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Archives
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, July 30, 2005
Current Events
Irish Current Events in the Houston Area
What's New?
08/01/05 – Irish Open Meeting @ Shamrock Inn
08/06/05 – Constant Billy in an "In House Concert"
08/14/05 - Concert @ Miller Outdoor Theatre (new info)
08/20/05 – Emily Dugas Band at the Mucky Duck
09/10/05 – Irish American Celebration @ VFW Club
09/23/05 – Blaggards @ Whisky Pub in Galveston
10/06/05 – Blaggards @ The Continental Club
10/22/05 – Houston Clear Lake Celtic Festival
11/11/05 – Clumsy Lover at the Mucky Duck
----
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
:: Michael Davitt, Irish performer & AOH activist, is
continuing to undergo treatment for cancer. Reports are
that he is doing well.
:: George Morrissey passed away 07/08/05
George had been very active in the Ancient Order of
Hibernians in Houston and at the State of Texas level. He
was a founding member of the Texas Irish Association.
George was instrumental in the passing of a McBride
Principles Bill in the state of Texas.
On Monday, July 11, 2005, there will be a family & friends
visitation at the Froberg Funeral Home (281 331-3194; 115 N
Hill St, Alvin, TX 77511) from NOON until 9PM. At 7:PM a
rosary will be recited.
On Tuesday, July 12, 2005 at 10:00AM, a mass will be
celebrated in George's memory at Mary Queen Catholic Church
(281 482-1391; 281 482-4886; 606 Cedarwood Dr, Friendswood,
TX 77546).
George's family can be reached at 281-482-0633.
----
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
******************************************
07/30/05 - Melody's Traditional Music and Friends Present:
Dulcimers 4 Dawgs
A sweetsong musical fundraiser benefiting three dog rescue
groups in the Houston area:
Golden Beginnings Golden Retriever Rescue,
Afghan Hound Rescue of Greater Houston, and
Pals for Pooches!
Join us for hours of great
dulcimer music, volunteered by Suzanne Campling,
Mary Radspinner, the North Harris County Dulcimer Society,
Peggy Carter, Kay Martin, St. Brigid's Flame, Fair and
Forty and
more!
Location:
Melody's Traditional Music
9410 FM 1960 W
Houston, TX 77070
281-890-4500
3 PM - 9 PM
Contacts:
Suzanne Campling
281-259-5029
scampling@direcway.com
Mary Radspinner
281-890-4500
gentryroad@hotmail.com
******************************************
08/01/05 – Irish Open Meeting - The first meeting for the
2005 Irish Open will be held at the Shamrock Inn on Monday,
August 1, 2005 @ 7:00 pm. The Shamrock is located on 9161
S. Gessner, just south of Highway 59. The phone # is 713-
777-5700. Please make plans to come since the golf
tournament is the major fundraiser for the parade.
See you there,
Mary
******************************************
08/06/07 – Constant Billy in Concert
From Kim Knudsen: Constant Billy, recently nominated as
Best World Music Band by the Houston Press, will be
performing here, at my house, on Saturday, August 6. If you
haven't heard Constant Billy (Emily Standish and Bill
Galbraith) yet, you're in for a treat. They play acoustic
and Celtic music with recorder, penny whistle, guitar,
bouzouki and bodhran accompanying stunning vocals. Their
repertoire is unique, and the whole show is delivered with
energy and humor.
The smoke-free show will begin at 8:00. Come at 7:30 to
get a good seat and socialize.
The last concert with Michael Mandrell and Erich Avinger
was quite a success, and I know Constant Billy will live up
to our high expectations!!
Check them out at www.constantbilly.com and RSVP ASAP to
reserve a seat--space is limited!
WHAT: House Concert
WHO: Constant Billy
WHERE: Kim's house (I10W and Beltway 8)
WHEN: Saturday, August 6 7:30pm
HOW MUCH: Suggested donation $10
RSVP NOW to get directions and further information! Please
note my new email address: kknudsen1@houston.rr.com Also,
a new phone number: 281-788-4428
What do you get for that $10, you ask?
