CELTIC WOMAN at Red Rocks Amphitheatre on Sunday, June 9.

Celtic Woman Ticket Link:
http://www.ticketmaster.com/event/1E004A29A072543F

The enchanting Irish musical ensemble Celtic Woman returns to America for an expansive four-month concert tour, beginning on February 21 in Worcester, MA and following on the heels of the group’s sold-out Christmas Celebration tour. In addition, Celtic Woman was recently named Billboard Magazine’s #1 World Music Artist in their year-end issue. For completed tour schedule and ticket information, visit http://www.celticwoman.com/.

Celtic Woman combines the talents of four gifted Irish women—vocalists Chloë Agnew, Lisa Lambe and Susan McFadden and violinist Máiréad Nesbitt—whose dazzling performances combine the sounds and sensibility of Irish traditional music with memorable original compositions and contemporary pop standards. The 2013 tour boasts an exciting new stage production and the return of such enduring fan favorites as “You Raise Me Up” and “Orinoco Flow.”

In celebration of Celtic Woman’s return to Red Rocks, Colorado Public Television (CPT-12) will broadcast BELIEVE, the group’s recent live concert special, on Thursday, February 14th at 7:00pm with a repeat broadcast at 9:00pm. BELIEVE was filmed during two sold-out performances at the majestic Fox Theatre in Atlanta, GA and stars vocalists Chloë Agnew, Lisa Kelly, Lisa Lambe and Celtic violinist Máiréad Nesbitt, under the distinct musical direction of Emmy-nominated musical director, David Downes.
Visit http://www.cpt12.org/ for more info.

Since its formation in 2004, Celtic Woman has emerged as both a spectacular commercial success and a global cultural phenomenon. The group’s uplifting mix of timeless tradition and contemporary craft has transcended national and cultural borders to touch the hearts of a devoted international fan base. The fans have embraced Celtic Woman’s hugely successful Public Television specials and made their CDs and DVDs into multi-platinum best-sellers. The group’s albums have sold more than seven million copies around the world.

Like all of their albums, Celtic Woman’s two 2012 releases, the acclaimed Believe CD/DVD and the holiday-themed CD Home For Christmas, both debuted at #1 on Billboard’s World Music chart — marking eight consecutive chart-topping albums for the group.

Celtic Woman recently made their soap opera debut as featured guests in multiple episodes of the CBS daytime drama The Bold and the Beautiful.

Having sold nearly 3 million concert tickets worldwide, Celtic Woman has won a dedicated and loyal audience in America, where their elaborately staged, visually stunning concert tours consistently draw sellout crowds. Singing songs of love, loss, hope and inspiration, Celtic Woman celebrates the emotional resonance of Ireland’s centuries-old musical and cultural heritage while taking advantage of the limitless options of state-of-the-art production. The result is a breathtaking musical and theatrical experience to be enjoyed by multiple generations of concert goers.

TICKETS ON SALE at the Fillmore Auditorium Box Office, online at www.ticketmaster.com or call 800-745-3000. Tickets are $110.00, $65.00 & $40.00 RES and $25.00 GA plus applicable service charges.

Reserved Seating Rows 2-60 General Admission Rows 61-69

There are decisions to be made when you enter the Celtic Tavern at 18th & Blake in Lower Downtown Denver (LoDo); Donegal Fish & Chips vs. Scottish Salmon Filet, London Broil vs. Sirloin, Guinness vs. Murphy’s, Jameson vs. Bushmill, and so on and so on.. Now you can add one more decision – What horse do I bet on?
Off Track Betting (OTB) is now available at the “Celtic” starting at 10.30 am ( 8 am on special race days) on horses, greyhound, or harness racing. Betting is not mandatory, but it is hard not to get excited and involved like the other betters when you are surrounded by 35 TVs covering races from around the country.
Live tellers are on hand to help you place your bets or if you prefer, use one of the automated machines.
If you enjoy a smoke with your drink, head into sister pub Delaney’s which adjoins the “Celtic.” Delaney’s also accommodates off track betting. They are the only facility in Colorado where you can enjoy a pint, a bet and a cigar all at the same time.

www.TheCelticTavern.com 1801 Blake St, Denver, CO 80202 Phone:(303) 308-1795

Denver Rose Jessica Lesser traveled to Ireland to participate in the
2013 Rose of Tralee Regional Finals May 29-June 2.
By all accounts she was a fantastic representative for the greater Denver Irish Community.
Big applause also goes out to the folks at the Denver Rose Center and all the friends and
family who supported Jessica’s effort that made us proud!

