Tickets On Sale Now for the Colorado Scottish Festival in
Snowmass Village
A Family-Friendly, Dog-Friendly Festival!
July 31 – August 2, 2015
By Susan M. Thornton (July 2015 Celtic Connection newspaper)

There’s gonna be a great celebration when the Colorado Scottish Festival arrives at its new home in Snowmass Village this summer! Yes, in case you missed the news, the Colorado Scottish Festival is leaving the heat and parking problems of the Denver area, and moving to Snowmass Village, near Aspen. The dog-friendly Festival will be held in a cool and beautiful mountain valley reminiscent of Scotland!
The Festival kicks off Friday night, July 31, with a free Hot Piping and Hot Drumline competition judged by the audience in The Bar at Wildwood in Snowmass Village. You’ll get a real kick out of seeing the hottest of the Festival’s hot pipers and drummers as they strut their stuff. Another free high octane offering will take place Saturday night with a concert featuring the Irish rock group, “Swagger.”
Meanwhile, all day August 1 and 2, the Great Highland Athletes will be demonstrating their skill at heavy events that include throwing the caber (telephone pole — really!), the sheaf toss, the stone put and more. The skill of these amazing athletes, both men and women, will leave you breathless. Of course there will be bagpipe bands — nine of them — including a band made up of young players from the Ute Mountain Reservation, and three bands coming from out-of-state! For the first time ever, the Festival will host a Grade 2 band competition. As there are only four Grade 2 bands in all of the Western U.S., having a Grade 2 competition in Snowmass Village will be very exciting.
Mustn’t forget the colorful clans who will attend — more than 27 of them, including a number of clans from the Western Slope and outside of Colorado. They will be waiting to show off their rich histories and talk with you about your ancestry. They’ll be joined by a professional genealogist. Maybe you’ll find new cousins at the Festival!
Graceful Highland dancers will compete on the Colorado Ballet Stage, with Irish stepdancers and Scottish Country dancers entertaining on the Dublin Dance Stage. To top it off, there will be nonstop Scottish and Irish music on the Fingal’s Music Stage. Among the musicians will be “Down the Back Lane,” playing fabulous traditional Irish music, Dirk Mewes playing uilleann pipes, Don Hilsberg on the Celtic harp, Damien McCarron singing songs of Ireland, and Loretta Thompson with songs and fiddle tunes from the Celtic nations.
Dogs of the British Isles are always popular with children and adults alike, as are Classic British Cars, which will join the Festival on Saturday morning. And everyone enjoys the food vendors, vendors with Celtic merchandise, and the beer and whiskey-tastings for people of a certain age. Historic re-enactors, the Renaissance Scots, will recreate a Medieval village, with a pub tent, blacksmith, weavers and others depicting life in Olde Scotland. But watch out, because the Scots will be accompanied by their defensive arm, the Dunvegan Wolves, who will demonstrate fighting techniques with swords and axes. Don’t get too close!
You won’t want to miss the Midday Ceremonies both Saturday and Sunday, with the Parade of the Clans, Dogs of the British Isles and Renaissance Scots. Then stand in awe as more than 100 pipers and drummers shake the earth as they come marching across the field playing “Scotland the Brave!”
Did we mention that the Festival is kid-friendly and dog-friendly? Kids from 3-12 will love trying their hand at Scottish athletics at 12:30 both Saturday and Sunday. (Shhhh, the caber is made of Styrofoam, and the “sheaf” toss will be with a pillow thrown with a kid-sized snow shovel.) The dogs, face painter and colorful sights and sounds will keep the kids — and mom and dad — happy.
Tickets to the Festival are very affordable and include special rates for children, seniors and active-duty personnel. But in-the-know Festival-goers are buying Thistle Tickets, which include a private Friday evening reception at Snowmass Village’s Ice Age Museum, Festival admission and close-in parking, a Saturday morning continental breakfast, access to the VIP Tent (with adult beverages and whiskey-tasting) on the Festival field and more.
Parking is also free in Snowmass Village, as are the Village’s free shuttles, and the GoSnowmass card for people who buy tickets on line. The card offers discounts at Snowmass Village restaurants and shops.
For tickets, the best lodging rates and information, visit www.ScottishGames.org. Snowmass has several thousand hotel rooms and condominiums, but they are filling fast, so don’t wait to book your lodging for this fun weekend!

(Update: The exact address of Belfast/Salida Circus performance/workshop on Monday July 13, 11A-2P is:
New Freedom Park 8846 E. 13th Avenue, Denver CO 80220. Xenia street dead ends into the park at 13th street)

from July 2015 Celtic Connection newspaper)
Thanks to the efforts of Jennifer Dempsey, the Salida Circus Outreach Foundation, and friends, about a dozen members of the Belfast Circus will spend two weeks in Colorado performing and training with Salida Circus. Demsey, who is a founder and Director of the Salida Circus, used to perform with the Belfast Circus. According to Dempsey, the purpose of the exchange is to allow these young adults (ages 14-19) the opportunity to share their skills with those members of the Salida Circus and vice versa. Her hope is also that lifelong friendships will be made and lessons learned via exploring new cities will resonate not only with students, but host families and the community at large. “It will be fantastic to see people come to the events and make our guests from Belfast feel welcome.”

