NTIF as seen through other eyes, pages 15-17, 20-22

CeiliA Publication of the Southwest Celtic Music Association Initial Trad Camp successful Week with master fiddler By Peggy Fleming Special to the Ceili When those of us of a certain age first struggled to learn how to play Irish some 30 years ago (here in the cultural hinterlands of Texas), we had very little to lean upon. Aside from straining for any style, we could scrounge from recordings (LPs in those days) and the occasional post-concert pointers when we would corner Kevin Burke or Liz Carroll and demand, “How do you get that distinctive sound?” We would puzzle over diagrams on notations about the intricacies of long rolls and triplets in the prefaces of O’Neil’s and Tony DeMarco’s manual and cadge a place next to great fiddlers at the occasional festival session to glean a glimpse of bowing styles. We envied our New York, See TRAD CAMP, pg. 32 July-August, 2013 Vol. 32, No. 4 In this issue NTIF 2014 headliners named...... 2 SCMA President’s Letter...... 3 Toss the Feathers...... 4 Music and Chat...... 6 Keltic Dead Music...... 7 Jed Marum interview...... 8 Editor’s column...... 10-11 CD reviews...... 12-13 O’Flaherty Retreat preview...... 14 ‘For What It’s Wirth’....18-19 Celtic Calendar...... 23-26 On the Dance Floor...... 27-28 Scottish Fest wrapup...... 31 Minden Scottish Fest...... 34 SCMA photo by Phil Wirth A dog’s day out...... 35 Under a shady tree, on a gorgeous afternoon, Alan Justice practices a tune on his NTIF volunteer picnic...... 36 fiddle during the first Trad Camp, held this past April in Richardson.

 Céilí September-October 2011 1  2014 NTIF headliners announced By Chuck Bloom Ceili editor Much like a child who simply can’t wait to unwrap presents on Christmas morning, the folks at the sponsoring Southwest Celtic Music Association (SCMA) couldn’t keep the “secret” for long – announcing the headliners for the 2014 North Texas Irish Festival (NTIF). And the lineup will be one of the strongest, in terms of star power, in several years for NTIF. Leading the pack is the husband-and-wife fiddlers extraordi- naire Natalie MacMaster and Donnell Leahy (from Cape Breton, Canada) – hoping to finally deliver the special performances originally set for 2012 (until unknown last-second immigra- tion problems prevented Leahy from crossing the U.S.-Canada border). Not only will they perform their vaunted “Two , Two Pianos” sets, but MacMaster will be showcased with her own SCMA photo by Perry Smith band for that weekend (Feb. 28, March 1-2 at Dallas’ Fair Park). Canadian master fiddler Natalie MacMaster returns to perform with “We’re doubling the pleasure from two of the world’s most spouse Donnell Leahy in a special show, “Two Fiddles, Two Pianos.” renowned Celtic music performers,” said Sheri Bush, SCMA last December and a show at the Kessler Theatre in North Oak president. “In fact, this lineup covers almost the entire spectrum Cliff in April. Three other groups – Dervish, the Makem and Spain Brothers and The Town Pants (from Vancouver) – have delighted previous NTIF crowds, Scotland’s best musical ambassador, Ed Miller, will bring a myriad of songs and stories from his homeland and two NTIF “newbies” will be spotlighted – the Nuala Kennedy Trio and We 3+1. “Our 32nd annual festival is going to be one for the ages, sim- ply based on this headline lineup, but there will more announce- ments in the coming weeks about our regional groups, the 2014 theme and other special attractions,” Bush added. “Support from the public, by their attendance over the past 5-6 years, has helped us steer the festival in the correct direction.” Natalie MacMaster, who played at the Eisemann Center in SCMA photo by Phil Wirth Richardson this past January in a classical performance, captures Solas, shown in concert from December’s special Christmas event, will the Celtic sounds from her hometown (Cape Breton). be among the headliners for the 2014 North Texas Irish Festival. “I was born in Cape Breton,” she said. “Fiddling is in my blood; it’s part of who I am and that’s not going to change. You of Celtic music and should provide every visitor to NTIF with a can take the girl out of Cape Breton, but you can never take the great time and great memories.” Cape Bretoner out of the girl.” Joining MacMaster and Leahy will be legendary quintet Solas, She performs around 100 shows a year, as she enters her third fresh off two rousing DFW appearances for the Christmas concert decade of fiddling, having first hit the stage at the age of 9. Her 11th, and latest, album is “Cape Breton Girl,” for the two- time Grammy nominee (and one win) and Juno Award winner. In addition to her solo efforts, she has also recorded with Yo- Yo Ma, , banjo prodigy Béla Fleck, dobro specialist Jerry Douglas, singer Hayley Westenra, former Doobie Brother lead singer Michael McDonald and, most recently, Thomas Dolby’s new album “Map Of The Floating City,” plus many of her fellow fiddlers, such as bluegrass queen Alison Krauss. She and Donnell Leahy, married in 2002 welcomed a son, Alec, in August, 2012 (their fifth child). However, they’ve never recorded an album together, but plans are to do so in the future. Leahy, the oldest son in one of Canada’s premier family groups, is the featured fiddler when The Leahy Family performs. He attended the University of Guelph, playing on the school’s soccer squad. 2014 headliners Nuala Kennedy (left) and Ed Miller (right). See HEADLINERS, pg. 29

= page 2 2 September-October July-August 2011 2013 Céilí Ceili  = Southwest Celtic Music Association From the Send All Mail to: 7324 Gaston Avenue, Suite 124-382, Dallas TX 75214 president’s Offices: 2528 Elm Street, Suite B, Dallas TX 75226-1472 (972) 943-4616 desk SCMA: www.scmatx.org NTIF: www.ntif.org By Sheri Bush Board of Trustees SCMA President Officers hose of you who have read this letter every couple of President: Sheri Bush [email protected] months over the last five years have, no doubt, real- Vice-President: John Hebley ized that I usually do some amount of recycling with Secretary: Lybo Buchanan [email protected] theseT letters. I use them for continuity and to keep myself from Treasurer: Floyd Harris forgetting things I would certainly let slip through the holes in the sieve that seems to masquerade as my brain. I do, however, Trustee Board: Hazel Greene Sandi Hebley have something new to put out there this month. Jeanne Eishen Stefan Eishen I need some help from all of you, as well as the answer to a James Stinson Steve Monroe question. Over the last 10 years, we’ve hosted quite a few area Barry Knight Katie Gibbs concerts, in various places and at different times of the year. Kenny Burleson A few of them have been well-attended, but honestly, most of Assoc. Trustees: Betsy Cummings, Connie Ener, Lee Kelton them were not. Membership: Lybo Buchanan And it isn’t just us – other venues have attempted to show- case wonderful Celtic entertainment, and the attendance has Céilí Staff been lacking as well. The question is … why? What is it that we are, or are not, doing causing the lack of interest in attend- Editor-in-Chief: Chuck Bloom ing these concerts? Location? Ticket prices? The talent? [email protected] We recently had to pass on the opportunity to bring in an Calendar Reporter: Chuck Bloom excellent new Scottish band because we couldn’t afford to lose [email protected] money on another event. This makes our area much poorer in Advertising Manager: Lybo Buchanan terms of what we could be offering to you and others. [email protected] I don’t want the North Texas Irish Festival to to be a stand- Dance Reporter: Susan Harrison alone event each year; I’d much prefer it be the event creating Asst. Editors: Lybo Buchanan, Hazel Greene the ability for us to do other music events throughout the year. So I’m now in the process of creating a committee to help Ceili newsletter is the bi-monthly publication of the South- figure out what we need to do about this … and here’s where I west Celtic Music Association, 501(c)3 not-for-profit Texas need your help. corporation, dedicated to the study, promotion, preserva- Please e-mail me with thoughts, suggestions and ideas you tion and performance of traditional Celtic music, dance and might have to address this problem. I’d appreciate it if you culture in the Southwest. All correspondence should be sent could present your thoughts as positively and politely as pos- to the Gaston Avenue address above. All contributions are sible; don’t just yell at me! I thank you ahead of time for your participation. I don’t promise an answer to everyone, but will appreciated. try. You can reach me at [email protected]. Céilí Advertising Rates This brings me to something I DO write about every year, and all the changes we’ve experienced over the last few years Ad Sizes 1 Issue 3 Issues 6 Issues simply add another layer to the message. SCMA and NTIF Business Card $18 42 66 have been around for more than 30 years now, and many of the 1/4 Page $40 96 156 people involved in the beginning are still involved today. This 1/2 Page $60 144 228 speaks volumes to the loyalty our organizations engender, but Full Page $96 228 360 it also denotes to the aging undoubtedly taking effect in our 1/2 Back Cover $72 180 288 group. We need new faces, energy and ideas to step up and get ready to take the reins as this progression continues. Obviously, volunteering at the festival is fabulous and much needed; but we also need an active, involved membership in the SCMA. Deadline for Sept.- We need to identify leadership potential, and train replacements for different areas – both within the festival and the SCMA. If October, 2013 issue: the past year has taught me nothing else, it is that change is the Monday, July 29 only certainty, and change will happen when you least expect it … or are ready for it. We’ve got to hedge our bets a bit, and be See PRESIDENT'S LETTER, pg. 5

= Ceili Céilí September-OctoberJuly-August 2013 2011 page 3  3 = Toss The Feathers By Rilee McGee Roving Reporter Playing with the Stars! This should be listed under hob-nob- bing with TV stars: Nelson Stewart, leader of The American Rogues, and major Friend of the Feathers (FOF) was a TV star Kevin McKidd (“Grey’s Anatomy”) real proud Scotsman in posting the follow- joined the American Rogues and its lead- ing on Facebook: er, Nelson Stewart (right), for a special “The American Rogues are proud to announce they will be performing with Tartan Day celebration in New York City. Scottish actor Kevin McKidd this Satur- Very sad news from Houston day (April 6) at National Tartan Day in A late-night wrong-way crash in Hous- New York. You may know Mr. McKidd ton, involving alcohol, claimed the life of from (films like) “Trainspotting,” (and a well-known drummer from a popular TV shows) “Rome,” “Dog Soldiers” and recording activity! Celtic group, Tartanic. “Grey’s Anatomy.” Mr. McKidd learned In one of those six degrees of separation Max McDougall and his girlfriend, we would be performing in NYC and asked moments, one of their recordings, “Bonny Emily Preston, were killed at the scene if he could join us. He will be performing Portmore,” was part of the soundtrack for when a driver, going the wrong way on the some of our music with us, and we are the movie, “Kill The Irishman,” starring Sam Houston Parkway, crashed into their learning songs from his album, “Speyside Ray Stevenson and Christopher Walken. vehicle. Sessions,” (thespeysidesessions.com). Ironically, Stevenson was McKidd’s co- According to Houston police reports Wish you could all be there with us!” star in the HBO series, “Rome.” and the Houston The American Rogues took the stage --- Chronicle, Camile at Stouts! and McKidd joined them for a Big Blaggards news Ermine Stanley, rousing rendition of Pink Floyd’s “Wish If you caught the March 24 episode of 27, was charged You Were Here.” the CBS hit drama, “The Good Wife,” you with two counts By the way, the band (www.therogues. got to hear not one, but two songs from of intoxication us) is set to make some news of its own the Houston-based group, manslaughter in in terms of performance schedules and Blaggards. the incident. Police The tunes, said she was driv- “Drunken Sailor” and ing a gray Nissan McDougall “Big Strong Man,” Altima west in the eastbound lanes of the were played in the Sam Houston Parkway when she collided background of a bar head-on with an eastbound Ford Focus, scene. which flipped onto its side and burst into According to flames. its website, CBS The Focus was sent flying from the contacted the group impact across two lanes of traffic before about the song usage colliding with a Ford Fusion. McDougall just a week before, and Preston died at the scene. The driver and the details were of the Fusion was not hurt. finalized only a The wreck happened about 4:15 a.m. on couple hours prior Sunday, April 14. to air. McDougall had a natural passion for “Needless to drums ever from his childhood, but took say, we are over the a serious approach at 14. Within the Hou- It was a grand time at Stouts! in New York City when the Amer- moon,” the group ston area, he played for such diverse bands ican Rogues, led by Neslon Stewart (center), was joined by stated. as Violent Iris (alternative rock), Erase Scottish native-actor Kevin McKidd (“Rome,” “Trainspotting”). --- See FEATHERS, pg. 5

