December Irish Music & 2018 Dance Association Nolliag
The mission of the Irish Music and Dance Association is to support and promote Irish music, dance, and other cultural traditions to insure their continuation.
IMDA Honors Bill Conlan – What a night! By Jan Casey
The IMDA Honors evenings are a lovely tradition – the opportunity to recognize the very special people who “keep the fires burning” – helping to ensure that Irish music and dance continue to thrive in our community. IMDA Honors Bill Conlan on November 16 was a lovely example of the folks coming out to appreciate one of our own.
Bill has a long and storied history of making music in St. Paul. As a member of the renowned Gallivanters, mainstays at Gallivan’s in downtown St. Paul and later at Mancini’s, Bill has generously shared his music for more than 50 years. He’s also well known for his St. Patrick’s Day Nursing Home Tour, bringing music, dance and laughter to those who can’t get out to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day.
The program opened with IMDA Educational Grant Recipient bagpiper Anthony Howe piping Bill into the concert space at the Celtic Junction Arts Center. Masters of Ceremonies Jim Brooks and Liam O’Neill shared the proclamation from St. Paul Mayor Carter naming November 16 Bill Conlan Day. Biddies Galore presented their own unique take on Irish dance and got lots of the guests up on their feet to dance the “Mike Whalen Snowflake Dance”.
IMDA Honors evenings are a means for the Irish Music and Dance Association to help fund the IMDA Educational Grant Program. It was especially meaningful to have 2018 IMDA Educational Grant recipient Cathal Mee perform on his accordion, with help from friend Victoria Pierce. Traditional music is in good hands with these wonderful young musicians.
Irish dance was also represented by four delightful dancers from the Casey Academy of Irish Dance. These young dancers are often a part of Bill’s St. Patrick’s Day “Tour.”
Todd Menton, Tom Dahill and Ginny Johnson, and Mike Casey added songs and there were stories from inimitable John Dingley.
MCs Jim and Liam were in rare form – and a highlight of the evening came when Bill himself took the stage, accompanied by Sherry Ladig on piano. Bill sang his signature song - The Hills of Athenry and topped it with a perfect presentation of Danny Boy.
It was a memorable evening for a true gentleman and a great friend of Irish music.
www.IMDA-MN.org Irish Music & 2 Dance Association
The IMDA Board is: President: Julia Rogers Vice President: Jan Casey Treasurer: Rob Thomas Secretary: Jean Bergstrom Board Members: John Concannon Kevin Carroll Kathie Luby Amber Ladany Maureen Engelhardt Aja Beers Editor: Kathie Luby Assistant Editor Kevin Carroll IMDA Board Meetings are open to the membership. The Board meets regularly on the second Tuesday of each month at 6:00 pm at the Dubliner Pub, St. Paul. Members are encouraged to verify the time and location shortly before, as meeting times and locations can change.
Contact Information
E-mail: [email protected]
Newsletter Submissions We welcome our readers to submit articles of interest, news, and notices of events to be published in the newsletter. The deadline is the 18th of the preceding month. Send to: [email protected]
For More information about
Celtic Holiday Hooley:
www.celticjunction.org
Holiday Fun for the Whole Family Featuring the O'Shea Irish Dancers
Celebrate the season with a variety show of traditional folk music, Irish step dance, carols, cute kids, and San- ta, hosted by comedian Joshua Will and Natalie O'Shea.
This family event brings together the stunning O'Shea Irish Dancers and The Celtic Junction Band. Musicians include Cormac O Sé, original Riverdancer; Norah Rendell, thrice named Best Vocalist of the Year by Live Ireland Awards; Todd Menton of band Boiled in Lead; multi-instrumentalist and singer Dennis Curley; fiddler Kelsey Hannington; and the liquid and lyrical guitarist Dean Magraw. A cash bar is available for your enjoyment.
Special Performances: Chanhassen Dinner Theatres, December 18 & 19
www.IMDA-MN.org Irish Music & 3 Dance Association
www.IMDA-MN.org Irish Music & 4 Dance Association
The Gaelic Corner By Will Kenny
As I write this column in mid- November, I have just returned Or consider another sport that is from a very cold Gopher football popular in America, cispheil. A game. The Irish word for cis is a wicker basket or "football" is peil. container. That makes cispheil "basket-football" or "basketball." Now, in Ireland as in the Naturally, the Irish take an United States the word "football" always refers to, interest in sports besides Gaelic games. For instance, well, "football", as opposed to what we call "soccer" boxing is certainly popular among Irish spectators. and Irish speakers call sacar. The Irish word for "boxing," dornálaíocht, comes
Of course, in Ireland peil refers to peil from dorn, which means "fist." I confess I rather Ghaelach or "Gaelic football," rather a unique sport. enjoy how dornálaíocht puts me in mind of the old term "fisticuffs." The stuff we watch on Sunday afternoon television when the Vikings take the field is peil As I listen to the Irish-language radio channel Mheiriceánach, "American football." Regardless of Raidió na Gaeltachta, the other sport that gets which country you may be "footballing" in, the frequent mention is rásaíocht, or "racing." Everyone players are "footballers" or peileadóirí. Keeping a who listens to that station, often called RnaG, knows close eye on the actions of thepeileadóirí are that rásaíocht refers to horse racing. We're not talking the moltóirí, the "referees." about NASCAR.
