Irish Aires

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, February 19, 2005

02/19/05 - Current Events

To receive these postings via email, click HERE No Message is necessary. To Irish Aires Info Blog Irish Current Events in the Houston Area What's New? 02/26/05 - Leahy performs in Spring, Texas 03/11/05 - 2005 Scottish Festival @ Toyota Center 03/11/05 - The Blaggards at Molly's Pub Conroe 03/12/05 - The Blaggards at Molly Maguire's 03/25/05 - The Blaggards at Brian O'Neill's 04/14/05 - Tartanic at the Mucky Duck 04/23/05 - The Blaggards at Brian O'Neill's 05/03/05 - Paisley Close at the Mucky Duck (updated info) ---- On Going Events: ---- Community Annoucements: :: Irish Aires Has A Brand New Blog!! (actually we have two!) http://irishairescurrentevents.blogspot.com/2005/01/irish-aires-has-brand-new-blog.html :: Part Time Harp Box Builder Needed: We need a part time employee to build shipping boxes for harps. If you know of anyone, or can make an announcement, I would be very appreciative. They could contact me at 281-890-4500 or e-mail me at mary@folkharp.com Mary Radspinner Melody's Traditional Music http://www.folkharp.com :: Jim McNamara, the longtime piper from County Clare is recovering from West Nile Virus (http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/). He is now home. :: Michael Davitt, Irish performer & AOH activist, is continuing to undergo treatment for cancer. Reports are that he is doing well. ---- Other Irish Celtic Calendars for the Houston Area: Scottish Country Dancing & More: http://home.att.net/~diannashipman/Calendar.htm Houston Irish Development Assoc: http://www.houstonirish.org/calendar/calendar.shtml ****************************************** 02/19 & 02/23-24 - Play: Wonderful Tennessee 8 p.m. University of St. Thomas Drama Program University of St. Thomas campus, Jones Theatre, upstairs in Jones Hall, 3910 Yoakum Reserve tickets: 713-525-3520; pick up tickets after 7 p.m. on the date of performance. Cost: $10; seniors and students: $6 Parking available in the Moran Center, West Alabama at Graustark ****************************************** 02/19/05 – Irish Aires Needs your help. http://irishairescurrentevents.blogspot.com/2005/02/021005-irish-aires-needs-your-help.html ****************************************** 02/21/05 - Monday Parade Meeting, Shamrock Inn, 9161 S. Gessner 7:00 pm ****************************************** 02/24-27/05: UST Hosts The American Conference for Irish Studies Southern Regional Conference The first major event in 2005 for the Center for Irish Studies. The conference features nearly 100 presentations by Irish Studies scholars, students, and interested persons from Ireland, Northern Ireland, Canada and throughout the United States on Irish Studies topics, including literature, history, politics, art, culture, music, and immigration. The conference will be held at the Warwick Hotel, 5701 Main Street downtown, and the public is encouraged to attend. The conference registration form is on the Center website: http://www.stthom.edu/irishstudies Mail or fax the form to Lori Gallagher at the address in the form. The final registration deadline is January 25, but registrations would be appreciated by January 10. This program is made possible in part by a grant from Humanities Texas, a State partner of the National Endowment for the Humanities, and other sponsors in addition to The Irish Society, including the national American Conference for Irish Studies, the Burkitt Foundation Perpetual Fund, Birra Poretti's, Freebird Partners L.P., Michael Horan, Tom and Jeani Horan, the Irish American Heritage Association, Moran Resources Company, Sotheby's, the William T. and Sally S. Slick Foundation, Routledge Journals, Taylor & Francis Group, and the University of St. Thomas. If you would like to be a sponsor or a volunteer to assist with the conference, please contact Lori Gallagher at 713-525-3592 or irishstudies@stthom.edu. We hope to see you there! ****************************************** 02/25/05 - Rory O'Shea