Scotland’s “Live Band of the Year” Skerryvore at to perform in Denver October 8

Reserved seats available now at direct link (Tickets now $20, Ticket day of show $25) http://www.ticketfly.com/purchase/selectSeats?id=1524099&seatSelectorOnly=true

Skerryvore

“Skerryvore are the most promising young band in Scotland today”  Mick MacNeil, Simple Minds

To quote the words of one local journalist: “ (Seven) of the best musical ambassadors Scotland could ever have wished for… a living, breathing, (14) legged party waiting to happen.”  The Falkirk Herald, Scotland

Skerryvore, an award-winning band from Scotland, will perform at The Soiled Dove, 7401 E. 1st Ave, on Sunday, October 8th at 3:00 p.m. (No worries Broncos fans, it’s the team bye week so no game).  This event is open to patrons of all ages (under 21 must be accompanied by parent or legal guardian). Tickets are $20.00-$25.00. For more information call 303-830-9214 or visit http://www.tavernhg.com/soiled-dove.

Hailing from the island of Tiree, Skerryvore (pronounced Sker-ee-vore) formed in 2005 and includes brothers Daniel Gillespie (accordion) and Martin Gillespie (bagpipes, whistles & accordion), Fraser West (drums & vocals), Alec Dalglish (lead vocals & guitar), Craig Espie (fiddles), Alan Scobie (keyboards), Jodie Bremaneson (bass) and recent addition Scott Wood (bagpipes).  The band took their name after the at www.SoiledDove.com or 303-830-9214 lighthouse that sits on a remote reef of the same name off of Tiree; it is the tallest in Scotland.

Skerryvore’s eclectic fusion of rock, pop and traditional music has pleased audiences not only throughout Scotland and the UK, but also worldwide, having performed in over 25 countries worldwide and in cities such as Dubai, Beijing, Shanghai, Madrid, Munich and New York City. With their outstanding musicianship and the mesmerizing voice of award-winning singer-songwriter, Alec Dalglish, Skerryvore has become an international sensation.

The band entered 2017 having, once again, been recognized as the “Live Act of the Year 2016” at the Scottish Traditional Music Awards.

Skerryvore has released 6 albums, selling close to 60,000 physical CDs and well over a million streams.  Their most recent release was 2015’s Decade, a mix of live recordings, live studio sessions and the single “Happy to be Home” featuring the legendary Irish musician, Sharon Shannon.  “Happy To Be Home” topped the iTunes World Music Charts in May of 2015.

When not touring the different corners of the globe, the band performs relentlessly, contributing to projects by Live Music Now (LMN), The Royal Blind School, Artlink Central and HMP Cornton Vale, as well as special needs and mainstream schools throughout the UK. They were also recently featured in a Visit Scotland TV commercial aimed at international audiences.

Skerryvore is currently putting the finishing touches on a new studio album, which they hope to release in conjunction with their 2018 U.S. tour.

Soiled Dove & Celtic Events Present

Skerryvore

Sunday Oct 8, 2017 Doors: 2:30 PM Show: 3:30 PM

Soiled Dove Underground  7401 E. 1st Ave Denver (Free parking)

(Food available through the Tavern at Lowry located upstairs)

Reserved seats $20 – $25 (Minors Under 21 with Parent or Legal Guardian)

at www.SoiledDove.com or 303-830-9214 or direct link:

http://www.ticketfly.com/purchase/selectSeats?id=1524099&seatSelectorOnly=true

Show information contact Celtic Events 303-777-0502

October 2017 Ceolta Notes

By Rodger hara

The Rocky Mountain Fiddle Club presents their Fall Festival at The Old Gallery in Allenspark, CO on the 21^st from 10 AM – 9 PM.  www.theoldgallery.org Located on the eastern edge of Rocky Mountain National Park, classes in Klezmer, Texas fiddle, singing, Scottish and Cape Breton fiddle tunes, drumming, and more will be offered along with informal sessions, acapella singing and a community dance.  All activities are free to Fiddle Club members.  Nonmembers pay $6 per class and $10 for the dance or $25 for all classes and the dance.

After 14 years, the Potcheen Folk Band is sailing into the sunset.  Founder Christian Blochinger is moving on the band’s bus to New Jersey to help his father build a home on family land there and with help from the Mickey Finn’s/Prodigals’ bassist recruit more talent and reform the band there.  Their last Colorado shows will be at Reserve Casino in Central City on the 13^th and 14^th.