The other important "Gaelic game" is "hurling," Naturally, the Irish do take an interest in a wide `called iomáint or iománaíocht. In this fast-paced range of sports, from galf ("golf") to leadóg ("tennis") game, a "hurler" (iománaí) uses a hurley stick to sacar. And new sports, including some played at (camán) to whack a rock-hard ball called a sliotar. the Cluichí Oilimpeacha, the "Olympic Games,"
By themselves, the words peil and iománaíocht require new Irish words to be coined. For the summer refer to the men's games, but women play these Olympic sport of kayaking, we use cadhcáil. It may sports as well. That gives us peil na mban, "football look quite different from the English, but when you of the women." For hurling, women use a stick sound it out, KIGH-call, you can see that it is closer than you thought. called a camóg, so the women's version is called camógaíocht ("camogie" in English). Oh, and remember that word peil? Besides football, it Gaelic games are the primary focus of the can refer to a very large potato or turnip. organization known as the GAA or Gaelic Athletic Once again Gaeltacht Minnesota will gather not only Association. They administer the men's sports and students and instructors but family and friends for our work with sister organizations to support women's annual Christmas Dinner. Join us at Kieran's on Gaelic games. In Irish they are known as the CLG, Monday evening, December 17, to celebrate the effort for Cumann Lúthchleas Gael, a fairly literal we make, and the support we get, all year long. translation. Reservations are required, please visit our site at www.gaelminn.org for more information and to The word peil has been applied to some very download your reservation form. unfootballish sports, sports that are more popular outside of Ireland. For example, the prefix eit- calls Is maith an t-iománaí an fear ar an gclaí to mind eitilt, "flight," The man on the wall is a great hurler, and eitleán, "airplane." Eitpheil, then, suggests Meaning the Monday morning quarterback, the "flying football," and it is the Irish word for backseat driver, etc. "volleyball." www.IMDA-MN.org Irish Music & 5 Dance Association
www.IMDA-MN.org Irish Music & 6 Dance Association
www.IMDA-MN.org Irish Music & 7 Dance Association
An Leabhragan (The Bookcase) The Witch El m Tana French Viking Penquin 2018
This is the long-awaited suspense novel by the masterful writer of the Dublin Murder Squad books, but it is a stand-alone, not part of the series. Tana French is far and away one of the best writers we have these days in any genre; her books are not the same-old procedurals forgotten as soon as you read them, but full- dimension plots with well-drawn characters. This is one writer who always satisfies, and who knows more about the human heart and its reasons than most.
Toby is a charming, charismatic Dublin professional who has always found that good things come easi- ly to him: a great job doing P.R. and development for an art gallery, good friends, girlfriends, a comfortably well-off family, all the extras of a well-lived life. When he surprises two burglars one night in his apartment who beat him and leave him for dead, his world abruptly changes to nightmares, amnesia, suspicion and phys- ical and mental disability. Everything Toby took for granted is gone. Unable to work, he moves in with a be- loved uncle struggling with recently-diagnosed brain cancer, who lives in a gracious inner-ring suburb of Dublin in an old Georgian house, the family seat of many generations. All seems to be going well, his recov- ery slow but steady. Until his sister Susanna's kids find a human skull in the witch elm in the back garden, and the subsequent investigation uncovers family secrets and old grudges barely hiding beneath the surface. Clearly Toby's family is involved in some way, but who, and how? Adding memory loss into the mystery, Toby can't tell whether he himself deserves to be a murder suspect or an innocent bystander. Adding a few plot twists and ulterior motives and you've got a corker of a suspense novel which will keep you up late. This is definitely the best of the bunch this season, and Tana French remains at the top of my list for favorite con- temporary authors.
Sherry Ladig, a Saint Paul-based trad musician, is a former reviewer for Hungry Mind bookstore's news- letter, Fodder. Sherry welcomes ideas for books of Irish or Irish-American interest for her to review, or--write a review yourself! She may be reached at [email protected].
Happy Winter Reading!
www.IMDA-MN.org Irish Music & 8 Dance Association
Laura Mackenzie – Simple Gifts – the Frothy Band
December Events
Celtic Holiday Saturday, December 1 @ 10:30 am McGregor Public Library, McGregor, MN MacKenzie's program of Yuletide favorites, many with Celtic origins, arranged with traditional Irish and Scottish music and presented on a unique array of wind-powered instruments and voice. Free and open to all.
