The Full Moon Ensemble is a HIT in Scotland - Review by Les Oman

It is my pleasant task, on behalf of the Mull of Kintyre committee, to thank all the members of the Full Moon Ensemble’s entourage for gracing our Festival’s 10^th Anniversary celebration with their collective presence. Within a few short days, The Full Moon Ensemble’s performances in Campbeltown have become the stuff of legend. If we could have bottled and distributed the heady mixture of music and emotion (smiles and tears!) that was evident in the Victoria Hall on Saturday, we would be well on the way to making the world a better place! From Allison’s wonderful soaring voice, through Scooter’s lyrical guitar playing and Tony and Doug’s subtle but urgent rhythm section, to Daniel’s astonishing fiddle sound, FME grabbed the audience by the heart from the very start, and engaged with them in a way that is very rarely seen. Lee’s virtuoso performance on the mixing desk on Friday and Saturday may have had a small part to play as well…..! Individually the band members are incredible virtuosi, as witnessed informally at the sessions that we had the pleasure of sharing with them.  There is no doubt that the Full Moon Ensemble have conquered Campbeltown in a big way and that your new found fans will be looking for an early return. (Editor's Note: FME appearance at Mull of Kintyre helped the event completely sell out in two hours.  Appearing with Capercaille and Four Men and a Dog, FME sold more CDs than both groups combined.)

Alabama Celts Join Festivities at CelticFest in Jackson MS -  by Mary Dougherty

During the second week-end of September, a group of dancers from BSCA, and their families went to the Jackson Celtic Fest in Jackson Mississippi.  Thiswas my fourth year to attend the event and I hope there are many more in my future.  The first year I went  as the guest of Rick and Karen Cunningham. They were long-time festival goers and wanted me to experience the magic that is Celtic Fest. As I drove home that first year, late on Sunday night, every muscle in my body was sore from dancing and already I was counting the days until next year.  The following three years, the organizers of Celtic Fest invited dancers from BSCA to come over and perform.  One year we actually had 80 people (dancers and their families) representing BSCA in Jackson.  I have never been so proud as I was to see all our lovely dancers on stage and sharing their joy of dance with members of the audience. This year was extra special for all of us involved in the dance side of Celtic Fest.  Every year, our own Mary Ann Swaim TCRG of the New Orleans School of Irish Dance leads the ceilis and workshops for dancers.  Mary Ann is tireless and her enthusiasm and joy are contagious.  Mary Ann was seriously injured in a fall this past year and none of us, including Mary Ann, were sure if she was going to be able to attend.  Miraculously, Mary Ann was able to come to Jackson.  She taught workshops from the seat of her wheelchair and treated each and every dancer with such love and respect, her courage and determination are an example for me everyday. Jackson Celtic Fest held many special moments for us all this year. From 4 year old Alden Battle getting her first pair of ghillies and wearing them proudly along with her "bumpy socks" all week-end, to Catherine Dinsmore (a BSCA veteran of approx. three weeks) dancing on stage for us all, to late night sessions with Scott "I don't want to go to bed" Miller and Paige "is there someone here I haven't met yet" Smith, the week-end allows us to take a step back from the daily grind of our lives and reflect on what is important about what we all strive to do..and that is keeping the flame of the music and dance alive in our hearts and igniting it in the hearts of those to come after us! (submitted by Mary Dougherty)

Covington County 4-H Group Forms Beginner Pipe Band

Members of a newly organized 4-H bagpipe band project in Covington County Alabama made their first visit to the Alabama Highland Games. As many of you know, 4-H is the youth outreach arm of the Alabama Cooperative Extension System. The National 4-H organization is celebrating it's 100th anniversary this year and our project is certainly in keeping with the traditional concept of innovative programming for our youth. Members include:  Hannah Cross, Heather Cross, Rochelle Turner, Teri Turner, Evan Brooks under the tutelage of County Extension Agent, Charles Simon. The 4-Hers have been playing the practice chanter for 5 months and competed in their first pre-chanter competition at this year's Alabama Highland Games. Our judge was Ms. Theresa Gordon, piper with the St. Andrews Pipe and Drum in Montgomery. Ms. Gordon and the band have been extremely helpful in our little project and I want to thank her and the band for their time and effort they have given us. Challenges for the future are raising money for pipe sets and recruiting a few drummers (willing to learn highland style drumming) possibly from our local school bands. Big challenges but we are willing to meet them head on. For more information about the Covington County 4-H Pipe Band or how to support their efforts, contact: csimon@acesag.auburn.edu . (submitted by Charles Simon)