=  page 4 4 September-October July-August 20112013 Céilí Ceili  = Toss The Feathers Continued from page 4 the Virus (industrial), All the Above (punk), and Sever Syndrome Celebrating July birthdays will be: Jim Waters, 5th, David (emo). Sparks, 5th, Mark Miller, 5th, John Hebley, 6th, Ross Van Horn, Tartanic was a constant presence at such events as the Texas 7th, Sarah Dinan, 10th, Jodie Zoeller, 12th, Sarah and Elizabeth Renaissance Festival, near Houston, and Scarborough Faire near Morris, 13th, Julie Collins, 20th, Juli Williams, 20th, Carole Waxahachie, plus other like-minded festivals across the U.S. Perry, 23rd, Joseph Edward Morris, 26th, Barney Behan, 28th, TTF sends its condolences to the other Tartanic band members Carole Morris, 30th, Rhea Miller, 31st, Dudley-Brian Smith, 31st. (Micah Babinski, Sophia Balentine, Andrew Beck, David Dun- August birthdays: Gordon McLeod, 6th, Chuck Bloom, 11th, can, Geordie Hall, Irene Jaan, John E. Jaan, Jill Anne Jack, Alex Joe Morris, 11th, Denice Brown, 12th, Joy Fitch Brillante, 18th, Korolov, Scott MacLeod, Will Thayer, Adrian Walker and Mark Marney Cullen-Dixon, 20th, Ilea Cullen-Scott, 27th, Andy Van James Varelas) and their families for this sad loss. Horn, 28th, Christy McLeod, 31st, Rodger Harrison, 31st. --- Anniversaries: Hailey Sandoz, Paul Dryer and Mike Tidwell of newly-formed The following couples will be celebrating their wedding an- band Hailey’s Comets, debuted at the First Baptist Church of niversaries: Wylie Events Center on April 20, along with many other talented Katie (Glass) and Chad Holmes – 9th – July 10 musicians and bands as part of the annual Wylie Spring Fling. Catherine Sherer and Chuck Bishop – 8th – August 14 Sandoz and Reelin’ bandmate Joseph Carmichael have also Jim and Sue Stinson – 48th – August 21 performed as a duo in McKinney for its downtown Farmers Mar- --- ket, held on various Saturdays. To have events, achievements and milestones published in a --- future edition of Toss the Feathers, please e-mail to my assis- Upcoming Birthdays: tants ([email protected] or [email protected]). President’s Letter Continued from page 3 a little more ready. during my tenure and I really want to see We are proud to be supporters and Elections for the SCMA Board of that continue. The future of SCMA and sponsors of both. Check them out if Trustees will occur on Saturday, Sept. 28. one of the best Irish festivals in the coun- you’ve a mind to immerse yourself or your Nominations for the four (4) available try depends upon it. child in Irish music. seats open July 1 and will remain open un- On the horizon is the O’Flaherty’s We’ve got a long, hot summer on the til August 15. You can nominate yourself, Irish Music Retreat in October (the way. It wouldn’t be Texas if it was any or someone else may nominate you. Youth Camp has just finished at the end other way! Stay cool and visit your local Details concerning nominations appear of June). The Youth Camp is one of my pubs once in a while – for the friends, the elsewhere in this Ceili issue. favorite events – I love watching the faces music and the camaraderie. Those things Think about joining us; if not as trustee, of these kids as that tune finally plays out always make me feel a little cooler. then as a more-involved member. Lead- correctly for the first time! Both events are We’ll talk again in September, and by ership doesn’t reside only on the board, simply amazing in their scope and vision, then it will be time to start thinking about but we do need great trustees. I’ve been and the SCMA has such respect for their NTIF again. See? It’s always just around fortunate to have a terrific, involved group organizers. the corner. SCMA board of directors election Sept. 28 The Southwest Celtic Music Association will hold its annual Those wishing to submit nominations need to send all mate- election for four slots on its board of directions on Saturday, rial to co-chairman Lybo Buchanan at lybolynn@sbcglobal. Sept. 28. net. The meeting will take place at the The SCMA board meets monthly (on the SCMA corporate offices (2528 Elm Street, first Wednesday of each month). Meeting Suite B in Dallas) at 10 a.m. dates for the remainder of the 2012-13 busi- Nominating period is from July 1-Au- ness year are: gust 15, and is open to any SCMA member July 10 (postponed one week due to Inde- in current standing prior to the election. pendence Day holiday), August 7, Septem- Interested parties can nominate them- ber 4 and September 28. selves or be nominated by another SCMA Any SCMA member is invited to attend, member. although times, dates and location are all They must submit a brief bio, their intent subject to change. to run for a trustee position and contact Please contact the SCMA office if plan- information. ning to attend.

= Ceili Céilí July-AugustSeptember-October 2013 2011 page 5  5 = Ceol agus Craic (Music and Chat) Fiddler extraordinaire Linda Relph Born in Dundalk, , Tom Muckian started list- ening to Irish music on the radio from a very early age. He plays tin whistle and was formerly part of the band, Paddy Gone Wild. He currently plays with Strings and Pipes, a Rockwall-based quintet.

This month, we’re featuring the fiddler Linda Relph, well- known to Dallas-area lovers of Celtic music (she currently plays with the outstanding Celtic rock band, NeedFire). My first encounter with her was at the Dubliner Pub on Green- ville Avenue in Dallas. Her band was playing some time around St. Patrick’s Day. I remember begrudging the $2 cover charge, thinking I’d be listening to some old guys crooning to mandolins. I got it wrong; I entered with my wife, Ruth, and friends, Niall and Tonya. By the end of the night, we were soaked in sweat from head-to-foot. It’s not that we WANTED to keep dancing, we just couldn’t stop! Anyway, here’s Linda’s account of her connec- tion to Irish music and its impact on her life. --- I got interested in after living in Ireland for a year with my family; I was 15. I actually had my NTIF photo by Russell McGuire “sweet-16” birthday at our house in Howth, a very scenic area NeedFire fiddler Linda Relph performs during last March’s near Dublin (the address was 41 Thormanby Lawns, to be exact). North Texas Irish Festival at Dallas’ Fair Park. The first tune I remember obsessing over was from a Chieftains husband by way of an Irish festival! album (I believe it was “Mooncoin Jig”). I had only been playing I’ve had the chance to be part of quite a few bands, all of the fiddle for about 4-1/2 years, knew nothing about Irish music, which have centered on Irish music, and each of which have been never really heard a jig … and here I found myself in Ireland!! It influential. With the addition of social media, Irish music has in- was destined to be! troduced me to literally hundreds of people, some of whom I have After we went back home (to California) after almost a full not even met in person! year in Ireland, I just started learning tunes. I started with the Though I’ve never had the opportunity to be a “full-time” Robin Williamson book, “English, Welsh, Scottish and Irish musician, Irish music has allowed me to have a full-time creative Tunes.” I was then playing Texas-style contest fiddling, making emotional outlet. Without that, I think I would be much less well- for an interesting combination of styles. I kept playing contest adjusted (and some may find that a scary thought!). fiddling until about 1990, when I moved to Texas. Then I pretty One could say playing music helps keep me sane. Going to much began concentrating exclusively on Irish only. sessions allows me to be social; with the large Irish music com- Irish music has affected my life in many ways. I learned it munity here, I know I have somewhere where I fit – no matter with my family (since we’d all been in Ireland together) and we where I am in the world. It also lets me help keep the tradition continued to learn more, listen more and absorb more. alive. I started trying to play jigs in Texas-style fiddle contests, but I am 100 percent sure things that didn’t go over too well. Still, I continued to play it, and as I would be completely different had I did, it came out with some of the flavor of the contest tunes I had not had the chance to go to Ireland been playing. in 1979, simply because my love of We formed a band, one of the first “Irish” bands in my home- the Irish traditional music has been town of Chico, Calif., and helped start what became a thriving such a major influence in my life, Irish music community in that town. Today, there is a regular including the decisions I’ve made Friday session and many great young musicians have come out of since then. I’m very thankful to that scene. I’d like to think I had a hand in that. have had that chance. Maybe I’ll go I first moved to Texas after visiting back in the summer of write another jig … 1990; one of my first regular hangouts was the old Tipperary Inn. THE DRAWING: For this edi- I made many friends through that pub and its Irish sessions that tion, I asked Trinity Muckian (who used to happen there; many of those folks I’ve kept as friends to is 9-years old) to draw a girl play- this day. ing the violin. The thing that brought us together was Irish music; it has Dogs are Trinity’s favorite sub- provided me the opportunity to meet people from all over the ject. I think that’s reflected some- world, to maintain relationships through the music. I even met my what in this work.

=  page 6 6 September-October July-August 2011 2013 Céilí Ceili  = Keltic Dead Music By Patrick O. Young, KelticDead Foggy Dew The Irish collector, Edward Bunting, noted the melody for “Foggy Dew” probably came from J. McKnight, Esq. in Belfast in 1839, though some claim the melody came as early as 1825. Another Gaelic name for this tune is “Drucd an Ceo,” loosely translated as “misty in mist.” The tune was originally a love song, but it was an Irish Revo- lution in the Easter week of 1916 that placed this tune as a sig- nature song for the spirit of freedom of all Irishmen. “You May Kill the Revolutionary, but NOT the Revolution” During World War I, thousands upon thousands of Irishmen went off to the foreign wars for England, in which many died. ** The 16th century Irish term for those Irish who served in Eng- ´Twas England bade our Wild Geese go that small nations might be land’s wars was “Wild Geese.” But for these sacrifices, the pro- free. mises made by the English minority for these fallen Irish patriots But their lonely graves are by Suvla´s waves, on the fringe of the were not fulfilled. Finally, in 1916, the Irish had enough, and Grey North sea there was a rebellion in Dublin. But had they died by Pearse´s side, or had fought with Cathal The (Éirí Amach na Cásca) was staged in Ire- Brugha, land within the Easter Week in 1916 – an attempt by the militant Their names we would keep where the fenians sleep, ´neath the Irish republicans to win independence from Britain by force of shroud of the foggy dew. arms. It was the most significant uprising in Ireland since the ** rebellion of 1798. The Rising, largely organized by the Irish Re- But the bravest fell, and the requiem bell, rang mournfully and clear, for those who died that Eastertide in the springtime of the year. publican Brotherhood, lasted from Easter Monday, April 24 to And the world did gaze, in deep amaze, at those fearless men, but Sunday, April 30, 1916. true Members of the Irish Volunteers, led by school teacher- who bore the fight that freedom´s light might shine through the barrister , joined up with the smaller Irish Citizen foggy dew Army of . They seized locations in Dublin where ** they proclaimed an Irish Republic independent of Britain. Ah, back through the glen I rode again and my heart with grief was The Rising was suppressed after six days of fighting and its sore leaders court-martialed and executed. Despite its military failure, For I parted then with valiant men whom I never shall se more the Easter Rising can be judged as a significant stepping-stone but to and fro in my dreams I go, and I´d kneel and pray for you, in the eventual creation of the Irish Republic (Poblacht na for slavery fled, O glorious dead, when you fell in the foggy dew. hÉireann or Saorstát Éireann), unilaterally declared in that final Author’s note: The term “Angelus bell” derives its name rebellion in 1916 as the independent state of Ireland and finally from the opening Latin words, “Angelus Domini nuntiavit officially established in 1919. Mariæ.” Three texts describe the mystery, recited as a versicle* The Poem of Rebellion and Lyrics with a response alternately made with the salutation “Hail, ´Twas down the glen one Eastern morn, to a city fair rode I Mary!” This devotion is frequently recited in the Roman When Ireland´s lines of marching men in squadrons passed me by. Catholic, Anglo-Catholic and, in some, Lutheran churches three No pipes did hum, no battle drum did sound its loud tattoo. times daily, traditionally around 6 a.m., noon and 6 p.m. But the Angelus bell o´er the Liffey´s swell, rang out in the foggy dew The versicle is accompanied by the ringing of the Angelus ** bell. This tradition is still performed in some English country Right proudly high over Dublin town, they hung out a flag of war. churches, and has often been mistaken for, and alleged to be, a ‘Twas better to die ´neath an Irish sky than at Suvla or Sud El Bar; And from the plains of Royal Meath, strong men came hurrying survival of a curfew bell. through, (* A versicle is the first half of one set of prayers, recited or While Brittanias´s huns, with their long range guns, sailed in from sung by an officiant or cantor, and answered with a said or sung the foggy dew. response by the congregation or choir). ** KelticDead_Music Group Session Arrangement O, the night fell black and the rifles crack made “Perfidious Abion” This tune arrangement of “Foggy Dew” is in C Major. The reel KelticDead arranges tunes to play easily with the diatonic ´Mid the leaden rail, seven tongues of flame did shine o´er the lines harmonicas, and most folk instruments can play them as well. of steel Using the C diatonic harmonica, the tune has an almost “flute- By each shining blade a prayer was said that to Ireland her sons be like” quality that fits well with the mood of this great Irish tune. true, For more information about the KelticDead_Music Group and and when morning broke still the war flag shook out its fold in the foggy dew mission, visit http://kelticdead.webs.com.

