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Archives
This site includes the postings from the Irish Aires email list. This includes a listing of Irish/Celtic events in the Houston area and other information that the Irish Aires radio program posts.
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Current Events
What's New? (see details below)
02/28/09 – Bill & Emily Hosts Irish Aires with Battlefield Band Special Guests
03/05/09 – Blagards at Ashford Arms Irish Pub
03/11/09 – Jed Marum Radio Interview on KUHT-FM (88.7 FM)
03/21-23 – Lonestar Stout at Angel & The Ox (change of date)
03/27-29 – Celtic Nations Heritage Festival in Lake Charles (performers)
05/01-03 - Sam Houston Folk Festival (performers)
10/09/09 – Blaggards at R&R Sports Bar & Grill
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New On Going events & Announcements:
Prayer Request for Michael Davitt (See Announcements below)
Friends of Sabine Pass are seeking members (See Announcements below)
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Jed Marum has posted a short documentary film made by Power Lunch Productions. The film
Is about my music and includes clips from live performances, in-studio music and
interviews. Please take a look and listen - and please rate and comment on the Youtube
page.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UnY9SRoPF1U
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McTaggart Irish Dancers Celebrate 20th Year (See on going events)
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Events you might want to Plan ahead for (details below):
03/03/09 – Battlefield Band at Mucky Duck
03/04/09 – James Galway at Jones Hall
04/17/09 – Kevin Burke at the Mucky Duck
04/17/09 – Celtic Woman at Toyota Center
04/ 2009 - iFest Features Ireland
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To see our playlist as we play it, go to:
http://www.kpft.org/studio/playlist.php
Archived shows
KPFT Archived Programs Sorted By Name
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02/28/09 – Blaggards at Molly Malones in Spring
10PM
Molly Malone's
7824 Louetta Rd, Spring, TX 77379
281-370-4949
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03/01/09 – McTeggert Irish Dancer’s Celebrate 20 Years in the Woodlands
Celebrating 20 years of bringing Irish culture and dance tradition to The Woodlands, the McTeggart Irish Dancers of South Texas, a not-for-profit organization that draws students from all over the greater Houston area, regularly entertain local audiences and compete nationally and internationally. This celebration not only features an Irish-themed buffet dinner and dance performance, but also special musical guest, Constant Billy, and auctions featuring items generously donated by local merchants and sponsors.
When: Sunday, March 1st
Where: Dosey Doe's Music and Dining Hall, The Woodlands www.doseydoe.com
Time: 4:00 pm – Doors open, guest enjoy beverages and silent auction
5:00 pm – Buffet opens with musical entertainment by Constant Billy
(www.constantbilly.com)
6:00 pm – Performance by McT dancers
7:00 pm – Live and silent auction
8:00 pm – Celebration complete
Tickets: Print out form and order through mail or phone Ticket Order Form
Online ticket reservations through www.doseydoe.com available soon
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03/03/09 – Battlefield Band at Mucky Duck
7:30PM $20
McGonigel's Mucky Duck
2425 Norfolk
Houston, Texas 77098
(713) 528-5999
www.mcgonigels.com
About the Band:
FORWARD WITH SCOTLAND’S PAST:
The iconic Battlefield Band returns for 2009 U.S. tour
Under their banner Forward with Scotland’s Past, Battlefield band have been performing on
the international scene for more than three decades, inspired by their rich heritage of
Celtic music and fired by the strength of the modern Scottish cultural scene. On their
2009 U.S. tour, the band is set to fire up the audience with their powerhouse performance
and inimitable humor and charm.
Founded in 1969, Battlefield Band have been bringing their distinctive sound of Scotland’s
past and present to audiences around the world. Their music is played regularly on
National Public Radio’s Thistle and Shamrock program, and they are frequent guests on
Minnesota Public Radio’s A Prairie Home Companion. The band, who pioneered the integration
of bagpipes with fiddle, keyboards, guitar and voice, mix the old songs and tunes with new
self-penned material, playing them on a unique and tasteful blend of ancient and modern
instruments, including bagpipes, synthesizers, fiddles, guitars, cittern, bass, whistles,
and bouzouki.
With their new album Dookin’ (as in ‘dookin’ for apples), the band not only show
continuity, drawing upon the large pool of traditional Scottish (and Irish) music, but
clearly reveal their creativity and virtuosic skills with newly discovered songs and
tunes, as well as their original compositions.
More info at www.battlefieldband.co.uk
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03/04/09 – James Galway at Jones Hall
Sir James Galway, flute
Christopher O’Riley, piano
Wednesday, March 4, 2009, 8 p.m.
Jones Hall, 615 Louisiana, downtown Houston
When a Knight and his Lady Come to Houston
Flutists Sir James Galway and Lady Jeanne Galway
to be joined by Pianist Christopher O’Riley – for One Night Only
Presented by Society for the Performing Arts
HOUSTON (Feb. 5, 2009) – Society for the Performing Arts (SPA), bringing the
world’s best to Houston, presents flutists Sir James Galway and his wife Lady Jeanne
Galway, along with pianist Christopher O’Riley on Wednesday, March 4, at 8 p.m. in
Jones Hall.
Nicknamed “the man with the golden flute,” Sir James Galway has been pleasing
audiences internationally for more than 30 years. This season, he returns to Houston
with wife and fellow flutist, Lady Jeanne Galway, and ground-breaking pianist,
Christopher O’Riley performing a program of Irish folk tunes and the music of
Poulenc, Widor and Debussy, including “Clair de Lune.”
Galway is the most televised and recorded classical artist performing today. With the
release of 60 albums and more than 30 million sold, he has become a musical legend.
His talent has been recognized with a number of accolades and honors, including being
named Musician of the Year by Musical America in 1997. In addition, the virtuoso
was knighted by Queen Elizabeth in 2001 for his services to music.
Galway is more than an expert interpreter of the classical flute repertoire; he is an
entertainer whose appeal crosses all musical boundaries. The Washington Post hails,
“He has a technical mastery so complete that it makes everything look easy… No one
in their right mind, or ear, could object to such committed, insightful and lovable
performances.”
Playing her own 18-carat gold Nagahara flute will be Lady Jeanne Galway. A success
in her own right, the New York native often takes the stage with her husband of nearly
25 years, bringing a rare freshness and elegance to the platform. When she is off stage,
the flutist actively pursues her love of teaching. She dedicates much of her time
reaching out to a younger generation of musicians through articles, master classes and
recordings.
Rounding out the lineup of the evening’s performers is Christopher O’Riley, pianist and
host of National Public Radio’s classical music program “From the Top.” As an
interpreter and arranger of some of the most important contemporary rock music of
our time, as well as classic repertoire, the pianist brings a unique vision to this evening
of classical music.
Part of the CenterPoint Energy Music Series, this performance is generously
sponsored by Continental Airlines, H-E-B, Invesco Aim and KUHF-FM.
Tickets range from $20-$65 and can be purchased online at www.spahouston.org, by
phone at 713-227-4SPA or at the courtyard level ticket office at Jones Hall located at
615 Louisiana St. Hours of operation: 9 a.m.–6 p.m. , Monday – Friday and 10 a.m.–5
p.m. on Saturday. For groups of 15 or more, call 713-632-8113.
About Society for the Performing Arts
Founded in 1966, Society for the Performing Arts (SPA) is the largest independent
non-profit presenting organization in the Southwest. Since its inception, SPA has
sponsored more than 800 performances of the world’s finest music, dance and theater
events, in adherence to the belief that the arts are fundamental to the overall enrichment
and quality of life within the community. In addition to presenting artists, SPA seeks to
provide a variety of learning experiences for adults and children through master classes,
lectures and special student performances, as well as build relationships between the
performing arts and other interests within the greater Houston area and throughout the
state of Texas .
