MOHAWK VALLEY IRISH CULTURAL

Volume 14, Issue 2 EVENTS NEWSLETTER Feb 2017 2017 GAIF Lineup: Old Friends, New Voices

The official lineup for the 2017 Great American Irish Festival was announced at the Halfway to GAIF Hooley held January 29th at Hart’s Hill Inn in Whitesboro, with a broad array of veteran GAIF performers and an equal number of acts making their first appearance at the festival, and styles ranging from the delicate to the raucous.

Headlining this year’s festival will be two of the world’s most sought-after acts: the “Jimi Hendrix of the Violin,” , and Toronto-based Celtic roots rockers, Enter the Haggis.

Fiery fiddler Eileen Ivers has established herself as the pre-eminent exponent of the Irish in the world today. Grammy awarded, Emmy nominated, London Symphony Orchestra, Boston Pops, guest starred with over 40 orchestras, original Musical Star of Riverdance, Nine Time All-Ireland Fiddle Champion, Sting, Hall and Oates, The Chieftains, ‘Fiddlers 3’ with Nadja Salerno-Sonnenberg and Regina Carter, Patti Smith, Al Di Meola, Steve Gadd, founding member of Cherish the Ladies, movie soundtracks including Gangs of New York, performed for Presidents and Royalty worldwide…this is a short list of accomplishments, headliners, tours, and affiliations. Making a welcome return to the stage she last commanded in 2015, Eileen Ivers will have her adoring fans on their feet from the first note.

Back again at their home away from home for the 11th time, Enter the Haggis is poised to rip it up under the big tent with all the familiar catchy songs that have made fans of Central New Yorkers and Haggisheads alike for over 15 years. Besides the ETH classics, they will also be performing songs from their latest studio recording, “Broken Arms,” released to great acclaim in 2016.

Other returning upper-tier acts this year include the high-energy Barleyjuice from Philadelphia, Graham Wright and the Glengarry Bhoys and Ottawa Valley’s favorite sons…uh, daughters, Searson, along with long-time GAIF veterans the Blarney Rebel Band and Hair of the Dog (each making a record 13th appearance!) and the always entertaining Seamus Kennedy.

While there’s a certain comfort to bringing back familiar bands as a way of appeasing the wishes of both attendees and performers, it has always been a hallmark of the Great American Irish Festival to introduce new acts to the festival; names that probably are not on the lips or playlists of even the most knowledgeable Celtic music fans. Names like… Enter the Haggis and Rathkeltair (2005)… the Elders (2007)… Leahy (2010)… Slide and Goitse (2011)… Girsa and Lilt (2013)… Runa and Moxie Strings (2014)… Dallahan (2016). Anyway, you get the idea: If they’re new, they’re at GAIF, and if they’re at GAIF, they’re going to be good. This year’s lineup includes five exciting acts that are either new to the world or have never appeared at GAIF… and you should definitely check them out.

FullSet has already earned multiple “best band” and “band to watch” awards; the Colin Farrell Band features former Elders’ fiddler Colin Farrell, stepping out front to head up an all-star trad outfit; Next Generation Leahy is Doug Leahy (of the acclaimed Leahy family) and his family, carrying on the storied Leahy musical legacy; The Screaming Orphans features the skilled musicianship and dulcet harmonies of the four Diver sisters from Donegal, and American Rogues bring a unique mix of , rock roots, patriotic, military and classical music to the stage.

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Adding to the non-stop entertainment will be a variety of other local and regional performers, including Donal O’Shaughnessy, Kilrush, Triskele, Deirdre McCarthy and family, Rattlin’ Bog, Gerry Dixon, Craobh Dugan and Emerald Dawn, plus Irish dancers and pipers throughout the weekend.

In addition to the non-stop music, merchandise vendors from across the U.S. and Ireland, carefully selected from a list of applicants, will be selling Irish and Celtic merchandise, and a variety of food booths will be providing a taste of the Emerald Isle for festival-goers. Returning again this year will be the 5k run, bagpipe competition and Irish Mass. Campsites are also available.

This year’s festival will be held from July 28-30, 2017 at The Herkimer County Fairgrounds, located just off Route 5s in Frankfort NY, just minutes from the New York State Thruway. For directions, tickets or more information, visit the festival web site at www.greatamericanirishfest.com.

