a publication of the southwest celtic music...

Céilí May - June 2011 1

Céilí A Publication of the Southwest Celtic Music Association

President’s LetterToss the FeathersCeltic CalendarCeltic RecipesYoungest StarsRecurring ActivitiesKeltic Dead MusicOn the Dance FloorGreat Wee TunesCD ReviewsNTIF Wrapup

In This Issue

Vol. 30, Number 3

MayJune2011

34689

101314182024

Local Students Earn SCMA ScholarshipsAllen dancer, Flower Mound fiddler honored at NTIF

By Chuck BloomPerformer Products Coordinator

Two Metroplex youngsters, each provided with inspiration from outside Celtic dance andmusic performances, joined the growing list of winners in the SCMA annual music-dancescholarship program.

Continued on page 2

Nicole Zimmerer, 11, of Flower Mound was the 2011 recipient of the SCMA Byron D. CameronMemorial Music Scholarship, presented during the North Texas Irish Festival by Jim Stinson(left), chairman of the scholarship committee, and Sheri Bush (right), SCMA president.

2 May - June 2011 Céilí

Jason Hickman of Allen earned the $500 dance scholar-ship while 11-year-old Nicole Zimmerer of Flower Mound waspresented with the Byron D. Cameron Memorial Music Scholar-ship.

The scholarships presented to winners of an annual com-petition, designed to further talents in Irish-Celtic music and dance.The checks were formally presented during the Saturday eveningsession at the recent North Texas Irish Festival at Fair Park.——

The inspirational spark for Hickman of Allen was seeinga video of the Broadway production of “Riverdance,” and thatinitial viewing led him to a newfound love – traditional Irish danc-ing.

Since he first viewed that international spectacle five yearsago, he has progressed in that art form, which has resulted inseveral awards – including the SCMA Dance Scholarship.

Hickman, 16 and the son of Deborah Purcell, is a sopho-more at Allen High School, where he is on the honor roll, anddances with the Shandon School of Irish Dance, under the direc-

Dancer Jason Hickman, 16, of Allen, receives his 2011 SCMAdance scholarship from president Sheri Bush during the recentNorth Texas Irish Festival at Dallas’ Fair Park.

SCMA scholarship recipient Jason Hickman of Allen proudlyholds his trophy from a recent regional competition, paving hisway for a possible trip to Dublin to compete in the worldchampionships.

Nicole Zimmerer, the 2011 music scholarship winner from theSouthwest Celtic Music Association, is a violin student ofRoxanna Trevino (left).

SCMA ScholarshipsContinued from page 1

Continued on page 17


President’sLetterby Sheri Bush President, SCMA

Southwest Celtic Music Association2528 Elm Street, Suite B

Dallas, TX 75226 (972) 943-4616SCMA: www.scmatx.org/ NTIF: www.ntif.org/

Mail: 1920 Abrams Parkway #382, Dallas,TX 75214

Officers of the Board of Trustees

President: Sheri BushVice-President: John HebleySecretary: Lybo BuchananTreasurer: Jeanne EishenTrustee Board: Hazel Sandlin Richard Jones

Robert Moore Jim StinsonBarry Knight Denne SweeneyJudy Lanahan-Monroe Floyd Harris

Assoc. Trustees: Betsy Cummings, Connie Ener, LeeKelton, Stefan Eishen

Membership: Lybo Buchanan

Céilí Staff

Editor-in-Chief: Denne [email protected]

Calendar Reporter: Elaine [email protected]

Advertising Manager: Lybo [email protected]

Dance Reporter: Susan HarrisonAsst. Editors: Lybo Buchanan Hazel Sandlin

Céilí newsletter is the bimonthly publication of the South-west Celtic Music Association, 501(c)3 not for profit Texascorporation dedicated to the study, promotion, preservationand performance of traditional Celtic music, dance andculture in the Southwest. All correspondence should be sentto the address above. All contributions are appreciated.

Céilí Advertising Rates

Ad Sizes 1 Issue 3 Issues 6 IssuesBusiness Card $18 42 661/4 Page 40 96 1561/2 Page 60 144 228Full Page 96 228 3601/2 Back Cover 72 180 288

Deadline for Jul - Aug 2011 Issue: May 27, 2011

Once again we hada record-breaking turnout for the North Texas Irish Festi-val! Thanks to all of you who came out and supported the

festival and had a great time in the process. We did increase ourattendance again this year, and had the best Friday night and Sun-day totals ever. Saturday was down a little, but in spite of the windand the much cooler weather we still had a great crowd. Themusical lineup absolutely lived up to its hype and will go down asone of the best ever. It was great to have some of those folks back.The new stage inside the Hall of State was very well received byboth bands and audience, so hopefully that will become a perma-nent part of our arsenal. We expanded the role of the beautifulhorses you may have noticed on the west end of the festival groundsand had several more groups this year. They attracted a lot ofattention and comment and we were glad to have them. Our thanksgo to Tracy Caruth and the Dallas Mounted Police for their helpin working with this area.

As usual, the volunteers and staff did a wonderful joband everything went very smoothly. I can’t thank the volunteersenough for everything they do and all the hard work and timethey put in. No matter how long we’ve done this, each year pre-sents us with some changes and this volunteer group is so great atadapting to these changing needs. The festival wouldn’t happenwithout you, folks, so pat yourselves and everyone around you onthe back. The SCMA Board of Trustees honored all the volun-teers at the Volunteer Appreciation Picnic held at Winfrey Pointon Sunday, April 10. That is always such a fun day, and my ap-preciation to all who had a part in it, from our head BBQers to theservers. Many thanks.

One of the fun things I get to do at the festival each yearis to award the Byron D. Cameron Memorial Music Scholarshipand the Irish Dance Scholarship. We awarded the scholarships alittle differently this year. They were the culmination of a specialshowcase designed to show off our younger players who were ei-ther previous scholarship winners or had been recognized in someother way. We have a wealth of young talent honing their skills onour stages and it was great to be able to give them their own show.They did a fabulous job and you can read more about it elsewherein this issue. This year the music scholarship went to NicoleZimmerer, a very talented young fiddle player. She also is a stepdancer with a desire to emulate Natalie MacMaster, who’s beenknown to dance while she fiddles! Bet Nicole gives her somegood competition someday. The dance scholarship was awardedto Jason Hickman, a young man who trains and competes withthe Emerald School. Jason qualified for the World Competitionheld in Dublin in April and planned to use his scholarship for



Toss TheFeathersBy: Barney O’Blarney,Roving Reporter

Thanks to all of our staff andvolunteers’ hard work and dedi-cation we’ve all enjoyed another

fantastic North Texas Irish Festival. Theshopping and sampling was terrific, butthe heart of the festival is the music, whichwas in rich abundance.

NTIF tidbits:

Overheard and overlooked:Cathie Ryan, perhaps the most popular fe-male artist to perform at the North TexasIrish Festival, took the time, while in Dal-las, to compose a Christmas song, along with gui-tarist Patsy O’Brien. At times, one could overhearher singing into her iPhone, amidst the noise ofthe festival … now that’s dedication.

From Cathie’s Facebook page: “Matt (Mancuso) andBrian (Melick) didn’t bolt from the room when we sang it forthem. A good outcome. It would be lovely to record a ChristmasCD and a follow to ‘The Farthest Wave’ in the coming months.Amazes me that when we lay fallow – things eventually begin toemerge – here’s to blooming!”It’s been more than five years since Ryan has produced a newalbum for her many fans.

Another group about to return to the recording studio isBEHAN to make its third album. This popular family Dallas-area band is a staple for local festivals. First two albums are“Startin’ at the Finish Line” and “Make Yourself at Home.”

And add the southern Mississippi-based group Legacyto the list of future recording sessions. When they return for the2012 NTIF, it will be with a new CD in tow.

Upcoming Birthdays:

Celebrating birthdays in May will be:Deirdre George, 1st Heather Gilmer, 6th

John Behan, 8th Jed Marum, 13th

Randy Christian, 14th Susan Peters, 22nd

Gwen Kelly, 23rd Grace Morris, 24th

Pat Kelly, 30th.

June Birthdays:Susan Behan, 5th Steve Harrison, 9th

Rose Behan, 16th; Sheri Bush, 19th;Tara Casillas, 19th Miah Shaffer, 26th

Pat Smith, 29th

Anniversaries:

The following couples will be celebrating their wedding anniver-saries:· Denice Brown and Denne Sweeney – 6th - May 7th

· Mike and Rosemary Behan – 28th - May 28th

· Barney and Susan Behan - 18th - June 4th

· John and Sandi Hebley – 19th – June 7th

· Rusty and Karen George – 38th - June 9th

· Dawn and Phil Sparacio – 5th – June 10th

Congratulations, everyone!

Online enrollment for the O’Flaherty Irish Music Youth Campis underway. The camp will be held July 11-12, 2011 at St. AlcuinMontessori School, Dallas, TX. For all of the details, go to http://oflahertyretreat.org/youthcamp/.

Celtic duo Sparks & Taft got Lower Greenville’s new kid on theblock, the Crown & Harp, off to a rowdy start for St. Patrick’sDay. The bar features an Irish pub “The Harp” downstairs, com-plete with a ‘cottage’ room and fireplace, and an English pub “TheCrown” upstairs, with a menu of traditional Irish/English pub-grub, which will be prepared in the kitchen of neighboring restau-rant Daddy Jack’s. Word is their Scotch menu is extensive.

Upcoming Local/Regional Celtic Festivals:

· Kerrville Folk Festival, at the Quiet Valley Ranch,Kerrville , TX – May 26-June 12, 2011 -www.kerrvillefolkfestival.com/· Texas Scottish Festival and Highland Games, (UT-Ar-lington Maverick Stadium), Arlington , TX – June 3-5, 2011 –www.texasscottishfestival.com· ZoukFest World Music Camp, (University of NewMexico), Albuquerque, NM – June 5-11, 2011 – Special GuestArtist – Irish Bouzouki Pioneer Alec Finn - www.zoukfest.com· General Sam Houston Folk Festival, (Museum Com-plex Sam Houston State University Campus), Huntsville, TX –April 29-May 1, 2011 - www.shsu.edu/~smm_www/FolkFestN/

The Dallas Observer Music Awards annually celebratesthe local talent who make up the thriving music community of theMetroplex and the Celtic community is one of the most vibrant,yet unheralded. This year when the voting in the Dallas Observergets underway, let’s all vote for our favorite bands in the Celticgenre. We have the numbers to raise awareness that Celtic musicis alive, well and a viable force.