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03/04/09 – Blaggards at Molly’s Pub Downtown
Paddy and Chad Acoustic @ Molly's Pub Downtown
509 Main, Houston, TX 77002
713-222-1033 Set: 9:00 PM
Tickets: No cover
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03/05/09 – Blagards at Ashford Arms Irish Pub
Three-Piece Show @ Ashford Arms Irish Pub
14605 Perthshire, Houston, TX 77079
(281) 497-5316 Set: 9:00 PM
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03/06/09 – St Patrick’s Emerald Ball Reception & Silent Auction @ The Houston Club
The Houston Club, 811 Rusk at Milam, Houston, Texas
6:45PM Cocktails
7:30PM Dinner
Emcee: Tom Horan, The Texas Irish Ambassador
Reservations: Dorothy Davitt 281-358-2380 (281-358-8490 Fax)
Emerald Ball, P.O. Box 5603, Kingwood, Texas 77325
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03/06-08/09 – North Texas Irish Festival
Dallas, Texas
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03/07/09 – Constant Billy at Bayou City Farmer’s Market
9-11AM
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03/07/09 – Murder the Stout at Brian O’Neills
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03/10/09 – Murder the Stout at Brian O’Neills
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03/11/09 – Jed Marum Radio Interview on KUHT-FM
Mar 11, 2009 02:00 to 03:00
Event Notes: on-air interview
KUHF - FM Radio
City: Houston
State: TX
Zip: 77210
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03/12/09 – Lonestar Stout at the University of St Thomas
Thursday, March 12, 2009
A Lonestar Stout Evening with Celtic Musician Jed Marum and
Special Guest, Hugh Morrison
7:30 p.m.
Cullen Hall, 4001 Mt. Vernon, UST Campus
$10 for adults at the door; students free
No RSVP; no advance tickets sold
Creating a mix of Irish ballads, stories and songs, A Lonestar Stout
Evening with Celtic Musician Jed Marum and Special Guest, Hugh
Morrison celebrates Irish and American heritage. Jed Marum plays
guitar and banjo for Irish and Celtic music venues around the US, and
his albums are featured regularly on Folk/Bluegrass and Celtic radio
programs around the world. Jed’s special guest performer for the
March 12 concert is Scottish Accordion player, Hugh Morrison. Hugh
is known as a masterful and a delightful “box” or button accordion
player.
Jed recently began working with Hugh and friends on a series of
concerts they call LONESTAR STOUT, promoted by the Southwest
Celtic Music Association (the sponsoring organization for the North
Texas Irish Festival). They perform outstanding arrangements of Irish
music’s best-loved songs and a number of powerful originals in the
Celtic style with strong Folk/Bluegrass underpinnings.
Jed’s newest album, SANDS OF ABERDEEN with Hugh Morrison
and Mason Brown, has made the Most Played Album list for the first
month of its release in November 2008 on the Folk/Celtic DJ List.
Entertainment Director for the North Texas Irish Festival, Betsy
Cummings, said: “What sets Jed Marum apart from other Celtic/Folk
artists is the performance concepts and delivery he brings to the stage
– the historical significance, poignancy and emotion that his songs
evoke, in addition to being a great singer and a stellar player.”
No RSVP; no tickets sold in advance.
Groups are encouraged to contact us in advance. Parking is available
for $2 in the Moran Center at West Alabama at Graustark. For more
information, contact the Center Director, Lori Meghan Gallagher,
J.D., at 713-525-3592 or irishstudies@stthom.edu.
Sponsors: The Center for Irish Studies Cultural Outreach Forum
and The Irish Society are the sponsors for all of the events listed
below, unless otherwise stated. Cultural Outreach Forum Members
are listed below. Become a Cultural Outreach Forum Member and
support these lectures, musical performances and other wonderful
cultural events!
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03/12/09 – 2009 Scottish Festival Spectacular @ The Toyota Center
The 2009 Scottish Festival Spectacular
Presented by St. Thomas' Episcopal School
Family of the Gail
Clan Na Gael
Featuring...Five-Time World Champions
St. Thomas' Pipe Band and
Champion Pipers, Drummers, and Dancers
Thursday, March 12, 2009 @ 7:30 p.m.
http://www.stespb.com/SCOTTISH_FESTIVAL.html
www.stes.org
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03/13/09 – 3rd Annual St Patrick’s Celebration Dinner at the Petroleum Club
3rd St. Patrick's Celebration Dinner will be held at the Petroleum Club.
This year we'll celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Houston St. Patrick's Parade
on the evening before the next day's Parade.
On Friday, March 13th, at 6:30 PM we'll socialize at the reception with all living past Parade Grand Marshals.
The Grand Entrance into the ball room will commence at 7:35. Dinner at 8.
We've held the cost per ticket at $125.00. This includes an all evening open bar,
and valet parking.
You can RSVP by replying now, or phoning Pat Sharkey @ (713) 752-4266 or "Lyn" Brogan @ (281) 531-0656.
You can E-mail your RSVP to David O'Keefe at DFOKEEFE@aol.com or Pete Little @ littlepete@chilitech.com.
For a list of Houston St. Patrick's Parade Grand Marshals, please visit our web site: www.TheIrishSociety.org. Hope to hear from you soon,
C.R. "Lyn" Brogan
Celebration Dinner Chair
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03/14/09 – St Patrick’s Parade in Houston (50th Anniversary)
Starts at Noon at Minute Maid Park in downtown Houston
The St. Patrick’s Parade—A Houston Tradition
The Houston St. Patrick’s Parade is rooted deeply in the
Houston’s history. The first parade dated back to the
1880’s when the parade started in “Irish Town” by the old
St. Patrick’s Church on Harrisburg. The people spilled in
and out of the various pubs located around Market
Square. The Civil War hero, Dick Dowling, had a bar
named the Bank of Bacchus at the edge of the square. It
was a favorite gathering place. However, the parade was
discontinued at the beginning of World War I and did
not continue during the Depression and World War II.
In 1960, radio personalities, Tim Nolan and Bob Bryant
announced a St. Patrick’s Parade in Downtown Houston on
March 17, 1960. The parade was soon being organized by
the Ancient Order of Hibernians and is now being organized
by the Houston St. Patrick’s Parade Commission.
In that spirit, the Houston St. Patrick’s Parade Commission
would like to announce that the 50th Annual St. Patrick’s
Parade will be held on Saturday, March 14, 2009 at Minute
Maid Park. The parade will start at noon.
We have been extremely fortunate to have had so many
wonderful individuals serve as our Grand Marshal over the
course of our history. We have searched hard for the
perfect individual to serve as the Grand Marshal for the 50th
parade, but we feel that this year we much look at our
history and honor those who served the parade in the past
as Grand Marshal. Each one has given their own unique
spin on the meaning of being Irish in Houston , Texas . We
are extremely proud of this group and we will invite each
one to ride in the parade as our Grand Marshals. Sadly,
some of our Grand Marshals have passed on to be with St.
Patrick. For those individuals, we will dedicate the parade.
Our grand marshals have represented Houston’s diverse
population. Movie personalities Dennis O’Keefe and Dennis
Day were among our first grand marshals. Astronauts
Robert Crippen, Brian Duffey and Jim Weatherby, along
with George Abbey and Gerald Griffin have represented
NASA. Football greats Dan Pastorini, Jim Kelley , Coach
Kevin Gilbride , former Rockets announcer Jim Foley and
Glen Hart from the Houston Aeros represented our sports
heritage in Houston .
Other honorees include businessmen George Strait, Jim
McIngvale and Glen McCarthy, Jr., local politicians, Johnnie
Goyen and Mayor Jim McConn, Dr. Denton Cooley and Dr.
Joseph McFadden, former President of St. Thomas
University.
The St. Patrick’s Parade has also honored our local Irish
leaders such as Burke O’Rourke, Tom Horan, Michael
Davitt, Larry and Kathleen Miggins, Pat Patton, Jim
McNamara, Michael Griffin, Jay Dooling, Pete Little, Dr.
Edward and Jeannie Kearns, Pat Sharkey, Mary Kearns and
Mike Daly, without who’s selfless commitment, the Parade
would not have survived and thrived.
Along with our former Grand Marshals, the parade will be
dedicated to Parade Founders, Tim Nolan, Bob Bryant,
Irish 100 Club member Pat O’Connor and Parade
Communications director Greg Dodson.
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03/14/09 – Constant Billy at the Angel & Ox, Katy, Texas
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03/17/09 – Mass at University of St Thomas
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
His Eminence Daniel N. Cardinal DiNardo
St. Patrick’s Day Celebration
When: 10 a.m. Mass; breakfast to follow Mass
Where: Mass: Chapel of St. Basil, 3802 Yoakum St., UST
Breakfast: Jerabeck Gymnasium, 4000 Mt. Vernon St., UST
Cost: $15 cash or check at the door
RSVP: Monday, March 9, 2009, Lori Gallagher: 713-525-3592
Liturgical Music by the de Burgo Ensemble
Join us for a traditional St. Patrick’s Day celebration! His Eminence,
Daniel N. Cardinal DiNardo will celebrate the Feast of St. Patrick
with a Mass in the Chapel of St. Basil. The liturgy and music will be
planned and performed by Dr. John Francis Burke and the de Burgo
Ensemble. Other priests are welcome to concelebrate. After Mass stay
for a traditional Irish feast of smoked salmon, Irish soda bread,
scrambled eggs and much more courtesy of Jeani and Tom Horan and
other sponsors. The cost is $15 per person in cash or check made
payable to the University of St. Thomas. Please RSVP by Monday,
March 9, 2009, to Lori Gallagher at 713-525-3592 or
irishstudies@stthom.edu. Please provide your name, telephone
number and the number in your party. Net proceeds will be used for
scholarships to be awarded from the Bishop McCarthy Scholarship
Fund for Study Abroad in Ireland.
