(2nd related story below)

Denver Celebrates the Easter Rising

The Irish around the world are celebrating a special anniversary in 2016.  On April 24, 1916

Patrick Pearse, a leader in the Irish Republican Brotherhood and Irish Volunteers (by day an Irish teacher, barrister, and poet) read The Proclamation of the Republic outside the General Post Office (GPO) in Dublin.  The document proclaimed Ireland’s independence from the United Kingdom.  In spite of miscommunications between rebel support groups around Ireland and other misfortunes of planning and implementation, over one thousand Irish Men and women commenced the revolution and sized locations around Dublin. The rebels fought gallantly over the Easter week, but as the English army increased in size and their heavier weapons leveled Dublin’s city centre and killed hundreds of civilians, Pearse agreed to surrender.

Patrick Balai and Damien McCarron pose with The Proclamation

Rock Eggen on the Box at Nallen’s

Leaders of the Rising, including Pearse, James Connolly , Thomas Clarke, Eamonn Ceannt, Joseph Plunkett, Thomas MacDonagh, and Sean McDermott were executed within weeks of the event. Before his execution, McDermott wrote, “I feel happiness the like of which I have never experienced. I die that the Irish nation might live!”

For reasons of timing (Easter, World War I), politics, and differing philosophies, public favor was not always on the side of the rebels.  After the Rising executions things changed. Perhaps because of the ruthless disregard for Dublin and its citizens shown by English army leaders, and absolutely because of the callous way the Irish prisoners were treated, public sentiment swung in favor of the Irish rebels.  Today they are looked at as folk heroes in song and story for their courage and selflessness for Irish freedom.  Many of those songs and stories were heard in Denver on April 24 in Denver.

Nallen’s Irish Pub, referred as Denver’s original Irish community center, hosted a gathering with free buffet and entertainment open to friends, family, and all who entered.  Originally from CO Mayo, Ireland, John Nallen said, “The Easter Rising is such a huge event in Ireland’s history – It is important to celebrate and let folks know about the people that helped put Ireland on the road to freedom.” Wife Una and daughter Kate worked steadily organizing food and managing volunteers while son Sean kept busy behind the bar.  Actor Patrick Balai along with some of his thespian friends told stories.  Damien McCarron, originally from Dublin, read the Proclamation of the Irish Republic and also sang and played the guitar.  Other volunteers, organizers, and musicians included Rock Eggen, David Quinn, Kathryn Gray, Kathryn Naughton, Geoff Morris, Colleen Herbert, Kris VanDewalker, and Linda and Paul Barner.   Pat McCullough May2016 Celtic Connection

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AOH Easter Rising Centenary Event

By Rodger Hara, photos by Kevin Jones

On April 24^th, one hundred years ago in Dublin, the event now known as the Easter Rising began around the city.  On April 24^th of this year, the Michael Collins Chapter of the Ancient Order of Hibernians celebrated that event with nearly 200 members of the Denver Irish community at the Knights of Columbus Hall on Denver’s Capitol Hill.

AOH President Jeff Rodenberg welcomed the crowd and introduced Ken Hannon Larsen, who presented a letter from Consul General Adrian Farrell, unable to attend due to a conflict, greeting the community and recognizing the AOH for their celebration of the Rising.  Past President Peter Kirwin framed discussion of the Rising with a background of three revolts that had taken place before 1916 and read a portion of Padraig Pearse’s inspirational oration at the grave of Fenian exile Jeremiah O’Donovan Rossa.  Jeff then spoke on the events leading up to April 24^th, the course of the Rising over Easter week and its aftermath. Seamus Blaney read the full text of the “POBLACHT NA hÉIREANN, THE PROVISIONAL GOVERNMENT OF THE
IRISH REPUBLIC TO THE PEOPLE OF IRELAND”, better known as The Proclamation.  And in light of the reference made in The Proclamation to the support for the Rising from “…her exiled children in America…”, Regis University and CU Denver professor of Irish history Dr. Jim Walsh spoke of the sacrifices, challenges and contributions of the Irish in Colorado before and during the Rising, noting that the event was taking place on the shadow of the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception that had been built with funds contributed by Irish miners who brought their wealth down to Denver from Leadville.

