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Gaelic Storm’s long awaited new album, Cabbage, will be available for pre-orders soon in anticipation of a Summer 2010 release. In the meantime the band has made one cut available as a free download for their fans. You can get the free download here

For general info check www.gaelicstorm.com

This is the current list of cities, venues and dates for the fall Celtic Thunder tour. More dates may be added. While it seems a bit early to post dates for a fall tour, tickets for this tour are currently available through the PBS stations in the cities listed. PBS has the best tickets which are used as thank you gifts to donors during their pledge drives. If you want to get a really good seat, PBS is the way to go. If the pledge amount is beyond your means, in these recessionary times, they generally have a pre-sale date for fans before the date tickets officially go on sale. I can’t confirm a date for the pre-sale yet but as soon as it is announced I will post the dates and the code word. It will probably be at the end of this month. There will be matinee shows also on many of the weekend dates.

It should be noted that this is not a concert and Celtic Thunder is not a group. It is a show more akin to Riverdance than a concert performed by singing groups you may be more used to. You can catch bits of the show they will be touring on PBS this month. They will also be adding Irish songs to the first act which, I have to admit, appeals to me much more than their tribute to music throughout the 20th century that is apparently the idea behind It’s Entertainment According to the cast members who were doing promos at my PBS station last week, the Irish songs they will be doing will be released on cd before the tour.

Celtic Thunder will appear on QVC’s St Patrick’s Day special which begins just after midnight March 16 and runs till midnight March 17 so you can catch them several times throughout the day there. They will be providing a musical interlude between all the merino sweaters and Connemara Marble. Their cds and dvds will most likely be for sale also.

Sep 24, 2010 — (City not listed on their website) Casino Rama
Sep 25, 2010 — Buffalo, NY Shea’s
Sep 28, 2010 — Baltimore, MD Hippodrome
Sep 29, 2010 — Pittsburgh, PA Benedum Center
Oct 1, 2010 — New York City, NY Radio City Music Hall
Oct 2, 2010 — Philadelphia, PA Tower Theatre
Oct 3, 2010 — Hartford, CT Mortensen Center
Oct 4, 2010 — Manchester, NH Verizon Arena
Oct 6, 2010 — Springfield, MA Symphony Hall
Oct 8, 2010 — West Point, NY West Point Academy
Oct 9, 2010 — Boston, MA Citi PerformingArts Center
Oct 10, 2010 — Reading, PA Sovereign Center
Oct 13, 2010 — Hershey, PA Hershey Theater
Oct 14, 2010 — Wilkes-Barre, PA Kirby Theater
Oct 16, 2010 — Norfolk, VA Chrysler Theater
Oct 17, 2010 — Roanoke, VA Roanoke Civic Center
Oct 19, 2010 — Indianapolis, IN Murat Theater
Oct 21, 2010 — Kansas City, MO Independence Events Center
Oct 22, 2010 — St. Louis, MO Fox Theater
Oct 23, 2010 — Chicago, IL Chicago Theater
Oct 24, 2010 — Minneapolis, MN State Theater
Oct 26, 2010 — Denver, CO First Bank Center
Oct 28, 2010 — San Francisco, CA Warfield Theater
Oct 29, 2010 — Eugene, OR Hult Center
Oct 30, 2010 — Everett, WA (Seattle) Comcast Arena
Nov 1, 2010 — Portland, OR Theater Of The Clouds
Nov 2, 2010 — Spokane, WA INB Theater
Nov 4, 2010 — Sacramento, CA Memorial Auditorium
Nov 5, 2010 — San Diego, CA San Diego Civic Center
Nov 6, 2010 — Anaheim, CA The Grove
Nov 7, 2010 — Anaheim, CA The Grove
Nov 7, 2010 — Anaheim, CA The Grove (Matinee)
Nov 8, 2010 — Thousand Oaks, CA Fred Cavali Theater
Nov 10, 2010 — Phoenix, AZ Dodge Theater
Nov 12, 2010 — Dallas, TX Nokia Theater
Nov 13, 2010 — Houston, TX Verizon
Nov 14, 2010 — Fort Smith, AK Arkansas Best PAC
Nov 17, 2010 — Durham, NC Durham PAC
Nov 20, 2010 — Atlanta GA Fox Theater
Nov 21, 2010 — Jacksonville, FL Fox Theater
Nov 23, 2010 — Clearwater FL Ruth Eckard Hall

The above dates are the ones on their official website which is not always completely up to date. I have seen other cities on other lists and at PBS station websites so they may be added to this schedule in the future. I will update as needed.

