Alabama Celtic Association Vol 3 Issue 2

Volume 3 Issue 4

"As the simplicity of his life gave vigour to his body, so it fortified his mind. He was taught to consider courage as the most honourable virtue, cowardice the most disgraceful failing; to venerate and obey his chief and to devote himself for his native country and clan..."

General Stewart of Garth 1822 - writing about the military character of the Highlanders in 1822

Irish Flutist Skip Healy Returns to Mobile for Performance and Workshop on April 14, 2003
Skip Healy, virtuoso performer on the Irish flute and American fife, will be returning to Mobile for an encore concert on Monday, April 14 at 7:30 pm at the Alabama School of Math & Science, 1255 Dauphin Street. Skip will share the stage with Mithril, Mobile’s own Celtic ensemble featuring Tom Morley (fiddle, bouzouki and guitar) , Andra Bohnet (flute, fife and Celtic harp), Ben Harper (guitar and bass) and David Hughes (percussion and harmonium). Healy was the guest artist at the University of South Alabama’s First Annual Irish Music and Flute Festival in February. The audience for the gala concert was standing room only and the crowd expressed their enthusiasm with several standing ovations throughout the concert. There will be room for one and all at the ASMS auditorium, which seats 900! This concert will feature a new line up of jigs, reels, hornpipes and airs which will alternately get your feet tapping and touch your soul. A consummate entertainer, Skip will also weave amusing yarns and anecdotes into the show. Tickets are $10 General Admission and $5 for Students/Seniors. Skip will also be leading an Irish music session at George’s Irish Pub on Sunday, April 13 at 6:00 pm, 3346 Cottage Hill Road. Any Irish music enthusiasts are welcome to come by and join in or just listen. A maker of artist quality Irish flutes and fifes, Skip will have several instruments on hand for trial and purchase and also be available for lessons at $50 an hour. To purchase tickets, schedule an instrument trial/lesson or for any additional information please contact Andra Bohnet at (251)460-6696 or abohnet@jaguar1.usouthal.edu . (Submitted by Andra Bohnet)

Irish Set Dancing Workshop for Beginners in Birmingham on April 14
On Monday, April 14, a set dancing teacher from Washington DC will be traveling through Birmingham and will offer a beginners class in traditional Irish Sets. These are 8 hand dances that are danced to reels, jigs, hornpipes and polkas. The social dances are tons of fun! Now is the time to try out Irish Set Dance! Since the teacher is just passing through, he has agreed to accept donations instead of a set fee. If you have been wanting to try set dancing or you have done it before and would like to give it another try, please join us at Children's Dance Foundation from 7-9 on Monday, April 14. Wear comfy dancing shoes and something you don't mind sweating in! This class is for adults, though kids are welcome to come and hang out if they like. Feel free to contact homesty521@aol.com or 205-979-9653 for more details and to give a general idea of numbers of participants. (Submitted by Mary Dougherty)

The Caledonian Society of Alabama Welcomes New Friends to Spring Picnic - April 26

The Caledonian Society Of Alabama will host their annual Spring Picnic/Barbecue at Chapel Farms in Hoover on April 26, 2003. This event is part of the Caledonian Society's Membership Drive. The hours are 10:00 am. til 2:00 p.m. The picnic is free with barbecue, bread and soft drinks provided. Please bring a covered dish (vegetable, salad or dessert) and a friend. It's a great time to meet new friends in the Scottish community and to welcome new Society President, Charles Ingram. For more details and directions, macqueen@charter.net or call 205-907-9281. (Submitted by Angus MacQueen)

Birmingham International Festival - Canada Salute features "Barachois"

Barachois plays Acadian traditional music - a rhythmic, high-voltage style born in the heart of a culture kept alive through two and a half centuries on tiny Prince Edward Island, Canada. The songs were brought over from France with some of the first settlers in North America, and have been infused with other influences - most recognizably, the Scottish and Irish fiddling styles. The heartbeat of Barachois' music is what one writer calls the "bedeviled rhythms" inherent in the tunes. The voice is an energetic fiddle with a driving piano foundation. The music has been passed down through generation after generation by way of kitchen parties and community dances and gatherings. It is a musical genre all its own, filled with passion and life. Bill Margeson of Irish American News, Chicago describes them as follows: "This is the most totally entertaining group we have ever seen perform in concert." Barachois will perform as part of the Birmingham International Festival on Sat. and Sun., April 26-27, twice each day in Linn Park. For more on Barachois, visit www.barachois.com . For more on BIF and local appearances, visit www.bifsalutes.org .(Submitted by BIF)

