www.celticmusicfest.com

As those of you who are long time participants of the Spanish Peaks Celtic Festival already know, this festival had its birth after first existing for five years in little, out-of-the-way Gardner as a casual summer afternoon ceilidh. The ceilidhs happened when our harpist daughter Heather and our Scottish musician friends would come across to visit Jack and me and lend a hand in building our house – the one Jack designed. At that time we were living in a small wooden shack Jack had built in advance of our coming – one side for his tools and the other side for our bed, a little wood stove, two chairs and a small desk all of which we shared with our four cats who traveled with us from Scotland. In fact we were still living in that shed when we started the festival in 2005. Through four summers of ceilidhs, local musicians, and others too, were starting to show a real interest in Scottish and Irish music as more and more locals and their friends and relatives just happened to turn up at the sound of the ceilidh music.

So with local encouragement, in 2005, literally on a hope and a pray and nary two pennies to rub together, beloved Scottish singers Margaret Bennett, Alison Bell, Ed Miller and Patsy Seddon, also a harper; Scottish/Irish harper/whistle player, Billy Jackson; renowned Paraguayan harpist, Alfredo Ortiz, and jazz harpist Park Stickney – all highly sought after performers – agreed to fly to Colorado to help start a festival. And, they came at their own expense and with no fee! Something I will never forget. Note all the harp players; no surprise that Jack is a harp maker.

That first festival was fabulous, a fun and spontaneous two-day affair. It was not very well organized; in fact often chaotic – but everyone, and that included the participants and local citizens, pitched in to iron out the rough edges and in the end it was deemed a grand success. We were even able to pay our generous artists a modest fee. I might add, to their surprise and ours!

It was during the planning of our third festival that Pat McCullough took us under his talented and knowledgeable wings. He approved of our European style of festival where artists and participants and even local audience members mingled together sharing music, songs and stories and dancing up a storm, and where teaching, learning and entertainment went hand in hand always reinforcing each other. Pat’s vision took the festival an important step forward. He encouraged us to think of the festival as a “Retreat Gathering” where Celtic musicians, singers and general music lovers could gather for four days and just live and breathe an all encompassing Gaelic atmosphere – in the theatres, in home spun classrooms, community centers, libraries, galleries, church halls, pubs and wine bar, camp grounds, delis and bistros, patios and park. In other words aim to create an Irish Willie Clancy Week right here in Huerfano County. Now that really is shooting high!

Where I knew the Scottish music scene in a personal way and could bring such talent to the table, Pat was equally at home with Irish musicians, and indeed he had an even wider net of artists at his disposal. So we formed a working team and it is thanks to Pat that we have been able to perform such great talents as Liz Carol, Martin Hayes and Dennis Cahill, Robbie O’Connell, and John Doyle, just to name a few. And it was Pat who has encouraged us to bring in great young up and coming talent like FullSet, and like Sean McComiskey, and the delightful MacDonald sisters, Cassie and Maggie.

Today we still operate on a hope and a prayer and we still have our chaotic times when things don’t always go as they should, and, we still have a great festival every year! So here we are in 2014 and we pinch ourselves to think the festival has reached its 10th anniversary. A truly special birthday year.

In truth, we actually started our birthday celebrations in a most spectacular way. On Sunday, August 10th, Carlos Nunez, perhaps the world’s greatest and most versatile piper, and three of his band members, Pancho Àlvarez, Xùrxo Nuñez, and Stepanie Cadman, gave a spectacular concert for us at our favorite venue – the dance hall and tavern at Up Top Ghost Town on Old La Veta Pass. Pancho produced such impossibly beautiful, soulful sounds from his guitar; Xùrxo created unbelievable rhythms with just two sticks and a stool; and finally, the beautiful and amazing fiddle player and dancer Stephanie Cadman, who left us breathless, her strings and feet dancing in accord. The room was packed. Carlos overwhelmed us with his brilliant musicianship and equally that of his band members. They had the audience dancing in the aisles, and Carlos with them, and everyone was laughing, crying, shouting, not wanting to stop, not letting him stop. I’m sure the tavern ghosts were dancing too. It was an experience none of us who were there will ever forget. On the band’s part, they were charmed by Up Top and delighted to have a two-night stay in a ‘ghost town’, their first such experience, before going on to their next gig. Carlos told Deb and her sister Sam who turned their wee cottage over to them, that they loved Up Top and want to come back to record there because they found the sound so pure. All I can say is I hope indeed they will come back as part of one of our festivals so those of you who couldn’t make their concert will get a chance to meet these wonderful warm hearted, hot blooded and totally exciting musicians and hear them perform and actually play music with them.