Jeff made reference to how the British tried, unsuccessfully, to erase the culture of the Irish by taking away their language, music and dance.  To show how that effort failed, rebel songs were performed by the Celtic Friends in the pub before dinner and during the program while Jere O’Neill and a group of skilled session players provided music in the main room, a stunning display of Irish dance was put on by students from the Bennett School of Irish Dance and the Michael Collins Pipes and Drums offered stirring music throughout the program.

The evening closed with a benediction by Deacon Jim Blume, parting words from former City Auditor Dennis Gallagher who reminded those gathered that the Irish are different – with examples of how and why – and a final word from Jeff who said “The Michael Collins Division of the AOH thanks you for being with us tonight to share in providing a fitting memorial to those who gave all to put Ireland on the road to Independence.”

Seamus Blaney reads The Proclamation at AOH party.

100 years of history, come by Denver’s original Irish community center AKA Nallen’s Irish Pub, Market & 14th, Denver, for reading’s, tunes and a toast to the one’s that set us free. All welcome, no cover, 5pm this Sunday, April 24th.

Colorado’s Rising Dance Star

During the week after St. Patrick’s Day, dancers from around the world traveled to Glasgow, Scotland, to compete in the 2016 World Championships of Irish Dance.  Twenty different countries participated in the event.

The most difficult competitions are the girls solo events.  One of the sterling performances was turned in by Ava Wiesenmeyer of Colorado’s Wick School of Irish Dance.

Ava competed in the 13-14 year old girls event.  In an outstanding performance, Ava finished 8^th in the World, competing against a field of 191.

Ava’s accomplishment is quite notable.  No Colorado girl dancer in a solo competition has finished better than 10th at the Worlds in the past 25 years.  Ava’s 8^th place finish is especially remarkable given the rising popularity of Irish dance tradition over the last 20 years around the world.  Irish dancers now train like athletes in an effort to improve their form, stamina and tapping. Serious dedication has now become part of the Irish dance scene. Ava is a former U.S. Western Regional Champion.  She began dancing with the Wick School 5 years ago.

Only dancers placing very high in their regional championships are invited to “Worlds.” At the World Championships, each dancer performs two rounds of dances, and then the judges identify the top 50 dancers for the final round.  Ava easily made the cut for the final round.  Ava finished off her performance with her set dance known as “KIlkenny Races.”  Her three strong rounds of dancing propelled her into 8^th place in the 13-14 year old competition.  All of Colorado admires Ava’s magnificent performance.

For more information on Wick School of Irish Dance call 303-987-2427

The Longs Peak Scottish-Irish Highland Festival is kicking off its 40^th anniversary, with a fantastic all-day spring concert. This April 23^rd event starts at noon and runs till 11 pm at the Estes Park fairgrounds event center, which is a new indoor venue located at 1209 Manford Ave. Your host for the day is comedian Bob Stromberg and will feature live music from authentic Celtic performers including Ashley MacIsaac, a native of Nova Scotia, fresh off his Ireland tour. The Young Dubliners, a versatile Irish band formed in the early 90s, The Tannahill Weavers, one of Scotland’s premier traditional bands and Colorado’s own, the Singing Pilgrims, three ladies with a unique signature sound.

Those seeking a true glimpse into Celtic culture can sample traditional food and drink including beers and ales, wines, scotch and British Isles spirits.

Ashley MacIsaac is, in a sense, the musical representative of the pre-millennial generation of Atlantic Canada. An ardent traditionalist ( and cousin of international Celtic performer Natalie MacMaster ) with a penchant, nevertheless, for experimentation, this young Nova Scotian native has been taught to play the fiddle the working-class, pub-stomp Cape Breton way: fast, furious, and with phenomenal precision.

Dublin natives Keith Roberts (vocals, guitar) and Paul O’Toole ( vocals, guitar, mandolin, harmonica ) formed the Young Dubliners in the early 1990s after meeting one another in a Los Angeles pub. Roberts had been tweaking son Irish ballads of his own and opted that a band would be in order. O’Toole obliged, as well as Brendan Holmes ( bass ).

