Irish Music & Dance Association

June 1 2014 Irish Music & Meitheamh

Dance Association 32th Year, Issue No. 6 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. 2014 IMDA Educational Grants Inside this issue: Fund Study Far and Wide Tune of the Month 3 By Jan Casey Musical Masters @ MIM 5 June IMDA Calendar 8 The goal of the Irish Music and Dance Association’s Educational Grant Program is to make new learning experiences available to devoted students of the traditional Northwoods Songs 10 arts of Ireland. This year, IMDA is delighted to be able to help five individuals Cu Ceoil 12 ranging in age from 10 to young adult and most will be doing a bit of traveling to Smidirini 15 pursue their studies.

Here’s a brief introduction to this year’s grant recipients. Look for more about the recipients and their plans in the months to come:

Maia Crews-Erjavec, of Minneapolis, plays cello and studies Irish music at the Center for Irish Music. Maia will use her grant to attend the Mike Block String Camp in Florida this summer. Emma FitzGerald of Grand Rapids, MI, is a student at Macalester and plays Irish flute with the college’s student music group Flying Fingers. Emma will use her grant to travel back to St. Paul from her home in Michigan for the Center for Irish Music’s Minnesota Irish Music Weekend in June. Sydney Howieson, of Good Thunder, MN, plays Highland great pipes with the Macalester College Pipe Band. Syndey will use her grant to return to the Balmoral School of Piping and Drumming in Delafield, WI this summer. Meridith Richmond, of St. Paul, plays Highland great pipes with the Macalester College Pipe Band. Meridith will use her grant to attend the Invermark College of Piping and Drumming at Hunter Mountain, NY this summer. Karin Swenson, of Minneapolis, studies harp with Katie McMahon. Karin will use her grant to help with the purchase of her own harp. Karin is the youngest recipient this year – she’s 10 years old.

As a part of the grant program, each recipient will bring his or her new skills back to an IMDA event at some time in the future. And each will continue to enrich our community in the years to come as they learn and grow.

Congratulations and best wishes to these enthusiastic students of the traditional arts of Ireland. And our thanks to the teachers and community elders who assisted IMDA by writing letters of recommendation for all the applicants.

www.IMDA-MN.org 2 Irish Music & Dance Association

The IMDA Board is: Tune of the Month by Amy Shaw President: Lisa Conway Vice President: Jan Casey This month’s tune is a great old reel as played by Oisín Mac Diarmada, Treasurer: Mark Malone one of the artists who will be teaching and performing during this month’s Secretary: Juli Acton Minnesota Irish Music Weekend. Oisín is a wonderful fiddler steeped in the Board Members: John Concannon music of North Connacht and is the founder of the traditional group Téada. Paul McCluskey He also leads the Innisfree Céilí Band, the first céilí band from North Joan Portel Kathie Luby Connacht to win the All-Ireland Senior Céilí Band competition. Editor: John Burns More recently, Oisín has recorded and toured with the Kerry singer and accordion player, Séamus Begley. The King of the Clans is the first tune on IMDA Board Meetings are open to the membership. a solo track by Oisín on the duo’s album, Le chéile (Together). Apparently The Board meets regularly on the First Tuesday of each month at 6:30 pm at the Dubliner Pub in St. Paul. Members are encour- this reel has gone in and out of fashion over the years, but I believe Oisín aged to verify the time and location shortly before, as meeting times and could breathe new life into any tune. Naturally, this transcription doesn’t locations can change. show all the lovely ornamentation and variations, but maybe you’ll hear it live at MIM! I did transpose the tune to the more usual key – it’s in E-flat Contact Information Write to: Irish Music and Dance Association on the recording. (That’s what happens when flute players write this 236 Norfolk Ave NW column!) Elk River, MN 55330

Since Oisín has a degree in music education from Trinity College Dublin Call: 612-990-3122 and now works for Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann, I would bet my last euro E-mail: [email protected] that he’ll be a great teacher at MIM. So don’t miss it! Check out Newsletter Submissions www.centerforirishmusic.org to see the entire slate of world-class musicians We welcome our readers to submit articles of interest, headed here for the Minnesota Irish Music Weekend. news, and notices of events to be published in the newsletter. The deadline is the 20th of the preceding month. Send to: [email protected] Usual disclaimers: Any transcription errors are my own. The notation here is not meant to be a substitute for listening. It is simply an aid to learning the tune.