Dempsey said that there is a lot of excitement about the visit from both camps.
19 year old Belfast native Finn Carragher, who specializes in the Chinese pole, looks forward to his visit. “I’m really looking forward to meeting everyone and performing as part of your 4th of July celebrations!” Finn’s 17 year old sister Rosa, will also come along to Colorado (she plays tennis, Gaelic football, and Irish traditional music on her tin whistle outside of circus). Her focus is aerial and acrobatics. She attributes her nine years with the circus as a confidence builder. She said,” I am very excited to go to Salida and I can’t wait to meet everyone and take part in all of the activities and events.”

Not all of the performances will be on the Western Slope. On Monday July 13, Belfast and Salida Circus will perform in Denver between 11A-2Pm at at Hope Communities, 1370 Xenia (303-394-2967). The event is open to the public and is an all-ages show that includes trapeze, silks, juggling, acro, etc.
The Belfast troupe fly back home the next day. More info at www.thesalidacircus.com

Belfast Circus youth Colorado bound

Jennifer Dempsey with Belfast friends

July 2015 Ceolta Notes And Festival Info
by Rodger Hara (from July 2015 Celtic Connection newspaper)

The lovely, talented and dependable Brian Clancy is at Jack Quinn’s in downtown Colorado Springs on Thursdays at 7:30 PM on the 2nd, 9th, 16th and 23rd and on Saturdays – the 11th, 18th and 25th at The Irish Snug on Capitol Hill in Denver at 8:30 PM.
After road trips out of state, The Indulgers are spending most of July at home starting with a show on the 3rd at 6 PM in Lafayette at Espresso Vino, the 10th at the Bohemian Biergarten in Boulder at 10 PM, Rhythm on the River in Longmont at 1 PM on the 11th, Conor O’Neill’s in Boulder at 10 PM on the 24th, the Greeley Arts Picnic Festival on the 25th at 3 PM and then close out the month with the Windsor Summer Concert Series at 6:30 PM on the 30th.
The 17th Annual Rocky Mountain Fiddle Camp starts on the 26th and runs through August 2. Instruction and performances will include Irish, Scottish, Cape Breton, Bluegrass and old time fiddling plus guitar, banjo, ukelele, piano, flute, tin whistle, cello, dance calling, Southwest tunes, O’Carolan tunes, quartets, chamber music, and bluegrass band lab. Featured guest artists include Laura Rusk, Arlene Patterson, Loretta Thompson, Andrea Beaton, Andrew Finn Magill and Abby Newton. http://www.rmfiddle.com/
Angus Mohr brings their Highland rock and roll to the Colorado Irish Festival Celtic Main Stage at 8:30 PM on the 10th then moves to the Clontarf Whiskey Pub Stage for a show at 8:30 PM on the 11th.
The Stubby Shillelaghs make fireworks on July 3 at Jack Quinn’s in Colorado Springs from 9:30 PM – 1:30 AM, are on the Colorado Irish Festival Celtic Main Stage at 12:30 PM on the 11th, the Colorado Irish Festival Clontarf Whiskey Pub Stage at 5:30 on the 12th, at Scruffy Murphy’s in LoDo at 9 PM on the 24th and can be seen (and heard) every Tuesday at Patrick’s Irish Pub in Greeley from 9 PM to Midnight.
Ceol Ceili will be opening for the Colorado Springs Symphony for the sixth year on the 5th at 5:30 PM in the Woodland Park Middle School and performing at the Elizabeth Celtic Festival for two shows on the 8th.
Delilah’s Revenge appears on the Colorado Irish Festival Clontarf Whiskey Pub Stage at 8:30 PM on the 10th and 5 PM on the 11th.
Avourneen plays their usual gigs at Katie Mullen’s every Friday at 9 PM and are at the Abbey Tavern on the 25th. They are on the Colorado Irish Festival Clontarf Whiskey Pub Stage at 10:30 AM on the 12th and open for Rene Heredia at 6 PM on the 23rd for the Music in the Park series at River Run Park in Commerce City. With Aeryk Parker now their official third member, the band played in Vegas at the Orleans Casino and Hotel in June as part of the 2015 Burlesque Hall of Fame competition. They also have a new music video at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QCiV8exKx5Y
You can get a taste of Mulligan Stew at the Colorado Renaissance Festival every Saturday and Sunday through August 2. They will be serving three or four performances per day during that time.
Indigent Row makes a rare appearance on the 11th at 1:30 PM on the Colorado Irish Festival Clontarf Whiskey Pub Stage and on the 12th at 3:45 PM on the same stage.
Skean Dubh appears at 6:00 PM on the 3rd in the UVC Shopping Center Concert Series, 4880 N. Nevada Ave.in Colorado Springs, on the 18th at the Elizabeth Celtic Festival in Elizabeth and play for the Wheat Ridge Concert in the Park series in Anderson Park at 6:30 PM on the 22nd.
The Juice O’the Barley are on the Colorado Irish Festival Clontarf Whiskey Pub Stage at 2 PM on the 12th and at the Sheabeen in Aurora on the 17th at 8 PM.
You can catch the commoners on the Colorado Irish Festival Celtic Main Stage at 6:30 PM on the 10th.
Pandora Celtic fans can enjoy their unique harmonies on the Colorado Irish Festival Celtic Main Stage at 10:30 AM on the 11th.