Exquisite music provided by Bill and Emily (AKA: Constant
Billy) in a smoke-free, dog-free air-conditioned
environment...
Light snacks and drinks...
Stimulating social intercourse...
Free parking...
Clean restrooms...
Need I say more???
Kim Knudsen
281-788-4428
kknudsen1@houston.rr.com
******************************************
08/14/05 - KPFT Fall Music Series Features CELTIC/IRISH
MUSIC
(http://houston.kpft.org/site/PageServer?pagename=miller_outdoor_celtic)
Produced by your friends at: KPFT's Irish Aires Show
http://IrishAires.org
Miller Outdoor Theatre
http://www.milleroutdoortheatre.com/
Map- http://www.milleroutdoortheatre.com/map_to_miller.htm
HEADLINERS:
Constant Billy (3:00PM)
Paisley Close (4:00PM)
Blaggards (5:00PM)
The event is Free and Open to the Public.
Date: Sunday, August 14, 2005
Time: 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM
----
3:00 PM - Constant Billy (http://www.constantbilly.com/)
"A new day has dawned. There's a new band in the
neighborhood, Constant Billy." Take the traditional music
of Britain and Ireland. Shake and stir in a little Rock,
Classical and Swing using "an incredible, eclectic
repertoire of intricate harmonies" from "probably the best
all-around folk a-cappella singers in Houston." Add in the
accompaniment of Bodhran, guitar, tin whistle, recorder and
bouzouki to create "stuff you just don't hear every day."
Add a dash of "hilarious between-songs banter," and you
have a duo that will leave you reeling. Constant Billy is
Today's Trad.
----
4:00 PM - Paisley Close (http://www.paisleyclose.com/)
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
Paisley Close's members are: Cidnie MacNamee, Amy Price
(both of whom were previously members of Gordian Knot) and
Bernard Schreiber.
----
5:00PM - Blaggards (http://blaggards.com/ )
ARRRRR!!! Howyez, we're BLAGGARDS, purveyors of Stout Irish
Rock from Houston, Texas.
In July 2004 by Dublin-raised Patrick Devlin (guitar and
lead vocals), Minnesotan Turi Hoiseth (violin and
screaming), New Yorker Chad Smalley (bass and lead vocals)
and Bostonian Brian Vogel (drums and backing vocals) formed
BLAGGARDS.
We carry with us the legacy of On The Dole, an earlier
Houston band founded by Patrick. Like On The Dole,
BLAGGARDS are known for knocking around the traditional
with fists full of heavy metal and rockabilly. And yeah, we
have a laugh or two while we're at it.
We pride ourselves in being one of the hardest working
bands in Texas, and soon we'll be taking our act across
state lines. See you at the shows!
Slán gó fóill,
BLAGGARDS
P.S.-Contrary to ancient Blaggards lore, there is no "the"
in our name. Just "Blaggards." We also take our coffee
black, thank you.
----
Additonal Details announced at:
http://irishairescurrentevents.blogspot.com/
******************************************
08/20/05 – Emily Dugas Band at the Mucky Duck Aug 20,
7:30pm, $10
EMILY DUGAS BAND featuring EJ Jones, Al Coffrin, Drew
Dugas, and Peter Suk.
"Emily Dugas was a member of Clandestine until it's
untimely demise, and is continuing in the wonderland of
music with an all-new project incorporating her incredible
talents in both singing and Traditional Irish drumming.
It's a fusion of Celtic, Soul, and Songs that'll get your
brains working and your feet tapping. Between the Drumming
and the Singing and the Humor, there'll be little time to
catch your breath."