Celtic Thunder Website Tour Page

They do everything big in the lonestar state and Celtic music is no different. They have so many bands they won’t all fit into one post. So I will start off showcasing my personal favorite Celtic Rock. Some of these bands have had cds on my shelf for quite a while, others were recommended by friends from Texas and still others I stumbled upon on myspace. Together they add up to a sound as big as Texas itself and just as bold. If you haven’t listened to these bands before now is the time and for those of you lucky enough to live in the area be sure to take in a show. Most of them have their gig schedules listed on their myspace pages.

Seamus Stout The name of this band caught my eye while I was browsing at cdbaby a year or two ago. The samples lived up to the promise of that great band name so I ordered and have been enjoying them ever since. They are from the Dallas/Fort Worth area and play a lot locally. You can also catch them on the festival circuit. They have 4 cds on cdbaby You can also purchase their music at Itunes

Website: http://www.seamusstout.com
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/seamusstout

THE KILLDARES are a Celtrock band out of Dallas, Texas. They gig a lot in Texas but can also be seen on the festival circuit. This band blends 100% Celtic with 100% rock and throws in a taste of pop which adds up to well over 200% entertainment value. Their cd The Killdares SECRETS OF THE DAY, along with 2 others are on sale at amazon and Itunes

Website: http://killdares.com/site/
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/killdares

Needfire is another Celtrock band from Dallas. This is a very high energy band. I love their song Young, Free and Celtic This is a must see band. Their gig schedule is on their myspace page. If they cone to your area, don’t miss them. They currently have 4 cds out. All of them can be purchased through their website http://www.needfire.com, myspace page http://www.myspace.com/needfiremusic or ITunes

Murder the Stout bill themselves as First Ever (Modified) Celtic Boy Band!! They are a Houston based band that is all about having fun and not taking anything too seriously. They blend Scottish and Irish traditional music with good old down home Texan rhythm section creating a sound that is uniquely their own. Their self titled cd Murder the Stout is available through cdbaby

Website http://www.murderthestout.com/
My Space http://www.myspace.com/mtsband

Blaggards are another Houston band. They call what they do Stout Irish Rock and you can’t argue with that description. They gig mainly in the Texas area but a doing a brief tour of Ireland later this month. Their cd Standards is available at cdbaby.

Website: http://blaggards.com/
My Space: http://www.myspace.com/blaggards

The Rogues also call Houston home. If you want heavy pipes in your Celtic Rock music the Rogues are the band for you. They have an impressive discography of 8 albums. Their music is available at both cdbaby and ITunes.

Itunes cdbaby

Website:http://www.therogues.com/fr_index.cfm
My Space: http://www.myspace.com/houstonrogues

Seven Nations just added some March tour dates:

This is a MUST SEE band.

Just got this from the Barley Juice mailing list. If you are not yet a fan of this great Cetlic Rock group be sure to check them out. Click on the venue name below for more info

Listen closely during this Thursday’s episode of The Office, and you will hear our “Weekend Irish” playing in the bar scene. We’re sorry in advance for any damage that might occur to your telly room.

check our calendar at www.barleyjuice.com for all of our upcoming shows.

 “Hope to see some of ye in the very near future folks. Slan..”

The Druids are a four-piece Irish REBEL band made up of three Kildare men and a Wexford man… Paddy Mangan from Johnstown Bridge on banjo, mandolin and vocals; Gary Lawlor from Clane on acoustic guitar and lead vocals; newest recruit Darren Egan also from Clane on bass, a great musician, he will also be singing when he gets settled in; and the one and only Mick O’Brien originally from Wexford but now living in Newbridge on five string banjo, bodhran, tin whistle and vocals. The group has recently taken onboard a manager, Adrian Moran from County Westmeath, who aims to take them “to the highest point of their careers.”

