There were three exciting additions to this year’s Games. Firstly were the Guest Band, The Simon Fraser University Pipe Band from Burnaby, B.C. These guys were fantastic! Simon Fraser is Grade One Band and have consistently placed in the top third in world competition since the early 90’s and have won Grade One Championships six times: 1995, 1996, 1999, 2001, 2008 and 2009. SFUPB is one of only three bands located outside of the UK that have won a World Pipe Band Championship, so this was a rare and impressive appearance to our Games this year.

Secondly is the addition of a Regimental Drum Major Competition. Often overlooked, the Drum Majors are an integral part of any band. Their colorful and elaborate dress must be worn to very high and exacting standards, and they must lead demonstrating dignity and control for their band. This was fun to watch.

Lastly was a very ingenious and exciting feature for the audience; Rob Barrick, owner of BarBarrick Music, made live recordings all throughout the day of all the Pipe Bands and made a cd available the very same day for purchase! I thought this was a great idea and proceeds of course went to help support the pipe band competitions in future years.

Moving on to another favorite part of the Games, (besides the Pipe Bands): the music! Once again this year, we were treated to our very own local fiddling champion, Rebecca Lomnicky. This young lady is amazing! Rebecca won the junior division of the U.S. National Scottish Fiddle Competition at 13 years of age, and has won numerous awards and accolades ever since. Last year in 2009 she won The 20th Annual Glenfiddich International Scottish Fiddle Championship. Wow! Not at all bad for someone so young. Joining Rebecca on stage also was the talented Peter Willis on guitar, and David Brewer from the Band Molly’s Revenge on pipes and flutes. David is incredible to watch!

Speaking of: Molly’s Revenge also made an appearance this year. This California based quartet has been around for over ten years and are an amazing band.

Another local trio, Beltaine, was yet another addition to the musical roster. These guys are great, too- dulcimers, guitars, flutes and marimba offer up a traditional celtic flavor and sound that takes one back hundreds of years. Lastly but certainly not least, Cathy Speer, guitarist and songwriter, performed her irish and Scottish tunes.

Finally, on a personal note, My Friend Alan suggested to me early on that he and I compete in “The Kilted Mile” race this year. For those unfamiliar, “Kilted Mile” is an ancient one-mile running race, ran in a kilt, (mandatory) to determine the fastest and most worthy warriors in battle. (Back in the day, not so much warrior these days!) Not having run any race at all since grammar school, I had my reservations to say the least. But with Alan’s coaching and support, and some training we both not only completed the race but we each took third in our respective categories. Thanks, Alan!

I had fun and it was quite an experience, however, don’t look for this blogger to be tossing any Cabers anytime soon.

There’s still time and a few Highland Games going on yet this summer. I encourage you to get out and go to one or more and enjoy what they have to offer. There’s something for everyone from 3 years of age to 93. Look for one in your community and go experience the “Spirit of The Scots”. You won’t regret it.

www.phga.org
www.sfupb.com
www.barbarrickmusic.com
www.rebeccalomnicky.com
www.mollysrevenge.com
www.beltainemusic.com

Here is a BBC promo taped before the festival featuring founder Paddy Glasgow and the talents of Building Pictures (John Gribbin)

Axis Of kicked the festival off on the main stage.

Captain Kennedy

Ram’s Pocket Radio

In Case of Fire

Wonder Villains

Glasgowbury favorites And So I Watch You From Afar rock the house

The headliners Fighting With Wire

As time goes by more videos will probably be posted and I will update the page especially if I can find some of the ones I would have gone to see – Paddy Nash & the Happy Enchiladas, Lowly Knights, Joe Echo, Building Pictures, John Shelly & the Creatures, Colenso Parade, Panama Kings, Paul Casey, The Jane Bradfords, A Plastic Rose, Paul Shevlin and Junior Johnson. If you know of a video out there that should be added here please let me know. I am sure a lot of festival goers are still recuperating so more may be posted soon. The organizers should be proud of pulling off such a large festival and they also should take some well deserved rest for a day or two and then start planning for 2011!