The Mountain Road Ceili Band is at The Margarita in Colorado Springs on the 17th at 6:30 PM on the outdoor patio followed by a movie that starts at dark.
Potcheen celebrates Halloween in Summer on the 25th at 8 PM for the folks at the White Water Bar in Canon City (they’re not open in October…)
Chancer’s Hooley is on the Colorado Irish Festival Clontarf Whiskey Pub Stage on the 10th at 6:45 PM and the 11th at 3:15 PM.

July Celtic Festivals
Colorado Irish Festival, July 10-12, Clement Park, Littleton, CO with Gaelic Storm, The Elders, Screaming Orphans, , The Moxie Strings, The Town Pants, Angus Mohr, Chancers Hooley, Pandora Celtica, Juice O’the Barley, the commoners, The Stubby Shillelaghs, Big Paddy, Delilah’s Revenge, Avourneen, Mice in the Mug, Indigent Row and Denver Gaels GAA Gaelic Football, Camogie and Hurling, Denver Pub League Championship Game, Gaelic games youth camp, Irish dance competition (Feis), Pipe Band and solo Piper competition, The Book of Kells, Counties of Ireland, Irish Blessings, The Beauty of Ireland, The Legend of St. Patrick, Bagpipes of Ireland, Irish Wolfhounds, Irish Heritage, Sunday morning Catholic mass, food, fun and merchandise.
HOW MUCH: Friday: Free from 5-6 PM, $10/person after 6 PM. Saturday and Sunday ticket prices vary depending on date and whether purchased in advance online, at King Soopers or at the gate. www.coloradoirishfestival.org
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Payson Scottish Festival, July 10-11, Memorial Park, Payson, UT, with Heather Broch Dancers, An Dragan Ceilteach Irish Dancers, Men of Worth, Harp Irish Dancers, Celtic Country Dancers, Bards and Noble, Friday night céilidh, Highland dancing, Scottish Heavy Athletics, clans, Pipe
band, solo piper and drum solo competitions, fun, food and merchandise
FREE Festival www.paysonscottishfestival.org
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Elizabeth Celtic Festival, July 18-19 Casey Jones Park, Elizabeth, CO with Skean Dubh, Delilah’s Revenge, Ceol Ceili, The Reverie, Colorado Welsh Dancers, Renaissance Scots, Bennett School of Irish Dance, Castle Wall Productions, Eric Olson, Marianne Goodland, Lida Bringe andIrish and Highland dancing, Scottish Heavy Athletics, rugby, clans, living history,
Celtic Nations and Tartans, Animals of the British Isles, British cars, Solo Piper competition, homebrew competition, Bonny Knees competition, Whisky tasting, state haggis tossing contest, fun, food and merchandise
At the gate: Under 12 free, Teens (13-17) and Seniors (65+) $5, others $10 + $3
Parking for cars, $1 for motorcycles. Military & First Responders $5 w/ID
www.elizabethcelticfestival.com
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The Friends of Irish Studies and Traolach O’Riordain present Irish Language Immersion Course July 18-25th in Butte Montana. Email [email protected]
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Celtic Festival Missoula, July 24 -25, Caras Park in Missoula MT, alongside the Clark Fork River.
With The Young Dubliners, The Screaming Orphans The Tossers, The Craciers, Haran Irish Dancers
Montana Shamrockers, Missoula Irish Dancers, Broken Whistle, Haran Irish Dancers, Celtic Dragon Pipe Band.
The Celtic Festival Missoula operates on a non-profit basis, with the proceeds after expenses going to charity, including the Friends of Irish Studies Program. The Friends of the Irish Studies Program supports the University of Montana’s Irish Studies Program.
Admission is FREE! celticfestivalmissoula.com
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Colorado Scottish moves to Snowmass July 31-August 2 www.scottishgames.org

Something for All Ages this weekend as
Irish, Scots & Celtic family and friends gather in Colorado Springs at the http://pikespeakcelticfestival.com/
More:

Like spring time to summer, The Pikes Peak Celtic Festival blossomed from an old tradition in Colorado Springs. 1999 marked the last year of the Pikes Peak Highland Games. In 2013, the festival was brought back with new vigor under the new name-Pikes Peak Celtic Festival.

