This site includes the postings from the Irish Aires email list. This includes a listing of Irish/Celtic events in the Houston area and other information that the Irish Aires radio program posts.

Sunday, December 19, 2004

12/19/04 - Celtic Christmas Update

For Immediate Release Sunday, December 19, 2004 A Celtic Christmas Festival At Meridian Downtown Houston's New Concert and Special Events Venue With The Beth Patterson The Trinity River Whalers The Mc Teggart Irish Dancers The Flying Fish Sailors The Godfrey's Rangers And The Battle of the Oak King and the Holly King Celtic Food and Drink, Crafts and Wares TIME: Doors Open at Noon ADMISSION: $8 in Advance, $12 Day of Show Advance Tickeets Available at the Meridian Box Office, Noon – 6 PM Mon. – Fri. And at TicketMaster 713.629.3700 LOCATION: 1503 Chartres, Houston, Texas 77003, 713-225-1717 http://www.meridianhouston.com Between Leeland and Bell, across 59 from the Convention Center ---- Listen to a sneak preview of the bands LIVE on "Irish Aires" broadcast on KPFT 90.1FM, Saturday from 5:30pm – 7:30pm. ---- There will be NO SMOKING in the Main Room (Prime Meridian) for the Festival. Smoking will be allowed in the Red Room ONLY! About the Festival After a two year hiatus, the Celtic Festival Series has returned to Houston. This is the series that was held for years at Garden in the Heights, and is produced by the same team that created the series and ran it. There will be the same mix of great Celtic music and dance, traditional Celtic food and drink, exquisite Celtic crafts and wares that made these events such a memorable. Celtic Christmas celebrates the Winter Solstice, the deepest part of winter and anticipation of the return of the sun with spring. It was a time of family and clan gathering, gift giving and feasting, and decorating with evergreen, holly and mistletoe. Celtic Christmas has also always been the best shopping opportunity of the holidays as vendors of unique and exquisite Celtic crafts and wares, gifts, books and toys come together to offer choices not found at the local mall. A list and description of wares is below ---- Beth Patterson and Kalafka Formerly of the Poor Clares Multi -instrumentalist Beth Patterson (formerly of The Poor Clares from New Orleans) is a renowned player of the eight and ten- stringed Irish bouzoukis giving performances chock-full of drive, energy, and passion; laced with humor. She has an eclectic repertoire of Celtic, roots, and contemporary songs; integrating alternative pop with Irish music and other ethnic styles, such as Cajun, Latin, Mediterranean, and African. Her music has gained critical acclaim across the United States and Europe, and has appeared on National Public Radio and PBS. The Trinity River Whalers Former Members of The Blarney Brothers The Trinity River Whalers crew is: David Sparks on vocals and signature finger-picking on guitar, bouzouki and mandolin; Micheal Price on rhythm guitar and mandolin; Randy Christian belting out his favorite rowdy tunes or adding a dash of soulful harmonica, accordion or pennywhistle. As former members of the popular Celtic group the Blarney Brothers, the guys are veterans of some of the country's largest Celtic events. Proving that women can be 'Whalers' too, Kathleen Jackson's warm rich voice rings true while rocking on the upright bass. Marj Troyer took the lead in style with hot licks and tasty nuggets on guitar, smooth as silk harmony and catchy original tunes. The McTeggart Irish Dancers The McTeggart Irish Dancers of South Texas (MIDOST), based in The Woodlands TX (North Houston) is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to preserving and teaching the art of traditional Irish dance, through performance and instruction for all, from beginners through world-championship levels. This is the lively step dancing and hard shoe dancing that were the origins of tap dance and the subjects of the phenomenal River Dance and Lord of the Dance shows. Flying Fish Sailors Performing acoustic folk music , original comedy and folk rock, the Flying Fish Sailors bring together elements from diverse musical styles to create a sound uniquely their own. Their shows combine modern and antique instrumentation, and musical styles from many times and cultures: A place where humorous original songs, American and Celtic folk songs converge with classic rock themes, the blues, and even rap and heavy metal influences. Godfrey's Rangers Houston's premier Irish band and longest running Celtic act perform the traditional music of the 19th century Irish immigrants. The Rangers have entertained for James Galway, the President of Ireland, and countless audiences with fiery jigs and reels, haunting ballads, and rousing songs of pleasure and war that tell the story of the Irish. The Battle of the Oak King and The Holly King As an observance of the Winter and Summer Solstices, The ancient Celts personified the constant struggle between the forces of nature with a staged battle between the Oak King, representing Summer, and the Holly King, representing Winter. This tradition was revived at the first Celtic Christmas Festival by professional stuntman and Renaissance Festival performer Alan Hutton. Giving the battle his own humorous and raucous take, it has been a favorite element of the solstice festivals ever since. SCHEDULE 12:30 Godfrey's Rangers 01:30 Flying Fish Sailors 02:30 Trinity River Whalers 03:30 Beth Patterson 04:30 McTeggart Irish Dancers 05:00 Godfrey's Rangers 06:00 Battle of the Oak King & Holly King 07:30 McTeggart Irish Dancers 08:00 Flying Fish Sailors 09:00 Trinity River Whalers 10:00 Beth Patterson VENDORS Old World Heritages: Coats of arms, family histories by Robbie Lindley. Magick Cauldron: Swords, Celtic jewelry, clothing, books, statues wall plaques and more. Tribal Hut: Jewelry, candles, gifts. Elsee's Silver: Sterling silver jewelry and gems in unique designs from Karen Chaney Tradewinds: Celtic jewelry. Roy Conn's Monastic Marvels: Honey's and novelty beverages, soaps and more in the tradition of monastic herbal gardening. Cornelia Amri: Author of Celtic romances. The Family Jewels of Texas:The treasure trove of jewelry. We travel the world discovering treasures for your pleasure. By Ginger Trina's Aromatic Wares: Aromatic lamps. Lola overland Celtic Novelties: Crystals, Celtic clothing. Sheila Jackson's Scottish Wares: Imported Scottish gifts, dolls, wares. Rebecca's: Scottish jewelry and imported wares. Russell Aul Instant Attitudes: Celtic t-shirts, bumper stickers. Brazillian Nuts: Roasted flavored pecans, almonds, and more. More calling every day! Meridian is available for rent for Private Parties, Company Parties, Concerts, Fundraisers, and other Special Events. Call 713.225.1717 for more information. Check the website for updates at http://www.meridianhouston.com
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