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03/17/09 – St Patrick’s Festival at the Mucky Duck
As seen in USA Today ...
"One of the Top Ten Places to Celebrate St. Patrick's Day in the USA."
St. Patrick's Day Celebration at the Mucky Duck Tuesday, March 17
Serving great Irish food all day starting at 11am and continuing throughout the day.
What we celebrate on St. Patrick's Day 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; a great way to explore Irish music and tradition.
Entertainment starts at Noon
Admission $15
CLANDESTINE
...binding the heart of Celtic music to the soul of rock and roll.
Fueled by white-hot piping, fiery vocals, and an irresistible groove, Clandestine define
Celtic music in Houston.
... a rich mixture of old and new, traditional and contemporary
...appealing to all ages and musical tastes.
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.
The Celtic Gypsies
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. Voted "Best Traditional/Ethnic" band by the Houston Press, they have dominated
this corner of the city’s live music scene since 1974.
Their Tunes are traditional, continuing unbroken traditions of dance music and song from
Ireland, Brittany, Scotland, England, France and Galicia.
Emcee -Comedy Variety Entertainer Jim Mackenzie
Teribus Interceltic Bagpipe Band
Smokin' bagpipes and creative percussion are the foundation for the hottest Celtic band
out of Houston
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
The Irish Session
Players 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.
E.J. will be performing Irish tunes inside the Duck throughout the afternoon and
evening.The Mucky Duck incarnation of the Session, if for no other reaon 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.
Marybeth McQueen
Don't miss our youngest fiddle player,
Marybeth McQueen on her
St. Patrick's Day performance.
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03/17/09 – Murder the Stout at Brian O’Neills at Noon
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03/17/09 – Murder the Stout at the Bull & Bear at 8PM
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03/19-20/2009 – Lonestar Stout at Angel & The Ox
Mar 19, 2009 08:00 through Mar 20, 2009
Lonestar Stout is Jed Marum & Hugh Morrison
VENUE DETAILS
Angel and the Ox
Email: BrettScholtz@theangelandtheox.com
Address: The Village at Cinco Ranch
Address: 22758 Westheimer Parkwy
City: Katy
State: TX
Zip: 77494
Phone: 281 380 1917
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03/21-23/2009 – Lonestar Stout at Angel & The Ox
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03/20-22/09 – Rev Newell Delivers Sermons at Woodland Community Presbyterian Church
Rev. J. Philip Newell, an internationally-recognized author and poet with an expertise in
Celtic spirituality, will deliver a series of sermons, lectures and meditations on March
20-22 at The Woodlands Community Presbyterian Church (WCPC).
WCPC, a member of Presbyterian Church USA, is located at 4881 W. Panther Creek Drive in The Woodlands, TX, 77381.
http://woodlandsonline.com/npps/story.cfm?nppage=29314
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03/27-29/2009 – Celtic Nations Heritage Festival in Lake Charles
Celtic Nations Heritage Festival
Lake Charles Civic Center
900 Lakeshore Drive
Lake Charles, LA 70601
Phone: 337 491 1256
Danny O'Flaherty
www.dannyoflaherty.com
Celt Iberia
http://www.flamencoinc.org/id78.html
Teribus
http://www.teribusmusic.com/
http://www.myspace.com/teribusmusic
Dennis Stroughmatt
http://www.creolefiddle.com/
Jed Marum and Lone Star Stout
http://www.myspace.com/lonestarstout
http://www.lonestarstout.com/
www.jedmarum.com
Poor Man's Fortune
www.poormansfortune.com
Jim Flanagan
http://www.jimflanagan.com
Drowsy Maggie
http://www.myspace.com/drowsymaggie
Constant Billy
http://www.constantbilly.com/
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04/03/09 – Clandestine at Mucky Duck
Friday, April 3, 7pm, $15
Clandestine is surely one of the most impressive
young Celtic bands in the country, and has everything
necessary to achieve international fame, as well. With
a sound as tight, powerful, and forthright as the
Tannahill Weavers', they'll survive comparison with
almost any Celtic folk band. Built around the Highland
piping of E.J. Jones, the excellent fiddler Gregory
McQueen and the very talented percussionist and singer Emily Dugas.
************************
04/17/09 – Kevin Burke at the Mucky Duck
Friday, April 17, 7:30pm, $15
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04/17/09 – Celtic Woman at Toyota Center
Friday April 17, 2009 at 8:00pm
Toyota Center
1600 Jackson St
Houston, Texas 77003
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04/18 & 19 and 04/25 & 26/2009 – iFest Features Ireland
iFest (Houston International Festival)
various venues, Houston
Description: One of Houston's larger festivals and its preeminent arts
celebration, iFest salutes a different country each year, along with
its attendant culture. The festival extends across two consecutive
weekends in late April and takes place at venues throughout the city,
including Sam Houston Park and City Hall. Musical performances get
plenty of focus, but you'll also find arts and crafts for sale, a
children's zone, and dance performances. Highlighted nations have
included India, Jamaica, Mexico, and Ireland.
Irish/Celtic Entertainment;
04/18 – Blaggards – Celic Rock
04/18 – Beoga – Trad
04/18 – Houston Highlanders Pipe Band
04/18 – McTeggart Irish Dancers
04/18 – Julie Fowlis (Scotland)
04/18 – Constant Billy
04/18 – Kevin Burke – Trad
04/18 – Danny O’Flaherty
04/18 – Maureen Miggins Swanson
04/18 – Celtic Menagerie – Scottish Dance
04/18 – Wydnnwyre – Folk
04/18 – Cass Academy Irish Dancers
04/18 – Fish & Chips – Celtic & Contra-dance music
04/18 – O’Maoileidigh Irish Dancers
04/19 – The Kildares – Celtic Rock
04/19 – Bayou City Pipes & Drums
04/19 – Cass Academy Irish Dancers
04/19 – Beoga with Houston’s Championship Irish Dancers
04/19 – Danny O’Flaherty
04/19 – Kevin Burke
04/19 – Lucia y Valdemar – Celt-Iberia (Celtic Music from Spain)
04/19 – Celtic Menagerie – Scottish Dance
04/19 – Therese Honey Irish Harp Quartet
04/19 – Maureen Miggins Swanson
04/19 – Danny O’Flaherty
04/19 – O’Maoileidigh Irish Dancers
04/19 – Fish & Chips – Celtic & Contra-dance music
04/18 – McTeggart Irish Dancers
04/25 – Blaggards
04/25 – Beoga – Trad
04/25 – Flying Fish Sailors
04/25 – St Thomas Episcopal Pipe Band
04/25 – O’Maoileidigh Irish Dancers
04/25 – Lonestar Stout
04/25 – Kevin Burke
04/25 – Danny O’Flaherty
04/25 – Tom Creegan (Ireland) – Uilleann Pipes
04/25 – Theres Honey Irish Harp Quartet
04/25 – Lucia y Valdemar – Celt-Iberia (Celtic Music from Spain)
04/25 – Batt Burns (Ireland) – Seanachie (Irish storyteller)
04/25 – McTeggart Irish Dancers
04/25 – Texas Chainsaw Ceili Band – Irish Session
04/25 – Cass Irish Dancers
04/26 – Needfire – Celtic Rock
04/26 – Cherish the Ladies (Ireland) – Trad
04/26 – Clandestine – Folk
04/26 – St Thomas Episcopal Pipe Band
04/26 – Cass Irish Dancers
04/26 – McTeggart Irish Dancers
04/26 – Beoga
04/26 – Batt Burns (Ireland)
04/26 – Wyndnwyre
04/26 – Danny O’Flaherty
04/26 – O’Maoileidigh Irish Dancers
04/26 – Texas Chainsaw Ceili Band – Irish Session
Hours: Sat, Apr 18, 2009 Sun, Apr 19, 2009 Sat, Apr 25, 2009 Sun, Apr 26, 2009
Admission: Adult $8.50 - $15; Child (12 and under) Free
***********************************************
04/21/09 – Beoga at Mucky Duck
7:30PM $15.00
Beoga (Irish word for ‘lively’) are a five-piece traditional band
based in County Antrim, Ireland. The band was drawn together after
‘jamming’ in a ferocious music session at the All-Ireland Fleadh in
August 2002. Their unique sound features the twin duelling accordians
of Seán Óg Graham and Damian McKee, along with four times All-Ireland
bodhrán champion Eamon Murray and pianist Liam Bradley. In 2005,
Beoga were nominated by Irish Music Magazine for the best traditional
newcomer’s award. With the addition of one of Ireland’s premier young
singers, Niamh Dunne, Beoga are confirming their reputation as one of
the most exciting acts to emerge from Ireland in recent years.
http://www.beogamusic.com/
************************************************
04/22-25/09 – The Importance of Being Ernest at the University of St Thomas
The Importance of Being Earnest
April 22nd, 23rd, 24th, 25th, 29th, 30th
May 1st and 2nd, 2009
8:00 p.m.
