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The Ellen
Payne Odom Genealogy Library Family Tree
Alabama Celtic
Association |
Volume 3 Issue 1
"Here are we met, three merry boys,
Three merry boys, I trow, are we;
An' mony a night we've merry been,
And mony mae we hope to be!"
Robert Burns (1759-1796) from Willie Brewed a Peck O' Maut
A Celtic
Evening: Music and Dance from Scotland and Ireland - January 25,
2003 at WorkPlay
The Alabama
Celtic Association's annual benefit, A Celtic Evening,
will include the best of Alabama's Celtic talent onstage at
Birmingham's coolest, cutting-edge venue,
WorkPlay.
A Celtic Evening 2003 will feature: The
Birmingham Society of Piping, The Good Fortune Ceili Band, The
Birmingham School of Celtic Arts, Hooley, Heritage Pipes and Drums,
The Alabama Academy of Irish Dance, Henri's Notions as well as
guest artists Cynthia Douglass, Rick and Karen Cunningham, Kevin
Nicholson, Russell Hopper, Beau Goss, Bob Tedrow, Scott Miller
and Larry Brown and Co. The evening's emcee will be Lance
McKinney, host of Bama Bluegrass. The evening will
also include a bit of Burns, a bit of Gaelic and plenty of toasts!
The 2003 showcase is being produced by Randy Palmer and Don
Neil. Last year's show sold-out in ten days with standing-room only
crowds on the night of the event, so don't delay getting your
tickets for A Celtic Evening 2003 (to check out last
year's show, visit
Celtic Evening 2002). Tickets
are $15 and can be reserved by calling 205-979-9653. (Tickets are
not confirmed until payment is received - reserved tickets will be
at the "will call" window at WorkPlay on the night of the event.
Patrons may receive preferred seating ). Tickets will also be
available at Killarney's Irish Pub (205-595-4088) and Castlebay Cafe
(205-437-3484). Any businesses, events or organizations that would
like to purchase advertising in the Celtic Evening Program, may call
205-979-9653 (deadline for ads is January 20). Folks interested in
working as volunteers for A Celtic Evening may call
Paige Smith at 205-655-7259 or e-mail
pgsmith@charter.net .
Irish
Set Dancing Workshop in Birmingham on January 7, 2003
Birmingham's chapter of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Eireann (CCE) is
sponsoring a Set-Dancing Workshop on January 7 from 6 P.M. to 9
P.M. at the German Club, 2318 2nd Ave. N in Birmingham. Yutaka
Usui & Doriane Rencker, Int'l Irish Set Dancers with Irish Music
and Dance Festivals on Tour, are touring the South offering
set-dancing workshops. They are known for their teaching of the
traditional West Clare style battering steps for the reels sets
which they have been teaching in the Baltimore-Washington area for
a number of years, as well as at workshops in the Midwest, Canada
and Europe. They are able to break down the unusual footwork into
simple parts to enable dancers of any level to learn it quickly.
They can also teach numerous more advanced variations of the step
to dancers who have already mastered the basic Clare battering
step. If you are interested in participating and would like more
information, please contact Kate Weatherly at
JRW7954@aol.com.
(Submitted by CCE and Roberta Stamp)
Celtic
Pub Night at Killarney's - Wednesday, January 8, 2003
Killarney's Irish
Pub and Restaurant hosts the first "Celtic Pub Night"of 2003.
It's a great time to gather with others in the Scottish
and Irish community to share news, swap stories and have a pint.
Musicians are special guests, kilts are part of the acceptable
dress code and everyone is welcome. Treat yourself to dinner and
a pint when you join the Celtic crowd this Wednesday, January 8 at
Killarney's from 8 P.M. until 11 P.M. (Tickets for A Celtic
Evening will be on hand for purchase at Killarney's as
well!)More details at 205-595-4088.
Check
out Alabama's On-Line Celtic Message Board -
The ACA Message
Board on the CelticAlabama.org web site is a public forum for
folks to share ideas and news with each other. Currently, ACA
collects much of information and distributes it - but the Celtic
Alabama News isn't always the best medium for exchange between
various folks seeking other Celts, breaking news or unique
questions and answers. The Message Board is a great communication
tool to connect Alabama's Celtic community. Check out the
ACA Message Board
or go to
www.CelticAlabama.org and click on the Message Board
link on the left side of the page to meet other AlaCelts, to
ask/answer questions, and to share news with the rest of Alabama's
Celtic community!
