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.

Saturday, December 11, 2004

Current Events 12/11/04

Irish Current Events in the Houston Area What's New? 12/14/04 – Celtic Concert with Celtic Vogage, Celtic Chorus & Irish 100 Club This version of Current events at: http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/Irish_Aires/houston s.htm Community Annoucements: Jim McNamara, the longtime piper from County Clare is quite sick with encephalitis. He is at Memorial City Southwest Medical Center. Michael Davitt, Irish performer & AOH activist, is continuing to undergo treatment for cancer. Please keep both of them in your prayers and please let others know about their condition. ****************************************** 12/11 - 12/19/04 - EJ Jones at the Revels Houston Performances. December 11-12, 18-19 Revels Houston Revels Houston 2004: A Scottish Celebration Moores Opera House, University of Houston 713- 668-3303 ****************************************** 12/11/04 - Celtic Supporters Christmas Party, Bull & Bear with the Blaggards, 10:30pm, 11980 Westheimer, Suite A Houston, TX 77077 713.802.9370 Call the 'Blaggards hotline' (713.557.9979) for tickets. http://www.thebullandbear- tavernandeatery.com/ ****************************************** 12/11/04 - Constant Billie at the Lights In The Heights - This is a wonderful neighborhood festival in Houston's Woodland Heights. You really have to see it to believe it. Hundreds of luminaria line the streets. Carolers and live musicians are all over the place- on stages, in gardens, in the streets and on front porches- performing for the thousands of pedestrians walking in the streets (closed to auto traffic). The entire neighborhood turns out to welcome visitors with cookies, punch, and wassail. We will alternate sets on the front porch of 521 Euclid with our friends, the Men of Houston Morris Dancers. And Kim Knudsen's wonderful flute chorus "Festival Flutes" will be playing a few houses down from us at 608 Euclid. Come on out and enjoy one of Houston's nicest events! When: 6-9pm Saturday, December 11, 2004 Where: 521 Euclid in the Woodland Heights, Houston, Texas. Click here for a map. How Much: Admission is FREE. ****************************************** 12/14/04 - Celtic Concert - The Celtic Chorus of Houston & the Irish 100 Club are jointly sponsoring An Evening of Traditional Celtic entertainment featuring the "Celtic Voyage". Doors Open: 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm (entertaiment begins) @ the Knights of Columbus Hall 2616 Louisiana, Houston, Texas near downtown, bounded by Louisiana (one way going north) Smith (one way going south) Dennis and McGowen. There is NO COVER CHARGE, but we ask for donations for our performers. Beer, wine, soft drinks, chips, peanuts & candy available at reasonable prices. Families welcome! A good opportunity for organizers of Celtic events to check out some new performers! Performers get a chance to try out new material in a friendly setting and make new contacts to promote their music. Audience members get great entertainment and an opportunity to meet the performers and other folks interested in Celtic culture. The Irish 100 Club is a group of individuals who support the St. Patrick's Parade in downtown Houston each year in March. This event will be an opportunity to join or renew your support for the parade and this group. Find out more info on the Celtic Chorus at: http://home.att.net/~ceilidhmusic/chorus/CelticChorus.html ****************************************** 12/19/04 - A Celtic Christmas Festival @ The Meridian - The popular blend of traditional and alternative Celtic music and dance with craft vendors, traditional food & drink. http://www.meridianhouston.com/ 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. Times Door: NOONPM Show: 2:00PM Admission Advance: $8 Day of Show: $12 Advance Tickets Available 713.629.3700 :: Beth Patterson: World-renowned bazouki player from New Orleans melding trad. Celtic with World Music :: The