= Ceili Céilí July-August September-October 2013 2011 page 7  7 = Taking ‘Road to Valhalla’ for doc project By Chuck Bloom working with them on a similar project Ceili editor in the future. They introduced me to Ken Fresh on the heels of his newest CD Spurgeon, the producer and director of the release (“The South Wind”), folksinger film, and the rest is history. Jed Marum of Dallas has a new and bolder Ceili: When composing, what were project to be completed – providing the your ground rules and guidelines? soundtrack for a major PBS documentary. Marum: I worked with Ken on his Marum is collaborating with Lone second film, “Bloody Dawn,” and for Chimney Films of Kansas on “Road to composition, he asked me if I would write Valhalla,” the company’s third, and final, a song about the Lawrence, Kan. raid, documentary, to complete the story of telling it from the perspective of William the Kansas-Missouri Border War and the Quantrill, the leader of the raid. Jayhawk State’s role in it. Ken recommended a couple of good Marum’s own story reads something histories for perspective and I read a few like a movie, having been raised near Bos- more; then I felt comfortable writing “One ton, married at 18, raising three sons while Bloody Friday.” working in construction and excavation For that film, he and I discussed moods during daytime and performing in bars and for other music, and he reviewed my ear- coffeehouses at night. lier albums to make his selections. My After 14 years, he decided to improve song was featured in a very dramatic scene his lot in life, moving into the Information and in the movie trailer. Technology field, working in the airline For “Valhalla,” we’ve been discussing and telecom world. It also meant setting how the story should be told for the last aside any musical ambitions … until he Folksinger Jed Marum during a recent few years. I actually began writing songs turned 48. performance at the Minden Tartan Festival for it a couple of years ago, and kept pace in northern Louisiana. Marum relocated his family to Texas in with Ken’s direction as the time passed. 1986 for what would be “a life-changing and one of the other performances there Once again, I read extensively on the experience in more ways than one.” was a scripted scene from a film focus- primary histories the film was exploring. “I bought a nice guitar and banjo in ing on the pre-Civil War friction between Ken told me some of the incidents, char- 1996 and 1997; it rekindled my love of Kansas and Missouri, over the issue of acters or themes that might appear in the music,” he explained. “I quit the day job in slavery. script – and I wrote about the ones which January, 2000, and I’ve earned my living I had just written a song, inspired by an inspired me. at performing music ever since.” editorial by a well-known southern edi- Films don’t typically use much in the His specialty is writing and performing tor, after John Brown had been tried and way of lyrics for a soundtrack, but we will. songs from the Civil War era, delivering convicted of treason for leading the raid Without giving away too much, it’ll use traditional and contemporary songs in a of Harper’s Ferry and attempting to start a my song, “Shines Like Gold,” as its theme musical style equally Celtic and American, slave rebellion. – and the lyrics will be prominent. with strong bluegrass roots. Brown had been one of those who took I’ve written several songs and tunes for Marum’s 2009 album, “Cross Over the active, and violent, action against the sup- the film, and produced a library of music, River: A Confederate Collection,” earned porters of slavery in the Kansas-Missouri mostly instrumental, for Ken to use. I cre- him the Traditional-Folk Album of the conflict. So after Harper’s Ferry, to most ated varying styles – polished full Celtic Year Award in the JP Folk Awards pro- Southerners, Brown was looked upon as or bluegrass band styles of varying moods, gram, from among 42,000 other entrants. the Osama Bin Laden of his day. solo guitar, solo banjo, solo whistle, solo The album was a collection of true This editor was incensed that some highland pipes pieces. historical stories songs, retold from the Northerners could see any good in the Some new and original music sounds points-of-view of those American and man. So, inspired by the editorial, I wrote old, and I used some older, well-known Irish-Americans who fought in that con- a song poking fun at John Brown from pieces, too. There are some choral pieces flict. that partisan, Confederate perspective. of well-known period hymns. “It reflects a true and South positive- And in truth, I also jabbed at that partisan My ground rules or guidelines consisted image throughout,” Marum added. perspective, too (though it’s much more of ongoing conversations, suggestions and The following is an interview with subtle). experiments. Several of the pieces have Marum concerning his latest work, the I played the song at that festival, after been recorded since I released “Sands of soundtrack for “Road to Valhalla.” I’d heard the historical players perform Aberdeen” (and were, in fact, made during Ceili: How did you and executive their Free State-Border Wars play – and that project for this film). producer Ken Spurgeon connect for the they loved it. Brown, it seems, was the You employed much of your prior music? focus of a recently-completed film. material; was it a better fit? Marum: A number of years ago, I was They asked if I would be interested in See MARUM, pg. 33 playing a festival in Kansas City, Kan.,

= page 8 8 September-October July-August 2013 2011 Céilí Ceili  = Solas, Flashpoint delight Dallas audience By Lybo Buchanan opening act, Flashpoint. Special to the Ceili The venue, the restored Kessler Theatre, originally opened as DALLAS – Sandi Hebley, Lee Kelton and I attended the Solas a movie house in the early days of World War II, owned at one concert at Dallas’ Kessler Theater on Thursday, April 24. It was time by Gene Autry, the singing cowboy. It was destroyed in the a fairly small crowd, but a very enthusiastic one, holding nothing 1957 tornado that devastated much of Dallas, rebuilt as a revival back in showing its warmth and appreciation for Solas and the church, only to be destroyed again – by a fire five years later. Now 50 years later, Edwin Cabaniss bought, gutted and re- opened the Kessler as one of the best performance venues around, with an intimate setting, good sound and lighting and a full bar. The show began with Dallas’ Flashpoint (brothers Daniel and David Mehalko plus Joseph Carmichael). They were amazing and so proud to be a part of the Solas show. Solas focused on its new album, “Shamrock City.” A series of old photographs was projected behind the group throughout the evening, telling the story set in Butte, Mont., where Seamus Egan’s great-great uncle, Michael Conway, went to work in the copper mines. For an Irish immigrant, it was hard to find work in this country, but the man doing the hiring in Butte was Irish and encourage Irishmen to come and work. Six years after his arrival in Butte, young Conway was dead at the age of 25 from a blow on the head. This was the story that influenced Seamus into writing and recording “Shamrock City.” Solas took the audience back in time on this evening to those Ceili photo by Phil Wirth long ago days taking you on an emotional journey by merging The legendary Celtic music group Solas performs for a receptive music and images. It was mesmerizing. audience at Dallas’ Kessler Theater on April 24, and will be one And the crowd responded with yells, shouts and applause and of the headliners for the 2014 North Texas Irish Festival. an encore. It was a wonderful evening.

=  CeiliCéilí September-October July-August 2013 2011 page 9  9 = From the editor Chuck Bloom The bar that banned Danny Boy!

I have always tutored young journalists, and writers, to look beyond initial assign- ments during active research for additional topics of reader interest. One story usually sprouts several more, which, in turn, grows into a plethora of topics where a really good writer can sink their teeth into like sweet, gooey baklava (sorry, it is what came first to my mind!). Last issue, in my studies about Irish influ- ence on America’s pastime (baseball, of course), I discovered this “feud” about one of the venerable symbols of being Irish – an innocent song. The very establishment housing the Irish- American Baseball Hall of Fame – Foley’s Pub and Restaurant, located just opposite the Empire State Building off Fifth Avenue in New York City – banned the singing of the classic Irish song, “Danny Boy,” on St. Patrick’s Day in 2008. I ask you, is this sacrilege? Has a sacred code been broken? Or has the Celtic world actually set foot on any rock, stone or piece of terra firma belong- finally come into the 21st century? ing to Ireland. Yet the song became iconic to Irish identity. I unearthed several articles explaining the position of bar “It’s a beautiful song when sung by Frank Patterson or Bing owner Shaun Clancy (a native of County Cavan) when he insti- Crosby or the Irish Tenors,” McCourt once wrote. tuted the ban in 2008. The ban lasted through the end of March. But not every Irish- “It’s not the song; it’s hearing it sung badly that I don’t like,” man felt the same. Ciaran Staunton, owner of O’Neill’s on Third Clancy told the Irish Voice in an interview in March, 2008. “I re- Avenue, really got his Irish dander up. ally have nothing against the song. I’m not being disrespectful to “Real Irish people understand why ‘Danny Boy’ means so ‘Danny Boy,’ I’ve just gotten sick of every time someone gets a much to us,” he noted, organizing a “Danny Boy” special for St. few beers in them on Paddy’s Day they think it’s their inalienable Patrick’s Day of his own, offering a free Irish breakfast (between right to belt out a very bad version of it.” 8-9 a.m.) to any patrons who can sing a verse from “Danny Boy.” The “ban” garnered instant worldwide status, with coverage The following year, Foley’s changed course and offered a coming from the Associated Press, all the New York-based media contest ($500 in prize money) to the person who could properly (nation al and local), as well as outlets in Australia, England, Ca- substitute “less depressing” lyrics. The winner, Danny Regan, nada and some 800 international newspapers. It was covered on hailed from Kansas City, Mo., and actually sent two e-mails – such programs as “The Colbert Report” and made “home page” one explaining the new set of lyrics (as done to the tune) and then headlines on AOL, MSN, Comcast and Yahoo! his actual “entry.” The judges, being good Irishmen, chose the If the purpose was to gain massive publicity, Clancy and Fol- first e-mail as the winner! ey’s produced a number one hit with a bullet on the charts. But --- Clancy still denies the purpose. Here’s a little more history about Foley’s (named after famed “It was an off-the-cuff remark of mine which went around the New York City sportswriter Red Foley). One hundred years ago, world at this stage. I did 70 interviews from seven different coun- the building was leased to the Café Rhein Restaurant Compa- tries and there was 2,000 stories written about it,” he explained. ny. In 1916, it was known as the Annex Cafe and Restaurant, and “But publicity wasn’t why it was done; it was just a remark that later became a “gentleman’s club,” (not the connection people sparked a reaction.” hold today; it was a polite way to call it a pub at the time). Now, when performed properly and in the “hands” of the pro- In the past century, the name has changed, the culinary focus per vocal pipes (someone like tenor Ronan Tynan, for example), has changed but not the interior; it STILL retains a “turn of the the simple lyrics can be presented in a hauntingly beautiful century” appearance from the mahogany walls and flooring (more fashion. than 120 years old). The original Waldorf-Astoria Hotel (located The history behind the lyrics is interesting; they were writ- where the Empire State Building currently stands) supplied the ten by English lawyer Frederick Edward Weatherly, published Tiffany glass in the pub’s rear and the men’s room urinals. in 1913. According to historian Malachy McCourt, in his book, According to legend, or blarney, the person who owned “Danny Boy: The Legend of the Beloved Irish,” Weatherly never

=  page 10 10 September-OctoberJuly-August 2013 2011 Céilí Ceili  = George’s Fish House, the 18 W. 33rd Bar with a Baseball Attitude.” 300 bobbleheads, and more than 1,800 au- Street occupant at the time, bought and “It’s a place where customers get old tographed baseballs, including those from brought the fixtures across the street from fashioned Irish hospitality along with sat- nearly 100 Hall of Famers. the Waldorf in 1929. ellite transmissions of Major League base- Of course, there’s the Irish American It remained George’s Fish House from ball games and one of the best baseball Baseball Hall of Fame (which was my the 1930s through the end of World War memorabilia collections in the country,” starting point of interest). II; the bar changed owners several times the website explains. So if you get to Gotham City in the near in ensuing decades, operating under names Inside Foley’s is anything and every- future and want to visit something authen- such as Madigan’s and P.G. King’s thing imaginable concerning baseball tically different, with history literally (1993-2003). – seats from Fenway Park, Tiger Stadium dripping from its walls, Foley’s sounds Foley’s current owner re-opened the and Camden Yards, game-used jerseys, like a winner! place in 2004 as a bar-restaurant with a an orange Charley Finley ball (used in the But if you feel the need to do a rendi- sports theme, specifically baseball –“Irish 1970s by the Oakland A’s), in excess of tion of “Danny Boy,” hum it to yourself. Celtic music – how to get ‘dialed in’ By Mike Hudson cal events, different parts of the Celtic world, featured musical Special to The Ceili instruments, or favored artists. When Celtic music is mentioned, it derives many meaning; The Celtic Music Hour – normally on Sundays, 1-2 p.m. on most pronounce it (S)eltic and often limit it to “Danny Boy,” KNON-FM, in Dallas. But the sudden departure of host Patrick “Tu-la-ru,” “McNamara’s Band,” and pipers playing “Amazing Coffman has left this show in limbo. Grace.” However, true lovers and devotees know there is a wide Celtic Twilight – Saturdays, 3-7 p.m., and Down East Ceili – 360-degree world, touching every genre of music. Sundays, 7-8 p.m. (www.wumb.org) – Gail Gilmore and Marsha For the most part, commercial radio is a tightly-controlled Polmatere have hosted these programs for more than 15 years industry. Commercial stations broadcasting music labeled as on WUMB in Boston. These two women air musicians mainly “niche” programming are few and far between. originating from the Boston area and maritime Canada. Celtic music falls into this niche. Even though it is not on the Four full hours of Celtic music on a Saturday afternoon, while Billboard 100 or Top 40 most of the time, there is a vast ocean of out-and-about in the fresh air, makes the coming work week seem Celtic music readily accessible. a bit easier to endure. The following is a guide for the Celtic music lover- devotee Live365.com – Live 365 lists more than 50 different Celtic to dive into. By no means should this be considered a complete Music stations – ranging from ethereal-melodic to raging-head listing of what is available; most of the programming is Internet- banger rock to traditional forms. Free iPhone and Android apps based. Therefore, data plans with limited GBs on mobile devices are available and Live 365 offers a paid VIP commercial free must be closely monitored. subscription service, as well. Some programs are weekly, syndicated programs, while some CelticRadio.net – Celtic Radio is the home of the award-win- are entire genre formats. Mobile apps, such as Tunein Radio and ning Highlander Radio and a host of sister stations streaming live RadioTime, can help navigate the listener to those stations offer- Celtic music, interviews and contests. Sunday mornings on High- ing such programs. lander Radio features a Celtic Christian broadcast. Celtic Radio is Thistle and Shamrock (www.thistleradio.org) – A long-run- also a social media format for those interested in anything Celtic. ning, one-hour NPR program hosted by Scotland’s Fiona Ritchie, LiveIreland.com – Live Ireland is broadcast from Dublin and “Thistle and Shamrock) is broadcast over 200 NPR affiliates radio and TV are provided. The program spotlights the best and throughout the U.S. (but none in the North Texas region). Thistle latest in Irish music, as well as a huge social media format. and Shamrock provides a cutting edge in Celtic Music with art- Accuradio.com – Accuradio hosts 17 different Celtic music ists’ interviews. channels, featuring anything from Celtic rock to traditional Celtic The ThistleRadio Music Channel also streams 24/7 at www. music. Free iPod and Android apps are available for download. npr.org/music. Most NPR stations stream over the Internet, if no Shoutcast.com – Shoutcast is offered on several music apps, station is within terrestrial radio range. as well as a stand-alone app for iPhone and Android. Shoutcast The Celtic Show – Fridays, 7-9 p.m.(www.ckua.org). In has access to more than 150 different Celtic-themed programs 1996, (before Celtic music started trending) Andy Donnelly, a and stations from around the world. musician-producer-promoter from Gourock, Scotland, started his Music is often performed in German, French, Spanish, and weekly program on CKUA in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. Polish; it sounds great, even if the words aren’t understood. He provides a warm and inviting, family-friendly brand of Hopefully, this guide will be a good initiation for those who programming. Anything from sublime to outrageous Celtic music love Celtic music, or want to introduce others to the wide 360 is the fare Andy serves up every Friday evening. Several interest- degrees of this special genre. ing interviews with Celtic artists are also inlcuded. Happy listening; remember to support the artists heard on Across the Water – Sundays, 6-8 p.m. (www.kutx.org) – The these programs by purchasing their music, and support those sta- program is hosted by Ed Miller on KUTX-FM in Austin (note the tions playing their work. change in stations from KUT-FM). Miller is the venerable Scot- Greenville resident Mike Hudson is a great devotee of tish musician-entertainer-folklorist, who is a regular at the North Celtic music; as well as a 30-year veteran paramedic and Texas Irish Festival and Scottish Highland Games. EMS educator. He also has volunteered as NTIF’s medical He often offers thematic-based programs, focusing on histori- standby for several years.