In the meantime we have this year’s festival coming up in just a few weeks, and you are all coming, aren’t you? To help us celebrate our birthday, of course.

Returning are old favorites from our first year – Margaret Bennett, Ed Miller, and Alison Bell. Along with them are our regulars also from very early on – Arlene Patterson and John Crumlin. And among our more recent specials we have invited FullSet back because so many of you have asked for their return and they are so much fun to have at a party. Also returning we have Sean McComiskey, Adam Agee, Jon Sousa and Mairtin de Cogain with his true tales of ‘almost disbelief’! New on hand is the outstanding fiddler Jessie Burns who retired from performing solo with the super band Gaelic Storm when she was pregnant with her little daughter, and with Jessie comes her talented husband Eric Thorin whose stand-up bass has graced many a well known band. Lastly, replacing Jerry O’Sullivan, who sadly had to cancel his return to the festival, we have a new young and very talented Border piper Jerry sent us in his place, Will Woodson.

And so I started my ramblings by describing the festival’s beginnings. I will now end by letting you in on a secret. Another birthday! September is my 80th
year. Jack who is a young 77 and 1/2, can only shake his head and tell me, “I never thought I’d see the day when I was married to an 80 year auld wifey!” What can I say? Poor wee manny. Anyway it’s a good time for this auld wifey to step down from running the festival and pass on the torch to another. Those of you who love the festival and want to see it continue, grow and strengthen will welcome the new leader, whoever that turns out to be. I hope you will be ready to volunteer your support. All of us who work for the festival are volunteers; none of us can do it alone.

Thank you for all your help, advice and encouragement throughout the past 10 years, and may I wish you a great 2014 Festival Retreat.

See you on the 25th!
Barb Yule

On September 27, a new spectacular show featuring hundreds of local, national, and international performers, will be produced and held at the Broadmoor World Arena in Colorado Springs. The show will draw thousands of spectators along with military, civilian, and first responder performers to the city.
A “Tattoo” in this case has little to do with body art. A Military Tattoo is a patriotic, entertaining, and inspiring show that is based on a centuries old military tradition. The term comes from the Dutch phrase “Doe Den Tap Toe” and literally translates to “Shut off the Taps”. It was used as a signal by a military commander that it was the end of the night. Today Tattoos have grown to be large spectacles that are only held in a few communities across the globe.
Chloë Agnew will join hundreds of other performers in the 2014 Colorado International Tattoo . The Irish singer gained fame for her integral part as the youngest and one of the original members of the internationally acclaimed music group ‘Celtic Woman’ since she was just 14.
Other performers announced so far include:
U.S. Army 4th Infantry Division Band *A U.S. Air Force Academy Band, U.S. Navy Ceremonial Guard Drill Team, Colorado Springs Chorale, Fountain Creek Brass Band, Pikes Peak Highlanders Pipe Band ,
Queen City Pipes & Drums, Denver & District Pipe Band, Gathering of the Spirits Drum Group,
Celtic Steps World Champion Irish Dancers, and more yet to be announced.

More information is available online at www.HeroShow.org. Tickets are on sale now at all TicketsWest outlets. Groups of 10 or more, save more. Call the local box office at (719) 520-SHOW.