Was Here (Focus Features) opens at Angelika Houston theatre & the Greenway Theatre. RORY O'SHEA WAS HERE - Opens Friday, February 25th at the Greenway Theatre Winner of the Audience Award at the Edinburgh International Film Festival, this dramatic and funny film tells the story of two young men with physical disabilities as they seize an opportunity to savor life on their own terms. All his life, Michael Connolly (Steven Robertson) has lived in a Dublin home for the disabled. When Rory O'Shea (James McAvoy) arrives, the two form a friendship and decide to move into their own flat, recruiting Siobhán (Romola Garai) to assist with their daily needs. Rory and Michael both develop feelings for Siobhán, and their rivalry for her attention only further accelerates their shared journey towards true independence and liberation. Brenda Fricker co-stars. Directed by Damien O'Donnell (East is East). http://www.focusfeatures.com/ ****************************************** 02/25/05 – Friday- Last Gaspe House Concert - 8 pm, Oxford Hall, 1135 Oxford in the Heights ****************************************** 02/25/05 - Ricko Donovan (Guiter & Dulcimer Teacher), From Ireland, In Houston From: Peggy Carter <mailto:Samfest97@aol.com> 7:00PM, Acoustic Showcase at Hickory Hollow Barbecue Restaurant in Houston. (101 Heights Blvd.) Peggy Carter performs with Ricko Donovan from Lisdoonvarna, Co. Clare, Ireland. Ricko teaches guitar and hammer dulcimer in Lisdoonvarna and performs throughout Ireland, and he will be in Houston all day Friday and Saturday, Feb. 25 - 26 to teach private or small group lessons on guitar or hammer dulcimer for any interested Houston players. If you're interested in scheduling a session with Ricko, contact Peggy Carter at Samfest97@aol.com ****************************************** 02/26/05 - Saturday 100 Club Social, Griff's, 3416 Roseland 2:00-4:00 pm ****************************************** 02/26/05 - Sat - O'Maoileidigh School of Irish Dance is having a Fund raiser. There are raffle tickets for sale (what a surprise!) 1st prize is a trip to vegas, 2nd is a weekend beach house in Galveston and 3rd price is a DVD/VCR player, the tickets are 5 bucks… There also will be a silent auction (another shocker!), a beef stew cook-off, dancer performances, and live music provided by Planter’s Punch. All happening at Molly Maguire’s Pub 15945 Kuykendahl Road starts at 3 PM. Hamburgers and hotdogs are being provided but you are asked to bring a dessert or side dish if you can. They are a dedicated school of Irish dancers of all ages. Their certified teacher (TCRG), Colm O'Maoileidigh (pronounced O-Ma-Lady) has been teaching in Texas since 1982. Starting as young as age five, their dancers learn and practice the traditional craft of step and ceili dancing on a weekly basis. They perform as a dance troupe at events throughout Texas. Members of their school have participated in competitions (feiseanna) throughout the United States. ****************************************** 02/26/05 - HATDS Off to Larry - 2-5 pm; 7:30-11pm Special Double Dance and pot luck supper To honor Larry Jennings With his son Mark Jennings calling And Last Gaspe from Wisconsin. Houston Area Traditional Dance Society - http://www.hatds.org Always Live Music, Every dance is taught 2nd & 4th Saturdays of each month, (except December) 8 pm to 11 pm Location for all dances: Central Presbyterian Church - 3788 Richmond Ave. $8.00 Non-Members- $6.00 Members ****************************************** 02/26/05 - Leahy performs in Spring, Texas We dare you to define the musical style of Leahy. These eight brothers and sisters are difficult to pigeon-hole. Call what they do Celtic, folk, rock, pop, country, classical, or even simply "Canadian," one thing is for sure: the audiences they play for call them PHENOMENAL! They are bringing their whirlwind triple threat of fiddle-driven music, dance, and vocals to The Centrum, 6823 Cypresswood Dr., at 8 p.m. on Saturday, February 26, 2005. Don't miss the once in a lifetime