www.IMDA-MN.org 3 Irish Music & Dance Association

The Gaelic Corner By Will Kenny

Meitheamh is the word used for the month of "June". Meánaosta is used for "middle aged", based on aois, But it's basic meaning is "middle", as in the middle month "age". But that's different from being meánaoiseach, which of a season. looks very much like "middle aged", but in fact refers to You might recall that the Celtic calendar operates a "the Middle Ages". It means "medieval". little differently than the current one most of us use. Perhaps by extension from that "mean" concept, meán Summer starts May 1 (Bealtaine), and autumn starts can also refer to a "means" or August 1 (Lúnasa). The middle "medium". We might talk about month of summer, then, is June, influencing young people trí mheán once referred to as meitheamh na healaíne, "by means of the arts", samhraidh. In fact, meitheamh or about teaching subjects "through fómhair, "middle of autumn" has the medium of Irish", trí mheán na been used for September, and the Gaeilge -- not teaching about Irish, old Dineen dictionary (first published 1904) also offers teaching other subjects using Irish, as in immersion meitheamh earraigh, "middle of spring" for March education. (spring beginning in February, of course) and meitheamh And the plural of meán, na meáin, is used to refer to geimhridh, "middle of winter" for December (winter, and "the media", as in "the press". the new year, beginning on Samhain, the first of This July, learn this beautiful language in a beautiful November.) setting. Join us Saturday and Sunday, July 19-20, on the Over the years, however, meitheamh has come to be campus of St. John's in Collegeville, MN (about 1:20 drive very rarely used, especially to refer to months. up I-94). This annual summer workshop, held in honor of Meitheamh, "middle" by itself, has become the accepted past student Bernie Morgan, is always fun, and in a day name for "June", while December has taken on the name and a half, we'll have you holding real, if simple, Nollaig (also "Christmas"), and March has its own name conversations in Irish. of Márta. If you have been waiting to join our Monday evening On the other hand, a common word meaning "middle" classes, this will get you in. Classes start at 9:30 on that is still used in the name Meán Fómhair, "middle of Saturday morning, end by 2:30 on Sunday afternoon, and autumn", for "September." Meán also comes up in other you can either commute or stay in dorm rooms on campus. "middle" phrases, like méan lae ("middle of day") for For complete details about the workshop, including fees "noon" or "midday", and meán oíche ("middle of night") and downloadable registration forms, visit for "midnight". www.gaelminn.org . And don't put it on your meár mheáin, Méan-Ghaeilge is straightforwardly "Middle Irish", your "middle finger", also called méar fhada or "long then, between Old Irish and Modern Irish. Less finger" (see below). straightforward is the méancheannaí, the "middle buyer", or the "middleman" in a business transaction. Chuir sí é ar an méar fhada And you might be stumped by meánchiorcal and méanchrios, the "middle circle" and the "middle belt", "She put it on the long finger", that is, unless you know they are geographical terms. "She postponed it indefinitely" Meánchiorcal is the "equator", with meánchrios being the "eqatorial region". Meán is also used to indicate the middle of a range, - Will that is an "average" or "mean". We use the phrase ar meán to express "on average." So meán-ard describes someone of "average height" and the meánchostas of something is its "average cost." But meánmheáchan, literally, "average weight", usually refers to a "middleweight" in a boxing match.

www.IMDA-MN.org 4 Irish Music & Dance Association

World-Class Irish Musicians Heat Up Summer at Minnesota Irish Music Weekend June 13-15

Summer music in the Twin Cities just got hotter as internationally renowned Irish musicians converge for the Seventh Annual Minnesota Irish Music Weekend (MIM) June 13-15, 2014, at the Center for Irish Music, 836 Prior Avenue N. in Saint Paul. With fiddles, flutes and guitars in tow, featured artists include acclaimed fiddle player Oisín Mac Diarmada, called “one of the most gifted and creative traditional fiddlers playing today,” and award-winning flutist Catherine McEvoy, named 2009 Female Musician of the Year by Live Ireland. In addition to Mac Diarmada and McEvoy, the weekend will feature one of Ireland’s foremost fiddlers, John McEvoy, whose recording with his sister Catherine McEvoyThe Kilmore Fancy, has been voted a Top 4 Release by Irish Echo magazine. Multi-instrumentalist John Blake will share his virtuosity in guitar, flute and piano. Blake, Mac Diarmada and the McEvoys will be joined by Rita Gallagher, an acclaimed sean-nós singer who is a three-time winner of the ComhaltasCeoltóiríÉireann All-Ireland title for female singing in English. The event will include a Saturday evening public concert featuring all five visiting artists, lectures on Irish music history, and weekend workshops in flute, fiddle, tin whistle, song, piano and guitar for children, teens and adults.

Oisín Mac Diarmada - Fiddle

Fiddle player Oisín Mac Diarmada has been described by The Irish Echo's Earle Hitchner as "one of the most gifted and creative traditional fiddlers playing today." In 2001, he founded the traditional Irish group Téada, dubbed "one of the most exciting traditional groups to emerge in recent years,” (Irish World). Oisín has recorded a number of albums on the Gael Linn label with the group and has toured Europe, the U.S., Canada, as well as Australia, the Middle East, Malaysia, Mexico, Russia, and Africa. In 2003, he released the acclaimed solo album AranbhFidil on Green Linnet. Oisín has toured frequently in recent years with noted singer/accordion-player Séamus Begley, with whom he released a duo album in March 2012. A follow-up duo recording entitled An Irish Christmas Soundscape was released in December 2012. Oisín was appointed Director of SCT, the Traditional Irish Music Examination System administered by ComhaltasCeoltóiríÉireann, in 2012. He is also the founder of Ceol Productions, a management, booking, and consultancy agency for traditional Irish artists.