= CeiliCéilí September-OctoberJuly-August 2013 2011 page 11 11  = Hounds of Finn, Garry O’Meara, Reviews Rickey Pittman

for everyone that is appealing. Hounds of Finn: “As an ensemble, we are driven to advance to the next professional level,” By‘Gravity Chuck Bloom Pulls’ it states on the Hounds’ website. “For us, Ceili editor that means performing more concerts and In another musical genre, “The Minne- festivals. Ideologically, we seek to bridge apolis Sound” meant music (a mixture of the gap between Celtic folk music and funk, rock, pop, New Wave and synthe- modern pop rock. sizer pop), led by Prince, Morris Day and “Together we are a mix of musicians the Time and producers Terry Lewis and steeped in tradition but possessing highly- Jimmy Jam. For much of the 1980s, that developed rock and pop sensibilities. We music ruled the industry, and with Prince see ourselves reaching out to audiences making waves with new material, that across genres, expanding minds, and tradition is alive and well. generating excitement about the roots of However, the Twin Cities (Minne- the music that inspires us.” apolis AND St. Paul) have also carved a That bridge can be clearly heard on the corner in the Celtic music world with a MacGregor, guitarist Pete McCauley Hounds’ rendition of the U2 classic, “In non-traditional sound, led by the likes of and percussionist David Draeger (former God’s Country,” with MacGregor leading The Sweet Colleens, Wild Colonial Bhoys, member of the Irish Brigade). Among the the vocals. Other standout tunes include Erin Rogue and the Irish Brigade. guest performers on the album is Sweet “Ocean,” the title track, “Gravity Pulls,” Add to that list the St. Paul-based Colleens drummer (and former Housto- and “The Wedding Band.” Hounds of Finn, who have just released nian) Wolf Loescher. And such music is always best when the a new CD, “Gravity Pulls,” (on the local Together as a quartet since 2007, this listener knows it is original material. On New Folk label). Although much of their third CD release is a collection of ex- “Gravity Pulls,” only the U2 cover and the music has threads of Celtic, Irish and cellent work, much in the spirit of that traditional “Wild Mountain Thyme” are traditional Scottish themes and sounds Midwestern sound display by The Sweet NOT compositions from the quartet. intertwined in their original and traditional Colleens. It isn’t traditional Celtic music As more of the Celtic music nation be- material, the Hounds, essentially, are an (although “The Fairview Gypsy Reel,” gins to appreciate that which is emanating American folk-bluegrass-roots group. the album only instrumental piece, drips from Minneapolis-St. Paul, the better the Group members are Belfast native (and thoroughly of Celtic trad); but you’d be entire genre will be. primary ) Leslie Rich (vo- mistaken to pigeon-hole it as only blue- For more information, go to www. cals, guitar, bouzouki), fiddler Michelle grass or roots music. There is something houndsoffinn.com. Garry O’Meara: ‘Pickin’ Time’ By Chuck Bloom Ceili editor How do musical sidemen become stars and headline performers in their own right? It’s when their talent simply shines SO brightly as to demand singular recognition. I’m wagering that tenor banjo-mandolin virtuoso Garry O’Meara, now part of the Brock McGuire Band, will fit that answer in the very near future for Celtic music lovers. He simply is one of the very player performers on that beloved instrument in the world and it is all on audio display with his new CD, “Pickin’ Time.” And the title explains the man’s playing style to a “T!” He doesn’t strum; he picks … often at blazingly alarming speed, producing a most unique sound to be enjoyed on all 12 tracks. His pedigree in Irish-Celtic music is admirable; started playing at the age of 9, earning Young Musician of the Year at 15, judged by renowned conductor Gearoid Grant. He has performed and toured with such bands as the crossover

=  page 12 12 September-October July-August 2011 2013 Céilí Ceili  = CD reviews Continued from page 13 folk-pop band, “Reel,” “The Fureys” and in order to spotlight O’Meara ability. The One of the most fascinating aspects of “Stockton’s Wing.” banjo offers the best bridge (even more the album is the actual sound of the tenor He has also been a member of the folk- than the fiddle) between Celtic music and banjo O’Meara plays. Rather than the trad group, “Monto,” (on the Universal the form of bluegrass heard in the Appala- often-muffled sound heard on other re- Records label), the folk group, “Dargle,” chian and Ozark Mountain regions. cordings, his banjo rings and allows notes plus the award-winning folk-bluegrass The energy can be felt from the first to lingers on one’s ears. When you add the crossover ensemble, “The Perfect Mix.” notes on “Box Room Fantasy” – one of obvious dexterity and speed of O’Meara, He has played several successful dance five original compositions by O’Meara. the combination is more than satisfactory. shows, including “Ragus,” “Celtic Leg- The final track, “The Swedish Jig,” begins Judging by the interest many people ends” and “Irish Legends.” with a lovely guitar introduction by Early held for the banjo, as shown by those In addition to his concert work with and then steps aside for O’Meara. visiting banjomaker Chuck Lee’s booth at Brock McGuire, O’Meara has toured On “Pickin’ Time,” O’Meara is joined NTIF, this album is perfect to satisfy that throughout the world with the likes of by a bevy of high caliber Irish music inner need to hear some clean pickin.’ Christy Hennessy, Christy Moore, Luka talent, including Conal Early on guitar- And one day, those fans can crowd Bloom, Paul Brady and Moya Brennan. keyboards, Fergal Scahill on fiddle, James around one of the festival’s stage to see O’Meara, originally from Tipperary and Blennerhassett on bass, Brian Garvin O’Meara hypnotize an audience with now based in Dublin, touches all the bases on bodhran and others, including singer his lightening quick fingers and brilliant of banjo playing on this album – from Frankie Lane, who offers the CD’s only sound. Irish traditional, old-timey and bluegrass. vocals on that classic American bluegrass For more information, go to www.gar- Almost all the selections are upbeat pieces tune, “Good Ol’ Mountain Dew.” ryomeara.com.

October) honors Camarena and asks Rickey Pittman: all students to committ to a drug-free life. ‘A Lover’s Ghost’ The inspiration for “Ghost Train” By Chuck Bloom Ceili editor came “as I reflected on some of the Dallas native Rickey Pittman is a very creative, but manic depressive man of many talents – educator, writer, friends I’ve had in my life; insomnia folksinger; but above all else, he is a seemed to be a common characteris- teacher. And when presenting his sto- tic,” he said. ries, told at this year’s North Texas Irish Several of Pittman’s songs are Festival, or through his recorded music, about different parts of his native everything seems to have a purpose – to Texas, from a special “Harrison tell tales of the human condition and County Bridge” (inspired by the how some people react to it. book, “The Covered Bridges of Utilizing a unique vocal style, Pitt- Madison County”), “Sixth Street man follows the path of former folk- Blues” about the music scene in singers, with characters seldom sung Austin through the lonely eyes of a about these days (hobos, drunks, sad, bluesman, “Magic Moon of Laredo” depressed and forlorn lovers). While he college-level freshman composition and about that Texas border city, and is not a traditional Celtic singer, his top- literature at Delta Community College, “Don’t Drink the Water,” about a visit to ics often touch the same bases as many the University of Louisiana at Monroe Rio Grande City with words of advice famous older Irish and Scottish tunes. and Virginia College Online. from a school librarian where he had At NTIF, he released a new CD, “A In 1998, he was the Grand Prize performed (“Well, don’t drink the water, Lover’s Ghost,” his third album, follow- winner of the Ernest Hemingway Short or you’ll never leave”). ing “Bard of the South,” a set of songs Story Competition, and has presented There is a lot of sadness in some of the from the U.S. Civil War, and The Minstrel many programs at such diverse locales choices he recorded; for the title track, Boy,” a collection of Scottish and Irish as schools, libraries, historical museums, Pittman said, “It’s easy to be haunted by songs. The CD was produced by his good Civil War re-enactments and Celtic festi- the past, by regret, by loss, by our choic- friend, Jed Marum, at Rockin’ T Audio vals – mostly in the South. es, by feeling unappreciated. I wanted to Ranch (engineered by Travis Ener) and On “A Lover’s Ghost,” almost all his capture that feeling.” contains 15 very original songs with just lyrics could be considered teachable mo- A perfect example of Pittman’s teach- Pittman on the guitar and Marum offering ments. There is recent sad history, such ing comes on “Don Bernado Guitérrez de expert support on banjo. as “Red Ribbon Day: A Song for Kiki,” Lara,” a little-known tale of a true Texas Lest one doubts his educational cre- about the public’s reaction to the brutal hero, encompassing some of the words dentials, Pittman has a Bachelor of Arts 1985 murder of DEA agent Kiki Camare- from author José Antonio López, whom degree in New Testament Greek and na in Guadalajara, Mexico. As most Pittman met in Laredo. a Master’s in English Literature from parents of today’s school-aged children For more information, go to www. Abilene Christian University; he teaches know, an annual Red Ribbon Day (in bardofthesouth.com.