The Festival field at Memorial Park will be filled with the sound of Bagpipes, the smell of fish & chips, the sight of world champion Irish dancers, and events/activities for every age. See the very best of the Rocky Mountain Scottish Athletes, or even try your hand at competing yourself!

Be inspired by the massed bagpipe bands of the Western United States Pipe Band Association march in unison. Enjoy world renowned Celtic Rock band Albannach along with Delilah’s Revenge, Big Paddy, Rare Ould Times, Skean Dubh, The McDeviants, RenScots , Celtic Steps, Rocky Mountain Highland Dancers, Western US Pipe Band Association, See and learn tradition Irish and Highland dancing. When you need a break from all of the entertainment, visit the Celtic artesian and gift vendors, learn at cultural exhibits, stop and taste the best in Irish and Scottish cuisine, or get a Celtic cooking demonstration from Chef/Author Eric McBride/The Celtic Caterer who will have his autographed recipe books on hand.

The Pikes Peak Celtic Festival runs June 19-21. Hours are: Friday 4:00 PM -10:00 PM, Saturday 9:00AM- 5:00 PM, Sunday 9:00 AM -4:00 PM. Ceilidh at Jack Quinn’s 6:00 pm Saturday June 20.
Single day price of $15 Adults, $5 Kids 5-12 with discount weekend pass and
Whiskey tasting package options available. http://pikespeakcelticfestival.com/
Memorial Park is located about 5 minutes (by car) east of downtown at 1605 E Pikes Peak Ave, (cross street S. Hancock Ave) in Colorado Springs, CO 80910

l! Come and enjoy this FREE event featuring the Young Dubliners, Searson, Swagger and vendors, food, pipers, clans and amazing live entertainment! June 12th & 13th at the Cheyenne Depot Plaza

CELTIC WOMAN – 10th Anniversary World Tour!
Red Rocks Amphitheatre, Morrison, CO
Fri, Jun 12, 2015 07:30 PM

Global music sensation, Celtic Woman, return to Red Rocks Amphitheatre with their 10th Anniversary Celebration Tour. The enchanting musical experience features Celtic Woman performing a treasure chest of traditional Irish standards, classical favorites and contemporary pop songs, with an unforgettable signature style.

PURCHASE TICKETS: http://www.ticketmaster.com/celtic-woman-10th-anniversary-world-morrison-colorado-06-12-2015/event/1E004D89BD9013A7

The 10th Anniversary Celebration Tour features four sublimely gifted Irish women – three angelic vocalists and dazzling Celtic violinist – along with a full band, The Anotas Choir, bagpipers, Irish dancers with bewitching choreography – all under the direction of Emmy®-nominated music producer David Downes.

This is a true celebration of their incredible 10-year journey that has captivated millions.

Tickets are $110.00, $65.00 & $40.00 RES and $25.00 GA plus applicable service charges.

Tickets Available at www.LIVENATION.com, the Fillmore Auditorium Box Office, all Ticketmaster outlets or by phone at 800-745-3000.

Tickets to this show are not available at the Denver Coliseum box office.
All Reserved Seating rows 1-70
General Admission – Standing Room Only

June 2015 Ceolta Notes
By Rodger Hara

Chancer’s Hooley plays at the Capitol Hill People’s Fair in Denver’s Civic Center Park on the 7th at 5:15 PM and on the 8th at the Platte River Saloon from 7 – 9 PM.

Gobs O’Phun is on the Cheyenne Celtic Festival on the 13th.

Colcannon performs with The Evergreen Chorale on the 5th and 6th at 7:30 PM and the 7th at 3 PM at the Center Stage, 27608 Fireweed Drive in Evergreen.

Big Paddy has a gig at the Exchange Tavern in Westminster at 8:30 PM on the 5th, plays for the Arvada Street Fair Music Series in Olde Town Arvada at 7 PM on the 13th, is on stage at the Pikes Peak Celtic Festival on the 19th at 4 PM then plays at Jack Quinn’s at 9 PM, is back at the Pikes Peak Celtic Festival on the 20th at 3 PM then closes out the month on the 26th at the
Westminster Brewing Company at 7 PM.

You can catch Keep Britain Irish at 7 PM on the 6th at Maddies Biergarten, 330 Third St in Castle Rock.

Avourneen does its usual show at 9 PM on the 5th, 12th, 19th and 26th at Katie Mullen’s and is at the Abbey Tavern on the 27th.

Adam Agee and Jon Sousa play with Take Down the Door on the 11th at 6:30 PM for the Lyons Sandstone Park concert series, on the 12th in The Pullman Room, downstairs at the Henry Strater Theater in Durango at 7 PM – Admission $15 and at The The Hotel Telluride on the 14th from 6:30 – 9 PM.