Usual Reminder:

In order to keep the “Toss the Feathers” column current, we needto have news and interesting bits of information to report. So, thatmeans that we need all of you to help keep us informed of happen-ings, events, and any other pieces of gossip you think might be ofinterest. Email submissions may be sent to “stringer” Elaine Chris-tian at [email protected]. Please include a name, phone num-ber with area code and a mailing address with all submissions.Column deadline for the next Ceili issue (July/August 2011)will be Friday, May 27, 2011. CCCCC


The 2011 O’Flaherty

Irish MusicIrish MusicIrish MusicIrish MusicIrish MusicYouth CampYouth CampYouth CampYouth CampYouth Camp

Monday and Tuesday, July 11-12, 2011

Location: The Heights Baptist Church201 W. Renner Rd., Richardson, TX 75080

Ages 6- 17

Classes in fiddle, guitar, whistle, flute, piano, mandolin,Irish harp, Bodhran (Irish drum) and more

(whistle and bodhran classes open to those who haven’tplayed the instrument before)

presented by the traditional Irish Music Education Society

Call 972-530-0757

www.oflahertyretreat.org/youthcamp


CelticCalendar

Addresses of the mostfrequently cited venues:

Cassidy’s Irish Pub, Ramada Inn,601 N. Water St., Corpus Christi,TX. 361.879.0534www.cassidysirishpub.com

Enoch’s Irish Pub & Café, 507Louisville Avenue, Monroe, LA318-388-3662www.enochsirishpub.com

Fenian’s Irish Grill & Pub, 901 E.Fortification St. @ Jefferson,Jackson, MS. 601.948.0055www.fenianspub.com

Finnegans Wake, 812 3rd St.,Alexandria, LA. 318.619.9622www.finnegansalex.com

J. Gilligan’s, 400 E. Abram,Arlington, TX 76010, 817.860.0110www.jgilligans.com

Lochrann’s Irish Pub & Eatery,6195 Main Street, Frisco, Tx 75034,214.701.7878, www.lochranns.com

McGonigel’s Mucky Duck, 2425Norfolk, Houston, TX.713.528.5999,www.mcgonigels.com

Plaza Pub, 1605 New York Avenue,Arlington, Tx 76010 817.377.0202www.myspace.com/plazapub

Trinity Hall, Mockingbird Station,5321 E. Mockingbird Ln., Ste. 250,Dallas, TX. 214.887.3600,www.trinityhall.tv and 305 Central Expressway N, Allen,TX 75013 469-854-6810

Late April 2011Fri., April 29, 2011Jed MarumGeneral Sam Houston Folk FestivalHuntsville, TXhttp://jedmarum.comwww.shsu.edu/~smm_www/FolkFestN

8:30PM – 12:30AMTo Be AnnouncedTrinity Hall, Dallas, TX

Sat., April 30, 20119:00PM – 1:00AMTrinity River WhalersTrinity Hall, Dallas, TXwww.trinityriverwhalers.com

May 2011

Sun., May 1, 201110:30AM – 12:00PMBeyond the PaleDenton Arts & Jazz FestivalDenton, TXwww.beyond-the-pale.netwww.dentonjazzfest.com

Fri., May 6, 20118:30PM – 12:30AMTo Be AnnouncedTrinity HallDallas, TX

Sat., May 7, 201111:00AM – 12:45PMBeyond the PaleCottonwood Art FestivalRichardson, TXwww.beyond-the-pale.netwww.cottonwoodartfestival.com

8:30PM – 12:30AMIrish RoguesTrinity HallDallas, TXwww.irishrogues.com


Sat., May 14, 20119:00PM – 1:00AMTrinity River WhalersPlaza PubArlington, TXwww.trinityriverwhalers.com

8:30PM – 12:30AMJeff PhillipsTrinity HallDallas, TX


Sat., May 21, 2011BehanTrinity HallDallas, TXwww.behanmusic.com

Fri. & Sat., May 20-21, 2011Beyond the PaleTulsa MayfestTulsa, OKwww.beyond-the-pale.netwww.tulsamayfest.org


ALL EVENTS LISTED ARE SUB-JECT TO CHANGE. Please calllisted Phone Number. Usual startingtimes at Pubs are 8:30 to 9:30 PMunless otherwise noted.

To have your event listed in the nextCalendar of Events, please submityour information to: SCMA CéilíCalendar, E-mail to Elaine Christianat [email protected] or call817-896-0927. Submissions for theWorld Wide Web version of theCÉILÍ Calendar may be sent in atany time to the address above, butshould be sent in as early as possible.

Deadline for Jul-Aug 2011 issue: Friday, May 27, 2011Issue will cover: July - Sept 10, 2011

Fri., May 27, 20118:30PM – 12:30AMJeff PhillipsTrinity HallDallas, TX

Sat., May 28, 20118:30PM – 12:30AMTo Be AnnouncedTrinity HallDallas, TX

June 2011

Fri., Sat. & Sun. June 3, 4 & 5, 2011Texas Scottish Festival & HighlandGames - Maverick StadiumArlington, TXwww.texasscottishfestival.com/music.htm

Fri., June 3, 20118:30PM – 12:30AMTo Be AnnouncedTrinity HallDallas, TX

Sat., June 4, 20118:30PM – 12:30AMIrish RoguesTrinity HallDallas, TXwww.irishrogues.comFri., June 10, 20118:30PM – 12:30AMTo Be AnnouncedTrinity HallDallas, TX

Sat., June 11, 20118:30PM – 12:30AMJeff PhillipsTrinity HallDallas, TX

Fri., June 17, 20118:30PM – 12:30AMTo Be AnnouncedTrinity HallDallas, TX

Sat., June 18, 20118:30PM – 12:30AMBehanTrinity HallDallas, TXwww.behanmusic.com

Fri., June 24, 20118:30PM – 12:30AMJeff PhillipsTrinity HallDallas, TX

Sat., June 25, 20118:30PM – 12:30AMTo Be AnnouncedTrinity HallDallas, TX

Early July 2011

Fri., July 1, 20118:30PM – 12:30AMTo Be AnnouncedTrinity HallDallas, TX

Sat., July 2, 20118:30PM – 12:30AMIrish RoguesTrinity HallDallas, TXwww.irishrogues.com

Sun., July 3, 20114:00PM – 7:00PMTrinity River WhalersLightcatcher WineryFt. Worth, TXwww.trinityriverwhalers.com

Mon., July 4, 2011Independence Day!

Celtic PerformersOutside the Pale

Fri. May 7, 2011West Virginia Highland GamesBridgeport, WVFeaturing: Ed Miller; Alasdair Fraser& Natalie Haas; Rathkeltair; TheRogues www.scots-westvirginia.org/

Fri. - Sun., May 20-22, 2011Jed MarumBattle of SacramentoSacramento, KYwww.shsu.edu/~smm_www/FolkFestN/

Thurs.- Sun. June 2, 3, 4 & 5,2011Glasgow Highland GamesBarren River Lake State Resort ParkGlasgow, KYFeaturing: Albannach; Colin Grant-Adams; Father, Son & Friends;Needfire; Red River Fiddlers; SevenNationswww.glasgowhighlandgames.com/

Fri.- Sun., June 10-12, 2011Jed MarumHulston Mill Civil War DaysGreenfield, MOwww.hulstonmillcivilwardays.com/

Sat. & Sun.. June 11 & 12, 2011Kansas City Scottish Highland GamesE.H. Young ParkRiverside, MO



Irish beef stewI found this recipe, courtesy of FidelMurphy’s Irish Pub on Grand Cayman,in some obscure publication and doesNOT involve Guinness; it DOES involvetaste.¼ cup vegetable oil1 ¼ pounds lean stew beef, cut into 1-inch pieces6 large garlic cloves, minced8 cups quality beef stock or cannedbeef broth2 tablespoons tomato paste1 tablespoon sugar1 tablespoon dried thyme1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce2 bay leaves2 tablespoons (¼ stick) butter3 lbs. Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled,cut into ½-inch pieces (about 7cups)1 large onion, chopped2 cups ½-inch pieces peeled carrots2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Heat oil in heavy large pot over medium-high heat. Add beef and sauté until brownon all sides, about 5 minutes; add garlicand sauté 1 minute. Add beef stock, tomatopaste, sugar, thyme, Worcestershire sauceand bay leaves. Stir to combine.

Bring mixture to boil; reduce heatto medium-low, then cover and simmer 1hour, stirring occasionally.

Meanwhile, melt butter in an-other large pot over medium heat; add po-tatoes, onion and carrots. Sauté vegetablesuntil golden, about 20 minutes; add veg-etables to beef stew. Simmer uncovereduntil vegetables and beef very tender, about40 minutes; discard bay leaves. Tilt pan,spoon off fat.

Transfer stew to serving bowl.Sprinkle with parsley and serve. Makes 4-6 servings.

This recipe can be prepared up totwo days ahead. Cool slightly uncovereduntil cold, before shifting to refrigeratoruncovered. Simmer before serving.

Beef tenderloinwith spring vegetablesFrom the Tinakilly House in Rathnew,Ireland, which offers this dish, beefreplaces the traditional lamb/mutton. Inthe Southwest, good beef is easier to findthan good lamb.2 cups beef stock or canned broth1 cup chicken stock or canned low-salt broth4 small carrots, peeled, halvedlengthwise16 green beans or sugar snap peas,trimmed1 red bell pepper, cut into 8 strips4 fresh shiitake mushrooms,stemmed8 asparagus spears, trimmed1 zucchini, trimmed, cut into ½-inchthick rounds1 medium onion, cut into thin strips4 8-oz. beef tenderloin steaks (about1-¼ inches thick)2 tablespoons olive oil½ cup dry red wine6 tablespoons (¾ stick) chilledunsalted butter, cut into piecesOlive oilCombine beef and chicken stocks in me-dium saucepan; boil until reduced to ¾ cup,about 20 minutes. Set aside.

Cook carrots in large saucepan ofboiling salted water for three minutes. Us-ing slotted spoon, transfer carrots tostrainer, rinse under cold water. Add beansto boiling water; cook 1 minute. Transferto strainer with carrots and rinse under coldwater. Drain well.

Arrange carrots, beans, bell pep-per, mushrooms, asparagus and zucchiniin single layer on large baking sheet. (Stockand vegetables can be made four hoursahead; cover stock and vegetables sepa-rately and refrigerate).

Preheat broiler; sprinkle steakswith salt and pepper. Heat two tablespoonsolive oil in heavy large skillet over me-dium-high heat. Add steaks; cook to de-sired doneness, about four minutes per side

for medium-rare. Transfer steaks to plate;tent with aluminum foil to keep warm.