Trinity River Whalers: Members of the Blarney Brothers :: The Flying Fish Sailors: Ren-Fest favorites mixing trad. Celtic with comic original songs :: Godfrey's Rangers: Houston's longest running Celtic group :: The McTeggart Irish Dancers: The lively Irish step dancing made famous in "Riverdance" :: The Battle of the Oak King & The Holly King: Re-enactment of the ancient Celtic mythological struggle between Winter & Summer ****************************************** 12/19/04 - Blaggards @ ROCK THE SHELTER Benefit, The Continental Club, 3700 Main St, Houston, TX - 713.529.9899 ****************************************** 01/16/05, Sunday - Julian Calendar New Year at the Meridian: Still the best European bash in town - a colorful blend of ethnic music and dance from Russia and Eastern Europe. An exotic assortment of traditional Eastern European, Balkan and Russian food and drink will be served. The Gypsies: The most popular band for ethnic music in Houston - Russian, Eastern European, Polish, Middle Eastern, Jewish Klezmer, and Gypsy as well as Celtic, Cajun, jazz, and swing. ****************************************** 01/29/05 - The Rogues at the Mucky Duck ****************************************** 02/12/05 - Friday, The Greencards -7:30pm & 10:00pm, $12 (smoke- free) @ the Mucky Duck ****************************************** 02/22/05 - Tuesday, The Greencards - 8:30pm, $10 (smoke-free) @ the Mucky Duck ****************************************** 02/24-27/05: UST Hosts The American Conference for Irish Studies Southern Regional Conference with the theme Ireland: North, South, East and West at the Warwick Hotel, 5701 Main Street. The conference is open to the public, scholars and students. Contact Lori Gallagher at 713-525-3592 and check the Center Website at http://www.stthom.edu/irishstudies which contains details, a registration form, the call for papers and a flier. ****************************************** 03/11/05 - Tuesday, The Greencards – 9:00pm, $19 (smoke-free) @ the Mucky Duck ****************************************** 03/17/04, Thursday - Houston St. Patrick's Festival: The return of the biggest St. Patrick's Event in the southwest, formerly held at Garden in the Heights. ****************************************** 04/24/05 - Irish Tenor Ronan Tynan (3pm) at the Grand 1894 Opera House in Galveston. ****************************************** ON GOING Events: Wednesday Nights at 8ish PM. The Mucky Duck continues a twenty-five year tradition, hosting Houston's Irish Session. The Mucky Duck incarnation of the Session, if for no other reason than the frequent participation of younger musicians, gives a very real sense of tradition passed on and history handed down. The most visible Celtic-influenced traditional bands around Houston -- make participating in the Session a regular, energy-charging part of their regular routine. What is celebrated is the whole of Celtic culture, and a musical tradition that, over the centuries, has become as much American roots music as bottleneck guitar. The drums of western Africa are what gave American music its rhythm; more often than not, though, the melody is Celtic. The popularity of Celtic folk music is either a testament to the timeless appeal of these sometimes haunting, sometimes hilarious, sometimes jig-inspiring tunes, or perhaps an argument in favor of the nebulous theory of racial memory. Celtic blood-ties real, suspected and imagined have given many the impetus to learn the folk-arts of the ancient tribes; that's just one reason why the Wednesday night Session at the Mucky Duck is as much a school and tribal gathering as a musical event. This is a great way to explore Irish music and tradition. Music starts at 8pm, and there is no cover charge.2425 Norfolk Houston, TX 77098 713.528.5999 Phone Be sure to check our calendar in case we have booked a special show that might preempt our regular Irish Session ---- Ar mhaith leat Gaeilge a labhairt? Would you like to speak Irish? Beginning Irish Conversation Brian