Location: Jones Theatre (upstairs), UST Campus, 3910 Yoakum
Cost:
$5 for UST students, faculty and staff
$10 for non-UST students and seniors
$15 for the general public
Tickets: Call Prof. Claire McDonald at 713-525-3522 or email
mcdonald@ssthom.edu
Sponsor: The Drama Program of the UST Fine and Performing Arts
Department
Co-Sponsors: Center for Irish Studies Cultural Outreach Forum
and The Irish Society
The Importance of Being Earnest sparkles as Oscar Fingal
O’Flahertie Wilde’s most popular play. This delicious comedy tells
the story of Jack Worthing, who is known as Jack in Shropshire and
Earnest in London. Why? Because this ruse allows the clever lad to
court Gwendolyn in the city and lead a secret life in the country! But
Jack’s scheme runs into trouble when his friend Algernon becomes
suspicious and decides to follow Jack to the country. Complications
crackle as the formidable Lady Bracknell and other hilarious
characters become involved. Of course all of the fun is set against a
backdrop of British manners and all of the action is served up by
Oscar Wilde’s dazzling witty language.
***********************************************
04/23-25/09 – Jed Marum, Hugh Morrison & Mason Brown at Angel & the Ox
EVENT DETAILS
Apr 23, 2009 08:00 through Apr 25, 2009
Guest: Hugh Morrison and Mason Brown
VENUE DETAILS
Angel and the Ox
Email: BrettScholtz@theangelandtheox.com
Address: The Village at Cinco Ranch
Address: 22758 Westheimer Parkwy
City: Katy
State: TX
Zip: 77494
MAP
Phone: 281 380 1917
***********************************************
04/29-30/09 – The Importance of Being Ernest at the University of St Thomas
The Importance of Being Earnest
April 22nd, 23rd, 24th, 25th, 29th, 30th
May 1st and 2nd, 2009
8:00 p.m.
Location: Jones Theatre (upstairs), UST Campus, 3910 Yoakum
Cost:
$5 for UST students, faculty and staff
$10 for non-UST students and seniors
$15 for the general public
Tickets: Call Prof. Claire McDonald at 713-525-3522 or email
mcdonald@ssthom.edu
Sponsor: The Drama Program of the UST Fine and Performing Arts
Department
Co-Sponsors: Center for Irish Studies Cultural Outreach Forum
and The Irish Society
The Importance of Being Earnest sparkles as Oscar Fingal
O’Flahertie Wilde’s most popular play. This delicious comedy tells
the story of Jack Worthing, who is known as Jack in Shropshire and
Earnest in London. Why? Because this ruse allows the clever lad to
court Gwendolyn in the city and lead a secret life in the country! But
Jack’s scheme runs into trouble when his friend Algernon becomes
suspicious and decides to follow Jack to the country. Complications
crackle as the formidable Lady Bracknell and other hilarious
characters become involved. Of course all of the fun is set against a
backdrop of British manners and all of the action is served up by
Oscar Wilde’s dazzling witty language.
***********************************************
05/01-03/2009 - Sam Houston Folk Festival
Celtic Performers:
Jed Marum
Constant Billy
***********************************************
05/09/09 – Jed Marum at Second Saturday Concert
08:00PM to 10:00PM
Price: $10
Event Notes: May 9 2009
VENUE DETAILS
Houston Folklore & Folk Music Society,
Email: bpangle@aol.com
Address: 1618 Earl Of Dunmore Lane
City: Katy
State: TX
Zip: 77449
Phone: 281 347 3235
Venue Notes: Second Saturday Concerts
***********************************************
05/15/09 – Clandestine at the Mucky Duck
May 15, 7pm & 9:30PM, $15
Clandestine was well-known and well-loved from 1996 to 2003 for their
particular brand of Texas Celtic music. They were regulars at the
Texas Scottish Festival and the North Texas Irish Festival for many
years and had full houses at McGonigel’s Mucky Duck in Houston, the
Cactus Cafe in Austin and Poor David’s Pub in Dallas. The band toured
the US extensively and had successful stints in Canada and France
before breaking up in February 2003. Now Clandestine has re-formed,
with the blessing of former member Jen Hamel. The very versatile Al
ofrin adds his cittern, voice, and another set of bagpipes to the familiar
mix. Al and EJ are joining Emily on vocals, with many songs now set
in three-part harmony. Most of the group’s blasting tune sets remain
the same, complemented by some new ones in similar style.
***********************************************
05/16-17/2009 – Houston Highland Games & Celtic Festival
Present by Houston Highland Games Association
at the Houston Farm & Ranch Club
The Houston Highland Games and Celtic Festival
is pleased to announce
an outstanding line-up of
traditional and rock Celtic music for the 2009 Games.
CLANDESTINE -
was well-known and well-loved from 1996 to 2003 for their particular
brand of Texas Celtic music. They were regulars at the Texas Scottish
Festival and the North Texas Irish Festival for many years and had
ull houses at McGonigel's Mucky Duck in Houston, the Cactus Cafe in
Austin and Poor David's Pub in Dallas. The band toured the US extensively
and had successful stints in Canada and France before breaking up in
February 2003. Now Clandestine has re-formed with percussionist and
singer Emily Dugas, fiddler Gregory McQueen, piper EJ Jones and a new
member, Al Cofrin. (Former member Jen Hamel is pursuing her Ph.D.
in Behavioral Ecology at University of Missouri-Columbia. ) Al adds
his cittern, voice, and another set of bagpipes to the mix. Al and EJ
are joining Emily on vocals, with many songs now set in three-part
harmony. Most of the group's blasting tune sets remain the same,
complemented by some new ones in similar style.
JIGGERNAUT
is not your typical celtic band, nor are they your typical rock band.
Jiggernaut is a powerful combination of Celtic, rock and folk music.
Drawing from years of experience playing rock-n- roll, the rythym
section lays down a solid foundation allowing the bagpipes and vocals
to soar. Passionate, energetic and always fun, Jiggernaut appeals to
audiences from six to sixty, their tunes and songs tell ancient stories
and teach lessons of today's world, in a style entirely their own. What
is Jiggernaut? Celtic musicians with a rock sensibility? Rock musicians
with a Celtic sensibility? You be the judge...
TERIBUS
is a bagpipe and drum trio playing Celtic and Tribal music influenced
by musical traditions from around the world. Led by Kevin Hartnell,
Richard Kean, and EJ Jones the TERIBUS lineup has many years of experience
playing pipes and drums at outdoor festivals. Their love of performance in
a variety of settings is evident from the high energy and spirit of fun
they bring to every show. Although their classical training and desire
to please the musical academics in the crowd is always in the back of
their minds, TERIBUS is equally likely to engage in antics never
before seen in concert halls, creating the perfect combination for
any festive event.
ED MILLER
has been hailed as "one of the finest singers to come out of the
Scottish Folksong Revival" and as "one of Scotland's best singing
exports." Originally from Edinburgh, he has for many years been
based in Austin, TX where he gained graduate degrees in Folklore
and Geography at the University of Texas. Ed is available for
concerts, clubs, house concerts, festivals, Highland Games and Burns
Suppers, as well as for lectures and workshops and has recorded 7
CD's of Scottish songs.
The Games will be held May 16 & 17 at the Houston Farm and Ranch
Club, 1 mile north of I-10 on Hwy 6 N. All four attractions will
have several performances on the Main Stage both days of the
festival. Local and regional bands will be performing on the
Ceilidh Stage for continuous music with something for everyone.