Celtic Holiday Monday, December 3 @ 6:30 pm Cambridge Public Library, Cambridge, MN MacKenzie's program of Yuletide favorites, many with Celtic origins, arranged with traditional Irish and Scottish music and presented on a unique array of wind-powered instruments and voice. Free and open to all.
Celtic Holiday Tuesday, December 4 @ 6:30 pm Mora Public Library, Mora, MN MacKenzie's program of Yuletide favorites, many with Celtic origins, arranged with traditional Irish and Scottish music and presented on a unique array of wind-powered instruments and voice. Free and open to all.
Celtic Holiday Monday, December 10 @ 6:30 pm Pine City Public Library, Pine City, MN MacKenzie's program of Yuletide favorites, many with Celtic origins, arranged with traditional Irish and Scottish music and presented on a unique array of wind-powered instruments and voice. Free and open to all.
The Frothy Band Saturday, December 29 @ 7:00 pm — 10:00 pm Imminent Brewing, 519 Division St, Northfield, MN. It’s Imminent. Great Atmosphere. And joyful Irish music. www.imminentbrewing.com
www.IMDA-MN.org Irish Music & 9 Dance Association
Keegan’s Pub Hosts 12th Annual ‘Women’s Christmas’ January 6
For a dozen years, Keegan’s Pub has hosted the only official Women’s Christmas celebration in the Twin Cities. It happens again on Sunday, January 6, 2019.
On that day, Christmas celebrations will be over for most of the Twin Cities. But Keegan’s will host one last holiday bash exclusively for women to celebrate the Irish tradition of “Women’s Christmas.” The 12th annual Women’s Christmas at Keegan’s will take place noon to 4 p.m. on January 6. Prize drawings for women and special food offerings will be featured, and Locklin Road will perform from 1 to 4 pm.
Keegan’s Pub started the celebration in 2008 after learning that Women’s Christmas is a popular event in Ireland—particularly in Cork. On Women’s Christmas—celebrated on the feast of the Epiphany, the traditional end of Christmas season (aka the twelfth day of Christmas)—the custom is for Irish women take the day off, and for men to take on the household duties. Women fill the pubs, and go out and celebrate with their girlfriends. Gifts are given to women.
The event is designed to give women a day off, to be together and have fun after the frantic holiday season.
“This is a great event. It’s been wildly popular, and we look forward to this memorable day at the pub,” says owner Marty Neumann.
In keeping with the tradition of Women’s Christmas (also known as Little Christmas or Little Women’s Christmas), women are encouraged to bring small gifts to the pub to exchange with their friends. Keegan’s will also have prize drawings.
Keegan’s full menu will be offered. Following the Women’s Christmas event and a traditional Irish Session will begin at 6 pm.
For more information, contact Keegan’s Pub, (612) 252-0880 or go to www.keeganspub.com. For more information about Locklin Road, go to http://www.locklinroad.com.
www.IMDA-MN.org Irish Music & 10 Dance Association
The O’Shaughnessy Presents
Katie McMahon
Friday, December 21, 7:30 pm
Celebrate the shortest day and the longest night with
Katie McMahon, her singers, musicians and dancers!
Our Celtic Christmas Show falls on the winter solstice this year, so we will celebrate with some unique music, celebrating the rebirth of the sun and the promise of springtime. You can expect your favorite carols with the addition of solstice and traditional English wassailing songs.
As always we will be joined by the high stepping Corda Mor Irish Dancers and this year our special guests OBI will bring us on a Gypsy dance party!
Katie was the original voice of the hit Riverdance Show and has been bringing Celtic Christmas to the O'Shaughnessy for nearly 20 years! So, come and join us for a fun night out for the whole family!
Buy Tickets: https://oshag.stkate.edu/event/katie-mcmahons-celtic-christmas-2/
If you live further north, up Duluth way, Katie and her crew will also be performing their show at the Mitchell Auditorium, at the College of St. Scholastica on Friday, December 7th. http://www.css.edu/about/spotlight-arts-and-lectures/calendar.html#/?i=1
www.IMDA-MN.org Irish Music & 11 Dance Association
www.IMDA-MN.org Irish Music & 12 Dance Association
Northwoods Songs: Irish Songs from Lumberjacks and Great Lakes Sailors By Brian Miller
Northwoods Songs features a new song each month pulled from my research into old songs collected in the pine woods region that stretches from New Brunswick west through northern Minnesota. In the 1800s, a vibrant culture of singing and song-making developed in lumber camp bunkhouses and on Great Lakes ships. The repertoire and singing style were greatly influenced by Irish folk repertoire and Irish singing styles. Many singers in the region had Irish background themselves.