Irelands Tanaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs Eamon Gilmore has described the Rose of Tralee as one of the great Festivals of Ireland that mobilizes the entire Irish Diaspora around the world.
Gilmore officially welcomed Jessica and the other 60 Roses from all over the world to the Rose of Tralee Regional Festival which took place in Portlaoise, Co Laois.
The Tanaiste says each Rose plays a key ambassadorial role in promoting Irish tourism to a worldwide audience.

The Rose of Tralee International Festival is one of Ireland’s largest and longest running festivals. It is based around the selection of the Rose of Tralee, an international event that encompasses young women of Irish descent from Ireland and around the world.

Jessica returns to Colorado as the reigning 2013 Denver St. Patrick’s Parade Queen Colleen to work in the Irish Community.
June 2013 Celtic Connection

When the producers of Riverdance were looking for dancers- Irish, Latin Flamenco, Afro Cuban and Street, for their new dance stage spectacular ‘Heartbeat of Home(HOH),’ they decided to incorporate social media into the project.
This past April HOH gave a shout out to the world with an online talent search that asked dancers to record a dance audition and download it to HeartbestofHome.com. In addition to HOH judges, everyone was invited to go online to watch the videos and vote for their favorites through April 26.

Denver native Blaine Donovan made his audition video in the Celtic Steps studio where he teaches. He gave a brief introduction and 90 seconds of strong Irish Dance. Apparently the HOH judges liked what they saw because on April 29th Blaine was picked in the first ‘Judges Choice’ announcement and was offered a trip to Ireland in May to continue the audition process, with the goal of joining the cast of HOH for the premiere at The Bord Gáis Energy Theatre, Dublin, to run 3 weeks in September – October 2013.

On his brief bio for the online portion of the talent search, Blaine told HOH and the world, “… Irish dance is my passion and I strive to be among the best! I started dancing at the age of 7 and being 22 now, I will forever be inspired by Irish dancing for its beauty, grace, strength and physicality. Showing that is how I express my love for this and hope to inspire others. I love new experiences and want to make some more with Heartbeat of Home!”

Now that his wish has been granted, Blaine will leave for Dublin on May 22. Prior to his departure he said, “I’m so excited to be a part of this amazing experience. I’ve grown up knowing most of these dancers selected either by the public vote or the judge’s choice, and to be among these world champions and other fantastic dancers, knowing I’m in the same category as them is unreal!”
While in Dublin, Blaine will be required to perform a hard shoe and light shoe piece that would be executed for competition. But what he really is fired up about is a piece that he has choreographed specifically for the audition. “The judges suggest a non-Irish dance music piece that cannot exceed 90 seconds. The piece is a contemporary, modern, and classical ballet showcase with half Irish dancing. This is something I’ve never done before and am so absolutely excited to perform this for the judges!”
Blaine knows his time in Dublin will be packed with dancing and other HOH activities, but he does hope for a little free time. “I’m flying to Ireland on my birthday for this! We may have to do some interviews and work with the press once we get there and I’m beginning to feel famous now! Just as well, my friend Jessica Lesser who is the Denver Queen Colleen will be there for the Rose of Tralee, and my cousin and his wife are traveling to Ireland at this time. If I have time while I’m in Dublin I really hope that I could meet up with them. Dublin here I come!” June 2013 Celtic Connection

Boston-based rock band The Dropkick Murphys are touring in support of their latest studio album SIGNED and SEALED in BLOOD and will perform at The Fillmore Auditorium in Denver on, May 29 and e at the Sunshine Theater in Albuquerque has been rescheduled for June 28.
“We had such a great time writing our last album, Going Out In Style, we were excited to get back into the studio right away,” says bassist and co-lead singer Ken Casey. “Where Going Out in Style was a concept album—kind of intricate and difficult—this one is catchy, fun, and as sing-along as can be.”