The Tannahill Weavers are one of Scotland’s premier traditional bands. Their diverse repertoire spans the centuries with fire-driven instrumentals, topical songs, original ballads and lullabies. Their music demonstrates to old and young alike the rich and varied musical heritage of the Celtic people.

Agressive and passionate fiddle tunes are the centerpiece of Colorado’s very own ”Singing Pilgrims” signature sound and all three ladies take a turn on the Celtic harp.

For over thirty years Bob Stomberg has been delighting audiences of all ages with his perfect blend of standup, story and shtick.  Always clean, his presentation is a disarming healthy blend of knee-slapping comedy and wholesome encouragement.

For more information and ticket pricing please visit www.scotfest.com or call 1-800-90estes. Options are available to customize your day for specific performances, or the best deal by far, the ALL DAY PASS!     Peggy Young

Experience Ireland with Professor O’Riordain and the Friends of Irish Studies in the West

(photo: Traolach “Terry” O’Riordain with wife Erin)

Some of the best advice when traveling – If possible travel with a local.  If you’re traveling in Ireland, you would be hard pressed to find a better guide than Traolach “Terry” O’Riordain.  Growing up in Ireland, his family spoke Irish as a first language at home.  Now, as Program Director of the Irish Studies program at University of Montana, he continues the tradition with his family in Missoula (the kids speak English too).  For over a decade his Irish Studies programs have offered people Irish language, dance, music, and cultural events – All the while connecting the significant historical and current relationships with Irish America.

Every summer Traolach returns to Ireland for two months, which includes leading a “Magic of Ireland” tour with folks from the States. This year the tour is June 19^th -28^th and he is encouraging all to come.

Actually not all, according to Traolach, “We keep the number of travelers to 20, so they can get to see  interesting cultural and historical places not accessible with big bus tours.”  Sponsored by Friends of Irish Studies in the West, Traolach prides his tours to be unique and memorable.  “The tour is designed to give people the most intimate experience possible of Ireland. It’s not a simple site-seeing trip. We like to give people the opportunity to meet the locals, build a relationship with them, and learn about the country from the people who live there.”

Travelers make their own way to Ireland, flying out of the airport most convenient for them. “We used to try to arrange a flight together, but we learned over the years that so many people have different frequent flyer programs and favorite airlines that it is best for them to book their flights,” explained Traolach, adding with a grin, “We all meet at the Shannon airport on a prearranged day and time.  To date, we’ve never left anyone behind!”

The impressive tour itinerary is at www.friendsofirishstudies.com.  In short, the sightseeing starts with County Galway and heads south to Clare, Kerry, Cork and then back north towards Limerick and Clare.

The cost is $1699 per person sharing [$1599 for members of the Friends].

“There are a few spots remaining on the tour, so this is a great opportunity if you are considering a trip to Ireland,” enthused Traolach, “This will be a very exciting and informative experience that you don’t want to miss. If you are interested, please contact [email protected] as soon as possible. The final date to reserve your seat is April 30!”         www.friendsofirishstudies.com.

Irish Heritage Night with the Colorado Rapids April 16

The Rapids are extremely supportive of Irish Heritage with Irish Sporting Director Padraig Smith bringing in Irish National team player Kevin Doyle and former National team player Sean St. Ledger on the Roster.

On Irish Heritage Night Saturday April 16^th  there will be festivities on before the game and discounted tickets.  Ticket options include a South Endline seat for $38 ticket includes an Irish themed Rapids Scarf (without scarf $27)

The game, Colorado Rapids v. New York Red Bulls, Saturday, April 16, starts at 7:00pm at Dick’s Sporting Goods Field.  Festivities before the game will be held outside of Eighteen76 include The Wick School of Irish Dance and Michael Collins Pipe Band.

To purchase tickets    http://www.rapidstix.com/IrishHeritageNight16 or for more information or to order via phone please call Owain Hickey at 303.727.3724 or email [email protected]

Colorado Tartan Day Festival moves to

Boulder County Fairgrounds

Set in a village style layout, Colorado Tartan Day kicks off the Celtic festival season this year April 9 & 10 (Sat 9A-5P and Sun 9A-4P)at its’ new location at the Boulder County Fairgrounds, 9595 Nelson Road,

Longmont, to accommodate “villagers”, vendors, clan booths, music stage and beer garden.

