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Home , Gaelic Storm, James Byrne (musician), Music of Ireland

May 1 Irish & 2013 Dance Association Bealtaine 31th Year, Issue No. 5

The mission of the Irish Music and Dance Association is to support, coordinate, encourage and promote high quality activities and programs in Irish music, dance, and other cultural traditions within the community and to insure the continuation of those traditions. St. Paul Draws WorldWorld----ClassClass for Inside this issue: Minnesota Irish Music Weekend June 1414----16161616 Tune of the Month 2 Gaelic Corner 3 Saint Paul, MN – Saint Paul solidifies its reputation as a hub for world-class traditional Irish Summer Camps 6 Irish music as internationally renowned musicians converge for the Sixth Annual Minnesota Irish Music Weekend (MIM) June 13-16, 2013, at the Center for Irish Music, Cu Ceoil 9 836 Prior Avenue N. in Saint Paul. Featured artists include acclaimed piano and tin May Calendar 10-11 whistle player and teacher, Geraldine Cotter and award-winning player Oisín McAuley, from Irish traditional supergroup, Danú. They are two of five master artists Northwood 12 who will participate in the three-day festival, which will include a Saturday evening public Smidirini 19 featuring all five visiting artists, lectures on Irish , and weekend workshops in flute, fiddle, , , piano and for children, teens and adults. Workshops begin at 9:30 am daily and range in price from $15 to $33. The Saturday night concert begins at 7:30 pm and prices for the concert range from $6 - $23. All events are held at The Celtic Junction, 836 Prior Avenue North in St Paul, 55104, 651 -815-0083. MIM’s assembly of master Irish music instructors always includes the best talent from . In addition to Cotter and McAuley, the weekend will feature one of Ireland’s foremost fiddlers, Eileen O’Brien (daughter of the late accordionist and Paddy O’Brien of Tipperary), and Eamonn Cotter, a virtuosic wooden flute player, and teacher from Kilmaley, County Clare. They will be joined by Meaití Jó Shéamuis (Mattie Joe Hamish) , an acclaimed sean-nós singer and uilleann piper who won the prestigious Corn Uí Riada, the All- Ireland sean-nós competition. “We’re very excited to be bringing this incredible group of traditional Irish musicians to the Twin Cities this year,” says Norah Rendell, executive director of The Center for Irish Music. “This year’s combination of artists is a perfect mix of instruments and personalities and will make for an unforgettable weekend of and culture .” The Minnesota Irish Weekend offers distinctive music programming that is unique within the world of festival workshops, including classes for young beginners and teenagers. The teen program is a rare opportunity for youth, ages 12-19, to study with visiting renowned Irish artists right here in Saint Paul, whereas the beginner’s program is especially designed for those just getting started in Irish music. Taught by the Center for Irish Music’s expert teaching staff, the hands-on workshops include traditional songs in Irish and English, crafts, a chance to experiment with several Irish instruments, and an introduction to sean-nós dance. Both teen and adult programs are designed for intermediate to advanced-level students and include workshops in instruments such as fiddle, flute, tin whistle, piano, song, and Irish music accompaniment. All Irish instruments are welcome. Teen and adult program participants all have the opportunity to learn in a small class environment from the visiting master artists. In addition to hands-on music workshops, MIM offers lectures, demonstrations and interviews for non-musicians on the history of Irish Music featuring guest artists and Minnesota’s own world-class traditional Irish , Dáithí Sproule, a member of the Irish super-group Altan. Other activities include a Friday night céilí, social community meals, and sessions throughout the weekend.

Additional information at www.centerforirishmusic.org .

See more information on Page 16... www.IMDAwww.IMDA----MN.orgMN.org Irish Music & 2 Dance Association

The IMDA Board is : President: Lisa Conway une of he onh by Amy Shaw Treasurer: Mark Malone Secretary: Jan Casey To whet your appetite for next month’s Minnesota Irish Music Weekend, Board Members: John Concannon this column features a tune as played by Eamonn Cotter, one of the artists Juli Acton Paul McCluskey who will be teaching and performing during the weekend. Eamonn is a flute Editor: John Burns player and flute maker from Kilmaley in West Clare. He has a number of recordings to his credit, including two solo and several albums with IMDA Board Meetings are open to the membership. The Board meets regularly on the First Tuesday of each the group Shaskeen. He is often accompanied on the piano by his sister month at 6 pm at Perkins in HarMar. Members are encouraged to verify the time and Geraldine Cotter, and in fact Geraldine will also be here for MIM 2013. location shortly before, as meeting times and locations can change. I took Eamonn’s flute class at the 2007 Willie Clancy Summer School, Contact Information and I was impressed with his deep knowledge of the music. I was also Write to: Irish Music and Dance Association lucky enough to hear him play for some Clare sets one evening in Spanish 236 Norfolk Ave NW Elk River, MN 55330 Point, along with Charlie Harris (accordion) and Bríd O’Donoghue (flute and whistle). I recorded every set, and I would do well to learn every last Call: 612-990-3122 tune played that night, since they were all classics of the repertoire. Touch E-mail: [email protected] Me If You Dare, for example, was first recorded in 1928 by the great flute Newsletter Submissions player John McKenna. We welcome our readers to submit articles of interest, Check out the Center for Irish Music’s website at news, and notices of events to be published in the newsletter. The deadline is the 20th of the preceding month . www.centerforirishmusic.org to learn more about the Minnesota Irish Music Send to: [email protected] Weekend. Whatever you do, don’t miss it!