The Druids played their first gig on 9th May 2009 and since then have toured Ireland and Scotland where they play again in April. They are supporting the Celtic band Charlie and the Bhoys in the famous Barrowlands Glasgow to a sellout crowd of 2000 Celtic fans and returning  to the Brazen Head in Glasgow where they perform on regular occasions. On St.Patricks Day The Druids are playing in Belgium and have ten dates in Santa Ponsa in Spain for the annual Celtic Convention in May. Over 30,000 Celtic supporters will be there. They have had enquiries for American and Australian tours for late 2010 and early 2011. Currently they are working on their second album which should be available in early March, 2010. Writers as well as singers and musicians, The Druids have already written four of their own Rebel songs.

The Druids can be seen and heard at:

BEBO:   www.bebo.com/druids32

MySpace:  www.myspace.com/thedruidsirishrebelband.com

Youtube:  www.youtube.com/thedruidsband

Two of our favorite groups have just announced additional tour dates.

Enter the Haggis has added Abingdon, Va to their tour. They will appear on Friday July 30 at 7:30 PM at 120 N. Court Street. This show is part of the Virginia Highlands festival. This is a great festival which runs from July 24 – August 8. For more info check out their website: http://www.vahighlandsfestival.org

The Saw Doctors have added Tuesday May 11 They will be appearing at Pollak Theater on the campus of Monmouth University, 400 Cedar Avenue, West Long Branch, New Jersey. Tickets are $25 to the general public $5 for students.

Two more dates have been announced by the Saw Doctors so we will plug them into the tour schedule as we now know it.

May 7 The Magic Bag in Detroit Ticket info call 248 544 3030 or http://www.themagicbag.com
May 8 Celtic Fest Chicago in Millennium Park of Chicago as part of the Chicago Celtic Festival.
http://www.celticfestchicago.us
May 9 Cleveland House of Blues
May 13 The Theatre of the Living Arts (TLA) in Philadelphia call 215 9202 1011 or http://www.livenation.com or http://www.ticketmaster.com
May 14 Irving Plaza in New York City
May 15 House of Blues Club in Boston http://www.livenation.com/edp/eventId/418767 or http://www.ticketmaster.com
May 16 The Music Hall in Portsmouth NH

We will update as more cities are announced.

The Wicked Tinkers have updated their 2010 tour schedule. Here’s where they will be this year. As always, there could be dates added or changed so be sure to check their website also http://www.wickedtinkers.com/schedule.html

Feb 27 – 28
46th ANNUAL ARIZONA SCOTTISH HIGHLAND GAMES
Phoenix, AZ

March 13 – 14
24th Annual SONORA CELTIC FAIRE
Sorona, CA

March 20
ANCHORAGE CELTIC SPRING FESTIVAL
Anchorage Alaska

March 27
TUCSON EVENING CONCERT
Tucson AZ

April 10
BAKERSFIELD HIGHLAND GAMES

April 16 – 18
LAS VEGAS HIGHLAND GAMES
Las Vegas, NV

April 22
YOLO ARTS MUSIC TOUR
Palms Playhouse, 13 Main Street, Winters, CA from 7:00-8:30pm

April 24 & 25
SACRAMENTO VALLEY SCOTTISH GAMES
Woodland, CA

May 29 & 30
UNITED SCOTTISH SOCIETY HIGHLAND GATHERING AND FESTIVAL
Costa Mesa Fairgrounds- Southern California

June 12 & 13
UTAH SCOTTISH HIGHLAND GAMES

June 26 & 27
SAN DIEGO SCOTTISH HIGHLAND GAMES

July 17 &18
ARIZONA HIGHLANDS CELTIC FESTIVAL
Flagstaff, AZ

July 22
YOLO ARTS MUSIC TOUR
River Walk Park Amphitheater, 651 2nd Street, West Sacramento, from 7pm to 8:30pm

July 24
FORD FAMILY SERIES
Ford Amphitheater, Hollywood CA, at 10am to 11am

July 31- Aug 1
63rd PACIFIC NORTHWEST SCOTTISH HIGHLAND GAMES
King County Fairgrounds in Enumclaw, Washington –

Aug 7 & 8   Tentative
THE ISLE OF WIGHT DIDGHEADRADIO MUSIC FESTIVAL
IN THE UK

Sept 12
KELSO HIGHLANDER FESTIVAL
Kelso, Washington

Sept 17-19 Tentative
OKLAHOMA HIGHLAND GAMES
Tulsa, Oklahoma

Oct 9 & 10
THE SEASIDE HIGHLAND GAMES
Seaside Park on the Ventura County Fairgrounds,Ventura CA

Gaelic Storm is back on the road. Be sure to catch Darcy and the band if they come to your area. They do a great show and will be introducing some of the songs from the new CD at these shows. Click on the venue name for more details.