Admission is FREE to the public. You might learn about your history and ancestors. Watch historic re-enactments. Listen to the Colorado Youth Pipe Band and Dancers while munching on great food available from vendors. Dance to Angus Mohr and Delilah’s Revenge. Meet new friends and catch up with old ones while visiting clan booths.

Colorado Tartan Day was created in 1996 by the Colorado General Assembly to celebrate the rich contributions of Scottish Americans to the State. The Festival welcomes all to celebrate family, community, nation, heritage and the human need for connection.

The Colorado Tartan is a beautiful display of patterns of color representing Colorado; pure blue for clear crisp skies, green for the pine and spruce that spread across the land and the yellow and red within the state flag. Many of the Colorado Tartan Day council members will be wearing the state tartan which will be available for order.

April 2016 Ceolta Notes

By Rodger Hara

Avourneen plays at Katie Mullen’s on the 1^st, 8^th, 15^th, 22^nd and 29^th, and at 7 PM on the 9^th, provide the music for a contra dance at the Scheitler Center, 5031 W. 46th Ave. in Denver. General admission $12, discounts for students and members.

Adam Goldstein does his Irish bard thing at Lannie’s Clocktower Cabaret on the 16^th Street Mall on the 2^nd, 9^th, 16^th, 23^rd and 30^th at 11 PM.

Celtic Friends are in the Mercury Café, 22^nd and California Streets at 7 PM on the 20^th and playing for the Michael Collins Division of the Ancient Order of Hibernians 1916 Centenary Celebration on the 24^th from 4-7 PM.

The McDeviants are on stage at Jack Quinn’s in Colorado Springs from 8:30 PM – 12:30 AM on the 15^th and at Cleats-West in the Springs, 6624 Delmonico from 9 PM – 1 AM on the 23^rd.

The Tannahill Weavers present a special concert on the 24^th at 5 PM to raise funds for the Spanish Peaks International Celtic Music Festival and to celebrate the reopening of the La Veta Inn in La Veta.  Performance and dinner tix $40, performance only, $25.  Tix at www.celticmusifest.com or via email at [email protected].  Dinner available beginning at 3 PM and after the show with a cash bar.

The Scottish Fiddle Club presents a fundraiser for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation featuring tributes to John Muir and Eck Robertson with a variety of great door prizes at 1:30 PM on the 23^rd at St. Phillip Lutheran Church, 7531 South Kendall Blvd., Littleton, CO 80128 (Near West Ken Caryl Avenue and South Kendall Blvd.; please MapQuest) Cost: $5.00 donation to Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF), either cash or a check made out to “JDRF” at the door. Featured performers include members of the Ross family, Juice O’the Barley, Colorado Youth Pipe Band and Celtic Friends.  Contact Ken McIntosh with any questions at 303-234-0469 or [email protected]. Light refreshments to follow the concert.

If you’re in the Seattle/Tacoma area on the 30^th and May 1^st, you can catch Beth Gadbaw and Margot Krimmel in concert with the Cora Voce Chorale at 7:30 PM on the 30^th in St Andrew’s Episcopal Church, Tacoma, WA and at 3:30pm on the 1^st in the Fox Island United Church of Christ, Fox Island, WA $15-$18

Potcheen rocks out at the Bohemian Biergarten in Boulder at 7 PM on the 8^th and at the Bootstrap Brewery from 6-9 PM on the 16^th.

Brian Clancy, regular as the tides, is at Jack Quinn in downtown Colorado Springs, at 7:30 PM on the 7^th, 14^th, 21^st and 28^th then occupies his usual seat at The Irish Snug on Capitol Hill in Denver at 8:30 PM on the 9^th and 23^rd.

Scottish folk band Tomfoolery graces the stage of the Mercury Café, 2199 California Street, downtown Denver, at 7:30 PM on the 24^th.  Featuring Madelaine Cave, a native of Scotland and former Longmont resident, the band “…brings friends together to perform their original Americana/Celtic/Folk songs – lyrics that are “cinematic and beautiful” with stunning harmonies.”  Tickets are $10 at the door.

