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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, March 05, 2006
Current Events
Current Events
Irish Current Events In The Houston Area
----
What's New?
03/09/06 – Dropkick Murphys at Warehouse Live
03/09/06 – St Patrick’s Queen’s Contest at Griffs
03/10/06 - Griff’s 24th Annual Greater Houston Irish Open Golf Tournament
03/14-15 – Riverdance @ Lutcher Theatre in Orange, Texas
03/17/06 – Murder the Stout @ Queen of Angels Chapel in Dickinson
03/17/06 – Murder the Stout @ Brian O’Neills
03/17/06 - Houston's Irish Farewell To KC, Council 803 (update)
03/17/06 – Ron’s Pub & Whitehorse Inn St Patrick’s Day
03/17/06 – Kenneally’s Irish Pub St. Patrick’s Day Celebration
03/17/06 – McElroy’s Pub’s St Patrick’s Day Party
03/17/06 – Brian O’Neill’s St Patrick's Day 2006 (full calendar of events)
03/17/06 – Sullivan’s Steakhouse Shamrocks & Rolls on St. Patrick’s Day
03/17/06 – Irish Stakes Race @ Gulf Greyhound Park
03/18/06 – Grif’s Irish Stew Cookoff
04/13/06 - Celtic Woman @ Hobby Center in Houston
----
*************************
03/09/06 - The Dropkick Murphys and the Tossers
• When: 8 p.m. Thursday
• Where: at Warehouse Live, 813 St. Emanuel.
• Admission: Tickets are $19.50, call 713-629-3700 or visit
www.ticketmaster.com Read the Houston Chronicle Article about them at:
http://irishairescurrentevents.blogspot.com/2006/03/dropkick-murphys-in-houston-thurs.html
*************************
03/09/06 – St Patrick’s Day Queen Contest begins under the tent at 7pm.
Watch the Beauties compete for the Crown.
http://www.griffshouston.com/spqueen.htm
Griff's Shenanigans Cafe & Bar 3416 Roseland @ Harold 713-
528-9912 (fax) 713-526-0469 e-mail griffshouston@yahoo.com
http://www.griffshouston.com
*************************
03/10/06 - Griff’s 24th Annual Greater Houston Irish Open Golf Tournament –
Noon http://www.griffshouston.com/GolfTourneyApp.griffs.2006.doc
Griff's Shenanigans Cafe & Bar 3416 Roseland @ Harold 713-
528-9912 (fax) 713-526-0469 e-mail griffshouston@yahoo.com
http://www.griffshouston.com
*************************
03/10/06 - The EMERALD BALL Reception and Silent Auction
will be held at The Houston Club on Friday evening 10 March
2006. It will begin with the Silent Auction / Cocktails at
6:30 PM. Dinner will follow at 7:30 PM. This will be the
6th consecutive Emerald Ball hostessed by Dorothy Davitt
and Jeannie Kearns, and benefits PROJECT ST. BRENDAN.
Tables of 10 and 12 are available. Menu choice: Salmon or
NY Strip. At this year's black tie optional event, former
Judge DAN DOWNEY will be honored as "2006 Irishman of the
year." Dan Downey is one of the original 20 founding
members of The IRISH SOCIETY. For further information,
phone Dorothy Davitt at: (281) 358-2380.
******************************************
03/11/06 – Sat - Katy Irish Heritage 6th Annual St. Patrick's
Day Dance @ Epiphany of the Lord Catholic Church
1530 Norwalk Dr, Katy
The Irish American Heritage Association's St. Patrick's Dance will take place
on March 11th from 8 PM to Midnight in the great room of Epiphany Parish. The
parish is located at Highland Knolls Blvd. and Norwalk Drive. The Cass Irish
dancers will be performing and music is by DJ Dave Clark.
Admission is $15.00 per person or $ 25.00 per couple which includes hors
d'oeuvres, snacks, and set-ups. For information or reservations call: Bridget
at 281- 492- 8780, Mike at 281- 395- 3038 or Dennis at 281- 392-0894.
******************************************
03/12/06 – FM 1960 Area St. Patrick's Day Parade
http://www.1960parade.com/
*************************
03/12/06 – Annual Laying of the Wreath Ceremony at the Dick
Dowling Statue in Hermann Park 1:00 PM
The Annual Laying of the Wreath at the Dick Dowling Memorial
Statue in Hermann Park will be on Sunday, March 12th, at 1 PM.