03 – 04 Alexandria, VA Birchmere Music Hall
05 Pomona, NJ Stockton Performing Arts Center
06 Manasquan, NJ Algonguin Arts Theatre
07 Wilmington, DE The Grand Opera House
10 Greensburg, PA The Palace Theatre
11 Cleveland, OH House of Blues
12 Chicago, IL House of Blues
13 Chicago, IL Meyer Theatre
16 Eau Claire, WI State Theatre
17 Milwaukee, WI Pabst Theatre St Pat’s Day with Gaelic Storm. What could be better?
19 Iowa City, IA Englert Theatre
20 Council Bluffs, IA The Arts Center
21 Akron, IA Akron Opera House
23 Grand Rapids, MN Myles Reif Performing Arts Center
24 Mankato, MN Alltel Center
25 Detroit Lakes, MN Historic Holmes Theatre
27 St. Paul, MN The O’Shaugnessy Auditorium

With the worlds’ eyes on Canada due to some sort of sporting event, I thought it would be a good time to focus on some really great Canadian bands. Some you will know but others may be new to you. They are all well worth a listen. I actually found so many that I will need to do a second post on this topic to prevent people from becoming so overwhelmed by choices that his/her head spins. Never a good look.

Enter the Haggis – This group has been billed as the hardest working band in the business. They certainly tour extensively and will undoubtedly come to a venue near you sometime this year. They have a huge fan following but there is always room for one more Haggishead. When you go and see them during this tour be sure to bring a donation of dry goods with you (non perishable food, clothing etc) to support the ETH COMMUNITY INITIATIVE. Donations will be collected at their merchandise table and given to the local food banks and shelters in all the places they play to help out the needy . This regard for others is just one reason this is one of the most popular bands going. For more info check out their website http://www.enterthehaggis.com and their myspace page http://www.myspace.com/enterthehaggis Their cds are available through Amazon and Itunes and the smarter music shops.

POGEY is a folk rock band from the hamlet of Antigonish, Nova Scotia. Their blend of traditional and contemporary sounds have been bringing both Canadian and US audiences to their feet for over 5 years. Watch for them in the Halifax area or on the festival circuit. You can hear samples of their style at their myspace page http://www.myspace.com/pogeymusic They have a new cd coming out in April. Their current cd is available through their website http://www.pogey.ca/music.htm

Great Big Sea is an other Folk Rock band that arrived on the scene in 1993 and have been thrilling audiences ever since. They hail from Newfoundland but tour in the US also. For their current tour check the tour page at their website http://www.greatbigsea.com/tour/ They have 2 myspace pages but the one with the most info is this one http://www.myspace.com/greatbigsea Be sure to check this band out.

Glengarry Bhoys are a Folk Rock band from Glengarry, Ontario Canada. They are a great Celtic rock band that will really get your blood pumping. This band tours a good deal wand will be appearing at many festivals this year. You can check their schedule at their myspace page http://www.myspace.com/theglengarrybhoys Or go to their website for more info www.glengarrybhoys.com Their cd is available at cdbaby

Claymore is a Celtic rock band from Calgary, AB. They create a unique sound with influences from traditional Celtic Music, Classical and even a wee touch of the cowboy all blended together in an exciting, fast paced sound with the occasional ballad thrown in for balance. They gig extensively in the Alberta area. For more info check out their webpage http://www.claymoreband.com/ or their myspace page http://www.myspace.com/claymoreclaymore

The Town Pants is a Folk Rock band from Vancouver, B C. They generally in the Pacific Northwest but are fan favorites at several big festivals as well. You can check their schedule at their myspace page http://www.myspace.com/thetownpants Their latest cd Shore Leave is available at cdbaby. For more info check their website http://www.THETOWNPANTS.com

Last month The Tossers were profiled here along with four other Chicago area Celtic bands not to be missed.  These guys are a huge favorite of Chicagoans, consistently selling out and pleasing the fans with their traditional folk and Celtic punk rock fury presentations. During the month of March, they’ll be performing around the Midwest and along the East coast with stops in the states between. If they come to your area, take the time to catch one of their shows. They do not disappoint.   

