April Irish Music & 2018 Márt Association Márta

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. Inside this issue: IMDA Recognizes Dancers 2 Educational Grants Available Thanks You 6 For Irish Music and Dance Students Open Mic Night 7

The Irish Music and Dance Association (IMDA) would like to lend a hand to students of Irish music, dance or cultural pursuits. We’re looking for students who have already made a significant commitment to their studies, and who could use some help to get to the next level. It may be that students are ready to improve their skills (like fiddler and teacher Mary Vanorny who used her grant to study Sligo-style fiddling with Brian Conway at the Portal Irish Music Week) or it may be a student who wants to attend a special class (like Irish dancer Wier who traveled to Boston for the Riverdance Academy). These are examples of great reasons to apply for an IMDA Educational Grant – as these students did in 2017.

2018 will be the twelfth year of this program, with help extended to 43 musicians, dancers, language students and artists over the years.

The applicant may use the grant in any way that furthers his or her study – help with the purchase of an instrument, tuition to a workshop or class, travel expenses – the options are endless. Previous grant recipients have included musicians, dancers, Irish language students and a costume designer, but the program is open to students of other traditional Irish arts as well. And the program is available to students of any age.

This is a merit-based opportunity. Applicants are asked to submit a letter of recommendation from a teacher or community elder familiar with their work. And recipients are expected to bring their new skills back to the community by performing at an IMDA event.

IMDA is committed to the vitality of our Twin Cities Irish community, and helping students of the traditional arts of Ireland is a way of helping to insure that vitality for the future. IMDA is especially proud that previous Educational Grant recipients continue to contribute to our community. 2007 grant recipient Liz Hines has gone on to develop Eilís Academy at Escalate, one of the schools performing at IMDA’s 2018 St. Patrick’s Day Irish Celebration and Day of Irish Dance. 2008 grant recipient David Ochs continues as an Irish dancer; David was a part of the of the 2018 “Kickin’ It Irish” show, performing as both a dancer and a musician. 2012 grant recipient Becky Bollinger continues her music study and performed on St. Patrick’s Day as part of the Center for Irish Music’s Open Sky Ensemble. More information on the previous recipients and how they used their grants is available on the IMDA website.

IMDA funds these grants with proceeds from our events, special fundraisers like the Irish Dancer T- shirt sales and with donations. IMDA is especially grateful for gifts from the community through Give to the Max and Giving Tuesday on Facebook.

The 2018 application deadline is April 16. Applications are available at the IMDA website: www.IMDA-MN.org, or by contacting Jan Casey at [email protected] or 651.699.8937.

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

The IMDA Board is: IMDA Recognizes Dedicated Dancers President: Julia Rogers Vice President: Jan Casey Treasurer: Rob Thomas The Decade of Dance Award was created to recognize the Secretary: Jean Bergstrom Board Members: John Concannon very special commitment that some students make to Irish Kevin Carroll dance. The dancers who receive this award have studied Irish Kathie Luby Amber Ladany dance for at least 10 years; for most, it represents the major Maureen Engelhardt portion of their young lives. They have shared a unique Aja Beers Editor: Kathie Luby element of Irish culture with audiences in all kinds of settings Assistant Editor Kevin Carroll IMDA Board Meetings are open to the membership. from community festivals and concert halls to nursing homes The Board meets regularly on the second Tuesday of each month at 6:00 pm at the and schools. Along the way, they delight audiences, have fun, Dubliner Pub, St. Paul. Members are encouraged to verify the time and location make friends, and serve as very visible and engaging shortly before, as meeting times and locations can change.

ambassadors for Irish culture to the greater community. Contact Information

The awards were presented on the Main Stage at IMDA’s Day E-mail: [email protected] of Irish Dance at Landmark Center. The dancers received a certificate and a special Decade of Dance medal. Newsletter Submissions We welcome our readers to submit articles of interest, news, and notices of events These are this year’s recipients, and some of their favorite to be published in the newsletter. The deadline is the 18th of the preceding month. memories of Irish dance: Send to: [email protected]

Sarah Becker ~ Rince na Chroi “I think one of my favorites was driving to LaCrosse, WI after a long day of dancing on St. Patrick’s Day. I had so much fun road tripping with my Rince na sisters, and when we arrived I got to dance with Gaelic Storm for my first time…But overall, I just mostly enjoyed meeting new people and dance with girls who have become my best friends. Irish dance, and specifically Rince na Chroi has given me so much joy, laughter, and many lifelong friendships.”

Christopher Bergthold ~ Rince na Chroi “My favorite memory of being an Irish Dancer is having a great opportunity to meet many wonderful people from my fellow teammates & Instructors, to people all over the community. Spreading joy and happiness through Irish Dance is the best!!”

Mattie Ernst ~ Green Fire Irish Dancers, Scoil na dTri Academy of Irish Dance, O’Shea Irish Dance “Working with fellow Green Fire member to write, choreograph, and execute our own new for performances like Irish Fair and Day of Dance.”

Mollie Ferrel ~ Rince na Chroi “My favorite memories were with my friends, going on road trips, performing at Irish Fair, and walking in parades. I know I will be lifelong friends with my friends I have made through dance.”

Emma Freebersyser ~ Shamrock School of Irish Step Dance “Practicing for shows!”

Anna Hester ~ Scoil na dTri Academy of Irish Dance, O’Shea Irish Dance “Being part of the Kickin’ It Irish production for the past 2 years, having strong friendships, and being on a céilí team that won the Mid-American in 2017.”