Tickets for the Games are priced at $12 Saturday and $10 Sunday
with special pricing for children and Sr's. Advanced purchase
tickets will go on sale April 1 at www.houstonhighland games.com
**********************************************
05/21-23/09 – Lone Star Stout at the Angel & the Ox Irish Pub
**********************************************
06/04/09 – Irish Echo Irish Texan Event in San Antonio
http://www.irishecho.com/newspaper/story.cfm?id=19079
Texas first for Irish Echo
By Irish Echo Staff
letters@irishecho.com
February 18, 2009
Remember the Alamo may well be the cry of Irish Echo readers in Texas on June 4 when they come together for the first-ever statewide celebration of Irish America. The brainchild of Joan Moody of the Harp and Shamrock Society, the glittering dinner in San Antonio will embrace Irish America's best including the Ancient Order of Hibernians Hibernians, Irish American Unity Conference as well as cultural, business and sporting groups from across the Lone Star State.
"Texas is a big state but the Irish have played a big part in its past and continue to play a leading role there today," said Irish Echo publisher Máirtín Ó Muilleoir, who will travel to San Antonio and Houston next week to meet with local Irish American groups.
"There's always been a special link between Ireland and the Alamo and there's huge interest in our planned event among the Ulster-Scots groups in the north of Ireland and their Scots-Irish counterparts in Texas. This gives us a unique opportunity to bring these two powerful constituencies together, in much the same way as is now happening in Ireland.
"In more recent times, some of the biggest business investments to come out of the U.S. into Ireland have come from Texas and, indeed KCI of San Antonio only recently made a substantial investment in Athlone," said Ó Muilleoir.
The Irish Echo publisher said the breakthrough Texas celebration would also be a fitting tribute to the foundation work of by Jim Delaney, co-founder of the Irish American Unity Conference, who hails from San Antonio.
"Those of us who supported the cause of peace and justice in Ireland owe a special debt to the groundbreaking efforts of Jim and his colleagues to unite Irish America under one banner in the wake of the 1981 hunger strikes," Ó Muilleoir added.
Anyone interested in supporting the Texas events can email Máirtín Ó Muilleoir at momuilleoir@irishecho.com.
This story appeared in the issue of February 18-24, 2009
**********************************************
06/04/09 – Brian McNeil & Ed Miller at the Mucky Duck
7:30PM $15.00
***********************************************
06/13/09 – Blaggards at the Continental Club
The Continental Club
3700 Main St, Houston, TX 77006 (United States)
713-529-9666 Set: 10:00 PM
***********************************************
10/09/09 – Blaggards at R&R Sports Bar & Grill
R&R Sports Bar & Grill
3338 FM 528, Friendswood, TX 77546
281-996-8300 Set: 10:00 PM
**********************************************
10/23/09 – Annual Irish Gala at Houstonian Hotel
Friday, October 23, 2009
Annual Irish Gala
6:30 p.m.: Silent Auction
Dinner and Program thereafter
Houstonian Hotel, 111 North Post Oak Lane, Houston
Honorees: Colleen and George McCullough
Chairs: Gayle and Bob Longmire
Benefiting the Center for Irish Studies
Individual Tickets: $250
Tables: $2,500, $3,500, $5,000, $7,500 and $10,000
Gather with the Friends of the University of St. Thomas Center for
Irish Studies for the 2009 Annual Irish Gala celebrating honorees
Colleen and George McCullough, who are Ambassador Members of
the University of St. Thomas Cultural Outreach Forum and Friends of
the Center for Irish Studies and the University. George McCullough
also serves on the Center for Irish Studies Advisory Board. Gala
chairs are Gayle and Bob Longmire.
Tables of 10 range from $2,500 to $10,000 and individual tickets sell
For $250. Funds raised support the UST Center for Irish Studies
academic, cultural and study abroad programs. For reservations and
more information, contact Abigail Showalter at 713-525-3173 or
schleua@stthom.edu.
**********************************************
01/??/09 – Irish film “Eden” opens at Angelika Theatre
(Due to scheduling problems “Eden” start has been delayed.
The passes we gave away will be valid when “Eden” opens and
We will have some more passes to give away when the
Schedule is finalized. Jay)
From the producers of ONCE and directed by Declan Recks,
opens January 9th at the Angelika Theatre in Houston
for one week only!
Starring Eileen Walsh whose credits include multiple
productions at the Abbey Theatre in Dublin and Aidan Kelly,
the film has been described by the Irish Times as "Pure Cinema"
and "Brilliantly directed by Declan Recks."
Eileen Walsh won best actress at the 2008 Tribeca Film Festival.
Please come out to support Irish film in mainstream theatres!
View the synopsis and trailer at http://www.edenmovie.net
"A spellbinder. It's the must-see film of the season...
Moving and beautiful." -Scott Hoffman, www.MoviePictureFilm.com
Liberation Entertainment and Samson Films present
in association with Radio Telefís Éireann and
the Broadcasting Commission of Ireland with the
participation of Bord Scannán na hÉireann/The
Irish Film Board
EDEN
Directed by Declan Recks
Produced by David Collins
Screenplay by Eugene O’Brien
(Based on his original play)
Film Festivals
Edinburgh International Film Festival
Tribeca Film Festival
Los Angeles Irish Film Festival
Awards
Eileen Walsh, Best Actress -
2008 Tribeca Film Festival
**********************************************
ON GOING Events:
Note: Irish Aires can now be HEARD of DOWNLOADED from the Internet. ALSO,
there is a new link to hear KPFT Live
Internet listening (live) is available through our MP3 streams.
If you have Winamp, Media Player or iTunes installed on your
computer, you can connect HERE or
http://stream.kpft.org/streamkpft.m3u
Free Player Downloads:
Winamp
Windows Media Player
iTunes
----
Irish Aires is also podcast at:
http://archive.kpft.org/xml/eire.xml
Internet listening (live) is available through our MP3 streams.
If you have Winamp, Media Player or iTunes installed on your computer, you
can connect HERE or
http://stream.kpft.org/streamkpft.m3u
Free Player Downloads: Winamp
Windows Media Player
iTunes
----
Ireland 2007 Pictures
Part 1 - http://picasaweb.google.com/JayDooling/Ireland2007
Part 2 - http://picasaweb.google.com/JayDooling/Ireland2007Part2
Part 3 - http://picasaweb.google.com/JayDooling/Ireland2007Part3
Part 4 - http://picasaweb.google.com/JayDooling/Ireland2007Part4
Part 5 - http://picasaweb.google.com/JayDooling/Ireland2007Part5
Part 6 - http://picasaweb.google.com/JayDooling/Ireland2007Part6
Part 7 - http://picasaweb.google.com/JayDooling/Ireland2007Part7
Part 8 - http://picasaweb.google.com/JayDooling/Ireland2007Part8ProbablyFinalUpload
New – A Compilation of All my 2007 Irish Pics with music & videos.
See instructions on how to see at Irish Aires Blog.
*********************
http://www.hcnonline.com/articles/2009/02/03/woodlands_villager/lifestyles/wv-e_irish_dance_school.txt
Irish dance school celebrates 20 years in The Woodlands
The Woodlands School of The McTeggart Irish Dancers of South Texas had several winning
teams at Southern Region Oireachtas in Orlando, FL in December. The Under 12 4-hand team A took 6th place out of 42 teams in their division.
Woodlands Villager
By SHARON SPOONEMORE
Updated: 02.02.09
The Woodlands School of The McTeggart Irish Dancers of South Texas will set toes tapping
as they host a 20th Anniversary Celebration Dinner and Show at Dosey Doe in The Woodlands
on March 1 kicking off St. Patrick’s Day events throughout the community.
The group has received international recognition for developing North American and World
event qualifiers who have finished well in competitions. The dancers have performed at the
Houston Irish Society Emerald Ball, the Houston International Festival, The Woodlands
Waterway Arts Festival, and many other local events.
The McTeggart School of Irish Dance was founded in 1939 in Cork, Ireland by Peg McTeggart,
the oldest of four sisters —all champion dancers. In 1958 Maureen McTeggart immigrated
with her family to the United States where she established schools in California. Today
there are 12 McTeggart schools in the United States run by Maureen McTeggart Hall and two
of her children along with local teachers. The McTeggart School of Irish Dance ranks as
one of the most respected in the nation.
In 1989 The Woodlands School was started by three families who were local residents.
Twenty years later it has grown to over 70 dancers with its own studio.
When Jennifer Hale married and moved from Pennsylvania to The Woodlands, she was excited
to find The McTeggart School.
“I started with McTeggart School just to keep my roots,” said Hale. “I grew up dancing and
remember my great-grandmother dancing so it goes way back in my family. When I found that
Ms. Hall needed an assistant, I decided to work with her. I love the dancing and the
competing which spurred me on to get my TCRG instructor’s qualification in 2001.”