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.IMDAwww.IMDA----MN.orgMN.org Irish Music & 3 Dance Association

he aelic orner By Will Kenny Most of our readers probably have at least seen sé ceol as an airgead -- "He drew music from the the Irish word ceol, the word for "music." Naturally, money" -- we mean that he spent his money freely. subscribers to this newsletter are highly interested in Indeed, it may be the case that he more generally ceol traidisiúnta , "traditional music." "extracts music from life," Baineann sé ceol as an saol , But, of course, there are many types of music, and that he enjoys life, that he has his our readers, a very now and then. "musical" ( ceolmhar ) and One type of music to be cautious about, "music-loving" ( ceolchar ) on the other hand, is the ceol sí or "fairy group, have broad tastes. One music." It is binn indeed, but it is likely type of music that has been to lead you under the side of a hill, from in short supply in the Twin which you may never return. Cities this year is ceol clasaiceach, or "classical Bhain muid ceol go leor as ár gceardlann , we drew music." With the lockouts at both The Minnesota plenty of "music" out of our annual spring workshop in and The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra, April. Thanks to all who played a role, especially Wes, lovers have been on a rather strict diet. Mary, and Séamas, our instructors, and our fine The good news is that it looks like at least the SPCO students. We appreciate the support of Jim Rogers and will be back at work very shortly with their excellent the Center for Irish Studies at the University of St. ceol aireagail ("chamber music"). Thomas for co-sponsoring the event. Our next workshop For some, the ultimate form of classical music is will be a weekend workshop July 27 & 28 in ceoldráma, roughly "music drama" or a "music play." Collegeville, at St. John's University. That's the Irish word we use for "opera." We always find the sound of the And it's a world away, of course, from snagcheol, binn ("sweet") at Gaeltacht Minnesota. For more about the word for "." Snag usually means a gasp or what we're up to, visit our web site at hiccup, and it refers to the "syncopated" nature of this www.gaelminn.org . music. One form that's very popular in Ireland is ceolta An rud nach binn le duine, ní chluineann sé é tuaithe, "country (western) music." In Connemara, in "The thing that is not sweet (sounding) to a person, he particular, some great original country/western music does not hear" has been written in the Irish language. On Sunday -- evening, listeners to the Irish language channel Raidió Will Na Gaeltachta can tune in to Tequila Tíre ("Tequila Country"). Most of the heard on this program will be from the same American artists you hear here, but Irish performers do get played. As for some more recent additions to the musical world, the Irish language makes pretty obvious compromises. So we have rapcheol for "rap" and ceol hip hap for "hip hop," not to mention ceol sól ("soul") and ceol eoradhamhsa ("Eurodance music")! Whatever the music you listen to, you might hope it is binn, or "sweet." In English we use the same word "sweet" for, say, the song of a bird and the taste of a jelly bean. But in Irish, the former would be binn, while the latter would be milis. Of course, there are other sources of music besides birds and musicians. The jingle of a full purse has long been a sweet sound, and when we way, Bhain www.IMDAwww.IMDA----MN.orgMN.org Irish Music & 4 Dance Association

Much To Do in May at The Celtic Junction

Kids’ workshop, May 15th 5:30-6:30pm. $10 Spotting Fearsome Critters in the wild! The Northwoods is packed with fantastical creatures if you know their secrets. Learn where to look for wapaloosies; how to stop a hoop snake; what to say to a hidebehind; how and where to watch out for ice worms; why you don’t need to be afraid of treesqueaks; and even how to find Fearsome Critters in your library! We’ll practice ‘singing to squonks’ while exploring Minnesota folklore, history, and humor. Children 5-12.

Songwriting workshop, May 15 7-8:30pm. $15 A Fearsome Journey : a look inside one songwriter’s working process. The trip begins with the search for a class of songs that were nowhere to be found and arrives in the present with songs in a variety of traditional forms, ranging from Swedish långdans to blues worksong to country . We’ll dig into the research phase, then look through the process of sketching, writing, and working up songs. Topics will include the search for inspiration, navigating around writer’s block and competing time pressures, finding the right words, and knowing when to shift from an approach (or entire song) that isn’t working in favor of one that may. Teens and adults.

Fearsome Critters Preview Concert , May 24th Music begins 7:30pm. $10 adults, $5 children. Shawn McBurnie, a traditional singer and wordsmith, has written an ’s worth of songs that draw upon a broad range of traditions from Swedish folk to blues, featuring ‘Fearsome Critters’ from Northwoods folklore. Word of these colorful creatures traveled across the country from one workcamp to the next: lumber, mining, and railroad. Shawn and fellow musicians ‘The Slight Exaggerations’ bring the critters to life in various musical styles, and the audience is invited to learn a bit about the menagerie and chime in on choruses. Singable and family-friendly music, but by no means aimed solely at the younger set! Special appearance by performance artist Heather Zehr.

Don’t miss this concert version of a documentary musical that blends the songs of 20 countries of Europe with the voices and stories of Europeans who have left their homelands to take the sometimes frightening, often treacherous and exciting journey to America. There are quite a few pieces relating to immigrants from Ireland and Scotland . Laura MacKenzie is a member of the ensemble, on flutes, whistles and pipes. The performance will be on May 5 th at Saint Joan of Arc Church, 4537 3rd Avenue South, Minneapolis . The show begins at 7pm. Buy tickets: http://www.saintjoanofarc.org/ news/2013-concert-series www.IMDAwww.IMDA----MN.orgMN.org Irish Music & 5 Dance Association

Congratulations to the Young Musicians from the Center for Irish Music

Eight students from the Center for Irish Music recently competed in this year’s Midwest in Chicago. The Fleadh is an Irish music competition that includes both solo and group competitions. The five members of the CIM Advanced Ensemble pictured above competed in two categories and took second place in both! Fiddle students Joey DeGeorgeo , Karen Kenison , and David Ochs also competed in solo events. Congratulations to these fine young musicians and to CIM instructors Brian Miller (ensemble instructor) and Jode Dowling (former ensemble instructor). For a more complete description of the Fleadh, please see the CIM April newsletter.