Add dry red wine to same skillet.Boil until red wine reduced to 1 tablespoon,scraping up browned bits, about three min-utes. Add reduced stock, bring to boil.

Remove from heat. Add fewchilled butter pieces at time and whisk justuntil melted. Season sauce to taste with saltand pepper.

Meanwhile, brush vegetableslightly with olive oil. Broil vegetables un-til crisp-tender, about three minutes perside for carrots, green beans, bell peppers,onions and mushrooms and about two min-utes per side for asparagus and zucchini.

Spoon Champ(next recipe) ontofour plates; place steaks on top of Champ,and arrange vegetables decoratively aroundplate. Spoon sauce over vegetables andserve. Serves 4.

CHAMP(green onion mashed potatoes)Also from the Tinakilly Country House &Restaurant in Rathnew, Ireland, thisrecipe accompanies beef tenderloin withspring vegetables.

2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes,peeled, cut into 1-inch pieces½ cup whipping cream¼ cup (½ stick) butter1 bunch green onions, sliced (about1 1/3 cups)Cook potatoes in pot of boiling salted wa-ter until very tender, about 15 minutes.

Meanwhile, bring cream and but-ter to simmer in heavy small saucepan overmedium heat, stirring often. Mix in greenonions. Remove from heat. Cover and letsteep while potatoes cook.

Drain potatoes thoroughly. Re-turn potatoes to same pot and mash. Addcream mixture and stir until blended. Sea-son to taste with salt and pepper. (Can beprepared 2 hours ahead.

Cover; let stand at room temper-ature. Re-warm over low heat, stirring of-ten. Serves 4. CCCCC

Celtic RecipesCeltic RecipesCeltic RecipesCeltic RecipesCeltic RecipesRecipes courtesy of Chuck Bloom


by: Heather Watkins-Skagen

For almost 30 years the SouthwestCeltic Music Association has madeit their priority to bring the public

of north Texas the history, music, dance,and art of Ireland through the second larg-est Irish festival in the country. Over thelast three decades, the children attendingthe festival have been given an area to learnmore about all of these things at their ownlevel. Music for children was introducedby the late Margaret Harkness in thefestival’s early years and has since beenhand fed by long time Coordinator Emeri-tus Dawn Sparacio. Dawn took Margaret’sbaby and blossomed it into a truly recog-nizable part of this festival. As a productof Urchin Street myself, it has been myhonor to take on the sometimes over-whelming chore that is Urchin Street andfind my place in it all to put my own printon this amazing area.

So many young performers haveliterally grown up on Urchin Street andhave become the proud next generation ofour culture’s music and dance. These actshave not only been on our stage but havemade their talents known in other ways.Long time performers Killavil have beenthe faces growing up on the stage and firsttimers David Mehalko and Caitlin Danielshave come out of the shadows and provenexactly what Margaret and Dawn alwaysdreamed of, teaching the next generationto teach their peers.

This last year these performerswere recognized, some for the first time,as true greats, especially for their ages, inthe areas of instrument and song. With somany awards achieved this year, it was ano-brainer to think of a way to recognizethese talents and give them a venue to showit all off on. The first annual Award Win-ners Showcase was brought to the Marga-ret Harkness Stage this year and recognizedthese four amazing young people for theawards ranging from Texas to Japan andon to Ireland. Our first honoree is the 2009SCMA Scholarship Award winner, DavidMehalko. With fiddle in hand, he leads

the band Flashpoint, who made their firstappearance at this year’s festival with over-whelming success. Our next honoree wasintroduced to the Irish stage in October atthe Cowtown Celtic Festival, but has alsoplayed in the off Broadway musical “TheSound of Music” in Japan. As the young-est member of this honored group, CaitlinDaniels, age 13, used her beautiful andmature voice to win the 2010 SCMA Schol-arship for music. Fan favorites and veter-ans of Urchin Street, Daniel and MichaelStribling make up two-thirds of the bandKillavil and finish out our list of honor-ees. Daniel competed and placed thirdoverall in the Adult Accompaniment divi-sion on the Bouzouki at the All WorldCompetition in Ireland. Following in anew family tradition younger brother,Michael was awarded the highest honoron the Uillieann Pipes and is the reigningchampion for ages 15-18.

Given the opportunity to havethese talents play in a different mock upthat what we, as an audience, are used to,I took advantage of the similar stylings ofnot only these performers but also the tal-ents of veteran musicians like AlbertAlfonso, Linda King, Sarah Dinan, andMaggie Drennon. These gracious perform-ers became mentors and partners in thisvery successful showcase. MichaelStribling started out the foot tapping nightwith some jigs and reels accompanied byhis brother Daniel. The perfect blend ofpipes and bouzouki were simple but veryenjoyable as Michael took the lead andventured out with a couple of solos thatshowed the audience why he’s a champion.The comfort between these brothers wasevident as these normally quiet duo stoodout on stage and the youngest of theStribling clan showed us what talent re-ally is. The second part of the showcasewas host to Albert Alfonso on one of hishandmade bohdrans, special guest RachelStribling on fiddle and our final two in-strumental honorees, David Mehalko andDaniel Stribling. The dueling fiddles werefun to listen to as the sound of the bou-zouki mixed so beautifully to round out a

set of traditional music played by the youngand, in Albert’s case, the young at heart.The piece selection truly showed the tal-ents of these guys and made for a fun timefor all. Rounding out the night was the“best vocal quartet many have seen at thisfestival since Cherish the Ladies” CaseySledge of October Country said, and I haveto agree. The overwhelming beauty thatcame from these four women literallybrought tears to the eyes of audience mem-bers. With standing room only, CaitlinDaniels showed off a voice that should becoming from a 30 year old, all the whilesurrounded by the great talents of LindaKing, formally of Amberhawke and Kingand Harrison, Sarah Dinan, of the SarahDinan Band, and Maggie Drennon, cur-rently of Calamity Holler. Their four partharmonies at times left the crowd breath-less and Caitlin’s tear-jerking “Caledonia”performance made a statement of the tal-ent that this future star truly holds. Afterall was said and done, SCMA PresidentSheri Bush presented the two SCMAScholarships for music and dance.

In the end, this showcase provedto me what Urchin Street is all about,bringing who we are as an Irish culture tokids of all ages, not just the ones that lookthe part! CCCCC

Showing Off Our Youngest Stars


Recurring Activities

Attention Session Players!The Irish Dance scene nationally, is inneed of feis musicians. Travel, hotel andmeals paid, plus fees for playing ... Ifyou would like more information,contact Erin Reid, TCRG @214.321.1200

Please help us keep this section up todate by contacting Elaine Christian at

817-896-0927 or [email protected] your event does not appear here, it isbecause you have not contacted us in thepast 6 months.Email and/or website info for many ofthese regular events can be found on theSCMA website Calendar page at http://www.scmatx.orgContact Bob Moore [email protected]_________________________Last Updated March 27, 2011

Regularly ScheduledPerformances:Arizona: Tucson:Round the House Sundays 4:00pm –7:00pm@ Auld Dubliner 800 E.University Blvd., Tucson, AZ

Mississippi:Jackson: Fenian’sIrish Pub has IrishMusic 8:00 – 11:00PM on Thursdaynights featuringBounds Street,Spirits of theHouse, Legacy ,Jim Flanagan, or St. Brigid’s on arotating basis. 901 E. Fortification St.,Jackson, MS. 601.948.0055

Oklahoma: Tulsa Cairde na Gael 1st

& 3rd Thursdays @ Arnie’s Irish Bar,318 E. 2nd St. @ Elgin, Tulsa, OKwww.cairdenagael.com

Texas: Austin: Thomas “Doc”Grauzer performs Thursdays andFridays 6:00pm -9:00pm as well asSaturday brunch 11:30am @ Mother’sCafé 4215 Duval Street, Austin, TX512.467.9898 www.docgrauzer.com

Ptarmigan performs every Monday &Wednesday @ Waterloo Ice House7pm, 1106 W. 38th St. (across from SetonHospital), Austin, TX 512.451.5245

Gilmer & Moore perform most 3rd

Mondays 8:00pm – 10:00pm @ Genu-ine Joe’s, 2001 W. Anderson Lane,Austin, TX, 512.220.1576

Dallas: Trinity Hall Irish Pub hasJigsaw Thursdays 7:00pm – 10:00 PM;The Irish Rogues sing-along (w/songbooks) on first Saturdays; Jenny Glass1st Sundays Noon – 2:00pm, IrishTIMES Band 4th Saturdays 8:00pm –midnight, a variety of Celtic BandsFridays & Saturdays starting @ 8:30 pmand Paddy Gone Wild Sundays 3:00pm– 6:00pm @Mockingbird Station, 5321E. Mockingbird Ln., Ste. 250, Dallas,TX. 214.887.3600 www.trinityhall.tv

Humble: Celtic Voyage returns forregular sessions on 1st and 3rd Saturdayevenings 8:00pm – 11:00pm @McClellan’s Irish Pub on the corner ofTownsen Blvd. & N. Houston Rd.,Humble, TX 281-446-7273 $5.00admit.

Houston: The Blaggards: 8:30pmWednesdays @ Molly’s Irish PubDowntown, 509 Main Street, Houston,TX

Lubbock: Chris Smith & FriendsAlternating Thursdays 8:30 – 10:00pm@ Sugar Brown’s Coffeehouse, 481850th St., Lubbock, TX

San Antonio: Sally’s Garden Sundays2:00pm – 5:00pm @ Nine Lives Books4919 NW Loop 410 @ SummitParkway, San Antonio, TX Info atwww.sallysgarden.org

Sessions:Traditional Irish Music: Family-oriented. Acousticmusicians,dancers andlisteners of allages and skilllevels arewelcome.