A former World Irish Dancing Championship competitor, Hale began as a practice instructor
at the school in 1996 and is now a certified instructor there.
“Irish dance is very aerobic dancing and very high energy with lots of hopping, jumping
and other moves,” Hale explained. “Choreography evolves as each school creates its own dances. Costumes are colorful and fun. The accordion is used as accompaniment for
competitions. Our students start at five years of age and we have some adult classes
scheduled periodically. Performing and competition may start as soon as they begin
dancing.
“One of the most delightful things for our students is that Ms. Hall and her daughter
continue to visit each school monthly to hold workshops, and they know each student by name. She’s truly amazing. Our students love it.”
Visit www.irishdancehouston.com for more information about show tickets and the 501(c)(3) not-for-profit school.
*********************
The IAUC proudly presents our spring raffle drawing for a vintage
Irish Belleek china tea set. The tea set was appraised at between
$850.00 and $1,000.00.
Raffle tickets are $1 and can be ordered in packs from George Trainor,
our fundraising chair, by calling 209.482.5181.
Proceeds from the raffle will benefit the IAUC. The drawing will be
held at the NJ 5&9th chapter's annual literary luncheon on March 29,
2009 at 12pm at the Elks Club in Tenafly, New Jersey. You need not
be present to win.
If you're interested in buying or selling some tickets, please contact
George Trainor.
IAUC Fundraising Chair
209-482-5181
Steeler059@aol.com
The Irish American Unity Conference is a nationwide, nonpartisan,
nonsectarian, chapter-based human rights organization working for
justice and peace in Ireland. We are an American 501c(4) organization
which advocates the end of British colonial occupation and the peaceful
reunification of Ireland. We endeavor to achieve these goals by
working through the American democratic process. Individually, our
members represent every occupational and educational stratum in the
United States. Membership is open to anyone who shares our views.
For more information. Please go to your IAUC website. http://www.iauc.org/
*********************
Paisley Close Press Release
Date: Fri, 2 Feb 2007 20:28:16 -0600
Over the past few years, I have been asked time and again
"Why Paisley Close"? Like every tale you must start at the
beginning to get to the end. On November 24th 1861, at a
spot along High Street in Edinburgh 's Royal Mile, two
overcrowded and decrepit tenements collapsed. According to
legend, workers were clearing the debris away when they
heard a voice shout out "Heave awa' lads, I'm no deid yet!"
As a memorial, Paisley Close (the cul-de-sac) was built in
place of the collapsed buildings. Paisley Close (the
band) was built by resurrecting former bands-mates.
Paisley Close (the band) felt that the young man's luck,
tenacity and symbolism was a fitting name.
Now with a heavy heart I must announce the passing of this
great band. Paisley Close is going through a major
transitional period and collectively they have decided to
put the band on an indefinite hiatus. The members of
Paisley Close remain friends but personal commitments have
forced them to make this difficult decision. Through the
last three years they have had the opportunity to play on
some amazing stages at some of the best festival in the
county and for this they are extremely grateful. Even
more outstanding has been the people they have met and the
friendships forged. That is the biggest aspect that I will
personally miss the most. As the bands booking agent I
have had the opportunity to meet some of the most amazing
directors, coordinator and volunteers; who without you, the
show would literally not go on. Thank you for allowing us
the opportunity to grace your stages and share a pint or
two!
I speak for the entire band (Cidnie MacNamee, Bernard
Schreiber, Amy Price and Rabbit Boyett) in saying that it
has been an honor and a privilege!
Although this chapter may be over we raise our glasses to
everyone "were not dead yet!"
We wish you peace and joy and hopefully will see you all
sometime down the road.
Sláinte - Cheers,
Hopie Lopez-Boyett
Booking Agent
----
*************************
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 ` 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
----
1st & 3rd Saturdays
Celtic Voyage
Grant Dawson Toronto, Canada. Guitar, Banjo, Mandolin, Whistle
Sandy Dawson Anglesey, Wales. Vocals, Bodhran
Hector Carmona Mexico. Bass, Classical Guitar and Drums.
Phil Cavanagh - Tauranga NZ. Guitar
McClellans Scottish Pub
2107 N. Houston Ave Humble TX
Corner of Townsen Road & North Houston Avenue
Just one exit north of Deerbrook Mall, Humble
(281) 548-7273
8-11:30PM
An unforgettable Evening of Laughter & Song
$5.00 cover charge
----
University of St. Thomas Spring 2009 Irish Studies Courses
Now is your chance to learn the Irish language or more about
traditional Irish music or history!
Semester Opens Tuesday, January 20; open to audit and credit
students, with first priority given to credit students
Irish Language Courses:
Through the generosity of the Irish Government Department of Rural,
Community and Gaeltacht Affairs, the Center for Irish Studies offers
Irish language courses for credit and audit. The Irish Government
provided the Center with a grant to promote the Irish language, which
it is passing on to students through scholarships for Irish I credit-
seeking students and free books for both credit and audit students.
Classes start on January 20. Contact Lori Gallagher at 713-525-3592
or irishstudies@stthom.edu or Professor Aoife Ní Ghloinn at 713-525-
3121, ext. 3, or ghloina@stthom.edu for more information on the Irish
courses and the scholarships.
Complete List of Spring 2009 Courses:
History of Ireland Since 1600: Dr. Lee Williames (Mondays, 5:30 to
8:15 p.m.) (course created by Dr. McFadden)
Irish I: Prof. Aoife Ní Ghloinn (Mondays, Wednesdays, 3:10 to 4:25
p.m.)
Irish II: Prof. Aoife Ní Ghloinn (Tuesdays, Thursdays, 3:25 to 4:50
p.m.)
Intermediate Irish: Prof. Aoife Ní Ghloinn (Tuesdays, 5:30 to 8:15
p.m.)
Celtic Notes: Traditional Irish Music: Prof. Aoife Ní Ghloinn
(Thursdays, 5:30 to 8:15 p.m.)
Three UST Students Study In Ireland in Spring 2009
Three University of St. Thomas students will study at Mary
Immaculate College in Limerick, Ireland, for the full spring semester.
Mary Immaculate College is one of UST’s foreign exchange partners.
Lauren Cronin, Thomas Hrdlicka and Vanessa Snodgrass each
received $1,000 scholarships from the Bishop McCarthy Travel Grant
for Study Abroad in Ireland. Lauren and Vanessa also have received
$5,000 scholarships each from the Thomas G.F. Ryan Scholarship for
Study Abroad in Ireland.
The Center for Irish Studies and the students wish to thank Bishop
McCarthy, Thomas Ryan and others who have donated to these
scholarships and who made this experience possible. We wish these
students a wonderful study abroad experience.
We also would like to thank Thomas Ryan for $10,000 in scholarships
that sponsored two students from Mary Immaculate College to study
at UST in fall 2008: Martin Hayes and Conail O’Reilly. These
students remarked what an outstanding semester they had with us and
how valuable they found the experience. Thank you!
Call for Study Abroad Scholarship Assistance
In summer 2009, the Center for Irish Studies intends to lead another
study abroad trip to Ireland. We plan to take 20 students and two
faculty members. Each year, through the Bishop McCarthy
Scholarships for Study Abroad in Ireland, the Center for Irish Studies
offers scholarships to each of the students who study in Ireland.
With $40,000 as our target for 2009, we request your assistance in
raising these scholarships to help our students defray the cost of their
airfare and other expenses. Our students are finding it difficult to
raise the full $6,000 per student cost for the program.
Several years ago, the Center created a scholarship fund in honor of
Bishop McCarthy, who is a member of the Center for Irish Studies
Advisory Board, a UST alumni and a beloved member of our Irish
community. Please help us reach our goals and honor Bishop
McCarthy!
-----
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/SCDM.htm
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
----
Men of Houston Morris Dancers
most Sundays Stag's Head Pub
Society for Creative Anachronism Dancing
1st & 3rd Sundays
------
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
www.texirish.org
E-mail us at:
info@texirish.org
----
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
----
New Galveston Session Starting: Poor Michael's Pub in Galveston (2007 Strand)
wants to start a regular session at their establishment. All levels of musical
expertise (including those who just like to listen) will be welcome! Contact
Michael at galvston@yahoo.com or call him at 409-762-1967 to get more details.
Also, Poor Michael's has some employment opportunity for bartenders.