Angus Mohr celebrates Irish Oktoberfest at 8 PM on the 14^th at the Odyssey Beerwerks in Arvada, 5535 W. 56^th Ave. on the 14^th.  And in an inspired pairing, the band joins with the Colorado Youth Pipe Band for a fundraiser on November 4^th from 5-9 PM at the Jefferson Unitarian Church, 14350 W. 32^nd Ave. in Golden.  Tickets are available at www.cypb.net and all proceeds benefit the Colorado Youth Pipe Band.

Juice O’the Barley’s new CD “Shore to Shore” is available at a very nice price on Bandcamp: https://juiceofthebarley.bandcamp.com/releases. It includes a fun twangy song about a pub in Belfast called the Rusty Nail by Colin Thompson & Bill O’Donnell. “Jerry’s singing Christy (Moore) songs, Billy thinks he’s Cat (Stevens), Paul has fallen to the floor, he won’t remember that …”

Fresh from a tour of Ireland where they played at pubs in Kenmare, Clonakilty and Timoleague in Ireland, Indigent Row plays at Skeye Brewing in Longmont, 900 S Hover St, Unit D
on the 20^th at 8 PM.

Chancers Hooley provides happy hour sounds for the patrons of Strange Craft Beer Company, 1330 Zuni St., Unit M, Denver on the 7^th at 6 PM.

Jon Sousa w/Andy Reiner play on the 13^th for the Denver Contra dance at the Highlands Masonic Center, 3550 Federal Blvd, Denver from 8-11 PM (lesson 7:15pm), $10 / $8 members / $5 students

Jon Sousa, Rebecca Waterhouse, & Guillaume Gaullier present a Breton Dance workshop and performance at CSU, Ft. Collins on the 14^th from 2-4 PM. Email [email protected] for more info.

Adam Agee & Jon Sousa play a House Concert in Erie at 6:30 PM on the  15^th and a House concert and Workshops in Colorado Springs on the 19^th, at the Healthy Rhythms Art Gallery, 68 S Grand Ave – Montrose, CO on the 20^th (Doors open at 6:30 PM, show starts at 7), a House Concert in Paonia, CO on the 21^st, a show in the renowned GiG Performance Space on the 25^th in Santa Fe, NM at 7:30 PM (tickets $20) and in the Francisco Crossing on the 29^th in La Veta, CO at 4:30 pm – tickets $12. Contact [email protected] for more details on any of the above.

Take Down the Door’s new CD, “Live in Lyons” is now available to download or stream at https://takedownthedoor.bandcamp.com/releases

The ROCKY BARDS (A group of musicians, not a band – Chris Fiene, Chris Musial, Daniel Ward, Jared Brewer, Jim Abraham, Jimmy Luper, Jim Tolstrup, Karl Brown, Ken Morgan, Maggie Hayes, Mark Breslin, Mary Maguire – with special guest Aoife Maguire of The Maguire Band from County Wicklow) perform a Celtic Benefit Concert for the Wounded Warrior Project on the 29^th at 3 PM in the Lincoln Center in Fort Collins and on November 18^th at 7 PM in the Rialto Theatre in Loveland. Tickets for both available at the box office or at the door.  All proceeds to WWP.  A few members of the Moriarty Moffitt Irish Dancers will join the Bards onstage at the Rialto Theater.  Tickets $20 at the door or in advance at https://tickets.lctix.com/orderticketsarea.asp?p=2485&a=73&src=eventperformances and http://www.rialtotheatercenter.org/rocky-bards-celtic-benefit-concert-for-wounded-warrior-project/

Lakewood Cultural Center Presents Julie Fowlis: Music of the Scottish Isles at 7:30 PM on the 13^th.  Fowlis will forever be remembered for lending her sweet singing voice to “Brave,” Disney Pixar’s Oscar, Golden Globe and BAFTA winning animated film set in the ancient highlands of Scotland. Julie and her band won Folk Act of the Year at the 2014 Scots Trad Music Awards, and she later made history as the first Gaelic solo artist to win a Scottish Music Award in December 2014.  Tickets start at $20 and are available at 303-987-7845, Lakewood.org/LCCPresents or the Lakewood Cultural Center Box Office, 470 S. Allison Parkway (Wadsworth and West Alameda Avenue).

Avourneen is in New Mexico on the 7^th to play at 7 PM for the Albuquerque Contra Dance, Albuquerque Square Dance Center, 4915 Hawkins St NE, Albuquerque, NM. Admission starts at $9.  Adam Goldstein does his solo Irish song and guitar act at the Clocktower Cabaret on Denver’s 16^th Street Mall at 11 PM on the 28^th.