BOOK
SALE! - ACA Fundraiser with Unicorn Limited/Scotpress
Unicorn Limited is moving its retail
book business to Alabama in March of 2003. As part of the effort
to reduce inventory before the move - Unicorn Limited is offering
a HUGE list of Scottish/Viking/Irish/Celtic titles (books and
newsprint booklets) for only $2 each. Furthermore, they will
donate $1 from every book to ACA - if you mention you found this
Book Sale through the Celtic
Alabama News. Don't miss
this fantastic opportunity to add to your Celtic Library AND
support your local Celtic non-profit! Click HERE
to review the Books on Sale. Be sure to mention ACA when
placing your order. For a complete Book Sale list via-e-mail -
send request to:
pgsmith@charter.net . To order: 304-379-8803 or e-mail
mcleod@scotpress.com .
Visit them at
www.scotpress.com
.
Irish Singer Karan Casey Coming to Montgomery - February
23, 2003
Described in the Calgary
Herald as "at once spiritual, sensual and strong", Waterford-born
Karan Casey has, as a solo artist and former lead singer of
U.S.-based band Solas, been acclaimed from Japan to
America as one of Ireland's most important voices of recent years.
Karan has been singing a variety of musical genres, learning from
locals (Lupeta Sheehan and the Foran family) in her own parish of
Ballyduff Lower, in school and in the church choir. Moving to
Dublin in 1987, she studied piano and voice and in 1993 Karan
immigrated to New York. She joined the group Atlantic Bridges
and later Solas which recorded three albums in just four
years, and won the ANIRD/AFIM Indie awards for each. They played
with Bela Fleck, Iris Dement, Jerry Douglas, Stuart Duncan,
The Chieftains, Donal Lunny, Sharon Shannon and Paul Winter
while touring extensively in America, Europe and Japan. In 1997
Karan recorded her first solo album,
'Songlines',
which received universal critical acclaim. Other recording
projects have included: Paul Winter's Grammy-award winning
'Celtic Solstice';
the PBS docmentary (and Rykodisc album)
'Africans in America'
with Sweet Honey in the Rock's Bernice Reagan Johnson; Michael
McGoldrick's 'Fused' album; the album from the TV
series 'Tacsi';
'Siol'
a benefit album for the Irish Seedsavers Association; and a
children's album for the Music for Little People label, entitled
'The Seal
Maiden'. For
the last few years Karan has been touring extensively with
guitarist Robbie Overson and concertina virtuoso Niall Vallely in
North America and Europe as well as appearing with Tim O'Brien's
'The Crossing' and the Michael McGoldrick Experience. One
of Ireland's most original, distinctive and thought-provoking
vocalists, Karan Casey, has recently released her second solo
album entitled
'The Winds Begin to Sing'
on the Shanachie Records label.
The Celtic Music
Society of Montgomery presents Karan Casey at Club
1048 in Montgomery on February 23, 2003. This is a rare
opportunity to enjoy one of the most distinctive voices in Celtic
Music today! Tickets are $18 until February 14 and then $22 until
the day of the show. Tickets must be reserved in advance by
calling Gwen Orel at 334-356-4593 or e-mail at:
CMSM1025@hotmail.com .
More on this event at
Celtic Music Society of Montgomery .
Gibson Rivers McKenzie
Receives Heritage Award from St. Andrew's Society
The St. Andrew's Society of the Middle
South recently honored Gibson McKenzie with a special Heritage
Award for his many contributions to Scottish efforts and events in
the Southeast. Over several decades, Gibson McKenzie has been an
important pioneer in many Scottish cultural efforts in the
region. He has participated in the founding of many Scottish
Games, organizations and Clan Societies - including the Caledonian
Society of Alabama, The Clan MacKenzie Society of North America
(first convenor and president), founder of the Oak Mountain
Highland Games and The Tartan Heirs dance group. As the
proprietor of Caledonian Imports, a Scottish merchandise resource,
Gibson has also contributed to the creation and growth of Scottish
Highland Games across the South. Congratulations, Gib!