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

Lily Jones ~ Mulhern School of Irish Dance “I have made a ton of friends in dance. I’ve gotten to travel the country, compete, and win. It’s been incredi- bly important to me to be able to set goals and then achieve them. But for sure the friends have been the most important part of dance.”

Kelly Anne Krohn ~ Rince na Chroi “My favorite Irish Dance memory is when I earned my first sleeveless/advanced dress. Because it meant that I was officially advanced!”

Madeleine Lemay ~ Scoil na dTri Academy of Irish Dance, O’Shea Irish Dance, Mactír Academy of Irish Dance “I first saw Irish dance when I was four years old at Irish Fair in St. Paul and wanted to join. I was doing all sort of activities at the time… My parents signed me up and here I am….It’s been great to travel to perform and compete.”

Clara McMillan ~ O’Shea Irish Dance, Loring Irish Dance Team “I really enjoyed chaperoning the Loring kids on their St. Patrick’s Day adventures.”

Lilllian Pettigrew ~ Mactír Academy of Irish Dance, St. Paul Irish Dancers “Performing with We 3 at St. Cloud’s Paramount Theater.”

Emily Shoonover ~ Rince na Chroi “All the fun times I have had with my friends at dance and making lasting memories throughout the past ten years. Especially those memories made at Irish Fair.”

Margaret Sullivan ~ corda mór irish dance, Mulhern School of Irish Dance “My favorite memory and experience with Irish Dance has been getting to work with younger kids, teach them and work with them. … This has been my favorite thing because it has shown how much I love to work with people and it had contributed to me continuing dance for a whole decade.”

Zoe Sullivan ~ Mactír Academy of Irish Dance “Dancing with my céilí team at Oireachtas. I enjoyed bonding with my team. We sent many hours drilling, dancing and laughing. There is a special formed with a group of girls when you dance and com- plete with a group.

Including Scoil na dTri in this recognition is a way to remember Brenda Buckley, who passed away in 2009, and who was a very important influence in the lives of her dancers.

This is the thirteenth year that this award has been presented; in that time, MDA has recognized a total of 189 dancers.

Congratulations to these dedicated dancers and to their parents and families who support and encourage them.

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

The Gaelic Corner By Will Kenny By the time you read this, we the west. will just have had our second When you decide to visit me, we "blue moon" in the first three have slightly different perspectives months of this year. A blue on the journey, and we use moon, of course, commonly different Irish direction words to refers to a second full moon in a talk about it. From your single month. While not perspective, you are "going west," and we use the extremely rare, this phenomenon is sufficiently form siar, "to west," in this case. We cannot uncommon to be reflected in the expression, " in use thiar because there is motion involved. a blue moon," to refer to something that doesn't happen all that often. And from my perspective, you are not "coming west" so much as you are "coming from the east." And, as There is no "moon" is the Irish expression that you might expect, there's a separate word, anoir, to corresponds to "once in a blue moon." We say, lá sna express "from east." naoi n-aird or uair sna naoi n-aird. This means "once in the nine directions," that word aird referring to These a-, "from" forms are what we use for winds, compass directions. Admittedly, if you count up which, as in English, are named for the direction they compass directions -- north, northeast, east, and so on come from. So a north, east, south, or west wind -- you are unlikely to come up with nine of them! would be aduaidh, anoir, aneas, and aniar, Perhaps that's the point, that something that is really respectively. But when we have winds coming from unusual is as uncommon as finding a ninth compass those intermediate compass points, the Irish look at it point. a little differently.

That's not the only expression involving directions A northwest wind is known in Irish as a gaoth aniar that might seem a bit off. If there were a big event aduaidh, literally a "wind from west from north." and people came to it from every corner of Ireland, While we have winds from the northeast and we would say that they came as cúig hairde na southwest and so on in English, in Irish, the east-west hÉireann, "from the five directions of Ireland." dimension comes first. That is, you could sort of say that the Irish have winds from the eastnorth and Again, we would probably expect four directions. westsouth. But Ireland was traditionally divided into five (cúig) regions or "provinces," such as Ulster or And when something comes completely out of the Munster. Cúige, basically a "fifth," is the word for blue and catches you unawares, it is said to province. To add a twist to the tale, two of the five come aniar aduaidh -- just like that northwest wind! historic subdivisions of Ireland have merged, so there Thanks to everyone who came from many directions are only four provinces, but we still refer to them to chat with us at the Landmark Center in St. Paul on with cúige. St. Pat's weekend. And thanks to our many helpers Once you know the basic compass directions, there who volunteered to work at our table. We especially are further complications in their usage. The main appreciate Mary sharing her knowledge of the one is that the words we use to express something language in her presentation, and Maureen organizing the entire effort. like "west" change depending on whether there is movement involved. Dearg aniar, is ionann é agus grian, Dearg anoir, is ionann é agus sioc. Suppose you are in St. Paul and I am in Fargo. Relative to you, I am "west," and that is thiar -- a "Red from the west is a sign of sunshine, word we use only to express a stationary position in Red from the east is a sign of frost."

www.IMDA-MN.org Irish Music & 5 Dance Association

Landmark Center Audiences Enjoy Cross-Cultural Performances on St. Patrick’s Day Weekend

Audience members at the IMDA’s Landmark Center events on March 17 and March 18 had the pleasure of seeing two engaging cross-cultural performances, each of which involved crowd-pleasing collaborations be- tween local Irish musicians and dancers and their counterparts from “non-Irish” cultural/artistic organizations.