Catherine McEvoy - Flute and Whistle

Catherine McEvoy is considered one of the groundbreaking female flute players of her generation. While in her teens, she toured extensively with the Birmingham Ceili Band. Later, she was a member of the first all female traditional group Macalla, formed in 1983 with musicians Mary McNamara, MairéadNíMhaonaigh, MáireO’Keeffe and others. Catherine has recorded two solo albums, Music in the Sligo Roscommon Style and The Home Ruler. She has recorded a duet album with her brother John, a well known and respected fiddle player, and a trio withCaoimhín Ó Raghallaigh and Mícheál Ó Raghallaigh. All these albums have been voted into the top four releases in their respective years by Earle Hitchner, Irish Echo. Catherine is much in demand as a performer and teacher, and is a Senior Tutor at the Willie Clancy Summer School. She has also taught at the Catskills Irish Arts Week, Gaelic Roots in Boston College and in France, Germany and Spain. Catherine is also a visiting tutor at the University of Limerick where she teaches MA and BA courses. She resides in Co. Meath with her husband Tom, also a flute player, and her children who are also fine musicians. www.IMDA-MN.org 5 Irish Music & Dance Association

John McEvoy - Fiddle

With his unique personal style and deep understanding of the tradition, John McEvoy is regarded as one of Ireland's finest fiddle players. Born in Birmingham, UK, of Roscommon parentage, John didn't start playing the fiddle until his early 'teens' but almost immediately came under the 'spell' of the Sligo fiddle masters. Prominent in the Dublin music scene in the 1980's, he learnt much from Clare maestros John Kelly and Joe Ryan and went on to run the legendary 'Thursday Night Club' with fiddle-player John Kelly (Jr). He has toured extensively in Europe and the USA and has taught at numerous festivals and workshops, both in Ireland and abroad. A member of several well-known bands including Bakerswell and Providence he has collaborated with many outstanding musicians including, Sean Potts, renowned flute players Catherine McEvoy and John Wynne and many others. John has released a solo album, Irish Traditional Fiddle which includes a number of his own compositions. He is also on the much acclaimed CD TheKilmore Fancy with his sister, flute-player Catherine McEvoy. Well-known in Irish traditional music circles as a stylish fiddle player, John’s recent collaborations create a lively and intoxicating sonic blend that pays tribute to Ireland’s northwest flute and fiddle tradition.

John Blake - Flute, Guitar and Piano

John Blake is a sought-after traditional Irish flute player, guitarist, pianist, producer and sound engineer, who has made a name for himself as a great and versatile musician. Brought up in London, John moved to Ireland in 1998 and developed a reputation as an accompanist of note, racking up numerous album credits. John joined the traditional band Téada in 2001 and toured and recorded with them for three years. In addition to the dozens of albums he appears on in a support role, he has recorded several critically-acclaimed trio albums including, Traditional Irish Music From London(2003) and Humours of Highgate(2008), both with Lamond Gillespie and Mick Leahy, and the 2003 release The Tap Room Trio, with Harry Bradley and Jesse Smith. These days John is still appearing on many albums, and is to be found in his studio The Lions Den in Raheny, Dublin. John released his debut solo flute album The Narrow Edge in Dublin in December 2013.

Rita Gallagher - Song

Rita Gallagher is from Ballymacahill, Frosses in County Donegal, and is noted as one of the finest traditional Irish singers. She is a three-time winner of the ComhaltasCeoltóiríÉireann All- Ireland title for female singing in English and regularly participates in festivals, workshops, and singing events throughout the country. Rita has also toured throughout Britain, Canada and the U.S. with Comhaltas. Rita’s recordings include The May Morning Dew, a collection of 20 traditional songs in English released in 2010, and her 14-song collection, Easter Snow, recorded in 1997. Bill Margeson of LiveIreland calls the album “a masterpiece from a master singer.” Her low, beautifully rich voice, eloquent ornamentation and restrained delivery make Rita a compelling and much admired singer.

www.IMDA-MN.org 6 Irish Music & Dance Association Dance Camp Registration

Summer 2014

DEADLINE IS JUNE 17TH, 2014 Session Descriptions Beginner AM July 28 - August 1, 8:30am - 12:00pm This session is offered to current Beginner 5 and under, Beginner 6-7, and brand new dancers with no previous experience. This week of camp is held at Concordia University. We will learn the basics of Irish Dance and depending on age, the four beginner jig steps and four beginner reel steps! This week also includes lots of drills to practice technique, arts and crafts, learning about the history of Irish dance, watching Irish dance videos, playing games, and so much more! The cost of the camp includes the cost of snacks and crafts for the dancers along with a Rince na Chroi dance camp t-shirt. We will not have lunch.