The Stubby Shillelaghs are at the Big Beaver Brewery in Loveland on the 6th, play for the grand opening of Dungeons and Drafts in Ft. Collins on the 12th, the Pikes Peak Brewery in Monument on the 13th and will play no shows the rest of the month (other than their regular Tuesday night gigs at Patrick’s in Greeley on the 2nd, 9th and 30th) as lead singer Andy is getting married on the 18th.

The reliable and legendary Brian Clancy is at Jack Quinn’s in Downtown Colorado Springs, on the 4th, 11th 18th and 25th at 7:30 PM and The Irish Snug on Capitol Hill in Denver on the 6th, 13th, 20th and 27th at 8:30 PM.

The Indulgers stick close to home in June with appearances at The People’s Fair in Denver on the 6th 5:25 PM, the Erie Village Summer Concert series at 7 PM on the 19th, Conor O’Neill’s in Boulder at 10 PM on the 20th then end the month on the road at Groovefest in Cedar City, Utah at 9 PM on the 26th.

Potcheen opens June on the stage of the Whitewater Bar and Grill in Canon City at 8 PM on the 6th, then performs on the Main Stage at Denver’s People’s Fair on the 7th at 3:15 PM, performs at the Apogaea Art and Music Festival in Bailey at 7 PM on the 12th, the Millsite Inn in Ward at 1 PM on the 13th, 10 PM at the Pioneer Inn in Nederland on the 13th, Muddy Bucks in Evergreen at 6 PM on the 19th, Cactus Jack’s Saloon in Evergreen at 2 PM on the 20th, My Brother’s Place in Pueblo on the 26th at 10 PM, Centennial Park in Canon City at 6 PM on the 27th and end the month in Rye at Bishop’s Castle on the 28th, time tbd.

The 2015 Pikes Peak Celtic Festival happens this year from the 19th to the 21st at Memorial Park in Colorado Springs. Featured bands include Albannach, Big Paddy, Ceol Ceili, The McDeviants, Skean Dubh, Rare Ould Times and Delilah’s Revenge. There will be Irish Step dancing by the Celtic Steps and Scottish Highland dancing from the Rocky Mountain Highland Dancers, heavy Scottish Athletics, WUSPBA Pipe Band competition, RenScots, The Celtic Caterer, kid’s attractions, fun, food, merchants, vendors and whisky tasting as part of the festivities. Festival info and ticket prices at http://pikespeakcelticfestival.com/festival-info/ .

The 10th Annual Cheyenne Celtic Musical Arts Festival takes place on the 12th and 13th at the Cheyenne Depot Plaza. Performances this year will be offered by Gobs O’Phun, The Young Dubliners, Searson and Swagger. Offerings include a parade, clan row, pipes and drums, Irish Step Dancers, vendors, food and beverage and children’s activities. Admission is free. For more information, go to http://www.cheyennedepotmuseum.org/celtic

Celtic Woman celebrate their 10th anniversary in concert at Red Rock’s Amphitheatre Friday June 12. Tickets at www.LiveNation.com

IRISH NETWORK COLORADO TO HOST VISIT FROM NEW IRISH CONSUL GENERAL

Irish Network Colorado (INCO) and the Celtic Connection are hosting a meet and greet reception in honor of our new Irish consul general on Wednesday, May 20 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Katie Mullen’s Irish Restaurant at 1550 Court Place in Denver.

Consul General Adrian Farrell was appointed to the Consulate General of Ireland, Austin, Texas in September 2014. He is eager to meet the Irish-American community and those with an interest in Ireland and will make brief remarks at the event.

So please come out to join us in extending Colorado’s Céad Míle Fáilte to CG Farrell! A reservation is required via irishnetworkco.com

Appetizers provided, cash bar
$5 INCO Members, $15 Nonmembers, $5 Students

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INCO NIGHT OUT WITH MARTIN HAYES & DENNIS CAHILL
May 15th, 6:30pm, Soiled Dove
Irish Network-Colorado is in cahoots with Celtic Events to offer an evening out with critically acclaimed fiddler Martin Hayes and master guitarist Dennis Cahill at the Soiled Dove!

You may purchase tickets for the concert at www.soileddove.com or by calling 303.226.1555.

The show starts at 8 p.m. (doors open 7 p.m.) downstairs at the Soiled Dove. When you purchase tickets, you’ll be assigned specific seats, so there’s no need to queue early at the venue.

ADDITIONALLY, if you’d like to come ahead of time to have dinner together with Irish Network friends at the restaurant upstairs, please RSVP HERE BY MAY 8 FOR DINNER RESERVATIONS AT 6:30 ON THE 15th. We’ll hold a spot for you in our group. Separate checks, of course.

Please feel free to come to either the concert or dinner if you can’t make both.

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Irish Network Colorado is an organization that provides opportunities for Irish Americans, expats and friends of Ireland in the Front Range to network, thereby enhancing social, business and cultural connections within our community and between Ireland and Colorado.