SIGNED and SEALED in BLOOD is taking the band, over a decade into their career, to places they’ve never been before. Their holiday song “The Season’s Upon Us” saw the band breaking through Modern Rock radio, charting higher than they’ve ever been before. The band were featured in a recent issue of Billboard Magazine, and on New Year’s Day the band was featured on NPR’s widely listened to “All Things Considered”. Also, Ken Casey of the band was invited by Bruce Springsteen to sing a song in his MusiCares tribute concert during GRAMMY week.
Dropkick Murphys just finished their 2013 “St. Patrick’s Day Tour,” which concluded with three dates in their hometown of Boston, MA including the fulfillment of the band’s career-long dream of headlining the Boston Garden, now known as TD Garden on March 15. The Garden show was billed as “Dropkick Murphys Irish Festival,” with bands and attractions on two stages. The entire tour had an epic finale on St. Patrick’s Day (March 17) at The House of Blues in Boston.

The band is selling a “For Boston” T-shirt at www.CladdahFund.org. 100% OF ALL PROCEEDS from this shirt will go directly to the victims and families of the Boston Bombings.
The Claddagh Fund is the charitable foundation of the Dropkick Murphys, founded by Ken Casey in 2009. Honoring the three attributes of the Claddagh Ring, Friendship, Love and Loyalty, the Claddagh Fund is committed to supporting organizations who champion the needs of children and support vulnerable populations’

Dropkick Murphys are: Al Barr (lead vocals), Tim Brennan (guitars, accordion, whistle, vocals), Ken Casey (lead vocals, bass guitar), Jeff DaRosa (banjo, bouzouki, mandolin, harmonica, vocals), Matt Kelly (drums, vocals), James Lynch (guitar, vocals) and Scruffy Wallace (bagpipes, tin whistles).

www.facebook.com/celtic.rockies

Chef Eric W. McBride has just released his third Celtic Cook book, The Celtic-style Vegetarian Cook book, a combination of Ovo-Lacto recipes from all Eight Celtic nations. This cook book combines Celtic history & history of Celtic cuisine with traditional Celtic recipes enhanced with modern cooking techniques. Written not just for Vegetarian’s, but for anyone who wishes to spice up their vegetables, Celtic-style.
Chef Eric will be on hand to sign copies of his newest cook book as well as his other two books; Book I Scottish recipes, Book II Irish Recipes. He will be at Nallen’s Irish pub in Lodo, Denver, on Wednesday May 8th from 4 pm to 7pm, at Darcy’s Irish Pub in the Denver Tech center on Saturday May 11th from 11am to 2 pm, at the Rio Grande Celtic Festival in Albuquerque, NM on May 18th & 19th, Two Fools Pub in Albuquerque, NM on Tuesday May 21st between 4pm & 7pm, and at the “2013 SCOTSFEST” on Memorial Day weekend May 25th & 26th at the Orange County Fair Grounds in the Los Angeles, California area.

On June 1st nine outstanding Irish Americans will be inducted into the 2013 Irish Hall of Fame at the
Irish American Heritage Center in Chicago. Among those to be honored at the evening Awards Gala
will be Eileen Marie Collins, a retired American astronaut and U.S. Air Force Colonel. A former military instructor and test pilot she was assigned (1986 to 198), to the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs , Colorado, as an assistant professor in mathematics and a T-41 instructor pilot.