Angus Mohr, Delilah’s Revenge and the Colorado Youth Pipe Band provide the musical entertainment throughout the day at this year’s Colorado Tartan Day on the 9^th and 10^th at the Boulder County Fairgrounds in Longmont. Food, fun, clan tents and vendors; 9-5 on Saturday, 9-4 on Sunday – free admission.

And speaking of Tartan Day, Pints Pub presents the 14^th Annual Scottish Tartan Day Celebration as a whisky tasting/fund raiser for the Colorado Youth Pipe Band and the Starting Over Airedale Rescue organization on the 3^rd at 4 PM.  Cost is $55/person; five Scotch whiskies presented by Alastair Menzies, Diageo Whisky Ambassador, light buffet featuring Scottish meatballs and bangers and mash and door prizes.  Reservations at www.pintspub.com or by contacting Ken McIntosh, [email protected] or 303.234.0469.

Anam Chara entertains the Wisdom Keepers at the Mile Hi Church in Lakewood. 1-2 pm. Not sure if it’s open to the public.
Colcannon offers a free concert in Colorado Springs on the 2^nd at 7 PM on the Colorado College campus in Armstrong Hall, 14 East Cache Le Poudre.

The Mountain Road Ceili Band is at The Margarita in Colorado Springs on the 15^th from 6:30-9 PM.

Chancer’s Hooley plays on the 22^nd at the Exchange Tavern in Westminster from 8 PM – 12 AM and then provides the entertainment for the Grand Opening party for the University of Colorado A Line Lightrail to DIA in the Westin Hotel at Denver International Airport on the 23^rd from 10 AM to Noon
Across The Pond is in the house at Tenn Street Coffee & Books, 44^th and Tennyson in northwest Denver on the 1^st from 7-9 PM.

The Longs Peak Scottish-Irish Highland Festival offers an international lineup on the 23^rd from noon to 11 PM at the Estes Park Event Center featuring Tannehill Weavers, Young Dubliners, Ashely MacIsaac, Singing Pilgrims and comedian Bob Stromberg. Information and tickets at www.scotfest.com or call 800-90Estes.

Denver Attorney Thomas “Tom” Walsh Recipient “Irish Top 40 under 40”
(Photo: Tom Walsh with “Irish Top 40 Under 40” Award and his parents Tom and Sarah at The Manhattan Club at Rosie O’Grady’s, New York, NY)
On February 26 the Irish Echo presented the Irish Top 40 Under 40 will spotlight the up-and-coming leaders of Irish America from around the nation who work in a variety of fields and occupations.
This hugely popular event is a celebration of Irish and Irish Americans who have distinguished themselves in their respective fields of work before reaching the age of forty.
Among the honorees gathered at The Manhattan Club at Rosie O’Grady’s, in New York City was Denver attorney Tom Walsh. After earning a B.S.in Business Administration University of Richmond, Virginia, in 2000, Tom moved to Denver were earned an International MBA and Juris Doctor from the University of Denver. Since becoming a licensed attorney in Colorado he has worked with business clients on corporate, transactional and litigation matters. In 2015, Tom negotiated over $100 million in IT outsourcing and license agreements and was named a 2015 Rising Star by Super Lawyers®.
Tom was nominated for his “40 under 40” award by Irish Network Colorado (INCO) and Paul Cooney, a 2015 40 under 40 recipient. In her recommendation INCO President Maura Clare said, “Tom Walsh is an outstanding young business leader and attorney in the Denver Metro area. In 2015 alone, he negotiated over $100 million in cross-border IT services and outsourcing agreements. He is a well-regarded, beloved member of the local Irish-American community, known for his understated charm, warmth, humility and utter reliability. He has provided volunteer leadership to Irish Network Colorado (INCO) as a founding/continuing board member since its inception seven years ago. As INCO’s current officer (treasurer), Tom promotes cultural, social and business connections within the local Irish-American community and between Colorado and Ireland. He is a longtime member/player and former chairman of the Denver Gaels GAA Club. Tom grew up as part of Philadelphia’s Irish-American community. His mother is from Nenagh, Co. Tipperary, and his father is a descendant of Mayo and Tyrone. Tom and his wife Molly are expecting their first children–twin boys–in 2016”.