And now it’s time to meet the bands:

Eileen Ivers Band

Fiddler Eileen Ivers has established herself as the pre-eminent exponent of the Irish fiddle in the world today. Along with her world-class band, Eileen tours throughout the year, in performing art centers, symphony halls and festivals world-wide. She’s been called “a sensation” by Billboard magazine, “the Jimi Hendrix of the violin” and “one of the great innovators and pioneers in the Celtic and genres” … and she’s back to headline the Great American Irish Festival for the fifth time.

Enter the Haggis

Toronto’s Enter the Haggis has led the charge among Celtic folk/roots/rock bands, delighting fans with their memorable performances, inspired songwriting, musical proficiency and high quality recordings, including 4 EPs, 8 studio albums, five live and one compilation CDs, as well as two solo side projects. With their signature Celtic rock sound and instrumentation of blazing over a powerhouse rhythm section, they’ve long been a fan favorite in Central New York and throughout the continent.

FullSet

FullSet is six young unbelievably talented singers and musicians from Ireland, creating a stunning and unique sound that is full of energy and innovation, while all the time remaining true to their traditional roots. With the tremendous success of their debut album “Notes at Liberty” and its follow-up, “Notes in Full,” FullSet was honored to receive “Best New Group Award” (Irish American News), “Best Newcomer” (Live Ireland Awards) and “Top Traditional Group” (Irish Music Association).

Glengarry Bhoys

Described as bold, unorthodox, vibrant and evocative, the Glengarry Bhoys’ hybrid of Canadian Highland Scots and French Canadian musical idioms has evolved into a sound that is weighty, authoritative and extremely entertaining. Their blend of traditional music, fused with the multicultural sounds of modern and contemporary Celtic music, has brought them international acclaim. Fiery guitar and bass, intense percussion and fiddle, teamed with pipes and vocals, make for a memorable performance.

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The Colin Farrell Band

Colin Farrell is no stranger to the Great American Irish Festival, having first appeared with the Elders a few years ago. Having since gone out on his own and with the band Lúnasa, Colin continues his meteoric rise on the Celtic trad scene. His 2010 solo debut album “On The Move” was named one of the year’s 10 best albums by The Irish Echo, and his second album “Make A Note,” released in 2015, was awarded Instrumental Album of the year by LiveIreland. In the Colin Farrell Band, he is joined by Alan Murray (guitar/bouzouki/vocals) and Dan Lowery (flute/guitar /vocals). Through their skill and virtuosity, they have established themselves as top entertainers in with a vibrant and exciting show; delivering their tunes and songs with sublime musicianship.

Next Generation Leahy

Next Generation Leahy features Doug Leahy from Cape Breton’s virtuosic musical family, Leahy, along with his wife Jennifer and their six children. Continuing to carry on three generations of Leahy musicianship, their live performances are filled with the high-energy, infectious Celtic-based music that audiences world-wide have long associated with the Leahy heritage. Having shared stages across with the legendary band “Leahy,” their performances leave audiences in awe.

Screaming Orphans

The Screaming Orphans are four fun sisters who hail from Ireland’s County Donegal; an area with a rich and vibrant musical history, which also produced the likes of the bands Clannad and Altan and solo artist Enya. The band — made up of Joan Diver on drums and vocals, Angela Diver on bass and fiddle, Gráinne Diver on acoustic guitar and Marie-Thérese Diver on keys and – has been performing together since the early 1990’s. Their sound has been compared to the Bangles and Cranberries, with musical influences ranging from the Beatles, R.E.M. and Abba to traditional Irish music. While they are veterans of many festivals world- wide, this marks their debut appearance at the Great American Irish Festival.

Searson

Building on their Ottawa Valley, Ontario roots, sisters Erin and Colleen Searson have developed their own original style of music, seamlessly blending high energy fiddling, passionate vocals and step dancing. Giving a more modern treatment to the traditional music of their upbringing, the sisters perform on a variety of instruments throughout their live show, which includes Colleen on fiddle, vocals and Ottawa Valley Step Dancing; Erin on piano, vocals, step dancing and tenor guitar; Danno O’Shea on drums and percussion, and Fraser Gauthier on bass/guitar.

