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, September 23, 2006

Current Events

What's New? 09/23-24 - Houston Symphony: Mendelssohn's Hebrides & Scotland 09/27/06 – Constant Billy at Mojo Risin’ 10/13-15 – Celtic Nations Festival in Lake Charles 05/12/07 – Houston Highland Games & Festival ************************* Monday, September 18, 2006St Paddy's Irish Open Message & Pics The St. Patrick's Parade Commission would like to thank everyone that came out to play and work for the golf tournament. Personally, Sean, Jeannie and I cannot express our gratitude for your continued support of the Parade. You gave up time at work and braved the rain to much this year's tournament a success. Our hearts are full when we think about all everyone does. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you, Mary Kearns & Family ---- http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/rdooling@swbell.net/slideshow?.dir=/41b6re2&.src=ph Click the above to see a slide show of pictures from today. ************************* 09/23-24/06 - Houston Symphony Presents: Mendelssohn's Hebrides and Scotland Saturday, 9/23 @8 PM, & Sunday,9/24 @2:30 PM At Jones Hall, 615 Louisiana St, Houston TX 77002 Hans Graf, conductor James Ehnes, violin Program: Mendelssohn, The Hebrides Bruch, Violin Concerto No. 2 Mendelssohn, Symphony No. 3, Scottish Just close your eyes and imagine. A trip to Scotland, in 1829, directed Mendelssohn to two extraordinary orchestral works, the Hebrides Overture (inspired by Fingal's Cave) and the Third Symphony, Scottish. For The Hebrides, Mendelssohn used darker sounding instruments, such as cellos, violas, bassoons, and clarinets to give the music its Scottish summer feel. Overcast skies, gray seas, and barren landscapes are clearly orchestrated into the music. You can hear the waves constantly lapping around the islands. Raindrops gather momentum as the storm approaches and the sea swells in shape. But in addition to the sounds of brooding weather, there are breath-taking moments throughout the music. These moments evoke thrilling images as the winds become gentle and you can hear the sun peer through the clouds. For tickets call 713-238-1435 Gayle McMaster Professional Preference - Groups Sales Assoc. The Houston Symphony 713-238-1435 gayle.mcmaster@houstonsymphony.org www.houstonsymphony.org ************************* 09/25/06 - Celtaire String Band at St Thomas Episcopal School The Heather & Thistle Society www.heatherandthistle.org presents Celtaire String Band (www.celtaire.com) Sept. 25, 7:30 pm @ St. Thomas Episcopal School Telephone: 713-666-3111 Street Address:4900 Jackwood Houston, Texas 77096 ************************* 09/27/06 – Constant Billy at Mojo Risin’ , 1600 Shepherd Dr. at Eigel. It had to happen: the best new acoustic music space in Texas features the finest acoustic music duo anywhere! Mojo Risin’ has suddenly become THE intimate acoustic music venue, with nationally famous acts performing regularly. It’s a coffeehouse with great food, desserts and coffee, so bring an appetite. And if you’d like a beer or glass of wine with your music, you can’t beat the price: BYOB! Check out their website to see the fantastic bands and the unique atmosphere there. Wednesday, September 27 will be our very first appearance at Mojo Risin’ and we want YOU to be a part of it! What: Constant Billy in an intimate concert at Mojo Risin’ Where: 1600 Shepherd Dr. at Eigel (just south of I-10) in Houston (click here for map) or call (713) 426-1505 for directions When: 8-10pm Wednesday, September 27, 2006 How Much:a measly $5 Why: because it will CHANGE YOUR LIFE ************************* 10/05/06 Thurs Dr. Denis Headon, Bio Link USA-Ireland Presents A Renaissance in Irish Technological Innovation 7:30 p.m. Brought to you by the Irish Society and the Center for Irish Studies at the University of St. Thomas Cullen Hall, 4001 Mt. Vernon Free and open to the public No RSVP required Parking available in the Moran Center, 3807 Graustark ************************* 10/13-15 - 16th Annual Celtic Nations Festival Civic Center Lake Charles, Louisiana This Year Honoring Scotland Check out this list of Activities • Celtic Artisans • Celtic Merchandise Vendors • Genealogy • Celtic Canines • Piping Competition • Drumming Comp. • World