The Dick Dowling Statue is the oldest public sculpture in the
City of Houston. It was formerly located in Market Square.
Against great odds, Dick Dowling and his command prevented an
invasion of Texas at Sabine Pass during the Civil War. This
interesting ceremony has taken place for over 35 years and is
accompanied by an invocation, a short speech, and the serving of
refreshments. There is parking nearby. In the past, rain has not
stopped the event.
*************************
03/12/06 - Sunday, The Grand Marshal's reception honoring Pat
Sharkey will be held at Brian O'Neill's Irish Pub, beginning at
2:00 pm. Music Provided by Murder the Stout
After the "Laying of the Wreath," there will be a reception for our very own
Patrick Sharkey, the Grand Marshal of this year's St. Patrick's Parade, at
Brian O'Neill's Traditional Restaurant & Irish Pub at 2 PM. Smiles flow
freely. With three bands appearing, the music is lively. And the food is
good. Brian O'Neill's Pub (713-522-2603) is located at 5555 Morningside in
the Rice University Village area. If you are using a Web locator map, the
Zip code is 77005-3240.
*************************
03/14-15/06 – Tues & Wed - Riverdance
Lutcher Theatre
Orange, TX
409-745-5535
Tuesday 7:30 PM, $35 - $55
Wednesday 4 & 8 PM, $35 - $55
http://www.riverdance.com/
*************************
03/17/06 – Murder the Stout - Queen of Angels Chapel, Dickinson
Gerard, Neil & Hugh are performing for a St. Patrick's day special
for students at this school from 9:30-10:30am.
*************************
03/17/06 - Friday St. Patrick's Day Celebration At St. Thomas
The Houston St. Patrick's Day Mass, formerly celebrated by
the Ancient Order of Hibernians, and the St. Patrick's Day
Luncheon which followed, are now jointly celebrated by the
Irish Society and the University of St. Thomas Center for
Irish Studies. Archbishop Daniel DiNardo will celebrate St.
Patrick's Day Mass in UST's Chapel of St. Basil at 10:30
AM. Irish Liturgical music will be performed by the de
Burgo Ensemble. It's wise to come early, as seats can fill
up fast.
Afterwards, feel welcome to join us in a traditional corned
beef and cabbage brunch at 11:30 AM in the Scanlon Room of
the Jerabeck Center. For more information, contact Lori
Gallagher, Director of the Center for Irish Studies, at
713-525-3592 or irishstudies@stthom.edu . Parking is
available in the Moran Center, West Alabama at Graustark or
on the street. Please RSVP by Thursday, March 9th. However,
Monday, March 13th is the very last day to make a reservation.
******************************************
03/17/06 – Murder the Stout at Brian O' Neills St Patricks Day
Celebrations Plus Murder The Stout Cd Release Party!!! On The Patio
- We Start At 1:30pm & Play Till 5:00pm, www.brianoneills.com
*************************
03/17/06 - St. Patrick's Day Celebration
at the Mucky Duck
Serving great Irish food all day starting at 11am and continuing
throughout the day.
Entertainment starts at Noon
Admission $14
THE REMNANTS ..binding the heart of Celtic music to the soul of
rock and roll.
Fueled by white-hot piping, fiery vocals, and an irresistible
groove, these Remnants of our premier Celtic band defined Celtic
music in Houston in the 90's.
... a rich mixture of old and new, traditional and contemporary
...appealing to all ages and musical tastes.
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.
----
Poor Man's Fortune
Poor Man's Fortune plays Modern Music... No fairy tales, just
fiery tunes that happen to be a century or so older than your
average hip-hop jam, arranged for modern ears and played on
traditional instruments with verve and exuberance. The fact that
they’ve never tasted green beer nor played “Danny Boy” in public,
reveals the secret of their success.
Our Tunes are traditional, continuing unbroken traditions of
dance music and song from Ireland, Brittany, Scotland, England,
France and Galicia.
----
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
EJ 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.