Barleyjuice

Some bands take a little while to capture a festival crowd. Others seem to connect immediately. Such is the case with Barleyjuice and the Great American Irish Festival, where the Philadelphia-based Celtic rockers became instant favorites a few years back. With five studio albums and a double CD collection to date, these five kilted yanks are currently one of the most beloved Celtic rock bands in the USA. Kyf Brewer’s signature whiskey-soaked vocals perfectly trademark the group’s quick-witted and catchy originals, and partner Keith “Swanny” Swanson adds additional lead vocals, guitar, , whistle, bouzouki, and bagpipes. Rounding out the lineup are fiddler Alice O’Quirke, drummer John Tracey, and Eric Worthington on bass. Go on… try a little Barleyjuice…it’s the best time you can have at a concert without removing your kilt.

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The American Rogues

Originally formed several years ago as a more traditional bagpipe band, The American Rogues have morphed into their own band, with their own style, and even their own genre: “CeltRockFolkWorldClassicalMusicForTheMasses.” Headlining shows across Asia, , North America and Canada, American Rogues are taking on the world of Celtic rock, rock roots, patriotic, military and classical music. Known as “The Top Celtic Band Supporting Military Personnel & Wounded Warriors” (Ceili Magazine), they have also moved the Irish Echo to say of them “The American Rogues know how to command a massive stage and animate a crowd with the sounds of , pipes, and an impressive miscellany of instruments and styles.”

Hair of the Dog

The Great American Irish Festival is happy to be bringing back GAIF veterans and fan favorites, Hair of the Dog. Originally formed as an acoustic trio in 1993, Hair Of The Dog has become one of the world’s foremost Celtic rock bands, releasing ten wildly popular CDs including their most recent, “Liam Left The Lights On Again.” The Dog was also mentioned in Billboard Magazine as one of Irish Music’s biggest sellers. Their song “One Sunday Morning” was featured on the 2003 Colleen Records compilation CD “Songs of Irish Freedom Vol. 3.” In 2005 they appeared on “One Child At a Time,” a charity compilation which also included U2, James Taylor, The Chieftains and Carly Simon. Hair Of The Dog has repeatedly been named “Best Band” by Upstate New York’s top regional newspapers and magazines.

Blarney Rebel Band

After taking a sabbatical in 2016 to climb Mount Everest, where they took turns rolling snowballs down on unsuspecting townspeople and making fun of sherpas, the Blarney Rebel Band is happy to return to the 2017 Great American Irish Festival. Hailing from the Celtic hotbed of Central New York, BRB performs all types of traditional Irish music, from rollicking pub songs to traditional folk fare, from rousing sea songs to moving , from stirring rebel songs to hand-clapping and reels. Their debut studio CD “Buy My Soul” has sold all over the world, with one cut, “Stand With Me Boys,” earning No. 1 in the Irish and Celtic Music Podcast Best of 2009 Listener’s Poll. Their 4th CD, “Pile High the Pennywall,” is an ambitious collection of original material penned by all five band members. They were recently named by the worldwide Irish and Celtic Music Podcast as one of 2015’s Top 20 Celtic bands.

Seamus Kennedy

Singer? Instrumentalist? Comedian? Perhaps the only word that adequately describes Seamus Kennedy is “entertainer.” Originally from Belfast, Northern Ireland, Seamus has been entertaining audiences all over the United States for the past 30+ years. With a ready wit and a vast store of songs, he travels from Alaska to Florida and Maryland to California, performing for audiences which range from Popes and presidents to bartenders and bricklayers, from college students to kindergartners. In concert or festival, in pub or club, in colleges or high schools, Seamus Kennedy has the repertoire and the ability to make folks forget their cares for a while, to relax and enjoy themselves as he encourages the crowd to sing along. Mixing his endless supply of jokes, stories and one liners with traditional Irish tunes and the occasional , Seamus never fails to please.

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Kilrush

Kilrush has been a steady fixture in New York and northern Pennsylvania’s Irish/Celtic music scene since 2001. Originally established as a “session group” with a repertoire focusing primarily on traditional Irish music, Kilrush has expanded and refined their sound over the years, blending Celtic rock, acoustic, and Americana; resulting in a sound they’ve taken to calling “Triple Distilled Celtic Rock.” Based in the Southern Tier region of New York State, Kilrush – led by multi-instrumentalist Tim Sanphy -- has been a mainstay at several of the largest festivals in the region, including The Great American Irish Festival, Irish 2000 and North Country Goes Green.