Cup Currach Regatta • Sheepherding Demonstration • Children's Programs • Scottish Clans & Cultural Societies • Music and Entertainment • Celtic Dancing Demonstrations • Bagpipe Bands • Highland Games • Workshops • Whisky Tasting Tickets Adults - $10/day, $15 for 2 days Children, Military with ID and Seniors $5/day, $7 for 2 Days Due to unforseen circumstances, Tommy Makem will not be able to attend the 16th Annual Celtic Nations Heritage Festival. Andy M. Stewart will be playing the opening concert on Friday night, joined by the Makem and Spain Brothers. The Makems have graciously agreed to play at the concert in place of their father. The tradition continues...." Friday, October 13 at the Rosa Heart Theater in the Lake Charles Civic Center $25 Per Person Your ticket entitles you to entrance to the Festival on Saturday and Sunday Tickets available at the Civic Center Box office and at the door. Book your Hotel Rooms in Advance!! ---- Music Lineup: Kingston Trio - In 1957 The Kingston Trio emerged from San Francisco's North Beach club scene to take the country by storm, bringing the rich tradition of American folk music into the mainstream for the first time. During the late 50s & early 60s, the Trio enjoyed unprecedented record sales and worldwide fame, while influencing the musical tastes of a generation. Through changing times, the Trio has played on, remaining popular for a simple reason... great songs that sound as good today as the first time you heard them. Over forty years after Tom Dooley shot to the top of the charts, the Trio is still on the road thirty weeks a year, bringing back all the great memories and making new ones. ---- Andy M. Stewart - Called one of Celtic music's most gifted singers and arguably the best songwriter in the entire folk tradition, Andy M. Stewart has been delighting audiences with his music and humour for two decades. Born in Perthshire, Scotland, Andy grew up in a family noted for its fine traditional singing. He first drew the attention of the music world with his work as lead singer and instrumentalist for Silly Wizard, with whom he toured until their break-up in 1988. It was while Andy was in the Wizards that he gained much recognition for his beautiful interpretations of the traditional songs of Scotland and Ireland and also became known as a master of songwriting in the traditional style. Self-penned gems such as "The Ramblin'Rover", "Golden, Golden", "The Queen of Argyll", and "Where are You Tonight, I Wonder" have become almost instant classics, and have been recorded by June Tabor, The Dubliners and Deanta, to name a few. As an accomplished banjo player, his ear for a good tune has been displayed in his arranging and composing abilities; a style that set the precedent for many an up-and-coming band in the ever-expanding world of Celtic music. Known for his wicked wit and sterling live performances, Andy M. Stewart is among the finest singers in the Scots/Irish traditional genre, with a voice that "conveys more emotion in one line than most singers do in a lifetime." (Beacon Herald) Andy has recorded four solo albums, By the Hush, named Folk Album of the Year by Melody Maker Magazine, Songs of Robert Burns, Man in the Moon, and his most recent release, Donegal Rain, Mojo's Folk Album of the Month, Jan. 1998. He has also recorded three albums with Manus Lunny: Fire in the Glen (also featuring Phil Cunningham of Silly Wizard), Dublin Lady, and At It Again. ---- The Makem Brothers - After more than 13 years, the Makem Brothers have spun into a musical cocoon and emerged as the powerhouse Irish vocal group of their generation. During the winter of 2003 the Makem Brothers joined forces with Irish music’s Spain Brothers to form a quintet as strong and unique as anything offered in Irish music today. The result is a musical act far greater than the sum of its parts and an electric onstage chemistry that few acts ever achieve. The Makem Brothers know Irish music almost inherently. They grew up at sing- songs and sessions frequented by some of Ireland’s best known and prolific singers and musicians. As professional entertainers since 1989, they have had the unique opportunity to study first hand from many of the best acts in Irish music today. They have played before millions of people