Traditional Irish Music Masters Martin Hayes and Dennis Cahill on Tour in May

“Hayes and Cahill work off each other like two jazz masters, exploring the tunes, spinning medleys that expand and contract with intensity. “Our allegiance is to the spirit of the moment,” says Hayes, “Our primary wish is that the musical experience be one that lifts our spirits and those of the audience.” PLUS

Martin Hayes & Dennis Cahill in Concert:
Friday May 15 8PM, Soiled Dove, Denver – Choose your Reserved Seats at www.SoiledDove.com
Or call 303-830-9214
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Saturday May 16 7:30PM at Stargazers Theatre, Colorado Springs – Save with Advance discount tickets at
www.stargazerstheatre.com Or call 719-476-2200

Martin Hayes and Dennis Cahill are two of the world’s leading innovators in traditional Irish music. Their deep interpretations are recognized the world over for their exquisite musicality and irresistible rhythm. The New York Times calls them “a Celtic complement to Steve Reich’s Quartets and Miles Davis’s ‘Sketches of Spain.’” The duo make a rare visit to Colorado this May, performing Friday the 15th at the Soiled Dove Underground and on Saturday the 16th at the Stargazers Theatre in Colorado Springs.

Fiddle player Martin Hayes was born and raised in rural County Clare, the son of esteemed fiddler PJ Hayes, and is acknowledged as one of Ireland’s most innovative and influential artists. A former member of his father’s renowned Tulla Ceili Band, Martin had won six All-Ireland Fiddle Championships by age 19. He has performed with Sting, Paul Simon, and Sinead O’Connor; and taught Jeremy Irons to play a fiddle tune. His many awards include Folk Instrumentalist of the Year (BBC), Spirit of Ireland Honoree (Irish Arts Center), Man of the Year (American Irish Historical Society), and Musician of the Year (TG4 Gradam Ceol, Ireland).
Dennis Cahill is a master guitarist, a native of Chicago born to parents from County Kerry, Ireland. His background includes study in classical, jazz, blues, and folk. Dennis’s spare, essential accompaniment to Hayes’ fiddle is acknowledged as a major breakthrough for guitar in the Irish tradition. The duo have three acclaimed albums together on Compass/Green Linnet Records; the latest is Welcome Here Again.
Martin and Dennis are also making waves with their award winning new band The Gloaming, who just took Ireland’s top award the Meteor Choice Award for the best album of 2014. The self-titled CD, called “astonishingly beautiful” by NPR, rocketed to the top of Irish charts and landed on many best of year lists for 2014 including NPR, The Guardian, and The Irish Times.

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A connoisseur has the learned ability to tell almost instinctively that something is special. You don’t have to be a connoisseur of traditional Irish music to know that when you’ve tasted a live Martin Hayes and Dennis Cahill concert, you’ve participated in something exceptional. “It’s not unusual to see folks walking out of a Martin and Dennis show somewhat stunned and giddy,” said Denver based promoter Pat McCullough, adding, “Like, they just shared a deeply personal organic high, and all they were doing was sitting in their seats and tapping their toes.” McCullough told a story to illustrate his point, “About 4 years ago Martin and Dennis performed and taught in south central Colorado at the annual Spanish Peaks Celtic festival. After seeing Martin and Dennis in concert for the first time, an entertainment writer approached me, completely blown away. She told me that prior to the show she was less than excited to have been assigned to listen to two guys playing jigs and reels on fiddle and guitar – But after Martin and Dennis’s concert she was gobsmacked, calling the performance sublime, the highlight of the festival, and one of the most compelling concerts that she had ever attended!”

Martin and Dennis are also making waves with their acclaimed new band The Gloaming, who just took Ireland’s top award the Meteor Choice Award for the best album of 2014. The self-titled CD, called “astonishingly beautiful” by NPR, rocketed to the top of Irish charts and landed on many best of year lists for 2014 including NPR, The Guardian, and The Irish Times.
Martin Hayes and Dennis Cahill fans and those who don’t know a jig from a reel will have to opportunity to experience some of the best in the world in Irish music. A rare swing through the Rockies will have the masters perform in Albuquerque Thursday May 14, Denver Friday May 15 and in Colorado Springs on Saturday May 16. The will also offer master classes in their respective instruments
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Martin Hayes & Dennis Cahill
Friday, May 15 8PM Show 7PMDoors All Ages Show
Soiled Dove Underground, 7401 E 1st Ave, Denver, CO 80230
Reserved Seating $22, $24, $29 online at www.SoiledDove.com or direct link
https://www.ticketfly.com/purchase/selectSeats?utm_medium=bks&id=810691&sea
or call 303-830-9214.
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Martin Hayes & Dennis Cahill
Saturday, May 16 7:30 PM Show 6:30 PM Doors All Ages Show
Stargazers Theatre, 10 S. Parkside Drive, Colorado Springs – Advance discount tickets $21, $25 DOS, $15 Students & Military at www.stargazerstheatre.com or direct link
http://www.stargazerstheatre.com/event/924d631fd5f46dc6bcb501a38b46dfc3
or call 719-476-2200.
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Master Classes for Musicians:
Sat. May 16: WORKSHOPS, fiddle & guitar: 1355 Lindenwood Grove, Colorado Springs. To register in advance contact David Clark ([email protected], cell 719 310 4180). On-site registration will start at 12:30 PM and will end promptly at 1 PM. 1pm-3pm. $50 per person. Space is limited.
Sun. May 17: WORKSHOPS, fiddle & guitar. Eron Johnson Antiques, 389 South Lipan Street, Denver, CO 80223, 1-3PM, $50 per person. Space is limited. Reserve your place by emailing [email protected].