O'Neill's 5555 Morningside (Rice Village, near the intersection of University and Morning side) Brian O'Neill's Restaurant and Irish Pub: brianoneills.com If you are interested in learning a little Irish then come join us at Brian Ó Neill's on Wednesday evenings at 7:00 P.M. This Irish class is tailored to the beginning student who has had no prior exposure to Irish. You will learn basic conversational greetings, helpful phrases, informative tips for traveling through the Gaeltacht such as common signage, asking directions and most important of all how to pronounce those mystical Irish words. Pocket phrase books do the tourist no good unless they know how to pronounce what they are reading! This course provides the beginning student with phonetically spelled out Irish words, something most beginning tape and book courses fail to offer. If you have any questions please contact Tim Theisen (tyson) at Jeaniebotl@aol.com or phone me at (713) 263-9691 If you are interested please come join us on Wednesday evenings at 7:00 P.M. There is a $5.00 donation to cover cost of the handouts. Labhraímis Gaeilge is linne í ! Speaking Irish is cool ! ---- Wednesdays, 7-10 pm SCOTTISH COUNTRY DANCING AND MORE http://home.att.net/~diannashipman New Dancers Welcome - Families Welcome (children must be accompanied by parent / guardian). $5 for those 14 and over; $2.50 those under 14 ($15 maximum per family) - fourth consecutive Wednesday free. Location: Oddfellows Hall, 115 E. 14th St. (Heights), Houston, Texas (3rd building on left traveling east from Heights Blvd. - 2 story red brick - entrance recessed about 15 feet from street - dancing upstairs). LINKS ON WEBSITE with map & photo (Map) http://home.att.net/~diannashipman/MapOddfellows.gif PHOTO OF HALL: http://home.att.net/~diannashipman/OddfellowsHall.jpg ---- Houston Highland Games Association has regular meetings at the Holiday Inn SW-Sugarland (11160 SW Frwy. Houston, TX 77031-3698 281-5301400) on the first Thursday of each month. We gather in the lounge around 6:30 or so and prime the pump for the 7:30 meetings. They usually last for about an hour and a half. More fellowship follows the meeting. ---- The Irish American Heritage Association of Katy, Texas has their monthly meetings on the fourth Tuesday of each month. The meeting is held at the MUD 81 Building (Harris Co. Municipal Utility Building) located on Cimmarron Parkway, off of South Mason Road in Katy, Texas. From the I-10 freeway driving south on Mason Road to the 4th light from the I-10 freeway is Cimmarron Parkway where you take a right turn to drive 2 blocks to the intersection on the left, there is Hidden Canyon Road where the MUD building is located. Plenty of lighted parking space is available across the street from the building. We have refreshments to share during the social gathering. Usually, by 9:15pm, the meetings adjourns. Membership is $20 annually due on June 1st. Each meeting features a different topic. Phone numbers for contact or information: Phil Connelly, President, Katy, Tx ph.281-492- 8780 Dennis McGuire, VP, Katy, Tx ph.281- 392-0894 IAHA Newsletter monthly advertising space is available too. A few Irish American Heritage Assoc. members and their friends have put together a deluxe bus tour of Ireland. The tour will leave Houston May 24th and return on June 4th. A private bus will be chartered to carry tourists to the very best adventures in Ireland. Plans include a banquet at Knappogue Castle, stops along the West Coast, a visit to the shrine at Knock, Donegal, Dublin, Waterford, and Kerry. The bus will make unique stops at places that are often off the beaten path. But the most unique feature of this tour will be the leisurely pace and flexible schedule. Unlike typical bus tours, you will not be required to wait on the pavement at the crack of dawn to begin an exhausting rigid daily schedule. Departures and stops will be adjusted to suit guests as the need arises. Each day will end in an overnight stay in a fine hotel. Your hosts for the tour will