On Saturday, March 17, a Twin Cities-based trio of Mexican folk musicians (“Andale Juana”) were joined by Norah Rendell (Executive Director of the Center for Irish Music) to present a performance created by "Border CrosSing," a non-profit organization (composed primarily of individuals of Latin American descent or origin) that was formed “with the mission of integrating historically segregated audiences, rep- ertoires, and artists." This joint musical endeavor was (quite fittingly, given its St. Patrick’s Day performance date) based on the story of the Saint Patrick's Battalion (the "San Patricios"), a group of primarily Irish immigrant soldiers who left the American army in 1846 to fight for the Mexican side during the Mexican-American War. Andale Juana, accompanied by Norah on flute, per- formed (in Spanish) several traditional Mexican "sones" (songs), the original lyrics of which had been re- written by Borden CrosSing to tell the story of the San Patricios. Explanatory narration was provided by Bor- der CrosSing’s Artistic Director, Ahmed Anzaldúa. An additional visual element was provided when one of the band’s tunes featured dancers from O’Shea Irish Dance.

On Sunday, March 18, the Landmark Center audience was literally on its feet for a rousing collaboration between performers from O'Shea Irish Dance and a group known as the "Bollywood Dance Scene." The stated mission of Bollywood Dance scene is to "...celebrate cultural diversity and social harmony...through the joy- ful social medium of dance...and related South Asian cultural tradi- tions." Divya Maiya, one of its founders, started things out on Sun- day by enticing the audience to stand and perform a few basic Bol- lywood-style dance moves. Her group then demonstrated several advanced versions on the Main Stage, followed by the O’Shea and Bollywood groups dancing (in various combinations) to recorded Indian and Irish music. Every dance number was choreographed especially for this Landmark Center perfor- mance by Divya and her Irish dance collaborator, Natalie O’Shea. The most common comment heard immediately afterwards was, “Wow…THAT was cool.”

The IMDA’s hope is that these two exciting and innovative collaborations helped demonstrate that when musicians and dancers from different backgrounds unite to create and present performances that celebrate their mutual artistic interests, the end results in- clude high quality and an enhanced understanding of (and appreciation for) the traditions of cultures other than one’s own. At a time when so much attention is being devoted to building walls, the IMDA believes that the world would be better served by creatively employing the universal love of music and dance to help build bridges.

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

Thank You to Our Sponsors!

Thank you to our friends at Irish on Grand for their sponsorship of our Volunteer T-Shirts for IMDA’s St.Patrick’s Day Irish Celebration! Volunteers were looking good – and were easy to spot among our many guests. IMDA is grateful to Maeve O’Mara and Liam O’Neill of Irish on Grand for their continued support!

Thank you to our friends at Cara Irish Pubs for their sponsorship of the Photo Booth. The Photo Booth was a busy spot all weekend, with dancers, musicians and visitors capturing their visit to the Cliffs of Moher. IMDA hopes that you will patronize Kieran’s, The Liffey, The Local, and The Cooper often!

The Cliffs of Moher at the Landmark Center “visited” by some people you may know!

Thank You to Our Volunteers!

St. Patrick’s Day at the Landmark Center, followed by the Day of Dance on Sunday, were two great celebra- tions for who came to enjoy two days of Irish music, dance, and culture.

If you were there you saw all the men and women wearing the Caribbean blue volunteer T-shirts. You saw them everywhere! These were the IMDA volunteers who worked tirelessly and really took care of business, from selling tickets at the entrance to serving sandwiches to everything in between. If you had a great time, these were the folks who made it happen.

IMDA thanks all those who volunteered. Your commitments made both days not only possible, but also great fun. Please join us again next year.

Were you one of the many great volunteers? Please let the IMDA thank you in person at the Volunteer Ap- preciation Party on Sunday, April 8. Put this party on your calendar and join us at the Celtic Junction from 1 -4:00 pm. Enjoy music by Norah Rendell and Brian Miller

Win Door Prizes!

www.IMDA-MN.org Irish Music & 7 Dance Association

IMDA Membership Renewals

IMDA membership is now based on the calendar year. Please renew now.

The Irish Music and Dance Association wishes to thank these new and renewing members:

Kevin Carroll Peter and Karen Erickson Kathleen and Tony Green Bundle & Go - Dave and Suzanne Rhees Legacy Rince na Gréine Irish Dance School – Lauren Adams-Plehal

All of our new and renewing supporting 2018 members will receive the following:

. A one-year (January to December 2018) subscription to the IMDA’s monthly email newsletter. . “Priority listing” for bands, organizations, pubs and businesses in our popular on-line Community Re- sources Directory, used by people who are seeking local Irish musicians, bands, dancers and entertainers for performances, ethnic festivals, wedding receptions, corporate events, etc. . Public recognition in a “New or Renewed Members” section of future IMDA newsletters and in related posts to the IMDA web site and Facebook page.

Bands! Musicians! Poets! Actors! Dancers!

JOIN US FOR THE IRISH MUSIC & DANCE ASSOCIATION’S NEXT

Wednesday, May 2, 2018 -- 7:30 pm to 9:30 pm Black Dog Café, 308 Prince Street, St. Paul (Near the Farmers Market and the St. Paul Saints’ CHS Field)

For more information, or to indicate your interest in performing, contact the IMDA at [email protected] or call Kevin at 651-983-6384

www.IMDA-MN.org Irish Music & 8 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

MORZIE ELLSWORTH

My name is Morzie Ellsworth the truth I’ll tell to you, I’m in the prime of manhood and my age is twenty-two, On the fourteenth of October last, I boarded on a train, And bound for Pennsylvania, I left the state of Maine.