Celtic Montgomery Presents: William Jackson Harp Concert and Workshop May 12
Internationally acclaimed composer and harper William Jackson will play at Jazz and Blues Club 1048 at 7 PM, Monday May 12th. Jackson’s composition “Land of Light” won the 1999 “Song for Scotland” competition, organized to find an anthem for the new era in Scotland. Piper and former Silly Wizard band member Phil Cunningham said of that composition, “The hairs on my arms stand well proud when I hear something this good.” Although this is a club event, we’re treating it like a house concert and capping ticket numbers at 45. For more details on William Jackson - http://www.harp.dial.pipex.com . Early bird price for tickets until May 5th is $15. Jackson will also teach a harp workshop at 3 p.m. the same day on topics including arranging fiddle and pipe tunes for the harp, Scottish ornamentation and accompanying other instruments. This workshop is very limited in space. For tickets and more information, visit Celtic Music Society of Montgomery , call CMSM at 334-395-8530 or e-mail cmsm1025@hotmail.com. (Submitted by Gwen Orel)

Alys Stephens Center Presents: Barrage - A Violin Sings! A Fiddle Dances!

The Alys Stephens Center in Birmingham will present Barrage: A Violin Sings! A Fiddle Dances! on Friday, May 9 - 8 p.m. This show is a celebration of sound and energy! It's a fusion of music, dance, and theatre that explodes on the stage. With a cast of 7 violinists, 2 percussionists, a guitar and bass player, the ensemble creates riveting sounds all while dancing and spinning at breakneck speed. Think "STOMP with fiddles!" Like the heart-pounding productions of Riverdance and Cirque that defy description, Barrage is an experience that must be seen to be believed - check it out at www.barrage.org . The ASC will offer a 15 % discount to Barrage for Friends of the Alabama Celtic Association. Call the ASC at 975-ARTS and mention that you are an ACA supporter for the discount. (Submitted by the Alys Stephens Center)

Film Features ACA and B'ham Celtic Community in Short Documentary on May 8

The Ethnographic Filmmaking Class at UAB will be presenting 6 films on May 8, 2003 at 7 P.M. at the IMAX Theatre in the McWane Center in Birmingham. Film-makers Robbie Keen and Anna Stansell chose the Celtic community which has a vibrant past and future in the Birmingham area. They have spent many hours at Celtic events in the area interviewing and filming to produce a short documentation of Birmingham's Celtic Culture. The films will each be around 7 mins. long and admission is free. For more details: Anna Stansell stansellgroup@aol.com cell 205-531-1484 or Robbie Keen robbie.keen@homtex.com cell 205-601-6902.

Alabama Celtic Association Sponsors Celtic Music at City Stages 2003

The Alabama Celtic Association is helping to sponsor the Alabama Sampler Stage at City Stages 2003, Alabama's largest annual music festival. This stage has traditionally hosted Celtic Alabama musicians every year and the event has brought in such great international Celtic talents such as: Kevin Burke and Open House, Dervish, The Tannehill Weavers, Paddy O'Brien & Chulrua, Natalie MacMaster, Mick Maloney and Friends, Andy Irvine and Rens van der Zalm. Alabama Celtic Musicians currently confirmed for City Stages 2003 are Redhill and Bob Tedrow and Friends. Roots music fans will also like to know that Nickel Creek will also be headlining at the music festival for 2003. Programming for the event is still underway. Watch the Celtic Alabama News - May Issue for more details! To purchase tickets for City Stages visit www.citystages.org .

Delivery Problems with Celtic Alabama News? Let Us Know!

