The lyrics were said to have been written by an English lawyer who never even set foot in Ireland. It isn’t really sung in Ireland. How is it that we, in the U S, think of it as a traditional Irish song? The truth is that Danny Boy is a traditional Irish American song. Most of us heard it from our earliest days, often at the knee of a beloved grandparent, who either came here from Ireland or whose parents did. Danny Boy, became an anthem not for the Irish but for those who left Ireland behind. Danny Boy connected us to Ireland like no other song. The reason for that is we ARE Danny Boy (or our ancestors were). We were the ones who had to go. Our Irish friends were the ones who had to bide. When we hear Danny Boy, especially when sung by an Irish singer, it tells us that someone is waiting for us to return and that we are welcome.

The sacred promise that nearly every emigrant makes to his/her family is to return one day. Almost no one left Ireland because they wanted to. And one of the things that got them through the horrific crossing and the struggles they had once they got here was that they weren’t doing this just for themselves. It was also for the people back home. In generations past it was not really practical to return to Ireland though every effort was made to remain connected. Over time the connection thinned but Ireland is in the heart of every Irishman or woman, no matter where they were born. And Danny Boy tells us that we are still in the hearts of those back home. Those who had to go do need to be reminded that those who had to bide have not forgotten them and that we are still one people. Éirinn go brách.

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Radford Highlanders Festival Radford University Campus, Radford VA. Musical guests include Scythian, Celtibillies, Warpipe and more. Check their website for details http://www.radford.edu/content/festival/

Southern Illinois Irish Festival Sept 30, Oct 1-2 Turley Park, Carbondale IL Musical guests include Alex Caton and Pat Egan, The Kelly Band, Kyle Carey, Ed Yother, The Dorians, Ian Walsh and Kevin Buckley, E. L. Kurtz, Shaina’s Strings For more info check out their website http://silirishfest.org/

Smithville Irish Festival October 8th 2011, 11am-6pm, Historic Smithville, New Jersey Free admission Musical Guests include Bogside Rogues, The Barley Boys, Jamie and the Quiet Men, Amadaun plus pipes and dancers. For more info check their website http://www.smithvilleirishfestival.com

Weston Irish Festival Oct 14-16 O’Malley’s Pub and Courtyard
500 Welt Street, Weston, Mo Musical Guests include Screaming Orphans, The Elders, Enter The Haggis, Barleyjuice, The Mickey Finns, Connie Dover, Reverse Cowboy, Flannigan’s Right Hook, Connacht Town, Three Dollar Band, Tullamore, Eddie Delahunt, and Bob Reeder. For more info please check their website http://www.westonirish.com/IRISHFEST.html

HIGHLAND MEADOW GAMES AND CELTIC FESTIVAL Oct. 29 -30 Doswell, Virginia 1 mile east of King’s Dominion Musical guests include Albannach and Barleyjuice For more info please check their website http://www.meadowceltic.com

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8/30/2011 / Orpheum Theatre / Minneapolis, MN
9/1/2011 / D.A.R. Constitution Hall / Washington DC
9/3/2011 / New York State Fair – Chevy Court / Syracuse, NY
9/4/2011 / Stage AE / Pittsburgh, PA
9/6/2011 / LC Pavilion / Columbus, OH
9/7/2011 / The Fillmore / Detroit, MI Fri
9/9/2011 / Ryman Auditorium / Nashville, TN
9/10/2011 / PNC Pavilion at Riverbend Music Center / Cincinnati, OH
9/11/2011 / Murat Theatre / Indianapolis, IN
9/13/2011 / Louisville Palace Theatre / Louisville, KY
9/14/2011 / The Pageant / St. Louis, MO
9/16/2011 / Hartman Arena / Park City, KS
9/17/2011 / Tarble Athletic Center – Carthage College / Kenosha, WI
9/18/2011 / Ogden Theatre / Denver, CO
9/20/2011 / Crystal Ballroom / Portland, OR
9/21/2011 / Paramount Theatre / Seattle, WA
9/23/2011 / Fox Theater / Oakland, CA Fri
9/24/2011 / Palladium / Los Angeles, CA
9/25/2011 / The Marquee / Tempe, AZ
9/27/2011 / Riverwind Casino / Norman, OK
9/28/2011 / Cain’s Ballroom / Tulsa, OK
9/30/2011 / Stubb’s Waller Creek Amphitheatre / Austin, TX
10/1/2011 / House of Blues / Houston, TX
10/2/2011 / Palladium Ballroom / Dallas, TX
10/4/2011 / Mahalia Jackson Theatre / New Orleans, LA
10/5/2011 / Ruth Eckerd Hall / Clearwater, FL
10/7/2011 / Fillmore / Miami Beach, FL
10/8/2011 / Hard Rock Live / Orlando, FL
10/9/2011 / The Tabernacle / Atlanta, GA
10/11/2011 / The Fillmore / Charlotte, NC
10/13/2011 / Roseland Ballroom / New York, NY
10/15/2011 / MGM Grand at Foxwoods / Mashantucket, CT