You can sample some Wild Mountain greengrass on the 14^th at Clancy’s Irish Pub on W. 38^th Ave. in Wheat Ridge from 7:30 – 10:30 PM, on the 21^st at The Roost in Longmont from 8:30 – 11 PM or on the 28^th at Kline’s Beer Hall in Arvada from 8 – 11 PM.

Brian Clancy occupies his usual seat at Jack Quinn Pub and Alehouse in Downtown Colorado Springs on the 5^th, 12^th, 19^th and 26^th at 7:30 PM.

The Bedlam Boys play for a house concert in the Gold Hills Theatre in Woodland Park on the 8th from 2:30-4 PM and at Jack Quinn’s in Colo Springs on the 21^st at 8 PM.

CaraTrom – the stage name of Tim Baldwin – will be playing his blend of Irish, bluegrass, and Americana music at The Public House in Colorado Springs on Saturday, October 21, from 9 to midnight.

The 2017 Spanish Peaks International Celtic Music Festival Welcomes folks to “Crossroads of Tradition”in Huerfano County September 21- 24

Hundreds, maybe thousands of years ago, Spanish Peaks Country became an intersection of cultures and traditions.  Indigenous natives, Spanish explorers, mountain men, traders, work seekers, and homesteaders migrated from foreign lands to hunt, mine, farm, and survive in the region.  Over time folks began to gather together in places they named La Veta, La Plaza de los Leones (now known as Walsenburg), Gardner, and Cuchara.  This melting pot of people of were brought together by shared stories, music, song, and dance.

Spanish Peaks International Celtic Music Festival (SPICMF) has been perpetuating these customs during the last full weekend of September for over a decade.   It has been a preferred place to meet with others who share a passion for the various sounds from Celtic cultures that have been often separated by time, miles, and local traditions.  Musicians have come from Ireland, Scotland, Canada, France, Italy, Germany, and Spain to teach and perform.  In the process, musical connections have been made and enjoyed not just through regional representations but also from spotlighting connecting genres from Jazz to Americana.

The folks behind SPICMF will again bring some of the best musicians in the world to perform, teach, inspire, and experience the magic of Spanish Peaks Country September 21-24.  Included in this years awesome gathering of talent includes Old Blind Dogs, The Screaming Orphans, Kevin Burke, Paddy Keenan, The Hydes with Tadgh O’Meachair, Ed Miller, Robbie O’Connell, Mairtin de Cogain, Arlene Patterson, John Crumlin, David Migoya, , Dirk Mewes, Tanya Perkins, David and Debbie Kolacny, Jim Remington, Ben Miller and Anita MacDonald, Timothy Cummings and in performance and tutoring in  Harp Retreat, Uillean Pipe Retreat, workshops, seminars, story-telling, concerts, incredible music and cráic, demonstrations, classes, singing, sessions, céilidh, and the Annual Rocky Mountain Celtic Radio Summit.

Festival-goers will come from near and far to listen, learn, sing, dance, and celebrate.  The events of the days ahead are designed for all levels of interest and budgets (some events are free) and are offered in a relaxed environment in beautiful southcentral Colorado.   SPICMF encourages you to be open to the unique festival opportunities – whether you just want to dip in a toe or immerse your whole being, this is your weekend.  Enjoy!

Spanish Peaks, ColoradoContact the Festival at 888-950-8807, [email protected] or get information on line at www.CelticMusicFest.com or check inside the Celtic Connection newspaper

September 2017 Ceolta Notes by Rodger Hara

Brian Clancy continues to be a fixture at the Jack Quinn Alehouse and Pub in downtown Colorado Springs on Thursdays at 7:30 PM.  You’ll find him ensconced on the seat of honor on the 7^th, 21^st and 28^th.  You’ll also find him there on the 14^th accompanied by Irish Row playing for the Annual Firefighter’s Memorial at 7:30 PM.

The McDeviants play for the City of Northglenn Pirate Fest Pirates’ Ball on the 15^th from 5:30-7:30 PM then head home to play at the Jack Quinn Alehouse and Pub in downtown Colorado Springs on the 16^th from 8:30-12:30 PM for Firefighters’ Weekend.