Arizona:Sundays 1:00pm Beginner Session &Afternoon Séisiúin 4:00pm@ FibberMagee’s, 1989 W. Elliott Rd. #19,Chandler, AZ 480.722.9434 The AuldDubliner9780 W. Northern Ave., Peoria,AZ, 623.877.1918 and The AuldDubliner in Tucson @ 800 E. Univer-sity Blvd., 520.206.0323; 1st Fridays @7:00pm in the Irish Cultural Center,1106 N. Central Ave., Phoenix, Az.,Contact George O’Brien. 602.258.0109;1st Wednesdays 7:00pm @ Into theBean, 1710 W. Southern Ave., Meza,AZ. Contact Paul Knight 480.890.0579;Wednesdays 7:00pm Irish Séisiúin @Lis Doon Varna, 16100 N. ArrowheadFountain Ctr, Peoria, AZ. Contact JimMcCray 623.979.0730; Celtic & OldTime Jam 1st & 3rd Tuesdays 8:00pm –10:30pm @Rincon Center, 6th St. @Tucson Blvd., Tucson, AZ. ContactSharon Goldwasser 520.298.3014Sundays 7:00pm Irish Séisiúin @Charly’s Pub & Grill, 23 N. Leroux St.,Flagstaff, AZ. Contact Kari Barton928.600.1362

Arkansas: 2nd & 4th Mondays 7:00pm@ Khalil’s Pub & Grill, 110 S.Shackelford, Little Rock, AR; 1st & 3rd

Wednesdays 7:00pm @ SomethingBrewing, 1156 Front Street, Conway,


AR; Last Saturdays, 7:00pm @ LastChance Lakeside Café, 408 Ponce deLeon Dr., Hot Springs Village, ARwww.arcelts.com

Oklahoma: Celtic Session 1st Fridays8:00pm – 10:00 pm @ Borders Books &Music, 300 Norman Center Court,Norman, OK 405.573.7907; 2nd FridaysCeltic Session 7:00 – 10:00pm @ FullCircle Books 50 Penn Place, OklahomaCity, OK. Contact Jacque Rapp at405.364.4526Traditional Irish Session, 1st, 3rd, & 5th

Sundays@ Arnie’s Irish Bar, 318 E. 2nd

St. @Elgin, Tulsa, OK 918.583.0797Celtic Music Jam Session 2nd Fridays7:00pm @ Best Western’s Atrium, 600E. McElroy & Perkins Rd., Stillwater,OK. Contact Roger [email protected] Saturdays @ 6:00pm UnitedScottish Clans of Oklahoma Gather-ing @ Church of the Savior, 5600 NW63rd, Oklahoma City, OK

Louisiana: Tune Session 1st & 3rd

Fridays 8:00pm@ Centenary (formerlyOutrageous) Bar & Grill, Stoner St. &Centenary, Shreveport, LA, SessionSaturdays 10am @ Main Street Marketon 6th Street, Baton Rouge, LA. [email protected] for info;Slow Irish Music session Mondays7:00pm – 9:00pm/beginners from 6:00pm0 7:00pm in New Orleans @Noel Reid’shouse. Contact him @[email protected] ; 4th SundaysSession @the Kerry Irish Pub in NewOrleans 5:00pm – 8:00pm. Thursdays8:00pm – 11:00pm @ Enoch’s Irish Pub& Café, 507 Louisville Ave., Monroe, LA

Tennessee: Irish Music Session @Dan McGuinness Pub: 1st & 3rd

Saturdays 1538 Demonbreun St.Nashville, TN

TexasMid-Cities Open Session: Tuesdays, 7:00– 10:00 PM hosted by “Bob the BoxPlayer” Moore with members of Sprigganfrequently participating @ J. Gilligan’s,400 E. Abram, Arlington, TX.

Acoustic Circle Session: Wednesdays,8:00pm @ The Plaza Pub, 1605 New York

Avenue, Arlington, Tx 817.377.0202Bluegrass/Acoustic Jam: Thursdays9:00 PM – Close @ TNSTAAFL, 409N. Bowen Rd. (2 blks. N. of Division),Arlington, TX. 817.460.9506

Celtic Song Session: 1st Sundays2:30pm – 5:00pm @ Things Celtic,1806 W. 35th St, Austin, TX. 512.472.CELT. See web-sitewww.austinsongsession.com

Irish Tune Session: 8:00pm – 11:00pmSundays @ Fiddler’s Green Music Shop(in the barn behind shop) 1809 W. 35th

Street, Austin, TX, 512.452.3900

Irish Tune Session: Sundays 9:00 ish –11:30pm @ B. D. Riley’s Pub, 204 E. 6th

Street, Austin, TX 512.494.1335

Celtic & Traditional Music Sessions:Second Thursdays 7:00pm – 10:00pm @Sertino’s Cafe, 5657 Eastex Frwy, Beau-mont, TX ,Contact Cliff or MichelleOzmun 409.554.4284

Open Celtic Session on Fridays, 7:00pm– 10:00pm@ McSwiggan’s Irish Pub, 6910Windhaven Pkwy. Suite #105, The Colony,TX

Dallas Slow Session Players led by JimWells, on 2nd and 4th Saturdays 2:00 -4:00pm. Contact Jim Wells [email protected] for directions.Web site: http://dallasslowsessions.com

Trinity Hall Session Players: Sundays3:00 – 6:00 PM in a session featuringsome of the best musicians, byinvitation, in the DFW areaOpen Session: (all levels of players) on1st Saturdays from 3:00 – 6:00 PM @Trinity Hall, Mockingbird Station,5321 E. Mockingbird Ln., Ste. 250,Dallas, TX. 214.887.3600. 2nd Sundayshas the advanced open sessionIf you’re interested in playing at theseinvitational sessions email Ken Flemingat [email protected]. Also, thereis a tune session @ 7:30 PM on Wed.

SMUSH! (Scottish Fiddle Club), meets3rd Sundays @ 2412 Old North Rd.,#102, Denton, TX. Contact Rose Marie

Chisholm [email protected]

Celtic Session: 2nd & 4th Saturdays1:00pm – 4:00pm @ The Rig, 6308 S.Freeway I-35, Fort Worth, TX817.293.8363

Open Session & Céilí: 1st and 3rd Sun-days, 3:00 – 6:00pm @ Lochrann’s IrishPub & Eatery, 6195 Main Street, Frisco,TX

Celtic Stew open session Tuesdays6:00pm @ The Sports Bar at theMeridian, 1503 Chartres Street,Houston, TX 713.225.1717

Irish Music Session: Some of Houston’sfinest musicians in the longest runningCeltic Session in Texas. Wednesdays9:00 PM at McGonigel’s Mucky Duck,2425 Norfolk, Houston, TX.713.528.5999, www.mcgonigels.com

Celtic Chorus of Houston: Sing-alongsession concentrating on harmony withthe music of Ireland, Scotland & Waleson first Tuesdays 7pm -9pm. St.Andrew’s Episcopal Church 1819Heights Blvd., Houston, TX. ContactDianna Shipman @ 713.552.1212 [email protected] for info.

Celtic Chorus of Houston: Sing-alongsession concentrating on harmony withthe music of Ireland, Scotland & Waleson Tuesday, except for 1st, evenings7pm -9pm. Griff’s Shenanigans Café& Bar back patio, 3416 RoselandStreet, Houston, TX. Contact DiannaShipman @ 713.552.1212 [email protected] for info.

Open Session: 1st & 3rd Thursdays 7:00– 9:30pm @ Kelvin Arms Pub, 2424Dunstan (off Kirby), Houston, TX.Contact Don Worall [email protected]

Irish Music Slow Teaching Session:Saturdays 4:00 – 5:30pm @ J&BCoffeehouse, 26th & Boston, Lubbock,TX Led by Dr. Chris Smith. [email protected]


Irish Traditional Music Session: Ledby Last Night’s Fun, Fridays 6:30 –8:30 PM @ O’Reilly’s, 18th & BuddyHolly Ave., Lubbock, TX.

Celtic Acoustic Session: Thursdays8:00 – 10:00pm @ Radius Cafe, 106Auditorium Drive, San Antonio, TX210.227.8111

Celtic Session: Tuesdays: 8:00 PM @Papa’s Bar & Grill, 9200 Broadway,San Antonio, TX. For info contact Lilly@ 830.779.7095

Session: Thursdays 8:00 PM @ PizzaItalia, 2950 Thousand Oaks Dr., SanAntonio, TX.Irish Session: Thursdays 8:00pm –10:30pm Coffee Oasis, 4650 NASA Rd.1, @ Kirby, in Arlan’s Shopping Ctr.,Seabrook, TX 281.532.1439,www.coffee-oasis.com

Celtic Languages:Irish Gaeilge: Irish Language andCultural Classes. Mondays. Taught bySean Glynn, 7:00 – 8:00 PM for theIrish Language Classes, and from 8:00 –9:00 PM for the Cultural Classes, atSláinte Irish Pub, 509 Main St. (atPrairie), Houston, TX. 713.237.0000

Irish Language Lessons taught by TimTheisen. Wednesdays, 7:00 – 9:00 PM.Brian O’Neill’s Pub, 5555 MorningsideDr., Houston, TX. 713.522.2603

Irish Language lessons presented byThe Gaelic League of Austin SundaysNOON – 2pm @ Things Celtic,Austin, Texas 512.472.CELT

Irish Gaelic Study Group Saturdayafternoons 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM @Paperbacks Plus 6115 La Vista, Dallas,TX (behind the closed Tipperary Inn).Guest teachers visit. E-mail Ted Strainat [email protected] for information.

Irish Gaelic Conversation GroupWednesdays 7:30pm-9:00pm. Put downthe books and speak with friends. Forlocation, contact John [email protected]

Cór Gaeilge Texais practices & learnsGaelic songs, 1st, 3rd & 5th Mondays7:30pm – 9:00pm, St. Mary’s AnglicanChurch Office Bldg., Irving, TX.Contact Jonquele [email protected] for information.

Ellis County Irish Study GroupTuesdays - 5:00pm – 6:30pm @ OvillaChurch of Christ, 3420 Ovilla Rd.,Ovilla, TX Contact Denice Brown:[email protected] Welcome

Austin Gaelic League meets 2nd

Sundays @ La Madeleine Restaurant3:00pm – 4:00pm 35th& Lamar, Austin,TX

D/FW Gaelic League -The web-site islocated at www.dfwgaelicleague.com

Scots Gàidhlig: Study Group: Tulsa, OK.Contact Chris Merle [email protected]

Gàidhlig Study Group: Thursdaynights, 7:30 – 9:00 pm, SW Ft Worth.Contact Jonquele [email protected]

Beginning Conversational Irish Satur-days 10:00am - 12:00noon, Katy, TX Con-tact Pat [email protected] for class info

On The Radio: Many ofthese can be streamed on computer

Note: National Public Radio’s Thistle &Shamrock with Fiona Ritchie is broad-cast on many NPRStations. Indi-vidual T & Sbroadcasts are nolonger listed here,because days, timesand/or stationschange so fre-quently. Thistle &Shamrock’s website lists scheduleswww.npr.org/programs/thistle

KUT–FM 90.5 Austin has Ed Miller’sAcross the Water 7:00pm -8:00pmSundays. www.kut.org

KOOP-FM 91.7 Austin has CelticStorm with host Donnelle MacKaskle.Scottish, Irish & Welsh Music Mondays,9:00 - 11:00 a.m. Under the auspices ofthe Celtic Cultural Center of Austinwww.celticcenter.org

KPFT–90.1 FM Houston has IrishAires w/music, news & Irish lessonshosted by Jay Dooling and Pete Little@ 6:30 – 7:30 PM on Saturday evenings.www.kpft.org

WMPN–FM 91.3 Jackson, MS hasCeltic Connections on Sundays from5:00 – 6:00 PM. Mississippi PublicBroadcasting, sponsored by The CelticHeritage Society of Mississippi. Alsobroadcast on other Mississippi PublicBroadcasting stations at the same time.

