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=
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