I landed safe in Williamsport, a lumberman’s rendezvous, And there I hired with Jacob Brown as one of the winter’s crew, We agreed upon the wages, as you shall plainly see, And the time of term it was six months to serve him faithfully.

He gave to me a sheathing belt, likewise a bowie knife, A battle axe and carbine gun for to defend my life, But woe be on the morning when I did undertake, A voyage to the forest for gold and riches sake.

There’s the tomtit and the moose-bird and the roving caribou, The lucifee and partridge that through the forests flew, And the wild ferocious rabbit from the colder regions came, And several other animals too numerous to name.

www.IMDA-MN.org Irish Music & 9 Dance Association

And when the snow began to melt the foreman he did say, “Lay down your saws and axes boys, and haste to break away, For the broken ice is floating now in business we will thrive, And you able-bodied shanty-boys are needed on the drive.”

It would melt your heart with pity, it would make your blood run cold, To see the work that Nature did in all her rudest mould, And to see those overhanging rocks along the ice-bound shore, Where rippling waters fierce do rage and cataracts do roar.

So to conclude and finish, I have one thing more to say, When I am dead and in my grave, a-mould’ring in the clay, No artificial German text you can for me sustain, Just simply say, “Here’s a roving wreck that came from Bangor, Maine.”

Ninety-five years ago, in the summer of 1923, Franz Rickaby collected a version of the above song in Bayport, Minnesota (south of Stillwater) from former lumberjack Hank Underwood who called the song “The Maine-ite in Pennsylvania.” Underwood’s four verse version (verses 2,4,6 and 7 above) likely descended from the New Brunswick song “Morris Ellsworth” which satirizes a greenhorn logger from Prince Edward Island who comes to the Miramichi woods to log.

Jokes and stories making fun of the inexperienced men in camp – especially their fear of animals – were common in the woods. According to folklorist Edward Ives PEI men were looked down upon in Miramichi. Rickaby reported that “State of Maine” men were often foremen or bosses in Minnesota. Underwood likely learned his version while logging in Pennsylvania where, perhaps, Maine-ites had a different reputation. Interestingly, the St. Croix Valley where Underwood was born, had a high concentration of immigrant loggers from the Miramichi region – including Underwood’s parents. For a biography of Hank Underwood see the liner notes to my CD Minnesota Lumberjack Songs which also includes an arrangement of this song.

For the version above, I use a melody very close to Underwood’s melody and extend his text with extra verses added in from one of the Miramichi versions and one verse pulled from “Jim Porter’s Shanty Song” also collected by Rickaby.

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 & 10 Dance Association

An Leabhragan (The Bookcase) I Am, I Am, I Am: Seventeen Brushes With Death

Maggie O'Farrell

Alfred A. Knopf 2018

I'm a big fan of Maggie O'Farrell's novels; she is one of the most proficient delineators of character and motive writing today. I've reviewed The Vanishing Act of Esme Lennox and Instructions For a Heatwave in this column, and eagerly look forward to each new book she writes. This time I was surprised: this is a memoir about surviving brushes with death an astonishing seventeen times (she did count her young daughter's allergic reaction to a bee sting and her many other allergies, but the rest of the near-encounters were her own). Maggie O'Farrell details her experience as a camp counselor being shadowed by a creepy guy on a mountainside who followed her for a few miles, then parted company near the camp base; her report to the police wasn't taken seriously and she was treated as a "hysterical girl". Ten days later the creepy guy strangled another teenage camper and left his victim on the mountain path they'd walked along. The author tells of medical brushes with death: nearly bleeding out in childbirth, a childhood viral attack on her neuro-muscular system (similar to cer- ebral palsy) in which she lost most motor skills and balance but from which she slowly and miraculously re- covered, a near plane crash, being narrowly missed by a speeding car. And many other greetings from Death, but as yet, not the permanent summons.

Maggie O'Farrell may have experienced more near-misses than most of us, but her message is clear: nothing you have — life, mobility, cognizance, talents, family — is permanent. Every day renews the contract you have with life. And because every day is a gift, nothing can be taken for granted and life must be lived to its fullest, and this is a conscious decision you must make. There are no wasted days; luck and fate determine the fact of your existence. This message cannot be reduced to a cliché often cited; reading the author's experi- ence is profoundly moving, even urgent, in its recounting. You will re-examine your own life and purpose af- ter reading this book. Spring is a great time to take stock and move forward, and I Am, I Am, I Am will do that to you.

Sherry Ladig is a Saint Paul-based Irish trad musician who formerly reviewed books for the Hungry Mind Bookstore's newsletter, Fodder. Sherry welcomes suggestions for books of Irish or Irish-American writers or interest for her to review. Or---write a review yourself! Sherry may be reached at [email protected].