by Rodger Hara – – –

Celtic Harvest Festival Edgewater, September 20-21 at Citizens Park, Edgewater, CO W/Colcannon, The Indulgers, Celtic Friends, the commoners, Rare Ould Times, Stubby
Shillelaghs, Denver and District Pipe Band and Highland Dancers, Wick School of Irish
Dance, Colorado Welsh Society, Ren Scots, Dogs of the British Isles, HawkQuest, Airbound Bungee Jumping andIrish and Highland dancing, pipers, farmers market, children’s area, story-telling, clan tents, calling of the clans and bonfire on Saturday night, food and fun, lots of
merchandise from local artists, merchants and vendors. Cost $2.00 Info at www.celticharvestfestivaledgewater.com
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Spanish Peaks International Celtic Music Festival, September 26-29 at Walsenburg, La Veta, Gardner and Cuchara in Huerfano County, CO W/FullSet, Will Woodson, Ed Miller, Margaret Bennett, Jessie Burns, Eric Thorin, Sean McComiskey, Adam Agee, Jon Sousa, Mairtin de Cogain, Alison Bell, Aine Minogue, Tanya Perkins, Deb and David Kolacny, Stuart Hayner, Jim Remington, Arlene Patterson, Dominique Dodge and Kelly Stewart and Harp Retreat, instrument, dance and singing workshops, seminars, story-telling, concerts, incredible music and cráic, demonstrations, classes, singing, sessions, céilidh and lots of brilliant fellowship. Cost: Prices vary according to event – check the website (some events free)
Info: www.celticmusicfest.com
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McPherson Kansas Scottish Festival and Highland Games, September 27-28 at Lakeside Park, McPherson, KS. W/City of McPherson Pipe Band, Smithfield Fair, Tullamore, Earl Grey in the Morning,
And Highland Dance and Pipe Band Competitions, Irish Dance, Scottish Heavy Athletics, Country Dance, clogging, clan tents, genealogy, food, merchandise, Kirkin’ O’ the Tartan, Falcons & Raptors, Highland Cows, Clydesdales, Border Collies Herding Sheep.
Cost: $15 Saturday, $12 Sunday. Children 12 and under admitted free when accompanied by a paying adult. Youth aged 13 through 17 – $3 Info at www.macfestival.org
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Aztec Highland Games & Celtic Festival, October 4 & 5, at Riverside Park in Aztec New Mexico. Includes the 1st Annual Four Corners Highland Games Regional Championship; Celtic music including the Wicked Tinkers; Scottish Dance Exhibitions, Bagpipe Band Exhibitions, children’s activities, Clan Tents, food and merchandise vendors, and local beer and wine. Celebrate the culture of the Scottish Highlands with an American Southwest twist!
Cost: Free 12 and Under, Vary by event, $10,$15, $20
Info: Email: [email protected] Phone: (505) 716-3003 or (505) 419-7526

By Rodger Hara – – –

For only the second time in its 19 year history, the Renaissance Scots, the historical re-enactors that portray a Scottish clan in the days before the Battle of Culloden (April 16, 1746) has been invited to participate in the Living History area of the Longs Peak Scottish-Irish Highland Festival in Estes Park, September 4-7.
The Ren Scots are an ideal addition for the Festival, because, as their website puts it, “…we are not portraying actual historic figures but rather bringing the flavor (and odor sometimes) of the times through Living History rather than re-enacting it.”
This year has been dedicated to the memory of Curtis Judd, the first Executive Director of the clan (The Ren Scots are a Section 501(c)(3) private non-profit educational corporation with a full board of directors) who passed away from gastric cancer in November 2013. Curtis and his wife Katte were the first of several couples who met through their shared love of history as Ren Scots members. Curtis and Katte observed the traditional handfasting for a year and a day before they were married in a ceremony replete with kilts and swords. Katte and their three children continue to be active members of the clan.
Darla Landfair, elected Executive Director in 2013, has brought her organizational skills to the clan and created specific roles for members to play in its operations at festivals. Each member chooses a specific part to portray in the clan from weaving to leatherwork to black-smithing. The clan is always seeking new members and as described on their website, “Every talent we have, from sword fighting to spinning wool, is shared among our members. Costuming, leatherwork, even just getting dressed, can be a team effort. Websites, books, news or other articles, are all shared. We are fortunate in the people who are now members…So, regardless of your ethnic background, there is a place for you in The Renaissance Scots, if you’d like to try playing our giant game of Adult “Let’s Pretend.” We can help you with costuming, character…almost anything you need, we have or can find it–or just give you ideas. We have fun. We hope you do, too, when you visit.”
Next year will be the Ren Scots 20th anniversary and it would be a fun time to be part of that celebration. For more information see them at the festival in Estes Park or at the Celtic Harvest Festival in Edgewater, visit their website at www.renscots.org or email [email protected].