----
"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
----
"The Maguire Academy of Irish Dance"
Come join us at our first weekly class for our new school starting this Sunday
(12/16/07) Classes will be every Sunday from 4PM To 5:30PM at
Amy Blakes Academy Of Dance Located At The Intersection Of Thor St And Bay Area
Blvd. On January 13, 2008, there will be a Master Class from 1PM to 4PM (The
workshop cost is $40 for a 4 hour masterclass).
We are opening up in the Clear Lake area and would love to have all interested
in learning Irish dance, come and join our school.
About us:
Darren Maguire is a former lead male dancer in Riverdance the Show, world
champion level dancer, and fully accredited TCRG/ADCRG with the Irish dance
commission in Dublin, Ireland.
Richard Tew is a national, and regional champion level dancer, and regional
senior men's champion in 2003. Richard is also a TCRG candidate having already
taken and passed most of his requirements.
Amy Blake's Academy of Dance" located at:
2150 Bay Area Blvd.
Houston, TX 77058
Our weekly classes are being planned right now, and will be at the same location
as the workshops.
Please either email: rttew@yahoo.com or call 281-989-3575
Thanks,
Richard Tew
******************************************
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
*******************************************
From: Cotham1025@aol.com
Here is the application form for the Friends of Sabine Pass Battleground. We welcome all
members and look forward to helping preserve and interpret the battleground.
Ed Cotham
3416 Tangley St.
Houston, Texas
77005-2248
FRIENDS OF SABINE PASS BATTLEGROUND
CHARTER MEMBERSHIP - 2009
Please enroll me as a member of the FRIENDS OF SABINE PASS BATTLEGROUND for the current
calendar year.
Enclosed is $25 for an individual charter membership for the calendar year. Check or money
order should be made payable to FRIENDS OF SABINE PASS BATTLEGROUND and mailed to the
address below. (Please print)
Name___________________________________________
Address____________________________Apt. No._______
City_______________________________Zip___________
Phone Number__________________________________________
E-Mail Address (optional)________________________________________
MAIL TO:
FRIENDS OF SABINE PASS BATTLEGROUND
130 Lena Lane,
Lumberton, Texas 77657
Membership is good for one year (January – December)
FSPB has applied to the IRS for 501 (c) (3) tax-exempt status.
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/metropolitan/6252905.html
Group aims to preserve Sabine Pass battleground site
Associated Press
Feb. 8, 2009, 2:26PM
LAKE CHARLES, La. — A new group is seeking members to support a historic Civil War
battlefield along the Texas-Lousiana state line.
The 58-acre Sabine Pass Battleground State Historic Site in Texas includes a statue of
Confederate Lt. Dick Dowling and an interpretive pavilion illustrating the story of the
Sept. 8, 1863 battle.
Control of the site was transferred from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department to the
Texas Historical Commission.
“With THC’s encouragement, we have now set up Friends of Sabine Pass Battleground to
help with the mission of preserving and interpreting the historical events in the Sabine
Pass area,” said Texas author and historian Ed Cotham.
During the battle, a fleet of Union gunboats and transports carrying 5,000 troops was
turned back by Dowling and 46 men of Company F, 1st Texas Heavy Artillery.
The Confederate force was comprised mostly of Irish dock workers and laborers from
Houston and Galveston.
The attacking gunboats fired from the Louisiana channel of the pass and from the Sabine
Pass Lighthouse on the Louisiana side of the river.
After about 45 minutes of gunfire, the Union invasion fleet retired. Two gunboats
surrendered and 50 Union troops were killed and 350 were captured. The Confederates
suffered no casualties.
The Friends group has applied for nonprofit status with the Internal Revenue Service and
is in the process of soliciting charter members. Its annual dues are $25.
“We hope to put out a newsletter and provide public input on the restoration of the
battleground and its monuments and markers, many of which were damaged by recent
hurricanes,” Cotham said.
Cotham is the author of “Sabine Pass: The Confederacy’s Thermopylae” (University of
Texas Press).
The battleground is about 1.5 miles south of the town of Sabine Pass, Texas.
******************************************
Ireland Photos
Pictures from Ireland in 2006
To See Irish pics, click the following:
http://new.photos.yahoo.com/rdooling@swbell.net/album/1152921504621152084
----
:: 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.
----
Prayer Request for Michael Davitt
Michael has been active in the Irish community in the Houston area for many
years.
He & Jim Waters used to perform regularly at Kenneally's Irish Pub. He was a
regular singer at the Carr bother's pubs in Humble.
In addition, he was active in the AOH both on a state wide basis and as
president of the Humble Chapter. He ran the St Patrick Day parade for years &
was grand Marshal of that parade in 1993. He started the Golf tournament for
the parade.
Recently, he has annually hosted the Emerald Ball in Houston.
Dorothy (his mom) asked that I pass on the information that Michael is in need
of your prayers. He has been suffering with cancer for several years and he has
recently taken a turn for the worst. A prayer his family would also be helpful.
-------
:: Florence E. Beaton, RIP
Dear all, On behalf of our family, I would like to take this
opportunity to offer our deepest appreciation to everyone who
has responded to the notice of our Mother's death.
While this period has been very stressful to all of us, we have
taken much comfort from the kind words, wishes and prayers for
her, and it is reassuring to know that she was as appreciated
outside the family as she was loved within it. All your prayers,
gracious thoughts and gentle words will be fondly remembered.
The arrangements and details have been completed, and the obituary,
(below), was posted in the Galveston County Daily News this morning.
The memorial service for Mother will be held at the Crowder
Funeral Home in Dickinson, TX on February 21st, 2009, from 12
to 3 PM. There will be a visitation period from 1 to 2, followed
by a Rosary offered by Deacon Joe Hensley of St. Mary's Catholic
Church in Texas City, TX, and a Memorial Remembrance delivered by
Rev. Matt Tittle of the Bay Area Unitarian Universalist Church in
Clear Lake, TX. Following the spiritual passages, I will be giving
the eulogy, followed by any who may wish to honor our Mother by
their memories of her. If you wish to send flowers, please send
only potted plants rather than cut arrangements. And in keeping
with Mother's wishes, a traditional Irish/Scottish wake will be
held following the Memorial Services. Directions will be available
to those wishing to attend. However, if laughter, music, dancing,
the consumption of adult beverages and open emotion in her memory
will upset you, it is probably good if you say your goodbyes at the
Funeral Home. Again, we appreciate the outpouring of condolences
and appreciate your sentiment. Thank you, y muchas gracias, and remember
to always tell your loved ones that you love them. You will never
know when it will be too late. With love and affection, Douglas,
David, Matthew,. Scott, Alice, Christopher, Nancy, Joanne and Dad
Florence E. Beaton
Surrounded by her loving family, Florence E. Beaton passed to eternal
rest on January 18th, 2009.
Born Florence Elizabeth Kerrigan on January 7, 1930 in Philadelphia,
PA, to Nathan, (dec. 1938), and Mary Johnston Kerrrigan, (dec 1985),
she was one of seven siblings, Selwyn, of Pt. Charlotte, Florida,
Douglas (dec.), Mary Miller (dec.), Kenneth (dec.), Vincent, (dec.),
and Daniel, of Lakeland, Florida.
Married to Alexander David Beaton, of Texas City, Texas, on June 3rd,
1948 in Dorchester, MA, their union produced eight children, Douglas,
David, Matthew, Scott, Alice Buttler, Christopher, Nancy Cain and
Joanne; her foster children, Neal and Robert Stimley; and twenty-six
grandchildren and great grandchildren.
After attending the Del Mar College Nursing School in Corpus Christi,
Texas she was certified as a Registered Nurse in 1975. Until her
retirement in September of 2008, she was dedicated to the advancement
of her profession and an advocate of nursing rights in the workplace.
A lifelong proponent of child welfare, human rights and environmentally
conscious, she was a member of the Sierra Club and the Bay Area
Democrats. She was also a longtime member of the Clan MacLeod Society
and a Life Member of the Houston Highland Games Association
In keeping with her wishes, she will be cremated and her ashes distributed
among family members
A memorial service will be held at a later date.
Published January 22, 2009
:: Rory Oliver Miggins, RIP
http://www.legacy.com/houstonchronicle/DeathNotices.asp?Page=Lifestory&PersonId=99249818
Rory Oliver Miggins
RORY OLIVER MIGGINS, 52, entered into life everlasting on
December 7, 2007, in his parental home in the shadow of St.
Anne's Church, after a valiant 3-month battle with
melanoma.
Rory was born in Houston, Texas on September 11, 1955, the
first-born of 12 children of Kathleen and Larry Miggins,
who survive him.