The lovely and talented Bedlam Boys play at Jack Quinn on the 1^st at 8 PM, at the Alchemy Pub in Colorado Springs at 9 PM on the 2^nd and trek up to the Paradox Beer Company in Divide for a 3 PM gig on the 10^th.

Chancers Hooley hits the stage on the 2^nd at the Blue Spruce Brewery in Centennial from 7:30-9:30 PM then plays at the City of Northglenn Pirate Fest in EB Rains Jr. Memorial Park on the 16^th from 11:30-2 PM.

The Commoners are on deck for the City of Northglenn Pirate Fest in EB Rains Jr. Memorial

Park on the 16^th from 5-7 PM.

Celtic Chaos treks to Brighton to play for The Palizzi Farm Chili Festival on the 2^nd at 5:30

PM then entertains the patrons at the Celtic House Pub in Parker on the 8^th from 6 -9 PM.

Avourneen hits the road for gigs at the Dubliner Pub in Omaha at 9:30 PM on the 1^st and 2^nd.  $5 admission at the door.  They return for a paired show at the new Celtic on Market in LoDo with Professor Phelyx featuring music, comedy and magic at 7 PM on the 9^th. Tickets start at $15.  On the 16^th, you’ll find them playing for the Pikes Peak Traditional Dance at 7 PM at All About Dance, 2318 Vickers Drive in Colorado Springs. Admission starts at $8.  They return to Colorado Springs on the 30^th for a 9 PM show at Jack Quinn Alehouse and Pub in downtown Colorado Springs.  Free admission.  Adam will present a solo Irish music show at 11 PM in the Clocktower Cabaret, 16th and Arapahoe in downtown Denver at 11 PM.

Potcheen has a busy month beginning with a headlining show for the Taste of Colorado in Civic Center Park, downtown Denver from 8-9:30 PM on the 1^st, a 9 PM set at the Jack Quinn Alehouse and Pub in Colorado Springs on the 2^nd and a 2-6 PM marathon at Cactus Jack’s in Evergreen on the 3^rd.  At least they get two weeks off before their next gig at the Lazy Dog in Boulder on the 15^th at 5 PM followed by a 2 PM appearance at the City of Northglenn Pirate Fest in the Park on the 16^th.  They close out the month with shows in the Lava Room of the Reserve Casino Hotel in Central City at 8 PM on the 22^nd and 7 PM on the 23^rd.

The Mountain Road Ceili Band is at The Margarita in Colorado Springs at 6 PM on the 15^th and plays until the movie starts on the patio at dark, around 8:30.

Members of the Rocky Mountain Fiddle Club play at Wyatt’s Wet Goods in Longmont from 1-3 PM on the 30^th.

You’ll be sure to hear a tune or two from Take Down the Door’s new CD “Live in Lyons” at their Old Town House Concert in Ft. Collins at 6:30 PM on the 8^th and at St. Brigit Celtic Festival in Frederick on the 30^th at 2 PM. More info at www.takedownthedoor.com .

Angus Mohr is at their usual spot on the stage in Lonigan’s in Estes Park at 9 PM on the 8^th then moves to the Pirates Ball stage in Northglenn on the 15th at 8 PM and closes out the month at the St. Brigit Celtic Fest on the 30^th at 4:30 PM.

 September 2017 Festivals

Longs Peak Scottish Irish Highland Festival ,September 7-10,Fairgrounds and other venues, Estes Park, CO with Albannach, Runa, The Outside Track, Ed Miller, Drops of Green, The Angry Brians, Seamus Kennedy, The Singing Pilgrims, Matthew Gurnsey, pipe bands and  Highland Dance and Pipe Band Competitions, Irish Dance, Scottish Heavy Athletics, Military Tattoo, Country Dance, workshops, seminars and story-telling, clan tents, lots of merchandise, dogs of the British Isles, military heritage, Guinness and full contact jousting.

Tickets at:  www.scotfest.com

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Spanish Peaks International Celtic Music Festival, September 24^th-27^th ,La Veta, Walsenburg, and other venues in, Huerfano County, CO. With the Old Blind Dogs, The Screaming Orphans, Kevin Burke, The Hydes with Tadgh O’Meachair, Ed Miller, Mairtin de Cogain, Arlene Patterson, John Crumlin, David Migoya, Paddy Keenan, Dirk Mewes, Tanya Perkins, David and Debbie Kolacny, Jim Remington, Ben Miller and Anita MacDonald, Timothy Cummings and Robbie O’Connell in performance and tutoring also Harp Retreat, Uillean Pipe Retreat, workshops, seminars, story-telling, concerts, incredible music and cráic, demonstrations, classes, singing, sessions, céilidh, lots of grand fellowship and the Annual Rocky Mountain Celtic Radio Summit.

