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

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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This year’s Festival is sure to be one of the best with the line up of talent they have on deck. The festival kicks off on Friday, March 12th in the pub at 11:30 AM and in the Festival tent at 7PM. There is a $5 cover in both locations after 7 PM. The entertainment in the pub that evening includes Grafton Street, Cul An Ti and Chancers. In the festival tent you can see The Maher Dancers, Tom May, Kells Pipers, St James’ Gate and Amadan.

On Saturday, March 13th both the pub and the festival tent are also busy. The pub opens at 7 AM and goes until 2 AM. The tent comes to life at 11:30 and goes till 12 AM. There is a $10 charge after 6 PM. In the pub you can see Chancers starting at 6:30 PM. Grafton Street, Amadan and St James’ Gate also play the pub that night. In the tent you can see The Murray Dancers starting at noon. Also appearing on Saturday are Tom May, Kells Pipers, Peter Yeats, Yeates Dancers, Cul An Ti, Thin Lizzie Dedication, Maher Dancers, Slate and Standard and U2 77.

On Sunday, March 14th, the pub hours are 7 AM – 2 AM and the tent will be open 8:30 AM – 6 PM. The evening in the pub kicks off with Irish Sessions starting at 6 PM. Chancers and Grafton Street perform later in the evening. In the tent things kick off at 10 AM with the Kells Pipers. Also performing on Sunday are Slate and Standard, Maher Dancers, St James’ Gate and Grafton Street.

On the weekend kid and family events are free all day. Minors are welcome in the restaurant and festival tent are until 5 PM

On Monday, March 15th events will be confined to the pub in preparation for the big Charity event in the tent the following day. The pub will be open 11:30 AM – 2 AM. Grafton Street will perform at 9 PM followed by Amadan.

Tuesday, March 16th marks the day of the Special Benefit Concert for Mercy Corps. Tickets are $16 in advance or $20 at the door. Advance tickets for this event only may be purchased through Kells website at: http://www.kellsirish.com/portland/festivalmusic.html All proceeds go to aid Haiti. The tent opens at 6 PM. Curtis Salgado will be performing at 7:30 followed at 9:30 by the Crazy Bs. The pub will be opened 7 AM to 2 AM. St James’ Gate will appear at 11:PM.

On St Paddy’s Day itself the events are non stop. The pub hours will be 7AM – 2 AM. The entertainment begins at 12:30 PM with Cul Ti An and continues all day with Tom May, Chancers, St James’ Gate, Grafton Street with Irish Sessions beginning at 10:30 PM. In the tent the festivities start at 10AM and run till 12 AM. Performers include The Maher Dancers, Kells Pipers, Grafton Street, Yeates Dancers, St James’ Gate, Imelda May, The Murray Dancers, The Portland Police Band (so be on your best behavior my Portland pals – you know who you are ) U2 77, Tualitan Valley FR Pipers and Thin Lizzie Dedication. I can’t think of a better way to spend St Paddy’s Day. Admission is $20 before and $25 after 4PM and includes a festival t-shirt. More information can be found at the festival page of the Kells website http://www.kellsirish.com/portland/festivalmusic.html

Kells pulls an excellent pint and can even be persuaded to make you a Nutty Irishman in a pinch. I couldn’t recommend them more highly.

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skOt Cranmore is his name. He arrived here in Portland, OR in 1997, and being a musician himself, played here for a while, and then eventually his focus was directed more toward the business aspect of music. He married and started a Family. After some thought of what and how he may proceed, it became clear that his Irish roots were coming to the forefront and ultimately, he had a vision; he wanted, somehow, to promote Celtic music and culture. How to do that? He thought. In the beginning he thought he might do a broadcast/podcast with any genre of music, but after some thought he decided it best to go all Celtic. A month after he started his company, the broadcast was born.