Join us on Friday, May 31st, at The Celtic Junction (7 p.m.) for an evening to support the award-winning Center for Irish Music Advanced Youth Ensemble . The ensemble has many opportunities to travel to perform and share their love of Irish music, however the costs add up quickly. All proceeds to towards the Youth Travel Fund. Tickets are $10 in advance, $12 at the door, $25 per family.

L to R: Fiona McKenna (tin whistle), Caillean Magee (bodhrán), Gabe Dale-Gau (fiddle), John Ochs (tenor ), Emiliano Morales (fiddle). Photo courtesy of David McKenna

www.IMDAwww.IMDA----MN.orgMN.org Irish Music & 6 Dance Association Summer Camps 2013

Join the Center for Irish Music this summer! This summer, we have planned many, fun, creative, physically active and educational music camps to cater to new and experienced students alike. With a central location at The Celtic Junction, near to the beautiful Newell Park, many CIM camps include a daily jaunt outside to relax in the fresh summer air.

Irish Music Camp (ages 4-6) Week of 6/24/2013 This camp is designed specifically for and movement development. Campers will be introduced to the wonderful world of Irish music and tradition through stories, song, dance and play. Mornings M-F

Introduction to Irish Camp (ages 8-12) Week of 6/24/2013 Learn all about the harp, one of Ireland's oldest instruments! This camp is for new and current students with no prior harp experience. Afternoons M-F

Rince agus Ceol Camp (Dance and Music Camp!) (ages 8-10) Week of 7/15/2013 For current and new students, this musical Irish summer camp offers an opportunity to learn about a new instrument each day and about the many styles of irish dances, from sean nos to step dancing! Mornings M-F

Irish Music Camp (ages 6-9) Week of 8/5/2013 Learn all about Irish instruments, tunes, dances and stories! For current and new students, this musical summer camp offers an opportunity to try new instruments. Mornings M-F

Irish Fair Performance Camp (ages 10-19) Week of 8/5/2013 It's simple, perform at the Irish Fair! Hone your performing and arrangin skills and have fun working towards a concrete musical goal with your friends. Afternoons M-F

Irish Rhythms, Dance and Song (ages 11-18) Week of 8/12/2013 Explore making rhythms with Irish music. In addition to reels, and , we'll learn about the ancient songs and steps that hold these special rhythms as well. Afternoons M-F

Playing Together - An Intro to Ensemble Playing and Arranging (ages 7-11) Week of 8/12/2013 For students who already play a traditional Irish instrument, come to this camp to meet new friends who share your passion and want to try learning to play music in a group. Mornings M-F

Check our website www.centerforirishmusic.org about a July performance camp to prepare for the St. Mathias Celtic Festival Performance in Brainerd.

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

www.IMDAwww.IMDA----MN.orgMN.org Irish Music & 8 Dance Association

Rince na Chroi Camp

Has your child ever wanted to try Irish Dance? Well now is their chance! Rince na Chroi hosts a week long summer Irish Dance camp for anyone to try! This is a great opportunity for children who have never Irish Danced or who have some experience to give it a try. The camp is a week long half day camp. Children receive quality Irish Dance instruction by a Rince na Chroi staff member in small groups of about 6- 8 along with whole group warm up and stretching. The days are filled with Irish Dancing, along with time for crafts, dance video viewing, playing and fun! Students who attend the camp will receive snack each day, a dance camp t-shirt and a registration packet for Fall 2013 classes. Camp dates and times for 2013 are:

♣ BEGINNER WEEK: JUNE 24-28 8:30AM- 12:00PM (This week is offered to current Beginner 5 and Under, Beginner 6-7, Beginner 8+ and brand new dancers with no previous experience from ages 3-10) ♣ ADVANCED BEGINNER WEEK: JUNE 24-28 1:00PM-5:00PM (This week is offered to current Advanced Beginner 1,2 and 3 dancers) ♣ INTERMEDIATE WEEK: JULY 15-19 12:30PM-5:00PM (This week is offered to current Intermediate Black, White and Red dancers.)

Established in 1932 by the International Institute of Minnesota, the Festival of Nations is designed to bring Americans of all backgrounds together – native and naturalized citizens alike – to share the ties with our past and take pride in the richness of diverse cultures in our community. Music and dance from around the world are highlights of the Festival of Nations , held each year at RiverCentre in St. Paul, and Irish and and dance will be well represented at this year’s Festival, May 2 through 5. Multi- instrumentalist and singer Laura MacKenzie returns this year with and Scotland. Harper Chad McAnally will perform solo on Thursday and Friday and will join Shawn McBurnie, Henry Lebedinsky, and Kerri Joy on Saturday. Knocknagow Irish Dancers, Mooncoin Céili Dancers and O’Shea Irish Dance will all perform over the weekend. The Festival includes foods from around the world, as well as exhibits, demonstrations and a bazaar. Details are at www.festivalofnations.com .

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

u eoil " 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 Our music hound this month is Patrick McCormick . Patrick is a piper - playing both the Great Pipes with the Brian Boru Irish Pipe and the Macalester Pipe Band as well as uillean pipes. Patrick is an active member of the local Irish music community, active in the Great Northern Irish Pipers Club, helping to organize and host GNIPC's quarterly Celtic Open Mic Night, teaching uillean pipes at the Center for Irish Music, playing uillean pipes with the Two Tap Trio occasionally at the Dubliner and on highland pipes with WookieFoot. Patrick is a 2006 recipient of an IMDA Educational Grant.