Prices vary according to event (some are free)– check the website – http://celticmusicfest.com/

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St. Brigit Celtic Festival, September 30, St. Brigit Episcopal Church, Frederick, CO withTake Down the Door and Angus Mohr. The Festival is a fund-raiser for the church’s community outreach projects.  There will be bagpipes, dancing, athletic exhibitions, Irish food, beer and whiskey, a Celtic art show and a participatory cultural area.   $4-$13 In advance, $5-$15 at the gate https://www.celticfestbrigit.org/

Legendary uillean piper Paddy Keenan to teach at Spanish Peaks Celtic Fest/Pipping Retreat.

Paddy Keenan  is an Irish player of the uilleann pipes who first gained fame as a founding member of The Bothy Band. Since that group’s dissolution in the late 1970s, Keenan has continued to delight fans with a number of solo and collaborative recordings, and live tours as a soloist, and with other musicians.

If you want to hear Paddy perform/teach,  he will be in Colorado at the Spanish Peaks International Celtic Music Festival  September 21-24 in La Veta/Walsenburg area, Colorado – Check www.celticmusicfest.com if you want his schedule for the fest.

Paddy will also give instruction to uilleann pipers at theSpanish Peaks Pipe Retreat September 22-24, at the La Veta high school La Veta, CO.  If you are a piper and interested in getting instruction from Paddy please go to www.sppipers.com. The Spanish Peaks Pipe Retreat is sponsored by the Spanish Peaks International Celtic Music Festival  The uilleann pipes portion of the retreat will focus on tuition for uilleann pipes.  Assisting Paddy will be Colorado’s own Dirk Mewes who will be teaching a reed-making workshop for uilleann pipes.  Uilleann pipes  Students are encouraged to contact Dirk before the retreat to request topics that they would like to cover during the workshops.  Contact Dirk at: [email protected]

Some of the other musicians who will also perform and teach at this years Spanish Peaks celebration are: Old Blind Dogs, The Screaming Orphans, Paddy Keenan, Kevin Burke, The Hydes, Tadhg O’Meachair (Goitse), Robbie O’Connell, Mairtin de Cogain, Ben Miller & Anita MacDonald

Clancy’s Irish Pub:  The Legacy Lives On – Inaugural Celtic Festival

August 26 and 27

By Lisa Switzer

When Jeff Hurlburt and his partners bought Clancy’s Irish Pub, he had no idea where the venture would lead him.  Clancy’s, now the oldest and longest running Irish Pub in Colorado, was founded in Wheat Ridge in 1973 by Bob Murray. In July 2010, after much discussion and his partners at the time decided to purchase the venue and they opened in October of that year.  For Jeff, who grew up in Wheat Ridge and has been in the restaurant business his whole career, buying an Irish Pub was a bit daunting.  He didn’t know much about Irish culture and wasn’t sure what he could bring to the table, but when he told his mother what was he was up to, she said, “Well that’s perfect since your great, great grandmother emigrated from Ireland,”  something Jeff hadn’t known.

When Jeff and his partners took over Clancy’s at its original location, it had been closed for eight months due to a fire.  The first year trying to connect with the original customers was challenging; they tried to focus on good food and service, but Jeff felt there was something missing.

Then Ernie Perry, an Irish session musician, approached him about hosting a session on the west side.  Jeff liked that idea because he felt it would bring cultural authenticity, something that had been lost over the years.  At that point, Jeff made a commitment to intentionally honor Bob Murray’s original mission of being a “local Irish pub.”  Before they closed on Kipling, Tuesday nights, when they hosted the session, were one of the busiest nights of the week.

In 2009, they had to find a new venue due to city renovations taking place at 38^th and Kipling.  Right at that time, the current location went on the market and Jeff and his partners, Steve Zielinski, Joe DeMott and Tony Facinilli, decided it was the perfect home for Clancy’s.  “What is cool about this version of Clancy’s,” Jeff says, “Is that it allows us to host live music and exposes us to a wider audience and to be taken more seriously.”