Each installment of Northwoods Songs is also published online at www.evergreentrad.com along with a video of me singing the song of the month. My hope is that others will learn some of these songs and make them their own as I have. -Brian Miller
BARNEY FLEW OVER THE HILLS
’Twas a cold winter’s night and the tempest was snarling, The snow like a sheet covered cabin and stile, When Barney flew over the hills to his darling, And tapped at the window where Katie did lie.
“Arrah jewel,” says he, “are you sleeping or waking? The night’s bitter cold and my coat it is thin, Oh the storm is a-brewing and the frost is a-baking, Oh Katie avourneen you must let me in.”
“Barney,” cried she as she spoke through the window, “How could you be taking me out of my bed, To come at this time is a sin and a shame too, It’s whiskey not love that’s got into your head.”
“If your heart it was true of my fame you’d be tender, Consider the time and there’s nobody in, Oh, what has a poor girl but her name to defend her, No Barney avourneen I won’t let you in.”
www.IMDA-MN.org Irish Music & 13 Dance Association
“Acushla,” cried he, “it’s my heart is a fountain, That weeps for the wrong it might lay at your door, Your name is more white than the snow on the mountain, And Barney would die to preserve it as pure.”
“I’ll go to my home though the winter wind slays me, I’ll whistle the notes for I’m happy within, And the words of my Kathleen will comfort and bless me, ‘Oh Barney, mavourneen I won’t let you in.’”
Canadian folk song collector Helen Creighton recorded this song in 1948 from fisherman Amos Jollimore of Terence Bay, Nova Scotia. In addition to the Canadian Maritimes, it was sung in Ireland and New England and it even travelled west where versions were collected in Ohio and Utah. Tríona Ní Dhomhnaill recorded a version with the band Relativity in the 1980s.
Though it begins like many other “night-visiting” songs, Katie’s good reputation and Barney’s threat to it play a bigger role in this story than most. His attempt at “Baby, It’s Cold Outside” is met with a well-reasoned plea for restraint and, in the end, no means no and Barney proves to be a respectful suitor.
Visit a full archive of all Northwoods Songs columns and songs online at www.evergreentrad.com
This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund. www.IMDA-MN.org Irish Music & 14 Dance Association
Smidirini*
(*Irish for ‘Bits and Pieces’)
By Copper Shannon
. Comhghairdeas le (Congratulations to) Ciara Reynolds & Connor Luby of Mactír Irish Dance on the birth of son Ciarán Patrick Luby. “May you always have a sunbeam to warm you, good luck to charm you, and a sheltering angel so nothing can harm you.”
. Maith sibh! (Good on you!) to the Lost Forty (Brian Miller and Randy Gosa). Their new album The Lonesome Hours of Winter is out, just in time for Christmas giving! The album includes songs learned from Minnesota-based traditional singers preserved by field recordings and manuscripts made in the 1920s. Order yours at thelostforty.bandcamp.com/album/the-lonesome-hours-of-winter.
Looking for the IMDA Community Calendar?
The IMDA Community Calendar is your go-to place to find out what’s happening in Irish music, dance, liter- ature and cultural events in the Twin Cities and beyond. Find it at www.imda-mn.org/calendar. The calendar on our website is updated often – and is “searchable” for your favorite artist, venue or type of event. Check it out – and return often!
The Center for Irish Music
Come check us out at The Celtic Junction Arts Center
836 Prior Avenue, St Paul MN
Please check the website for information on our full range of instruction in traditional Irish music, language , culture and fun.
For class schedule and other information call or email 651-815-0083 [email protected]
Or visit our website
www.centerforirishmusic.org
Dedicated to Handing Down the Tradition
www.IMDA-MN.org Irish Music & 15 Dance Association
Celtic Junction Arts Center
Coming Soon
Get these on your calendar!
Tickets are now available for two exciting upcoming concerts at the Celtic Junction Arts Center:
. Connla - January 13, 2019, 7:00pm - Exciting new group from Northern Ireland
. Eileen Ivers - February 9, 2019, 6pm and 8:30pm (2 shows) - Grammy awarded, Emmy nomi- nated, AMAZING!
More information at www.celticjunction.org
www.IMDA-MN.org Irish Music & 16 Dance Association
Ceili Corner By Bhloscaidh O’Keane Check www.lomamor.org for all up-to-date Irish folk dancing information.
IMDA Membership
Demonstrate your support of live Irish music, dance and cultural activities by becoming a member of the Irish Music and Dance Association. Become a supporting member by making a financial contribution. Member bands, businesses and organizations receive priority listing in the IMDA Community Resources List. All IMDA members receive the newsletter by e-mail. ’ Name: Today s Date:
Address: Where did you hear about us?
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Tear out the above form and send it with a check made out to “IMDA” to: The IMDA Membership Coordinator c/o Jan Casey 400 Macalester St. St. Paul, MN 55105
Or visit the IMDA website (www.imda.org) to pay electronically.
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