/18/2009 Fri 9:00 PM Walken
12/19/2009 Sat 9:00 PM J G Modrocker

Cup O Bean
1710 W. Southern Ave Mesa 480-890-0579

12/16/2009 Wed 7:30 PM Paul Knight

D'Arcy McGee's
2000E Rio Salado Parkway Tempe 480-557-9087

12/17/2009 Thu 9:00 PM Trevor Jones
12/19/2009 Sat 9:00 PM Sharett Miller Duo

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

12/16/2009 Wed 9:00 PM Scott Jeffers
12/17/2009 Thu 9:00 PM Eddie McAtear
12/18/2009 Fri 9:00 PM Biffos
12/19/2009 Sat 9:00 PM Biffos

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

12/18/2009 Fri 9:00 PM Brazen Heads
12/19/2009 Sat 9:00 PM Brazen Heads
12/20/2009 Sun 4:00 PM Fibber's Sun Seisiun

Fiddler's Dream
17th St. & Cactus Wren Phoenix 602-997-9795

12/19/2009 Sat 8:00 PM Strand

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

12/18/2009 Fri 9:00 PM Irish Ceili
12/21/2009 Mon 4:00 PM Winter Solstice Party

Irish Wolfhound
16811 N. Litchfield Surprise 623-214-1006

12/18/2009 Fri 9:00 PM Pat McCrossan
12/19/2009 Sat 9:00 PM Pat McCrossan

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

12/16/2009 Wed 7:00 PM Irish Seisiun
12/18/2009 Fri 9:00 PM Insomniacs
12/19/2009 Sat 12:30 PM Paddy's Peg Leg
12/19/2009 Sat 9:00 PM Insomniacs
12/22/2009 Tue 8:00 PM Lis Doon Varna Open Mic

Murphy's Law
58 S San Marcos Place Chandler 480-812-1588

12/18/2009 Fri 9:00 PM Along for the Ride
12/19/2009 Sat 9:00 PM Paul Frame

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

12/17/2009 Thu 6:00 PM Meadowlark
12/18/2009 Fri 9:00 PM Easton Ashe

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

12/18/2009 Fri 9:00 PM Keltic Cowboys
12/19/2009 Sat 9:00 PM Keltic Cowboys

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

12/18/2009 Fri 9:00 PM Traveler
12/19/2009 Sat 9:00 PM Traveler

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

12/18/2009 Fri 9:00 PM Nick Howard Trio

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

12/19/2009 Sat 9:00 PM Shirley's Temple
12/19/2009 Sat 9:00 PM Zimis

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

12/17/2009 Thu 9:00 PM Shay Veno and Jane Hilton
12/19/2009 Sat 6:00 PM Eddie McAtear
12/19/2009 Sat 9:00 PM Walken
12/20/2009 Sun 1:00 PM Finnegan's Sun Seisiun
12/20/2009 Sun 8:00 PM Eddie McAtear

Turf
705 N. First St. Phoenix 602-296-5043

12/18/2009 Fri 4:30 PM Trevor Jones
12/18/2009 Fri 9:00 PM Waters

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

12/17/2009 Thu 5:30 PM Michael McClanathan
12/18/2009 Fri 5:30 PM Michael McClanathan
12/19/2009 Sat 5:30 PM Michael McClanathan
12/20/2009 Sun 5:30 PM Michael McClanathan
12/21/2009 Mon 5:30 PM Michael McClanathan
12/22/2009 Tue 5:30 PM Michael McClanathan

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2. TUCSON
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Arena Sports Grill
20800 N John Wayne Parkway Maricopa 520 494-7700

12/16/2009 Wed 8:30 PM Trevor Jones

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

12/17/2009 Thu 7:30 PM Round the House
12/20/2009 Sun 4:00 PM Tucson Irish Seisiun

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3. FLAGSTAFF

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

12/20/2009 Sun 4:00 PM Flagstaff Irish Seisiun

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5. SEDONA
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Studio Live
215 Coffee Pot Drive Sedona 928-282-0549

12/19/2009 Sat 7:00 PM Meadowlark

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6. REST OF AZ
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Cottonwood Civic Center
Main Street Cottonwodd 928-774-5936

12/19/2009 Sat 7:00 PM Contradance - Cottonwood