=  Ceili Céilí July September-October-August 2013 2011 page 13 13  = O’Flaherty Retreat to celebrate 10th year in October When 300-plus Irish music aficionados gather in Waxahachie this October, they will celebrate traditional Irish music to be learned and played over three days, and commemorate the O’Flaherty Irish Music Retreat’s 10th year of providing such an opportunity. In the case of the retreat (not just in Texas), anything lasting 10 years is considered a “going concern,” deserving of some special attention. The 10th annual retreat, now considered one of the nation’s leading Irish music camps, will be Friday-Sunday, October 25-27, at beautiful Lakeview Camp and Conference Center in Waxa- hachie (south of Dallas) for anyone interested in learning tradi- tional Irish music, or being a better instrument player or vocalist. According to Retreat organizer Kem Fleming, it’s hard to believe it was in October, 2004 when the seed was planted – a two-day event attracting 100 or so people, far more than expected An all-star ceili band played for retreat dancers in 2012, includ- and all very enthused about Irish music. ing (from left) Brink Trammell, Don Penzien, Daniel Mehalko, “The event outgrew Springhill in its first year; so it was then John Whelan, Brian Conway, Ken Fleming, James Kelly, Linda on to Hoblitzelle Camp and Conference Center in Midlothian,” Relph, Conal O’Grada, Gordon McLeod, Oisin McAuley and he explained. “More recently, including this October, we’ve been Kevin Alewine. at the Lakeview Camp and Conference Center in Waxahachie to the music (exploring the fiddle styles of particular regions where participant numbers have exceeded 300.” of Ireland, or discovering the contributions of key musicians It has grown from a small local event into an internationally- who significantly influenced the Irish tradition). These classes recognized music camp with students registering from all over are taught each year by guest instructors themselves who, often the country. As evidenced from surveys of students and teachers through personal experiences, provide great insight and under- who attend, the O’Flaherty Retreat compares favorably with older standing on the topics covered. American camps, such as the Catskills Irish Arts Week, Augusta While the class work is intense, there is plenty of time for fun. Irish-Celtic Week, and Swannanoa Gathering-Celtic Week and Since the initial retreat, a contest of student-formed ensembles camps in Ireland, such as the Willie Clancy School. – the “Texas Tune and Song Tussle” – occurs throughout the One major difference with other camps is the retreat’s three- weekend. Vying for “O’Diddley” awards, these bands perform day format. From the start, organizer Ken Fleming sought to dif- six-minute shows for students and staff. ferentiate this retreat from the other normally week-long outings. There are also Ceilis on Friday and Saturday nights allowing “What I heard from people who attended these camps was how students the chance to enjoy group dancing and appreciate the exhausting a week becomes for students and instructors,” Flem- strong connection between dance and the music those students ing said. “Our three-day format is packed with classes, concerts, are learning in classes. sessions, workshops, ceilis and more, but our students manage it Of course, there are sessions when students are not in classes, well because it’s essentially a three-day weekend.” or following the concerts each evening. Some sessions are in- Another change Fleming made was to add “enrichment class- structor-led while others are formed on their own; there are even es” – focusing on the history of Irish music or other topics related See O'FLAHERTY RETREAT, pg. 33

SCMA photos by Phil Wirth Fiddler Oisin McAuley presents an enrichment class called “Maintaining a Link with the Tradition: The Fiddle Music of Southwest Donegal” at the 2012 O’Flaherty Music Retreat.

=  page 14 14 September-OctoberJuly-August 2013 2011 Céilí Ceili  = NTIF seen from other eyes: 1 Linfen Dennis Fritsche Hwang

Jamie Hilbig

=  Ceili Céilí July September-October-August 2013 2011 page 15 15  = NTIF seen from other eyes: 2 Gregory Jones Valerie Johnson

Priscilla Killion

= page 16 16 September-October July-August 2013 2011 Céilí Ceili  = NTIF seen from other eyes: 3 Jim Walsh Parvin Stiles

Sam WIlson

Lou Warren

= Ceili Céilí September-OctoberJuly-August 2013 2011 page 17 17= For what it’s ‘Wirth’ the AREA Celtic music scene through the eyes and lenses of photographer Phil Wirth

Brian McNeill at Trinity Hall, May 1 TIMES TradCamp, April 15-19

Dallas’ Trinity Hall hosted one of the premier Scottish music performers, Brian McNeill, on Master fiddle Oisin MacDIarmada (left photo) led the first TradCamp on April 15-19. -Gui May 1, where he was joined on stage by local fiddlemaster Linda Relph, of NeedFire. McNeill tarist Joseph Carmichael provided accompaniment for the camp’s finale performance. was in the Metroplex in advance of his headlining stint at the Texas Scottish Festival. Texas Scottish festival, May 3-5 NTIF volunteer picnic, May 5

Among the many performers at the Texas Scottish Festival and Highland Games in Arlington- A large number of NTIF volunteers, managers and coordinators gathered on Sunday, May 5 were (from left) Scooter Muse, Albert Alfonso, Jil Chambless, John Taylor and Brian McNeill. for the annual recognition picnic at Winfrey Point, as a way to say “thanks” for their efforts.

= page 18 18 JulySeptember-October-August 2013 2011 Céilí Ceili  = For what it’s ‘Wirth’ the AREA Celtic music scene through the eyes and lenses of photographer Phil Wirth

TIMES TradCamp, April 15-19 NTSIM youth recital, April 22

Master fiddle Oisin MacDIarmada (left photo) led the first TradCamp on April 15-19. -Gui tarist Joseph Carmichael provided accompaniment for the camp’s finale performance. The TIMES spring youth recital was held April 21 at Trinity Fellowship Church in Richardson. One performance found harpist Rebekah Passmoreproviding the NTIF volunteer picnic, May 5 musical background for vocalist Karen Ballei.

The four young gentlemen playing a set of jigs at the recent spring recital were A large number of NTIF volunteers, managers and coordinators gathered on Sunday, May 5 (from left) Nathan Kennedy, Aiden Nychka, Eliot Nychka and Aidan Flanagan, in a for the annual recognition picnic at Winfrey Point, as a way to say “thanks” for their efforts. concert sponsored by the North Texas School of Irish Music.

=  Ceili Céilí JulySeptember-October-August 2013 2011 page 19 19  = NTIF seen from other eyes: 4 Russell McGuire

= page 20 20 September-October July-August 2013 2011 Céilí Ceili  = NTIF seen from other eyes: 5 Ernie Jennifer Carrick Tacsik

Don Champlin

Louis Aguirre

= Ceili Céilí July September-October-August 2013 2011 page 21 21 = NTIF seen from other eyes: 6 Larry Petterborg

Ping Shang

Lloyd Jones

=  page 22 22 September-October July-August 20132011 Céilí Ceili  = Celtic calendar June Trinity Hall, Dallas – (214) 887-3600 8 p.m. Tuesday, June 25 www.trinityhall.tv/Music.htm The Killdares 7 p.m. Dallas Zoo Concert Series Friday, July 5 650 S. R.L. Thornton Fwy. (I-35) Killdares 8:30 p.m.-12:30 a.m. Tickets – $15 Sounds of Lewisville Series www.Killdares.com 100 N. Charles Street – Lewisville Jed Marum Trinity Hall, Dallas – (214) 887-3600 www.killdares.com www.jedmarum.com Thursday, July 25 www.soundsoflewisville.com www.trinityhall.tv/Music.htm 7-10 p.m. Thursday, June 27 Jigsaw and Flashpoint Saturday, July 6 7-10 p.m. Trinity Hall, Dallas – (214) 887-3600 9 p.m.-1 a.m. Jigsaw www.trinityhall.tv/Music.htm Trinity Hall, Dallas – (214) 887-3600 Irish Rogues Trinity Hall, Dallas – (214) 887-3600 Friday, July 26 www.trinityhall.tv/Music.htm www.trinityhall.tv/Music.htm 8:30 p.m.-12:30 a.m. Friday, June 28 Jeff Phillips Thursday, July 11 8:30 p.m.-12:30 a.m. Trinity Hall, Dallas – (214) 887-3600 7-10 p.m. Jeff Phillips www.trinityhall.tv/Music.htm Trinity Hall, Dallas – (214) 887-3600 Jigsaw Trinity Hall, Dallas – (214) 887-3600 Saturday, July 27 www.trinityhall.tv/Music.htm www.trinityhall.tv/Music.htm 10 a.m. 7:30 p.m. Don Gabbert Friday, July 12 Clandestine Timberon (N.M.) Blues and Barbecue McGonigel’s Mucky Duck – Houston 8:30 p.m.-12:30 a.m. Festival 2425 Norfolk – (713) 528-5999 Jeff Phillips www.timberonbluesfestival.com Tickets $20 (advance); $22 (door) Trinity Hall, Dallas – (214) 887-3600 www.clandestineceltic.com www.trinityhall.tv/Music.htm 9 p.m.-1 a.m. www.mcgonigels.com BEHAN Saturday, July 13 Trinity Hall, Dallas – (214) 887-3600 Friday-Sunday, June 28-30 9 p.m.-1 a.m. www.trinityhall.tv/Music.htm Killdares Trinity River Whalers Ohio Celtic and International Festival Trinity Hall, Dallas – (214) 887-3600 Sunday, July 28 Lake County Fairgrounds – www.trinityriverwhalers.com 7:30 p.m. Painesville, Ohio Brizeus www.killdares.com Thursday, July 18 McGonigel’s Mucky Duck – Houston www.ohiocelticinfest.com 7-10 p.m. 2425 Norfolk – (713) 528-5999 Tickets $15 (advance); $17 (door) July Flashpoint www.mcgonigels.com Wednesday, July 3 Trinity Hall, Dallas – (214) 887-3600 8:30 p.m. www.trinityhall.tv/Music.htm August Irish Session with Patrice Pike Friday-Saturday, August 2-3 McGonigel’s Mucky Duck – Houston Friday, July 19 Killdares, plus Gaelic Storm, 2425 Norfolk – (713) 528-5999 8:30 p.m.-12:30 a.m. Scythian, and the www.mcgonigels.com Seamus Stout Young Wolfe Tones, Dublin City Trinity Hall, Dallas – (214) 887-3600 Ramblers, Switchback, Mulligan Thursday, July 4 www.trinityhall.tv/Music.htm Stew, Exorna, Wylde Nept, Lan- 7-10 p.m. ger’s Ball, Red Hot Chili Pipers, Flashpoint Saturday, July 20 Pogey

= Ceili Céilí JulySeptember-October-August 2013 2011 page 23 23  = Celtic calendar 7th annual Iowa Irish Festival Thursday, August 22 9 p.m.-1 a.m. Lincoln Park Area – Waterloo, Iowa 7-10 p.m. Irish Rogues www.killdares.com Jigsaw Trinity Hall, Dallas – (214) 887-3600 www.iowairishfest.com Trinity Hall, Dallas – (214) 887-3600 www.trinityhall.tv/Music.htm www.trinityhall.tv/Music.htm Saturday, August 3 Thursday, September 12 9 p.m.-1 a.m. Friday, August 23 7 p.m.-10 a.m. Irish Rogues 8:30 p.m.-12:30 a.m. Jigsaw Trinity Hall, Dallas – (214) 887-3600 Trinity Hall, Dallas – (214) 887-3600 www.trinityhall.tv/Music.htm Jeff Phillips Trinity Hall, Dallas – (214) 887-3600 www.trinityhall.tv/Music.htm www.trinityhall.tv/Music.htm Thursday, August 8 Friday-Sunday, Sept. 13-15 7-10 p.m. Thursday, August 29 Ed Miller, Seven Nations, Celti- Jigsaw 7-10 p.m. ca, Cleghorn, Murder the Stout, Trinity Hall, Dallas – (214) 887-3600 Tullamore, Jed Marum, Hugh Flashpoint www.trinityhall.tv/Music.htm Morrison, Wicked Tinkers, Trinity Hall, Dallas – (214) 887-3600 As the Crow Flies, Flowers of www.trinityhall.tv/Music.htm Friday, August 9 Edinburgh 8:30 p.m.-12:30 a.m. Friday-Sunday, Aug. 30-Sept. 1 Oklahoma ScotFest River West Festival Park – Tulsa Jeff Phillips The Elders, We Banjo 3, David Trinity Hall, Dallas – (214) 887-3600 www.okscotfest.com Munnelly and Mick Conneely, www.trinityhall.tv/Music.htm Seamus Kennedy, Clumsy Friday, September 13 Saturday, August 10 Lovers, Damien Dempsey, Sker- 8:30 p.m.-12:30 a.m. 9 p.m.-1 a.m. ryvore, the olllan, Whiskey of the Jeff Phillips Trinity River Whalers Damned, Ian Gould, Open the Trinity Hall, Dallas – (214) 887-3600 Trinity Hall, Dallas – (214) 887-3600 Door for Three, Eddie Delahunt, www.trinityhall.tv/Music.htm www.trinityriverwhalers.com Bob Reeder, Ashley Davis, Flan- www.trinityhall.tv/Music.htm nigan’s Right Hook Wednesday, September 18 11th annual Kansas City Irish Festival 7:30 p.m. Thursday, August 15 Crown Center Clandestine 7-10 p.m. www.kcirishfest.com McGonigel’s Mucky Duck – Houston Flashpoint September 2425 Norfolk – (713) 528-5999 Trinity Hall, Dallas – (214) 887-3600 Thursday, Sept. 5 Tickets $20 (advance); $22 (door) www.trinityhall.tv/Music.htm www.clandestineceltic.com 7-10 p.m. www.mcgonigels.com Friday, August 16 Flashpoint 9-11 p.m. Trinity Hall, Dallas – (214) 887-3600 Wednesday-Sunday, Sept. 18-22 Jed Marum www.trinityhall.tv/Music.htm TBA 41st annual Walnut Valley Festival and Noble Savage Tavern 7 p.m. Shreveport, La. – (214) 887-3600 National Flat Picking Championships Killdares www.jedmarum.com Cowley County Fairgrounds Dallas Arboretum Fall Concert Series Winfield, Kan. Saturday, August 17 8525 Garland Road – Dallas www.wvfest.com Tickets – (214) 515-6500 Cleghorn www.killdares.com Thursday, September 19 CultureFest – McAlester, Okla. www.dallasarboretum.org Historic downtown Choctaw Avenue 7-10 p.m. www.cleghornmusic.com Saturday-Sunday, Sept. 7-8 Flashpoint Jed Marum Trinity Hall, Dallas – (214) 887-3600 9 p.m.-1 a.m. Dick Dowling Days – Port Arthur, Tex. www.trinityhall.tv/Music.htm BEHAN www.jedmarum.com Trinity Hall, Dallas – (214) 887-3600 Saturday, September 21 www.trinityhall.tv/Music.htm Saturday, September 7 8 p.m. www.behanmusic.com See CALENDAR, pg. 25