Rory was a natural competitor. He had a distinguished
athletic career at St. Thomas High School in basketball,
baseball, and, particularly, football, garnering All-
District, All-State, and All-American honors as running
back. Rory graduated from St. Thomas High School in 1974.
He graduated from the University of Houston in 1979 with a
BBA in Finance.
He was a lifelong athlete, playing baseball for 16 years
with the Houston Men's Senior Baseball League, most recently
with the Colt 45's during the spring of 2007.
During his 29-year career as a marine manager with ILA
Local 1351, Rory rose to Class A rank and served on its
Executive Board.
It was through his work at the Port of Houston that Rory
developed a love of the waterfront, prompting him to form
the Waterfront Association that sponsored the Waterfront
Fishing Festival for many years dedicated to cleaning and
beautification of the environment.
Rory's love of music, fostered by his Irish heritage,
inspired him to create an East End legend, Local Charm, a
venue for regional blues, rockabilly, country, and zydeco
bands where he lived by the motto "You are a stranger here
but once." His eclectic music bar launched many new talents
in the 80's and 90's.
He was recognized for these efforts and was appointed the
2008 Honorary Chair of the Musician's Benevolent Society
that he co-founded in the 80's. An example of Rory's
originality and creativity is the first ever St. Patrick's
Day Snake Races held at Local Charm.
Always interested in Texas history, Rory joined the Texas
Army and achieved the rank of Colonel. He was also
recognized as a Knight of Texas for his work in connection
with the annual Greening of the Bayou for St. Patrick's
Day.
In addition to his parents, Rory is survived by his 11
grieving siblings, their spouses, and his 15 nieces and 16
nephews to whom he was a terrific uncle: Eileen Hohlt
(John), Mary, John, and Annie Hohlt; John (Debbie),
Christine, Julia, and Matthew Miggins; Larry (Sherl),
Thomas and Laura Miggins; Maureen Swanson (Pat), Fiona,
Patrick, Brian and Kenneth Swanson; Noreen Gottschalk
(Stephen), Robert and Daniel Gottschalk; Matthew
(Penelope), Gabriella, John, and Maria Miggins; Kathleen
Hibbler (Jim), Elizabeth, Conor, Bridie, and Rory; Neil
(Serena), Charlie, Jack, and Adelaide Miggins; Robert
(Julie), Lily, Carlo, and Patrick Miggins; Patrick (Nancy)
and James Miggins; and Michael (Abby), Molly, Cate and Lucy
Miggins. Rory's surviving aunts and uncles include John and
Helen Miggins of Tunxis Village, CT; Rita Miggins of Boca
Raton, FL; Eileen (Rory's godmother) and Jake Hoppenthal of
Artesia Springs, CA; Thomas and Margaret McMahon of
Chicago, IL; Andy and Ann McMahon of Melbourne, Australia;
and Bridie and Jimmy Morrissey of London, England. He has
countless cousins, world-wide, who survive him, many of
whom supported him with visits and phone calls during his
illness.
In addition to his activities noted above, Rory was a
member of many other families including St. Anne's parish,
the Houstonian Club, Art Car Parade Commission (founding
member), the Orange Show Commission, the Waterfront
Association, the Texas Army, Slippery Rock Booster Club,
Idylwood Civic Club, St. Patrick's Parade Commission,
Houston Blues Society (founding member), Dick Dowling Irish
Heritage Society (founding member), The Irish Society, The
Seaman's Center, and St. Thomas High School Alumni
Association.
Never was Rory's loyal and diverse network of friends more
evident than during his illness when they kept his spirits
high and ministered to his spiritual needs. Rory wanted to
express his appreciation to the doctors and nurses at MD
Anderson who did their best to arrest his cancer. Showing
his indomitable spirit, just last Monday, Rory said "I'm
your man" if a clinical trial became available.
Neither the Miggins family nor Rory could have faced the
challenge of this vicious disease without the loving
expertise of Rory's brother-in-law and Noreen's husband,
Dr. Stephen Gottschalk, who tirelessly trouble-shot on
Rory's behalf.
The family will receive friends at St. Anne's Catholic
Church, 2140 Westheimer (at Shepherd) on Monday, December
10 from 5 8 pm, with the rosary recitation at 7 o'clock.
The Funeral Mass will begin at 10:00 am on Tuesday,
December 11, with a light luncheon to follow in the parish
hall. Following the luncheon, Rory's remains will return to
his beloved East End for interment at Forest Park Lawndale.
Rory's pallbearers are his seven surviving brothers.
For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made in
Rory Miggins' name to:
· The Hole in the Wall Gang (a fund for crippled children)
c/o ILA 1351, 7524 Ave. N, Houston, TX 77012;
· St. Thomas High School, Rory Miggins Memorial Scholarship,
4500 Memorial, Houston, TX 77007;
· St. Anne School Foundation, 2120 Westheimer, Houston, Texas 77019;
· The St. Brendan Society, c/o Jeannie Kearns, 10220
Memorial Drive #131, Houston, TX 77024. "
Fare thee well, my child, forever. In this world we have
lost our joy. But in the next we will never sever. There
we'll find our darlin' boy."
Sign guest book at:
http://www.legacy.com/houstonchronicle/GB/GuestbookView.aspx?PersonId=99249818
:: 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.
----
Nina Simon passed away. She was the mother Ciaran Simon's
(of Mr C's Pub in Houston) and the wife of Harry Simon of
Cleveland. The following obit was posted online at:
http://obits.cleveland.com/Cleveland/DeathNotices.asp?Page=LifeStory&PersonId=115892758
You can go there and leave a message for Ciaran.
Eileen "Nina" (Cooke) Simon
EILEEN "NINA" SIMON (nee Cooke), age 85, died Sunday, Aug.
17, 2008. Beloved wife of Harry; loving mother of Frances, Declan,
Melanie and Ciaran; grandmother to Daniel, Moira and Aislinn
(deceased); sister, aunt or cousin to the Cookes, the Foleys, Hills,
Synnotts and O'Sullivans. Nina was an avid gardener and loved
fashion and the theater. She had a special affinity for The Bard. She
was a member of St. Clement parish for 50 years and served as a
Eucharistic Minister and Lector. She volunteered many hours to
numerous charitable causes. She loved to sew and bake. A
Memorial Mass will be officiated by her dear friend Fr. Alfred
Winters at St. Clement, 2022 Lincoln Ave. on Tuesday, Aug. 19 at
10 a.m. In lieu of flowers, a charitable donation may be made to the
Multiple Myaloma Foundation or to "Genesis Medical Education and
Research Institute" (MERI) in Memphis, TN. Special thanks to the
staff at Harborside Nursing Home and Cleveland Clinic Hospice for
their loving care. www.cleveland.com/obits
----
:: 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.
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If you have nothing better to do, and I suspect you do, you can see our vacations
Pictures on line. Warning they are NOT from Ireland (unfortunately). This includes
All our pictures from our fall trip. We will be back home tomorrow.
ALL my pics at Flickr
Slide show for Pics from the Midwest (94)
Slide show for Pics from the West (61)
Slide Show for Pics from Big Horn Mountains, Wyoming (45)
Slide Show for Pics from Beartooth Mountains, WY & MT (17)
Slide Show for Pics from Montana (31)
Slide Show for Pics from Glacier Park (42)
Slide Show for Pics from Yellowstone (57)
Slide Show for Pics from the Grand Tetons (22)
Slide Show for Pics from Around Salt Lake City (35)
Slide Show for Pics from Nevada (15)
Slide Show for Pics from Yosemite Park (41)
Slide Show for Pics from N California (51)
Slide Show for Pics from San Francisco (58)
Slide Show for Pics from California (14)
Slide Show for Pics from Las Vegas (19)
Slide Show for Pics from Utah & Zion National Park (33)
Slide Show for Pics from Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah (61)
Slide Show for Pics from Capitol Reef National Park, Utah (41)
Slide Show for Pics from Monument Valley, AZ (16)
Slide Show for Pics from West Texas & McDonald Observatory (12)
OR you can see more details about our trip at
YAHOO Trip Fall 2008 – Part 1 (Aug 7 – Sept 6, 2008) (226 Pics)
YAHOO Trip Fall 2008 – Part 2 (Sep 6 – Oct 12, 2008) (304 Pics)
YAHOO Trip Fall 2008 – Part 3 (Oct 13 – Oct 31, 2008) (220 Pics)
(The pictures can be seen at the Yahoo site also. Click on the pictures directly
Left of the Fall 2008 title. You will see the pics here with labels.)
Post IKE pics from Shoreacres
Pictures from 2008 St Paddy's Irish Open Golf Tournament.
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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?actionfiltered=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=