*************************
03/17/06 - Houston's Irish Farewell To The Knights Of Columbus, Council 803
The Houston Irish community will hold a farewell to the Knights
of Columbus, Council 803 on March 17th, St. Patrick's Day itself,
at the Knights' Hall at 2616 Louisiana. It will begin at 5:30 PM.
Come and join Michael "Griff" Griffin, Arthur Mason, & Larry
Miggins at this last ever St. Patrick's Day celebration at this
location. St. Patrick's Day has been celebrated at this location
for nearly a century. Murder the Stout provides music.
Irish dancers will perform at 7 PM and the Houston Highlander
Pipeband will follow at 7:30. You can count on Arthur singing
some tunes and Larry telling a few jokes. The Celtic Chorus will
also perform. There is a $10 cover charge, which will include 2
drink tickets.
*************************
03/17/06 - Houston Family Arts Center Pot O'Gold Irish Music Festival
7:30 - 9:00 pm
"Merry Waits of Windsor"
"Caera Celtic Dancers"
Singalong Led By
Celtic Chorus Of Houston
There is no cost for this event, but reservations are recommended.
Please call 281-453-0290. Donations will be accepted.
Location:
16200 State Highway 249, Houston, Texas 77086,
within the facilities of Liberty Revival Church (LRC) in Northwest Houston,
on the feeder road of Texas Highway 249, about 1/2 mile north of Beltway 8,
south of FM 1960, near Willowbrook Mall.
*************************
03/17/06 – Murder the Stout - The Bull & Bear St Patricks Day Celebrations
Plus Murder The Stout CD Release Party!!!
From 8:00pm Till Late, www.bull&beartavern.com
*************************
03/17/06 - St. Patrick's Party for Cass Academy of Irish Dance
5:30 pm to midnight
Cass Academy of Irish Dance
Godfrey's Rangers
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
Michael "Griff" Griffin
*************************
03/17/06 - McElroy's Pub St Patrick’s Day Celebrations
Noon - 2am
Live Music Featuring
The Bourbon Street Band
also featuring: Bagpipers • Irish Dancers
Party Favors • Beer Garden
McElroy's Pub - Open Daily 3pm - 2am
3607 S. Sandman, Houston, Texas 77098, 713 / 524-2444
*************************
03/17/06 - Ron's Pub and Whitehorse Inn
St Patrick’s Day – Free Irish Stew from 3PM Until GONE!
Live Entertainment 9PM – Midnight
Bag Pipers at 5PM & 9PM
1826 Fountainview
Houston, Texas 77057
Tel: 713-977-4820
Fax: 713-266-9033
Proprietor: Edie Simmons
eMail: edies@ronspub.com
Manager: Al Petrucci
eMail: apetrucci@ronspub.com
*************************
03/17/06 - Sullivan's Steakhouse Shamrocks & Rolls on St Patrick’s Day
Sullivan’s will celebrate the ‘wearin of the green’ with Shamrock & Rolls from 11:30AM to 2AM
Lunch of Corned Beef & Cabbage, Irish Stew & Bunratty Burgers. Happy hour will feature your favorite Irish Whiskeys, Creams, Stouts & Irish Coffee. Marshall Maxwell Band will perform Irish Songs & ditties at 5PM; The Cass Irish Step Dancing Troupe will perform their tribute to Riverdance at 5PM & 8:15PM. At 9PM Ringside at Sullivans will feature the “Fried Ice Cream” band for dancing and good times for the rest of the evening. No admission charge until 9PM; thereafter it will be $10.00.
The Sullivan Family Reunion – If you last name is Sullivan, you will receive a free t-shirt. On the shirt it says: “My name is Sulllivan, what’s yours?”