Patrick D’Arcy-Wallop the Spot Released Aug. 15 th , 2012

If there is a special spot in your heart for traditional Irish music, I implore you to let Patrick D’Arcy give it a good wallop. His debut album “Wallop the Spot” features a beautifully orchestrated medley of traditional jigs, reels, airs and flings played on concert-pitched pipes, flat-pitched pipes and whistles. D’Arcy describes the album as his “attempt at reproducing the authentic sounds and textures that are produced by the uilleann pipes.” D’Arcy demonstrates his mastery of the instru- ments with purposeful motion, deep sincerity, creativity and might. It is difficult to choose a favorite track, so I asked Mr. D’Arcy to do so. “I like how The Green Fields of America turned out,” he replied. “I like that song a lot and I suppose feel an affinity to it. I like how the singer isn't mourning the loss of his country, but celebrating the gaining of another.” The slow air is played with immense depth in the beautifully captured tone of his flat set. The album finishes with Patrick singing a playful song titled The Whistling Thief . During our inter- view, there was mention of hearing more songs on his next offering, which has yet to be scheduled, though he hopes to make another. Keep an ear out for a live album recorded this past April of 2013 featuring himself along with Keith and Kristyn Getty. I guarantee Patrick D’Arcy’s debut album will wallop its way to a top spot in any traditional-music lover’s library. Mr. D’Arcy suggests pairing the album with a tasty Vietnamese or Mexican dish; “Whatever it is there is plenty of hot sauce on it.” Enjoy! --Patrick McCormick

www.IMDAwww.IMDA----MN.orgMN.org Irish Music & 10

Dance Association Saturday 4 4 Nations of Festival Paul St. RiverCenter, Games Fair Highland & Scottish Farmington Fair, Co. Dakota Ceili Saturday 2pm First Paul St. Pub, Dubliner Mic Open Celtic 7pm GNIPC Paul St. Junction, Celtic The Bedlam 7:30pm Stillwater Pub, Irish Charlie’s 11 Garden Linder’s at Fundraiser Centers Finn of Hounds 7:30pm Stillwater Pub, Irish Charlie’s Brigade Irish 9:30pm Mpls Pub, Kieran’s 18 Lorraine and Paul 7:30pm Stillwater Pub, Irish Charlie’s Cowboys Belfast 9:30pm Mpls Junction, Whiskey Bhoys Colonial Wild 9:30pm Mpls Pub, Kieran’s

Friday 3 3 Nations of Festival Paul St. RiverCenter, Bedlam 7:30pm Stillwater Pub, Irish Charlie’s Session 8pm Celtic Mpls Rest, Merlins Cowboys 9pm Belfast Mpls Bunker’s, 10 Garden Linder’s at Fundraiser Centers Serfs 7pm The Mpls Music, Blackbird Finn of Hounds 7:30pm Stillwater Pub, Irish Charlie’s Session 8pm Celtic Mpls Rest, Merlins Brigade Irish 9:30pm Mpls Pub, Kieran’s 17 Lorraine and Paul 7:30pm Stillwater Pub, Irish Charlie’s The McHugh: Martin 7:30pm Choice Master’s Paul St. Junction, Celtic The Session 8pm Celtic Mpls Rest, Merlins Bhoys Colonial Wild 9:30pm Mpls Pub, Kieran’s

Thursday 2 2 Nations of Festival Paul St. RiverCenter, Quiz Pub 6:30pm Quiz Pub 8pm Mpls Pub, Keegan’s 9 Quiz Pub 6:30pm Quiz Pub 8pm Mpls Pub, Keegan’s 16 Quiz Pub 6:30pm Quiz Pub 8pm Mpls Pub, Keegan’s

Bealtaine Bealtaine Bealtaine Bealtaine Wednesday (first day(first of summer) 1 1 Session Irish 7pm Traditional Cafe, Brothers Hogan Northfield Quiz Pub 7:30pm Mpls Rest, Merlins Quiz Pub 8pm Park St Louis Pub, Kip’s Dance Social Irish 7:30pm Paul St. Pub, Dubliner 8 Session Irish 7pm Traditional Cafe, Brothers Hogan Northfield Quiz Pub 7:30pm Mpls Rest, Merlins Quiz Pub 8pm Park St Louis Pub, Kip’s Dance Social Irish 7:30pm 15 Session Irish 7pm Traditional Cafe, Brothers Hogan Northfield Quiz Pub 7:30pm Mpls Pub, Kieren’s Quiz Pub 7:30pm Mpls Rest, Merlins Dance Social Irish 7:30pm Music Live 9:30pm Paul St. Pub, Dubliner

Tuesday 7 Hour Irish 5:30pm Pub Merlins Quiz Pub 7:30pm Mpls Pub, Keegan’s Brigade Irish 9:30pm Paul St. Pub, Dubliner Trio St. Dominic’s Mpls Nye’s, 14 Hour Irish 5:30pm Pub Merlins Quiz Pub 7:30pm Mpls Pub, Keegan’s Dancing Set Irish 7:30pm Brigade Irish 9:30pm Paul St. Pub, Dubliner Trio St. Dominic’s Mpls Nye’s,

IMDA Community Calendar May 2013 May Calendar Community IMDA Monday 6 Night Mic Open 7pm Paul St. Pub, Dubliner 13 at Fundraiser IMDA Garden Linder’s Centers Monday 2nd 7:30pm Sing Shanty Paul St. Dubliner, The