Happy Spring reading!

www.IMDA-MN.org Irish Music & 11 Dance Association

At The Celtic Junction Arts Center 836 Prior Ave North, Saint Paul, 55104

Eoin McKiernan Library

Introduction to Irish language literature and poetry. Wed 7:00-8:30 p.m. April 4-June 6 (10 weeks) Class fee: $180 (if you email the instructor to pre-register) or $200 (on the night of the class). Instructor Lavinia Finnerty: [email protected] Deepen your knowledge and appreciation and comprehension of the Irish language by reading selections from its classic and contemporary lit- erature in both prose and poetry. The instructor will supply a booklet of readings of accessible Irish language prose and poetry. Bio: A native speaker from the Connemara Gaeltacht, Lavinia Finnerty has taught Irish in secondary (high school) school in Ireland and also more recently to adult learners in San Francisco. She has also prepared learners for the European Pass for Irish/Certificate in Profi- ciency. Introduction to speaking the Irish language for young learners (For ages 12-18). Saturday 9:00- 10:30 a.m. April 7 - May 26 (8 weeks). Class fee: $108 (if you email the instructor to pre-register) or $120 (at first class). Instructor Lavinia Finnerty: [email protected] Children and young learners will learn to speak Irish in a structured yet immersive listening/speaking style. The instructor will supply a booklet of exercises and readings for students. Bio: A native speaker from the Conne- mara Gaeltacht, Lavinia Finnerty has taught Irish in secondary (high school) school in Ireland and also more recently to adult learners in San Francisco. She has also prepared learners for the European Pass for Irish/Certificate in Proficiency.

Féile na Gaeilge, April 7 Irish Language Day at The Junction!

For beginners to fluent speakers, join us for four fun and educational activities in recognition of the Bliain na Gaeilge 2018 (Year of Irish) created to celebrate the Irish language and encourage its use in Ireland and abroad. 9-10:30am. First class of Introduction to speaking the Irish language for young learners (For ages 12-18) with Lavinia Finnerty. (Cost associated for 8 week class.)

Noon-12:45: Yoga with a Celtic Slant with Tom Jeffers. Limber up, improve your sláinte (health) and pick up cúpla focal (a few basic words of Irish) while you stretch and move through the poses. For all ages and abilities. Bring a mat. Free!

3pm: Traditional Song Workshop with Irish Singer Máirín Uí Chéide Máirín will teach songs in both English and Irish (Irish Gaelic) languages. $15 at the door.

7:30pm: Concert with Irish Singer Máirín Uí Chéide An evening of Máirín's beautiful unaccompanied traditional singing. $10 advance, $15 at the door, youth 18 and younger FREE! Tickets and info at celticjunction.org.

Kick Off Day for Irish Arts Week, April 21

Join us for part or all of the day as we celebrate the first full day of Irish Arts Week! Programming from 10am till 9:30pm including educational talks, mu- sic, performances, Irish language learning, welcome reception, and a ceili! Details at celticjunction.org.

www.IMDA-MN.org Visit http://www.irishmusicanddanceassociation.org/calendar.html for detailed information about each event. Irish Music & 12 Dance Association

Welcome to the third year of Irish Arts Week: April 20-29, 2018

Always seeking the new, the fascinating, and the surprising, the Saint Paul Irish Arts Week interlinks the international, national, and local energies of Irish culture with ten days crammed with activities. In 2018, we are delighted to celebrate Irish Central's Creativity and Arts Award recognizing the achievement of the Celtic Junction Arts Center and the McKiernan Library. “Celtic Junction Arts Center’s Best Irish Festival/ Center of North America award is both the recognition of nine years of work, and the culmination of the in- credible Twin Cities Irish community coming together,” emphasized its Executive Director, Natalie Nugent O’Shea. Besides the Award and a new Pub Trail with Arts Week specials, we are bringing two offerings directly from Ireland and one from Canada. For the first time, we will present professional theatre with Gary Murphy's per- formance of Frank O'Connor's "The Genius," presented on Park Square’s Proscenium Stage. Also, author and literary historian, Christopher Fitz-Simon will read from his witty and irreverent collection Rise Above! The Letters of Tyrone Guthrie. From Toronto, Professor Máirtín Coilféir will offer innovative accelerated Irish language learning.

We hope you enjoy the cultural variety and vibrancy contained in our Arts Week. ‘ Thank you, Patrick O’Donnell Arts Week Director

Schedule for the 3rd Annual Saint Paul Irish Arts Week April 20-29, 2018.

https://irishfair.com/3rd-annual-saint-paul-irish-arts-week

Friday April 20 7.30-9:00 p.m. Art and Spoken Word reception. Free. -born artist/poet/actor Eddie Owens and other artists showcase their work. Turning Heads salon/art gallery 2230 Carter Ave Saint Paul MN 55108.

Sat April 21 Center for Irish Music 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Practice fleadh. Celtic Junction Studio 2.

10:00 – 5:30 Classes, theatre performance, and panel sessions Eoin McKiernan Library in the Celtic Junction Arts Center.

11:00-12:00 “Family constellations and healing Irish immigration trauma.” Katherine Curran Ph.D., co-founder of the Minnesota Center for Systemic Constellations, examines how departed family members impact the present family soul. Free.

12:00-1:00 p.m. “Fascinating Family History Stories.” A panel of researchers from the Irish Genealogical Society International share their discoveries. Free.

1:00-3:00 p.m. –“Irish on Rocket Fuel: Accelerated Irish language learning.” Professor Máirtín Cóilféir from St. Mary’s University in Toronto invites you to try his book and paper-free innovative immersive language tech- nique. $20 per person.

4:00 – 5:30 p.m. “Famine Ship Voices: A Dream Play.” The Celtic Collaborative’s ensemble of actors and writers present a completely original made-from-scratch devised show evoking the history, folklore, mythology, songs, and memories of the shattering Irish Famine of 1845-1851. Tickets: $10 at the door.