on both sides of the Atlantic, including national slots on American public television and Irish talk shows. From California to Ireland and from Texas to Canada, the list of stages on which they have performed is equally impressive and includes Symphony Space in New York City, the World Cup and the Guinness Fleadh. When it comes to Irish music, the brothers are truly professionals. Their job is to entertain and they never disappoint. Audiences can expect anything from slow meaningful songs to humorous and indeed boisterous numbers. Mixed with an onstage wit to match, The Makem Brothers have become one of the most sought after Irish acts internationally. The Makem Brothers and the Spain Brothers realized the magic that a combined live performance could possess after honing their craft at private sessions together over several years. Their subsequent polishing created a sound that is unmatched for Irish singing bands in their generation. Their sound comes from powerfully backed, precise three-part harmonies, varied instrumentation and a strong appreciation for the history and progression of folk music. They are also talented songwriters with an ear for “timeless” songs. Shane, Conor and Rory Makem represent the third generation in their legendary family of Irish-born singers. Their grandmother Sarah Makem was a source singer and was visited by folk music collectors from all over the world such as Pete Seeger, Diane Hamilton and Jean Ritchie for her great store of old Irish songs. She was also the singing voice that welcomed millions weekly to one of the first international folk programs, the BBC World Service’s “As I Roved Out.” The Makem Brothers’ father Tommy Makem first came to world prominence with the Clancy Brothers in the 1960s. Together the Clancy Brothers and Tommy Makem gave Irish music a popularity it had never seen, bringing it from Carnegie Hall to the Ed Sullivan Show. Tommy Makem continues to be one the world’s top progenitors of Irish culture with public television specials, sold out shows everywhere he performs and an annual festival in Ireland named in his honor. Mickey and Liam Spain are second-generation performers who learned songs at their father’s knee in the mill town of Manchester, New Hampshire. Mick’s strong baritone voice and Liam’s endless skills on the guitar, mandolin and harmonica had always set the duo apart, but now have enabled a seamless transition to a five-man group. ---- Danny O'Flaherty - Danny’s success as an entertainer is driven by his dedication to preserving and passing on his Celtic heritage. As the last of a generation reared in the isolation of a pure Gaelic culture, Danny’s youth recalled the simple tradition kept alive on the rugged and desolate islands. His first language is Gaelic, and his first love – the ancient music played and sung around the peat fires in the evenings. Danny evokes the often-indistinguishable link between history and myth. Whether singing the timeless songs of Galway fishermen or performing his own contemporary ballads, Danny O’Flaherty keeps a unique heritage alive. Danny O’Flaherty has captivated audiences from Old Jaffa and Jerusalem to Washington, D. C. None other than The Washington Post raved “Suddenly we were no longer in our nation’s capital; we were on a trip across the waters as we clapped, sung a long, laughed, and yes, even wept a tear at a gentle ballad. For Danny O’Flaherty is good, very good. His program wowed an appreciative crowd.” Whether it is a sold-out concert with the Tulsa Philharmonic, an invitation only performance for the alumnae of Notre Dame University, an Inaugural Ball, a World’s Fair, a command performance for a pope or President, an intimate evening at a local pub or a featured performance for the Council of Exceptional Children’s Annual Convention, Danny O’Flaherty leaves every audience spellbound. This talented musician switches seamlessly from accordion to tin whistle to harmonica to eight and twelve string guitar. His repertoire is extraordinary. Haunting ballads of loves lost and found, songs of the sea and glen, aching calls for tolerance and peace, jigs and reels; Gaelic favorites - traditional tunes interspersed with original hit recordings from his popular CDs – all this and a bewitching personality that has audiences