Because the Alabama Celtic Association's e-mailing list is so large - we take special precautions to keep your e-mail address private during the mailing process. Some of the methods that we use (blind-copy and bundling) cause free servers such as AOL and HOTMAIL to block delivery of the Celtic Alabama News. We don't always get a "bounced e-mail" reply from these notices - so if you aren't getting the Celtic Alabama News by the 10th of each month - please let us know so we can troubleshoot the problem. There may be some addresses that will never accept our mailing. In the typical "non-profit" way - we are trying to find our own solutions! For those who cannot receive the Celtic Alabama News, we will be creating a Web Page at www.CelticAlabama.net which will have all the issues of Celtic Alabama News posted there for review. Our goal is to make 'all things Celtic' in Alabama as accessible as possible. Thanks for your patience!

Alabama Arthritis Marathon - Makes its way to Dublin!

Alabama Chapter of the Arthritis Foundation's Joints in Motion program is a marathon/hike training program. Participants (any fitness level) are trained by professional coaches for a 16-20 week training period to walk or run a marathon or complete a challenging hike - while raising funds for arthritis research. In return for the participants raising money, we train them and send them to the marathon or hike in an exciting destination, including all travel expenses! The Alabama Joints in Motion Team is currently recruiting for the Adidas Dublin Marathon - October 27, 2003 and the Wick Low Mountains Hike - October 25, 2003.....in Dublin, Ireland! For more information on AF's Joints in Motion's Ireland Marathon & Hike Contact: Holly Williams, 205-979-5700, hwilliams@arthritis.org . (submitted by the Alabama Chapter of the Arthritis Foundation)

ACA welcomes "After Class" to the Celtic Alabama Music Page

ACA would like to welcome After Class to the Celtic Alabama Music Page at www.CelticAlabama.net . After Class is an acoustic instrumental trio which performs interpretations of tunes written by blind Irish harpist Turlough O'Carolan. These talented musicians also play original arrangements of Irish, Scottish, Welsh, English, Appalachian, Traditional American and modern tunes. After Class features these artists: Rob Angus - hammered dulcimer, Mark Weldon - fiddle and mandolin and Brant Beene on guitar and Mandolin. Their discography includes: After Class, Hues of Blues and Greys, Faith of our Fathers and A Celtic Collection. To learn more about After Class and to hear samples of their recordings - visit www.after-class.com . Welcome After Class!

Alabama Celtic Musicians Make the Pilgrimage to North Texas Irish Festival - by Rick Cunningham

On the first weekend of March, rain or shine, Dallas plays host to the North Texas Irish Festival. March 1-2 2003 saw the 21st annual edition of this festival at its longtime home, Fair Park (location of The Cotton Bowl) in downtown Dallas. Featuring both headline and regional performers, a feis, a ceili, dance and music workshops, and over 100 vendors selling everything from jewelry to CDs to handmade instruments, NTIF has grown to be one of the largest and most respected Irish gatherings in the U.S. Presented by the Southwest Celtic Music Association, NTIF 2003’s headline performers included Danu and Lunasa from Ireland, Chicago’s Bohola, The Cathie Ryan Band, and Danny Doyle, while regional performers such as Beyond the Pale, Poor Man’s Fortune, Legacy, Jigsaw, and 33 other performers (by my count) filled out the 2 day bill on the fest’s 6 stages. Alabama connections to NTIF over the years have included performances by Henri’s Notions and Legacy. Personal notes- Karen and I made the trip out to Dallas just as we have for over 10 years, and had a great time at the fest, seeing friends we don’t get to see often, playing in the festival sessions, and being honorary members of the Lone Star Ceili Band at the ceili. The festival ceili was lead by Michigan transplant Erin Reid, a fine dancer and teacher who was a pleasure to play for. Arriving in town on Friday night, Karen and I also had the good fortune to sit in with our friends Jigsaw at Tipperary Inn, while dancers from several Texas dance schools battered the floor. While Dallas is admittedly a bit of a haul from Alabama, it’s certainly worth the trouble and time to get to NTIF. First, seldom will you be able to find such an extensive amount of Irish (as well as Scots and Breton) music and dance in one place. Secondly, NTIF is a friendly fest. One comment I overheard from a fellow Southerner at a Boston session a few years ago was, “Yeah, there are a lot of Irish up here, but they’re all, well, Yankees.” Not so in Dallas, Texas. Not only will you find the cream of Irish and Scottish performers at NTIF, but performers and lovers of the music from all over the Southwest and Southeast. In other words, you’ll be right at home, and if you slip and say something like “Friday week” or make reference to a “brickbat”, chances are you’ll be understood. Try that at any other big Irish festival. The North Texas Irish Festival-- y’all come. You’ll be glad you did. For more photos from NTIF 2003, visit: http://www.geocities.com/redhilltunes/ .