Clancys-Jeff-Hurlburt-in-front-of-the-original-Clancys-sign.jpg

He wants Clancy’s to be seen as a traditional Irish pub:  a communal place that is home to graduations, meetings, holiday parties, etc. and encourages people, especially with Celtic connections, to feel like it is home.  This August 26 and 27 Clancy’s will make many Celtic connections hosting its first Celtic festival.  Jeff had been approached before about hosting a festival and he didn’t feel they were ready.   But when Phil Coombs, a local musician and participant in the Tuesday night sessions, approached him to host one in August, the time was right.

What excites him most about the upcoming festival?   “I’m excited to be bringing an Irish cultural event to Wheat Ridge, and I am excited to meet people who promote and participate in Irish culture every day.   This is still a learning experience for me as I get to know more and more about my own heritage. I think Bob Murray would be proud to see that the legacy he started still continues.”

There has already  been a great deal of support for the event in August, and Jeff says he is honored that people are willing to support Clancy’s, which he hopes  will be seen as a center for the Irish/Celtic community.  With the First Annual Clancy’s Celtic Festival, they may well be on their way.

August 2017 Ceolta Notes

by Rodger Hara

Potcheen kicks off their August with a concert in Homestead Park on E. Florida in Aurora for the Murphy Creek folks on the 13^th at 5 PM then closes out the month in the Golden Speakeasy in Miner’s Alley on the 26^th at 8 PM.

The Mountain Road Ceili Band is continuing its 22nd year at The Margarita at Pine Creek in Colorado Springs on the 18th at 6:00 PM outdoors on the patio bar.

Chancer’s Hooley plays at the Blue Spruce Brewery in Centennial on the 4^th from 7:30-9:30 PM.

Celtica, a progressive multi-instrument band from Indiana, presents an over-21 show on the 11^th at 9 PM in Nixon’s Smoke House BBQ Brews and Live Music, 6520 S. College, Ft. Collins.

Avourneen plays at Ned Kelly’s at 9 PM on the 26^th and at the Clancy’s Celtic Festival on the 27^th, time TBD.  Adam Goldstein is at the Clocktower playing on the 5^th, 12^th and 10th at 11 PM.

After another successful and fun Elizabeth Celtic Festival, Skean Dubh entertains the folks in Manitou Springs on the front lawn of the Public library on the 1^st at 6 PM, then plays for the shoppers at the Old South Pearl Street Farmers market from 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM on the 20^th in front of Leo’s Automotive and then on the 19^th at the Boulder Farmers Market on 13^th St. from 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Wild Mountain is on stage at Clancy’s Irish Pub in Wheat Ridge on the 11^th at 7:30 PM and the 27^th from 4-6 PM, the Carnation Festival in Wheat Ridge on the 12^th, time TBD and the Barklay Ballroom in Frisco at 9 PM on the 25th.

Brian Clancy entertains at Jack Quinn Irish Alehouse and Pub, Downtown Colorado Springs, on the 3^rd, 10^th, 17^th, 24^th and 31^st. On July 20^th, he began his NINETEENTH YEAR of playing Jack Quinn on Thursday nights.  He said “It’s a wonderful pub, with great people.  And it’s the best gig in Colorado.”

The fabulous Bedlam Boys play at Jack Quinn Irish Alehouse and Pub on the 12^th from 8  PM to Midnight and return for a gig there on September 1^st at  PM. They can also be found (playing, not drinking) in the Bierwerks Brewery in Woodland Park most Thursdays.  They report that their show at the Colorado Irish Festival played to a packed house that gave them a standing ovation wanted an encore.

The Juice O’the Barley plays at 8 PM on the 5^th in the Jack Quinn Irish Alehouse and Pub in Colorado Springs and will play on a date/time TBD at the Clancy’s Celtic Festival.  The Juice also released a new CD at last month’s Colorado Irish Festival, copies of which will be available for sale at their gigs with a digital release forthcoming soon.  Stay tuned.

The second round of adult (over age 16) and first round of children’s (under 16) auditions for the Irish-themed Rocky Mountain Revels in Boulder at Christmas will be held on the 27^th from noon to 3 PM at the First Congregational Church, Pine & Broadway streets in Boulder, room #311.  Signups for auditions or other arrangements for try-outs can be found  at http://rockymountainrevels.org/audition.html

We Banjo 3 from County Galway presents their “Celtgrass” fusion of fiddle, mandolin, guitar and banjo at the Four Corners Folk Festival in Pagosa Springs on Sept. 3^rd.

Mulligan Stew plays from 3-7 PM at In The Zone Sports Bar, 44th and McIntyre in Golden on the 13^th and the 27th at Clancy’s Celtic Festival, time TBD.