young and old calling for more. ---- Beth Patterson - Beth Patterson is an Irish folk and Celtic musician of some renown. Combining traditional Irish, Celtic and folk ballads with Cajun, world- beat and progressive rock influences, her own creative songwriting and a unique sense of humor, Patterson's music is as memorable as her wit and charm. Though she plays several instruments, Patterson's preferred tool is the bouzouki, a gourd-shaped stringed instrument, ultimately of Greek origins but introduced into Irish music in the 1960s. She has a degree in music therapy from Loyola University New Orleans. She was a founding member of the ensemble The Poor Clares, whose albums include Change of Habit and Songs for Midwinter, distributed nationally on the Centaur label. Her three albums, on the Little Blue Men Records label, include two studio productions, Hybrid Vigor and Take Some Fire, and one live album, Caught in the Act. She has also played on (and produced) other albums, most recently (2005) on the album Orin by the Breton progressive-folk group Tornaod. She was a regular performer at O'Flaherty's Irish Pub in New Orleans's famed French Quarter, until Hurricane Katrina hit at the end of August 2005; O'Flaherty's may not reopen at its original site, but Patterson has since begun playing regularly at other New Orleans venues. She has also toured in Canada, France, Ireland and Belgium ---- Jed Marum - Jed Marum is an established and a favored performer at Celtic and Folk/Bluegrass festival and concert rooms throughout the US. In 2005 he performed over 150 shows, bringing his music and songs to audiences in over fifty cities - in a dozen states. All four of Jed's albums receive international radio airplay regularly - on Celtic and Bluegrass radio shows - on web cast programs - and on MP3 services all around the world. His latest album, MILES FROM HOME was among the Most Played Albums of the Folk/Bluegrass DJ Playlist for four months in 2005. Jed is known as a gifted singer and an exceptional guitar player. He is an accomplished banjo and harmonica player as well and brings some fascinating new sounds to the stage with unusual hybrid instruments like the hi-strung backpacker and the banjola. Widely respected as a songwriter, Jed has licensed several of his original songs for use by other recording artists, movies and television. In recent travels, Jed is headlining at several of the nation's big festivals, including The North Texas Irish Festival, Chicago Gaelic Park Irish Festival, Mississippi Scottish Games, Tucson Folk Festival, Texas Scottish Festival and many regional festivals around the US. ---- The Conlys - If you wish to hear some top notch Irish Folk music, here you go! The Conly's have been performing traditional Celtic music in the Shreveport- Dallas-Houston-Jackson area for over twenty years. The festivals in which the Conly's have performed include North Texas Irish Festival, Natchitoches Folk Festival, Red River Revel in Shreveport, Louisiana Folk Fest in Monroe, Mississippi Celtic Fest in Jackson, Yukon Celtic Fest in Oklahoma and 7 Nations Fest in New Orleans and many others. The Conly's consists of Bill Conly, Bob Jordan and Betty Waddoups and Keith Waddoups. In addition to the Irish band, Bill plays guitar and vocals for the 12th Louisiana String Band performing War between the States period music all over the Southern states. Bill plays guitar, mandolin, bodhran, bazooki and also handles vocals. Bob Jordan contributes great guitar and banjo leads as well as additional vocals. Bob has a long history with folk music in the Tennessee and North Carolina mountains. Bob did instrumentals for John McCutcheon when he recorded "Wind that Shakes the Barley." He also recorded with David Holt in his Brand New Old Time String Band. Betty Waddoups plays the flute and penny whistle in the Conly's Irish Band as well as doing lead and harmony vocals. Betty has a remarkable ability to carry a great lead on songs that she has heard for the first time. Betty also plays in a folk-pop band known as Shakey Ground at the Celtic Crossing, an Irish pub in which the Conly's also perform. Keith Waddoups fills in this great band, adding additional vocals, bodhran and snare. Their newest release is the 2003 Gospel Album and gives us a