See
Photo Here
Attention Alabama
Fiddlers: Here's a New Web Site for You - "The Fiddler's Corner"
Marty Bostick, a fiddler in the
Birmingham area, has created a web site devoted to the fiddle
player. Whether you are an experienced player, novice or
enthusiast - you will find a welcome here. Marty is working to
foster an Alabama-based community of fellow fiddlers with similar
interests. Tips, tricks, news and photos pertaining to fiddling
are welcome and encouraged. The site is geared toward the Celtic
fiddler but open to Bluegrass, Swing and Classical fans as well.
Be sure to visit The Fiddler's Corner, a great new forum for
fiddle players and fans. You can check out this new resource by
visiting
fiddlers.al-services.net .
Celtic Alabama News posted
on Electric Scotland Web Site
Electric
Scotland is a web site bringing those with Scottish
heritage together from around the world. You'll find over 8,000
web pages of information on Scottish history and clans as well as
people and places of Scots interest. Electric Scotland also
features books on Scottish history, recipes for you to enjoy,
Scots language and stories in Real Audio to listen to, travel
information on Scotland and much more. Electric Scotland, in
conjunction with The Family Tree, has offered to post
Celtic newsletters on the Electric Scotland web site for free.
You can find back issues of Celtic Alabama News
at
www.ElectricScotland.com
by clicking on 'The Family Tree' and then clicking on
'Newsletters'. Thanks Electric Scotland and Family Tree!
Auburn
University - Seeking Support for a Celtic Studies Program
Auburn University has begun a committed effort to
establish a Scottish, Irish and Celtic Interdisciplinary
Program. The vision for this program is the development
of a comprehensive course of study that will begin with
the establishment of an undergraduate minor,
covering Celtic history, culture, literature, music and
the arts. The larger goal is to continue expanding the
Celtic area of study into an academic major. Developing
a Celtic Studies Major at Auburn University would make
it one of the very few in the entire country. The
success of this venture depends on external funding from
private sources, alumni and Celts who would like to see
Celtic Education in the United States take a huge leap
forward. The College of Liberal Arts is working to
spread the word and invite anyone with an interest in
Irish, Scottish or Celtic Culture to become part of this
endeavor. Full-color brochures are available on the
program. Please contact Jonathan Ahern at 334-844-1432
-
ahernjr@auburn.edu
or Mary Baird at 334-844-1141 -
bairdmk@auburn.edu .
ACA welcomes Eileen Ivers and
her Irish fiddle to Alys Stephens in 2003
Listen to the music
of Eileen Ivers and you’ll sense that around the time she
learned to hold a spoon, she began to wield a fiddle bow. The
seven-time all-Ireland fiddle champion and musical star of the
original Riverdance creates music that showcases a
unique Irish-fusion sound, drawing from a wide range of
musical styles. Backed by her brilliantly versatile band,
Ivers’ current music weaves strains of jazz, reggae, flamenco
and bluegrass, while never abandoning the Irish sound she
loves dearly. The Boston Globe says that Ivers and
her band “rock the house everywhere they play.” For more
details visit:
www.eileenivers.com.
Eileen Ivers is coming to Birmingham! Her performance is
scheduled for Saturday, March 22, 2003; 8 P.M. at the Alys
Stephens Center. Tickets at
www.alysstephens.org .
Celtic
Music Society of Montgomery - Busy Through the Holidays!
CMSM took
a road trip to see Cherish the Ladies in Columbus, Georgia. They
played a Christmas concert with the Columbus Symphony, and were
really wonderful. Stand-out songs were “On Christmas Night” and
the beautiful Irish lullaby, “The Castle of Dromore,” sung by
Heidi Talbot. Of course the whistles and flutes of bandleader
Joanie Madden were outstanding. When we introduced ourselves to
the band and handed them our cards, we described our first concert
for Gerry O’Beirne in October and each member of the group
practically swooned! The CMSM held a holiday party 12/29 to
listen to Thistle and Shamrock, which was featuring the music of
Scottish harper and composer William Jackson. Holiday CDs of
upcoming musicians were given as party favors. Billy has
confirmed doing a house concert for us on May 12! Tickets are
$15, contact
cmsm1025@hotmail.com or Gwen Orel at 334-356-4593. (submitted
by Gwen Orel)
We need your support! Become an
ACA Patron!