Celtic Chaos is in the house at the Celtic House Pub in on Lincoln Ave. in Parker on the 11^th from 6-9 PM.

CaraTrom, a Gaelic word that means “bold friend”, is the stage name of Tim Baldwin.  CaraTrom plays at the Carbon Cafe & Bar on the 5^th from 6-9 PM, the Stapleton Farmers Market on the 6^th from 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM, the Laughing Goat Coffee House in Boulder on the 10^th from 8-9 PM, the Dickens Opera House in Longmont on the 18^th from 5:30-8:30 PM and the Louisville Farmers Market on the 19^th from 9-11 AM.

Tartan Up!  The Highest Scottish Festival in the World is Coming to Snowmass Village!

By Susan M. Thornton

Get your kilt on and enjoy a Celtic weekend as the Colorado Scottish Festival returns to Snowmass Village, Aug. 4-6, 2017. At 8,209 feet of elevation, the Festival is believed to be the highest Celtic festival in the world — and it’s both dog-friendly and kid-friendly!  It warms my Celtic heart that the Festival is also free — with free admission, free parking, free shuttles, a free concert, and a free Saturday night Ceilidh (Scottish party)!

So I’m planning my Festival schedule now. I’m going to start celebrating on Friday evening at the free concert by the Irish rock group “Ruaile Buaile” on Snowmass Village’s main concert stage. There’s nothing like a Celtic rock concert under the stars! Then Saturday and Sunday, I’m planning to get around to as many events as possible in the upper and lower Village.  There will be the Great Highland Athletes throwing heavy things – really, really heavy things like telephone poles.  I can never get enough of watching giant men in kilts displaying their athletic skills. Then there will be the beautiful Highland and Irish dancers, nonstop Celtic music, and vendors with Celtic crafts and treasures.  (I’m especially looking forward to having a taste of wassail offered by one of the vendors.  If you don’t know what wassail is, Google it!)

I hope to learn more about my Celtic ancestors at the Genealogy/Family History tent this year.  Maybe I’ll even find a cousin among the colorful clans. And being something of a history nut, I really can’t wait to get up to the Renaissance Scots’ Living History Village, where the Scots will have nonstop interactive craft activities and where kids of all ages can experience what life was like in Scotland in the years before Culloden.

At noon each day I’m going to be at the ceremonies to see the Parade of the Clans, and watch as the massed bands all march and play together.  Right after the noon ceremonies on Saturday, you’ll find me at one of the Festival’s favorite events – the Bonnie (Pretty) Knees Contest.  It’s a hoot to watch kilted gentlemen bravely expose their manly knees for judging by the Ladies of the Festival — to the considerable amusement of the audience.

On Sunday morning, I’ll attend the Scottish Kirkin of the Tartans; there’s something very special about attending a church service in Snowmass’ cool, clean sunshine.  I want the very best of the Festival, so I’ve already joined the Festival’s Thistle Club, which includes an exclusive Whisky-Tasting for Club members.

There are other Whisky-Tastings for the public on Saturday and Sunday.  If I were you, I’d get tickets soon to one of them.  They’re very popular and sell out quickly.  Anyone like me who has ever delighted in a Tasting with the fun, funny and amazing Buz Dabkowski wants to come back time and time again.  With those Tastings in mind, I think this year’s Colorado Scottish Festival may be the “highest” Scottish Festival in more ways than one!

Snowmass Village summerSusan Thornton has attended the Colorado Scottish Festival for 34 of its 54 years.  For more information about the Festival and best lodging rates, visit www.ScottishGames.org.

The Rockies are going to Rumble! GAA Tournament comes to Denver July 22-23  (from July 2017 Celtic Connection newspaper/Denver)

This July, Denver will be the host for a very exciting and highly anticipated Irish sporting event. Rumble in the Rockies is the inaugural United States Gaelic Athletic Association (USGAA), Southwest Division Invitational Tournament for the sports of Gaelic Football, Hurling and Camogie (Ladies Hurling). Serving as one of the premier annual tournaments in the nation, it will play host to over 400 adult men/women players representing 20 clubs from California to New Orleans, including; San Diego N Fianna, San Francisco Eire OG, LA Wild Geese, Flagstaff Mountain Hounds, Culiver City Cougar and the Houston Gaels.

he location will be at Lowry Sports Complex on July 22nd and 23rd, Rumble in the Rockies will feature three beautiful regulation pitches (135 yards x 85 yards); a youth discovery zone with games, instructions and demonstrations by seasoned players from Ireland; one of the top up-and-coming hurly makers from Ireland, Martin Hurls; an entertainment filled tournament ceremony, and a plethora of vendors and food trucks.

