MOHAWK VALLEY IRISH CULTURAL Volume 13, Issue 8 EVENTS NEWSLETTER Aug 2016 Maura, Karan: A Celebration of Song and Life Two of Ireland’s most beloved singers join together to present an exceptional evening of songs and stories, as Maura O’Connell and Karan Casey bring their Celebration of Song and Life mini-tour to The Egg in Albany on August 12th, 2016. Maura and Karan – for they certainly do merit “one-name only” status – are both known for the depth, beauty and sheer joy in their exploration and interpretation of songs. A Celebration of Song and Life has them sharing what it means to be Irish today, a woman today, a world view seen through the broad emotional spectrum of song. Mostly this collaboration is about the sheer enjoyment of singing and a fresh approach to their long established solo careers, and as the faces and voices of the legendary bands they fronted. One of Ireland’s most revered chanteuses, Maura O’Connell is known for blending Celtic and folk sounds from her formative years in Ireland and filtering them through contemporary American country and bluegrass music. Described as “...a captivating stylist, introspective chanteuse, musical explorer and songwriter’s singer,” her multi-decade career, which rose to prominence when she joined the great Celtic traditional music band De Danaan, has earned her international acclaim, plus two Grammy nominations – including one in 2010 for her most recent release Naked With Friends. Karan Casey has long been one of the most innovative, provocative and imitated voices in Irish traditional and folk music. Her career has spanned twenty-five years from the early days as a jazz performer in George’s Bistro in Dublin to her heady days in New York with the band Solas, and now to her established solo career. She released her first album with the group Solas, which quickly became the most celebrated Irish band in the U.S. A multi- award winning performer, Karan has been described by the Irish Voice as “a singer who has moved gracefully and freely through the ages and genres of music that have influenced her since she first started singing.” Tickets for the 7:30 PM show are $34, and are available on-line. The Egg is located in the Empire State Plaza in Albany. Goitse – Irish Music With a Twist The Earlville Opera House will be hosting a very special performance from Ireland’s award-winning quintet, Goitse, on Saturday, August 13th at 8 PM. Goitse -- the name is a Donegal Irish word (pronounced gwi-cha) meaning “come here” – has made a name for themselves as one of the most sought after bands among connoisseurs of Irish Traditional music, having won feverish critical plaudits for their Dónal Lunny-produced second album, “Transformed.” As we all witnessed in their 2011 GAIF appearance, their distinctive sound lies in the quality of their own compositions interspersed with well-known traditional tunes, which make each set entertaining and unique. The gripping rhythm section sets a breath-taking pace for the music, while the sweet, charismatic voice of Áine McGeeney draws audiences into the music in a way very few performers are able to do. Ticket prices range from $11-32, and are available on-line or by calling the EOH at (315) 691-3550. The Earlville Opera House is located at 18 East Main St. in Earlville, NY. Mohawk Valley Irish Cultural Events - 1 Scottish Legend Returns to New York Dougie MacLean holds a place in his native Scotland that can only be compared with artists like Bob Dylan or Christie Moore, but here in the States he remains for many an undiscovered pleasure. While audiences might have a passing familiarity with his early work with the seminal Scottish folk bands the Tannahill Weavers and Silly Wizard, or with cover versions of his songs by performers like Kathy Mattea, Mary Black or Dorothy Keane, American fans have not had many opportunities to experience MacLean as a live performer. That can all change on August 15th when Dougie MacLean makes a rare return trip to the 8th Step stage at Proctor’s Theater in Schenectady NY. Although he has composed orchestral works and film scores, MacLean is best known for his songs, including “Ready for the Storm” -- the song that introduced him to American audiences when it was covered by Kathy Mattea -- and “Caledonia,” an unofficial Scottish anthem that hit No. 1 on the charts. His melodies retain echoes of the ancient music of Scotland, but his emotionally intimate lyrics touch people of all cultures, and his beautifully understated guitar work and infectious voice are as instantly comforting as an old friend, whether his masterful compositions are introducing you to something altogether new or reminding you of something long forgotten. Tickets for the 7 PM show range from $28-$45, and are available here (although