Sunday

www.IMDAwww.IMDA----MN.orgMN.org 7:30pm Pub Quiz Quiz Pub 7:30pm Mpls Rest, Merlins Beaton Andrea 7:30pm Paul St. Junction, Celtic The Quiz Pub 8pm Paul St. Pub, Dubliner 5 Nations of Festival Paul St. RiverCenter, Session Traditional Noon: Mpls Pub, Kieran’s Road 2pm Locklin Waconia Estates, Sovereign Session Irish 4pm Learners Music Irish 6pm Advanced Session Mpls Pub, Keegan’s Song Steerage 12 Linder’s at Fundraiser IMDA Centers Garden Session Traditional Noon: Mpls Pub, Kieran’s Road 2pm Locklin Waconia Estates, Sovereign Session Irish 4pm Learners Music Irish 6pm Advanced Session Mpls Pub, Keegan’s Quiz Pub 7:30pm Mpls Rest, Merlins St Joan of Arc Church, Mpls Church, Arc of Joan St Irish Music & 11 Dance Association 25 25 Tree Greenwood 9am Market Farmers Lake Prior Heritage 6:30pm WI Vine, Hudson & Olive Urban Trio Dominic’s St. 9:30pm Mpls Pub, Kieran’s 1 Road 1pm Locklin Winery River Cannon Ceili Saturday 2pm First Paul St. Pub, Dubliner Colleens Sweet The 9:30pm Mpls Pub, Kieran’s Cowboys Belfast 9:30pm Mpls Lounge, Liquor Lee’s 24 24 Sidhe 7pm The Mpls Music, Blackbird Session 8pm Celtic Mpls Rest, Merlins Trio Dominic’s St. 9:30pm Mpls Pub, Kieran’s 31 Concert Fundraiser 7pm CIM Paul St. Junction, Celtic The Session 8pm Celtic Mpls Rest, Merlins Colleens Sweet The 9:30pm Mpls Pub, Kieran’s 23 23 Quiz Pub 6:30pm Quiz Pub 8pm Mpls Pub, Keegan’s 30 Quiz Pub 6:30pm Quiz Pub 8pm Mpls Pub, Keegan’s

22 22 Session Irish 7pm Traditional Northfield Cafe, Brothers Hogan Quiz Pub 77:30pm Mpls Rest, Merlins Quiz Pub 8pm Park St Louis Pub, Kip’s Dance Social Irish 7:30pm Music Live 9:30pm Paul St. Pub, Dubliner 29 Session Irish 7pm Traditional Northfield Cafe, Brothers Hogan Quiz Pub 7:30pm Mpls Rest, Merlins Dance Social Irish 7:30pm Quiz Pub 8pm Park St Louis Pub, Kip’s 21 21 Hour Irish 5:30pm Pub Merlins Quiz Pub 7:30pm Mpls Pub, Keegan’s Brigade Irish The 9:30pm Paul St. Pub, Dubliner Trio St. Dominic’s Mpls Nye’s, 28 Hour Irish 5:30pm Pub Merlins Quiz Pub 7:30pm Mpls Pub, Keegan’s Dancing Set Irish 7:30pm Paul St. Pub, Dubliner Malloys Tim 9pm The Paul St. Bar, Amsterdam The Brigade Irish The 9:30pm Paul St. Pub, Dubliner Trio St. Dominic’s Mpls Nye’s, 20 20 27 Monday 4th 7pm Singing Shanty/Pub Mpls Rest, Merlins

www.IMDAwww.IMDA----MN.orgMN.org 19 19 Session Traditional Noon: Mpls Pub, Kieran’s Sing Pub Sunday 2pm Third Quiz Pub 7:30pm Mpls Rest, Merlins Session Irish 4pm Learners Music Irish 6pm Advanced Session Mpls Pub, Keegan’s Quiz Pub 8pm Paul St Pub, Dubliner 26 Session Traditional Noon: Mpls Pub, Kieran’s Session Irish 4pm Learners Music Irish 6pm Advanced Session Mpls Pub, Keegan’s Quiz Pub 7:30pm Mpls Rest, Merlins Quiz Pub 8pm Paul St Pub, Dubliner Irish Music & 12 Dance Association

Northwoods Songs: Irish Songs from Lumberjacks and Great Lakes Sailors By Brian Miller

My research has been primarily in songs that were collected from men (and some women) who lived in the white pine region that stretched from New Brunswick, west through northern Minnesota/northern Ontario. There was a whole culture of singing in lumber camps and on Great Lakes ships throughout the 1800s that was hugely influenced by the Irish tradition and celebrated much of the Irish ballad repertoire while also adding new North American songs based on the old ones. Lots of the singers were Irish too. In the Midwest it was mainly second-generation guys - children of famine immigrants in many cases. That's the stuff I plan on drawing on for the series. And there's a lot of it! Once you include Wisconsin, Ontario, Michigan, Upstate New York, Maine and New Brunswick there are piles of great songs out there.

BOLD DANIEL

It was on the fourteenth day of January, It was early the next morning, From England we set sail, As daylight did draw nigh, We were bound down to Laguire, The man from at the masthead With a sweet and pleasant gale; A strange sail did espy; The Roving Lizzie we are called, With a black flag under her mizzen peak, Bold Daniel is my name, Came bearing down that way; And we sailed away from Laguire, “I’ll be bound she is some pirate,” Just out of the Spanish Main. Bold Daniel he did say.