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Traditional Irish Dance and Music at its Finest

Featuring the delightful sounds of the Indianapolis Ceili Band performing together with the Irish Blessings Dancers

Special Guests:
Jenny Thompson and musicians of the Golden Ace Irish Session and: Special Performance by the next generation of Irish fiddlers

Sunday August 14th 2:30 pm
Meridian Music, Dorothy Munger Hall
12725 Old Meridian St • Carmel, IN 46032

Tickets: $10 at the door

Special Bonus: Attend a genuine Irish music session immediately following the show at the Brockway Pub, 12525 Old Meridian, Carmel, IN 46032. Family Friendly environment – Kids Welcome!

www.indyceiliband.com

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‘PATH TO HOME’ CHARITY SINGLE OUT NOW!
The wait is over! Please download the track from ITunes and spread the word.

The brand new charity single version of ‘On The Road’ has been specially recorded to support ‘Stephen’s Footstep Challenge’ with profits going to ‘Macmillan Cancer Support’ and ‘The Maggie Centre’.

THE STORY BEHIND THE TRACK

Ross-shire man Stephen Mackay from Ardross is walking the West Highland way and the Great Glen for charity. Why? – Because his wife Pat was diagnosed in September 2009 with an inoperable brain tumour.

Stephen began his 185 mile walk on the 30th April from Glasgow, dressed in his kilt as he marches home, arriving at ‘The Maggie Centre’ in Raigmore, Inverness on the 9th May. Not only does Stephen hope to raise the awareness of cancer and it’s issues, but also lots of money to support the amazing work of ‘Macmillan Cancer Support’ and ‘The Maggie Centre’.

To hear Stephen and Pat’s story and preview the track watch this video:

Skerryvore are not only ‘talking the talk’ but also ‘walking the walk’ as they join Stephen ‘On The Road’ with a few impromptu performances along the way.

So please help us by downloading the single, spreading the word to your friends and family, and joining us in a bid to help make the lives of those facing such hard times that little bit easier.

Thank you,
SKERRYVORE

You can help out in this noble cause by purchasing the single. Click here to download it from ITunes.

Other news from the band

Skerryvore will be releasing another album in October of this year. They will also be appearing at the following festivals:

BELLADRUM
TIREE MUSIC FESTIVAL
LOOPALLU
BARRA FEST
TONDER MUSIC FESTIVAL (DenmarK)
SPEYFEST
GLASGOW WEST END FESTIVAL
SONAFEST
FESTIVAL INTERCELTIQUE DE LORIENT (France)
MILWAUKEE IRISH FEST (USA)
WICKHAM FESTIVAL (England)
WEST FEST STRONTIAN

More to be announced at a later date. Other gigs:

MAY

7th May
Darvel Music Festival (with Wolfstone and The Simple Touch)

13th May
Howden Park, Livingston

14th May
Strontian “West Fest”

20th May
Shepley Spring Festival, England

21st May
Dumfries & Galloway Arts Festival

26th May
Burns Festival, Ayr

28th May
Balivanich Hall, Benbecula

JUNE

3rd June
The Corn Exchange, Cupar, Fife

4th June
Culross Music & Arts Festival

12th June
Glasgow West End Festival
Oran Mor

17th June
Gartmore Hall

18th June
The Maltings Theatre
Berwivk upon Tweed

For more news and updates please check their website here You can find them at Facebook here and on Twitter here

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WHEN: May 14, 2011 – 8:00 PM

WHERE: Artichoke Back Stage Cafe

WHERE: 3130 SE Hawthorne Boulevard, Portland OR

ADMISSION: $20 (Includes a CD!)

RESERVATIONS RECOMMENDED: Call (503)232-8845

Beltaine will celebrate the release of their fourth CD, Jump at Samhain’s Fire on Saturday, May 14th, 8PM at Artichoke Community Music’s Back Stage Café.