4608 Westheimer Rd. (Westcreek St.)
Houston, TX 77027
713-961-0333
*************************
03/17/06 - Kenneally's Irish Pub St Patrick’s Day Celebration
2111 S Shepherd Dr
Houston, TX 77019-7009
(713) 630-0486
Cross Street: Indiana Street
*************************
03/17/06 – Brian O’Neill’s St Patrick's Day 2006"
Brunch & Irish Breakfast: 8:30AM to 2:00PM
Bringing out the Irish in you since 2002! Featuring Entertainers:
The Highlanders - 9am
O’Maoileidigh Dancers - 4pm
Cass Irish Dancers - 6pm
Murder The Stout - Midday
The Slags – Evening
Trey Clark – Late Evening
Bag Pipers throughout the day
5555 Morningside Dr Houston, TX 77005-3240
*************************
03/17/06 - Irish Stakes Race at Gulf Greyhound Park @ 7:30PM
Okay, so the dogs probably aren't really Irish, and they most likely don't
care much for green beer, either. Still, give the folks at Gulf Greyhound
Park a few points for ingenuity as they make St. Patrick's Day a little more
special with an ''Irish Stakes Race,'' pitting some of the best ''Irish''
greyhounds around. If that's not enough, the climate-controlled complex
offers a variety of dining experiences and three levels of seating options.
You can find the customary Win, Place and Show opportunities at the betting
windows, plus a range of ''exotics'' sure to challenge your math skills.
Since the park opened in 1992, more than 10 million fans have made their way
through the gates. Look for a predominantly Irish crowd at this one, even if
most of the visitors are only ''Irish'' for the day. -- Bill Sullivan
1000 FM 2004 Rd
La Marque, TX, 77568
409-986-9500
*************************
03/18/06 - St. Patrick's Parade - Downtown Houston
The 47th Houston St. Patrick's Parade. Pat Sharkey is
the Parade's Grand Marshall. The Parade will step out at 2
PM. We will meet at the Clock Tower on Texas Ave. at Minute
Maid Park.
http://www.houstonstpatricksparade.org/
******************************************
03/19/06 – Grif’s Irish Stew Cook-Off all afternoon with music throughout the
day and night. http://www.griffshouston.com/Stew%20Cook-Off%20Rules%20&%20App.doc
Griff's Shenanigans Cafe & Bar 3416 Roseland @ Harold 713-
528-9912 (fax) 713-526-0469 e-mail griffshouston@yahoo.com
http://www.griffshouston.com
*************************
03/24/06 Irish Balladeer Danny O’Flaherty at the Logon Cafe
Friday, March 24, 2006
Featuring Irish Balladeer
Danny O’Flaherty
(owner of O’Flaherty’s Irish Channel in New Orleans)
Show 8:00PM
Admission $10 per person
@ The Logon Café
3805 Calder Avenue
Beaumont, Texas
409-832-1529
http://www.logoncafe.net/
*************************
03/28/06 – Battlefield Band @ Mucky Duck
Mar 28, 8pm, $18
*******************************************
03/30/06 – Thurs Role Of Irish Americans In The History
Of American Catholicism
A Lecture By Dr. David O'Brien
Irish-American Roman Catholics have contributed much to the
formation and development of the American Roman Catholic
Church. Dr. David O'Brien is from the College of Holy Cross
in Massachusetts. A preeminent scholar and author in his
field, he has taught there for over thirty years. He will
discuss three turning points Irish American religious
history: 18th century independence from Irish
ecclesiastical administration, the late 19th century
decision to build a parochial educational system, and
Vatican II, when Irish-American domination of Catholic life
and culture came to an end. Dr. O'Brien is married to
Joanne Haynes O'Brien and they have 4 children and 4
remarkable grandchildren.
The lecture begins 7:30 PM in the Scanlon Room of the
University of St. Thomas' Jerabeck Center. It is free and
open to the public. No RSVP is required. Parking is
available in the Moran Center, West Alabama at Graustark or
on the street. For more information, contact Lori
Gallagher, Director of the Center for Irish Studies, at
713-525-3592 or irishstudies@stthom.edu .
*************************
4/13/06 Celtic Woman @ Hobby Center in Houston
*************************
04/19/06 Wed - Irish Harpist Máire Ni Chatasaigh
The Irish Harp its History, Repertoire and Role in Irish Society
Come hear award-winning Irish harpist Máire Ni Chatasaigh perform
and provide insight into the history and role of the harp in
Irish history! Máire will play examples of Irish harp music from
four centuries and will discuss the changing role and repertoire
of the harp in present-day Ireland. She is considered the most
influential player of the instrument in modern times. Her visit
to Houston is part of the Distinguished Irish Studies Cultural
Series and is sponsored by Sally and Bill Slick and the Irish
American Cultural Institute.
The performance will be at 7:30 PM in Cullen Hall, 4001 Mt.