Big thanks goes to the videographers jcdrummmer616, killemall588, JohnnyBow, Skins4Ladyhawker, baramech & thomjrobin for sharing Glasgowbury with us. Be sure to check out their other vids at youtube. Other videos of the festival can be found here

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Dublin Irish Festival Aug 6-8 Dublin OH Musical guests include: Gaelic Storm, Enter the Haggis, The Saw Doctors, Lunasa, Luka Bloom, Barley Juice, Natalie McMasters, Solas, Scythian, Moya Brennan, Seven Nations, Tartan Terrors, Roger Drawdry & the Firestarters, Killashandra, Silver Arm, The Kells, Clancy Legacy, Homeland, Brigid’s Cross and many, many more. Check out their website for more info: http://www.dublinirishfestival.org/

Iowa Irish Fest Aug 6-8 Lincoln Park area in Downtown Waterloo IA Musical guests include Dublin City Ramblers, Scythian, The Elders, The Killdares, Pogey, Switchback and more. Check out their website here: http://www.iowairishfest.com/


Charlotte Irish Summer Festival Aug 13 – 14 Kick off at Connolly’s on 5th St. on the 13th Festivities on the 14th will take place at 3rd & Tryon St. Charlotte NC Noon – 9:00 PM Activities all day long GAA football demo, Bagpiping, traditional music and dancing. Musical guests include Fighting 86′s – Celtic/Roots Rock Band,Mclean Avenue – A must see band w/ Legendary Padraig Allen,Trad at Heart – Traditional Irish music from the heart & soul of Ireland, Vertigo – U2 Tribute Band for more info check their website http://www.charlotteirishsummerfestival.com

An Ri Ra August 13-15 Uptown Butte Montana on Park Street between Main and Montana Guests include The Prodigals, Makem and Spain Brothers, Tantrum and more. Check their website for more info: http://www.mtgaelic.org/Festival1.html

Irish Fest – La Crosse Aug 13-15 Southside Fest Grounds, LaCrosse, WI Guests include Gaelic Storm, Seamus Kennedy, McPeake, Rising Gael, The Screaming Orphans, Scythian, Slide, Tom Sweeney and more. Please check their website here: http://www.irishfestlax.org/

Irish Fair of Minnesota Aug 13-15 Harriet Island in St. Paul, MN Free Lots of great activities planned. Musical guests are Great Big Sea, Young Dubliners, Lunasa, Tommy Sands, The High Kings, Bua. For more info check their website here: http://www.irishfair.com/

IRISH FEST 2010 AUGUST 19-22 Milwaukee, WI Guests include McPeake, Kieran Goss, Young Dubliners, Scythian, Cherish the Ladies, Different Drums of Ireland, Gaelic Storm, Makem & Spain Brothers, Seamus Kennedy, Screaming Orphans, Leahy’s Luck, Slide, Cape May Ceili Band, Sandcarvers, Rising Gael, Baal Tinne, The Black Brothers, Fiona Molloy and many, many more. You can hear samples of some of the acts and find the schedule at their website http://www.irishfest.com/

Buffalo Irish Festival Aug 27-29 Hamburg Fairgrounds, Buffalo, NY Musical guests include Makem and Spain Brothers, Seamus Kennedy, Tom Sweeney, Emish, Penny Whistle, The McKrells, and many more. Check their website here: http://www.buffaloirish.com/irishfestival.htm

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The first Glasgowbury festival was held in the year 2000. A group of local musicians were organized by Paddy Glasgow to come together for a concert to raise awareness and funds for the Ulster Cancer Foundation charity. The name of the festival was a play on the famous British festival, Glastonbury. It was such a success that it has become an annual event growing every year. But this is much more than just an annual festival. The Glasgowbury Music Group is run for and by musicians and holds events all year long from workshops to seminars to musical events. Over time the monthly G Sessions were added offering an outlet for the talent of both up and coming and established acts from the area. Also added was the The Rural Key Music Project teaching young songwriters and musicians how to take their work to the next level.

Paddy Nash tells Fanrealm, “Glasgowbury is unique in that it’s the only festival in northern Ireland that caters for both local music and fans of the local music scene. It’s like a big summer celebration full of great music, great people and great banter. It’s the best festival in Ireland where fans are friends and there’s no room for superstars.” Paddy is pictured above with his band, the Happy Enchiladas, at the 2009 festival.

More info about this festival and the work of the music group can be found on their website at http://www.glasgowbury.com There are also musical samples from some of the acts who will be appearing this year. Glasgowbury may have started at small but it has been massive from the beginning.