**Specific meeting locations will be sent out with the orientation email two weeks before camp starts. Advanced Beginner PM July 28 - August 1, 1:00pm - 5:00pm This session is offered to current Beginner 8+ and Advanced Beginner I, II, III and IV dancers. We will meet every day on the Concordia University Campus. We will review and perfect the four beginner jig and reel steps. We will also work on hard shoe and learn some intermediate jig and reel steps. This week also includes lots of drills to perfect technique, arts and crafts, learning about the history of Irish dance, watching Irish dance videos, playing games, and so much more! The cost of the camp includes the cost of snacks and crafts for the dancers along with a Rince na Chroi dance camp t-shirt. We will not have lunch.

**Specific meeting locations will be sent out with the orientation email two weeks before camp starts. Intermediate/Advanced PM July 14-18, 12:00pm - 5:00pm This session is offered to all current Intermediate green, purple and red dancers as well as Advanced 1 and 2 dancers. We will meet every day on the Concordia University Campus. This week will work on drills, perfecting technique, learning new and chal- lenging material, reviewing and learning small show material, and perfecting choreography for our Irish Fair performances. We will work on team dancing skills and hone in on specific dancer’s needs as well. This week will also be filled with games, videos, and crafts! The cost of the camp includes the cost of snacks and crafts for the dancers, along with a Rince na Chroi dance camp t- shirt. We will not have lunch. If kids are staying for classes in the evening, they can stay with the camp staff from 5 - 5:30p.m.

**Specific meeting locations will be sent out with the orientation email two weeks before camp starts. Camp Fees Beginner Week: $195.00 Advanced Beginner Week: $225.00 Intermediate/Advanced Week: $250.00 Discounts Early Sign-up: Sign up before January 31, 2014 and receive $25 off camp tuition. Sign up before March 31st, 2014 and receive $15 off camp tuition! Sibling Discount: If 2 or more children sign-up you will receive $30 off total tuition. Registration Online at http://rincenachroi.herokuapp.com/ Questions? Maria Belde: [email protected] or (651) 246-6104 Siobhan Tidmarsh: [email protected] or (651)www.IMDA 272-7269 -MN.org 7 Irish Music & Dance Association Irish Festival Preview – Save these dates!

Oshkosh Irish Fest, Oshkosh, WI – June 12 -15 (a bit later this year). The Oshkosh festival is held at the Leach Amphitheater in Riverside Park, downtown Oshkosh. Featured are the Atlantic Wave, Gaelic Storm, Gothard Sisters, Kennedy’s Kitchen, Scythian, Whiskey of the Damned, sean nos dance with Brian Cunningham and more. Details at www.oshkoshirishfest.com. (Oshkosh is 280 miles from St. Paul – about a 5 hour drive.)

Dakota Irish Fair, Sioux Falls, SD – July 26. Four Pints Shy and the Two Tap Trio, plus bagpipes, demonstrations, workshops and activities for the kids. Details and updates at http://www.dakotairish.org/#! dakota-irish-fair

Midsummer Faire and Celtic Celebration at the Farm on St. Mathias, Brainerd – July 26. A Celtic event featuring live entertainment, family activities, merchandise vendors and food.

Dublin Irish Festival, Dublin, OH – Aug. 1 - 3. Cara, FullSet, Black 47, the StepCrew, Red Hot Chilli Pipers, Solas, Scythian, Munnelly & Conneely, Skerryvore, Tempest, and the Old Bay Ceili Band are just a taste of the bands that will help you experience a world of music! Details at www.dublinirishfestival.org.

Iowa Irish Festival, Waterloo, IA – Aug. 1 - 3. Gaelic Storm, The Elders, Screaming Orphans, Scythian, Switchback, Trinity Irish Dancers, Dublin City Ramblers, Derek Warfield & the Young Dubliners, Tallymoore and our own The Langer’s Ball are some of the groups that you can enjoy in a lovely, relaxed park setting just a few hours from the Twin Cities! Get the whole story at www.iowairishfest.com.

Milwaukee Irish Fest, Milwaukee, WI - Aug. 14 - 17. The granddaddy of them all – featuring 100 acts on 16 stages. The Festival Showcase this year is Scotland, including Dougie MacLean, the Red Hot Chilli Pipers, Manran, Alasdair Fraser and Tony McManus and more. Be sure to check out the website at www.irishfest.com to plan your weekend.

Irish Fest, Rochester, MN – Labor Day Weekend. The Rochester Fest will return! Keep up with the planning at www.irishfestmn.org.

Michigan Irish Music Festival, Muskegon, MI – Sept. 12 -14. Gaelic Storm and Seamus Kennedy for a start. Muskegon is just across Lake Michigan from Door County. Leave your car and take the ferry for a great weekend of music! Details and updates are posted at www.michiganirish.org.