by Rodger Hara – – –
The Indulgers open the month at the Wine Experience Café in Aurora on the 6th at 8:30 PM, follow that with gigs at the Exchange Tavern in Westminster on the 13th at 8 PM and at Conor O’Neill’s in Boulder on the 19th at 10 PM and end their month at the Celtic Harvest Festival Edgewater at 7 PM on the 20th.
Brian Clancy does his usual gig at Jack Quinn Irish Alehouse and Pub, Downtown Colorado Springs, Thursdays at 7:30 PM – the 4th, 11th and 25th. Brian and Henry the Fiddler do a special show at Jack Quinn for the Firefighters’ Memorial, on the 18th at 7:30 PM. Brian also occupies his normal place at the Irish Snug, Capitol Hill in Denver on Saturdays at 8:30 PM – the 13th, 20th and 27th.
The Celtic Friends kicks off the music for the Celtic Harvest Festival Edgewater on the 20th at 10 AM.
Speaking of usual gigs, Angus Mohr plays their Lonigan’s shows on the 5th and 6th in Estes Park during the Longs Peak Friday and Saturday nights during Longs Peak Scottish-Irish Highland Festival at 9 PM.
Avourneen has become a regular at Katie Mullen’s in downtown Denver on Friday nights at 9 PM and are also on stage at Mu Brew, 9735 E. Colfax Ave. in Aurora, from 7 to 9 PM on the 20th. Adam and Chelsea are working on a CD that they hope to release in October.
Chancers Hooley rocks out the Scruffy Murphy’s stage at 9 PM on the 5th and Mulligan’s Pub in Ft. Collins at 7 PM on the 13th as part of the halfway to St. Patrick’s Day celebration.
Rare Ould Times opens the Sunday morning festivities of the Celtic Harvest Festival Edgewater at 10 AM on the 21st.
Star Edwards plays her harp in the lobby of the Brown Palace Hotel, downtown Denver each Wednesday from 1:45 to 3:45 PM.
Big Paddy is at the Exchange Tavern in Westminster on the 5th at 8:30 PM, Mulligan’s in Ft. Collins on the 6th at 9 PM, the Celtic Harvest Festival Edgewater on the 20th at 1:30 PM then closes out the month at Jack Quinn in Colorado Springs at 9 PM on the 27th.
Colcannon (the only band to appear for all five years in its history) closes out the entertainment for the Celtic Harvest Festival Edgewater at 3:30 PM on the 21st.
Beth Gadbaw and Margot Krimmel open the 5th Annual High Peaks Music Festival at the Feed Store Park and Amphitheatre in Westcliffe on the 13th. On the 14th, they join with the other members of the Granias at 3 PM in Sandstone Park in Lyons for a commemoration of the Great Flood. Then on the 18th, Beth joins the members of the new group Take Down the Door (Jesse Burns, Eric Thorin, Adam Agee and Jon Sousa at 7:30 PM for a house concert at Lyons Valley Village. On the 21st, Beth and Margot join The Granias for a Celtic Service of worship and Holy Communion at 6 PM in St. John’s Episcopal Church in Boulder.
The Stubby Shillelaghs trek down from Greeley to play at the Celtic Harvest Festival Edgewater on the 21st at 1 PM.
Skean Dubh opens the month at the 40th Annual Commonwheel Arts Festival at Fields Park in Manitou Springs at 12:30 PM on the 1st, continues with a concert on the 13th at 7 PM in the Anam Cara Living Arts Studio and Gallery, 445 S. Saulsbury St. in Lakewood and then as the Anam Chara Band plays for the Wisdom Keepers lunchtime concert on the 18th at noon.
the commoners are on the Live @ Lunch radio program for KRFC 88.9 fm at 12 PM on the 12, play for the Halfway to Paddy’s Day event for the crowd and the McTeggart Irish Stepdancers from 4 PM – 1 PM, at the Celtic Harvest Festival Edgewater on the 20th at 4 PM and play for the Odell Brewery 25th Birthday Bash in Ft. Collins on the 24th from 4 PM – 6 PM. Less Common plays at Mulligan’s Pub in Ft. Collins at 9 PM on the 20th
Delilah’s Revenge plays at the Sept 13, 8:30- Celtic House Pub in Parker on the 13th at 8:30 PM, celebrates halfway to St. Patrick’s Day on the 17th at the Pikes Peak Brewing Company in Monument at 6 PM, is at the Exchange Tavern in Westminster at 8:30 PM on the 19th and closes out the month at Jack Quinn on the 20th playing at a fund raiser for the International Association of Fire Fighters Fallen Fire Fighter Memorial.