******************************************
08/26/05 - Sat - Blaggards: Brian O'Neill's, 10pm
5555 Morningside, Houston, TX 77005, 713.522.2603
********************************
09/07/05 - Wed - Old Blind Dogs at the Mucky Duck, 8pm, $15
******************************************
09/10/05 - The 4th Annual
'Tis Great to Be An Irish American Celebration
will be held on Saturday, Sept. 10th, from 1:00-6:00pm at
the VFW Club in Spring Branch, 1560 Foley St. (near Long
Point and Campbell). The celebration, sponsored by the
Irish American Heritage Association (IAHA), will feature a
dazzling performance by the Cass Academy of Irish Dance.
Snacks and soft drinks will be provided at no charge, and
the VFW club cash bar will be available. Tap your toes to
lively Irish music, and sing along with the Celtic Chorus
(back by popular demand). Also, local artist Jerry Waxman
will be doing caricatures. There will be door prizes, and
lots of fun. Tickets are $5 at the door. Call (713) 271-
0784 for more information or e-mail patpmcmahon@aol.com
.
********************************
09/12/05 - Monday, St. Paddy's Irish Open - Quail Valley
Country Club, 2880 La Quinta Dr. Missouri City, TX 7459
281-437-7431
The Irish Society supports the annual Houston St. Patrick's
Parade, in which we march every year. This golf tournament
benefits the Houston St. Patrick's Parade Commission.
The annual St. Paddy's Irish Open at the Quail Valley
Country Club will take place on Monday, September 12.
Registration starts at 11 AM with a shotgun start at noon.
Cost is $125 per person and $500 per foursome, which
includes lunch, dinner, and green fees. You or your company
can sponsor a hole for $100. For information, call Sean
Kearns at 832-978-4192 or Email Irishmkk@aol.com
Join Your Fellow Golfers In Your Area In
The 2005 St. Paddy's Irish Open Presented By The St.
Patrick's Parade Commission:
********************************
09/23/05 - Friday, Blaggards at Whiskys Pub, 10pm
Galveston, TX
2002 Postoffice
Galveston, TX 77550
409.750.8497
******************************************
10/06/05 - 5th Annual Irish Society Gala will be held on
Thursday, October 6, 2005 at the Houstonian, 111 North Post
Oak Lane.
The Gala honors Dr. Joseph McFadden and his wife, Norma
McFadden. Dr. McFadden is a former president of UST, a
professor of Irish and American History at UST, a former
president of The Irish Society, and a member of the Center
for Irish Studies Advisory Board and The Irish Society
Board of Directors. Norma is a Friend of the Center for
Irish Studies and a loyal supporter of UST and a member of
The Irish Society.
Ginny and Dennis Malloy will chair this event. For
information call Lori Gallagher at 713-525-3592 or Email
dmalloy@malloys.com
******************************************
10/06/05 – Thurs - Blaggards
w/the Kissers
The Continental Club, 10pm
Houston, TX
3700 Main St
Houston, TX 77002
713.529.9899
********************************
10/11/05 - Andy Stewart & Gerry O'Beirne at the Mucky Duck
8PM $11
******************************************
10/22/05 Sat Houston Clear Lake Celtic Fest
Houston, TX with Blaggards
Landolt Pavilion at Clear Lake Park
5001 Nasa Pkway, Houston, TX
713.365.9648
******************************************
11/11/05 – Clumsy Lover at the Mucky Duck 8pm, $12
******************************************
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. We
meet the fourth Tuesday of each month at 7:30pm at the
Municipal Utility District Building on Cimmaron Pkwy at
Hidden Canyon Rd (just west of S Mason Rd) in Katy, Texas
to enjoy speakers, performances, and presentations on
Ireland and the Irish. We also publish a monthly
newsletter,
The Irish Heritage News.
For more information or directions, please call:
Phil Connelly . . . . 281-492-8780
Mike Long . . . . . . 281-395-3038
Dennis Donlan . . . 281-392-0894
OR
E-mail us at:
info@texirish.com
----
Session on Sundays Irish Session
Brian O'Neill's Pub
4:30-7:00 p.m.
----
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
Thursday night at KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS, COUNCIL 803 Officers
(elected June 11, 2002):
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 Scottish culture 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
Cotton 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
Cotton 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.com or call 936-321-6583