Here we are in early 2010 and both the website and the broadcast are still going strong. So much so that listenership for the live broadcast (each Saturday at 2pm Pacific) is now hovering around 10,000 persons globally, and hits on the website www.sixtysevenmusic.com average near as many, with more and more listeners checking in. Getting the podcast from iTunes certainly helped. Not a small feat for a one-man startup. In fact, there are talks in the works with interested parties for taking the show to other “traditional” radio markets nationally.

If you haven’t yet tuned in, skOt’s approach to his broadcast is lean, cohesive and best of all, a well-rounded mix and features Celtic music from artists both locally and from around the globe. skOt estimates that he has made contacts with up to 500 artists from all over the world.

Not to be overlooked, the main website itself is growing, and with the addition of a new staffer, (yours truly), an events calendar has been added and even more staff are to be coming aboard soon, offering cd and show reviews. Efforts to expand our base and web presence are also in the works, all for preserving and promoting Celtic music and culture in our area and abroad.

We invite you to visit our website, and listen to the 67 Music Celtic Broadcast and see for yourself.

-SlainteSteve

Links:
info@sixtysevenmusic.com
events@sixtysevenmusic.com

67 Music on MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/sixtysevenmusic
On Twitter: http://twitter.com/67music
On Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/67music
On YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/sixtysevenmusic

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Fanrealm's temporarily headless marketing maven with Marc Gunn's CD

On a recent trip to Portland, OR the intrepid Fanrealm staff was invited to take a tour of CDBaby, the center of the Universe in the Indie Music world. From the minute we walked in the door we were impressed with the atmosphere.  That same fun feeling that goes into their famous emails was in the air. It was clear that the people who work at CDBaby love their jobs. They are all enthusiastic about music.  This may be because so many of the employees are also musicians and have their own CD’s for sale at CDBaby.

During the course of the tour, the whole process of what happens to a CD when it arrives till it is placed on sale at the CDBaby website was explained.  When a CD arrives the first stop is the digitizing dept. Here the digital copies of the songs are created.  These are used as samples so the customer can hear a bit of the CD before purchasing it. Also, if the artist wishes to sell mp3 versions of his songs the files are created here. One copy of the CD is kept in this department to serve as a master copy.  Next the info is sent to the web wizards so they can put all the info about the artist and the samples onto the CD’s page at the CDBaby website so we can purchase it.

The CD is then added to the collection where it can be “gently taken

This is where the CD's are gently removed from shelves to fill an order

from our CDBaby shelves with sterilized contamination-free gloves and placed onto a satin pillow” and delivered to you when you order it.  As anyone who has ordered from CDBaby knows, the shipment notice emails are hysterically funny and one of the best things about ordering from CDBaby.  Another great thing is the fact that CDBaby really supports the artist and wants each one of their artists to succeed. To that end they have entered into a corporate partnership with iTunes and give their artists the option of selling through that venue as well. CDBaby helps the independent artist level the playing field in terms of getting the artist’s CD’s into the hands of customers. They can offer the artist more exposure than most artists can afford on their own. It is a win-win situation both for artists and for music lovers looking for something other than the often over produced and carefully handled music the major labels are turning out. I know I, personally, prefer music the way the creator of it intended over the decisions made by some focus group.

More CD's ready for new homes

CDBaby had CD’s from 300,000 to 500,000 artists in stock and that number is steadily growing.  Because they stock so many artists they can only ask for a small number of CD’s from each artist until they know how well the CD is going to sell. In order to know that, they need to understand the demand for each of the CD’s from each of the artists.  If your favorite artist is out of stock be sure to contact CDBaby via their website and let them know that you want to order the CD but it is out of stock. Just click the contact us link in the footer at their website.  This will take you to a page where there are several contact options including homing pigeon but that one might take a while.  As demand picks up, CDBaby will ask for more CD’s at a time from the artist and be out of stock less often which will make everyone happy.

If you want to support independent artists and get some great music in the process, be sure and go to the CDBaby website http://www.cdbaby.com and jump right in.  It’s likely you will find several must have CD’s, and if you order several at once, CDBaby will erect a statue in your likeness as you will find out when you get the email from them.