Jump at Samhain’s Fire is a collection of original and traditional music that fuses Celtic with folk, jazz, and rock influences of the members – featuring hammered dulcimer, guitar, flute, marimbula, and vocals.

There are 17 tracks that reflect the unique sounds of Beltaine. Different from the previous three CD’s, Jump at Samhain’s Fire includes both original and vocal songs. In addition to the trio of Brian, John, and Kris; guest musicians include Pat Dooney, Kathy Lee, Mike Spicer, and Dick Weissman.

The liner notes are extensive and they tell the history and stories of the original and traditional music performed. The cover is a painting by Julie Irmer, a very talented mixed media artist in the Northwest. It is the perfect picture to represent the music that is on the CD.

“Music is like water. It flows over the land with the movement of people, merging with streams and providing sustenance to those who perform or hear it. It crosses oceans to new lands, carried in the hearts and minds of people who travel there. As it moves across space and time, the music changes and evolves. If it becomes powerful enough, it can change the people who hear it, inspiring them to see themselves and the world in new ways.

For North Americans, the music of the British Isles has been a major influence. Appalachian folk music is a direct descendant of this tradition. Country music is the result of its fusion with African tradition. The eclectic fusion of styles that is called “New Age Music” relies heavily on its’ harmonies and modes. Even in its’ traditional pure forms, it touches something deep in many of us and reminds us of our European roots.

Beltaine showcases the best of acoustic Celtic Fusion in their music. Brian, Kris and John bring years of experience in ethnic, folk, rock and jazz music to their interpretations of traditional and tunes… Their new compositions and a new collection of traditional music bring together the best of old and new. So sit back, enjoy, and Slainte!” (A review by Kathy Lee)

Beltaine performs thoughout the Northwest at many venues including; Irishtown, The Highland Stillhouse, The Portland Highland Games, Newport Celtic Festival, The Bite of Oregon. To learn more about Beltaine and their music, visit their web site at www.beltainemusic.com or visit them on Facebook.

Julie Irmer’s paintings explore the layers of our lives- both physical and spiritual. The physical are the layers of found objects glued to the surface and then drawn and painted over with hints of flora and fauna. The spiritual are the nuances of relationships of all sorts, between humans, animals and all things on the earth. She hopes to peak the viewers curiosity and to hold ones’ attention for more than a moment; that the viewer will look at the piece and discover something new each time. For more information on Julie Irmer’s art, please visit; http://irmerart.googlepages.com/.

Artichoke Community Music is 501(c)3 nonprofit organization whose mission is to build community through music one heart at a time. Artichoke offers concerts by some of the best local and national performers in folk music on our own wonderful, intimate Backgate Stage. Over the years, guests have included such luminaries as Dick Weissman, Anne Weiss, Dan Compton, Tom Paxton and Kevin Burke. For more information please visit www.artichokemusic.com.

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Singing from a young age, by the time she was 15 years old Mary had learned guitar and keyboards and had played with a country band. Seeking to expand her horizons, Mary moved to Scotland at the tender age of sixteen to pursue a career in music. She has played different venues around the country as a solo artist, performing mostly Irish and Scottish traditional or roots music. Her song “My Scotsman and Thee,” included in her album, epitomizes a common theme in folk music; longing for home and love separated by great distance. Written when she was only 19 years old, it is still fresh and relevant today. 

Two months after her album release, Celtic Music Radio, based in Glasgow, Scotland asked Mary to join their team and present her own radio show which can be heard at Celtic Music Radio on 1530AM in the Glasgow area and also online at http://www.celticmusicradio.net/.  Mary plays artists from Myspace and Reverbnation along with established performers during her show airing Sunday nights between 7:00pm and 9:00pm (Scottish time). Mary also features a wide range of in studio guests performing live on her show and maintains a dedicated Myspace show page at: www.myspace.com/mkburkeshow where artists are invited to join and submit their music for consideration. Skilled in many areas of the music business, Mary was, for a time, Director of Country Music Scotland, a small media vehicle which helped many touring artists. 

Along with her debut album, “A Song in Her Heart,” Mary also has an EP, “The Long Way Home” and a new single, Ireland I Miss You, available to download. She’s been doing some writing recently and hopes to have another album out in the future. 