Internet Radio:Midwest Ireland Radiowww.midwestradio.ie

RtÉ Radio www.rte.ie/radio

Radio nan Gaidhealwww.bbc.co.uk/scotland/alba/radio

LiveIreland.comwww.liveireland.com/live.shtml

Breton Radiowww.radio.stalig.com

Highland Radio – Co.Donegalwww.highlandradio.com

Irish Radio List www.eire.fm

Scottish Radio Listwww.scottishwebcamslive.com/radio.htm

Isle of Man Radio www.bbc.co.uk/isleofman

Celtic Radio list on the internetwww.swiss.csail.mit.edu/~rauch/celticradio/

TG4 Irish Television & Radiowww.tg4.ie CCCCC


Sheebeg SheemorShaun - Patrick O. Young

One of O’Carolan’s Best Loved Tunes

Upon leaving Alderford at the age of 21, the blind harpist,Turlough O’Carolan (1670-1738) visited SquireReynolds at his house at Lough Scur. Mr. Reynolds was

not very impressed by Carolan’s musical abilities at that time,and he asked Turlough if he could compose music at all. WhenTurlough said he did not, Mr. Reynolds told Carolan that he “mightmake a better hand of his tongue than of his fingers.” As Reynoldshad planned to leave for a few days, he suggested that Carolan tryto create a tune about a story that was told in the local area of agreat battle that was fought in ancient times between the kings ofthe fairies (sidhe, “shee” folk), and pointed out two sacred hillsthat were believed to be the burial grounds of these two kings.

Upon Squire Reynolds’ return, Turlough O’Carolan hadcomposed the tune, and it has since become one of his most popu-lar tunes among the more than 200 compositions for whichTurlough was eventually credited.

As A Historical Perspective:

In that region of Ireland around SquireReynolds’ home, a great battle was fought ina valley between two hills. It said that it wasa battle where the celebrated FionnMacCubhal and his Fiana Eirionn were de-feated. One of Fionn’s heroes was killed therein that engagement and his remains is saidto lie entombed in the small hill (Sidhe beg).His equal, in the opposing force, was alsomortally wounded in that same battle, andhe had his remains placed in the center of the large hill (Sidhemor).

Many folk in that region speak of the Daoine Maithe(Good People), and few dare to call them by their fairy name(“sidhe” folk) as this may run the risk of hastening one’s depar-ture from this earth, since the sidhe folk are said to be the ferry-men for that task. The motes upon the large and small mountains



On theDance Floor

Attention Session Players! TheIrish Dance scene nationally is inneed of feis musicians. For moreinformation contact Susan Harrison@ 469.877.5472

Email/web addresses for the followinglistings may be found on the SCMA website: www.scmatx.org, if provided.Last updated March 17, 2011Please help us keep this section up todate by contacting Susan Harrison,TMRF at [email protected]* = new or change

Upcoming Events

Competitions:* Irish:The Irish Dance Teachers Association ofNorth America and the North AmericanFeis Commission coordinate, and areresponsible for, the following Irish dancecompetitions.www.northamericanfeiscommission.orgMay 7: Emerald School BluebonnetFeis, Irving, TX.www.emeraldschool.comMay 21-22: Tucson Feis, Tucson, AZ.www.tucsonfeis.org

June 4-5: Grand Canyon State Feis,Tempe, AZ.

www.grandcanyonfeis.orgCumann Rince Náisiúnta (CRN) sponsors thefollowing Irish dance competitions.www.crn-usa.orgNone listed.

Highland: None listed.

Céilís, Special Events:* Céilís at Trinity Hall on 3rd SundaysMay 15, June 19, from 3-6pm. Music bythe Lone Star Céilí Band, dances calledby Michael & Susan Harrison. TrinityHall, Mockingbird Station, Dallas, TX.Free. [email protected]* Mostly Monthly Céilís at Fenian’sIrish PubMay 15, June 12 from 2-5pm,Jackson, MS. All are welcome. Freeadmission. 601.948.0055.www.fenianspub.com/calendar.htm

* SCMA Celtic CéilíMay 7. Irish set and céilí dancing atthe Sammons Center for the Arts,3630 Harry Hines, Dallas, TX. $10($8 for SCMA members, $5 for fulltime students). Class for all levels6:45- 7:45pm, céilí 8:00-10:00pm.http://ceili.dragonseye.com/Third Friday Celtic Dance & Jam7:30pm, 3rd Friday of the month. All arewelcome to join in on traditional Celtictunes. Dancers are invited to dance tolive music (all Celtic styles). Listenersalso welcome! Sonder Music, Dance &Art, Norman, OK. 405.474.9734 http://sondermusic.com

Regular Classes/EventsIrish:The following teaching certifications areawarded by the Examination Authority ofAn Coimisiún Le Rincí Gaelacha inDublin, Ireland:TMRF: Céilí teacherTCRG: Step dance and céilí teacherADCRG: Adjudicator (TCRG prerequi-site)

The following teaching certifications areaward by the Examination Panel ofCumann Rince Náisiúnta in Dublin,Ireland:Associate Member: Teacher in train-ing ODCRN: Step dance and céilíteacher ADCRN: Adjudicator

Belisama Irish Dance: Under thedirection of Adrienne Bellis, AssociateMember of CRN. Performance andcompetition opportunities. Classes inSanta Fe and Los Alamos. Call505.670.2152 or [email protected] Academy of Irish Dance: ErinCass TCRG, Director. The Woodlands,Katy & Cedar Park, TX. [email protected]

Crawford School of Irish Dance: JillCrawford TCRG, Director. Classes inMidvale, Holladay and Woods Cross,UT. Call 801.508.7933.

Celtic Praise Troupe: Irish step dancecompany, Oklahoma City, OK. ContactSarah [email protected]. http://celticpraisetroupe.com

Denton Celtic Dancers: Irish step dance,Sunday evenings. Visual Arts Center,Denton, TX. Contact June Skinner940.321.0012.

Emerald School of Irish Dance:Directors: Emily Touzin and LeslieMiddleton, TCRG. Teaching all forms ofIrish dance at all locations. Kids ages 5and up and adults. Arlington,


Lewisville, Dallas, TX. 972.874.0360 [email protected]

* Glor na Daire Academy of IrishDance: Abbey Pride, TCRG & BrentWood, TCRG. Classes held at FirstChristian Church, 3401 Santa Fe St.,Corpus Christi, TX.www.ccirishdance.webs.com

* The Goode Academy of Irish Dance:Instructor K.T. Goode, TCRG.5515 S. Mingo Ave, Suite A, Tulsa, OK74146. [email protected] 918.845.3563

Hibernia School of Irish Dance: ErinReid TCRG, Director. Classes in Planoand Greenville, TX and Frisco, TX insummer 2011.www.HiberniaSchool.com

Hill Irish Dance School: Jean HillTCRG, Director. Irish step and céilídancing for ages 5 and up in OklahomaCity and Stillwater, OK. 405.524.7322www.hillirishdance.com.

Inishfree School of Irish Dance:San Antonio, TXClasses on Monday and Thurs-day. Contact: Neill ReaganADCRG 210.416.1627

Irish Dance Center: Eimir NíMhaoiléidigh TCRG, Instructor: Irishstep dance – weekly classes in Austin,TX. Call 512.528.0662 or emaili rishdancecenter@gmai l .com.www.reelsnjigs.com

Irish Set Dance Classes: every Tuesdaynight from 6:15 to 8pm at 717 Adams St,New Orleans, LA 70118.call 504.866.8613 for info.

Jackson Irish Dancers:Traditional Irish solo dancing and céilí,figure and set dancing; instruction, céilícalling and performance. Solo and céilídancing classes for ages 6 to adult onSunday afternoons with CatherineBishop, MFA, TCRG in Jackson, MS.For information contact Maggie Cupplesat 601.592.9914 or visitwww.jacksonirishdancers.org.

Llano Estacado Céilí Dancers: Pauland Chelsi Conklin leading céilí and sets.Saturdays at 9:45am in Lubbock TX.RSVP to [email protected]

Maguire Academy of Irish Dance:Darren Maguire, ADCRG and MaeveCroke, TCRG, instructors. Classes rangefrom beginners (age 4) to adults andmeet Thursdays – Saturdays. Visit ournew studio, 718 N. Buckner Blvd. #304,Dallas, TX. First class is FREE to newstudents. For more info, emailmarcia. barnett@sbcglobal . net or seeour Facebook group.

McCafferty School of Irish Dance:Judy McCafferty ADCRG, Director.Classes available in all forms of Irishdance for children ages 4 and up, as wellas adults. Fayetteville, Ft. Smith, andLittle Rock, AR. For more information,call 501.851.3979.

McTeggart Irish Dancers: MaureenMcTeggart-Hall ADCRG. New Or-leans: Saturday mornings. For detailsand location, call Megan Morphy at504.394.2340; Houston area: Sundaysat North Harris Performing Arts inSpring, TX; Contact Jennifer HaleTCRG at 936.321.6583; North Texas:Fort Worth, Bedford, Southlake.Contact Christie, new TCRG, at817.274.8547 for location and scheduleof classes. San Antonio: ContactChristie 817.274.8547. OklahomaCity: Contact Rebekah Cassiday at405.969.3941.

Muggivan School of Irish Dance:Director: Joni Muggivan, TCRG. Classesfor ages 3 through adult. Email:[email protected]. Phone:504.259.7315. Locations: New Orleans,Mandeville and Baton Rouge, LA.www.MuggivanSchoolofIrishDance.com Mechanicsville &Fredericksburg, VAwww.freewebs.com/muggivanschoolva.

O’Donovan School of Irish Dance:Classes are held in North Little Rock &Little Rock, AR. Mary Rose O’DonovanFansler TCRG. 501.834.1479.