By Rodger Hara

An influential figure in the history of Irish rock, an award-winning off-Broadway musical, the Arvada Center and Colorado’s multi-talented band Colcannon intersect in a Celtic-harmonic convergence with the Regional Premiere of the play A Man of No Importance this month.

Horslips was one of the first Irish bands to combine traditional songs with a rock beat. The band was together from 1970 until 1980. In 1994 Barry Devlin, an original member of the band, its vocalist and front man, was writing for television (including some scripts for Ballykissangel), producing music videos (some early U2 clips) and doing screenplays, including the one for the film upon which the musical is based. Starring Albert Finney, it briefly appeared and vanished almost without a trace, doing less than $1 million at the American box office.

In the fall of 2002, the musical based on the film debuted off-Broadway in the Newhouse Theater at Lincoln Center in New York City. Developed by the creative team that won Tony Awards for Ragtime, the production won the Outer Critics Circle award for the best off-Broadway musical of 2003.

Rod A. Lansberry, Arvada Center Artistic Producer saw the play at the Lincoln Center in 2002 and fulfills a long-held dream of presenting and directing the show for Denver audiences with this production. On a trip to Europe last year, he spent four days in Dublin where he explored the city, visited pubs and spent time with a man named Liam in the Dublin Transportation Museum gathering background information, inspiration and details for the set and costumes.

Colcannon is on stage for the entire show providing music for and interacting with the cast with keyboard and percussion support from the Arvada Center Music Director and Assistant Director respectively. The music written for the show reflects an Irish influence and as Mick Bolger says, “The music is very good — really well-written and arranged and there’s certainly a flavor of Irish Folk to it. It’s a fine show and I think the Arvada Center does it justice. We’re there to support the cast and get to do a short pre-show each night before the main show … so we get to be just Colcannon for a while every evening.”
The play tells the story of Alfie Byrne, a gay and closeted bus driver who lives in a working-class neighborhood of Dublin. An Oscar Wilde devotee, he has ambitions to perform Wilde’s Salome with his amateur theater troupe in the local church hall; however, Alfie doesn’t realize the controversy his choice of title will create with the church leaders. With the play opening in jeopardy, Alfie turns to someone he thought was a friend, only to be confronted by anger and rejection. The theater troupe stands beside him and helps Alfie find his place in the world.

Set in an Irish pub called Scruffy Murphy’s (Denver’s LoDo pub of the same name has provided support for the play), the action and music take place in a setting familiar to those with their own local or who have visited one in Ireland.

Devlin visited Denver in 2009 while filming a series for Ireland TV’s Irish language channel TG4 in which he and bandmate Jim Lockhart traced the life of Donegal man Micky MacGowan, whose journey across America inspired some of the band’s finest work. When told about the premiere of the play here, he said “That’s really interesting. Yeah, I wrote the film the musical is based on. Great to see it’s still out there.”

Performances are Tuesday through Saturday at 7:30 p.m., Wednesday at 1:00 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday at 2:00 p.m. through May 17. Moderated Talk Backs are scheduled on Friday, May 8 following the 7:30 p.m. performance and Wednesday, May 13 following the 1:00 p.m. performance. For additional details and to purchase tickets go to http://arvadacenter.org/on-stage/a-man-of-no- importance-2015 or call 720-898-7200. The Arvada Center is located at 6901 Wadsworth Blvd. and provides free parking for all of its patrons. *Please note: This production contains mature subject matter*