The festival is now held at Eagle’s Rock Valley, Draperstown NI. In 2009 the festival completely sold out. Tickets are still available for this year’s festival but they are going fast. Get yours here

2010 Line up

FIGHTING WITH WIRE
General Fiasco * LaFaro * Fight Like Apes * Adebisi Shank * Cashier No 9 * Duke Special * In Case Of Fire * Lowly Knights * Joe Echo * Rams’ Pocket Radio * Strait Laces * Axis Of * A Plastic Rose * mojoFURY * Not Squares * Building Pictures * Yes Cadets * Key Of Atlas * The Jane Bradfords * Paul Shevlin * The Riptide Movement * The Last Tycoons * Keith Harkin * Aaron Shanley * Pocket Billiards * Wonder Villains * Deep Fried Funk DJS * Furlo * More Than Conquerors * Colenso Parade * Swanee River * Henrietta Game * Chipzel * Gascan Ruckus * The Q * Captain Kennedy * Jackson Cage *John Edgar Voe * The Vals * Triggerman * Fingersmith * Silhouette * Panama Kings * Paul Casey * Stand Up Guy * Team Fresh * Little Hooks * Paddy Nash & The Happy Enchiladas * Futurechaser * Rupture Dogs * Junior Johnson * Here Comes The Landed Gentry * John, Shelly & The Creatures

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Post updated: Portland Highland Games added.

Colorado Irish Festival July 9-11 Littleton CO Musical guests include Natalie MacMaster, McPeake, Ennis, Pogey, The Elders, Seven Nations, & Colcannon http://www.coloradoirishfestival.org/

Irish American Heritage Festival July 10-12 Irish American Heritage Center Chicago IL Musical guests include The Elders, Eileen Ivers & Immigrant Soul, The Tossers, Scythian, The Makem & Spain Brothers, The Prodigals, The Kreellers, The Mickey Finns, Kevin Flynn and the Avondale Ramblers, The Larkin and Moran Brothers, The Sandcarvers, Kennedy’s Kitchen, Switchback, The Dooley Brothers, Dyed in the Wool, Finbarr Fagan’s Band and many, many more. http://irishfestchicago.com/

17th Annual Glasgow Lands Scottish Festival Saturday, July 17, 2010 9:00 am to 9:30 pm Look Park, 300 North Main St, Florence (Northampton), MA Musical guests include Enter the Haggis, Clandestine, Boston Blackthorne & Charlie Zahm http://www.glasgowlands.org/

The 11th Annual Adams County Irish Festival Saturday, July 17, 2010
10:00am – 7:30pm Gettysburg, PA Musical guests include Barleyjuice, Irishtown Road, Makem & Spain Brothers, Rigadoo, Raining Hearts, Kilshanny & more http://www.adamscountyirishfestival.com

Portland Highland Games 2010 July 17 Mt Hood Community College, Gresham, OR Molly’s Revenge and local artists Rebecca Lomnicky and Beltaine will be among the performers. Thanks to SláinteSteve for letting me know about this one. He will be at this festival wearing his new kilt for the first time! http://www.phga.org/

Cleveland Irish Cultural Festival July 23-25 At the Fairgrounds Musical guests include The Kreellers, The New Barleycorn, Susan McCann, The Screaming Orphans, Cherish The Ladies, Seven Nations, Eileen Ivers & Immigrant Soul, Homeland, Scythian, John McDermott, Maura O’Connell and many more. http://www.clevelandirish.org/

Great American Irish Festival July 23-25 Herkimer Ct Fairgrounds Frankfort, NY Musical guests include Enter the Haggis, The Elders, Eileen Ivers and Immigrant Soul, Derek Warfield and the Young Wolfetones, Glengarry Bhoys, The Prodigals, The Mahones, Hair of the Dog, The Killdares, McPeake, The Blarney Rebel Band and many more http://www.gaif.us/

Virginia Highlands Festival July 24 – August 8 (Celtic Weekend Aug 1 & 2) Abingdon VA Musical guests for Celtic Weekend Enter the Haggis, Uncle Hamish and The Hooligans. Tinsmith, Rathkeltair, Coyote Run,The Appalachian Highlanders Pipes & Drums and morehttp://www.vahighlandsfestival.org/