Adam Agee and Jon Sousa are getting close to releasing their new cd and planning a few big cd release shows. You can catch them at the Spanish Peaks International Celtic Music Festival the 26th, 27th and 28th and at a House Concert at Lyons Valley Village in Lyons on the 18th when they play with Take Down the Door.
September 20 Leadville’s St. Patrick’s Day in September celebrates the fall foliage and Irish heritage in Leadville. The Queen City Pipe Band will lead the parade at noon on historic Harrison Avenue in downtown Leadville.

Irish-American Society of New Mexico will hold their monthly meeting Friday, Sept. 12th, 7:00 PM at the Edelweiss Am Rio Grande German-American Club (GAC), 4821 Menaul, NE (west of San Mateo) in Albuquerque. A Musical Performance Celtic music of Apple Mountain Strings and Things, an Albuquerque not-for-profit organization formed in 1996 to promote folk music and fun! Bimonthly club meetings provide a safe, casual environment in which beginning players can enjoy making music with others and hone their skills, and where players at all skill levels can enjoy well-loved folk tunes with new friends. The “strings and things” include mountain dulcimer, hammered dulcimer, folk harp, fiddle, cello, guitar, banjo, mandolin, bowed psaltery, bodhran, flute, recorder, and harmonica, plus the occasional spoons, kazoo, wash tub bass, bells and triangle! www.irishamericansociety-nm.com

Irish-American Society’sand the St. Andrew Scottish Society’s Annual
Combined Family Picnic will take place at Elena Gallegos Picnic Area Kiwanis Reservation Area in Albuquerque, Sunday, September 14th, 2012 12:00 noon to 4 PM With Malarky and Musicians!
RSVP by September 10 to paul McDonough: [email protected]; 505-294-8205.

Corrales Harvest Festival, Sept. 27 and 28, in Corrales. Activities over the two days of the festival include a Fun Run, a Ditch Pony Promenade, free tours of Casa San Ysidro, a performance by the McTeggart School of Irish Dance, a bagpipe demonstration, art classes, a PetParade, a Growers Market, and a Hootenanny Dance. http://corralesharvestfestival.com

Early October: Aztec Highland Games & Celtic Festival, October 4 & 5, at Riverside Park in Aztec New Mexico. Includes the 1st Annual Four Corners Highland Games Regional Championship; Celtic music including the Wicked Tinkers; Scottish Dance Exhibitions, Bagpipe Band Exhibitions, children’s activities, Clan Tents, food and merchandise vendors, and local beer and wine. Celebrate the culture of the Scottish Highlands with an American Southwest twist!
Cost: Free 12 and Under, Vary by event, $10,$15, $20
Info: Email: [email protected] Phone: (505 716-3003 or (505) 419-7526

