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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