If you are an artist and would like to get your CD onto CDBaby you can get more info about the process at http://www.cdbaby.net

We toured the main facility. There are also two satellite warehouses in which more CDs are stored. We found the people at CDBaby to be both dedicated to the artists and a lot of fun to be with.  I know I will continue to support Indie artists and CDBaby.  If you have never been to their website it’s a great time to go.  Music makes a great Christmas gift.  I’m sure you will be able to find something for everyone on your list in their inventory.  They are also a great source of Christmas music to get you into the mood.  When I went to the site today I was happy to see Paul Byrom’s I’ll Be Home for Christmas CD on the front page. This is one I highly recommend.

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CD available in Kells Irish Restaurant & Pub and also at their online store

OK, I confess, I’m a huge fan of traditional Irish music, both vocal and instrumental. Bagpipes, bodhran, whistle, fiddle, acoustic guitar, harmonica; they all set my toes to tapping. From The Heart contains all of these instruments as well as a group of great musicians and very talented singers mixing them together, playing them solo and singing along to the music they make.

It is, therefore, understandable that I am unabashedly in love with this CD and have been since listening to it for the first time. I do have some personal favorites in the lot but my choices may not be yours and to be honest, all are great entertainment, well done, and more than worth the cost of the CD.

7 Nations begins the recording with a snappy traditional bagpipe instrumental combining three different tunes, “Colonel Fraser/The Big Parcel/Elzik’s Farewell,” and sets the tone for the songs that follow. 7 Nations also end the compilation with “Scream,” a completely different, more contemporary style of bagpipe and vocals number. They are definitely opposites but both excellent choices for inclusion in the album.

I am especially fond of “Nova Scotia.”Can’t tell you why, it’s just a rousing fun tune that makes me smile and sing along. Mentally, I find myself hoisting a pint in my local pub and adding my own hoots and shouts to those of the singers whenever I hear it.

“Spanish Lady” on the other hand has never been a particular favorite of mine but I must tell you that this version and Peter Yeates on the acoustic guitar, makes me want to listen over and over again.

For pure silliness, give Ken Larson & Peter Yeates doing “I Wish They’d Do It Now” a listen and be prepared to laugh along. And, if you like the pounding of the bodhran, you will be replaying this cut whenever the album plays.

The live Kells jam session recording of “Johnny Jump Up,” gives Gaelic Storm’s version from the movie, Titanic, a run for its money (sorry GS fans). Anyone who doesn’t want to get up and dance to this rendition just isn’t listening.

In the short time I’ve had this album, it has become a favorite and I listen all the time. For me it’s pure enjoyment and some serious Celtic sound. If you’re a fan of Celtic music, I would highly recommend the addition of this album to your collection. Both the music and the donation made to Providence Child Center will make you feel good inside.

dianes

Song List:
7 Nations – Colonel Fraser/The Big Parcel/Elzik’s Farwell
Peter Yeates & Ken Larson – Spanish Lady
Cu Lan Ti – Miss Monahan’s Reel/The Congress Reel
The Makem Brothers – 23rd of June
Tom May – Rocky Western Bays
Cronin & The Foggy Dudes – Gap of Dunloe
Ken Larson & Peter Yeates – I Wish They’d Do It Now
McAleese & Douglis – Nova Scotia
James McNally – Fairytale of New York
Kells live jam session – Johnny Jump Up
7 Nations – Scream

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This is a great pub located at 6000 NE Glisan in Portland. One of our group, who had recently returned from Ireland, said she felt like she was back there when walking into Biddy’s. There is a lot of atmosphere. We were there in the early afternoon so it was not hopping yet. It worked out well for us because we had the handsome bartender, Sean, all to ourselves. He was very friendly and allowed us to wander around all we wanted taking pictures. He even explained the difference between lager and stout to me but after a Guinness or two, I seem to have forgotten what he said. Guess I need to go back for a refresher course as soon as I can. Next time we will hit it when the live music is playing which happens pretty much every evening except Tuesday which is Trivia night. Biddy’s is not to be missed next time you are in Portland or for your next pub crawl for residents. The food is great and they make you feel at home right away. This is everyone’s fantasy neighborhood pub.