Dayton Celtic Festival July 30 -August 1 RiverScape MetroPark in downtown Dayton Dayton OH Musical guests include Gaelic Storm, Teada, The Elders, Scythian, The Rovers, Dulahan, Homeland, Knot Fibb’n, The Roving Rogues, 9 Castle Close, Fannigan’s Isle, Changeling and many more. http://www.unitedirishofdayton.org/Festival/

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Irish Fair & Music Festival June 19-20 Irvine Meadows Next to the VerizonWireless Amphitheater in Irvine, CA Musical Guests include The Young Dubliners, The Fenians, Sligo Rags, 1916 and many more. Also a sheep herding demo, High Kings banquet and other activities http://www.irishfair.org

Celtic Fling & Highland Games June 25-27 on the Grounds of Mount Hope Estate & Winery and the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire, Manheim Township, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania Musical guests include Enter the Haggis, the Young Dubliners(Friday night only), Scythian, Barleyjuice, Brother, Icewagon Flu, Rathkeltair, The Rovers, Solas, SloanWolfe, The Town Pants and more. Please check their website at: http://www.parenfaire.com/celticmain.html

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Despite the frigid weather here in Chicago last weekend, Millennium Park and the Pritzker Pavilion were set afire and energized  by The ROGUES, a combination CeltRock, folk, classical band performing a mishmash of high energy, soulful wail, classic and rousing traditional music, switching between each without missing a beat. They took to the stage enthused. Kilted, booted and marching to the pounding of drums and wail of bagpipes, their unique sound filling the venue and surrounding audience with anticipation of the performance to come.  They did not disappoint.

 They drummed, they piped, they fiddled, they strummed and for a few fun numbers even hauled out the old accordion. You know you’re in for a good time when the bands lead singer wears a kilt and totes an accordion. And, I don’t mean one of those wee squeeze boxes. This was a full fledged, mother of pearl, straps across the back, 50’s instrument. Gotta make you smile!! For the entire time they were on stage there was a sense of excitement and humor in everything they did and said. There were times I could swear I saw Nelson Stewart channeling Elvis; lip quiver, hip swivel and all. Nelson mugged and grinned for a lovely smiling woman at the corner of the stage taking pictures who he later introduced as his wife. Said she was an American and he stole her away and took her back to Canada as payback for NAFTA. Somehow it all works.

Experiencing this group live is something not to be missed if they tour in your area. The individuals make this band what it is both with their exceptional musical abilities and their charming anything for a laugh persona.  For me personally the highlight of the evening occurred when the entire band took to the aisles, marching up and down between the audience playing Scotland The Brave to cheers and applause loud enough to compete with the bagpipes and drums. I loved this moment! I loved this show!

Look for The ROGUES version of the traditional tune Bonny Portmore, on their album Roguetrip, to be featured in the movie “The Irishman” being released Summer, 2010. The film, starring Christopher Walken, Val Kilmer and Vinnie Jones is the true story of Danny Greene, an Irishman who fought the Italian mafia in the 1970’s.

The ROGUES have been making music together since 1994, performing at festivals, theaters, highland games, clubs and pubs throughout America and Canada.  They are:

Nelson Stewart:  Lead vocals, piano, electric/acoustic guitars, accordion, mandolin, bass guitar, bodhran, tenor drums, doumbek, djembe.

Randy Wothke:  Bodhran, Scottish snare drum, doumbek, djembe and other percussion, keyboards, vocals.

Lyric Todkill: Vocals, highland bagpipes, whistles, electric/acoustic guitars, piano, bass guitar.

Corey Walden: Electric/acoustic fiddles, vocals.

Jimmy Mitchell: Highland bagpipes, Scottish smallpipes.

Doug MacRae: Highland bagpipes.

Michael Kenney: Highland bagpipes.

Tyson Kipfer: Bass guitar.