For a preview of their music, visit The Tossers Myspace page:  http://www.myspace.com/thetossers

March, 2010

Feb 27 – 8:30pm – Otto’s – Decalb, Illlinois

Mar 4 – 9:00pm – Mac’s Bar – Lansing, Michigan

Mar 5 – 9:00pm – Grog Shop – Cleveland, Ohio

Mar 6 – 8:00pm – Club Café – Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Mar 7 – 8:00pm – The Khyber – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Mar 8 – 8:00pm – Maxwell’s – Hoboken, New Jersey

Mar 9 – 8:00pm – Valentine’s – Albany, New York

Mar 10 – 8:00pm – Harper’s Ferry – Alston, Massachusetts

Mar 11 – 8:00pm – Jerky’s Live Music Hall – Providence, Rhode Island

Mar 12 – 8:00pm – Mercury Lounge – New York, New York

Mar 13 – 8:00pm – RFK Stadium – Washington, DC

Mar 16 – 8:00pm – High Dive – Champaign, Illinois

Mar 17 – 8:00pm – Metro – Chicago, Illinois

Mar 18 – 8:00pm – Turner Hall Ballroom – Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Mar 20 – 8:00pm – Chubby Rain – Poplar Grove, Illinois

Since St Patrick’s Day is a month from today, it seems like a good date to update tour schedules for March. This is what Enter the Haggis’ March looks like. The are a great band. If they are in your area be sure to catch them.

Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Gilligan’s Getaway
7160 State Route 9, Plattsburgh, NY 12901 518-566-8050
Set: 8:00 PM Tickets: $15 Adv / $ 18 Door

Thursday, March 4, 2010
Parting Glass
40-42 Lake Ave, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 (518) 583-1916
Set: 8:00 PM Tickets: $15

Friday, March 5, 2010
The Electric Company
700 Varick Street, Utica, NY 13502 315-792-9271
Set: 8:00 PM 21+ Tickets: $10

Saturday, March 6, 2010
Pearl Street
10 Pearl St, Northampton, MA 01060 (413) 586-2632
Set: 8:00 PM Tickets: $17.50 adv / $20 door

Sunday, March 7, 2010
Turning Point
468 Piermont Ave, Piermont, NY 10968 (845) 359-1089
Set: 7:00 PM Tickets: $20

Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Castaways
413 Taughannock Blvd, Ithaca, NY 14850 (607) 272-1370
Set: 8:00 PM Tickets: $10 Adv / $ 12 Door

Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Main Pub
306 Main St, Manchester, CT 06040 (860) 647-1551
Set: 9:00 PM Tickets: $12

Thursday, March 11, 2010
Bridgewater Irish Pub
50 Abeel Street, Kingston, NY 12401 845-264-2700
Set: 9:00 PM All Ages Tickets: $15 adv/$20 door

Friday, March 12, 2010
Waterville Opera House
93 Main St, Waterville, ME 04901 (207) 873-5381
Set: 8:00 PM All Ages Tickets: $20

Saturday, March 13, 2010
Shamrock Festival – RFK Stadium Grounds
2400 East Capitol Street, Washington, DC 20003
Set: 8:00 PM

Sunday, March 14, 2010
The Playwright
144 Temple Street, New Haven, CT 06510 203-752-0450
Set: 3:30 PM

Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Showcase Live!
1 Patriot Place, Foxborough, MA 02035
Set: 6:00 PM Tickets: $20 Adv / $25 Door / $45 VIP

Friday, March 19, 2010
Henderson Fine Arts Center
4601 College Blvd, Farmington, NM 505-566-3462
Set: 8:00 PM All Ages

Saturday, March 20, 2010
Shuler Theater
131 N 2nd St, Raton, NM 87740
Set: 7:30 PM All Ages Tickets: $12 adv/$16 door