it looks like there may only be $28 general admission tickets left; call (518) 346-6204 for more information). Proctors is located at 432 State Street in Schenectady, NY Hunter Mountain “International Celtic Festival” set for August 6th On August 6th, Hunter Mountain (Hunter, NY) hosts the annual “International Celtic Festival.” The International Celtic Festival brings the sights and sounds of the Emerald Isles. World-class musicians from Ireland and North America perform on three stages, with plenty of variety to suit any taste. Providing the musical entertainment will be Off Kilter, The Narrowbacks, Barleyjuice, Andy Cooney, Little Creek Band, the Donny Golden Dancers and more. The festival also features a EUSPBA pipe band competition, with 16 Grade 3-5 outfits vying for coveted firsts place ribbons, and more importantly (kinda), bragging rights. Of course, there is the spine-tingling Mass March, which finds hundreds of pipers and drummers marching down the mountain in unison. And new this year, Hunter Mountain will host its 1st Annual Highland Games Competition. The NASGA Sanctioned (North American Scottish Games Athletics) Competition will consist of eight traditional heavy events including the stone put, hammer throw and the caber toss (a crowd favorite). Tickets for the festival are $16 for adults (discounted by $3 when purchased on line), with children 12 and under being free. Hunter Mountain is located just over 2 hours north of New York City in the northern Catskill Mountains; a convenient half-hour ride from New York State Thruway exits 20 or 21. For more information, check out their web site. CNY Scottish Games and Celtic Festival Marks Its 75th (!!) Year The 75th Central New York Scottish Games and Celtic Festival will be held at Long Branch Park on August 13th. Long Branch Park is conveniently located west of Syracuse and a wee stone’s throw from the NYS Thruway. The Festival goes from 9 AM until 8 PM and will feature solo competitions, band competitions, drum major competitions, athletic events and highland dance competitions. The band competitions are held in a natural amphitheater. There is plenty of shade and the park is absolutely breathtaking. Performing this year are Enter the Haggis, Charlie Zahm, Harmony of Harps and the Rince Na Sonas Irish Dancers. Tickets for the festival are $10 for adults, $7 for seniors, $4 for children from 5 to 12, and children under 5 get in free. For more information, visit the CNY Scottish Games and Celtic Festival web site (here). Mohawk Valley Irish Cultural Events - 2 Celtic Thunder Rolls into Central New York Celtic Thunder, the world-renowned music and visual theatrical production, is bringing their brand new show “Legacy” to the Palace Theater (19 Clinton Ave., Albany NY), as part of a 75-city tour of the US and Canada (you’ll get ‘em fresh; this appearance is just the fourth date on the tour). Continuing their tradition of paying homage to the musical culture and traditions of Ireland, Celtic Thunder’s latest show is a depiction both their musical footprint over the past 8 years as well as their amazing heritage of Irish and Celtic music. “Legacy” is an exciting new live show that celebrates the influence of Irish and Celtic music around the world and the imprint that such music has made. Lively, fast paced and upbeat songs represent the fun loving nature of the Irish, while the slower classic ballads play to their nostalgic and romantic side. Featuring all new recordings, the songs in “Legacy” are varied in style and run the gamut from classic Irish folk songs and ballads such as “Danny Boy” and “Buachaille On Eirne” to the more contemporary hits “Falling Slowly” and “Ride On,” and rousing anthems “Caledonia” (Hey, remember? We talked about that one!) and “Ireland's Call.” Legacy finds Celtic Thunder soloists Colm Keegan, Keith Harkin, Ryan Kelly, Emmett O’Hanlon and Neil Byrne reunited with guest artist Damian McGinty, an original member of Celtic Thunder who went on to win Fox’s “The Glee Project” before landing a recurring role (“Rory Flanagan”) in the hit series “Glee!” As respected as the singers, The Celtic Thunder Band provides backing on strings, guitars, percussion, whistles, pipes and more, led by musical director David Munro, who also plays keyboards in the show. Tickets for the 8 PM show range from $49.50 to $79.50, and they can be purchased on line, by calling (800) 745- 3000, or in person at the Palace Theatre Box Office, located at 19 Clinton Ave (on the Clinton Avenue Side of the theatre). Lake George Arts Project Presents Koehler and Kelly Chances are many of you have not heard of fiddler Gretchen Koehler. Well, as you know, one of the reasons we put this newsletter out each month is to educate you to something you might not already know.