Alabama Celtic Musicians Play Atlanta Benefit for Ataxia
Alabama Celtic musicians were well-represented when Huntsville-area musicians donated their time to perform at the National Ataxia Foundation's 46th Annual Membership meeting in Atlanta, March 7-9. Dennis Cannon, Jim Kay, Larry Lynch and Phil Williamson entertained at the event's St. Paddy's Day-themed welcome reception. The Celtic music was such a big hit that a "bidding war'" began over the two Celtic CDs donated for the silent auction for ataxia research. The event was attended by 470 individuals from across the US, Canada----there was even someone from Ireland there, who was very impressed!!! Many thanks to these four musicians for helping out. (Submitted by: Dianne B. Williamson, Alabama Ambassador, National Ataxia Foundation)

Scotia Dancers Take the Stage at Killarney's Blarney Bash

On 15 March, Killarney’s presented the first “Blarney Bash” at their new location in Forest Park and the Scotia Country Dancers were delighted to be included in the program of performers. We arrived a little early and enjoyed listening to Shillelagh Law and talking to friends. When our turn came to dance we did a reel called Roxburgh Castle first. Next, we danced a beautiful new strathspey called Sea Tangle of Skye. Finally, we got some of the audience up on the stage for The Kingston Flyer. Dancers for the day were: Wanda Avery, Woods McRoy, Azalea Whitcomb, Frankie Lockhart, Cynthia Tumlin and Karen Cunningham. Just a note, Wanda and Cynthia have only been dancing for a few months and bravely stepped forward when I begged for volunteers in class! I think they did great. Cynthia just recently went to her first Scottish Country Dance workshop in Dillard, GA, hosted by the Atlanta Branch of the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society, and had a great time. Oh yeah, she also learned a lot. Our best wishes to Killarney’s in their new place and we hope to dance at the “Blarney Bash” again next year! (Submitted by Karen Cunningham, RSCDS)

PHOTOS OF SCOTIA DANCERS HERE

Mobile Luck of the Irish Cook-off - Big Success for Exchange Club - from the Mobile Register

Lamb stew soaked in Jack Daniels; piles of corned beef and cabbage; Irish stew that started off as a recipe for beef Burgundy -- hundreds of verdantly clad folks came out Saturday to get a taste of Lower Alabama's take on St. Patrick's Day. They showed up for the second annual "Luck of the Irish" cook-off Saturday (two days before the actual Irish holiday), many wearing green jackets, kilts, jerseys and even a few sequined hats, to sample the creations of local cooks. They also lined the streets to catch beads, mugs and other trinkets at the first-ever "Luck of the Irish" parade, not to be confused with the 50th annual Friendly Sons of St. Patrick parade being held Monday downtown. The second cook-off was twice as big as the first and had the bigger crowds and greater diversity of food to show for it. " A rare prize fell into the hands of Suzanne Wedge and Jack Farquhar, of Maine, who said they were visiting a cousin in town this week. Wedge caught a bundle of "Leprechaun Cabbage" -- actually a clear plastic bag of brussels sprouts -- thrown from a float. The parade included a float made to look like a steam engine with a face on its front: bloodshot eyes, red lips and a thin red beard. "It looks like a hungover Thomas the Tank Engine," said Mark Jones, 36, of Mobile. The Mobile Register's cooking team won the coveted first place for Best Irish Stew. The team's cook was Debbie Brokaw, who works in the classified department. She said she learned the recipe from her mother, who learned it from her mother. Asked if her family is Irish, Brokaw said, "Oh, no, not much. Just enough for an Irish stew recipe." Last year's Best Stew winners, Architecture & Design Inc., had to settle this year with first place for Best Dressed Chef. David Whitacker, a drafter for the company and the group's cook, said he didn't care. "It's not about winning," Whitacker said. "It's about getting to cook for lots of people and make them happy while you drink lots of beer." (Submitted by Fred Jones - Exchange Club of Mobile)