Ó Maoiléidigh School of Irish Dance:Colm Ó Maoiléidigh TCRG. Weekly

stepdancing & céilí classes Sunday from10am to 6pm. Houston, [email protected]

Richard Tew, Irish Dance Instructor:Revels Performing Arts, 4502 CenterStreet, Deer Park, TX. [email protected]

Rinceoirí Gaelacha na Machairí Arda(RGMA); aka: High Plains IrishDancers: Irish step, céilí, and set dance.Contact: Kathleen Finley, 4306 60th,Lubbock, TX 79413. 806.792.5707.

Shandon School of Irish Dance: KayBrown LaGreca TCRG, Director.Classes in Plano, Fort Worth and SanAntonio, TX. Call 972.658.0358 formore info.www.shandonirishdancers.com

TTU Irish Set Dancers: Irish setdancing classes Tuesday evenings,7:00- 8:30pm, held in the Texas TechUniv. School of Music Bldg., roomM259, Lubbock, TX. Open to thepublic. Free class, but a parking permitis required if parking on [email protected]

Tune & Dance Session: 6:00pmSundays at B. D. Riley’s Pub, 204 E.6th St., Austin, TX. 512.494.1335.

Scottish:Teaching certifications are awarded inHighland dance by one of the follow-ing organizations:British Association of Teachers ofDance (BATD)Scottish Dance Teachers Association(SDTA) United Kingdom Association(UKA).

Austin Scottish Country DanceSociety: Tuesday evenings: beginners7:30-8:15; everyone 8:15-8:45;intermed/advanced 8:45-9:30. Comealone or bring a partner. MetamorphosisDance Studio, 602 McNeil Road, RoundRock, TX 78681.Wednesday evenings: basic “relaxed”pace, Ballroom in the Sky, 19 NorthPeak Road, West Lake Hills, TX 78746.Contact Sarah at [email protected] or512.327.2869 www.austinscd.org


Children’s Class Tuesdays: 5:30-6:30pm, Ballroom in the Sky, 19North Peak Road, West Lake Hills, TX78746. Contact Kate [email protected]

Bluebonnet Scottish Country Dancers:Sunday afternoons in San Antonio at theInternational Folk Cultural Center at OurLady of the Lake University, 411 SW24th St., San Antonio, TX..210.434.6711.

Denton Celtic Dancers: Scottish countrydance, Sunday evenings. Visual ArtsCenter, Denton, TX. Contact JuneSkinner 910.321.0012.Eileen Green: Scottish Country Danc-ing. Youth ages 9-12 & teens: Thursdaysat White Rock Activity Center, WhiteRock, NM (505.672.9763 http://sites.google.com/site/lascdty/). Adults:taught by Marilyn Thayer, Mondaynights at Fuller Lodge, Los Alamos,NM (Nancy Ullman 505.662.7573);taught by Rob Sanders, Tuesday nightsin Taos, NM (575.751.0191); taught byJane Lataille, Friday nights in Santa Feat the Oddfellows Hall on Cerillos Rd.(505.661.8317)Scottish Country Dancing in theMetroplex: Fridays 7:30pm at variouslocations Labor Day through MemorialDay. Please check with Ellie Hayes,teacher, 817.807.3677 [email protected]

Margaret Lake: Highland Dancing. SanAntonio, TX. 512.259.7440.

Loch Dhu Dancers perform Fridaysat 9:00pm at Kelvin Arms, 2424Dunstan (Rice Village), Houston,TX. 713.528.5002.

Lubbock Scottish Country Dancers:Basic on Monday evenings; Social onThursday evenings. Canterbury StudentCenter, 2407 16th St. Lubbock, TX. CallDarla Granberry at 806.792.0999.

Mary Jane Hillyard: Highland Danc-ing. Arlington, TX. 817.467.9711.

Karen Murphy, BATD: HighlandDancing. Plano/Arlington, TX.214.908.5810.

Scottish Country Dancing and More:Wednesdays 7-1 0pm. New dancers &families welcome. (Children must beinterested in dancing & accompanied byparent or guardian.) Cost: $5 for 14 andover; $2.50 for under 14 ($15 max perfamily). 4th consecutive Wed. free.Oddfellows Hall, 115 E. 14th St.(Heights), Houston, TX. ContactDianna L Shipman [email protected] http://home.comcast.net/~celtic.houston/SCDM.htm

Contra:Austin Barn Dancers: Wednesdayevenings 7:00 – 10:30pm at HancockRecreation Center, 41st & Red River,Austin. Call Dale Rempert at512.453.4225

Austin Contra Dance: 3rd Saturdays7:30 –11:00pm w/live music. St. PaulLutheran Church, 3501 Red River,Austin, TX. Contact Rich Goss at512.917.8711.

Bryan/College Station Contra-Dance:3:00 – 6:00pm 2nd Saturdays at UnitarianFellowship, 305 Wellborn Rd., CollegeStation, TX. Contact Stan Swanson at979.846.4504.* North Texas Traditional DanceSociety: Every Saturday, live music, 8-1 1pm. $8 admission, $6 for members.1st Saturdays: Contra Dancing at thePlaza Theatre, 1115 4th Ave.,Carrollton, TX. 3rd & 5th Saturdays:Contra at First United Lutheran Church,6202 Mockingbird Ln, Dallas, TX.2nd Saturdays: Contra in Irving, TX,7-10pm. 4th Saturdays: English Countrydancing in Dallas, TX. For schedules,maps, directions, explanation of contradance & more gotowww.NTTDS.org.Contact:[email protected].

Houston AreaTraditionalDance Society: 2nd

& 4th Saturdays,8:00 – 11:00pm.Grace United

Methodist Church, Heights Blvd. at 13th,Houston, TX. Live music. No partner orexperience needed. 713.868.1513;713.861.4185; or 713.436.2606.

San Antonio Contra Dancers: Meet 2nd

& 4th Saturdays from 7:30 – 10:30pm(beginner lessons at 7:00pm) at TheInternational Folk Culture Center at OurLady of the Lake Univ., 411 SW 24th

St., San Antonio, TX. Call BrookePeters at 210.945.4383 for info. CCCCC

Featuring: Flatfoot 56; Flannigan’sRight Hook; Three Dollar Band;Kelly!; Needfire; Mother Grove; BobReeder www.kcscottishgames.org/

Sat. June 18, 2011Jed Marum w/Red McWilliams &Don GabbertCaffe MelaWenatchee, WAwww.caffemela.com/

Fri. June 24, 2011Jed MarumCouth Buzzard Espresso BuonoSeattle, WAhttp://buonobuzzard.com/main.htm

Sat. June 25, 2011Jed Marum w/Red McWilliams &Don GabbertTacoma Highland GamesGraham, WAwww.tacomagames.org/ CCCCC

Ceili CalendarContinued from page 7


such a beautiful sound when she plays.”A fifth grader at Wellington Elementary, she is on the

“A” Honor Roll and competes in basketball and soccer when notdancing or playing the violin.

Nicole began active competition just last year, quite anaccomplishment for such a young age, and in front of family andfriends.

“I would like to try to compete again, although I wouldneed to find a really good song and practice it a lot,” she added.“The other girls had been playing for 7-8 years and while I mighthave only finished third but I got the biggest applause and thatwas good enough for me.”

Her music and dance studies have taught Zimmerer muchabout herself.

“This skill has taught me that I can try and complete anytask I set my mind to,” she said.

Nicole will use the scholarship fund to continue her les-sons, attend music camp this summer and help towards the pur-chase of a new violin, having outgrown the old one. Would shelike to become a Celtic music performer? She’s not sure at the“veteran” age of … 11.

“I’d like to become a Celtic music performer, but I don’tthink I could have the nerves for it,” she explained. “I might be-come a violin teacher so I could spread the beauty of the violin.”

The $500 checks can be for the study of Irish/Celtic dance,or dance-related clothing, or for travel expenses provided the tripis to study Irish/Celtic dance and/or participate in a Feis or danceworkshop. Another $500 scholarship is awarded for students inCeltic music under similar parameters.

The scholarship process is open to all students (currentor future) of Irish or Celtic dance and music to further the danc-ing abilities and opportunities of the recipient. Applicants mustreside and study in the five-state area served by the SCMA (Texas,Oklahoma, Louisiana, Arkansas, New Mexico).

The 2010 music recipient, Caitlin Daniels of Dallas, hasalready been featured as a performer at the inaugural CowtownCeltic Festival in Fort Worth last October and the just-completedNorth Texas Irish Festival.

“It was a difficult job picking only one in each category,but it’s wonderful to know the quality of young folks who will becarrying our music and dance traditions into the future,” said JamesStinson, chairman of the SCMA’s scholarship committee.

Applicants must complete and submit an applicationform, which can be downloaded from the SCMA website(www.scmatx.org); and be a maximum of 18-years-old on March17 of the scholarship year.

The scholarship year runs according to the dates of theNorth Texas Irish Festival, held annually on the first weekend inMarch.

Dance scholarship winners are not eligible to apply againfor a period of three years.

Winners are requested to send a brief letter to the SCMAwithin a year outlining how the scholarship was used, and theirexperiences gained as a result of the award.

Those wishing to help Jason in his Ireland excursion,go to http://jasontodublin.blogspot.com for more information. CCCCC

tion of Kay LaGreca. His talent has allowed him to perform at theState Fair of Texas, North Texas Irish Festival and various holi-day celebrations in Dallas and Plano.

In 2009, Hickman first qualified for the world champi-onships, placing third at the Southern Region Oireachtas, andhis ultimate goal is that championship, held from April 17-23 atthe Citywest Hotel in Dublin, Ireland. It was for that purpose thatthe SCMA scholarship would be applied.

“The young men in my competition group at the worldchampionships will be some of the best male Irish dancers fromall around the world,” Hickman explained about his first-timevisit. “The competition will be extremely tough, but I expect toplace in the top half, at the very least. I’m going to work as hardas I can to make that happen.”

After seeing the “Riverdance” performance, as luck wouldhave it, Hickman received a fortunate phone call within days – afriend asked him if he wanted to try traditional Irish dance.

“I decided to go for it just for fun; I had no idea I’d loveit so much and continue doing it for the next five years,” Hickmansaid. “As it turned out, the studio where the Shandon Schoolof Irish Dance held practice, was less than a block away from myhouse. After that, I attended almost every Saturday class sincethen, and soon started going twice a week, then three times aweek.”

He also assists in teaching the dance school’s youngerentry-level students, which offers him as much satisfaction as aperformance.