Janesville Irish Fest, Janesville, WI – Oct. 2 - 5. This is the second year for this community wide festival with entertainment and activities of all kinds with an Irish theme. Gaelic Storm, Ian Gould, Reilly!, the Dregs of Bower City, plus comedy, trivia, film, ballroom dance and more! Janesville is about 300 miles east of the Twin Cities, south of Madison. Details and updates are posted at janesvilleirishfest.com/.

www.IMDA-MN.org IMDA Community Calendar June 2014 8 Sunday Monday IrishTuesday MusicWednesday Thursday & Friday Saturday 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Noon: Traditional Dance7:30pm Pub Quiz Association7pm Traditional Irish 5pm John Moline Trio 3:30pm Mike Wallace 3pm First Saturday Ceili Session Keegan’s Pub, Mpls Session 9pm Scottie and Shane McCormick’s Pub, Dubliner Pub, St. Paul Kieran’s Pub, Mpls Rueb ‘n’ Stein, Northfield Dubliner Pub, St. Paul Wayzata 9pm Pete McCauley 3:30pm Mike Wallace Noon: Irish Fair of Dubliner Pub, St. Paul 7:30pm Pub Quiz 6:30pm Pub Quiz 6pm Irish Music McCormick’s Pub, Minnesota at the Grand Merlins Rest, Mpls 8pm Pub Quiz Session Wayzata Old Day St. Dominic’s Trio Keegan’s Pub, Mpls 9pm Irish Brigade St. Paul Nye’s, Mpls 7:30pm Irish Social Dubliner Pub, St. Paul 7:30pm Broken Spoke Dance Charlie’s Irish Pub, 4pm Learners Irish 9pm Todd Menton 7pm Forty Shades of Stillwater Session Dubliner Pub, St. Paul Green 6pm Advanced Irish Lebanon Hills Visitor 9pm Irish Brigade Music Center, Eagan Dubliner Pub, St. Paul Session Keegan’s Pub, Mpls 7:30pm Broken Spoke Charlie’s Irish Pub, 7:30pm Pub Quiz Stillwater Merlins Rest, Mpls 8pm Celtic Session 8pm Pub Quiz Merlins Rest, Mpls Dubliner Pub, St. Paul

8 9 10 11 12 13 14 Noon: Traditional 7:30pm 2nd Monday 7:30pm Pub Quiz 7pm Traditional Irish 6:30pm Pub Quiz Minnesota Irish Music Minnesota Irish Music Session Sea Shanty Sing Keegan’s Pub, Mpls Session 8pm Pub Quiz Weekend Weekend Kieran’s Pub, Mpls Dubliner Pub, St. Paul Rueb ‘n’ Stein, Northfield Keegan’s Pub, Mpls The Celtic Junction, St. The Celtic Junction, St. 7:30pm Irish Set Paul Paul Noon: Merlins Rest Dancing w/ the Twin 7:30pm Pub Quiz Annual Block Party Cities Ceili Band Merlins Rest, Mpls 3:30pm Mike Wallace Roast & Toast: 7:30pm Pub Quiz Dubliner Pub, St. Paul McCormick’s Pub, Celebrating the LRT Merlins Rest, Mpls 7:30pm Irish Social Wayzata Dubliner Pub, St. Paul St. Dominic’s Trio Dance 4pm Learners Irish Nye’s, Mpls 9pm Tom Dahill & 6pm Irish Music 3:30pm Mike Wallace Session Ginny Johnson Session McCormick’s Pub, 6pm Advanced Irish Dubliner Pub, St. Paul 9pm The Caseys Wayzata Music Dubliner Pub, St. Paul Session 7:30pm Hounds of Finn Keegan’s Pub, Mpls 7:30pm Hounds of Finn Charlie’s Irish Pub, Charlie’s Irish Pub, Stillwater 8pm Pub Quiz Stillwater 9pm Todd Menton 7:30pm MIM Master Dubliner Pub, St. Paul 8pm Celtic Session Artists’ Concert Merlins Rest, Mpls The Celtic Junction, St. Paul

15 16 17 18 19 20 21 Minnesota Irish Music 7:30pm Pub Quiz 7pm Traditional Irish 5pm Lonesome Dan Barra: Swede Hollow 3:30pm Mike Wallace Weekend Keegan’s Pub, Mpls Session Kase Outdoor Concert McCormick’s Pub, The Celtic Junction, St. Rueb ‘n’ Stein, Northfield 9pm Scottie and Shane Beside Swede Hollow Wayzata Paul 9pm Irish Brigade Dubliner Pub, St. Paul Café, St. Paul Dubliner Pub, St. Paul 7:30pm Pub Quiz 7:30pm Bedlam Noon: Traditional Merlins Rest, Mpls 6:30pm Pub Quiz 3:30pm Mike Wallace Charlie’s Irish Pub, Session St. Dominic’s Trio 8pm Pub Quiz McCormick’s Pub, Stillwater Kieran’s Pub, Mpls Nye’s, Mpls 7:30pm Irish Social Keegan’s Pub, Mpls Wayzata Dance 9pm Todd Menton 4pm Learners Irish 9pm Tom Dahill & 6pm Irish Music Dubliner Pub, St. Paul Session Ginny Johnson Session 6pm Advanced Irish Dubliner Pub, St. Paul 9pm Sterling Bridge 9:30pm Irish Brigade Music Dubliner Pub, St. Paul Keiran’s Pub, Mpls Session Keegan’s Pub, Mpls 7:30pm Bedlam Charlie’s Irish Pub, 2:00 pm Pub Sing Stillwater 7:30pm Pub Quiz Merlins Rest, Mpls 8pm Celtic Session Merlins Rest, Mpls 8pm Pub Quiz 9pm Irish Brigade 9:30pm Irish Brigade Dubliner Pub, St. Paul www.IMDA-MN.org Keiran’s Pub, Mpls Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 9