Visit their website: http://www.therogues.com

 Listen to samples of their music at: http://www.myspace.com/houstonrogues

The Rogues’ CDs

The Rogues’ DVD

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Celtic County Faire is a benefit festival which raises money for Southern Starrs. This organization does equine therapy for special needs children and adults. As the owner of two wonderful horses I can tell you that a relationship with one of these wonderful animals can do wonders for anyone. This year, with the terrible storms in this area of Tennessee, a festival like this is just what the doctor ordered to lift everyone’s spirits and it will help support the work of a wonderful organization. For more info please check out their website http://www.southernstarrs.org/

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This 2-day festival was held on May 1st and 2nd as a community fundraiser for White Rock Lake Park, a well-known area in Dallas, Texas. The location on the banks of White Rock Lake was all one could hope for… a great place to watch musical groups, people, children, and animals. While the weather was “iffy” for an outdoor gathering the first day, rain stayed away. I love when that happens!

This event was held to raise the funds to maintain this lovely park. For more info or to contribute please check out their website at: whiterocklakefoundation.org.

My primary reason for visiting the festival was to hear Seamus Stout, a Dallas/Ft Worth, Texas-based Celtic group known for its lively music. The group gave a fantastic performance in an outdoor setting. I can imagine they really have the audience involved when they play in a pub! The musicians were exciting to watch individually as well as together. I had hoped that the tin whistle player also played pipes, and I was not disappointed!

Seamus Stout has been together for several years and they have four CDs available at cdbaby. Their sound is sure to please those who like Celtic music. For a complete list of their albums and more information about the individual musicians, please visit their MySpace page: www.myspace.com/seamusstout. There you will find “four of the most handsome men in all the land”.

Seamus Stout also performs at Trinity Hall Irish Pub, a favorite spot in Dallas (and Trinity Hall’s new pub in Allen, TX) to enjoy music, sports, and especially food and drink. Trinity Hall provided food at the festival and had quite a busy day! To see a schedule of all music groups and other activities visit the Trinity Hall site: www.trinityhall.tv/.

Seamus Stout’s cds are available at cdbaby.

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Phoenixville Celtic Street Fair May 8, 2010 10 AM – 6 PM 200 block of Bridge Street between Main & Gay Phoenixville, PA Free Guests: Bogside Rogues, Na Bodach, Oliver McElhone, Charlie Zahm, Pride of Erin Dancers, New York Celtic Dancers, Irish Thunder Pipes and Drums Both Scottish and Irish Vendors.

Celtic Fest Chicago http://www.celticfestchicago.us May 8 – 9 Millennium Park, Chicago IL Free The Saw Doctors* appear May 8 Also appearing – The Rogues, The Elders, Shannon Rovers, Baal Tinne, Bodega, Maiden IV, The Larkin and Moran Brothers and several more bands including many acts from Nova Scotia. Also a limerick contest, a best legs in a kilt contest, bagpiping, dancing exhibitions and many activities for kids. Best of all the event is free. There is no reason to miss this one. It’s a great way to spend Mother’s Day.

50th Anniversary Scottish Games at Fair Hill MD May 15 8 AM – 6 PM Guests: Seven Nations, Brother, RathKeltair, Searson, Dancing, Piping, Drumming, Scottish Fiddling http://fairhillscottishgames.org/

Gaelic Park Irish Festival http://www.chicagogaelicpark.org/Irish_Fest May 28-30 Oak Forest IL Entertainers include Gaelic Storm, The Kreellers, The Fenians, Frank McCaffrey, Infinity, Makem & Spain Brothers,The Sandcarvers, Screaming Orphans, Scythian, 7th Heaven, Slide and many other Irish acts. They have also booked American English a great Beatles Tribute Band. There will be many notable pipers and drummers along with the Irish Music School of Chicago

Shawnee Celtic Festival May 29 & 30 Shawnee Mountain Ski Area – I-80 Exit 309, Hollow Road, Shawnee on Delaware, PA http://www.shawneemt.com/s_celticfestival.html Entertainers will include Seven Nations, Burning Bridget Cleary, Seamus Kennedy, The Barley Boys,The Irish Lads, Timlin & Kane, Pete Tawny Trio along with pipers and drummers and dancers galore. They will also have many kids activities such as magic shows, juggling acts, a Celtic Farm Animal Petting Zoo and face painting

For more festivals check our Festival Page  here.

*For those of us who are avid fans of the Saw Doctors but can’t make it to Chicago or one of their other shows here is a video of the show they did in Sydney on St Patrick’s Day http://www.moshcam.com/the-saw-doctors/metro-theatre-787.aspx Enjoy the show!

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