experience! Call today for tickets, 281-440-4850, or online at http://www.cypresscreekface.org/ Who: Cypress Creek FACE What: LEAHY When: 8 p.m., Saturday, February 26, 2005 Where: The Centrum, 6823 Cypresswood Drive, Spring Tickets: $30, $36, $48, $60 Contact: For tickets, call the FACE Box Office at 281-440-4850 or order online at http://www.cypresscreekface.org http://LeahyMusic.com ****************************************** 02/26/05 Sat Derek Warfield at The Iron Horse, 615 Eight Street, Wichita Falls, Texas, USA 940-636-1070; http://www.theironhorsepub.com ****************************************** 02/27/05 Sun Derek Warfield @ The Cactus Cafe (University of Texas) 24th & Guadalupe, Austin, TX 78713 512-475-6515 http://www.utexas.edu/student/txunion/ae/cactus/ ****************************************** 02/27/05 - 3rd Annual - Gathering Of The Celts! Sunday, February 27, 2005 2-6 p.m Admission: $5 adults; children free (16 and under) Location: The Knights of Columbus Council 803 2616 Louisiana, Houston, Texas (near downtown, bounded by Louisiana (one way going north) Smith (one way going south) Dennis and McGowen) Sponsored by THE CELTIC CHORUS OF HOUSTON CONFIRMED ENTERTAINERS: (additional entertainers TBA) * Constant Billy (Emily Standish & Bill Galbraith) * Poor Man's Fortune with E J Jones * THE CELTIC CHORUS OF HOUSTON led by Julian Tribe, Guitar * Good Time Scottish Dancers with Hugh Morrison, Accordian * The Rovers Return featuring Ceilidh Dancing (Audience Participation) * Lars Sloan, American Bagpipes * Heather Vacker, Highland Dancer * Men of Houston - Morris Dancers ORGANIZATIONS & VENDORS: (additional TBA) Robertley USA Ltd Co: Jewelry Irish Aires Houston Highland Games Association Texas Scottish Heritage Society Clan MacLeod Heather and Thistle Society Murder by the Book (Celtic mysteries) Irish American Heritage Association of Katy, Texas Knights of Columbus 803 American Bagpipes RAFFLE! Families welcome! A good opportunity for organizers of Celtic events to check out some new performers! An opportunity to strengthen and build the Celtic Community. 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. A Very Special Thank You To The Family Of Lloyd Gibson (Lynne, Laura, & Zip) For Donating A Sound System For This And Other Celtic Events In Memory Of Lloyd! Http://Ceilidhmusic.Home.Att.Net/Celticconcert.Htm ****************************************** 02/27/05 - McTeggart Irish Dancers 3rd Annual St. Patrick's Day Celebration and Fundraiser February 27, 2005 3-7PM At the newest of Molly's Irish Pubs~ Olde City Pub 14124 Steubner Airline A $10 ticket includes a Bennigans Burger or hot dog, a door prize drawing entry and awesome entertainment featuring the McTeggart Irish Dancers, plus live music from Planters Punch and more! http://www.irishdancehouston.com (From the McTeggart School: I wanted to update you on recent events in our school. We recently attended the Southern Regional Competition in Charlotte, NC and had great success there! From that competition, 5 of our dancers have qualified to compete in the World's Irish Dancing Competition this March in Ennis, Ireland. Some of our other top dancers will be competing in the All-Irelands competition in Belfast, Ireland as well. To help our dancers with their travel expenses, we are going to again host a fundraiser-our 3rd annual! (our website will soon be updated to include more fundraiser info., including our silent and live auction prize list)) ****************************************** 02/27/05 - Big John’s is Houston’s premier venue for live rugby! 