22 23 24Irish 25Music 26 & 27 28 10am Locklin Road 7:pm 4th Monday 7:30pm Pub Quiz 7pm Traditional Irish 5pm Jayanthi Kyle 3:30pm Mike Wallace 3:30pm Mike Wallace Hell’s Kitchen, Mpls Shanty/Pub Sing Keegan’s Pub, Mpls Session Dubliner Pub, St. Paul McCormick’s Pub, McCormick’s Pub, Merlins Rest, DanceMpls AssociationRueb ‘n’ Stein, Northfield Wayzata Wayzata Noon: Traditional 7:30pm Irish Set 6:30pm Pub Quiz Session Dancing w/ the Twin 7:30pm Pub Quiz 8pm Pub Quiz 6pm Irish Music 7:30pm Thistle & Rose Kieran’s Pub, Mpls Cities Ceili Band Merlins Rest, Mpls Keegan’s Pub, Mpls Session Charlie’s Irish Pub, Dubliner Pub, St. Paul 9pm Todd Menton Stillwater 4pm Learners Irish 7:30pm Irish Social Dubliner Pub, St. Paul Session St. Dominic’s Trio Dance 7:30pm Paddy O’Brien 6pm Advanced Irish Nye’s, Mpls 9pm Irish Brigade 7:30pm Thistle & Rose & Chulrua Music Dubliner Pub, St. Paul Charlie’s Irish Pub, The Celtic Junction, St. Session Stillwater Paul Keegan’s Pub, Mpls 8pm Celtic Session 9pm Irish Brigade 6pm The Young Merlins Rest, Mpls Dubliner Pub, St. Paul Dubliners/Tim Malloys Amsterdam Bar, St. Paul

7:30pm Pub Quiz Merlins Rest, Mpls

8pm Pub Quiz Dubliner Pub, St. Paul

29 30 1 2 3 4 5 Noon: Traditional 7:30pm Pub Quiz 7pm Traditional Irish 5pm Nikki & Rich Roux 6pm Irish Music Session Keegan’s Pub, Mpls Session 9pm Scottie and Shane Session Kieran’s Pub, Mpls Rueb ‘n’ Stein, Northfield Dubliner Pub, St. Paul 9pm Todd Menton 8pm Celtic Session 1pm Minnesota Celtic Dubliner Pub, St. Paul 7:30pm Pub Quiz 6:30pm Pub Quiz Merlins Rest, Mpls Fiddlers Merlins Rest, Mpls 8pm Pub Quiz The Celtic Junction, St. St. Dominic’s Trio Keegan’s Pub, Mpls Paul Nye’s, Mpls 7:30pm Irish Social Dance 4pm Learners Irish 9pm Irish Pere Session McCauley 6pm Advanced Irish Dubliner Pub, St. Paul Music Session 7:30pm Pub Quiz Keegan’s Pub, Mpls Kieran’s Pub, Mpls

7:30pm Pub Quiz Merlins Rest, Mpls

8pm Pub Quiz Dubliner Pub, St. Paul

www.IMDA-MN.org 10 Irish Music & 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/northwoods-songs. As of December 2013, I will also videotape myself 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. Links to song videos will be posted along with the online version.

-Brian Miller YOU PRETTY GIRLS OF MICHIGAN.

You pretty girls of Michigan, give ear to what I write, Of sailing on the stormy Lakes, in which we take delight; In sailing on the stormy Lakes, which we poor seamen do, While Irishmen and the landlubbers are staying at home with you.

They’re always with some pretty girls a’telling them fine tales Of the hardships and the hard day’s work they’ve had in their cornfields; And when it’s eight o’clock at night it’s into bed they crawl, While we, like jovialwww.IMDA hearts of oak,-MN.org stand many a bitter squall. 11 Irish Music & Dance Association

You pretty girls of Michigan if you did only know The hardships and dangers we seamen undergo, You would have more regard for us than oft you’ve had before; You’d shun to meet those landlubbers that lounge about the shore.

For oft at twelve o’clock at night when the wind begins to blow; “Heave out, heave out, now lively lads, roll out from down below!” It’s now on deck stands every man, his life and ship to guard; “Aloft! Aloft!” the captain cries, “send down the tops’l yard!”

And when the seas are mountain high and toss our vessel ’round, And all about does danger lurk, the vessel may go down! Now every man is on the deck, all ready to lend a hand To shorten sail to weather the gale until we reach the land.