PHOTOS OF IRISH COOK-OFF HERE

Karan Casey Montgomery Concert - Review
Petite Irish singer (with a big voice!) Karan Casey and her band— the Vallely brothers, both Niall AND Ciaran (Piper with Riverdance and a last minute addition), Robbie Overson and Chico Huff played for a packed crowd at Jazz and Blues Club 1048 on a warm night in February (the 23rd). Extra chairs had to be brought in for the evening, and the table removed— and still, people bought “terrace seating” to watch the concert through the windows from the porch! We had to have the doorman stamp people “in” and “terrace”-- and unfortunately quite a long waiting list of people never got in at all. At one point we saw a producer (with a ticket) from Big Fish (filming across the street) come inside and broadcast the concert to a friend on the other end of his cell phone! The evening began with a thirty-minute set from the Vallely brothers, including songs on their new album, “Callan Bridge.” Niall played concertina and Cilliean the Uillean pipes, and it was a treat to watch their fingers fly. My favorite tune was “Muireann’s jig,” a song Niall said was a written for his (and Karan’s) daughter— a peaceful sort of tune, nothing like her! After a short break, Karan came on, along with Chico (Bass) and Robbie (Guitar). They played some of their “greatest hits”-- “Who Put the Blood,” Casey’s jazzy, haunting version of “Edward, Edward;” also a song made more poignant in these times-- “The King’s Shilling,” about a woman whose soldier decided to take the shilling and go to war. Of course, she also played many songs from the new album— the title song, “Distant Shore,” which had Lori and me humming from our perch on the footrest under the bar— and “Another Day,” which fiercely rocks when played live, with Chico’s wicked guitar. “Quiet of the Night” was Karan’s answer to Niall’s song for Muireann— this original tune of Karan’s is about the peace found sometimes only in the middle of the night, and has a chorus with the line “I love you in my heart, because you let me be.” Gorgeous! Casey talked to the audience in between songs, and even invited those on the porch to come in. CMSM members Eleanor Lucas and Tim Vaught sold CDs for the band. For an encore the band played “Creggan White Hare”-- “I’ve heard there’s a hare called Creggan in Montgomery,” said Karan (Creggan is one of Lori and Chris Fly’s rabbits, an unofficial CMSM mascot). It was a memorable evening, and a lucky start for CMSM’s first club event...(Submitted by Gwen Orel)

Eileen Ivers and Co Road Trip - Review
Saturday afternoon members of the Celtic Music Society of Montgomery left for Birmingham to see Eileen Ivers! Some of us who carpooled enjoyed a mini “listening party” on the ride up. (Particularly enjoyed DERVISH and the new OLD BLIND DOGS CD— lead singer, Jim Malcolm! coming here in September) We met more friends downstairs at the ACA Patron’s reception— thanks to Mary Dougherty for arranging this. It was a meal in itself, and was a great way to relax before the concert (no need to rush to park). Eileen Ivers and her band have been experimenting with a kind of Irish “fusion”-- Celtic-African-Caribbean style. Hard to describe, but wonderful to experience, very high energy! There were local step dancers from the Birmingham School of Celtic Arts performing with Ivers, who were all terrific, and an outstanding tap dancer who tours with them . I especially enjoyed singing with the song “Reconciliation.” It was so powerful to hear about 1000 people sing the chorus together. Then the last set, which turned into “May the Circle be Unbroken,” was completely rousing! We were dancing in our seats. It was a joy to be sitting in a block with other CMSM members around us, and getting to know them a little better! The band loved being in Birmingham— I know they weren’t just saying that, because we sat with them afterwards at Killarneys Irish Pub and they told us the same! Singer Tommy McDonnell sat with us at our booth. They relaxed and ate and began playing quietly together at about midnight. They also did a quiet version of Silly Wizard’s “Queen of Argyll.” By the time they sang, most of the people in the pub had left, so they just played around the table— their drummer played the back of a plastic tub. We stayed as long as we could, even knowing we had a long drive back... Very special, and a wonderful evening. (submitted by Gwen Orel - Celtic Music Society of Montgomery)