Looking into the history of the name Biddy McGraw I came across a song of the same name. I can’t swear the two have anything to do with one another but I am betting there is some sort of loose connection. I found a few versions of the song, one was attributed to songwriter Matt McGinn. Be sure to check out his version also but here is the other version I found.

Biddy McGraw

Oh, let me tell you of a story that will give you a shock,
A story ’bout a murder on St. John’s Dock;
The person in question was Biddy McGraw,
And she strangled two sailors with the straps of her bra.

Too rah hoo rah hah, fiddle dee da ra,
Too rah too rah too rah hah.

Well, they tried to dope her with foreign liquor,
But even then they couldn’t lick her;
She remembered she was told by her ma and her da,
To keep both hands on the straps of yer bra.

Too rah hoo rah hah, fiddle dee da ra,
Too rah too rah too rah hah.

So she wrapped those straps around the big fellers head,
And she threw him in the river like a crust of bread;
Then the small feller laughed and he said, “Hee Haw”,
So she stuffed his gob with the rest of her bra.

His face turned purple and before he fell,
She picked up her miniskirt and ran like hell.

Too rah hoo rah hah, fiddle dee da ra,
Too rah too rah too rah hah.

She went home that night ’bout a quarter to one,
Happy and contented with a job well done;
She told her story to her ma and her da,
They said, “T’anks be to God you were wearin’ yer bra!”

Too rah hoo rah hah, fiddle dee da ra,
Too rah too rah too rah hah.

Now all you ladies who go walking late at night,
Don’t keep the straps of yer bra too tight;
Just remember the story of Biddy McGraw,
And keep both yer hands on the straps of yer bra.

Too rah hoo rah hah, fiddle dee da ra,
Too rah too rah too rah hah.

Be sure to stop by Biddy’s and lift a pint or two. Tell Sean the biddies from Fanrealm sent you. The phone number is (503) 233-1178 and the website is biddymcgraws.com

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Two million others immigrated to other areas to avoid the same fate. The majority of those emigrating came to America and traveled west on the Oregon Trail to Portland or sailed around the Horn, living the rest of their lives in Oregon. The Irish made up almost ten percent of Portland’s population between 1850 and 1880. This monument also serves to commemorate those pioneers.

In 1997, a local Dublin-born engineer David O’Longaigh dreamed of a memorial which would promote awareness and understanding of the Irish Potato Famine while recognizing those who came west on the Oregon Trail. O’Longaigh’s dream was to build a full-scale replica of the ninth-century Cross of the Scriptures which is located in Ireland.  An Irish stone sculptor Brendan McGloin, Donegal Town, Ireland, hand carved the replica using only hand tools in a centuries-old tradition.

The beautiful reproduction of the Cross of the Scriptures is 13-ft. tall and stands in Mt. Calvary Catholic Cemetery at West Burnside and Skyline. It was dedicated on December 13, 2008, by Mary McAleese, President of Ireland.

For more in-depth information about the Memorial, visit these sites:

www.kellsirish.com/portland/famine.php

www.oregonirish.org/history.html

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Friday nights’ entertainment, Grafton Street, is a trio of incredibly talented musicians, singing and playing traditional Irish songs. The bar area was packed and noisy as you would expect, but not so loud as to drowned out the music. Guests were dancing and clapping and all appeared to be having a grand time, as was the band.

All in all, Kells lives up to its reputation for being the destination when in the Portland area. I would highly recommend stopping by Kells for a pint, some pub grub, a wee meal, outstanding entertainment and most assuredly a hearty helping of Irish hospitality. All are available and waiting for you at Kells-Portland.

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