“Teaching others makes me a better dancer and gives methe chance to help others; sharing what I have learned,” he said.“My performance goal is to spread interest in Irish dance throughgreat shows that people will remember. Irish Dance has taughtme about team work, and given me self-confidence, because I ex-cel at something that not many people can do. I have always beenthe only Irish dancer in my class and usually my school.”

Hickman’s future plans might force a postponement inhis dancing career; he plans to be admitted to the U.S. Coast GuardAcademy in New London, Conn., and graduate as an ensign.

“I won’t have time for anything besides school while at-tending the academy, but either during, or after, my years of ser-vice, I would like to become a certified Irish Dance teacher andhelp other Irish Dancers reach their goals,” he said.

Zimmerer took a chance invitation from her grandmotherto a Celtic music concert, decided to learn the violin and it led tothe 2011 Cameron scholarship.

Zimmerer, 11, is the daughter of Liz and Doug Zimmerer,and studies violin with instructor Roxanna Trevino. She alsodances with the Emerald School of Irish Dance, into her fifth yearwith that art form. She has advanced to the preliminary champi-onships as a dancer but thoroughly enjoys her fiddle work as well.

Her interest in Celtic music was immediately kindledwhen she saw, and heard, famed Celtic fiddler Natalie McMasterin concert.

“I’ve always liked the sound of the violin, but NatalieMcMaster was my main inspiration there,” Nicole said. “She has

SCMA ScholarshipsContinued from page 2


Great Wee TunesSubmitted by Tom Muckian

The story of Irish music:By Tom Muckian

Traditional Irish Music is known today throughout the world.It is an oral tradition and its prolific nature has capturedthe attention of listeners everywhere.

Though it is only in the past two decades that Irish Mu-sic has gained such recognition on an international scale, its ori-gins can be traced back to almost two thousand years ago whenthe Celts arrived in Ireland. They brought with them, among otherskills and crafts, music. Having been established in Eastern Eu-rope since 500BC, the Celts were undoubtedly influenced by themusic of the East, and indeed, it is speculated that the Irish Harporiginated in Egypt. While travelling to Ireland, the Celts lefttheir mark on the musical cultures of Spain and Brittany (North-ern France) as well as in Scotland and Wales. However, it is herein Ireland that the tradition has evolved most articulately, thrivedmost strongly and survived most courageously.

The harp is best known of all the traditional Irish instru-ments and was most dominant from the Tenth to the SeventeenthCenturies. In the Nineteenth Century it evolved into the Neo-IrishHarp which, in structure, is much like that of the classical concertharp. Before the Seventeenth Century, the harp tradition was atits height and all the harpists were professional musicians. Theruling Chieftains employed them, under a system of patronage, tocompose and perform music. The tradition enjoyed a steady andsecure status under this arrangement. However, in 1607 the Chief-tains fled the country under pressure from invaders. This came asa serious blow to the professional harpists and the tradition as awhole. They no longer held the title of professional musician andwere now called “travelling” or “itinerant” harpists. TurloughO’Carolan is the best remembered of the harpists during this pe-riod and many of his compositions are still played by traditionalmusicians today.

The first written collection of Irish music appeared in1762, containing 49 airs and published by Neale brothers inDublin. However, it was not until the Belfast harp festival of 1792that the most significant notation of Irish music was made byEdward Bunting. The manuscripts survive to this day and areamong the most important documents in the history of the tradi-tion.

Just as the flight of the Chieftains in 1607 affected theharping tradition, attempts at colonization adversely affected Irishculture in the decades following the initial invasion. Many of thelaws introduced by the British crown were aimed at crushing theIrish culture and, in the case of the penal laws, it was forbidden toparticipate in any traditional or cultural activities. Many wouldbelieve that such laws were to some extent successful in suppress-ing or hampering the growth of music in Ireland during the pe-riod of their enforcement.

The Great FamineDue to the Great Famine of the 1840’s, one million people diedand there is no doubt that much of the tradition in the form ofsongs, stories and tunes, died with them. The subsequent wave ofemigration, of over two million people, which accompanied theFamine, though a devastating factor in Irish life, did help to bringthe music tradition further afield. Thousands of Irish people werespread across the world from the USA to Australia. On leavingIreland, the immigrants brought with them their songs and musicand a traditional Irish music network was quickly established incities such as New York, Chicago and Boston where there was aconcentrated Irish population. By the 1920’s, recordings of a num-ber of Irish musicians were being made in the USA, most notablythe fiddle players Michael Coleman, James Morrison, PaddyKilloran and the Uilleann Piper, Patsy Tuohey. When these 78-RPM recordings made their way back to Ireland they had a dra-matic effect on the tradition here. To the surprise of the listeners,piano accompaniment was given to the fiddle and uilleann pipesand the dance tunes were played at a quickened pace. As a resultof these recordings, musicians in Ireland also began to speed upthe tempo of the tunes as well as using the piano as an accompa-nying instrument, an idea previously unheard of in the tradition.

Up to the 1960’s, Irish music still had as its main settingthe houses and pubs of rural areas, and music was played mainlyfor dancing. It was not until Sean O’Riada’s involvement in thetradition that the music found a wider audience. O’Riada had awide knowledge of Western Art Music and while working as amusic lecturer at University College Cork, he became aware ofIrish traditional music. As his interest in it grew he began to ex-plore it in greater depth. He set up a band of traditional musiciansin the early 1960’s called Ceoltoiri Chualann, with the aim ofcreating a new music built on the tradition. He made use of manyClassical music forms within the workings of the band which wasmade up of fiddle, flute, uilleann pipes, accordion and bodhran,and came up with a formula of playing solos within the group.His music was played for listening and not for dancing, thus bring-ing the music across a social divide. It was no longer associatedsolely with rural areas and poverty. When Ceoltoiri Chualannperformed their first concert, it did not take place in a public houseor a concert hall but in the grandeur of the Gaiety Theatre inDublin. O’Riada created the concept of an Irish music ensemble,which gave rise to the whole idea of arranging the music.

As the 1900’s were to become known as the traditionalmusic revival, the 1970’s were to earn the title the golden age oftraditional music, and not without good reason, for it was in thisdecade that the music saw possibly its finest years in term of popu-larity and innovation.

Probably the most obvious development was theespousement of influences such as contemporary, American andEuropean folk, into traditional music and with the arrival of the


group Planxty in 1972, a new sound had emerged. The arrange-ments of pure traditional music in folk and ballad style, playedwith the virtuosity of Liam O’Flynn’s uilleann piping, along withthe intricately captivating bouzouki, mandolin and guitar accom-paniment, created a sound that was to prove them as the leader ina new musical movement, and to play a vital part in the inspira-tion for many groups, too numerous to mention here, that formedaround this time. They were the prototype for what was to bearguably the most influential and groundbreaking band duringthe period and possibly to date for it was the Planxty man, DonalLunny, who in 1975 formed The Bothy Band. This professionalgroup, characterized by a powerful core of pipes, flute and fiddlewith a driving rhythmic accompaniment, not unlike that of rockmusic, played on bouzouki, guitar and clavichord, achieved oneof the most exciting combinations of traditional music talents evergathered. Their greater use of harmony and occasional interde-pendence of instruments: their more intricate use of O’Riada’smodel of arrangement: their professional rock-group like approachto performance and mainly their master musicianship and explo-sive sound, all served to win them the imagination of a new gen-eration the world over.

The Bothy Band’s influence from their heyday to thepresent is undiminished. It is because of bands such as Dannan,Planxty and perhaps mainly the Bothy Band, that certain tradi-tional musicians can stand alone on stages throughout the worldand be appreciated and acclaimed for playing in their own purestyle.

Since the ‘70’s, many interesting ventures in new areashave been attempted, such as the traditional rock-fusion initiallytempted by Moving Hearts: experimentation with the arrange-ment of traditional instruments with orchestras: the attemptedfusion of traditional music with world music and jazz, etc. Allthese developments are notable in their own right and have servedto popularize the music, contributing to the apparent situationtoday where it is seen to be thriving.

But if we were to study how music is performed at thepresent time, one would notice some dramatic changes:

1. More attention to tone and technique:2. Material acquired from public performers as

opposed to one specific region:3. An increase in the tempo of dance tunes:4. A greater awareness of harmony and5. The acceptance and popularity among tradi-

tional players of accompaniment instruments such as the Greekbouzouki, which has been adapted in style and structure, thusfurther increasing its versatile ability.

Now, in the twenty-first century, with traditional musicenjoying every success, it would seem as if its future is secure, buttoday more than at any other time, this is the foremost topic ofdebate among musicians and commentators. Through the profu-sion of media, the influence of groups and individual musiciansfiltering back into the tradition is viewed with great concern bymany as corrupting and detracting from the essential purity andintegrity of traditional music. Indeed, it has been recognized thatwith few exceptions, regional styles have, since the advent of re-cording, been eroding at a frightening rate and are almost com-pletely erased.

But to conclude, it should be simply stated that neverbefore has Ireland seen so many young and talented traditionalmusicians and singers. I can see not reason why traditional musicin its purest form is coming under threat. Music, traditional orotherwise, lives in its musicians and therefore must be relevant tothis generation. If it’s not we will have failed to keep it alive forthe next. With one eye on the past and one on the future, tradi-tional music knows no boundaries and will continue to reflect thenation’s spirit for generations to come.

***Special thanks to The Traditional Irish Musical Pub Crawlwww.discoverdublin.ie/musicalpubcrawl.html CCCCC

located near Squire Reynolds’ home are said to be inhabited bythese spirits.

As a note, a cairn on the Sidhebeg hill was found inmodern times and excavated. This cairn was 5 feet 6 inches long,3 feet wide, and 4 feet deep. Two human skeletons were foundwithin that tomb; one male and one female. Both skeletons werefacing the former royal seat of Tara. Though of great age, thewoman’s teeth were found to be in a perfect state of preservation.Though this cairn is still shrouded in mystery, this ancient burialplace could be proof that such a battle did indeed happen.

The Tune, “Sheebeg Sheemor” or“Sighe Beg Sighe Mor”

Sheet Music: Sheebeg Sheemor, arranged by the KelticDead

There have been a great many variations of this tuneover the years (this is what makes Celtic music fun in every gen-eration). The sheet music arrangement shown in this write up isone of the more common versions. It has been arranged to playwell with the low-D diatonic harmonica, but one can use almostany instrument with it as well.

The KelticDead Music initiative promotes the fun of music inthe traditions of our Celtic dead. To see and hear KelticDeadtunes, visit the KelticDead on YouTube athttp://www.youtube.com/user/KelticDead?feature=mhum

110325 KelticDead CCCCC

Keltic DeadContinued from page 13


ends up being a sound that happens to be great fun to listen to… while having a pint.”