And when we reached Laguire, In the course of three or four hours, Our orders did read so, This pirate ranged alongside, “When you discharge your cargo, And with a speaking trumpet, It’s sail for Callao,” “Where are you from?” he cries. Our Captain called all hands right aft, “The Roving Lizzie we are called, And unto us did say, Bold Daniel is my name, “Here is money for you today, my lads, And we sailed away from Laguire, For tomorrow we'll sail away.” www.IMDAwww.IMDA- ---MN.orgMN.org Just out of the Spanish Main.” Irish Music & 13 Dance Association

“Come, back your topsails to your mast, And heave your ship under my lee.” And now our prize we’ve taken “Oh, no! oh, no!” cried Daniel, Unto Columbia’s shore, I’d rather sink at sea.” To that dear old place in America, They hoisted up their bloody flag, They call sweet Baltimore; Our hearts to terrify. We’ll drink success to Daniel, With their big guns to our small arms, Likewise his gallant crew, At us they did let fly. That fought and beat that Pirate With his noble twenty-two. We mounted four six-pounders To fight a hundred men, And when the action did begin, It was just about half-past ten; We mounted four six-pounders, Our crew being twenty-two; In the course of an hour and a quarter, Those pirates we did subdue.

We’re back to the repertoire of Minnesota singer Michael Cassius Dean (1857- 1931) this week with a song about piracy. The “Laguire” mentioned in this song must be La Guaira, the chief port city of Venezuela which was actually sacked by English pirates in 1743. The song is relatively rare in tradition. The other three versions I have found were collected in coastal areas of Maine, Newfoundland and England. Mike Dean sang two other songs about pirates “The Flying Cloud” and “Paul Jones the Privateer” and perhaps was fascinated with the theme after working as a sailor on the Great Lakes himself. The above transcription is my own made from my digital copy of a recording made of Dean’s singing in September 1924 by folk song collector Robert Winslow Gordon. Gordon recorded Dean singing the first verse only. The full text comes from Dean’s 1922 self-published songster The Flying Cloud .

You can read Northwoods Songs online at www.evergreentrad.com/northwoods-songs

www.IMDAwww.IMDA----MN.orgMN.org Irish Music & 14 Dance Association

Irish Festival Preview – Save these dates!

♣ Oshkosh Irish Fest , Oshkosh, WI – May 30 – June 2. The Oshkosh festival is held at the Leach Amphitheater in Riverside Park, downtown Oshkosh. Featured are the, Dublin 5, , Hounds of Finn , The Langer’s Ball , McPeake, Myserk, Tallymoore, Whiskey of the Damned , and more. Details at www.oshkoshirishfest.com . (Oshkosh is 280 miles from St. Paul – about a 5 hour drive.)

♣ The Fourth Annual Celtic Festival at the Farm at Saint Mathias – Sat. July 21. Plans include music (Gunn Slingers , Hounds of Finn, Norah Rendell, Rumgumption plus CIM Student Ensembles ) plus demonstrations, crafts, and food. Special guests author Erin Hart and TG4 Gradam Ceoil Traditional Composer of the Year Paddy O'Brien who will be speaking on fascinating Irish topics and chatting casually with you. The Farm at St. Mathias is near Brainerd – details at http://www.stmathiascelticfest.com/information/

♣ Dakota Irish Fair, Sioux Falls, SD – Saturday, July 21. Trefoil, Dirty Hurlers and the Wild Colonial Bhoys , plus , demonstrations, workshops and activities for the kids. Details and updates at http://www.dakotairish.org/#!dakota-irish-fair

♣ Dublin Irish Festival, Dublin, OH – Aug. 2 - 4. Full Set , Gaelic Storm, , Natalie McMaster, Carlos Nunez, Red Hot Chili Pipers, , Scythian, and the Young Wolf Tones – plus our own Ross and MacKenzie 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. 2 - 4. Gaelic Storm, The Langer’s Ball, Red Hot Chili Pipers, Scythian, Switchback, Trinity Irish Dancers, and Derek Warfield & the Young Wolf Tones are just 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. 15 thru 18. The granddaddy of them all – featuring 100 acts on 16 stages. The Festival Showcase this year is Music Nova Scotia, with a dazzling number of artists performing for the first time at Irish Fest. The details are at www.irishfest.com .

♣ 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. 13- 15. The Barra MacNeils, The Elders, Full Set, Gaelic Storm, Goitse, Runa, Cathie Ryan, Slide, and We Banjo 3 , for a start. Details and updates are posted at www.michiganirish.org.

Irish Travel – With Music!

Two of our favorite local bands are offering tours of Ireland in the next 12 months. What a wonderful way to travel – sharing the trip with others who love the music! 2013 Ireland/Scotland Tour with the Wild Colonial Bhoys . Traveling from Monday, Nov. 4 through Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2013. The itinerary includes Edinburgh, St. Andrews, Belfast and the Titanic Exhibition, Newgrange, and Dublin with music all along the way. Travel plans by Celtic Journeys, details including the full itinerary at http:// wildcolonialbhoys.com/ . This is the third tour that the Bhoys and Maria Flynn-Conway have organized. Spend St. Patrick’s Day 2014 in Ireland with the Hounds of Finn ! Traveling from March 15 through 23, 2014. Visit , the Aran Islands, Killybegs, Giant's Causeway, Belfast, and Dublin and enjoy evening performances by Hounds of Finn. Travel plans by Celtic Journeys. Details are at http://www.celtic-journeys.com/hof.htm

www.IMDAwww.IMDA----MN.orgMN.org Irish Music & 15 Dance Association

An Leabhragán

(The Bookcase)