Triskele

Triskele (pronounced “tris-kay-lee”) is the Capital Region’s premiere all-female Irish group, known for their harmonies, singing the Gaelic language and their Irish wit, performing traditional, original and modern Celtic/Irish music. Featuring mystifying harmonies that touch your soul, Triskele was born at Albany Medical Center in the winter of 2009 when Noeleen Whelan, a Dublin-born native, joined forces with co-worker and fellow lover of traditional and Gaelic music, Sharon Wheeler. Multi-instrumentalist Wheeler and Bodhran and guitar player Whelan have since added Jennifer Kiliniski on flute, vocals and percussion, adding yet another dynamic to their evolving sound. They currently have two CDs: “Look Back, Don’t Stare” and “Triskele Live,” recorded at the Troy Savings Bank Music Hall.

Donal O’Shaughnessy

Donal O’Shaughnessy is a multi-talented performer, playing guitar, fiddle, keyboards, pipe organ, bodhran and mandolin. Donal is probably best known for his live performances, where his quick wit, his spontaneity with his audience and his calls for “Social!” keep people entertained until the very end of the night. He is also known for his work ethic, as he rarely takes a break. On St. Patrick’s Day 1997 he played 12 straight hours, only repeating a song if it was requested. And if he doesn’t know a song you’ve requested, it hasn’t been written yet.

Rattlin’ Bog

Long-time veterans of the local Irish Music scene, Rattlin’ Bog was founded by tenor Rick Kincaid and baritone Joe Rowlands applying their tight vocal harmonies to Irish folk music. Hailing from the Utica area, Rattlin’ Bog encourages audience participation with its catchy musical performance and its irreverent good humor. Their performances at festivals, concerts, coffee houses and parties often include a smorgasbord of musical styles from a cappella sea shanties to traditional and popular folk, old time gospel and tunes of Celtic origin – accompanied variously by 6 and 12 string guitars, , mandolin, accordion, concertina, cittern, harmonicas, tin whistles, flute, fiddle, melodica and keyboard. They are probably best known for their rousing Irish repertoire – from whence came their trademark name.

Gerry Dixon

Gerry Dixon comes from Buffalo by way of a little town called Kilrush, located at the mouth of the River Shannon, in County Clare at the southwestern end of Ireland. It was here that Dixon honed his craft, singing and playing traditional Irish music and telling stories of his culture. Gerry was greatly influenced by his family and renowned artists, such as Christy Moore and Finbar Furey. Like many others from Ireland, he not only sings, but also plays a myriad of instruments, including the guitar, , and bodhran. With his performing skills and engaging personality, Gerry will take you on a memorable trip to the Emerald Isle.

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Craobh Dugan

Craobh Dugan, the Central NY branch of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Eireann, has been preserving and promoting the traditional music, song, dance and language of the Irish culture with weekly Céilí, music and language sessions for over thirty years. They perform for local nursing homes and also at a variety of other venues including the Utica St. Patrick’s Day Parade, Celtic Festival at Rome Capital Theater, General Herkimer Historic Site concert, Utica Monday Night Heritage Celebration, Great American Irish Festival, and the Western Town Hall cultural series.

Deirdre McCarthy

Ireland native Deirdre McCarthy has put together a presentation she deems “…the next best thing to visiting Ireland.” In “An Imaginary Trip to Ireland,” Deirdre combines Irish storytelling with traditional Irish music, Irish step-dancing and other warm and wonderful elements of her homeland; promising to delight her audience with the fun, beauty, charm and imagery of Ireland.

The McCarthy Family

The McCarthy Family – husband and wife Jim and Deirdre McCarthy and sons Cian and Shane – have been performing since 2005. They have been featured performers at the New York State Fair and numerous county fairs, libraries, festivals, town concerts, tree lighting celebrations, church functions, family reunions, recreation programs and more. It’s a family-style serving of folk and pop favorites, as well as music from Deirdre’s native Ireland.