Ranganna Gaeilge is Ceoil – Irish language and Music Classes
An Ghaeilge – The Irish Language.
There will be an Irish language class for beginners starting at 6pm on Tuesday, September 2, in room 104 of the Liberal Arts building at the University of Montana. The course is offered for credit and is primarily for adult learners, but all are welcome. The teacher is Naoise Waldron from Kilkenny, Ireland, who also happens to be the hurling coach. Naoise is a wonderful teacher and brings a lot of good humour and fun to teaching the language. You will learn a lot from him, and totally enjoy doing so. The course runs for 15 weeks and costs $200. There is a further $135 recording fee for those wishing to do it for credit. It is sponsored by the Friends of Irish Studies, so all members may sign up for $175. For more information, contact Naoise at [email protected]
Bunchúrsaí Gaeilge arlíne – Online Irish Language Course for Beginners
If you’re would like take a Beginner’s online interactive course in the Irish language, please contact Traolach at [email protected]. The course will be delivered using software that enables you to take the course in real time. A supplementary audio/visual package reviewing all the material covered in the course will be posted so you can review each week’s class at your desk. The course is 12 weeks long and costs $150 for non-members and $120 for members of the Friends of Irish Studies.
An Fheadóg Stáin – The Tin Whistle
Are you interested in learning the play the tin whistle? Do you have children interested in playing this instrument? If so, then contact Clair Leonard at [email protected]. Clair has just returned from Ireland where she and her family attend the Tubbercurry music workshops for a week. The course is 10 weeks long and is sponsored by the Friends of Irish Studies. It costs $150 and $125 for members of the Friends. The cost covers an instructional packet that includes whistle, DVD and book.
An Veidhlín – The Fiddle
Eilis Keegan will join faculty at UM this fall as a Fulbright Irish language teacher. Along with her fine linguistic skills, Eilis is also a champion Irish fiddler who is interested in teaching and playing with musicians from the western fiddle tradition. If you are interested in doing a class with Eilis, please contact Traolach at [email protected]. We would like to put together a small class that will meet once a week. The time, location, duration of the course and all other details will be made available once we have an idea of the numbers interested.
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Club Iománaíochta – Hurling Club
Can you believe it? The minnows from Montana became the giant-slayers in New York last May at the National Championship. As newcomers to the competition, they were given no chance of winning the event. Everybody taught it was “nice” to have kids from Montana participate, it put a nice complexion on the event, made it look more national! But the Montana hurling team wasn’t interested in making things look better; they went to make a statement, to let all know that Montana competes to win. And win they did, in such emphatic form that no one now is in any doubt that there are new kids on the block and that they are a force to be reckoned with. As a result, the national championship next year will not be in New York, Boston, or Chicago – it’s going west to Washington Grizzly Stadium, Missoula, Montana. This is as it should be. Montana should be the national center of all things Irish; and it will be with your help. If you are interested in getting involved in the hurling team, as a player or supporter, please contact us at [email protected]
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Turas ar Éirinn – Tour of Ireland
The Friends are planning their annual tour to Ireland at the moment. We have received numerous requests to visit different places, so we have decided to ask all those who are interested to send us a list of the top five places they would like to visit. The tour will be built around the most popular choice.
The tour is nine days long and will run from Sunday, June 14 to Tuesday, June 23. If you’re interested, please contact Traolach at [email protected]
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Ballraíocht – Membership
Our president, John Monahan, has made increasing the membership the primary objective of his tenure. The members are the flesh and blood, the soul of our organization. From the membership comes that creative energy that has made the Friends such an dynamic organization. One can easily deduce from that statement that the greater the membership, the more creative, more innovative and more successful the Friends become in the pursuit of its objectives. So important is the membership that we have reduced the cost to $20 for an individual; $40 for a family; and $5 for a student. We invite you not only to join, but to invite family, friends or anybody who has an interest in Irish culture to become a member. Believe you me, you will not be disappointed. All new members will receive a specially designed pin with the Friends logo, an informational tri-fold, and a bumper sticker. If you are interested, please go to our website where you can sign up online. For those of you who prefer a more traditional route, you can email your membership application and check to: P.O. Box 4693, Missoula, MT. 59806.
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An Bailiú – The Gathering
The Gathering: Collected Oral Histories of the Irish in Montana is the only Irish Government sponsored oral history project in the entire United States. The location of the project in this state as opposed to any other is a testament to the prominent place Montana holds in the Irish mind. It was and remains one of the most Irish states in the Union and is home to the largest Irish Studies programs west of the Mississippi. Montana is certainly special, not simply because of its natural beauty, but also because it is home to remarkable community of people. It is the people who live who have made possible the creation of the Irish Studies program and made feasible the Gathering oral history project. Your story of love for your heritage is what the Gathering seeks to record. You can do this in a number of ways: you can pen your own account; or you can arrange to be interviewed. If you are interested in participating, please the Director of the Gathering, Bob O’Boyle, at [email protected].
Also, there is a writing project entitled “The Importance of Being Irish” that would welcome any contribution you may have about your Irish heritage, history or experience. This is a very important way of collecting people’s thoughts on their identity. You’ll find more information on the project at www.mtirishgathering.org. Please check out the site, share it with your friends, and put your thoughts on paper.
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An Crannchur – The Raffle
The raffle is back. I know many of you have been waiting with bated breath for this announcement, so it gives me great pleasure to inform you that tickets are now on sale. The prizes are 1) A trip for two to Ireland, 10-day car rental, and $1,000 spending money; 2) $1500 gas voucher; 3) $500 Visa gift card. All the proceeds of the raffle go to supporting the Irish Studies program and to promoting Irish culture in Montana. Tell all your family, friends, in-laws and outlaws about these great prizes and spread the joy. Also, we need people to help sell tickets. If you feel comfortable selling tickets to family and friends, please contact Traolach at [email protected]. A chance to win a trip to Ireland is a great gift and a great way of showing your appreciation to the people in your life for all they do.