Welcome Reception. 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. Welcome to the Arts Week. Come celebrate Irish Central’s Creativity and Arts Award to the Celtic Junction Arts Center and the Eoin McKiernan Library and the twentieth anniversary of the 1998 Good Friday Agreement undergirding peace in Northern Ireland. Lead speak- er: Vice Consul Mr. Justin Dolan from Ireland’s Consulate. Reception - free.

8:00 – 9:30 p.m. Céilí with Paul McCluskey and the Twin Cities Céilí band.

www.IMDA. -MN.org Irish Music & 13 Dance Association

Sun April 22 Noon – 5:00 p.m. Tom Dunn’s ‘Irish of Minnesota’ photos exhibit Lowertown, St. Paul: Studio 242 Northern Warehouse, 308 Prince Street. Saint Paul Art Crawl event. Free.

1:00 – 3:00 p.m. Historic Bus Tour of St. Paul’s Connemara Patch. The Celtic Junction Arts Center - $20 per person. A jam-packed two hour journey into a fascinating historic location aboard a 1950s vintage bus with the ebullient tour guide Teresa McCormick. Limited to 30 participants.

1:00 – 3:00 p.m. Children's Fair The Celtic Junction Arts Center – free. Dancing with O’Shea Irish Dance, music provided by The Center for Irish Music, art time with MN , fun with Irish Dance Parents Associa- tion. Facepainting with the Irish Music and Dance Association. Storytime and puppets in the Eoin McKiernan Library.

Mon April 23 7:30 – 9:00 p.m. Resist! Sing with Michael Sturm The Black Dog Café in lowertown Saint Paul – free. Join a community singing session of ballads and songs of resistance, protest, and liberation.

Tues April 24 7:30 p.m. Rocky Ros Muc – The Film - Irish Boxer Film The Dubliner Pub - free. This award-winning Irish language documentary chronicles the exploits of an aspiring Connemara boxer.

Wed April 25 7:30 p.m. Frank O’Connor’s ‘The Genius’ performed by Gary Murphy. Park Square Theater, Proscenium Stage. $10 per person. ‘Frank O Connor’s hilarious childhood stories are beautifully adapted for the stage’ ****THE OBSERVER ‘thoroughly enjoyable’ ****THE IRISH TIMES. Garnering rave reviews after a seventeen-week tour of Cork, Dublin and Belfast, this is stunning professional theatre direct from Ireland (adapted for the stage and directed by Patrick Talbot).

Thurs April 26 7:30 p.m. Christopher Fitz-Simon “Tyrone Guthrie in America: From Broadway to Minneapolis.” Talk in the Eoin McKiernan Library – $5.00. Direct from Dublin, Christopher Fitz-Simon, Ireland’s celebrated literary historian, author, wit, and raconteur, reads from Rise Above! Letters from Tyrone Guthrie, his recently published (November 2017) edition of the letters of Irish director, Tyrone Guthrie, the famed founder of Min- nesota’s Guthrie Theater.

Fri April 27 7:30 p.m. Contemporary Irish Poetry Reading by Tony Curtis University of St. Thomas/ John Roach Center – free. 2018 Lawrence O'Shaughnessy Award for Poetry prize winner reads from his work.

Sat April 28 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Minneapolis Feis Concordia University, Gangelhoff Center, in Saint Paul - free.

10:00am-11:30am & Irish workshops, Workshops by David Power and Willie Kelly, presented by the Center for Irish Music. Register online at http://www.centerforirishmusic.org/ instruction/workshops-david-power-willie-kelly/

8:00 p.m. Concert with David Power and Willie Kelly. Join uileann piper, David Power, and fiddler, Willie Kelly for deeply felt at its best. The Celtic Junction Arts Center – Tickets $16-20.

Sun April 29 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. O’Shea Irish Dance Feis Concordia University, Gangelhoff Center, in St. Paul – free.

5:00 – 8:00 p.m. Bonfire and Sing-along Newell Park - free. Celebrate the arrival of summer in ancient Irish fashion. Musicians and dancers welcome! All ages. Family friendly.

www.IMDA-MN.org Visit http://www.irishmusicanddanceassociation.org/calendar.html for detailed information about each event. Irish Music & 14 Dance Association

EVENTS

Uilleann Pipes and Fiddle Workshops with David Power and Willie Kelly Presented by the Center for Irish Music Saturday, April 28th, 10:00 am - 11:30 am

To register and pay for workshops, visit www.centerforirishmusic.org. For questions related to the work- shops, contact Hannah Carr-Murphy at [email protected] or call the CIM at 651-815- 0083.

Uilleann Pipes Workshop with David Power David Power, from Co. Waterford, Ireland, toured American performing arts centers with the Masters of Tradition for three consecutive years, ap- peared on Broadway in the Eugene O'Neill play A Touch of the Poet, star- ring Gabriel Byrne, and has performed with poets Dermot Bolger, Seamus Heaney, Kerry Hardie and others. He has three solo piping recordings: My Love is in America, Cuaichin Ghleann Neifin and The eighteen Moloney. He plays with Ciaran Somers in the group Pipers Union and in duet shows with Willie Kelly and with Martin Hayes.