Emerald Dawn

Emerald Dawn is an acoustic Irish band based in Albany, NY. Consisting of Bob Lord (guitar and vocals), Dawn Lenahan (mandolin and vocals) and Marnen Laibow-Koser (fiddle, viola and vocals), they are very active on the Capital District music scene. Playing both Irish and non- Irish venues, the group plays a broad range of traditional and contemporary tunes, all with their own distinctive touch of tight harmonies. Their extensive playlist and ability to get the audience involved is quickly making Emerald Dawn a favorite on the local music scene.

Vaughn Lang Named Utica St. Patrick’s Day Parade Grand Marshal

On Sunday, January 29th, the Grand Marshal of the Utica St. Patrick’s Day Parade was named at the annual Halfway to the Great American Irish Festival Hooley. Vaughn Lang, a Syracuse-based lawyer and developer who recently took over the development of the Irish Cultural Center of the Mohawk Valley, was chosen from a slate of nominees from around the community. In accepting the honor and thanking his supporters, Lang said “It’s such a tight community of brotherhood, of sisterhood, of volunteerism. I've never seen the likes of it at all… They invite you in. They’re so interested in you and you become so interested in them. It’s just an honor to build their center.” Vaughn will be feted at the Grand Marshal’s reception in March, where he’ll receive the ceremonial shillelagh from last year’s honoree, Chris McGrath. Besides leading the Utica St. Patrick’s Day Parade down Genesee Street on Saturday March 11th at 10 AM, Vaughn will also serve as an ambassador for the Great American Irish Festival throughout the year.

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Celtic Harp Kicks Off “Sunday Irish Music” Series

Following a successful 2016 season, The Celtic Harp in Utica launched its 2017 Sunday Irish Music series on January 29th, with three sets from the area’s premiere Irish band, The Blarney Rebel Band, playing to a packed and very vocal crowd. Tom Powers says they’ll be skipping the 5th for this Super Bowl thing (you can still go, but I’d advise against singing Wild Rover at the top of your lungs), but the music will pick up again on the 12th, with the area’s premiere Irish band, The Blarney Rebel Band. The party starts at 1 PM. Mimosas. Bloody Marys. Geoffreys. Why not make it a part of your regular Sunday… it makes winter at least 1/7th more enjoyable.

Binghamton University Presents The Five Irish Tenors

On February 1st, Ireland’s most popular ensemble – The Five Irish Tenors – comes to Binghamton University’s Anderson Center for the Arts, with an evening filled with Irish wit and boisterous charm and a program that features beloved Irish song and opera arias in combinations of tenor solos, duets, trios, quartets and quintets. You will hear selections like W.B Yeats’ “Down by the Sally Gardens,” Verdi’s “O Mio Rimorso” from La Traviata, Cherubini Bixio’s “Mamma, The Rose of Tralee,” Cesar Frank’s “Paris Angelicus,” Mozart’s “Il Mio Tesoro,” “Beat Me Daddy Eight to the Bar” (not really, we’re just checking to see if you were paying attention), “She Moves Through the Fair,” “Will You Go Lassie Go,” and the glorious “Danny Boy,” performed by Ireland’s most legendary tenors. This is the first tour ever in North America for The Five Irish Tenors, which stars David Martin, Aaron Cawley, Ciarán Kelly, Alan Leech and George Hutton, with Music Director, Pianist and Arranger, Conor Lindhan and Pianist, Cathal Synott. Tickets for the 7:30 PM show are $45 for the general public, $40 for Faculty/staff/senior/alumni, $22 for students/children or a family 4-pack for $110. For tickets or more information, call the box office (607 777-2787) or go on-line. Anderson Center for the Arts is located on the Binghamton University campus in Vestal, NY.

From the Irish Kitchen (recipes suitable for clipping)

This month’s recipe – “Cataplana” -- A warm spicy fish and sausage stew - ideal for cold winter evenings.