On August 27 Colorado’s Maureen “Baby Face” Riordon announced on her blog that on August 19, 2014 she signed a multi-fight contract with the world’s leading promotion in women’s MMA, Invicta Fighting Championships.

According to Riordon, fighters who have fought for Invicta rave about how well they were taken care of during the event. “Invicta has become the goal of every female fighter worldwide” said Riordon, and added, “All this and more has had me walking around with butterflies and an immense amount of appreciation for the last week since the signing!”

Riordon recently made three profession debuts in three different combat sports(Kick Boxing, MMA, and Boxing) in less than four months. As of this writing there has not been any news on her next opponent or fight date, but she is anxious to get back in the action. “I can’t wait for the opportunity to get in there and fight for such an esteemed promotion now also aired on UFC Fight Pass.”www.maureenriordonmma.com
Log onto Maureen’s blog, Facebook, or website and learn more about this positive role model, spunky fighter, and mother of 4 kidos!

by Rodger Hara – – –

Colorado:
Kevin Dooley and his group play at Boulders biggest Hootenany in Gold Lake on the 9th at 4 PM and does a solo gig for the Niwot Market Dinner Series on the 22nd at 6 PM.

Potcheen, as usual, has a busy schedule beginning on the 3rd at 2 PM with a show at Cactus Jack’s Saloon in Evergreen, followed by appearances at The Mill Site Inn in Western Boulder County on Highway 72 (Peak to Peak Highway) on the 9th from 1-4 PM, the White Water Bar in Canon City on the 16th at 8 PM, The Gypsy Celtic Pirate Punk Circus on the 20th at 6 PM at the Oriental Theatre in Denver and the Heritage Stage of the Taste of Colorado on the 30th at 8 PM.

Chancer’s hooley is at the summit house on top of the Keystone ski area on the 1st at 4 PM and at the Sheabeen Pub in Aurora at 8 PM on the 29th.

Mountain Road Ceili Band is at The Margarita in Colorado Springs on the 15th from 6-8:30 PM

The Juice performs on the 5th from 6 – 8 PM at Walnut Hills School in Centennial for National Night Out and at Mulligan’s Pub in Ft. Collins from 9 PM – Midnight.

Delilah’s Revenge follows up a busy July with a single show on the 16th at 9 PM at Jack Quinn’s in Colorado Springs

Big Paddy hits the stage at the Exchange Tavern Westminster at 8:30 PM on the 1st, plays at the Downing St. Grille in Denver at noon on the 3rd, the Wonderland Brewery in Westminster at 7 PM on the 22nd then ends the month at the Celtic House Pub in Parker on the 29th at 8:30 PM.

Pandora Celtica plays at the Denver County Faire from the 1st – 3rd, at the Myths and Legends Convention in Denver from the 8th – 10th and then head east for GenCon in Indianapolis the 15th – 17th and finish the month at DragonCon in Atlanta the 29th – Sept 1.
Skean Dubh begins the month with a concert on the 2nd at 7 PM on the patio of the Trident Café in Boulder, plays at the Colorado Scottish Festival in Highlands Ranch on the 9th, time TBA and provides music on the 16th from 9 AM to 1 PM for the Highlands Farmers Market in Denver, 32nd and Lowell.

The new band featuring Beth Gadbaw on vocals & percussion, Jessie Burns on fiddle, Eric Thorin on bass, Adam Agee on fiddle, and Jon Sousa on guitar now has a name: Take Down the Door. The band makes its debut on the 14th at 6:30 PM in a free concert in Sandstone Park in Lyons. www.townoflyons.com

The always busy Brian Clancy at Jack Quinn, Downtown Colorado Springs, 7:30 PM an the 7th, 14th, 21st and 28th and at The Irish Snug, Capitol Hill in Denver, at 8:30 PM, on the 9th, 16th, 23rd and 30th.