be Phil and Bridget Connelly. Bridget is from Ireland, and she and Phil make regular trips to the Emerald Isle. At least 20 persons will be signed up by February 5th to make this trip both affordable and luxurious, so don't delay! Call Phil or Bridget by February 5th (281) 492-8780. ---- Session on Sundays 6 'til 8:30pm at Rudyard's Pub (Rudz). Rudz is located at 2010 Waugh Drive. The best approach is from Montrose Blvd., turn west on Welch, when you get to Waugh, Rudz appears in front of you. The car park to your left is for Rudz' use. Julian Tribe ---- CELTIC CHORUS OF HOUSTON Do you like to hum or sing along with the music played on Irish Aires or The Three Irish Tenors? Then join us every Tuesday night: 1st Tuesday 6:30 TO 9:30 PM, other Tuesdays 7:30 to 9:30 PM 1ST TUESDAYS: BRIAN O'NEILL'S (6:30 pm practice singalong songs, 7:30 perform for Open Mic) 2nd, 3rd, and 4th TUESDAYS: KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS, COUNCIL 803 Officers (elected June 11, 2002): President: MICHAEL "GRIF" GRIFFIN Vice- President: DIANNA SHIPMAN (diannashipman@att.net) Secretary/Treasurer: ROBERT "BOB" DOWNS We will join together in a sing-a-long session and then later those who wish to learn four part music may stay and learn choral music of Ireland, Scotland and Wales. If you need more information contact Richard McGinty 713-943- 9600 or e-mail r.e.hourich@excite.com . The mission statement reads in part: "to provide a community meeting place for those interested in the Celtic heritages." The first half of the evening focuses on singalong songs and the second half on choral arrangements. The singalong songs: Will You Go Lassie Go The Minstrel Boy Sally Gardens Molly Malone (In Dublin's Fair City) Finnegan's Wake The Foggy Dew Black Velvet Band Mcnamara's Band Danny Boy When Irish Eyes Are Smiling The Unicorn Song I'm Lookin' Over A Four Leaf Clover Whiskey In The Jar The Wild Rover The Bard Of Armagh Choral Arrangements: Danny Boy The Minstrel Boy An Irish Blessing My Wild Irish Rose Summer Break - No Meetings July 2 Thru Aug 6 - Chorus Resumes Meeting Aug. 13, 2002 ---- Event: Irish Jam Session/Open Mic. Night Place: The Beverly Pub, 6325A Beverly Hill (one block south of Richmond, between Hillcroft and Fairview) Every Wednesday Time: 8:30 - Midnight More Info: 713-334-3474 or http://www.beverlypub.net Join host every Wednesday at the Beverly Pub for an Irish Jam Session and Open Mic. Night. All performers, professional or amateur, are welcome to join in or take the mic. for a few songs in a supportive, fun atmosphere, or just drop by for a pint and listen or sing along. Host Patrick "Paddy" Devlin of "On the Dole" fame and frequent guests jam on everything from Irish to blues to Elvis. The Beverly Pub is a cool place to find good music, good friends, great drink specials and most of all, it's fun atmosphere. It is relaxing and friendly, and the jolly good lads 'n lasses who make up the waitstaff offer good food and an impressive collection of draught & bottled beer and fine spirits. Need more information? Give us a call @ 713- 334-3474. (The Beverly won the Guinness trophy in the downtown St. Patrick's day parade. It is a nice cut glass trophy. Jay) ---- Celtic Voyage regularly plays at the Bayview Duck (just two miles south of the Kemah bridge on Hwy 146) on Sat night at 8pm. So bring your voices and your good cheer and join in for another song filled night. 3131 HWY 146, Bacliff, TX 77518, 281/339-3510 ---- "One hundred thousand welcomes!" This age-old Gaelic greeting is a timeless expression of Scottish hospitality and goodwill. We can't think of a better way to welcome you than to invite you to Houston's Heather and Thistle Society (H&T). The Heather and Thistle Society was founded in 1953 by Scots living in Houston who wished to "cultivate an interest in and fond recollections of Scotland, its history and traditions, its literature and ideals, its minstrelsy and song, its customs and amusements; and to provide opportunities for good fellowship and