We sail the Lakes from spring to fall from Duluth to Buffalo, While landlubbers are home with you or about their fields they go; We sail the Lakes and money make for the girls that we adore, And when our cash is getting low, we ship again for more! ______

This month’s song comes from a blend of sources. The prolific collector of Great Lakes folksong Ivan Walton put down the above text based on versions gathered from Pat Banner of St. Clair, Michigan, and Captain A.E. Baker of Dunkirk, New York in 1933. Walton’s composite text is published in the wonderful book Windjammers (Walton, Ivan and Joe Grimm. 2002. Detroit: Wayne State University Press) which I would strongly recommend to anyone interested in songs of the Great Lakes. Walton did not collect a melody for this song.

A closely related song, “Ye Maidens of Ontario,” was collected in Bemidji, Minnesota in 1923 by collector Franz Rickaby from the singing of Albert Hannah. Above, I have married the words collected by Walton to the melody sung by Hannah. Normally, as a proud Minnesotan, I would stick to the words also collected in Minnesota but, in this case, it is the Michigan/New York text that contains a rare reference to a Minnesota place name: Duluth. Of course, Duluth was (and is) Minnesota’s gateway city to the Great Lakes and, as the phrase “Duluth to Buffalo” implies, it was the end of the line for these rough and tough freshwater sailors.

The pairing of “Irishmen and landlubbers” in the first verse is interesting. Irishmen certainly sailed the Lakes themselves and Irish names appear in other Great Lakes ballads (see N.S. Apr. 2014).

Visit my blog version of this article at: www.evergreentrad.com/northwoods-songs

You can read Northwoods Songs online at www.evergreentrad.com/northwoods-songs www.IMDA-MN.org 12 Irish Music & Dance Association

Cu Ceoil " " Music to the Irish is a living delight, a mysterious key to a host of undiscovered emotions hoarded in the secrets of the soul." Mairtin Byrnes

Wolf Loescher plays drums, percussion, bouzar and vocals in the Celtic-Cajun band The Sweet Colleens, as well as other artists, including Katie McMahon. Wolf has explored percussion in a variety of settings in bands ranging from symphonic to progressive rock to Celtic folk and all points in between. He specializes in drum kit and hand percussion, with special interest in bodhran. Wolf received his first bodhran while living in East Kilbride, Scotland after seeing the seminal Scottish folk duo The Corries, and has played the instrument on numerous recordings with different projects (including Two O'Clock Courage, SixMileBridge, Poor Man's Fortune, and Jiggernaut). Wolf's style draws not only on the country-swing of his native Texas, but on the rich bagpipe-laced Celtic music of Scotland, where he lived for several years before founding the acclaimed Celtic-rock band Jiggernaut.

“Solas” by Solas (released 1996 on Shanachie Records)

From the very first track (which I overheard in a noisy, smoky bar in Manhattan in early 1998), the music smacks you in the face and demands your attention. Each of the musicians are legendary in their own right (Séamus Egan - flute, whistle, Winifred Horan - fiddle, John Doyle - guitar, John Williams - accordion, and Karan Casey - vocals), but together they are greater than the sum of their parts. Of special interest are the highly rhythmic guitar style of John Doyle (who drives the faster tunes relentlessly; occupying the space of three instruments - drums, bass, as well as guitar); and Karan Casey vocal style (which was, for me, a revelation and delight). The passion and brilliance comes out in every track of this album, and manages to somehow feel both “rock and roll” and totally traditional at the same time. Original and thrilling, I come back to this album time and again, and it never fails to leave me gobsmacked. This album MUST be in your collection.

Como Cottage Salon Series Laura MacKenzie and the Lads, with Gary Rue (guitar) and Michael Bissonnette (percussion) in concert, part of this lovely house concert series. Seating is limited, so reserve with [email protected] or by calling 651-488-4896. Recommended donation is $15. Saturday, June 7 @ 7:30 PM at 1610 Fernwood St., St. Paul, MN

Laura MacKenzie & The Lads Laura MacKenzie with Gary Rue (guitar) and Michael Bissonnette (percussion) in concert at the 318. Make your reservations (952-401-7902) and come early for good food and fine wines. http://www.three-eighteen.com (Cover $10) Wednesday, June 18 @ 8:00 PM — 10:00 PM at the 318 Cafe, 318 Water St., Excelsior, MN

For more information contact Laura MacKenzie, 651-398-5055 or www.lauramackenzie.com www.IMDA-MN.org 13 Irish Music & Dance Association

An Leabhragán (The Bookcase)

Northern Orchards: Places Near the Dead by James Silas Rogers North Star Press of Saint Cloud, 2014