=  page 24 24 September-October July-August 2013 2011 Céilí Ceili  = Celtic CalendaR Continued from page 24 Killdares Friday-Monday, Sept. 27-30 Saturday, October 12 Levitt Pavilion for the Performing Arts 2 p.m. (daily) 9 p.m.-1 a.m. Arlington – 100 W. Abram – Free The Killdares Trinity River Whalers www.killdares.com State Fair of Texas Trinity Hall, Dallas – (214) 887-3600 Gate G Cotton Bowl www.trinityriverwhalers.com 9 p.m.-1 a.m. Dallas, Tex. – (214) 565-9931 www.trinityhall.tv/Music.htm BEHAN www.Killdares.com Trinity Hall, Dallas – (214) 887-3600 www.bigtex.com Wednesday, October 16 www.trinityhall.tv/Music.htm Noon Friday, September 27 Needfire, Black Brothers, O’Con- Vintage Wildflowers 8:30 p.m.-12:30 a.m. Brown Bag It (with) the Edison High nell’s Bridge, Miles from Dublin Jeff Phillips School Chamber Orchestra Greeley (Neb.) Irish Festival Trinity Hall, Dallas – (214) 887-3600 Tulsa (Okla.) Performing Arts Center www.greeleyirishfestival.com www.trinityhall.tv/Music.htm www.vintagewildflowers.com

Saturday-Sunday, Sept. 21-22 Saturday, September 28 Thursday, October 24 Cleghorn among others 9 p.m.-1 a.m. 7-10 p.m. Third annual Sherwood Celtic Music O’Flaherty Music Retreat Night Festival – McDade, Tex. Jigsaw Trinity Hall, Dallas – (214) 887-3600 www.cleghornmusic.com Trinity Hall, Dallas – (214) 887-3600 www.trinityhall.tv/Music.htm www.sherwoodforestfaire.com www.trinityhall.tv/Music.htm October 8-10 p.m. Thursday-Sunday, Sept. 26-29 October 1-20 Jed Marum Maire NiChathasaigh, Chris 2 p.m. (daily) Newman, Tannahill Weavers, Anderson Fair Showcase John Doyle and Duncan Wickel, The Killdares 2007 Grant – Houston; Tickets – $10 Mairtin DeCogain, Robbie State Fair of Texas www.jedmarum.com Gate G Cotton Bowl www.andersonfair.com O’Connell, Paddy O’Brien, Tanya Dallas, Tex. – (214) 565-9931 Perkins, Park Stickney, Folk www.Killdares.com Friday, October 25 Ragout, Adam Agee, Jon Sousa, www.bigtex.com Cassie and Maggie McDonald 8:30 p.m.-12:30 a.m. 9th annual Spanish Peaks Saturday, October 5 Jeff Phillips International Cletic Music Festival 9 p.m.-1 a.m. Trinity Hall, Dallas – (214) 887-3600 Huerfano County, Colo. www.trinityhall.tv/Music.htm www.celticmusicfest.com The Irish Rogues Trinity Hall, Dallas – (214) 887-3600 www.trinityhall.tv/Music.htm Friday-Saturday, Oct. 25-26 Thursday, September 26 Jed Marum 7 p.m.-10 a.m. Thursday, October 10 Texian Market Days – Richmond Jigsaw George Ranch Historical Park 7-10 p.m. Trinity Hall, Dallas – (214) 887-3600 www.jedmarum.com www.trinityhall.tv/Music.htm Jigsaw Trinity Hall, Dallas – (214) 887-3600 Friday-Sunday, Oct. 25-27 Vintage Wildflowers www.trinityhall.tv/Music.htm Cathie Ryan, Patty Furlong, House Concerts Unlimited Friday, October 11 Fergal Scahill, Enda Scahill, Opening for Sarah McQuade Jimmy Keane, Myron Bretholz, 8:30 p.m.-12:30 a.m. Tulsa, Okla. Pat Boarders, Josh Dukes, Flor- www.vintagewildflowers.com Jeff Phillips ence Fahy, Marla Fibish, Eileen Trinity Hall, Dallas – (214) 887-3600 Gannon, John Skelton, Patrick Friday-Saturday, Sept. 27-28 www.trinityhall.tv/Music.htm Ed Miller, Jil Chambless, Scoot- Ourceau, Kiernan O’Hare, Bren- er Muse, Peat Fire Flame, Mitzi 9-11 p.m. dan Mulvihill, Liz Knowles O’Flaherty Irish Music Retreat MacDonald and Keltic Reign, Jed Marum Lakeview Camp & Conference Center Duddy Banks Noble Savage Tavern St. Louis Scottish Games Shreveport, La. – (214) 887-3600 – Waxahachie, Tex. Forest Park – St. Louis, Mo. www.jedmarum.com www.scma.org www.stlouis-scottishgames.com www.oflahertyretreat.org

=  Ceili Céilí JulySeptember-October-August 2013 2011 page 25 25  = Celtic CalendaR Continued from page 25 November Thursday, November 14 Friday, December 13 Saturday-Sunday, Nov. 2-3 7-10 p.m. 8:30 p.m.-12:30 a.m. TBA Jigsaw Jeff Phillips Trinity Hall, Dallas – (214) 887-3600 Trinity Hall, Dallas – (214) 887-3600 17th annual Austin Celtic Fest Fiesta Gardens Friday, November 22 Friday, December 20 www.austincelticfestival.com 8:30 p.m.-12:30 a.m. 9-11 p.m. Jeff Phillips Jed Marum Saturday, November 2 Noble Savage Tavern 9 p.m.-1 a.m. Trinity Hall, Dallas – (214) 887-3600 www.trinityhall.tv/Music.htm Shreveport, La. – (214) 887-3600 The Irish Rogues www.jedmarum.com Trinity Hall, Dallas – (214) 887-3600 Saturday, November 23 www.trinityhall.tv/Music.htm Thursday, December 26 7:30 p.m. 7-10 p.m. Friday, November 8 Celtic Thunder Jigsaw 8:30 p.m.-12:30 a.m. Verizon Theatre - Grand Prairie Trinity Hall, Dallas – (214) 887-3600 Tickets $45-75 www.trinityhall.tv/Music.htm Jeff Phillips www.verizontheatre.com Trinity Hall, Dallas – (214) 887-3600 Friday, December 27 www.trinityhall.tv/Music.htm Thursday, November 28 8:30 p.m.-12:30 a.m. 7-10 p.m. Saturday, November 9 Jeff Phillips Trinity Hall, Dallas – (214) 887-3600 7:30 p.m. Jigsaw Trinity Hall, Dallas – (214) 887-3600 www.trinityhall.tv/Music.htm Killdares www.trinityhall.tv/Music.htm Arts Council Northeast Masterworks February 2014 Concert Series December Saturday, February 1 Southlake (Tex.) Town Square Saturday, December 7 7-9 p.m. www.killdares.com 9 p.m.-1 a.m. Beyond The Pale Community Unitarian Universalist 9 p.m.-1 a.m. The Irish Rogues Trinity Hall, Dallas – (214) 887-3600 Church Coffeehouse Concert 2875 E. Parker Road, Plano, Tex. Trinity River Whalers www.trinityhall.tv/Music.htm Trinity Hall, Dallas – (214) 887-3600 www.communityuuchurch.org www.trinityriverwhalers.com Thursday, December 12 7-10 p.m. Friday, February 28 8 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, Nov. 9-10 Jigsaw Cleghorn among others Trinity Hall, Dallas – (214) 887-3600 Celtic Nights - “Journey of Hope” Salado (Tex.) Scottish Festival www.trinityhall.tv/Music.htm Charles Eisemann Center – Richardson www.cleghornmusic.com www.esiemanncenter.com Letter to the editor Honor thy baseball groundskeeper! Dear Editor: Your article about the Irish in baseball (in the May-June edition of the Ceili) was interesting. You included not just players, but owners, general managers, managers, umpires, announcers, a commissioner ... and even a trainer. However, you did not include any groundskeepers. None would have represented that group better than Pete Flynn (no relation), who spent 50 years with the New York Mets – going from the Polo Grounds to Shea Stadium to Citi Field (www.irishcen- tral.com/story/roots/the_american_in_ireland/mets-irish-groundskeeper-calls-it- a-day-after-50th-season-130770223.html). Slán go foill Eugene J. Flynn Editor’s Note: The book (and author) referenced in the article sadly omitted the men who presented America’s baseball fields in the most pristine condition and made visitors literally gasp in awe of their prowess. Nothing is as beautiful as a perfectly- manicured baseball diamond. Pete Flynn retired as Mets’ groundskeeper in 2011.

=  page 26 26 July September-October-August 2013 2011 Céilí Ceili  = On the Dance Floor Please help keep this section up- awarded by the Examination Authority to-date by contacting Susan Harrison, of An Coimisiún Le Rincí Gaelacha in * Comhaltas Irish Set Dance classes TMRF at [email protected]. Dublin, Ireland: Every Tuesday, 6:15-8 p.m. at 717 Ad- TMRF: Céilí teacher ams Street, New Orleans, LA 70118 * = new or changed (some listings not TCRG: Step dance and céilí teacher First night free, then $5 per night, or $30 included this month) ADCRG: Adjudicator for six weeks. Newcomers welcome. Last updated May 24, 2013 --- These teaching certifications are awarded Call (504) 866-8613 for information. Upcoming Events by the Examination Panel of Cumann Emerald School of Irish Dance Directors Emily Touzin, Leslie Middle- Irish Competitions Rince Náisiúnta in Dublin, Ireland: ton, TCRG. Teaching all forms of Irish The Irish Dance Teachers Associa- Assoc. Member: Teacher in training dance at all locations. Kids ages 5-up tion of North America and the North ODCRN: Step dance and céilí teacher and adults. Held at Arlington, Lewis- American Feis Commission (www. ADCRN: Adjudicator --- ville, Dallas. Call (972) 874-0360 or northamericanfeiscommission.org) Belisama Irish Dance (972) 385-1222. coordinate, and are responsible for, the www.emeraldschool. Under direction of Adrienne Bellis, As- following Irish dance competitions: com; [email protected] sociate Member of CRN. Performance None listed and competition opportunities. Classes Glor na Daire Academy of Irish Dance Abbey Pride Wood, TCRG and Brent Highland Competitions in Santa Fe and Los Alamos, N.M. Call Wood, TCRG. Classes held at First None listed (505) 670-2152, or e-mail belisama- [email protected]. Christian Church, 3401 Santa Fe Céilís, Special Events www.belisamairishdance.com Street, Corpus Christi. Irish www.ccirishdance.webs.com * Céilís at Trinity Hall * Bluebonnet Céilí Dancers July 14, Aug. 11 from 3-6 p.m. Music Paul and Chelsi Conklin will be forming The Goode Academy of Irish Dance by Trinity Hall Session Players, dances a new céilí and set dancing group in the Instructor K.T. Goode, TCRG. 5515 S. Mingo Ave., Suite A, 74146. called by Michael and Susan Harrison. Austin area soon. For info, call (512) Tulsa, OK Held at Trinity Hall Irish Pub, Mock- 228-2181. (918) 845-3563; kt_vogler@yahoo.

ingbird Station, Dallas. Admission free; [email protected] com.; www.thegoodeacademy.com Facebook: DFW Irish Ceili Dancers; Cass-Barrington Academy of Irish Hill Irish Dance School [email protected] , TCRG, Director. Irish step and Dance Jean Hill céilí dancing for ages 5-up in * Mostly Monthly Céilís at Fenian’s Erin Cass, TCRG, and Owen Bar- Oklahoma and . (405) 524-7322 Irish Pub rington, TCRG. Classes in Katy and City Stillwater . August 18 from 2-5 p.m., Fenian’s Pub, Spring, Tex. Beginner through Champi- www.hillirishdance.com Jackson, Miss. All are welcome. Free onship level instruction; all ages wel- Houston Old Time and Irish Set admission, (601) 948-0055. See www. come. Call (281) 814-9224. Dance Society fenianspub.com or www.jacksonirish- www.cass-barrington.com New group of musicians and dancers dancers.org for more info. forming in Houston. Crú Capaill Academy of Irish Dance E-mail [email protected] or Third Friday Celtic Night Katie Crowley, TCRG, Director. Classes [email protected]. 8-10 p.m., Third Friday of month. All for children Wednesday evenings at welcome to join in traditional Celtic Highland Park Dance Company Stu- Inishfree School of Irish Dance tunes; dancers invited to perform with dio, Dallas. Call (847) 208-5593. Classes on Monday and Thursday in live music (all Celtic styles). Listeners www.CruCapaillAcademy.com San Antonio. Contact Neill Reagan also welcome! Sonder Music, Dance ADCRG, (210) 416-1627. and Art, Norman, Okla. (405) 474-9734 Celtic Praise Troupe www.inishfreetx.com http://sondermusic.com. Irish step dance company, Oklahoma Regular classes City, Okla. Contact Sarah Decker. Irish Dance Center Irish [email protected]. Eimir Ní Mhaoiléidigh TCRG, Instruc- The following teaching certifications are www.thecelticpraisetroupe.com tor: Irish step dance – weekly classes in