May 2015 Ceolta Notes – by Rodger Hara
(from May 2015 Celtic Connection newspaper)
(Photo: The Indulgers)
Folk Ragout and special guest Katie Henderson will perform Irish tunes, French songs, and Old-Time fiddle, Thursday May 14th, 7:30PM at Swallow Hill , 303-777-1003.
The Celtic folk/rock legends The Waterboys open the Arvada Center’s Summer Stage Concert Series on the 24th at 7:30 PM in the Outdoor Amphitheater. Reserved covered seats $49 and $52, General Admission lawn seats $32. https://arvadacenter.org/summer-concerts-in-denver-the-waterboys
Angus Mohr reached Number 1 for Denver Rock Bands on ReverbNations March charts.
Adam Agee and Jon Sousa play at The Book Haven in Salida at 7 PM on the 1st.
The Five Spice World Music Ensemble (Beth Gadbaw, Sandra Wong, Steve Mullins and more) play Irish, English, Greek and Spanish songs (with some Flamenco dancing thrown in) for the Concert Series at Congregation Nevei Kodesh in Boulder on the 2nd at 7:30 PM.
On the 16th, Beth Gadbaw and Margot Krimmel play in the Schlessman Hall of the Denver Public Library Central Branch, 10 W. 14th Ave. from 2-3 PM.
Margot Krimmel contributes harp playing to the Murmuration multi-faceted arts extravaganza at the Buell Theater in the Denver Performing Arts Complex on the 30th.
Potcheen plays at the White Water Bar in Canon City on the 1st; Jack Quinn’s Irish Pub in Colorado Springs on the 2nd and is part of the program for “Kilted on the River” at The Riverside in Boulder on the 16th. The show runs form 1 PM – 9 PM.
Celtic Legacy brings their high energy tribal drum sound to the Kilted on the River show on the 16th. And just for a bit of variety, The Stubby Shillelaghs are also at the Kilted on the River bill on the 16th. Avourneen plays at 8:30 PM at Katie Mullen’s in downtown Denver on the 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd and 29th, at the Beer Depot Lounge in West Denver from 4-8 PM and at the Abbey Tavern on dates and times TBD. Adam Goldberg is at Lannie’s Clocktower Cabaret every Saturday night if you want some late night Irish tunes.
As usual, the Mountain Road Ceili Band is at The Margarita at Pine Creek in Colorado Springs the 15th from 6:30-9:30 PM.
Colcannon provides the music for the play “A Man of No Importance” at the Arvada Center. Performances run until May 17 with Talk Backs after the May 8 evening show, and May 13th after the matinee. Performances are on Fridays and Saturdays at, 7:30 PM and Saturdays and Sundays at 2 PM. Center seats are $73, prime, $67 and value $59. Shows on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday at 7:30 PM and the 1:00 PM Wednesday matinee, tickets are $66 for center seats, $60 for prime and $53 for value.
The Indulgers are on the road for shows in Kansas at Th’ Gatherin’ celebration of Beltane in WaKeeny on the 1st and 2nd and at the legendary Dubliner Pub in Omaha on the 15th and 16th. On the 8th, they are at Expresso Vino in Lafayette for FAC at 5:30 PM, at the Eagles Lodge in Denver on the 22nd at 7 PM and close out the month at Conor O’Neill’s in Boulder on the 29th at 10 PM. Brian Clancy is Jack Quinn’s in downtown Colorado Springs at 7:30 PM on the 7th, 14th, 21st and 28th and at the Irish Snug on Capitol Hill in Denver at 8:30 PM on the 2nd, 9th, 16th and 23rd. Ceol Ceili plays with the Woodland Park Wind Symphony on the 3rd and has upcoming shows at McGinty’s Wood Oven Pub in Divide. They will also be guests on the KRCC Celtic Show on the 17th at 7 PM.
Skean Dubh will at Strange Grounds Coffee, 1417 S Broadway, Denver, CO 80210 Denver, May 9, 7:00pm; Saturday May 16 10AM at Beltania La Foret Retreat, Colo Springs; Wed May 20, 7PM on KGNU, Seolta Gael, Celtic Radio show in Seolta Gael
Boulder.

Folk Ragoût and special guest fiddler Katie Henderson will perform Irish tunes, French songs, and Old-Time fiddle, Thursday May 14th,2015 7:30PM at Swallow Hill, Denver CO , 303-777-1003. On Saturday, May 30th, 7:30pm Folk Ragoût will be in concert with Lights Along the Shore at Snowy Range Evangelical Free Church 2552 North 15th Street, Laramie, WY.

Folk Ragoût is an exciting and original duo, comprised of American flutist Leslie Anne Harrison and French singer and guitarist Frédéric Pouille.

Frédéric and Leslie met at the Irish World Academy in Limerick, Ireland and began performing together in Northern Europe and America. Folk Ragoût explores extended technique, highly textured arrangements, and percussive illusions to create a distinctive style within the tradition of the flute and guitar duo. Their music is inspired by an Irish traditional touch and focuses particularly on their French Breton and French Canadian heritage.

The French-American pair has been enjoying critical acclaim since the release of their 2011 self-titled album. While performing in Scotland with New Time Ensemble, their arrangement of “Da Bride’s a Boannie Ting” was selected for the Edinburgh Folk Club’s Best of 2011 Album. Folk Ragoût was chosen as a selected performer for the Southwest Regional Folk Alliance Conference in 2012, and in the same year they recorded for Liz Davis Maxfield’s The Irish Cello Book, which was published by Hal Leonard. Folk Ragoût also performs and tours with New Time Ensemble.

With their great love for the traditional Celtic music of France and French Canada, Folk Ragoût’s performances are unique, beautiful, and virtuosic.