Monday, March 22, 2010
Tucumcari High School
1100 South 7th Street, Tucumcari, NM 88401
Set: 7:00 PM All Ages Tickets: $0

Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Clovis Community College
417 Schepps Blvd, Clovis, NM 88101 505-769-4950
Set: 8:00 PM All Ages

Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Ocotillo Performing Arts Center
310 W Main St, Artesia, NM 88210 575-746-4212
Set: 7:30 PM All Ages Tickets: $15

Friday, March 26, 2010
Macey Center
801 Leroy Place, Socorro, NM 87801 (505) 835-5342
Set: 7:30 PM All Ages Tickets: $16

Saturday, March 27, 2010
South Broadway Cultural Center
1025 Brdway Blvd SE, Albuquerque, NM 87102 (505) 848-1320
Set: 8:00 PM All Ages Tickets: $6

Celtic women have always been strong. Goddesses, warrior queens and sainted ladies loom large in Celtic traditions. Ireland has had women as presidents and in many Irish homes strong women rule the roost and keep the family on a steady keel. Woman are also well represented in the world of Celtic music. Many Celtic bands have female members and, of course, there are many solo performers. We will spotlight solo artists and bands made up of all women for you to check out.

Enya is one of the undisputed queens of Celtic Music. She began her career in Donegal, Ireland singing in her family band but she soon found that too restrictive musically and struck out on her own. She has since put out a string of best selling cds, the latest being a best of cd. Her music is widely distributed and available in record shops and on line at Amazon and other online music sellers. You can hear samples at her myspace page http://www.myspace.com/enyaofficially For more info check out her website http://www.enya.com

Laura Powers is singer/songwriter from Nashville. I have spotlighted Laura before, but since she is one of my favorites she always comes to my mind first when I think of women in the Celtic Music world. Laura’s beautiful music was featured in the film The DeVinci Code. I particularly love the Goddess Trilogy which is a set of 3 cds that pays homage to pre-Christian Ireland and the legendary figures and places from the old stories. You can hear samples of Laura’s music at her myspace page http://www.myspace.com/laurapowers5 Her cds are available at Amazon.com

Cara Dillon is an award winning singer from County Derry, Northern Ireland. Her beautiful voice and strong sense of the direction she wanted to take with her music has taken her to the top of the Irish music scene in a relatively short time. You can sample her music on her myspace page http://www.myspace.com/caradillon It can be purchased through her website http://www.caradillon.co.uk or at Amazon.com

Cherish the Ladies is a group from Ireland. They sing classic Celtic Folk music and accompany themselves on various instruments. They have won many awards including Top North American Celtic act by NPR Radio’s “Thistle and Shamrock”. They tour worldwide including extensively in the US. They are currently touring the US so check their website to see if they are coming to your area http://www.cherishtheladies.com/ They have put out 11 cds which are available through their website or at Amazon. You can hear samples at their myspace page http://www.myspace.com/cherishtheladies They also have a facebook page http://www.facebook.com/pages/Cherish-the-Ladies/9225509013?ref=ts

Screaming Orphans are four sisters from County Donegal in Ireland. Their music is in the pop/rock vein which they describe as a collision of honey and gravel. They are fast becoming crowd favorites at Celtic fests across the US. Look for them in your area. You can get tour info at their website http://www.thescreamingorphans.com In the meantime you can hear samples of their music on their myspace page http://www.myspace.com/screamingorphans They are also on facebook http://www.facebook.com/screamingorphans Their cds are available at cdbaby http://www.cdbaby.com/Artist/ScreamingOrphans Downloads are available through Itunes

Two up and coming young singer/songwriters are Siobhan Day and Oonaugh Clarke. They are both from Northern Ireland. Neither is, as yet, signed but their music can be heard at their respective myspace pages http://www.myspace.com/siobhanday and http://www.myspace.com/clarkeoonagh

I know everyone is eagerly awaiting the US tour schedule for the Saw Doctors. They are announcing dates as they get confirmed so we will list what we know so far.

May 8 Celtic Fest Chicago in Millennium Park
May 9 Cleveland House of Blues
May 14 Irving Plaza in New York City
May 15 House of Blues Club in Boston
May 16 The Music Hall in Portsmouth NH

This is only a partial tour list. We will update as we get more info.