Daughter of James E. and Rose Marie Collins, immigrants from County Cork, Ireland,
Collins achieved several firsts in the history of space travel. In 1995 she took the helm of the Discovery, becoming the first woman to pilot a space shuttle. Collins was the first woman to command a space shuttle in 1999; and in July 2005 she commanded the much-anticipated launch of the first space shuttle since the disastrous Columbia voyage in 2003, during which all seven astronauts were killed on board. Collins’s 2005 mission was considered key to the future of manned space flight, since the focus was to test out new safety measures and repair techniques.
On being named the first female shuttle commander ,Collins said, “When I was a child, I dreamed about space – I admired pilots, astronauts, and I’ve admired explorers of all kinds. It was only a dream that I would someday be one of them. It is my hope that all children “boys and girls” will see this mission and be inspired to reach for their dreams, because dreams do come true!”
Eileen Marie Collins was born on November 19, 1956 in Elmira, New York. Her parents encouraged her dream of becoming a pilot and she earned her license while in college. She graduated from Elmira Free Academy in 1974, and received an Associate of Science degree in Mathematics from Corning Community College in 1976. She then attended Syracuse University, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Mathematics and Economics in 1978. She also received a Master of Science degree in Operations Research from Stanford University in 1986 and a Master of Arts degree in Space Systems Management from Webster University in 1989.
In 1979, Collins graduated from Air Force Undergraduate Pilot Training at Vance Air Force Base (AFB), Oklahoma. She then served as a T-38 instructor pilot at Vance until 1982. From 1983 to 1985, she was a C-141 aircraft commander and instructor pilot at Travis AFB, California, and took part in the invasion of Grenada in October 1983. In 1986, Collins attended the Air Force Institute of Technology at Wright-Patterson AFB in Dayton, Ohio. She graduated from the Air Force Test Pilot School at Edwards AFB, California in 1990. Collins has logged over 5,000 hours in 30 different types of aircraft.
A veteran of four space shuttle missions (all of which launched from Kennedy Space Center, Florida) Colonel Collins has logged over 537 hours in space. She first entered space on STS-63 Discovery from February 3 to 11, 1995, on the first flight of the new joint Russian-American Space Program. Mission highlights included the rendezvous with the Russian Space Station Mir, operation of Spacelab, the deployment and retrieval of an astronomy satellite, and a space walk. On this mission Eileen Collins became the first woman to pilot a Space Shuttle
Colonel Eileen Collins has received many awards, including the Defense Superior Service Medal, Distinguished Flying Cross, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Air Force Meritorious Service Medal with one oak leaf cluster, Air Force Commendation Medal with one oak leaf cluster, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal for service in Grenada (Operation Urgent Fury), French Legion of Honor, NASA Outstanding Leadership Medal, NASA Space Flight Medals, Free Spirit Award, and the National Space Trophy. Collins retired on May 1, 2006 to pursue private interests, including service as a board member of USAA. She is married with two children.

Other Inductees to the 2013 Irish American Hall of Fame Included:

Arts & Humanities : James Cagney, Harry “Bing” Crosby, and F. Scott Fitzgerald.
Business & Industry: Daniel Rooney, U.S. Ambassador and Chairman, Pittsburgh Steelers.
Public Service : Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan
Education: Archbishop John Carroll, founder of Georgetown University
Sports: Gene Tunney
Religion: Monsignor Ignatius “Father Mac” McDermott, founder of
Chicago’s Haymarket Center

The Celtic Connection has been a member of the voting body of The Irish American Hall of Fame since it was launched in in 2011
www.IAHOF.org www.NMSpaceMuseum.org

Two dance groups from Celtic Steps School of Irish Dance brought home the trophy from the World Irish Dancing Championships. “We are so proud of our students for their hard work and dedication. Our under 13 team and under 16 team won the title in their respective categories,” says Shaun Casey, owner of Celtic Steps School of Irish Dance. Both teams consist of 16 dancers.
Sixty-two competitors from Celtic Steps School of Irish Dance performed at the World Championship event. “ We had 13 teams and 25 soloists competing against more than 5,000 dancers from across the globe. It’s truly quite an honor for two of our teams to bring home the win,” explains Casey.
Celtic Steps School of Irish Dance specializes in Traditional Irish Solo and Ceili Dancing. Irish step dancing combines the entrancing rhythms of traditional Celtic music with the grace and energy of dance. Students work to achieve the fundamentals of timing, body positioning, and footwork as they learn the basic steps, then progress to learn beginner reel, light jig, and slip jig steps.
“Capturing the World Championship title means so much to our dancers. Not only is it a testament to their amazing dance skills, but it shows a strength in their teams skills, confidence, and dedication to their art,” adds Casey.
The World Irish Dancing Championships was held March 24-31, in Boston, Massachusetts. It was only the second time in the prestigious international competition’s more than 40-year history that it was held outside of Ireland or Scotland

(photo – Noel Cunningham and Morgan Adams at Strings)

Not all ambassadors come decorated with ribbons and medals; some live in our midst quietly and with humility doing work that promotes peace and justice. Irish Network Colorado (INCO) is pleased to present its first annual Ambassador Award to Noel+ and Tammy Cunningham, two such diplomats, for their tireless efforts via the Cunningham Foundation on Thursday, May 2, 2013, 5-8:00 pm, the History Colorado Center, Denver. Former Governor Bill Ritter, a long-time friend of the Cunninghams, will introduce Tammy and showcase the work of the Foundation.