= Ceili Céilí September-October July-August 2013 2011 page 27 27  = On the Dance Floor Austin. Call (512) 354-5112 or e-mail Mary Rose O’Donovan Fansler TCRG. member BATD, SDTA. Currently teach- [email protected]. Classes are held in North Little Rock ing only private lessons, but open www.reelsnjigs.com. and Little Rock, Ark. (501) 834-1479; classes to start this fall. For info, e-mail www.odonovandance.com [email protected], or call (210) Jackson Irish Dancers 396-7966. Traditional Irish solo dancing and céilí, Ó Maoiléidigh School of Irish Dance figure and set dancing; instruction, céilí Colm Ó Maoiléidigh TCRG. Weekly Murphy Highland Dancing Academy calling and performance. Solo and céilí step-dancing and céilí classes Sunday Karen Murphy, BATD. Classes for ages dancing classes for ages 6-adult on Sun- from 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Houston. 4-to-adult in Plano, Lake Highlands day afternoons with Catherine Bishop [email protected]; and Dallas. (214) 908-5810. MFA, TCRG in Jackson, Miss. For info, www.omaoileidigh.com [email protected]. call Maggie Cupples at (601) 592-9914, or visit www.jacksonirishdancers.org. Shandon-O’Regan Irish Dance Academy Scottish Country Dancing and More Kay LaGreca, TCRG, teacher; Maura Wednesdays from 7-10 p.m. New danc- *Maguire Academy of Irish Dance Anderson, asst. teacher. Classes at 800 ers and families welcome; (Children Darren Maguire, ADCRG and Maeve E. Arapaho Road, #109A, Richardson. must be interested in dancing and ac- Croke, TCRG, instructors. Classes For more info, call (972) 658-0358. companied by parent or guardian). range from beginners (age 4) to adults. [email protected] Cost: $7 for 14-over; $2.50 for 8-13; $1 Visit the new Kathleen O’Shea Dance www.shandonirishdancers.com under 8 ($15 max per family). Oddfel- Studio, 2325 Lakeland Drive, near White lows Hall, 115 E. 14th St. (Heights), Rock Lake in Dallas. Dance lessons * Tew Academy of Irish Dance Houston. Contact Dianna L. Shipman available throughout the week. Houston Richard Tew, instructor. Classes in (713) 522-1212; diannashipman@ location offers classes on Sundays at Clear Lake and downtown Houston. comcast.net; http://home.comcast. 11752 Grant Road, Cypress, Tex. First [email protected] or www.tewacad- net/~celtic.houston/SCDM.htm two classes are FREE to new students. emy.org Visit www.maguireacademy.com, or * Scottish Country Dancing in Metroplex Facebook group for more info. TTU Irish Set Dancers Sundays, 4-7 p.m., Labor Day through Irish set dancing classes Tuesday Memorial Day at St. Andrew’s Church, McCafferty School of Irish Dance evenings, 7-8 p.m., in the Texas Tech 727 Hill Street, Grand Prairie. Call or e- Judy McCafferty ADCRG, Director. University School of Music Bldg., mail for summer schedule. Jack Raines Classes available in all forms of Irish Room M259, Lubbock. Open to the at [email protected]; dance for children ages 4-up, as well public. Free class, but parking permit is http://mathed.uta.edu/SCD.htm. as adults. Fayetteville, Fort Smith and required if parking on campus. Little Rock, Ark. For more information, [email protected] Contra classes call (501) 851-3979; www.mccafferty- www.techsetdancers.com * North Texas Traditional Dance Society irishdancers.com Every Saturday, live music, 8-11 p.m. $8 Scottish classes admission, $6 for members. Highland dance teaching certifications McTeggart Irish Dancers First Saturdays: Contra Dancing at the are awarded by these organizations: Maureen McTeggart-Hall, ADCRG. Plaza Theatre, 1115 4th Ave., Carrollton. British Association of Teachers of Dance New Orleans: Saturday mornings. For Third and Fifth Saturdays: at First (BATD) details and location, call Megan Morphy United Lutheran Church, 6202 Mock- Scottish Dance Teachers Association at (504) 394-2340. ingbird Lane, Dallas. (SDTA) Houston area: Sundays at North Har- Fourth Saturdays: English Country Association (UKA) ris Performing Arts in Spring, Tex.; dancing at FULC in Dallas, 7-10 p.m. Country dance teacher certificates are Contact Jennifer Hale TCRG at (936) Contra at Dance Connection Studio, awarded by the Royal Scottish Country 321-6583. 5519 S. Hulen, Fort Worth. Dance Society (RSCDS), Edinburgh. North Texas: Fort Worth, Bedford, Second Saturdays: Contra in Irving, Southlake. Contact Christie New, 7-10 p.m. TCRG, at (817) 312-0703 or (817) 274- Dallas Highland Dancers , member Second Fridays: Contra at Dance Con- 8547 for location and class schedule. Fiona Robertson Alpaugh BATD, Director; Emily Murer, member nection Studio, 5519 S. Hulen, Fort San Antonio: Contact Mary Dirnberger BATD, Instructor. Scottish Highland Worth. at [email protected]. dance lessons offered for ages 3-to- For schedules, maps, directions, expla- Oklahoma City: Contact Rebekah Rob- adult, for recreation or competition. nation of contra dance and more, go to erts at (405) 969-3941, or see Classes at Stage Door Dance in Mes- www.NTTDS.org; Contact info@nttds. www.mcteggartokc.org. quite, at the Farmers Branch Com- org, or call (972) 546-8858. munity Recreation Center. Visit www. Muggivan School of Irish Dance Houston Area Traditional Dance Society dancingkilts.com, or e-mail dancing- Director: Joni Muggivan, TCRG. Second and Fourth Saturdays from [email protected]. Classes for ages 3-adult in Metairie, La. 7:30-11 p.m. at various locations in (504) 259-7315 or muggivan@gmail. * Klein School of Dance Houston. Live music. No partner, expe- com; www.irishdancela.com Mary Beth Klein, Highland Dance rience needed, http://www.hatds.org. O’Donovan School of Irish Dance instructor, two-time World Champion,

=  page 28 28 JulySeptember-October-August 2013 2011 Céilí Ceili  = Headliners set for 2014 NTIF Continued from page 2 For her musical contributions, MacMaster has received the Order Of Canada, that nation’s highest civilian honor. For the past 24 years, Dervish, one of the most respected and sought-after acts in World/Roots music worldwide, has been a leading force in traditional Irish music. Dervish has performed in such unique venues as the Great Wall of China and was the first Irish band to play at the greatest music festival in the world, “Rock in Rio,” before an estimate audience of 240,000 people. Formed in 1989 by five musicians (Liam Kelly, Shane Mitch- ell, Martin McGinley, Brian McDonagh and Michael Holmes), the name “Dervish” was chosen because it related to any group of spiritual people who become enraptured by music. The band released “The Thrush in the Storm” earlier this year, a studio album completed in an amazing five days. The Makem and Spain Brothers, shown from the 2008 NITF. The current lineup consists of Cathy Jordan (vocals, bodhrán, bones), Tom Morrow (fiddle, viola), Shane Mitchell (accordion), Recorded in Philadelphia and filmed in Butte, “Shamrock Liam Kelly (flute, low whistle), Michael Holmes (bouzouki) and City” seeks to illuminate life as an immigrant during America’s Brian McDonagh (mandola, mandolin). Industrial Revolution; NTIF audiences should enjoy much of this Solas (Gaelic for “light”) is considered to be the quintessential special offering come March. Irish-American band currently recording and touring in the U.S. The Makem and Spain Brothers is a combination of the off- Formed 15 years ago by founding members Seamus Egan (flute, spring from two of the most famous names in Celtic music. For tenor banjo, mandolin, whistles, guitars, bodhran) and Winifred nearly two decades, this “band of brothers” has developed into a Horan (violins, vocals), the group is rounded out by Mick McAu- top international act, based on their own material and talent. ley (accordians, low whistle, concertina, vocals), Eamon McEl- Conor and Rory Makem were born in Drogheda, County holm (guitars, keyboards, vocals), and newest member and lead Louth, north of Dublin, and continue the lineage of one of Irish singer Niamh Varian-Barry. music’s dynasties. Their grandmother, Sarah Makem, was a After 10 albums under his belt, Egan was inspired by his fam- tremendous source for song collectors for her store of traditional ily’s history to create a special CD/DVD, “Shamrock City” – tell- Irish songs. Their father was the late, legendary Tommy Makem, ing the story of Butte, Mont., at the turn of the 20th century, seen considered to be the modern-day Bard of Armagh. through the eyes of one Irish immigrant (and Seamus’ great-great The Spain Brothers (Mickey and Liam), also learned Irish uncle), Michael Conway. In 1910, Conway sailed from County songs at their father’s knee. Cork in Ireland to Philadelphia, gravitating to Butte to work in Their original songwriting retains the timeless qualities of folk the copper mines. classics, songs of the common worker, songs of the sea and Irish Six years later, at the all-too-young age of 25, he died from a culture; they tell tales of Ireland and its people. Their previous blow to the head. NTIF appearance was been met with unbridled strong response Solas, by its own admission and songs, is often drawn to from audiences and should repeat itself in 2014. musical social commentary and the themes surrounding “Sham- A Canadian group of highly-talented musicians with a funny rock City,” particularly the stories and lives of immigrants, are name, The Town Pants, last appeared at NTIF in the memorable reflected prominently in current headlines. year of 2010, when their hometown, Vancouver, British Colum- bia, welcomed the Winter Olympics, for which The Town Pants performed day and night at various venues. For more than a decade, The Town Pants has brought a popular North-of-the-Border vibe to Celtic roots rock music. The group always draws strong and large crowds to the Shannon stage at NTIF with its passion, energy, animation and spirit. The Town Pants’ last studio CD was “Shore Leave,” hailed by critics as its best album to date The band will come to Dallas with its effort, “15,” a 15-song CD, marking the 15th anniversary of the band. The album con- tains seven new recordings, as well as eight songs from its long out-of-print 2001 album, “Piston Baroque,” remixed, re-mastered and re-imagined. Band members are Duane Keogh (guitar, vocals), Dave Ke- ogh (banjo, guitar, mandolin), Darla Daniels (fiddle), Brendan New to the 2014 festival will be the unique Celtic group, We Mooney (bass), Mike Mastin (drums, percussion) and Aaron Banjo Three+One, consisting of two sets of brothers. See NTIF, pg. 30

=  Ceili Céilí July September-October-August 2013 2011 page 29 29  = NTIF 2014 headliners Continued from page 29 Chapman (tin whistle). Those unfamiliar with the song stylings and writings of Scottish bal- ladeer Ed Miller, through his past presence at NTIFs, have been living under rocks for too long. The Austin-based Miller is one of Scotland’s fin- est exports and one of his adopted state’s most sought-after performers. Miller is equally adept at singing as well as the long-practiced tradition of story-telling, entertain- ing crowds across the U.S., Canada and Europe. The award-winning SCMA photos by Perry Smith quartet, “We Banjo 3+1,” Making their fourth appearance at the North Texas Irish Festival this coming March will be one of Western hails from Galway, Ire- Canada’s best bands - The Town Pants. Among the group’s members are Dave Keogh (left) on the banjo land, blending Irish music with “old-time” American and his brother, Duane Keogh (right) on guitar and lead vocals. and bluegrass influences Enda Scahill has recorded and per- up in Dundalk, County Louth, which has to spotlight the banjo’s rich legacy and formed with the very best of Irish-Celtic- historical links with Scotland, and where roots. bluegrass musicians, including The Chief- she was a member of a local ceilidh band, Two sets of brothers – Enda and Fergal tains, Frankie Gavin, Stockton’s Wing, “Ceoltoiri Oga Oghrialla.” Scahill and Martin and David Howley Ricky Skaggs and The Brock McGuire She studied classical piano under – are considered to be among the best Band. Fergal has performed with David Professor John O’Connor at the Royal musicians in Ireland today. As the title Munnelly, Martin O’Connor and Kevin Academy of Music in Dublin, and earned implies, We Banjo 3 has been highlighting Crawford and has toured the world with a Masters Degree in Music Performance the banjo plus mandolin, guitar and vocals Ragus and Celtic Legends. and Composition from Newcastle Univer- for two decades. Martin was the very first Irish banjo sity in 2011. Each member has earned multiple All- player to perform at the Grand Old Opry Kennedy was a member of the trio, Ireland titles on their respective instru- in Nashville. “Fine Friday,” with guitarist Kris Drever ments with Martin Howley accumulating We Banjo 3 released its debut album, and fiddler Anna-Wendy Stevenson. The seven of them. “Roots of the Banjo group toured in Europe, Canada and Aus- Tree,” this past year. tralia before disbanding in 2006, but not Nuala Kennedy before releasing two critically-acclaimed is an Irish singer albums; “Gone Dancing” and “Mowing and flute player with the Machair.” hauntingly beautiful In 2007, Kennedy released her first solo vocals, adventurous CD, “The New Shoes,” to critical praise instrumentation, and by The Irish Times, as well as having an imaginative mix BBC Scotland naming it as one of its top of influences. albums of 2008 and traditional highlight She has been of the year by Hotpress Music Magazine. touring in support of Her second solo album, “Tune In,” in- her third solo album, spired by a vintage radio dial, was released “Noble Stranger,” on in 2010. Nashville’s Compass Her collaboration with cutting-edge Ca- Records, which was nadian composer Oliver Schroer, resulted recorded live in the in “Enthralled,” a duo album of original Scottish borders with compositions, nominated for a Canadian her touring band. Folk Award in 2012. Dervish’s fiddler Tom Morrow will help headline the 2014 NTIF. Kennedy grew

=  page 30 30 September-October July-August 20112013 Céilí Ceili  = Texas Scottish Festival and Highland Games

SCMA photos by Phil Wirth The annual Texas Scottish Festival and Highland Games was held at Maverick Stadium, on the campus of UT-Arlington, on May 2-4 - earlier (and much cooler) than in previous years. Musical headliners included Brian McNeill, Ed Miller, Tullamore, John Taylor, Jil Chambless and Scot- ter Muse and Hugh Morrison and Murder the Stout. While the music was a major draw, Scottish athletes competed for various titles (most involving tossing and throwing large objects to loud grunts). One of the highlights was a Sunday finale with all performers gathering onstage for one final song (left photo).