EILEEN IVERS PHOTOS HERE

Scottish Heavy Athletic Clinic - Review

The Scottish Heavy Events Clinic on March 29 in Trussville, Alabama was very well-attended with over twenty participants from five states. The weather was cold and windy all afternoon - Scottish weather all in all. Coaches Larry Satchwell (GA), Chris St. Clair (NC) and Kearney Smith (AL) worked through all the events with new and old friends at the clinic. After the clinic, many of the crew headed to Killarney's to enjoy pints and great tunes with Hooley. The Clinic also attracted the notice of the Birmingham Post-Herald reporter, Robin Clemow, who published a very nice story on Kearney and Scottish Athletics ( Click Here for the Story

http://www.postherald.com/me033103.shtml. The Birmingham News has also expressed interest in a story on Scottish Athletics - so keep your eyes open!

SCOTTISH CLINIC PHOTOS HERE .

BOOK SALE! - ACA Fundraiser with Unicorn Limited/Scotpress

Unicorn Limited is moving its retail book business to Alabama in Summer 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 .

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Celtic Alabama Announcements

Oak Mountain Highland Games Named in Top Twenty of Southeast Events for May 2003

The Oak Mountain Highland Games and Scottish Gathering has made the "Top Twenty Events in the Southeast" for May 2003 according to the Southeast Tourism Society. This rating means that the Oak Mountain Games are among the Top Twenty Events held in the southeast-an area which encompasses Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia. The Oak Mountain Highland Games and Scottish Gathering will be held MAY 9, 10, AND 11 at Oak Mountain State Park in Pelham. For more details, call 205-822-3838. (Submitted by Martha Wynne)

Birmingham School of Celtic Arts - New Beginners Class Starting in April

New Beginners classes for Irish Dance will begin in April as soon as Children's Dance Foundation moves into their new studio. If you know someone who would like to sign up, please have them contact Mary Dougherty at bsca@charter.net. Open Studio will continue every Sunday. BSCA dancers are scheduled to perform at "I Love Homewood Day" on May 3, City Stages on May 18 and at the North Alabama Scottish Festival on June 14. For more details, homesty521@aol.com or 205-979-9653. (submitted by Mary Dougherty)

Society of Scottish Armigers - New Organization with New Web Site

We are pleased to announce the formation of a new organization in North America consisting of individuals with Arms registered in the Public Register of All Arms and Bearings in Scotland at the Court of the Lord Lyon King of Arms in Edinburgh, Scotland – The Society of Scottish Armigers, Inc. The Society has been given the very great honor of having The Right Honorable Robin Orr Blair, LVO, WS, Lord Lyon King of Arms, agree to act as its patron. We are also most pleased to note that the former Lord Lyon, Sir Malcolm Innes of Edingight, KCVO, WS, Orkney Herald of Arms Extraordinary, has graciously consented to serve as chairman of the advisory committee The Society was formed with the goal of assisting and helping to educate the Scottish American community and the public at large about Scottish Heraldry and Armory, and Clan Tradition. To this end, the Society as well as the Lord Lyon, encourages those Scottish that may have the right to bear arms to do so and join the Society. For more details visit www.scotarmigers.net . (Submitted by Randal Massey of Dunham)

Good Fortune Ceilidh Band - Featured at Panoply in April

The Good Fortune Band will be playing at the Panoply Arts Festival in Huntsville, Alabama on April 25-27. Check the performers link on www.panoply.org for times or contact us at gfband@hiwaay.net for stage times. Members of Good Fortune also host tuneplay at the Corner Grill and Pub in SE Huntsville on the first Tuesday in each month. The next gathering will be on May 6, 2003. Good Fortune is seeking a week-night venue in the Madison area for tuneplay and session (one or more Thursday a month). Suggestions and Ideas welcome at gfband@hiwaay.net . (Submitted by Larry Hogan - GFCB)

Kevin Burke Coming to Knoxville, TN (FYI)