Thomas P. Walsh, III Attorney can be contacted at [email protected], 720-204-5672
www.WalshIPLaw.com

Kolacny Music presents Lisa Lynne & Aryeh Frankfurter:  An Enchanting Evening of Celtic Harps, Rare Instruments, and Wondrous Stories Saturday March 26, 7:30PM at Unity Spiritual Center of Denver

Lisa Lynne & Aryeh Frankfurter are a multi-instrumentalist duo with Celtic Harps, Swedish Nyckelharpa,

Ukrainian Bandura, Bouzouki, Cittern and more. They hail from San Francisco and tour extensively,

both having successful recording and performing careers built from years of street performing and a

background as rock musicians. They have performed with some of the biggest names in folk and acoustic music and have sold well over a million albums combined.   Audiences are spellbound and enchanted with their unique show of breathtaking music  both Traditional and original, with wondrous stories and humor entwined.

Lisa Lynne is a multi-instrumentalist and performer who has gained worldwide recognition for her original music featuring her Celtic Harp. She is widely acclaimed for composing memorable and heartwarming melodies on the Windham Hiill/Sony music labels that have repeatedly placed in the Top 10 & Top 20 on the Billboard New age music charts. Lisa tours year round performing at large US festivals and performing art centers. Her work in Therapeutic music has gained recognition from NBC, CNN, Fox News Atlanta and numerous newspaper and magazine articles including Wall Street Journal. Lisa’s music is heard throughout the award winning PBS special “Alone in the Wilderness,” amongst many other soundtracks for commercial television and independent films. She performs regularly as a solo artist, with Aryeh Frankfurter, Patrick Ball and the Windham Hill tours. She was recently named one of the 50 most inspiring women by Los Angeles Magazine. http://www.LisaLynne.com

Aryeh Frankfurter’s  musical endeavors began at the age of three when he undertook classical training on the violin. His progress enabled him to study under various master violinists, including concert master of the Chicago Symphony He participated both as a violinist and violist in a series of chamber music ensembles under the tutelage of internationally renown cellist, Bonnie Hampton, pianist Nathan Schwartz, teachers at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, and the late violinist Ann Crowden of the Crowden School of music in Berkeley, CA. Aryeh’s musical development led him to explore various ethnic and international musical genres, particularly Celtic folk music. At the age of fifteen Aryeh was introduced to the Celtic harp, an instrument which has become the focal point of his musical inspiration and expression. Over the interceding years Aryeh taught himself to play a variety of instruments including electric violin, viola, cello, guitar, cittern, mandolin, lap dulcimer and hammered dulcimer, bowed and plucked psaltry, penny whistle, baroque flute, recorder, percussion and more recently the Swedish Nyckelharpa. He works full time as both a performer and audio engineer. He has 18 albums to his credit and two books. He tours full time as a solo artist, with Lisa Lynne, Patrick Ball and the Windham Hill Winter Solstice Tours. http://www.Lionharp.com

Lisa Lynne & Aryeh Frankfurter in concert at Unity Spiritual Center Denver

3021 South University Blvd Denver, CO 80210

$15. general $10 for kids 12 and under.

Advanced online ticketing at BrownPapertickets.com

Info at  Kolacny Music  1900 S. Broadway Denver, CO 80210  or call 303-722-6081

Cherish the Ladies perform at Lone Tree Arts Center

With their unique spectacular blend of virtuosi instrumental talents, beautiful vocals, captivating arrangements, and stunning step dancing, this powerhouse group combines all the facets of Irish traditional culture. Celebrating 30 years on the road, the all-female band has performed all over the world and was named Best Musical Group of the Year by the BBC and the Top North American Celtic act by NPR Radio’s “Thistle and Shamrock” program.
Cherish the Ladies perform at Lone Tree Arts Center, Saturday, March 19, 8PM 2016
Tickets: https://tickets.lonetreeartscenter.org/online/mapSelect.asp?BOset::WSmap::seatmap::performance_ids=C89DEE81-3AA8-4089-AC34-671A1FC0C30F