" . . . David Power brings a breathtaking freshness to the set, his fluid, flu- ent playing as light as a feather." - Irish Times

Irish Fiddle Workshop with Willie Kelly Willie Kelly, based in New Jersey, has performed extensively with renowned Galway flute players, Mike Rafferty and Jack Coen, both National Heritage Fellowship award winners. He accompanied both Mike and Jack at their respective induction concerts and has played at the Smithsonian Festival of Folklife in D.C. In 2009, Willie released a highly acclaimed duet CD with Mike Rafferty called The New Broom. More recently he recorded with concertina player Dymphna O'Sullivan as a guest on the recordings Bean Cairdin and En- riched.

" . . . Willie Kelly is a refreshing example of all that is good in Irish culture." - CCE mid Atlantic Region

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The Frothy Band at Imminent Brewery, Northfield Minnesota on April 7th, 7- 10 pm. 519 Division St., Northfield www.imminentbrewing.com Mary Vanory, Paul Wehling, Tom Klein, Matt Wehling, Laura MacKenzie

This place is so much fun!

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Coming to the Cedar

MARTIN CARTHY with Max Wareham – April 10, 7:30 pm. Tickets $20 Advance, $25 Day of Show. For more than 50 years Martin Carthy has been one of folk music’s greatest innovators, one of its best loved, most en- thusiastic and, at times, most quietly controversial of figures. His skill, stage presence and natural charm have won him many admirers, not only from within the folk scene, but also far beyond it. Trailblazing musical partnerships with, amongst others, Steeleye Span, Dave Swarbrick and his award-winning wife (Norma Waterson) and daughter Eliza Carthy have resulted in more than 40 albums, but Martin has only recorded 10 solo albums, of which the much-anticipated Waiting for Angels (Topic TSCD527) was the latest. Whether in the folk clubs (which he continues to champion), on the concert stage or making TV appearances (he was the subject of the ac- claimed `Originals’ music documentary strand on BBC 2) – there are few roles that Martin Carthy hasn’t played.

He’s a ballad singer, a ground-breaking acoustic and electric-guitarist and an authoritative interpreter of newly com- posed material. He always prefers to follow an insatiable musical curiosity rather than cash in on his unrivalled posi- tion. Perhaps, most significant of all, are his settings of traditional songs with guitar, which have influenced a genera- tion of artists, including Bob Dylan and Paul Simon, on both sides of the Atlantic. Max Wareham’s voice is always about to break, warbling and true. He cut his teeth studying jazz at conservatory, but now polishes them digging holes on a horse farm. Known primarily as bassist in psychedelic-pop-rock band Sun Pa- rade, and contributing songwriter to studio-collective Cousin Moon, his solo work is influenced by British folk music, early country music, astronauts, ancestors, deep-sea divers, and Medieval English poetry.

BAILE AN SALSA with special guest – May 7, 7:30 pm. Tickets $12 Advance, $15 Day of Show. This is a standing show with an open floor. Based in Galway, Ireland, Baile An Salsa brings together an international mix of world-class musicians to deliver a dis- tinctive blend of Latin rhythms and traditional Irish Music - a fusion which they call "Salsa-Trad." The musicians seam- lessly blend their influences from Latin American Afro Music and Irish Traditional to create a contemporary twist of original tunes and compositions. Vocals in English, Spanish and Irish meld with a vibrant combination of instruments, creating a full, rich sound. Their positive message of diversity and unity contributes to their growing appeal. They have thrilled big crowds at con- certs and festivals in Ireland and abroad, including the Kansas City Folk Fest, Kansas City Irish Fest, Galway Oyster Fest, Dublin's Temple Bar TradFest, Cork Gathering Festival, Galway Guinness Festival, and the well-established Phil- adelphia Folk Fest, where they had listeners dancing all the way up the hillside at the Main Stage. Powerful and engaging, Baile An Salsa's energetic and entertaining stage performance makes it nearly impossible for their audience to stay in their seats!

The Tannahill Weavers – May 24, 7:30 pm. Tickets $18 Advance, $20 Day of Show As they approach their 50th anniversary in 2018, the Tannahill Weavers are one of Scotland's premier traditional bands. Their diverse repertoire spans the centuries with fire-driven instrumentals, topical songs, and original ballads and lulla- bies. Their music demonstrates to old and young alike the rich and varied musical heritage of the Celtic people. These versatile musicians have received worldwide accolades consistently over the years for their exuberant performances and outstanding recording efforts that seemingly can't get better...yet continue to do just that. Over the years the Tannies have been trailblazers for Scottish music, and their tight harmonies and powerful, inventive arrangements have won them fans from beyond the folk and scenes. In 2011 the band was inducted into the Scottish Traditional Music Hall of Fame, and in 2014 they are joined by innovative piper Lorne MacDougall. Lorne comes with a high pedigree, having arranged and performed pipes for the Disney Pixar movie “Brave”, along with a long list of other accomplishments. The Tannahill Weavers are firmly established as one of the premier groups on the concert stage. From reflective ballads to foot stomping reels and , the variety and range of the material they perform is matched only by their enthusiasm and lively Celtic spirits.