INGREDIENTS:

12 oz White fish fillets (e.g., cod, whiting, haddock, 1 med Onion chopped monkfish), skinned and cut into chunks. 2 can Chopped tomatoes 1 lb Mussels or mixture of mussels, cockles or clams 4 oz Chorizo sausage, (or any spicy sausage), sliced 1 Clove garlic chopped finely 1 Glass dry white wine

METHOD

Make tomato sauce by frying garlic and onion in a little oil until soft. Add tomatoes and white wine, simmer for 15 minutes with your top off… uh, with the lid off. Wash shellfish carefully in cold water and add to the sauce - cook for 5 minutes until the shellfish open. Discard any that stay closed. Heat chorizo sausage in saucepan until oil runs (1-2 minutes). Drain on kitchen paper. Discard oil. Add sausage to the sauce. Add the white fish to the sauce and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the fish is cooked. Serve with fresh crusty bread or boiled potatoes.

If you try this recipe, feel free to share your experience with all of us; and of course, if you have a recipe you’d like to share, please contact Beth Loftis at [email protected].

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Riverdance – The 20th Anniversary World Tour

The OnCenter in Syracuse (800 South State St., Syracuse) will be playing host to the international Irish dance phenomenon, Riverdance, direct from a sold-out run across Europe and Asia. Drawing on Irish traditions, the combined talents of the performers propel Irish dancing and music into the present day, capturing the imagination of audiences across all ages and cultures in an innovative and exciting blend of dance, music and song. Of all the performances to emerge from Ireland – in rock, music, theatre and film – nothing has carried the energy, the sensuality and the spectacle of Riverdance. There are three chances to catch the show at the OnCenter, on Feb 28th, and on March 1st and 2nd; at 7:30 PM each night. Single tickets, ranging from $30-$70, are available by calling (315) 435-2121, or by going on- line.

…but if You Can’t Make Those Shows…

…just a reminder that the same production is coming to the Stanley Theater on March 7th, 8th and 9th, 2017. Drawing on Irish traditions… well, all the same stuff as stated above. Tickets range from $35-$70 and are now on sale, either at the Stanley Box Office (call (315) 724-4000) or by going on-line.

Enter the Haggis is in the House!

…in Daryl’s House, a Restaurant and Music Club located in Pawling, NY. Yeah, it’s a way away, roughly a three hour drive, just southeast of Pouh… of Pugh… just east of Newburgh (I can’t spell Poughkeepsie). But this is the Daryl’s House; the one featured on the free monthly web show, “Live at Daryl’s House,” hosted by Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee Daryl Hall… of Hall and Oates (okay, how much further do I need to go here??). His show has featured Kenny Loggins, Cheap Trick, Rob Thomas, Smokey Robinson, The Doors’ Robby Krieger and Ray Manzarek, Nick Lowe, Todd Rundgren and more… and on Sunday, Feb 12, 2017, Daryl’s House (well, the Club) will be hosting Celtic roots rockers Enter the Haggis for a very special 7 PM show. Tickets, which range from $15 to $25, are available on-line.

Why Drive to Schenectady for Dinner? It’s a Mystery!

On February 18th, the Hibernian Hall (1746 State St., Schenectady) plays host to a Mystery Dinner Theater show called “A Wee Bit O’ Murder.” This interactive comedy show, written and performed – and often adlibbed -- by the very talented Acme Mystery Co., out of Pouh…Pugh…just northwest of Newburgh, will have you matching wits with your fellow diners as you try to solve this Irish-themed mystery, and possibly being “voluntold” to take on a role in the unfolding story!

And since detective work is such hard work, there’s also a dinner to help you keep up your strength, comprised of a garden salad with balsamic vinegar, sliced sirloin with mushroom Cabernet demi-glace, parmesan and truffle roasted baby potatoes, and sautéed green beans. Tickets for the event, which includes dinner and the show and starts at 6 PM, are $40 per person or $75 for a couple. For more information and reservations, call (518) 368-8520… the deadline for tickets is February 10th, so don’t put it off.

Caffè Lena Welcomes East Pointers, Kevin McKrell

Caffè Lena, recognized as the oldest continuously operating coffeehouse in the United States, is hosting two nights of Celtic music, featuring the talents of artists ranging from the young, to the…young at heart. On Feb 16th, “East Pointers” will take the stage at 7 PM. The trio was born out of old-school ceilidhs, but all their songs are brand new, written by guitarist Jake Charron, fiddler Tim Chaisson and his cousin, banjoist Koady Chaisson. “Adrenaline-fueled and liable to rattle the rafters, this young trio brings talent and innovation to Celtic-Maritime folk, recreating it as the hippest thing on the market.” Tickets start at $8 for students and go to $16 for the general public (i.e., non-members). Then, a week later, on Feb 23rd, veteran Saratoga performer Kevin McKrell will be making his return to the venue, along with some special guests. Tickets for the 7 PM show range from $9-$18.