02/27/2005 Ireland vs. England 9:00am 03/19/2005 Wales vs. Ireland 9:30am (See full schedule below) ---- We carry the following competitions: The 6 Nations (Exclusively at Big John's Bar) SANZAR The Tri Nations The World Cup Super 12’s European Cup Final Lions Tours Major Test Matches We will be picking up The Celtic cup, The Heineken Cup, and The English First Division towards the end of January Whenever a major test match was not available in the US, Big John’s had a tape shipped from Europe and converted and broadcast the game later that week. We know of no other bar in America that offers the same service! ----- Upcoming Rugby Events at Big John's Six Nations Rugby DATE TEAMS KICKOFF 02/27/2005 Ireland vs. England 9:00am 03/12/2005 Ireland vs. France 7:30pm 03/12/2005 England vs. Italy 10:00am 03/13/2005 Scotland vs. Wales 9:00am 03/19/2005 Italy vs. France 7:00am 03/19/2005 Wales vs. Ireland 9:30am 03/19/2005 England vs. Scotland 12:00pm World Cup Rugby All of these World Cup Rugby Games are shown live. All weekday games (Mon-Fri) will be replayed at 12:00 noon and 6:30 pm. All weekend games (Sat-Sun) will be replayed at 9:00 am and 6:30 pm. Replays for all matches are available BY REQUEST. Questions? (281) 546-4795 ~ Rudy's Mobile http://www.bigjohnsbar.com/index.htm Big John's at Wilcrest and Harwin in Houston - Take West Sam Houston Parkway South to the Harwin Exit. Take Harwin west to Wilcrest. Left on Wilcrest. 1st strip center on right. ****************************************** 02/28/05 - Monday Parade Meeting, Slainte Irish Pub, 509 Main St 7:00 pm ****************************************** 03/01/05 Tues Derek Warfield @ Poor David's Pub, 1313 S. Lamar St, Dallas, TX 75215 214-565-1295 http://www.poordavidspub.com/ ****************************************** 03/05/05 - Saturday Parade Work Party, Mr C's #2 Irish Pub, I-10 @ Bunker Hill, 2:00-4:00 pm ****************************************** 03/06/05 - Sunday - Grand Marshal's Reception, March 6, 2005 Brian O'Neill's Irish Pub, 5555 Morningside 1:00-4:00 pm ****************************************** 03/07/05 - Monday - Parade Meeting McElroy's Irish Pub 3607 Sandman 7:00 pm ****************************************** 03/09/05 - Saturday Parade Marshal Meeting, Home Plate Bar & Grill 1600 Travis 7:00 pm ****************************************** 03/10/05 - Thurs Queen's Contest Griff's ****************************************** 03/11/05 - Tuesday, The Greencards - 9:00pm, $12 (smoke-free) at the Mucky Duck ****************************************** 03/11/05 – St Patrick’s Emerald Ball – Reception & Silent Auction at The Houston Club – 6:30PM – Til? Dinner Served at 7:30PM Emcee: Michael Davitt; Invocation: Fr. Trol Gately; Harpist: Debra Carlson; Singer: Cassandra Heavrin Pipers: Bill Robertson & Ian Martin The Plantations McTeggart Irish Dancers & Texas Irish Ambassador – Tom Horan Black Tie Optional Tickets $65 Each; Choice of Entre – NY Strip or Poached Salmon – Recognizing Irishman of the Year 2005 – Mike Daly – Dignitaries from Ireland will be attending. Dorothy Davit & Jeannie Kearns – Co-Chairpersons For more info call or wirte P.O. Box 5603, Kingwood, Texas 77325 281-358-2380 fax 281-358-8490 ****************************************** 03/11/05 Friday- The Blaggards at Molly's Pub Conroe, 10pm 901 N Loop 336 West Conroe, TX 77301 936.441.6167 <http://www.mollyspubs.com/conroe.html> ****************************************** 03/11/2005 Scottish Festival Spectacular - Friday, March 11, 2005 8:00 PM See the three time World-Champion St. Thomas Pipe Band when the 2005 Scottish Festival Spectacular comes to Toyota Center. There will be authentic traditional piping and dancing performed with a quality rarely seen on this continent. But there’s much more. The band is a leader in the fusion of bagpipe and electronic music. Two of their recordings were named Best Pipe Music CD by the leading piping magazine Piper and Drummer in 2000 and 2004. In addition the dancers are known for their blending of traditional Scottish steps with contemporary themes, flair, and humor. For a show unlike any other you’ll see this year, make you plan now to attend Houston’s 41st Annual Scottish Festival Spectacular. There will be discount tickets for groups of 20 or more offered. Your order will be processed with best available seating. Seating is subject to availability. Deadline to purchase tickets will be March 4, 2005. Tickets prices include: $23.00 discounted to $20.00 $13.00 discounted to $10.00 (A handling of $5 will be added to the total amount of your purchase) To purchase group discounted tickets please contact Tiffany Hill at 713-758-7577. Tickets On Sale NOW! Buy your tickets early to guarantee great seats!!!!!!!!!! ****************************************** 03/12/05 – St Patrick’s Parade – 2 PM – Meeting at the Clock Tower at Minute Maid Park. (http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/Irish_Aires/stpatspa.htm soon to be updated) ****************************************** 03/12/05 - Celebrate St. Paddy's Day by Dancing the Night Away - 5th Annual Irish American Heritage Association St. Patrick's Day Dance featuring the Hibernia School of Irish Dance 7:30pm to 11:30pm in the Great Room of Epiphany of the Lord Catholic Church 1530 Norwalk Dr, Katy Tickets are $10, BYOB, including snacks and DJ. Contact Phil Connelly at 281-492-8780 for tickets. http://www.texirish.com/ ****************************************** 03/12/05 - Contradance- Band: The Gnu Band (Keith Holmes and friends) Caller Grant Goodyear Houston Area Traditional Dance Society - http://www.hatds.org Always Live Music, Every dance is taught 2nd & 4th Saturdays of each month, (except December) 8 pm to 11 pm Location for all dances: Central Presbyterian Church - 3788 Richmond Ave. $8.00 Non-Members- $6.00 Members ****************************************** 03/12/05 – Sat The Blaggards at Molly Maguire's, 10pm 15945 Kuykendahl Road Houston, TX 77068 281.580.6167 <http://www.mollyspubs.com/maguires.html> ****************************************** 03/13/05 – Dick Dowling Memorial Statue Centennial in Hermann Park at 1PM. ****************************************** 03/13/05 – St Patrick’s Day Parade on 1960 (details to follow. check: http://www.1960parade.com/ ) ****************************************** 03/17/05 Thursday Third Annual St. Patrick's Day Celebration With The Center for Irish Studies And The Irish Society Mass: 10:30 a.m., Chapel of St. Basil, University of St. Thomas, 3802 Yoakum Celebrated by Rev. William Young, CSB; other priests are welcome as concelebrants Open to the public; Irish Music by UST's Dr. John Burke and the de Burgo Ensemble Corned beef and cabbage brunch: 11:45 a.m., Scanlan Room, Jerabeck Center University of St. Thomas, 4000 Mt. Vernon Brunch Cost: $20 for Irish Society Members; $30 for Non-Irish Society Members RSVP deadline for Brunch: March 7, 2005 Parking available in the Moran Center, West Alabama at Graustark or on the street Contact Lori Gallagher at 713-525-3592 or irishstudies@stthom.edu. ****************************************** 03/17/05, 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 now at the MERIDIAN (http://www.meridianhouston.com/? ) – See this site for updates ****************************************** 03/17/05 - St. Patrick's Day Celebration at the Mucky Duck - Serving great Irish food all day starting at 11am and continuing throughout the day. http://www.mcgonigels.com/stpatricks2005.htm As seen in USA Today ..."One of the Top Ten Places to Celebrate St. Patrick's Day in the USA." ---- Entertainment starts at Noon Jiggernaut ...binding the heart of Celtic music to the soul of rock and roll. Fueled by white-hot piping, fiery vocals, and an irresistible groove, they have set out to convert the masses, and introduce new people to Celtic music ... a rich mixture of old and new, traditional and contemporary ...appealing to all ages and musical tastes. "Jiggernaut is that rare band that can have you bopping at a club or jigging on the heath. What's more...they can do it not only on the same song but somehow at the same time." Houston Press THE ROGUES Smokin' bagpipes and creative percussion are the foundation for the hottest Celtic band out of Houston, Texas. The Rogues have now become international performers, with appearances all over North America and Scotland. They have shared the stage with Natalie MacMaster, The Battlefield Band, Steeleye Span, and Eric Rigler (Bad Haggis), and have become the favourite act at numerous festivals