Retreat to Spanish Peaks September 22-25: Annual Celtic Gathering A-Buzz with Return of Fest Favorites and First Time Visits by World Renown High Kings and Altan!
Retreat to Spanish Peaks September 22-25:
Annual Celtic Gathering A-Buzz with Return of Fest Favorites
and First Time Visits by World Renown High Kings and Altan! (from The Celtic Connection newspaper September 2016)
You can feel it in the air –autumn serenity, when Indian Paint Brush colored days turn into star spangled nights. You can hear the sounds of acoustic music as people smile, laugh, and relax. It’s the last full weekend in September when the majestic Spanish Peaks stand as welcome landmarks to travelers Heading to Huerfano County, Colorado for traditional Celtic music, dance, storytelling and comradery.
Some folks come and find a camp and enjoy the many free sessions and activities and others jump in with a full Festival pass for an inspired mini vacation at the various area lodging.
No matter if you are a serious musician looking to learn a few nuances or tunes from the best musicians available, or you’re someone who has no desire to play but you enjoy the “ceol agus craic” (“music and fun” in Irish), you will enjoy a lovely environment and Huerfano County Hospitality September 22-25 at
The Spanish Peaks Celtic festival and retreat.
Over the past 11 years of the annual Celtic gathering, many folks circle their calendars and commit to attend the annual event. The musicians who perform and teach also enjoy the unique area and there hosts and many return as often as they can. To name a few (all performers/instructors posted at www.CelticMusicFest.com) Veterans back in the Spanish Peaks line-up this year include beloved Irish singer/songwriter Robbie O’Connell who for years toured with his uncles, the Clancy Brothers. A native of Scotland, but a resident of Austin, Texas, Ed Miller is always in demand for concerts and festivals with a voice described as “as smooth and satisfying as a really good single malt whisky.” Originally from Cork, the infectious personality Máirtín de Cógáin will bring his singing, dancing, bodhrán playing, and story-telling and leave everyone with smiles on their faces.
Technically speaking, this is The Outside Track’s first visit to the Fest, however the band did perform for the Fest in an off season concert a couple of years ago. They’ve since gone through a number of personnel changes including the addition of the extremely talented singer and flute player, Teresa Horgan, who has performed at the fest in the past with the band Full Set.
The celebrated virtuoso duo Chris Newman and Máire Ní Chathasaigh will once again perform what one reviewer described as, ““A truly electrifying combination…the audience were charmed and dazzled by the speed, deftness, the emotional range of their playing”. As one of the world’s greatest harpers, Máire will be spending much of her time at the Fests’ “Harp Retreat.”
No Stranger to the Fest, Jerry O’Sullivan will perform and be one of the anchor instructors at the Fests’ “Piping Retreat.” Jerry has been widely hailed as America’s premier uilleann piper an has appeared on more than 90 albums and has performed or recorded with artists such as The Boston Pops, Don Henley, Paul Winter, James Galway, Dolly Parton, The Colorado Symphony Orchestra, The Nashville Symphony Orchestra, Eileen Ivers, and many others.
The “New kids” in town this year include world-renown bands Altan and High Kings. Altan has been on the top of the Irish Traditional music mountain for decades. Performing with and untouchable respect for tradition, Altan goes beyond perpetuating Irish music, they have influenced the possibilities, fluidity, and enjoyment of the art form in contemporary times.
The High Kings debut Spanish Peaks in the middle of a tour supporting their new chart-topping CD “Grace & Glory”. The High Kings have given resurgence to Ireland’s folk heritage of song, overhauling ballad singing and racing to new heights (is there a pun in there?). Speaking at the announcement of the tour, Finbarr Clancy said “Since the passing of The Clancy Brothers and The Dubliners, we have become the bearers of the torch, bringing the songs and traditions of Ireland to a new global audience. We relish this challenge and are truly honoured to be representing our generation. The High Kings will strive to deliver perfection wherever we go, and we are very much looking forward to seeing our fans, old and new, in our forthcoming tour in 2016’The High Kings high-octane live shows are the stuff of legend, so don’t miss their Saturday night concert.
For a full festival Schedule go to www.CelticMusicFest.com
Notes: The free popular Ceili/Picnic at Update ghost town on Old La Veta pass is on Thursday 11A-2P.
Also, the La Veta Inn has reopened with new owners and will be available for food and hosting sessions.
Contact
(888) 950-8807
Spanish Peaks International Celtic Music Festival Office La Veta School of the Arts, 105 West Ryus Ave
La Veta, CO 81055
Hours
Sunday 6:00 am – 11:00 pm
Monday 6:00 am – 11:00 pm
Tuesday 6:00 am – 11:00 pm
Wednesday 6:00 am – 11:00 pm
Thursday 6:00 am – 11:00 pm
Friday 6:00 am – 11:00 pm
Saturday 6:00 am – 11:00 pm