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“Only the Stones Survive” -- Book Review by Mark Sisti

Let’s clear up a misconception right off the bat: “Only The Stones Survive” by Morgan Llywelyn is NOT a look back at the British invasion bands and the story of the latest tour by Mick and Keith. Now that we have that out of the way -- Llywelyn created a niche for herself with her early retellings of Irish history and legends. In the late 1990s and early 2000s, she got sidetracked a bit with her 20th Century Series but of late has returned to the historical/fantasy realm she has made her own. “Only The Stones Survive” (based in part on two ancient works, “Song of Amergin” and the Lebor Gabála Érenn) deals with the invasion of Ireland by the Milesian of Spain and their encounters with the occupants of the island, the strange and mysterious Tuatha Dé Danann. The story has been told many times before, including Juilene Osborne-McKnight’s “Song Of Ireland,” which dealt with the identical story, and Llywelyn’s own “Bard,” which tackled the tale from a different perspective. But this novel isn’t a by-the-numbers tale of invasion and conquest. Llywelyn spends very little time describing the journey of the Milesians, the invasion itself or even the battles that shaped the course of ancient Ireland. The book follows a youth on the cusp of manhood, Joss, a member of the Tuatha Dé Danann, the dominant race inhabiting Ireland. Joss revels in the carefree nature of his life, the love of his family, and the peaceful and reverent nature of his people, little realizing that the end of his civilization as he knows it is nearing. Under the Tuatha Dé Danann, Ireland is an island of peace and harmony. While they possess strange and potent powers, they have put aside their ancient weapons of destruction, and instead limit the use of their magic to shield their island from would-be invaders. But everything changes when the island paradise is invaded by Gaelic tribes from Iberia who have come to Ireland trying to find a better way of life and improve their lot, but also in search of riches and conquest. Early hopes of a peaceful Milesian integration into the existing population are quickly dispelled. For one thing, the mysterious powers of the Tuatha Dé Danann frighten the invaders, and as a warrior culture, their natural response is one of violence. On top of this, there is dissention among the Milesians as well, as two brothers vie for leadership, and military conquest offers an easy route to kingship. Another brother, Amergin, one of the druids accompanying the invasion, advises his brothers to seek out the local inhabitants and live in peaceful co-existence, but his efforts are thwarted by the ’ other druid, who delights in sowing dissention. Acting against the advice of Amergin, the invaders begin a brutal and systematic extermination of the Tuatha Dé Danann. Despite their powers (and because of a reluctance to use their ultimate weapon) the Tuatha Dé Danann find themselves at the mercy of the invaders, since their bronze weapons are no match for the iron swords and spears of the Milesians. Throughout the slaughter of the kings and queens of Ireland, Joss searches for a way to keep his people together and fight back against the threatened extinction of his people. Though they are a defeated race, they have not been completely eradicated; the Tuatha Dé Danann still possess their mysterious powers, and they must use them to survive. They have been beaten, but they have not been conquered. Morgan Llywelyn’s storytelling skills are on full display in “Only The Stones Survive,” and her ability to create other worlds is impressive. Her writing is florid and lyrical and comes off as epic poetry or song as much as written prose. It is to her credit that neither side in the struggle is wholly unsympathetic. Each race has its own motivations which are easily identifiable and reasonable from their viewpoint. Both are attempting to survive in their chosen way, but with such antithetical ways of life, no peaceful co-existence is possible... Or is it? As mentioned, Llywelyn has written this story before, from Amergin’s point of view, and it could be argued that the earlier “Bard” was more successful, at least as literature. The main problem here stems from the introspective nature of most of the narrative. I get it; she wants to focus on the philosophical and spiritual aspects of the story more than the action, but that approach makes the plot drag at times, although the evocative and expressive language makes up for much of that and serves as the perfect vehicle to carry this transportive story. Admittedly, some of it is so over- the-top new age you’re going to feel the desire to light incense and chant while contemplating your inner self. If that’s your thing, fine. On the other hand, sometimes you’re just looking for this kind of escapism. If so, “Only The Stones Survive” is a good path to take.