“Music is my passion in life. I couldn’t live without it!”  …..Mary K. Burke 

Visit Mary at her website: www.marykburke.net

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Blaggards from Houston, TX

You can find Blaagards at Facebook here at their own website here and at cdbaby here

Prydein (pronounced pry’den) from Saint Albans, VT

You can find Prydein at Facebook here at their own website here and at cdbaby here

Finn’s Fury from Long Island, NY

You can find Finn’s Fury at Facebook here , at their own website here and at cdbaby here

Barleyjuice from Holland, PA

You can find Barleyjuice on Facebook here , at their own website here and at cdbaby here

Seven Nations from Windermere, FL

You can find Seven Nations on Facebook here and at their own website here

The Indulgers from Golden, CO

You can find The Indulgers at Facebook here, at their own website here and at cdbaby here

Scythian from Washington, DC

You can find Scythian at Facebook here, at their own website here and at cdbaby here

Young Dubliners from Los Angeles, CA

You can find Young Dubs at Facebook here and at their own website here

THE ROGUES from Houston, TX

You can find The Rogues at Facebook here, at their own website here and at cdbaby here

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Last Saturday night Gaelic Park in Oak Forest, IL welcomed to its Tara room stage The Four Courts, a group of well known and well respected Chicago based performers who come together from time to time and perform as an ensemble. Independently each is an exceptional artist, well-known both in the Chicago area and internationally. Paddy Homan, Jimmy Keane, Maurice Lennon and Dennis Cahill; together these artists deliver a wonderfully magical evening filled with contemporary and traditional Irish music and song.

Passionate and animated, Paddy Homan started off the evening with The Lark in the Morning from his current album, and another old traditional favorite, Come Home Paddy Riley. As the evening progressed, Paddy sang a few more solos from his album; Mountains of Pomeroy, Johnny Jump Up and my favorite, Bright Blue Rose, written by Jimmy MacCarthy. Hearing Paddy sing this one  up close and personal was the highlight of the evening for me. It is by far the best interpretation I’ve ever heard.

Maurice Lennon is a renowned and amazingly gifted Irish fiddle player. Whether playing solo or as part of a group, he is the best at his craft. Maurice played his fiddle in group tunes and as a solo. Contemporary, traditional, reels and jigs all faultlessly delivered and totally entertaining to the audience. At one point in the concert he played a solo of Richard Thompson’s Dimming of the Day on his cherished 200 year old viola. The audience went silent during this piece. It was just that stunning.

With his unique style for guitar in the Irish tradition, Dennis Cahill is recognized throughout the Irish music world as a master guitarist. Contributing his complicated and distinctive guitar style to so many of the ensemble songs performed this night, as well as accompanying Paddy on several of his solo numbers, added to this amazing evening. He also took the lead on other numbers including The Star of Munster and Castle Jig.                   

Accordionist Jimmy Keane has been around the Chicago music scene for quite a while, garnering awards and praise throughout his career. Jimmy’s performance of his own Horse Keane’s Hornpipe (a tribute to his father), The Rath Carin Reel and The Charleston Reel were definite audience pleasers. His fingers deftly flying over the keyboard of his piano accordion and never missing a note, Jimmy is a genuine pleasure to listen to and watch. An affable man and one of the top notch artists in the Chicago area and beyond, he is the real thing!

These four men respect each others talent and are completely comfortable performing together. Their camaraderie shines through and out into the audience, rewarding guests with one of the best shows in the area. As individuals, Paddy, Jimmy, Maurice and Dennis are all renowned artists, together they are unbeatable. The Four Courts is a rare and special concert not to be missed. I know I will be in the audience the next time these artists appear together. It is a fantastic evening of music and song.

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Marc Gunn from New Orleans, LA

Marc has been active in Celtic Music for many years. He has also been a big supporter of the genre. You are probably familiar with his Celtic MP3s Music Magazine if not, get yourself over there and find out what you have been missing. You can find Marc on Facebook here and at his own website here His cds are at cdbaby here

Tannahill Weavers from Paisley, UK

You can find the Weavers at Facebook here and at their own website here

Paul Brady From Dublin, IE

Paul is happy to have his fans follow him at Facebook here

Beltaine Music from Portland, OR

You can find Beltaine Music at Facebook here and at their own website here

Paddy Homan from Chicago, IL

You can find Paddy at Facebook here and at his own website here

Irish Wolfhounds from Raleigh, NC

This band will be playing at Tir Na Nog in Raleigh at 3 PM on St Pat’s and at Broad Street Cafe in Durham at 8 PM that night. You can find them at Facebook here

MCPEAKE from Belfast, UK

McPeake are featured at many US festivals so be sure to keep an eye out for them. You can find them at Facebook here, Twitter here and at their own website here

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