“The INCO Ambassador Award Gala is an annual event to honor those of Irish descent and friends of Ireland who have fostered business, social or civic relationships between the US and Ireland, or who have devoted their time and resources to promoting philanthropic causes in Colorado and around the world,” said Ciaran Dwyer, INCO President, “We are thrilled to be honor Tammy and Noel with our first annual Ambassador Award.” The Cunningham Foundation was founded in 2003 with the mission of helping the courageous people of the impoverished areas of Ethiopia to help themselves. The Foundation is the vision of Noel and Tammy, who were struck by both the poverty and amazing resilience they witnessed in a visit to Project Mercy in Yetebon, Ethiopia nearly ten years ago. The Cunningham Foundation supports Quarters for Kids, Hope Bracelet and Hope Heart Beads projects, and Ethiopia Libraries.
The award will be given in the context of a VIP ticketed cocktail reception. Additionally, as designated by Tammy Cunningham, all proceeds from the event will go to the Morgan Adams Foundation. “Noel and Morgan developed a precious relationship as she battled with cancer, a battle she eventually lost,” commented Tammy, “Morgan spent a lot of time in the restaurant with Noel because of her frequent trips to Children’s Hospital. I know Noel would have wanted us to honor her and support her family’s foundation with the proceeds of the Ambassador Gala.”

The Morgan Adams Foundation raises money and awareness on behalf of children affected with cancer. Working with leading physicians, the Foundation directly funds pediatric cancer research and therapies which will improve survival rates and reduce the devastating side-effects cancer treatments have on our children (for more information go to http://www.morganadamsfoundation.org/).
“We are so touched and pleased that Tammy would think of us with respect to the award being given to her and Noel. Noel was a very special person in Morgan’s life and to be included in an evening that celebrates him and Tammy and their work is truly an honor,” said Joan Slaughter, Morgan’s mother and co-founder of the Foundation (along with her husband, Steve Adams).

Ticket reservations are underway and limited, with prices at $75 per person/$145 per couple. The cost of the ticket includes a tour of the History Colorado Center (12th and Broadway), a hors d’oeuvre VIP reception, and the award ceremony. Ticket reservations can be made through www.irishnetworkco.com.

Irish Network Colorado (IN-Colorado) is a business network that connects Irish expatriates, Irish-Americans and friends of Ireland. Our mission is to provide a forum for social, business, and professional networking for our members and to strengthen economic, social, and cultural ties between Irish and American businesses in Colorado and more broadly between the U.S. and Ireland. By harnessing the energy and synergies of its diverse membership, IN-Colorado hopes to strengthen the economic, social, and cultural ties between Irish and American businesses in Colorado and between the U.S. and Ireland.

(photo credit: Antikainen Photography)

Denver Rose Jessica Lesser (pictured above) will be one of the World Champion and Professional Irish Dancers at the Roots of the Rose: A Show of Irish Celebration, Friday April 26 at the Tivoli Turnhalle at Auraria campus. The show will benefit the Denver Rocky Mountain Rose of Tralee Center, a not for profit organization. Proceeds will help to send Jessica, the 2013 Denver Rose, to Ireland at the end of May to compete in the regional finals of the International Rose of Tralee Festival with 6o other cities from around the world.
Other performances during the evening include Dr. Marcin Arendt, virtuoso fiddle Player and wife Rebecca , a world class singer, and the Michael Collins Pipe Band.
In addition there will be tickets sold for drawings for great prizes!

Roots of the Rose, Friday, April 26, 7:00 – 9:00 pm at Tivoli Turnhalle at the Auraria Campus, 1201 5th St, Denver. Invite your friends and purchase your tickets online at: http://denverrose.ticketleap.com/rootsoftherose/ http://www.denverrosecenter.org/