and Celtic events around the country. ---- O'Maoileidigh Irish Dancers The world-wide success of Riverdance and more recently Lord of the Dance has placed Irish dance on the international stage. Dancing schools in Ireland today are filled with young pupils keen to imitate and learn the dancing styles which brought Jean Butler and Michael Flatley international acclaim. O'Maoileidigh Schoiol of Irish Dance, the preeminent school of Irish dance in Houston, will have their best step dancers here to celebrate St. Patrick's Day. ---- Tartanic The only thing that limits a Tartanic show are strict laws set by the Fire Department. Take the loudest instruments you can imagine (bagpipes and drums!), and mix in tunes ranging from "Scotland the Brave" to scorching Samba-driven numbers then grab your fire extinguishers, becase if the band doesn't spontaneously combust the audience might! Tartanic takes live performance to heart and creates a high-energy pulse at 120 beats per minute and beyond. Tartanic as a band is new and on the edge. With over 30 years of performance between them, Tartanic fills a much needed niche in Celtic music, taking tunes out of the session and into the sensational with humor and theatrics. This is not just music, this is an interactive spectacle. . .it is a “Tartanic Experience.” ---- Lunch at the Duck Corned Beef & Cabbage Beef Guinness Shepherd's Pie Fish & Chips ---- Join our resident leprechaun Martin as he leads the Celtic throngs through some of your favorite Irish tunes and even a limerick or two. Martin Burniston's Irish Singalong Wyndnwyre Medieval and Renaissance music from Celtic traditions. Some are several hundred years old, yet sound pleasingly familiar to our modern ears. E. J. Jones - International Award Winning Piper performs on the rooftop at noon and 5pm. He is member of The Willow Band and was a founding menmber of Clandestine. His imagination and orchestration open up new avenues in Celtic music. The Irish Session Players will be performing Irish tunes inside the Duck throughout the afternoon and evening.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. ****************************************** 03/21/05 - Monday - Early Irish Travel on the Galway Line: Transatlantic Triumph or Heroic Failure? Sponsored by Len Ivins on behalf of Ann Caraway Ivins, The UST Center for Irish Studies and The Irish Society Lecture by Timothy Collins, a Chartered Librarian in the James Hardiman Library, National University of Ireland, and Galway Graduate of University College Galway in marine sciences and scholar of maritime history Director of the Centre for Landscapes Studies, National University of Ireland, Galway When: 7 p.m. Where: Ahern Room, Crooker Center, University of St. Thomas, 3909 Graustark Free and open to the public; no RSVP required Parking available in the Moran Center, West Alabama at Graustark or on the street For more information, contact Lori Gallagher at 713-525-3592 or irishstudies@stthom.edu ****************************************** 03/25/05 - Friday, The Blaggards at Brian O'Neill's, 10pm 5555 Morningside Houston, TX 77005 713.522.2603 <http://www.brianoneills.com/> ****************************************** 03/26/05 - Contradance- Band: The Spring Breakers Caller: TBA Houston Area Traditional Dance Society - http://www.hatds.org Always Live Music, Every dance is taught 2nd & 4th Saturdays of each month, (except December) 8 pm to 11 pm Location for all dances: Central Presbyterian Church - 3788 Richmond Ave. $8.00 Non-Members- $6.00 Members ****************************************** 04/05/05 - TUESDAY - Northern Ireland Peace Process Sponsored by Honorary Consul of Ireland John B. Kane and Alayne Kane, The UST Center for Irish Studies and The Irish Society Lecture by William J. Flynn, Chairman of Mutual of America Insurance Company Recipient of First Initiative for Peace Award by the National Committee of American Foreign Policy for his leadership and diplomacy in the Northern Ireland Peace Process in the 1990s When: 7 p.m. Where: Scanlan Room, Jerabeck Center, 4000 Mt. Vernon, University of St. Thomas Free and open to the public No RSVP required Parking available in the Moran Center, West Alabama at Graustark or on the street For more information, contact Lori Gallagher at 713-525-3592 or irishstudies@stthom.edu ****************************************** 04/14/05 – Tartanic at the Mucky Duck. 8pm, $10 ****************************************** 04/23/05 - Saturday, The Blaggards at Brian O'Neill's, 10pm 5555 Morningside Houston, TX 77005 713.522.2603 <http://www.brianoneills.com/> ****************************************** 04/24/05 - Irish Tenor Ronan Tynan (3pm) at the Grand 1894 Opera House in Galveston. ****************************************** 04/24/05 - Sunday - As Close to the Truth As We're Ever Going to Get: Derry People on the Film Bloody Sunday Sponsored by the UST Center for Irish Studies and The Irish Society Presentation by Dr. Margot Backus, Associate Professor of English, University of Houston. We will show the film Bloody Sunday, about 14 people killed during a civil rights march in Derry, Northern Ireland, on January 30, 1972, which is the subject of the ongoing Saville Inquiry. Dr. Backus will discuss the film and relate her interviews with people in Derry last summer. When: 2 p.m. Where: Ahern Room, Crooker Center, University of St. Thomas, 3909 Graustark Free and open to the public No RSVP required Parking available in the Moran Center, West Alabama at Graustark or on the street For more information, contact Lori Gallagher at 713-525-3592 or irishstudies@stthom.edu ****************************************** 05/03/05 – Paisley Close at the Mucky Duck - Cidnie MacNamee and Amy Price met in the mid-1990s. After a promising phone conversation Cid invited Amy to try out for the fledgling Celtic band Gordian Knot. Amy got lost on her way to the audition and was an hour late, which set the tone for their relationship: Amy was definitely in, but only Cid could drive The Van. They played and recorded some great music, garnered critical acclaim, and made many loyal fans and wonderful friends before the band broke up in 2001. When Cid and Amy met guitarist Bernard Schreiber in 2003, musical sparks flew. They added drums and bass, and thus was Paisley Close born. Going on the "throw-the-baby-bird-out-of-the-nest-and-see-if-it-flies" theory of emergence, their first public performance was at the 2004 nationally lauded St. Patrick's Day Festival of Houston's Mucky Duck. Paisley Close takes Gordian Knot's energetic Celtic Pop feel and soars with it to fresh, lyrical heights. Their material covers a broad spectrum, including traditional and modern songs arranged in the group's unique idiom; timeless poetry set to original music; and new compositions written by the band. Uncommon musicianship and storytelling are the common threads that run through the music of Paisley Close. http://www.paisleyclose.com/index.html ****************************************** 05/27/05 - Tuesday, The Greencards - 9:00pm, $12 (smoke-free) at the Mucky Duck ****************************************** 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! ---- Learn Irish Gaelic! (Katy Class) SATURDAY - Beginning Conversational Irish (and every Saturday for the next few months) Katy, TX 10 AM – Noon Self-Study Group Using Interactive CDs, Books, Tapes, and other materials for spoken and written Irish. Class moderated by an advanced American student of the language. $7 per class to cover costs. $5 for Irish American Heritage Association members. Call Pat McMahon at 713-271-0784 for location and directions, or e-mail patpmcmahon@aol.com location: The Carriage Inn, 1400 Katy-Flewellen Road in the Computer Room ---- 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 at 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 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. To Irish Aires Info Blog To receive these postings via email, click HERE No Message is necessary.

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