A Week in Winter by Maeve Binchy; 2013 Alfred A. Knopf

Maeve Binchy, the Irish queen of character-driven romance, died in her Dublin home July 2012. Her last novel was in the publishing works before her death, and is a fitting swan song to her long and successful career mapping the Irish heart. Like her other novels, this story bears all the familiar Binchy trademarks: hardworking determined men and women suffering hardships and reinventing themsleves in a new place, in this case the windswept Stone House on the windswept coast of Donegal.The rundown Big House of small-town Stoneybridge is refurbished by sleeves-rolled-up Chicky, an Irish middle-aged returnee by way of New York after decades away. She is helped by the ancient resident of the house, Miss Queenie, a reformed juvenile delinquent Rigger, and Chicky's young niece Orla, a businesswoman nursing a broken heart. The Stone House staff open its doors unseasonably one week in winter, attracting an eclectic group of strangers as guests. Each chapter unwinds the stories of ten people, escaping from or running to something radically different from their former lives. It's a perfect mix, the sort that Maeve Binchy does so well: where else can you get an incognito A-list Hollywood actor, two married disillusioned doctors, a Swedish businessman with a yearning to be a professional nyckelharpist,a crabby private school principal, a psychic librarian and a pair of semi-pro contest winners who'd rather not be there (they won a stay at Stone House as second prize).To this motley crew add a raging storm, lost hikers, local politics, heartbreak, new love, and you get True Binchy. How the house--and its plucky crew-- transform their guests' lives (and their own) is the heart of this heartwarming tale. Mave Binchy's books are as comforting as a perfectly made cup of tea and a well-worn soft sweater. If it's cozy and life-affirming you want, you've come to the right place. It's classic Maeve Binchy, right down the line.

Sherry Ladig, frequent contributor to this column, is a Saint Paul-based composer and trad musician and a former reviewer for Fodder, the Hungry Mind Bookstore's newsletter. Sherry welcomes ideas for future books for her to review---or you can write a review yourself! She can be reached at ladig- [email protected] . Happy Spring reading!

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St. Paul Draws WorldWorld----ClassClass Musicians for Minnesota Irish Music Weekend June 1414----16161616

Meaití Jó Shéamuis (sean-nós song, uilleann pipes) . Meaití Jó Shéamuis (Mattie Joe Hamish) is an acclaimed sean-nós singer, uilleann piper and flute player from the town of Inverin, County Galway in Connemara, a region in Ireland famous for its traditions in sean-nós song, dance and Irish (Gaelic) language. Meaití Jó was one of the first broadcasters with the inaugural Irish language radio station, Raidió na Gaeltachta. In 2001, he won the prestigious Corn Uí Riada, the All-Ireland competition in sean-nós singing. Since his early years with Raidió na Gaeltachta, Meaití Jó has been collecting, producing and presenting traditional Irish music and songs from all over Ireland and further afield. He is sought after as a performer, instructor and adjudicator and has appeared at festivals all over Ireland, Europe and the U.S. Meaití Jó’s album “Bóithríní an Locháin: Sean-nós Songs from Connemara” was released in 2009.

Geraldine Cotter (piano, tin whistle). A native of , Co. Clare, and 1977 All- Ireland champion on piano, Geraldine Cotter is a legendary musical figure in the Irish music scene, equally revered as a performer and teacher of the piano and tin whistle. In 2002, she launched her first solo album “Piano+”, adding to her extensive discography that includes over 20 CDs collaborating with artists such as Eamonn Cotter, Catherine McEvoy, Dympna O Sullivan, Peadar O'Loughlin, and Eileen O'Brien. As a member of the traditional Irish group, Shaskeen , Geraldine has performed on stages alongside Martin Hayes, , John Carty, Patrick Ourceau, and Joe Burke. Geraldine has published two best-selling music tutors and one cd/book collection; Traditional Irish Tin Whistle Tutor (1983) and Seinn an Piano (1996), the first of its kind for traditional piano, and Rogha (2006) . In addition to contributing to Fintan Vallely’s The Companion to Irish Traditional Music, Geraldine has collected music and songs of North Co. Kerry for an archive that is kept in Muckross House archive in . Geraldine has taught music for over 25 years and and is currently on faculty at the Irish World Academy of Music and Dance in the University of Limerick.

Eamonn Cotter (). Eamonn Cotter (brother of Geraldine) is an extremely skilled Irish flute player, flute-maker, and teacher from Kilmaley, County Clare. Eamonn’s principal performing project is a group, well-known in Ireland, called Shaskeen. Eamonn has also toured as a member of the Tulla Céilí Band and St. Flannan's . In 2012, Eamonn released his second solo recording called “The Knotted Chord” which I rish Music Magazine hails as “a master class in choice quality Clare traditional music.” Eamonn’s first solo recording, “Eamonn Cotter: Traditional Music from County Clare," was released in 1996, also to critical acclaim, inspiring Irish flute players around the world with its impressive display of virtuosity and good taste. Eamonn teaches regularly at workshops and summer schools in Ireland, including the Willie Clancy Summer School. Eamonn is also a world-class flute-maker.

Oisín McAuley (fiddle). Oisín McAuley was raised in Carrick, , an area in rural north- western Ireland known for its fine fiddling tradition. In his formative years, Oisín learned from fiddler Ben Lennon and was heavily influenced by Donegal musical icons as James Byrne, Con Cassidy and John Doherty. Oisín went on to study music at Queen’s University in Belfast, , where he performed with a number of well-known Irish bands: Cran, Stockton’s Wing, and Hot Club of Dublin. Oisín joined the award-winning traditional Irish supergroup Danú in 2001. With a discography of eight albums and a live concert documentary with Danú called “One Night Stand” to his name, he has madewww.IMDAwww.IMDA- an impressive---MN.orgMN.org mark in the Irish traditional music scene in both Irish Music & 17 Dance Association

Ireland and North America. Oisín currently works at Berklee College of Music in Boston and lives in Holliston, Massachusetts, and his 2007 debut solo album “Far From The Hills Of Donegal” is on the Compass Records label.