It's a great way to show your Celtic Pride
and ensure our cultural legacy in Alabama! ACA Patrons receive the
deluxe quarterly print issues of Celtic Alabama News
with book reviews, news and articles not found elsewhere. You can
become a Patron of ACA today by sending a $25 check to:
Alabama Celtic Association, P.O. Box 724, Trussville AL 35173.
Please include your preferred mailing address. (For more
details:
Click Here for ACA Patrons)
Don't Miss The 2002 YEAR IN REVIEW Photo Gallery!
Great Photos from
Celtic events in Alabama and around the Southeast in 2002 are featured
in the Celtic Alabama News Photo Gallery this month. Be sure to check
it out! Visit
the PHOTO GALLERY HERE
Celtic Alabama
Announcements
Scottish
Society of Mobile - Burns Night Dinner on February 1, 2003
The Scottish Society
of Mobile is having their (Robert) Burns Night Supper on
Feb. 1, 2003. You don't have to be Scottish to take
pleasure in the fun and merriment! On February 1, 2003
come spend an enjoyable evening with The Scottish Society
of Mobile honoring Robert Burns, the Bard of Scotland,
with good food, traditional music, Scottish Country
dancing and good company! This is by reservation only and
reservations must be made by January 24, 2003. For
further information, please contact the Burns Night
Chairperson at
sally.roberts@degussa.com. (submitted by Sally
Roberts)
Caledonian Society of Alabama hosts Burn's Night Dinner on
January 18, 2003
This annual
event for the Scottish community in the Central Alabama
area features Heritage Pipes and Drums, the best of Burns
and much more. Cost is $5 and guests are asked to bring a
covered dish. The dinner will be at Wald Park on Hwy 31
in Vestavia. For more details, contact Angus MacQueen at
macqueen@charter.net
or 205-988-0568.
Jenny Honeycutt is
collecting interest in an informal forum for the development
of the Welsh community in Alabama. Ideas and thoughts are
welcome about the form and purpose of a potential Alabama
Welsh organization. If you are interested or would like to
know more, e-mail Jenny at
daftlass@mindspring.com .
Birmingham School of
Celtic Arts - Inaugural Parade in Montgomery on January 20
BSCA will be
participating in the Inaugural Parade in Montgomery for
Governor-elect, Bob Riley on January 20, 2003.
BSCA Sweatshirts are available
by contacting Kathy Blanchard at 256-378-5606 or
blanch@mindspring.com . (submitted by Mary
Dougherty - BSCA)
Tuscaloosa
St. Andrew's Society Hosting Burn's Night Dinner
Celtic Music
Society of Montgomery - Membership Drive!
The Celtic Music
Society of Montgomery is offering a great membership package for
Celtic music fans. For a $25 individual membership ($40 Family), CMSM
members will receive advance notice of upcoming CMSM events,
invitation to members-only pre-concert receptions, notice of concerts
and 'road-trip' to events around the Southeast, invitation to
member's-only listening parties and more. The CMSM has hit the ground
running with one sold-out concert under their belt and more great
entertainment in the works. It's a great time to join the effort to
bring Celtic music to South Central Alabama. Compilation CDs — NEW
member benefits. One of the new benefits of being a member of CMSM is
complimentary compilation CDs of guest artists; the next one will be
“Celtic Music for Lovers” before the Karan Casey concert in
February. For more information, visit
Celtic Music Society of Montgomery
or e-mail
cmsm1025@hotmail.com .
(From CMSM)
North
Alabama's Celtic Music Scene
The First
Tuesday of the month is the time for Celtic musicians to gather for
session at The Corner Pub at 10300 Bailey Cove Road in
Huntsville at 8 P.M.. New friends and Celtic music fans are welcome
to come by. The Madison Coffee Co. in Madison, AL will host regular
Celtic Music sessions on the Third Thursday of each month, featuring
members of Good Fortune. Everyone is welcome to join in or
just come enjoy some great tunes and good company. This month, the
session will be January 16, starting around 7 p.m. For more details,
rabennett@knology.net . (Submitted by
Denny Cannon and Richard Bennett)
St. Andrew's
Pipes and Drums on Montgomery - New Web Site!