Vernon, UST Campus, Houston. The performance is free and open to
the public. No RSVP required; no tickets sold or reserved; first
come, first-served. Parking is available in the Moran Center,
West Alabama at Graustark or on the street. For more information,
contact Lori Gallagher, Director of the Center for Irish Studies,
at 713-525-3592 or irishstudies@stthom.edu .
*************************
05/02/06 - Luka Bloom (Christy Moore’s brother) at the Mucky
Duck - 2425 Norfolk, Houston, Texas 77098
713-528-5999 (voice); 713-528-4763 (Fax) Email addresses Rusty: theduck@mcgonigels.com
Luka Bloom a.k.a Barry Moore
Having tread the boards of stages all over the globe, 36
years of craft honing has given Luka Bloom from Newbridge a
place on the music map. Like many Irish familes then and
indeed today Luka comes from a family of singers and
writers first going on tour with older brother, Christy
Moore, in 1969. It was a tour of English folk clubs and he
was fourteen years of age. That was a long time ago.
Turning 50 in 2005, Luka has brought his songs to clubs,
theatres, fesitivals, bars, arenas and dives all over the
world. From McGanns in Boston to The Tivoli in Brisbane to
Red Hot Club in Newbridge.
Its 1987, Barry Moore flew out to America and Luka Bloom
came back. Singing his songs around the US, gigging with
The Pogues, the Violent Femmes, The Dixie Chicks, Hothouse
Flowers, The Cowboy Junkies. He signed with Warner Music in
Los Angeles, and made 'Riverside', 'The Acoustic
Motorbike', and 'Turf'.
He made Salty Heaven in Birr Co Offaly 1997. Luka read
about Ani di Franco and her independent crusade to make her
own music in her own way, in her own time, released by her
own people. This concept excited him and he went about
setting up his own independent way of working. In 2000 Luka
recorded 'Keeper of the Flame', an album of eclectic covers
by great artists.
2001 was a busy year for Luka, he created Big Sky Records
and www.lukabloom.com and released 'The Barry Moore Years',
an album of early songs written before 1987. In the same
year Luka made 'Between the Mountain and the Moon', an
album of new original songs. 2003, 'Amsterdam' was released
- a live performance from a great night in the Carre
Theatre in Amsterdam. In 2004 'Before Sleep Comes' was
recorded, nine soft songs for insomniacs.
And now comes his latest offering.'Innocence'.
This is an album of 11 new songs and one old gem.
'Primavera' Song for Spring inspired by Mariza.
'City of Chicago' A song for any Irishman or woman who ever
emigrated.
'No matter where you go there you are' A song for anyone
who ever immigrated into Ireland.
'Thank you for bringing me here' A daughter tells a father
on Fanore beach.
'Innocence' A 49-year-old man calls an album 'Innocence',
because he knows you have to hold your innocence.
'Miracle Cure' It's hard to move on, and forgive, whether
for society or for one person. 'Miracle Cure' is the story.
'Peace on Earth' Beslan, Tsunami, 2004 was a sad year for
children. Sometimes words cannot say it. 'Peace on Earth'
'Venus' Venus is passing across the sun for the first time
in 150 years, and the radio tells us not to look at it.
'Venus' is the story.
'Gypsy Music' 50 million more people in Europe don't need a
visa to come to Ireland - 'Gypsy Music' is the answer.
'First light of Spring' Winter will soon be over. Days are
still short, it's still a bit cold, but soon we'll see the
'First light of Spring' and that is sweeter than anything.
'Salvador'. A love song left on an answering machine.
'June' Summer sunshine.
"The whole story of this album is interesting and
different. Life is an endless stream of challenges, and for
this singer, the most important ingredient to hang on to is
our innocence and wonder at the world"
Luka Bloom January 2005.
http://www.lukabloom.com/
******************************************
05/12-14 - Houston Highland Games & Celtic Festival
will be held at the Houston Farm & Ranch Club located at
Bear Creek Park, 1 Abercrombie St, Houston, TX, 77084
(that's off Highway 6, between I-10 and Clay Road).
http://www.houstonhighlandgames.com/
******************************************
06/14/06 - Wed - Bloomsday In Houston, Tx.