=  Ceili Céilí September-October July-August 2013 2011 page 31 31  = SCAM photos by Phil Wirth Famed Irish fiddler Oisin MacDiarmada, of the group, Teada, was the guest instructor, and held several classes in Irish trad music. Trad Camp Continued from page 1 Boston and Chicago brethren who had ready access to great Irish MacDiarmada made sure everyone was steeped in perspective. teachers like Martin Mulvihill or Martin Wynne. He played dozens of rare recordings by foundational players All that changed April 15-19 when Oisin MacDiarmada con- from Michael Coleman to Charlie Lennon, giving us all a sense ducted the first TIMES Trad Camp – a week of master classes of continuity and respect for the roots of a musical genre we’ve in Irish fiddle. It was high time. In the peaceful, rustic setting come to enjoy naturally; knowing the roots of the tradition added of Spring Hill Retreat Center in Richardson, 12 of us had the a great deal of depth of understanding. privilege of becoming disciples in the history, style and craft of One aspect of the camp that was universally appreciated was Irish fiddling by a member of the famed group, Teada. the “practicum” component – each student was invited to play a MacDiarmada has taught extensively and distinguished him- piece that was troublesome or challenging. MacDiarmada would self by being a goodwill ambassador for Irish traditional music run a diagnostic, helping us to identify and resolve trouble spots. all over the world. The classes were divided into three-hour Time and time again, I was impressed with how he encouraged morning and afternoon sessions with evening informances and us to regard at a slower pace, letting it speak to us, and helping us opportunities to session. to understand this was really about understanding our place in the After years of looking through a glass darkly (as it were), living tradition. I think it made us all more thoughtful about the picking up scraps of style as one of a legion of fiddle players (80 stories behind this music. in one Catskills class, as I recall), what impressed me most about At the end of the week, MacDiarmada wowed us all with a the Trad Camp was the intimacy of the setting, the small group, beautiful evening concert, accompanied by Joseph Carmichael, in the individual attention and the pure luxury of spending time ob- the intimate rustic lodge of the retreat center. It was a fitting end serving and emulating great playing. to a productive, challenging, yet relaxing week.

The Spring Hill Retreat Center was an idyllic setting for a dozen participants at the initial Fiddle Trad Camp, sponsored by TIMES.

= page 32 32 September-October July-August 20132011 Céilí Ceili  = O’Flaherty Retreat celebrating 10th year Continued from page 14 song sessions for the singers. For all details, go to www.oflahertyretreat.org. Of the many extra activities offered, the concerts are probably Over the retreat’s first 10 years, many of the world’s top play- the most popular side events at the retreat. “Mini-concerts” are ers in the tradition have taught – “guest instructors” – including: held at every meal, featuring instructors or invited musicians, and Fiddle: Seamus Connelly (2004), Liz Carroll (2005, 2011), every evening, inside the performance hall, there are instructor John Carty (2006), Randall Bays (2006, 2011), Matt Cranitch concerts. Attendees claim they have not ever heard better music (2007, 2008, 2012), Patrick Ourceau (2007), Brian Conway anywhere. Coupled with great performances and grateful listen- (2009), James Kelly (2008, 2012), Manus McGuire (2009), Oisin ing audiences, the concerts are said to be “magical.” MacDiarmada (2010), Oisin McCauley (2012), Kevin Burke (2010) This year’s retreat, according to Fleming, will be special be- Rose Conway Flanagan (2011), John McEvoy (2010), Martin cause it IS the 10th year and many students plan to return to help Hayes (2011); : Shannon Heaton (2006), Catherine McEvoy (2007), celebrate. Flute June McCormack (2008, 2009), John Wynne (2010), Conal “There have been many wonderful moments since we began, O’Grada, Kevin Crawford (2011); and we plan to recall many of them with our students at the Harp: Michael Rooney (2009), Grainne Hambly (2010, 2012), retreat; it’s quite a milestone we’ve reached, and there are lots Michelle Mulcahy (2011); of people to thank,” Fleming added. “We certainly wouldn’t be Uilleann Pipes: Jerry O’Sullivan (2006), Mickey Dunne (2007, where we are today without the support of the Southwest Celtic 2008, 2009), Tom Creegan (2010), Louise Mulcahy (2011); Music Association, the Trinity Hall Pub and many others.” Bodhran: Anna Colliton (2010), Máirtín de Cógáin (2012); So … those interested in learning traditional Irish music, or Piano: Brendan Dolan (2009); becoming more proficient on a particular Irish instrument, join Button Accordion: Patty Furlong (2009), John Nolan (2010), many others with similar musical tastes and desires on October Damien Connolly (2011), Jackie Daly (2012), John Whelan 25-27 at Lakeview Camp and Conference Center in Waxahachie (2012); and see why so many students return each year for this annual Guitar: John Doyle (2005, 2011), Matt Heaton (2006), Daithi event. Because many classes close quickly, early enrollment is Sproule (2006), Tommy O’Sullivan (2007), Pat Egan (2008, 2009), suggested. Seán McElwain (2010), Fionán de Barra (2012); : Colm Delaney (2012); For 2013, there will be an all-star lineup of guest instructors, Concertina Tenor Banjo: Mick Maloney (2008), Enda Scahill (2009), Dar- comparable to any classic Irish music festival in any part of the ren Maloney (2010), Dave Cory (2011), Angelina Carberry (2012); country (including several past and current headliners for the Bouzouki: Roger Landes (2006), Pat Broaders (2007), Jimmy North Texas Irish Festival). Crowley (2011); The exceptional lineup scheduled to teach this year will in- Vocals: Danny O’Flaherty (2008), Michael Black (2010), Rob- clude the incomparable Cathie Ryan (vocals), fiddlers Fergal bie O’Connell (2011), Dave Curley (2012). Scahill, Liz Knowles, Patrick Ourceau, Brendan Mulvihill, Laura The O’Flaherty Irish Music Retreat is organized by the Tradi- Flanagan and Chris Buckley, Jimmy Keane on piano accordion, tional Irish Music Education Society (TIMES), a Texas non-profit Patty Furlong on button accordion (B/C and C#/D), tenor banjo organization. TIMES also organizes the O’Flaherty Irish Music expert Enda Scahill, uilleann piper Kierann O’Hare, flutists John Youth Camp, the North Texas School of Irish Music, Irish Trad- Skelton, Myron Bretholz on bodhran, Pat Broaders on bouzouki, Camps, house concerts, TIMES sessions and various printed and Florence Fahy on anglo concertina, DADGAD guitarist Josh recorded resources for learning Irish music. Dukes; Jeff Moore on guitar fundamentals, harpists Rebekah For more about the O’Flaherty Retreat, or TIMES, contact Ken Passmore and Eileen Gannon, mandolin player Marla Fibish and Fleming at [email protected], or call (972) 798-7890. Jonathan Milton on tinwhistle and flute fundamentals. Marum soundtrack to frame Civil War film Continued from page 8 Marum: I wrote some of the music a piece for the film and played for two years the old woman, explaining the dread she couple of years ago – and I saved instru- before I added lyrics. experienced so many years ago, still heard mental versions of songs from other al- “Take Me Back to Saratoga” was also the voices of the bad guys and the tears of bums expressly for this film. Movies like meant to be an instrumental, but it just had her children as if it took place today. this take a long time to finish; there’s a lot such a B part, I had to write the song. “Elkhorn Tavern” was inspired by a let- of talk and work before ever getting off Other songs on the new album are also ter written by a Confederate soldier, telling the ground! direct, or indirect, results of working on his parents back home that his younger Did the project call for vocals more the film. I always knew “Bloody Bill’s brother had been killed at the Battle of Pea than background music? Raid” may never be a topic this film cov- Ridge … and that the South had lost the Marum: Most of the music will be ered, but it was a true story. battle. background, so I thought in terms of tex- From the moment I read it, I couldn’t The new film will focus on the Civil ture (instrumentation) and mood. Then I get it out of my mind; I wrote the song War in the West; and even though I knew either wrote stuff (that pleased me) to fit purposely with a very broad brush – as if it was a long shot for the song to fit in the the moods – or ones I loved and wanted to the film had told you all the facts. film, it was a story I really felt compelled record. I want the listener to wonder, to think to retell. Two melodies were for their moods; about it, to research … or simply under- Editor’s Note: The second half of this then becoming songs for “The South stand it (at face value). People should story, about the film itself, will appear in Wind.” “Even As I Ramble” was a banjo know something so terrible happened that the September-October issue of the Ceili.

=  Ceili Céilí July September-October-August 2013 2011 page 33 33  = Minden Tartan Fest holds successful event The 2013 Scottish Tartan Festival was medieval combat by the Shire of Ardan- val was House of Gordon, represented by held on Saturday, April 6 at Scotland roe members of the local SCA, as well as Marcia Gordon McLaurin, convener for Farms in Minden, La. a Highland Broadsword demonstrations Mississippi, Louisiana and Texas. Festival highlights included music by by the Northwest Louisiana Broadsword Other clans represented include Cum- Jed Marum, Kendall Rogers, Smithfield Academy. mings, Lamont, Cochrane and Cameron. Fair, Cleghorn and the Traveling Murphys. A dog show, the herding of Highland This one-day only event culminated in a An appearance by the Jackson Irish cattle, all-day hayrides and the inclusion heart-warming, upbeat presentation by the Dancers and the Shreveport-based Port of “Coo Burgers” (hamburgers made from Traveling Murphys, followed by a high- Belly Project was a welcome addition to Highland beef) were all popular additions energy Celtic rock session by the Dallas- the day’s festivities. during the day. based group, Cleghorn. Patrons enjoyed demonstrations of The Honored Clan for this year’s festi-

Photos submitted by Sheila Hoh

Among the per- formers at the Scottish Tartan Festival on April 6 in Minden, La. were (top left, clockwise), Kendall Rogers, Smithfield Faire, the Traveling Murphys and Cleghorn.

= page 34 34 September-October July-August 20112013 Céilí Ceili  = NTIF 2013: Well, I’ll be doggone

photography by plano photography club members

=  Ceili Céilí July-AugustSeptember-October 2013 2011 page 35 35  = Southwest Celtic NONPROFIT ORG. US POSTAGE Music Association PAID 1920 Abrams Parkway #382 DALLAS, TX Dallas, TX 75214 PERMIT NO. 3986 Address Service Requested

NTIF, SCMA honors 2013 festival volunteers

SCMA photos by Phil Wirth Scores of volunteers from the annual North Texas Irish Festi- val (NTIF) met for the annual picnic on May 5, at the Winfrey Point pavilion on White Rock Lake. Top volunteers from each segment of NTIF were honored with certificates (top photo, left) as distributed by events director Marsha Singer and volunteer coordinators Peggy and Maurie DeFoer. SCMA vice-president John Hebley (middle photo, above) discusses the success of the 2013 festival with gathered volunteers, as well as some plans for 2014. Jim Chiles (top photo, right), ATM coordinator, was honored by the Performer Products folks with an autographed poster for his unsung work at the festival. And among the many door prize winners was Dallas Officer Monty Moncibais (left photo), who provide security every year for the picnic!

= page 36 36 September-October July-August 20112013 Céilí Ceili  =