Loaded with plenty of tunes (16 on this CD), “Raise a Pint”starts off lively (with the whimsical “Prefab Pub,” written byguitarist Billy K. Harmony, who pens the group’s originalefforts) and never slows down. The closest thing to a ballad is“Maids Never Marry an Old Man” and it’s certainly not atearjerker; it and every single song, reel, jig is meant to hoistback a Guinness, Harp or quality domestic brand.

The maturity of the group’s sound can be found on the pureinstrumental tracks on “Raise a Pint.” Listeners will enjoy thejig package of “The Ale is Dear-Comb Your Hair-Curl It-Grindavik,” the reel set of “The Sandpiper-Highland Harry-Upand Waur’em Willie” and “She Moved Through the Faire-LowCountry Dance-Sound of Sleat.”

The expert piping (and tin whistle/Irish flute play) by Faycontinues to establish him as one of DFW’s top bagpipers,joined by fiddler Jan Lansing Cermak and bodhran playerDamon Swindell.

“The complexity of some of the new tunes is beyond whatwe could have played 10 years ago,” Fay explained. “We’vebeen playing together for just over 10 years now and our soundhas evolved, although not changed significantly. We’vechanged bodhran and guitar players, and added banjo andsmall pipes to the mix.”

Seamus Stout continues its basic goal – having fun playingtogether as a group.

“We have traveled a bit over the years and I suspect somemore of that will take place,” Fay said. “As long we’re havingfun and people enjoy listening, then we’re happy.”

Fay said “Raise a Pint,” was their most satisfying effort, andsubsequently becoming their favorite recording.

“This is our fifth CD and we spent more time in the studiofor this one, partly because we wanted to do a bit more thanjust recreating our live sound,” Fay added. “Also, our originalsongs (“Prefab Pubs,” “Ghosts at Scapa Flow,” “A Pint andSoon” and “Fagunda, Phantom Isle”) took time to evolve a bitduring the recording process.

“I hope listeners have fun with this CD. People always askus which CD is our favorite; I think we agree that it’s the latestone – and that’s always a good thing.”

When customers approached our Performer Products boothat the North Texas Irish Festival and asked for lively buttraditional Irish music and songs, I try to steer them in twodirections. One leads to another fine local band, BEHAN, andthe other points directly at Seamus Stout.

Because pub bands wouldn’t have it any other way.

ReviewsRaise a PintSeamus Stout

Reviews By Chuck BloomNTIF Performer Products Coordinator

The best environment to appreciate Seamus Stout’s new al-bum, “Raise a Pint,” involves noise – lots of people talk-ing and laughing, beer mugs clinking during toasts, and

people having good times.Just like the environment you find in any quality Celtic pub.For you see, Seamus Stout is a pub band … and that’s NOT

a bad thing to say. That’s its musical home, part of its heritageand certainly at the heart of its musical selections on “Raise aPint.”

If you have a good time inside a pub, then you’re the targetlistener Seamus Stout reaches; and they’re the guys you’veenjoyed in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, for the last decade, asthe evening’s soundtrack.

“‘Pub band’? You bet! We play what we term as ‘upbeatCeltic’ music because it fits the area somewhere betweentraditional Irish-Scottish music and Celtic rock,” said JarrodFay, the group’s bagpiper and wind instrumentalist. “We usetraditional Celtic instrumentation, but keep things movingalong with our own interpretations of these great tunes. That


Lovely MadnessVintage Wildflowers

One of the hardest things to do in life is to change oars inthe middle of rowing. Translated to music, it is equallydifficult to establish one identity and suddenly change to

a completely new moniker.In 2010, the Tulsa-based group, Crossroads, barely a year

old, entered the Southwest Celtic scene with a fine recording,“The Upstairs Sessions.” The three talented women were wellreceived at that North Texas Irish Festival and several other Okla-homa festivals.

Then, they upped and did a 180-degree turn and morphedinto a new name, Vintage Wildflowers, and immediately produceda second CD – “Lovely Madness.” Fortunately, the quality soundremained the same and the trio was, again, well received at theDallas festival.

“The name ‘Crossroads’ (a name someone else chose;we sort of inherited it) is so commonplace, it was difficult forpeople to find us online (our website, on Facebook, etc.); we wantedsomething unique and intriguing,” said harpist Dana FitzgeraldMaher said. “We play music from another time so vintage refer-ences that, but it’s a new twist on the idea of ‘traditional.’

“Wildflowers are flowers which are naturally beautifuland grow freely; they’ve not been engineered to look a certainway or planted in certain places. We liked the idea of naturalnessand freedom in our music and our approach to what we do. Wewant to make music that reflects us and our backgrounds, as wellas our passion for Celtic music.”

The lineup is unchanged –Maher, flutist MelissaSchiavone and fiddler Abby Bozarth – but the focus spotlightsthem in their normal roles – mothers, spouses and musicians. Thecover art shows the three rehearsing with the whirlwind of chil-dren busy playing swirling around them.

“We wanted to reference our roles as both musicians andmoms; even though we’re a trio of women, it’s really applies toall musicians – the delicate balance of trying to pursue your pas-sion for music in the midst of all the responsibilities of everydaylife,” Maher said. “When we rehearse, we always have at leastone of our kids around, if not all five. We loved the phrase ‘lovelymadness’ so much that it became our title for the album.”

The symbolic example of this whimsy is the seventh track,the traditional song “Bedlam Boys.”

“‘Bedlam Boys’ is that moment when everything goescompletely nuts around us; but everything rights itself again andwe’re able to finish the rehearsal,” Maher said.

Maher said the major difference between the initial re-cording and the new effort was familiarity.

“On the first album, we had just come together as a groupand were new to working together, new to recording, and stillforming our ideas of who we wanted to be as a group,” she said.“Over the last year, we’ve worked very hard, performed a lot andbegun to come together as a single unit, both musically and per-sonally. With this album, it was important to us to make some-thing more distinctive – our voice.

One of the very first obvious differences is vocal; the

women only touched on their melodic talent on the “Upstairs”album. On the first CD, only a handful of tracks featured vocals,but on “Lovely Madness,” a majority of tracks are vocals, includ-ing some excellent three-part harmonies. With a couple of excep-tions, all selections are traditional songs in nature and topic – notonly Celtic-themed but music one could label as American rootsmusic.

“We made a conscious effort to record songs about womenand wanted the arc of the track list to humorously reflect rehears-ing in the midst of the kids,” Maher, a mother of two, said. “Re-hearsals always start with all the kids playing quietly and gettingalong.

One of the best efforts comes on the classic Police song,“Wrapped Around Your Finger,” written by Sting about the end ofhis marriage. The women put the rock song into more of a blue-grass mode, heavy with Bozarth’s fiddle play, and the results arequite good.

“We’ve been more adventurous with the arrangements,more adventurous harmonically; we’ve also been more confidentin our choices of repertoire,” Maher added. “We want to play andrecord music we love because it has cool melodies, stories, hooks,etc., or because the themes are important to us.”

Another album highlight is “Sailing Off to the YankeeLand” where producer Don Schiavone has correctly mixes thesound of the group into a much bigger sound (he also providesbackground on guitar, bass and piano on the album).

However, on tracks such as “Chattering Magpies Set”and “Westphalia Waltz,” the group has not lost any of its instru-mental prowess, especially Schiavone on the Irish flute. The al-bum ends on a high note, with a cover of Bruce Cockburn’s “Allthe Diamonds,” again done with a fine bluegrass tone, includingSchiavone’s banjo addition.



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expenses for that trip. We wish both of our winners the best ofluck as they move forward with their lives. They are wonderfulrepresentatives of this area and the Irish culture to be found here.

The next big event on the horizon is the Texas ScottishFestival and Highland Games, held the first weekend in June inArlington at Maverick Stadium. I know I’ll see many of youthere – that’s always a fun, albeit hot, festival! Lots of kilts andbagpipes, what more could you want? Oh, right - cold beverages!They have that too, and lots of them.

As I write this, discussions are underway for a possiblesecond Cowtown Celtic Festival. We all had a great time with itlast year, and everyone seems to want to do it again, so we’reworking on it. We will keep you all posted.

Have a great summer, stay cool, and I hope to see you outand about! CCCCC

President’s LetterContinued from page 3

So what does the future hold for the group? The womenwill embark on their first tour in the summertime (which obvi-ously coordinates with the children’s school down time).

“We’ve been invited to perform at the Kennedy Centerin Washington D.C. this June and we will be performing for theirMillennium Series – a concert series that takes place at 6 p.m.every night,” Maher explained. “It features local groups from theD.C. area and international touring groups plus groups fromaround the country; it’s a real potpourri of musical styles. We arevery excited about it.”

Vintage Wildflowers will tour its way to and from Wash-ington, D.C. and increase the numbers of performances on itsdocket.

“And, of course, we would like to return to NTIF; it’sone of our favorite things to do all year,” Maher added.

Under whatever name, it’s music which is a pleasure tosee and hear. CCCCC

CD ReviewsContinued from page 21


McGuire Band there, and the room andthe music were perfect for each other andfor me. If you get a chance to see someoneyou like there, grab it.

Because my band was playing onanother stage I didn’t get to see what mysources all agree was the festival’s high-light: the showcase concert on the Marga-ret Harkness stage which featured next-generation talents Caitlin Daniels, Killaviland Flashpoint along with established per-formers Linda King, Maggie Drennan andSarah Dinan, among others. I hope it hap-pens again next year, and I hope to see youthere. CCCCC

NTIF WrapupContinued from page 24

Photos byDenne Sweeney


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NTIF is my favorite time of the year,and unlike some of my other holi-days, it never disappoints. The

2011 festival we just concluded was noexception. The weather gods smiled on usagain, as they have for several years in arow, with only a slight chill toward the endsof the evenings to mar perfection. Thethree-day attendance figure increased overlast year again, and I know you may notbelieve this, but beer consumption set anew record.

The music is never less than spec-tacular, and as always, I was faced withhard choices because there was so muchof it. Over the three days I got to seeNeedfire’s new lineup (very promising), acomplete set of Dervish (rousing), mycousin-by-marriage Sarah Dinan (charm-ing), my friends Don Gabbert and theamazingly young Hailey Sandoz playingtogether for the first time (made for eachother), and the only slightly older Killavilsiblings (smokin’ hot).

A new (to us) venue premiered: acozy 400-seat auditorium downstairs in theHall of State. I saw the always-classy Brock

NTIF 2011 – It’s A Wrap!By Bobby Bush


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