Ireland's great literary work, James Joyce's ULYSSES, is
celebrated by Irish Society members once a year. This
members only event will take place at the Olde City Pub &
Grill. Eamonn Finnerty and Mike Daly, two of the original
20 Irish Society founding members, are our gracious hosts.
Their establishment is located one block north of FM 1960
at 14124 Stuebner-Airline. Our salute to the famous Irish
writer, James Joyce, will begin at 6 PM. This is a social
gathering, not a reading. After the event, the staff of
the Irish Society News honors an Irish Society member as
our "Molly" each year. More details on in the March and May
editions of The Irish Society News. Members will receive a
post card invitation. An RSVP is necessary.
*************************
06/26/06 - Harp & Shamrock Society of SA Trip To Ireland
Trip To Ireland Sept. 3 - 13, 2006
Some of our Irish Society members have expressed an interest in visiting
Ireland. A kindred group, The Harp & Shamrock Society of San Antonio, TX, is
sponsoring a trip to Ireland. Its focus is "Our Texas - Irish Ancestry" with
some emphasis on County Wexford, from whence many early Irish emigrants
settled in South Texas. Two days are spent traveling to and from Ireland.
This tour makes a circuit around Ireland in eleven days. To contact the Harp
& Shamrock Society, you may E-mail jlizm@AOL.Com .
Price per person is $2,570, with a $420 supplemental charge for a single room
if desired. For tour details and reservations, call Showcase Ireland Group
Travel, 9853 Tamiami Trail North, # 215, Naples, FL 34110, Tel. 1-800-654-
6527. E-mail is irelandtravel@comcast.net . Deadline for reservations and
payment is Monday, June 26, 2006. It is recommended that you make
reservations now, as space is limited.
******************************
09/18/06 - Mon - St. Paddy's Irish Open @ Quail Valley Country
Club
St. Paddy's Irish Open will take place on September 18, 2006
at the Quail Valley Country Club. Our participation in this
annual golf tournament represents part of our contribution to the
St. Patrick's Parade Commission. Registration begins at 11 AM and
the shotgun start is at Noon. Cost is $125 per player, $500 per
foursome. This includes lunch, dinner, & greens fees. As usual,
the Irish Society will sponsor 2 holes. Hole sponsorship is only
$100 per. Would you or your company like to sponsor a hole? For
further information and reservations, phone Sean Kearns at 832-
978-9192 or Email Irishmkk@AOL.Com .
*************************
11/09/06 – Thurs - 2006 Irish Society Gala
Sally and Bill Slick - Honorees
The Irish Society and the University of St. Thomas take great
pleasure in announcing Sally & Bill Slick as the Honorees of the
2006 Irish Gala. The Gala will take place at the Houstonian
Hotel, 111 North Post Oak Lane. The Silent Auction begins at 6:30
PM. The Dinner begins at 8 PM. For information, contact Center
for Irish Studies Director Lori Gallagher at 713-525-3592 or
irishstudies@stthom.edu .
Sally and Bill are Lifetime Members of The Irish Society and
Friends of the University of St. Thomas. Bill also serves on the
Center for Irish Studies Advisory Board and is a former director
on the University of St. Thomas. We hope many members of the
Houston Irish community and the UST community will join us in
celebrating their contributions and accomplishments.
This year's Gala chairs are Colleen and George McCullough. The
Irish Gala benefits the UST Center for Irish Studies. The Gala is
co-sponsored by the Irish Society and the University of St.
Thomas.
******************************************
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:
Bridget 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.
----
Thurs Night Irish Session @ Coffee Oasis on NASA Rd One
Session starts about 7:30PM every Thurs night
4650 NASA Road 1
Seabrook, TX 77586
281.532.1439
You are likely to see Laura (of Echoes of Ireland) or Tom
(of http://www.texasbagpipes.com/)
http://www.texasbagpipes.com/
http://www.bayoucitypipesanddrums.com/
----
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 Griff's Shenanigans Cafe & Bar, 7:30 - 9:30 pm:
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
----
"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
----
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
******************************************
Community Annoucements:
Wedding Announcement
Bill Galbraith & Emily Standish Have Announced Their MARRIAGE!
Bill and Emily play Celtic music as CONSTANT BILLY.