Ruffner Mountain Moonlight Concert Features Celtic Music from Hooley

Holley will be the featured entertainment at Moonlight Music at Ruffner Mountain on October 12, 2002, from 5 p.m. - 9 p.m.  Ruffner Mountain is Birmingham's natural preserve nestled in Greater Birmingham.  Concert guests will be guided on a 1 1/2 mile hike to the limestone quarry; listen to music and enjoy wine, cheese and other light refreshments. Flashlight hike returns to nature center. This is a moderate hike. Wear sturdy shoes and bring water and something to sit on. We'll have some lanterns for light. There are no bathrooms, but there is a conveniently located boulder area.  The cost is $15 per person including refreshments. Prepaid reservations required by Oct. 10. We are limiting it to 100 people. The event is sponsored in part by Cabot Creamery Cooperative, which is donating some very fine cheese (www.cabotcheese.com).  The event planners are also seeking 5-7 volunteers, over 21, who can help with setup and crowd control. They can attend for free, but can't drink during the event.  For more details and tickets, call Lisa Harris at 205-833-8264 or lharris@ruffnermountain.org . (Submitted by Lisa Harris and Trent Bradford)

Huntsville's Good Fortune performing with Isla

The Huntsville Traditional Music Association will be hosting a Celtic concert with Isla, from Nashville and Huntsville's own, Good Fortune.  Celtic tradition is in the heart of Isla, but since the members have ‘eclectic musical interests,’ one may listen closely to hear melodic nuances from Eastern Europe, French Canada, Medieval England, and the American Appalachian Mountains.  The concert will be Saturday, November 9, 2002, 8:00 PM,at The University of Alabama in Huntsville, Chan Auditorium (Administrative Science Building).  Tickets are $10 available beginning October 18th at the HTMA coffeehouse and at the Fret Shop.  Additional information available at www.huntsvillefolk.org or 880-9482. (submitted by HTMA and Larry Hogan)

Killarney's Irish Pub and Restaurant in Birmingham is offering a growing menu of Celtic music and activities each month.  Hooley will be performing on October 10 and October 25. Every Saturday night features Celtic music from Birmingham's own, Sean Tam.  Shillelagh Law brings on the Celtic Music every Sunday night. Killarney's is also hosting its first Halloween Bash on October 31.  The First Wednesday of every month features the gathering of The 1759 Guinness Society for Guinness devotees.  The Second Wednesday of every month continues to be Celtic Pub Night - the time for area Celts to gather for good company, food and pints.  For more information on Killarney's events and activities, call 205-595-4088. (submitted by Trent Bradford and Chalmers Wayland)

Piping and Drumming Workshop in B'ham with World Champion SFU Instructors

October 16-17, 2002

The Birmingham Society of Piping is bringing two members on the 4-time World Pipe Band Champions, Simon Fraser University of Canada, to Birmingham to work with all pipers and drummers who would like to take advantage of their expertise.  They are piper Alan Bevan and drummer Duncan Millar.  Alan will arrive Wednesday evening Oct 16 and will be available for private and/or band sessions on Thursday morning and afternoon.  BSOP has scheduled a session for Thursday evening from 5:00pm to 9:00pm at Bell Theater at UAB.  Duncan and Alan will be available on Friday morning for individual or band sessions. For information and scheduling, please contact Jim MacRae via e-mail at jfmacr@aol.com or by phone at 205-821-5148. (submitted by Jim MacRae)

Celtic Music Sesssion - Every Third Thursday in Madison

The Madison Coffee Co. in Madision, AL will host regular Celtic Music session 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 October 17, starting around 7 p.m. For more details, rabennett@knology.net