This thoughtful, elegant book of essays and poems by local University of St. Thomas Department of Irish Studies director, historian, and writer Jim Rogers concerns itself with our relationship to cemeteries, the "permanent cities of the dead" and the associations we, the living, have with them. The Irish poet Michael Coady remarked that "it is in remembering that, little by little, we are allowed to forget"; Jim Rogers underscores this with his insightful look at final resting places and why we visit them. The author has visited scores of historic burial grounds, many in rural places, many neglected or nearly forgotten, but all poignant with stories and deep meaning. These are places the living come to remember, and also places we come to gradually let go. They place a person once alive and now gone in a certain time and place; they mark the passing of that person from memory and association. There is nothing macabre or sensational in this account; but rather deep understanding and awareness of a long sense of history. Jim Rogers spent years visiting these places, often aided by the champions of the dead: local historians, librarians, county or church officials, and genealogical records. Most of these guardians are not attached personally to the "residents", but see the value in acknowledging the ordinary existence of a person who left his or her mark, no matter how humble or commonplace it may be (indeed, the "ordinary" person's story often is more interesting than a celebrity's is). This incisive but sympathetic collection of essays and poems has sprung from the author's time in these hallowed grounds. Rogers has no personal connection or family ties to these dead (although many of the graveyards and their inhabitants are Irish or Irish-American, as is the author). How we remember the dead tells us who we are, and what we value in our present as well as in our past. There is a gentleness, a respect, and at times a dry wit in his writing (commenting on a certain pompous self-published windbag, now at rest in a Rochester, MN cemetery, Rogers remarks "he spewed polemic, calling on evidence with the subtlety of a looter filling a gunnysack"). This is a sharp-eyed yet lyrical look at the cities of the dead. To visit them, to remember and to forget, expands our souls and connects us to a sense of things greater than ourselves.

Readings from Northern Orchards will take place June 4th, 7 p.m. at Common Good Books (Grand and Snelling Avenues, Saint Paul) and June 15th, 2 p.m. at the Old Pioneer Cemetery (Cedar and Lake Streets, Minneapolis), and other locations this summer.

Sherry Ladig is a former reviewer for the Hungry Mind newsletter, Fodder, and a current Saint Paul- based trad musician. Sherry welcomes suggestions for books to review---or write a review yourself! She may be reached at [email protected]. Happy summer reading! www.IMDA-MN.org 14 Irish Music & Dance Association

Ceili Corner By Bhloscaidh O’Keane

First Saturday Afternoon Céilí - Dubliner Pub, 2162 University Avenue in Saint Paul, from 3:00 to 5:00. The suggested donation is $2.00 per person. The dances are taught and called by Paul McCluskey. Third Saturday Night Céilí - The Celtic Junction, 836 Prior Ave., No, St. Paul. Irish Dance Classes: Céilí Dancing - Wednesday Nights Dubliner Irish Pub - 2162 University Avenue in Saint Paul. Learn Irish dancing in a genuine Irish pub with a wooden floor that has known a whole lot of dancing feet. Steps and dances are taught by Paul McCluskey and Kirsten Koehler. Basic beginning steps are taught beginning at 7:00, with advanced lessons and dancing continuing until 9:30 PM. Year-round; no children, and must be of legal drinking age. Free. Set Dancing - Tuesday Nights Dubliner Irish Pub - 2162 University Avenue in Saint Paul. Set Dancing at 7:30 pm on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of every month, music by the Twin Cities Ceili Band. The cost is $5 for the band, beginners welcome, for more information call Geri at the Dubliner (651)646-5551.

Check www.lomamor.org for all up-to-date Irish folk dancing information.

The Center for Irish Music

Come check us out at The Celtic Junction 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 Smidirini* 15 IrishBy Copper Music Shannon & (*Irish for ‘Bits and Pieces’) Dance Association . Deepest Sympathy to Pete McCauley of the Hounds of Finn and his family. Pete’s father, Jim McCauley, passed away recently. Beannacht Dé lena anam (God’s blessing on his soul).

. Nice to see him! Michael Sturm of the Langer’s Ball has joined the team pulling pints at the Dubliner these days. Stop in and say hello!

. Comhghairdeas le (Congratulations to) harper Chad McAnally who has qualified for Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2014 in Sligo, Ireland in August. This is a singular honor for Chad – well done!

. There’s a new traditional Irish music session in town. Come on by the Dubliner Pub on Fridays from 6 to 9 pm.

. Merlins Rest’s Tuesday Irish Hour with Jim Brooks and Bill Watkins is taking a break for the summer. Stay tuned for updates about a start date in the Fall.

. The Green Line is coming! Come celebrate the opening of the LRT with a Roast & Toast at the Dubliner Pub on Saturday, June 14 from 1 pm to Midnight. Music, pig roast, great drinks – and a chance to ride the Green Line for FREE all weekend!

Update on IMDA Membership The Irish Music and Dance Association would like to remind members of a change in policy regarding membership. Because of rising costs in printing and postage, the Irish Music and Dance Association asks that members who want to receive their newsletter by U S mail support the IMDA by contributing at least $35 a year. All members have the option of receiving their newsletter by e-mail for faster delivery and color photos! We welcome your financial support of the IMDA at any level and that support helps us continue our work to promote Irish music and dance in the Twin Cities and beyond. You may also become a newsletter-only member without making a financial contribution. Whichever membership option you choose, we appreciate your support and look forward to seeing you at a concert or dance event soon!

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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. www.IMDA St. Paul, MN-MN.org 55105 16 Irish Music & Dance Association

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