great set of gospel favorites with the Irish sound we have come to love from the Conlys. ---- Jim Flanagan - A native of Ballyvourney, a small village in the heart of the Muskerry Gaeltacht (an Irish speaking area) in County Cork, Jim Flanagan now lives in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. He has performed at major festivals (Milwaukee, Dallas, Colorado, Atlanta, New Orleans, Savannah, Austin, Jackson) and in regular pub performances over the years has established himself as a significant force in Irish music in the Southeastern United States. Steve Winick (Dirty Linen) compares him favorably to Daithi Sproule (of Altan) and the great traditional singer Joe Heaney (Seosamh Ó hÉanaí) - in whose company any Irish singer would be proud to be placed. Ballyvourney is an area long recognized as a center of poetry, music, and dance. It is the birthplace of many highly respected poets and musicians, among these the famous poet Seán Ó Riordáin. Many great Irish musicians have lived in the area, including Seán Ó Riada, Jackie Daly, John Connell, and the great source singer Elisabeth Cronin. Flanagan draws on this wellspring of tradition with pride of place in his stage performances. He provides a mix of both Irish language and English language songs; songs based in the old style (sean nós) tradition as well as contemporary ballads, many of which lend themselves well to audience participation. His performances are interwoven with his compelling Irish humor, the stories of Ireland and his memories of home, leaving one with a feeling of having been entertained and enriched as well. ---- Celjun - Music jam parties abound in southwest Louisiana. The region is home to a wealth of versatile musicians who gather together regularly, drawn by the local bonhomie, good food, and a mutual love of traditional music of all kinds. The band Celjun evolved out of these gatherings, a small circle of friends who continuted to explore the merging of Cajun music with that of Ireland and Appalachia, and a curious delighted audience followed. The resulting blend is at once both familiar and surprising: Irish ballad with Jazz bass, an appalachian fiddle hoe-down accompanied by Irish bouzouki, Cajun fiddle two-step in unison with the concertina, Irish jigs, reels, hornpipes and polkas, all sharing a strong sense of groove and creating a new fusion: CELJUN MUSIC. ************************* 10/21/06 – Murder the Stout at West Alabama Ice House, Houston,TX 1:00pm ********************* 10/21/06 – Paisley Close, Murder the Stout at Clear Lake Celtic Festival – Houston, TX Playing Times TBD http://www.celticmusicassociation.com/ ************************* 10/26/06 – Emily Dugas Band at the Mucky Duck 8PM - $10 ************************* 10/28/06 – Gaelic Storm at the Mucky Duck 7:30 PM and 10:00 PM Ages 21+ ************************* 10/31/06 Tues Mary Clancy of Ireland sponsored by the Irish American Cultural Institute 7:30 p.m. Brought to you by the Irish Society and the Center for Irish Studies at the University of St. Thomas Scanlan Room, Jerabeck Center, 4000 Mt. Vernon Free and open to the public No RSVP required Parking available in the Moran Center, 3807 Graustark ********************* 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. ************************* 11/09/06 – Clumsy Lover at the Mucky Duck 8pm, $15 ************************* 11/10/06 - Natalie MacMaster at Miller Outdoor Theater Houston, TX Showtime: 7:30pm or 8:00pm Depending on whose website you believe Delivering fiddling fireworks, MacMaster is simply one of the young masters of the folk and Celtic music scenes. She and her band offer foot-tapping rave-ups, heart-stopping ballads and world-class step dancing. Presented by the Miller Theatre Advisory Board. Tickets to Seated Area: While performances at Miller Outdoor Theatre are FREE of charge, this show tickets for the covered seating area. Tickets are available at the Miller Theatre Box Office on a first-come basis between 11:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. on the day of the performance. Please, only four (4) tickets per person. Remaining tickets are given out one hour before curtain. Hillside Area: No tickets are required for seating on the hillside. Blankets and lawnchairs are welcome. No glass containers