----
Texas Rose of Tralee
The International Rose of Tralee has begun its search for
the 2006 Texas Rose Who will represent the Lone Star State
at the International Rose of Tralee Festival in Co. Kerry,
Ireland in August 2006
Eligibility Criteria
Must be 18 - 28
Single, never been married and or have any children
Born or be a resident of Texas and living in the United
States legally
Be of Irish origin by virtue of one of her ancestors having
been born in Ireland
The Texas Rose will be chosen at a Selection Ball early
June in the DFW area hosted by the Texas Rose of Tralee
Committee.
Characteristics the Judges will be looking for
Appreciation of Irish Heritage
Intelligence
Personality
Character
Verbal Communication
Poise
Physical Appearance
The Texas Rose of Tralee will receive:
Round trip ticket for 12 days in Ireland
Tiara
Clothing Allowance
And much more…..
If you would like to be a candidate or know someone
Are interested in hosting a Selection Fundraiser Ball in
your area
Or would just like to Support or get more information
Please contact Jackie Nelon at the email below.
http://us.f810.mail.yahoo.com/ym/Compose?To=texascentre@roseoftralee.ie
Websites
http://www.roseoftralee.ie/
http://www.texasroseoftralee.org/
----
Support The Pat Finucane Centre Today!
(Poster's Note: This organization really needs the support
of all Irish & Irish Americans. The family has suffered so
much and the PFC has done so MUCH for MANY Irish causes.
TODAY, please write a check OR even better, go to their web
site: http://www.patfinucanecentre.org/
You can make a donation with PayPal online & it will only
take a minute. We should all try to make AT LEAST a $20
contribution (a $100 would be better. Jay)
******************************************
SUPPORT THE PAT FINUCANE CENTRE
From: "Pat Finucane Centre" info@patfinucanecentre.org
Date: Thu, 6 Oct 2005 15:36:49 +0100
Subject: Urgent Appeal To Friends & Supporters.
An Urgent Appeal To All Friends And Supporters Of The Pat
Finucane Centre.
Dear Friend of the PFC,
This is an urgent appeal for donations! We are in the red!
The Pat Finucane Centre, though Derry based, has had an
impact far beyond the north west of Ireland. Earlier this
year a reception was held at the Guildhall in Derry to
honour the work of the Centre. Families and individuals
travelled from 11 of the 32 counties in Ireland, and from
Scotland and England, in itself ample testament to the
respect felt in the wider community.
The work of the centre over the last year has included;
-organising public meetings with the Mayor of London on the
End Impunity Campaign,
- research on collusion that has resulted in a number of
cases currently being heard before the European Court of
Human Rights at Strasbourg,
-participating in the Advisory Group on the Sean Brown
murder investigation,
-logging all sectarian /racist incidents from June 2005 to
September 2005 (the log will be available soon)
-giving evidence to Committees of both the Irish and
British parliaments,
-initiating a number of investigations into conflict
related deaths by the Police Ombudsman's office,
-reenacting closed meetings of the Policing Board as street
theatre and
--applying to the Guinness Book of Records to have
Rosemount PSNI barracks logged as the least used police
station in the world!
The ongoing day-to-day advocacy on behalf of families is
largely confidential and hidden from view but the Centre
works with over 120 families who have lost relatives in the
conflict. In addition individuals approach the Centre with
complaints and are referred to solicitors and/or to the
Police Ombudsman.
Against this background it will come as no surprise to
realise that the centre deliberately steers away from
official funding that is linked to the NIO. Stubbornly
independent as it is the Centre is largely dependent on
individual donors. The Pat Finucane Centre website carries
the following quote from Geraldine Finucane,
'If you believe in shaping stronger human rights protection
then invest in the Pat Finucane Centre and those who find
themselves in the frontline in their work to defend human
rights. '
The Centre urgently requires donations in order to continue
that work.
There is no money in the bank! Please respond this week!
Note. Donations can be made by cheque or online (today!)
through the secure Paypal system at
http://www.patfinucanecentre.org/
Postal address:
The Pat Finucane Centre,
1 West End Park,
Derry,
BT48 9JF
Ireland (North).