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RANDOM RAMBLINGS

“Nuacht as Craobh Dugan”---news from the Dugan Branch Chris Hoke writes: “Our annual Appreciation Dinner was held last week, and it was a great success! Despite a few last-minute cancellations due to weather or illness, 24 people were present. We had a lovely meal, fun with Gracie’s auction, door prizes and a 50/50 raffle. The afternoon finished with 1 1/2 hours of music and some dancing. All in all it was a wonderful day! Thanks to each of you for what you do to support Craobh Dugan and the mission of Comhaltas--to preserve and promote the Irish culture. You are appreciated!!... Our February calendar includes: Feb 3 - Ceili Dance Class, Seton Center, 7 PM; Feb 7 - Open Session, Nail Creek Pub, 7:30 PM; Feb 10 - Ceili Dance Class, Seton Center, 7 PM; Feb 17 - Ceili Dance Class, Seton Center, 7 PM; Feb 21 - Open Session, Stockdale’s Pub, 7:30 PM; Feb 24 - Ceili Dance Class, Seton Center, 7 PM.”

“Forward… Into the Past!” If you can’t get enough of the Mohawk Valley Irish Cultural Events newsletter – and gosh, who can blame you? – past issues are now being archived at the Great American Irish Festival website, here. Want to go back and read one of Mark’s book reviews? Skip’s Tune of the Month writeups? Missed one of Beth’s recipes? Or maybe you just want to go back and see how many different ways we’ve finished the “As always, we strive to not make mistakes…” sentence at the end of every issue. It’s there. Just like a library, except you don’t have to shush.

Celtic Club Calendar Finally, here’s the Irish Musical and Cultural calendar for February:

Anderson Center for Feb 1 The Five Irish Tenors Vestal NY 7:30 PM $22-$45 the Arts, Bing Univ Feb 4 Forthlin Road The Parting Glass Saratoga Springs 8 PM Free Feb 5 Syracuse Irish Session J. Ryan’s Pub Syracuse 4-7 PM Free Feb 7 Nail Creek Sessions Nail Creek Pub Utica 7:30 PM Free Feb 10 Blarney Rebel Band Woods Valley Westernville, NY 7 PM Free Feb 11 Traditional Irish Session Kitty Hoynes Pub Syracuse 2-5 PM Free Feb 11 Kevin McKrell The Parting Glass Saratoga Springs 8 PM $8 Feb 12 Blarney Rebel Band Celtic Harp Utica 1-5 PM Free Feb 12 Kilgore McTrouts Coleman’s Irish Pub Syracuse 4-7 PM Free Feb 12 Enter the Haggis Daryl's House Pawling, NY 7 PM $15-$25 Feb 16 East Pointers Caffe Lena Saratoga Springs 7 PM $8-$16 Feb 17 Blarney Rebel Band Piggy Pat’s Washington Mills 6-9 PM Free Feb 18 Blarney Rebel Band Woods Valley Westernville, NY 7 PM Free Feb 19 Traditional Irish Session Irish Amer Ass'n Albany 2:30-6 PM Free Feb 19 Syracuse Irish Session J. Ryan’s Pub Syracuse 4-7 PM Free Feb 19 Donal O’Shaughnessy Coleman’s Irish Pub Syracuse 4-7 PM Free Feb 21 Traditional Irish Session Stockdale’s Oriskany 7:30 PM Free Feb 23 Kevin McKrell Caffe Lena Saratoga Springs 7 PM $9-$18 Feb 25 Traditional Irish Session Kitty Hoynes Pub Syracuse 2-5 PM Free Feb 24-25 Lewington-Downie Kitty Hoynes Pub Syracuse 9 PM Free Feb 26 Blarney Rebel Band Celtic Harp Utica 1-5 PM Free Feb 28, Riverdance OnCenter Syracuse 7:30 PM $30-$70 Mar 1-2

If you have anything you want to share with us, feel free to send it to us ([email protected], [email protected] or [email protected]), and we’ll be happy to include it. As always, we strive to not make mistakes, but sometimes alternative facts slip through. It always makes sense to call ahead for some of these further-out events.

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