Eileen O’Brien (fiddle, English song). Daughter of the late accordionist and composer Paddy O’Brien from Tipperary, Eileen O’Brien is one of Ireland’s foremost traditional fiddle players and teachers. Continuing the strong musical tradition of her family, she has several All-Ireland fiddle titles to her name as well as awards in the Scoraíocht and Pléaracha competitions of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann. Highly respected as a teacher, she currently serves as an instructor at the Irish World Academy of Music and Dance at the University of Limerick. Eileen has released three albums, “Newtown Bridge” (1999), “The Fiddler’s Choice” (2005) and her most recent album “Aon le hAon” 2012, which reflects the musical style and immense influence of the O’Brien family from North Tipperary. Eileen has also published two books of music, “The Compositions of Paddy O’Brien” (1991) and “The Definitive Collection of the Music of Paddy O’Brien” (2009), both with J.D.C.Publications.

Weekend Program Schedule

Friday, June 14th 9:30am-12:30pm Beginner Program for children ages 7-11 1:30-8:30pm Teen Program with visiting artists 5:30pm Welcome Dinner* & Session - open to the public 7-10pm Family Céilí

Saturday, June 15th 9:30am-12:30pm Beginner Program for children ages 7-11, cont. 9:30am-4:30pm Teen Program, cont. 9:30am-4:30pm Music workshops for adults with visiting artists Lectures for adults and non-musicians Private lesson opportunities with CIM instructors 4:30 -5:30pm CIM Student Performance - Paddy O'Brien's Tune Collection Apprenticeship Project 5:30pm Pre-concert Public Dinner* & Session 7:30pm Public Concert featuring visiting artists

Sunday, June 16th 1:30am-4:30pm Beginner Program for children ages 7-11, cont. 11:00am-4:30pm Teen Program cont. Music workshops for adults with visiting artists Private lesson opportunities with CIM instructors Lectures for adults and non-musicians

www.IMDAwww.IMDA----MN.orgMN.org Irish Music & 18 Dance Association

eili orner By Bhloscaidh O’Keane

First Saturday Afternoon Céilí - Dubliner Pub, 2162 University Avenue in Saint Paul, from 2:00 to 5:00. The suggested donation is $2.00 per person. The dances are taught and called by Paul McCluskey. First Saturday Night Set Dancing Céilí - The Celtic Junction, 836 Prior Ave., No, St. Paul. Third Saturday Night Céilí - The Celtic Junction, 836 Prior Ave., No, St. Paul. Irish Dance Classes: Céilí Dancing - Wednesday Nights Dubliner - 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, Súin Swann, and Kirsten Koehler. Basic beginning steps are taught beginning at 7:30, 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 7:00 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. Set Dancing - Wednesday Nights The Celtic Junction - 836 N Prior Ave, St. Paul. Taught by Karen Cieminksi. This class is taught at a basic/ intermediate level. Everyone is welcome. Cost: $8 per session.

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.IMDAwww.IMDA----MN.orgMN.org Smidirini* By Copper Shannon (*Irish for ‘Bits and Pieces’) 19 Irish Music & ♣ Deepest sympathy to Dáithí Sproule and his family. Dáithí’s mother Eilis passed away recently in Ireland . Beannacht Dé ar a hanam. (God’s blessings on her soul.) ♣ Comhghairdeas léi (CongratulationsDance to) Kevin AssociationCarroll and local bands Legacy and Forty Shades of Green , who were featured in a nice piece on the Irish music with a Dakota County connection – Irish Music is Contagious – in a Good Way! Read all about it at http://sunthisweek.com/2013/03/14/irish-music-is-contagious-in-a-good-way/ ♣ Felix Dolan: the keyboard is silent. Felix Dolan , the wonderful gentleman who has had a revolutionary influence on the role of piano backup for Irish traditional music, has died. Our musical community had the privilege of getting to know Felix as a master musician at the Center for Irish Music’s Minnesota Irish Music Weekend last summer. Dáithí Sproule shared this reminiscence of Felix on Facebook: “I just hope Felix has some idea of how much he is cherished and admired and what a blessing he is for our musical community. He came to the Twin Cities last June to play and teach and talk, and he won everyone's respect and affection. His set at the concert here with Harry Bradley and Jesse Smith was one of the most impressive performances of Irish traditional music that I have ever heard.” A lovely obituary is available at http://www.lohud.com/article/20130410/NEWS/304100126/ Irish-musicians-mourn-pianist-Felix-Dolan-Scarsdale . May he rest in peace. ♣ Comhghairdeas léi (Congratulations) and Best Wishes to Emily Wolff on the newest Irish dance school in the Twin Cities – Mactír Academy of Irish Dance. Emily received her TCRG certification in December 2012 and is now launching her own dance school. According to the new website, the mission is to inspire dancers to strive for excellence both in and out of the dance studio, to spread the joy and beautiful tradition of Irish step dancing, and to use dance as a vehicle to build confidence, poise, and create lifelong friendships. Open House was April 22 – 28. Find out more at http://www.mactiririshdance.com/ . ♣ So long – it’s been fun! If you caught A Little of the Ready at Charlie’s Irish Pub back on Feb. 25, you saw the last of the band. According to their Facebook page “It was a good run, and lots of fun, but we're calling it quits, folks.” Best wishes to the band as they find the next stop on their musical journey.

IMDA Membership Want to know what’s going on in the local Irish scene? Interested in music, dance, theatre and culture? Be the first on your block to subscribe to the IMDA Newsletter. It’s a mere $20 for an annual individual membership and $25 for a family membership. Sign up yourself or sign up a friend, but whatever you do, support your local artists!

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