social contact through typically Scottish functions, so that the blessing of our Scottishculture may never die in our new homeland". The Heather and Thistle Society meets 10 times a year, September through June. Programs include "ceilidhs", lively lectures, slide shows and movies about Scotland. We are an organization that promotes our Scottish heritage in various ways. Membership in the Heather and Thistle Society is open to all with an interest in Scottish Heritage and Culture. Annual Dues are $10.00 for an individual and $15.00 for a family. H&T meets the fourth (4th) Monday of each month, September thru June, at 7:30 P.M. Current meeting location: Auditorium of St.Thomas Episcopal School, 4900 Jackwood, Houston, TX 77096 http://www.stes.org/contact.htm As of 25 March, 2002, current officers are: Walter May, Chieftain - 281-493-0016 - waltmaySFA@aol.com Becci Himes, Sub-Chieftain - 281-498-5746 - bhimes@houston.rr.com Aaron Buchanan, Sgt-at-Arms - 281-376-9749 - aaron.buchanan@dal.frb.org Brenda Barton, Secretary - 713-450-4042 Robert Moore, Treasurer - 713-774-0314 Past-Chieftains Committee: Wayne C. Barton (Chieftain 2001-02) - 713- 450-4042 - wcbarton@swbell.net Edgar W. Biddle (Chieftain 1999-01) - 281- 807-7892 - edbid@yahoo.com Paul E. Ross (Chieftain 1996-97) - 713-661- 5240 - threeoaks@earthlink.net 02/22/05 - Tuesday, The Greencards - 8:30pm, $10 (smoke-free) @ the Mucky Duck David N. McLane (Chieftain 1991-92) - 281- 807-7892 W. Alex Munroe (Chieftain 1990-91) - 713-686- 2976 http://www.heatherandthistle.org/ ---- Royal Scottish Country Dance Society Dancing General Class Mondays - 7:30-9:30 p.m In progress Classical Arts Dance Studio, 530 N Illinois, League City - Contact Moon Weiss, 713-465-9650, mland121@aol.com Basic Class Tuesdays - 7:30-9:30 p.m. In progress DewAnn Cotten Dance Studio, 9423 Glenfield Court (By S. Braeswood/Hillcroft) South West Houston For info: Carol Palmer, 713-776-8531, carolhpalmer@hotmail.com General Class Thursdays - 7:30-9:30 p.m In progress DewAnn Cotten Dance Studio, 9423 Glenfield Court (By S. Braeswood/Hillcroft), South West Houston Teacher: Bill Zobel, For info: Carol Palmer, 713-776-8531, carolhpalmer@hotmail.com ---- Stepdancing & Ceili classes O'Maoileidigh School of Irish Dance Houston, TX Sundays starting at 9:30 AM For more information contact newmembers@omaoileidigh.com http://www.omaoileidigh.com/ ---- Step Dancing Lessons Stepdancing Lessons McTeggart Irish Dancers The Woodlands, Texas More info@ http://www.irishdancehouston.com 936-321-6583 *With over 60 dancers and 21 Championship dancers McTeggart Irish Dancers of South Texas have a lot to be proud of. *Last year they had 6 dancers travel to Killarney Ireland for the World's Championship in Irish Dancing. These dancers faced up to 150 of the world's top dancers in their age groups. Two of the dancers did very well: Zane Glotzbach placed 24th and was 5th out of all the U.S. competitors and Annelise Rubbo placed 33rd overall. *Last year they had 21 dancers travel to Norfolk, Virginia for the Southern Region Championships, also known as "Oireachtas". Most of these dancers placed high in their age groups, with 3 receiving first place: Annelise Rubbo, Zane Glotzbach and Shannon Powell. From this competition a dancer qualifies for the World's Championship and Annelise Rubbo, Jaclyn Rubbo and Zane Glotzbach achieved this accomplishment. *Another well-known International competition is the All-Irelands. Later in January 2004, Annelise Rubbo and Jenna Pace will be traveling to Ennis, Ireland to compete. *Also in 2004 several dancers are heading to Philadelphia for the North American Nationals Competition, held each July. In addition, McTeggart Irish Dancers of South Texas hopes to have over 25 dancers travel to North Carolina for the next Southern Region Championship. *A new beginner class started Sunday, Jan. 11.For information on classes or performances, go to http://www.irishdancehouston or call 936-321-6583.
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