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Scottish Ramble – There Can Be Only One (Our Last One)

Saturday, April 7, 2018 from 11 am to 5 pm Small fee and Open to the Public Landmark Center, Downtown St. Paul

After 30+ years your annual ramble through the culture ~ music, dancing, history, food and merchan- dise ~ of Scotland is coming to an end. So let’s go down memory lane and recall the wonderful times families have experienced over these years…. folk dancing lessons and frivolity with performances by Laura MacKen- zie and Ross Sutter, Thistle Down, Royal Scottish Country dancing, Flig, three or four mass pipe bands and highland dancing competitions, whiskey tasting and Clydesdale wagon rides through downtown St. Paul. Then there were Sundays for the blessing of the tartans, entertainment for kids and elderly seniors with Ross Sutter's children's act, re-enactors, history lectures, a pipe band grand finale with plenty of time for the ven- dors to knock down their stalls and pack. Phew! What a run! Okay, one more time!

Irish Cultural Exhibits

Irish Immigrant Girls Exhibition at the University of St. Catherine – in the Library, through April 29. De- tails and hours at stkate.edu/irishgirls This exhibition endeavors to remember the efforts of those who created the Irish Mission for Immigrant Girls in New York City. The story begins in Ireland with Charlotte Grace O’Brien’s inspiration and courage to actually do something about the appalling emigration conditions she observed first-hand on the docks in Queenstown. And, it continues with the commitment of the Catholic clergy and countless others to help over 100,000 women immigrants. Based on the research and archives of Maureen Murphy and John T. Ridge, the Mission exhibition tells a fas- cinating story in documenting the story of the Mission of Our Lady of the Rosary for the Protection of Irish Immigrant Girls at Watson House in Our Lady of the Rosary Parish in New York City.

Archbishop Ireland Exhibit – Cathedral of St. Paul, Hayden Hall & Cathedral Museum (Cathedral lower level) The Cathedral of Saint Paul opened exhibits marking the 100th anniversary of the death of Archbishop John Ireland on the weekend of Saint Patrick’s Day—a fitting way to honor the man named Ireland. The ex- hibit in Hayden Hall, Archbishop John Ireland and the Catholic Church in America—covers the life of Ire- land. It begins with a collection of photos and documents that introduce John Ireland—Immigrant, Priest, Chaplain, Pastor. It ends with the documentation of the accomplished life of the man called “The Consecrated Blizzard of the Northwest.” More than just the Archbishop who built the Cathedral and the Basilica of Saint Mary, Ireland was prelate and patriot. His dynamic leadership swept across the region—and the country: nei- ther would ever be the same again.

The centerpiece of the Cathedral museum exhibit is Archbishop Ireland’s mitre, one-hundred-and-thirty years old, restored by a grant from the Cathedral Heritage Foundation. Among other artifacts in the museum exhibit are: Ireland’s death mask, his walking stick, a set of his vestments, and his signature in an 1861 parish Baptismal record book: he performed his first Baptism the day after his ordination, December 22, 1861. He signed his name in Latin.

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Smidirini* (*Irish for ‘Bits and Pieces’)

By Copper Shannon . Heartfelt condolences to long-time Irish Fair and IMDA volunteer Dennis Daly and his family. Dennis’s father Dennis Charles Daly passed away in February. His obituary noted that “Nothing was more important than being a family and enjoying the simple things in life. Dennis will be best remembered for the opportunity to be a kid again through his children and grandchildren.” Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam - (May his soul rest at the right side of God!)

. Deepest Sympathy to Irish Fair board member Tim Buggy and his family. Tim’s mother Jacqueline Lucille Boudreau Buggy passed away recently. Tim tells us “My Mom is a saint and deserves all the wings, feathers, old fashioneds, scotch and sodas, and white wine heaven can muster.” Beannacht Dé ar a hanam. (God’s blessings on her soul.)

. Comhghairdeas léi (Congratulations) and Best Wishes! There’s a new Irish dance school in town! Rince na Gréine Irish Dance (Dance of the Sun) opened recently, led by 2013 IMDA Education Grant recipient Lauren Adams-Plehal. Classes for ages 3 through adult are offered at the Hopkins Center for the Arts in downtown Hopkins. Check them out on Facebook at www.facebook.com/pg/RincenaGreine/

. Comhghairdeas léi (Congratulations) and Best Wishes! to former IMDA President and current Irish Fair board member Lisa Conway. Lisa is the new owner of Large Format Graphics, Inc. Lisa’s company supplied the banners and large signs for IMDA’s St. Patrick’s Day festivities at Landmark Center as well as the beautiful graphics for the SuperBowl at U S Bank Stadium. Check out the company website at www.LargeFormatGraphic.biz. You can reach Lisa at [email protected].

. Comhghairdeas le (Congratulations to) our friends at the Local, one of the fine Cara Irish Pubs. The Local was named one of the 21 Best Irish Pubs in America by Thrillist. The Local is the only Minnesota pub on the list, and it’s in fine company with County Clare in Milwaukee, Finn McCool’s in New Orleans and John D. McGurk’s in St. Louis (the sometime home of our own Irish Brigade!). This calls for a toast!

. Am le slán a fhágáil (time to say farewell) to the Scottish Ramble, but not without one last turn. This year’s Ramble on April 7 at Landmark Center will be full of fans’ favorites from over the years, including Ross Sutter, Laura MacKenzie, Dick Hensold, Doc Grauberger, Ravensfire and Thistledown, plus Eira from Duluth and the Gunn Slingers. Food, drinks, merchandise and don’t forget the bagpipes!

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!

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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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E-mail Address: ______Phone Number: ______Your monthly newsletter is delivered electronically via e-mail. Please advise us at [email protected] if your e-mail address changes . Supporting members who contribute at least $35 annually may receive their newsletter by U S Mail. ___ Request US Mail Revised 11/201

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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