The St. Andrews Pipes and
Drums of Montgomery, AL has a new web site. In addition to
contact information, photos, and a calendar of events there is
also a FAQ section entitled "Beginning the Great Highland
Bagpipe: A Learner's Guide" for the benefit of prospective
students. The St. Andrews Pipes and Drums Web page is located at
http://www.mon-cre.net/~dittogun/ (Submitted by David
Rock, Pipe Major - St. Andrew's Pipes and Drums)
FREE
Bagpipe Lessons being offered in Birmingham on Saturdays
Free bagpipe
and drumming lessons are being offered by Heritage Pipes & Drums (HPD). Contact
Ryan Morrison at home at (205) 836-2306 or work at (205) 823-1988
or e-mail at
ampiobaire@aol.com. Also
check out the new HPD web site at
www.hpd-pipeband.org
. Now's the time to take up the Pipes! (Submitted by
Ryan Morrison)
Sharing your
news with Celtic Alabama News
The Celtic
Alabama News is always looking for news of, announcements
for and photos from various Celtic events around the state to share
around through the CAN and the web site. We depend
on YOU to share photos and news with us. IF YOU DON'T LET US KNOW -
WE CAN'T LET EVERYONE ELSE KNOW. The Celtic Alabama News
is usually produced between the 1st and 5th of each month. If you
have timely information, please keep this in mind. Send your
news/photos to
pgsmith@charter.net or call
205-655-7259.
Celtic Alabama News
Calendar
January 7, 2003 -
Irish Set Dance Workshop - Sponsored by CCE
Where: German Club in Birmingham
Details: jrw
January 7, 2003 -
Celtic Session at the Corner Pub
Where: The Corner Pub in
Huntsville, 8 P.M. Details:
larry3g@hiwaay.net
January 8, 2003 -
Celtic Pub Night at Killarney's
Where: Killarney's Irish Pub and
Restaurant Details: Birmingham-area Celts gather. All welcome
- 7 P.M on. 205-595-4088
January 9, 2003
- Celtic Session
at Finnegan's
Where: Finnegan's in Huntsville
(after the Good Fortune practice) Details:
larry3g@hiwaay.net
January 10 and 24, 2003
- Hooley - Live at Killarney's
Where: Killarney's Irish Pub at
Eastwood Mall Details:
reblpiper@aol.com
January 12, 19 and 26,
2003 - Shillelagh Law - Live at Killarney's
Where: Every Sunday Night at Killarney's
Irish Pub and Restaurant at Eastwood Mall Details:
205-595-4088
January 12,
2003 - Larry Brown - Celtic Guitar
Where: Highland Coffee Company,
Birmingham AL - Sunday Brunch Series Details: 205-802-1560
January 16, 2003 -
Scottish Society of Mobile Meeting
Where: Botnatical Gardens at
Municipal Park Details:
RMaccuish@aol.com or 251-342-4733
January 16, 2003
- Celtic Session at Madison Coffee Company - Every Third
Thursday
January 18, 2003
- Caledonian Society of Alabama - Burn's Night Dinner
Where: Wald Park, Vestavia - Covered Dish
- Featuring Heritage Pipes and Drums Details: Angus MacQueen
macqueen@charter.net
or 205-988-0568
January 25, 2003 -
A Celtic Evening: Music and Dance
from Scotland and Ireland
Where: WorkPlay, Birmingham AL
Details: A fantastic benefit for the Alabama Celtic
Association featuring the very best of Alabama's Celtic
talent. Celtic Music, Irish Dance, Bagpipe Bands and much
more - Everything in one fantastic evening. Tickets are $15
and available by calling 205-979-9653. Tickets also available
at Killarney's.
February 1, 2003 - Scottish Society of
Mobile - Burns Night Dinner
February 23, 2003
- Celtic Music Society of Montgomery presents - Karan
Casey
Visit our ACA Calendar for more details and EVERYTHING ELSE that
you don't want to miss!
The on-line version of
Celtic Alabama News is a free service of the Alabama
Celtic Association. Help us grow the Celtic Community - Share
this with your friends!
If you do
not want to receive this monthly e-newsletter, contact
pgsmith@charter.net.
Please include your name and e-mail address when making this request for
removal.
If you would like to
reproduce any of this copy in another publication, please credit
Celtic Alabama News and author, if noted. DISCLAIMER: We
depend on members of our community to submit information and
announcements for the Celtic Alabama News. We try to
confirm the information we receive but are not responsible for incorrect
details submitted for publication. Always call before traveling.
Visit the Alabama Celtic
Association at
www.CelticAlabama.org
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