Kevin Burke, the fabulous Irish fiddler, is coming to the Laurel Theater on May 2nd. The Laurel only holds 225 people so ticket may be scarce quickly. To get tickets for Kevin Burke, call the Laurel at 865-522-5851. If you get the machine, leave your name, the number of Kevin Burke tickets you want, your Visa card number and a call back number. The e-mail for Brent Cantrell, director of the Laurel, is CantrellB@netstarcomm.net. Don't miss this intimate, wonderful show in Knoxville's premiere venue. (submitted by Wendy in Nashville)

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

April 11 - Hooley - Live at Killarney's Irish Pub

Where: Killarney's Irish Pub in Forest Park Details: reblpiper@aol.com

April 12 - Henri's Notions - Live Performance

Where: Lenoire, North Carolina Details: henrisnotions@yahoo.com

April 13 - Session with Skip Healy - George's Pub

Where: Mobile, AL Details: 6 P.M. , Andra Bohnet

April 14 - Irish Set Dance Class

Where: Children's Dance Foundation, Homewood, AL Details: 7 - 9 P.M., 205-979-9653 , homesty521@aol.com

April 14 - Skip Healy - Irish Flute and American Fife Virtuoso - Live in Mobile

Where: Alabama School of Math and Science, Mobile AL Details: $10 ($5 Students) , www.skiphealy.com, more at 251-441-0804, sonnyj_50@yahoo.com

April 25-27- Good Fortune Ceilidh Band - Live at Panoply

Where: Big Spring Park in Huntsville Details: for more on stage times, gfband@hiwaay.net

April 26 - Hooley - Live at Killarney's

Where: Killarney's Irish Pub in Forest Park Details: reblpiper@aol.com

April 26 - Caledonian Society Picnic - Annual Membership Open House

Where: Chapel Farms, Patton Chapel Rd. Hoover AL Details: 10 - 2 P.M., Covered Dish, Pipe Band Performance - more from
macqueen@charter.net or 205-907-9281

April 26 -27 - Barachois - Birmingham International Festival Salutes Canada

Where: Linn Park, Birmingham Details: www.bifsalutes.org

May 2 - (FYI) Kevin Burke - One of the world's greatest Celtic Fiddlers!

Where: Live at the Laurel Theatre in Knoxville Details: Brent Cantrell at cantrellb@netstarcomm.net

May 6 - TunePlay - with Good Fortune Ceilidh Band

Where: Corner Pub and Grill in Huntsville Details: First Tuesday of every month - gfband@hiwaay.net

May 8 - Ethnographic Film Presentation - Featuring Short Doc on ACA and Bham Celtic Community

Where: IMAX Theatre, McWane Center, Downtown Birmingham Details: Free, 7 P.M., Robbie Keen 205-601-6902

May 9 - Mithril - Live Performance in New Orleans

Where: O'Flaherty's Irish Pub, New Orleans, LA Details: 8 P.M., abohnet@jaguar1.usouthal.edu

May 9 - 11 - Oak Mountain Highland Games and Scottish Festival

Where: Oak Mountain State Park, Pelham AL Details: All-day Festival on Saturday with entertainment, vendors and Clan Tents - 205-822-3838

May 9 - Barrage: Live at the Alys Stephens Center

Where: ASC on campus at UAB in Birmingham - www.barrage.org Details: Friends of ACA receive discount when ordering by phone 975-ARTS

May 12 - Celtic Music Society of Montgomery Presents: Scottish Harpist, William Jackson

Where: 1048 Jazz and Blues Club at 7 P.M. Details: gwenorel@knology.net or 334-356-4593

May 12 - Scottish Harp Workshop with William Jackson

Where: Location TBA in Montgomery Details: 2 hour workshop, $40, to register call 334-356-4593 or gwenorel@knology.net

May 15 - Mithril - Featured on Gaslight Concert

Where: WHIL 91.3 , Mobile - Sponsored by Mobile Gas Company Details: Andra Bohnet

May 16-18 - City Stages - Alabama's Biggest Music Festival

Featuring Celtic Music from: Redhill, Bob Tedrow and Friends and more on the Alabama Sampler Stage

Where: Downtown Birmingham Details: frogpalmer@earthlink.net, www.citystages.org

Visit our ACA Calendar for more details and EVERYTHING ELSE that you don't want to miss!

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