Telephone: +44 28 71 268846
Fax: +44 28 71 266453
Email: info@patfinucanecentre.org
******************************************
:: KPFT Gallery of Pictures of Celtic Concert at Miller
Outdoor Theatre on August 14, 2005
http://www.kpfthouston.org/gallery/fall_concertseries_aug14
:: Irish Aires Has A Brand New Blog!! (actually we have
two!)
http://irishairescurrentevents.blogspot.com/2005/01/irish-aires-has-brand-new-blog.html
Below are links to hear broadcasts & playlists. If you have
RealAudio, a soundcard & speakers on your computer, you
should have no problem listening to the shows, EXCEPT that
if too many people are trying to access the stations audio
files at once, you might get an error. Try back later.
Irish Aires Saturday, Jan 07, 2006. Hear until 03/06/06
http://archive.kpft.org/pls.php?mp3fil=393089
Playlist located at:
http://irishairescurrentevents.blogspot.com/2006/01/playlist-010706.html
Irish Aires Saturday, Jan 14, 2006 was NOT Archived on the
Internet
Playlist to be posted soon!
Irish Aires Saturday, Jan 21, 2006. Hear until 03/20/06
http://archive.kpft.org/pls.php?mp3fil=393089
Irish Aires Saturday, Jan 28, 2006. Hear until 03/27/06
http://archive.kpft.org/pls.php?mp3fil=393089
Irish Aires Saturday, Feb 04, 2006 Hear until 04/04/06
http://archive.kpft.org/pls.php?mp3fil=795123
Irish Aires Saturday, Feb 11, 2006 Hear until 04/11/06
http://archive.kpft.org/pls.php?mp3fil=940020
Irish Aires Saturday, Feb 18, 2006 Hear until 04/18/06
http://archive.kpft.org/pls.php?mp3fil=1103073
Irish Aires Saturday, Feb 25, 2006 Hear until 04/25/06
http://archive.kpft.org/pls.php?mp3fil=1283926
Irish Aires Saturday, Mar 4, 2006 Hear until 05/03/06
http://archive.kpft.org/pls.php?mp3fil=1482553
----
:: PHILLIP JAMES CONNELLY, of Katy, passed away on
Thursday, August 11, 2005 in a Houston hospital at the age
of 74 years.
Phillip James Connelly was born on September 14, 1930 in
Tulsa, Oklahoma to Paul and Peggy Connelly. He graduated
from Holy Family High School in Tulsa, Oklahoma and the
University of Oklahoma. He served his country during the
Korean War as a Lieutenant in the U.S. Army based out of
Fort Sill, Oklahoma.
On April 4, 1964, he married his beloved wife, Bridget
Imelda Corr. He retired from General Electric's Lighting
Division after 30 years of service.
Phil was a founding member and former president of the
Irish American Heritage Association of Katy and a member of
the Irish Society in Houston, Texas. He was a member of the
Epiphany of the Lord Catholic Church, in Katy, and a member
of the Knights of Columbus, 4th Degree, Assembly 2721. He
was also a friend of Bill Wilson.
He was a life long Democrat. Phil was an active participant
in the Forever Young Group in Epiphany, as well as many
other organizations.
He is survived by his wife, Bridget Imelda Connelly of
Katy; his sons, Mike Connelly of Keller, Texas, and Tim
Connelly and his wife Sylvia of Ardmore, Pennsylvania; and
his grandson, Sebastian Connelly. He was preceded in death
by his parents, Paul and Peggy Connelly; and by his
brother, Jack Connelly.
Those wishing to make memorial gifts may do so to the
Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, 5005 Mitchelldale, Suite 115,
Houston, Texas 77092-7230 or to your favorite charity.
----
Other Irish Celtic Calendars & Sources:
Scottish Country Dancing & More:
http://home.att.net/~diannashipman/Calendar.htm
Houston Irish Development Assoc:
http://www.houstonirish.org/calendar/calendar.shtml
Texas Celtic Music Network Calendar
http://texcelt.org/Calendar.html
Southwest Celtic Music Association
http://www.scmatx.org/main.htm
Texas Scottish Heritage Society
http://www.txscot.com/
Houston Chronicle Search for World Music Local bands
http://www.chron.com/COMS/BandsPub/pub.mpl?action=searchbands&nextview=bandsearch&submit1=&submit2=2&band_name=&genre=World
Houston Press World Music Listing
http://listings.houstonpress.com/gyrobase/Music/Results?genre=13765&keyword=&date=