The Indulgers kick off August on the 1st at 7 PM for the Boogie and the Barn in Evergreen, play at The Exchange Tavern in Westminster at 8:30 PM on the 9th, appear in their Wild Mountain Celts guise at the Scottish Festival in Highlands Ranch at 12:30 PM on the 10th, are on the Conor O’Neill’s stage at 10 PM on the 15th then close out the month with a gig at the Smokin’ Brew BBQ Fest in Parker at 7 PM on the 29th.

If you’re in Ft. Collins on the 3rd, you can catch the commoners at Mulligan’s a 9 PM. Piscin ‘n Luch play there at 9 on the 9th, Indigent Row at 9 PM on the 16th and less common at 9 PM on
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New Mexico Event: Cantigas d’Amigo: A Spanish and Celtic Tapestry of Song

Mezzo soprano Drea Pressley and band will offer two concerts in New Mexico titled, Cantigas d’Amigo: A Spanish and Celtic Tapestry of Song. Cantigas d’Amigo is a Galician song genre that translates to “Song about a Boyfriend.” The concert will feature works by Joaquin Rodrigo, Manuel de Falla, traditional Irish, Scottish, and Welsh songs, and Drea’s own arrangements of Martin Codax’s medieval Cantigas d’Amigo. “I have long been fascinated with family history,” said Pressley about the project, “Cantigas d’Amigo is the result of following the ancestral path of both sides of my family – from Galicia and Cantabria, Spain and the British Isles to New Mexico. The results are a tapestry that weaves together folksongs from various regions in Spain, traditional Celtic music and the Cantigas d’Amigo: a medieval genre of poetry and music from the region of Galicia, Spain. Add wonderfully talented musicians and beautiful spaces to perform in, and we have Cantigas d’Amigo: a Spanish and Celtic Tapestry of Song.”
Performances: Friday, August 8, 2014 7:30pm, The Church of the Holy Faith, Santa Fe, NM and Saturday, August 9, 2014 2:00pm atThe Old Historic San Ysidro Church Corrales, NM.
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August 2014 Festivals
Montana Irish Festival – An Ri Ra, August 8-10 at The Original Mine Yard, Butte, MT w/Solas, The Elders, Rory Makem, Evans and Doherty, Whiskey Asylum, Dublin Gulch, The Scattering, Tiernan Irish Dancers andTrinity Dance Workshop on July 9, Genealogy, Dance, Irish Language, Music, History and Dance Workshops, Authors, Fun, Food and Merchandise
FREE admission www.mtgaelic.org
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Scottish Festival and Rocky Mountain Highland Games (50th Anniversary), August 9-10
at Highlands Heritage Park, Highlands Ranch, CO W/ Carlos Nunez Band, John Carty Fiddler, The Wild Mountain Celts, Skean Dubh and Highland Dancers TBA andDogs of the British Isles, Automobiles of the British Isles, Clan tents, Pipe Band and Highland Dance Competitions, Scottish Athletics, fun, food and merchandise. AdmissionSaturday – Adults and children over 12 – $19; Seniors, active military and children 7-11, $16; Family pack of 4 tickets $65; children under 6 free. Saturday Concert Only: Adults $15, Seniors, active military and children 7-11 – $11, Family pack of 4 – $65 Sunday – Adults and children over 12 – $15; Seniors, active military and children 7-11, $11; Family pack of 4 tickets $45; children under 6 free. Friendly dogs on leash are free! www.scottishgames.org

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Bitterroot Scotch Irish Festival, August 23-24 atMarcus Daily Mansion, Hamilton, MT
W/Bisceglia Family, Brother, Cootehill, Albeni Falls Pipes, Drums and Dancers, 9 Pint
Coggies, Arvid Lundin and Deep Roots andIrish and Highland dancing, Ceilidh, Scottish Athletics, clans, Pipe bands, historical demonstrations, Scotch whisky tasting, mead tasting, fun, food and merchandise. Admission: $8-$30 depending on days, age, etc. for online purchases until Aug. 24th; parking $10/weekend http://instagram.com/p/q11W_VIQ52/www.bitterrootscottishirishfestival.org