of any kind are allowed. ************************* 11/25/06 – The Rogues at the Mucky Duck – 7:30 & 10PM - $15 ************************* 01/07/07 - Sunday, The Chieftains At Jones Hall The famous Irish musical group. the Chieftains, will perform at downtown Houston's Jones Hall next January at 7:30 PM. Tickets may be ordered at 713-224-7575. Also, you may select your seats and pay via credit card by using the Web site WWW.JonesHall.org ************************* 05/12/07 - The Houston Highland Games Association (HHGA) will hold its 2007 Games & Festival during the weekend of May 11, 12 & 13th (the 2nd weekend in May) at the Houston Farm & Ranch Club facilities. Refer to website www.houstonhighland games.com for additional information and appropriate contacts. ****************************************** 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 Jason’s Deli Westheimer & Shepherd 2611 S Shepherd Dr Houston, TX 77098-1561 If you are interested in learning a little Irish then come join us at Jason’s Deli 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. 1st Wednesdays: FREE at Churchill Room, Black Labrador Pub 4100 Montrose Blvd. Map (Montrose near Richmond) 2nd, 3rd, 4th & 5th Wednesday 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 ---- 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 ---- 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 Black Labrador Pub, 4100 Montrose Blvd. (Montrose near Richmond) NEW TIME: 7:00 - 9:00 P.M. 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 ---- "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. ---- 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 ****************************************** Ireland Photos Pictures from Ireland in 2006 To See a list of the albums click here To See individual Slide shows, click the following: 06/06/06 Ireland 2006 - Jay's Photos 06/06/06 Ireland 2006 - Bertha's Pics 06/10/06 Ireland Jay 06/11/06 Ireland by Bertha 06/16/06 More of Ireland by Jay 06/21/06 More Ireland by Jay 06/26/06 More Pics From Ireland by Jay 06/27/06 More Ireland by Bertha ---- :: 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. KPFT Archived Programs Sorted By Name Irish Aires Saturday, July 29, 2006 Hear until 09/29/06 http://archive.kpft.org/pls.php?mp3fil=8342879 Irish Aires Saturday, Aug 05, 2006 Hear until 10/05/06 http://archive.kpft.org/pls.php?mp3fil=8342958 Irish Aires Saturday, Aug 12, 2006 Hear until 10/12/06 http://archive.kpft.org/pls.php?mp3fil=8342958 Irish Aires Saturday, Aug 19, 2006 Hear until 10/19/06 http://archive.kpft.org/pls.php?mp3fil=8342958 Irish Aires Saturday, Aug 26, 2006 Hear until 10/26/06 http://archive.kpft.org/pls.php?mp3fil=8342958 Irish Aires Saturday, Sept 2, 2006 Hear until 11/02/06 http://archive.kpft.org/pls.php?mp3fil=8343267 Irish Aires Saturday, Sept 9, 2006 Hear until 11/09/06 http://archive.kpft.org/pls.php?mp3fil=8343348 Irish Aires Saturday, Sept 16, 2006 Hear until 11/16/06 http://archive.kpft.org/pls.php?mp3fil=8343423 ---- :: George F. Little, RIP (Pete Little’s Father) September 2, 2006, of Depew, NY, husband of the late Muriel C. Little; father of Mary Catherine (James) Spilman, Michael (Ann), David (Elisabeth Alvarsdotter), John (Barbara), Margaret (Kevin) Craig, Anne Militello, Stephen (Maureen), Jeanne (Paul) Konetzny, Peter, Teresa, Maureen; brother of Eleanor Rigdon, Catherine Little; grandfather of 20; great grandfather of 18. Memorial Mass to be announced. Memorial contributions may be made to Rapid Response Home Care Program at Millard Fillmore Hospital, Gates Circle. Published in the Buffalo News on 9/7/2006. ---- :: AL CAMPBELL (Houston Highlanders Bagpiper )(1931- 2006) It is with great sadness that we inform our membership that our friend and piper, Al Campbell, passed away last evening. Over the years, we could always count on Al to support H&T with all our piping requests. He gave generously of his time, and was a very special contributor to our Society. In addition to his dignified performances, Al had great humor which he occasionally added for fun and laughter. We shall miss him. Our special condolences to his wife, Betsy, his family and close friends. ---- :: 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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