Additionally, there will be plenty of parties surrounding the tournament, including a team welcoming party at Breckenridge Brewery the evening of Friday, July 21st, a tournament party at Irish Rover the evening of Saturday, July 22nd and an after party hosted by Regulators Hurling at Inga’s Alpine Tavern the afternoon of Sunday July 23rd. Sponsored by Jameson Irish Whiskey and Breckenridge Brewery, parties will feature food and drink specials, door prizes and entertainment.

Co-Hosted by the Denver Gaels and Regulators Hurling Club, Rumble in the Rockies has received some financial and in-kind support from The Summit Event Center, The Wright Group Event Services, KM Concessions and Visit Denver. This event is the recipient of a grant from The Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade through its Emigrant Support Program (ESP) partnering with the GAA in recognition of the importance of the GAA in fostering closer links between Irish communities and networks abroad with Ireland. Denver is the obvious choice for such an event with a large vibrant Irish American community that not only embraces the Irish culture but also Irish sport.    From Brian O’Haire

WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT – Rumble in the Rockies is actively seeking sponsorship, 501-c3 donations and volunteer applications to make the tournament the best in the nation. For more information, visit www.denversit.com or contact Brian O’Haire at [email protected]

July 2017 Ceolta Notes And Festival Info

By Rodger Hara

Eileen Ivers returns to Colorado with her “Universal Roots” on the 13th with an all-ages show at the Soiled Dove Underground.  Tix $24 and $29. www.ticketfly.com or www.soileddove.com or call 303.830.9214.  If you’re in the Durango area, you can catch her show on the 14th at 7 PM in a Music in the Mountains show at 1 Skier Place.  Then if you’re around La Veta on the 15th, you can hear her at a fundraiser for the Huerfano County Schools Outreach Program at Uptop, the historic ghost town at the summit of Old La Veta pass.  Tix are $45 and include an hors d’oeuvres buffet and a post-concert mix and mingle with Eileen and her band.  888.950.8807 or online at www.CelticMusicFest.com.

The 19th Annual Rocky Mountain Fiddle Camp starts on the 23rd and runs through the 30th.  Instruction and performances will include Irish, Scottish, Cape Breton, Bluegrass and old time fiddling plus guitar, banjo, ukulele, piano, flute, tin whistle, cello, dance calling, Southwest tunes, O’Carolan tunes, quartets, chamber music, and bluegrass band lab.  Featured guest artists include Laura Risk, Arlene Patterson, Loretta Thompson, The Bogglemuffins, Tina Gugeler, Liz Knowles and many, many others.  http://www.rmfiddle.com/

The lovely, talented and reliable Brian Clancy (now healed from knee surgery) is at Jack Quinn’s in Downtown Colorado Springs on the 6th, 13th, 20th and 27th at 7:30 PM.

The Young Dubliners make a return visit to Colorado with a free show at the Foote Lagoon in Loveland on the 13th followed by an appearance at the Colorado Irish Festival on the 14th then wind up with a performance at Johnny Z’s Casino in Central City on the 15th.

Adam Agee and Jon Sousa open for The Young Dubliners on the 13th at their Foote Lagoon show.

Angus Mohr brings their Highland rock and roll to the Colorado Irish Festival Celtic Main Stage at 10:15 AM on the 15th then moves to the Clontarf Whiskey Pub Stage for a show at 2:30 PM.  They will also be releasing their latest CD in conjunction with publication of a book about the band by Shelley Smith.

The Bedlam Boys play at 5 PM on the 15th on the Colorado Irish Festival Clontarf Whiskey Stage.

The Stubbie Shillelaghs can be found on the 14th on the Clontarf Whiskey Stage at the Colorado Irish Festival at 8:30 PM and on the Main Stage at 10:30 AM on the 15th.

Gaelic Storm closes out the Main Stage entertainment for this year’s Colorado Irish Festival

Colorado Irish Festival at 5:30 PM on the 16th.

Avourneen is on the Clontarf Whiskey Stage of the Colorado Irish Festival at 12 PM on the 15th and again at 10:30 AM on the 16th.   Avourneen and Avenhart  are sharing the stage at the at the Clocktower Cabaret on the 16th at 6 PM (doors open at 5 p.m.) Tickets start at $10

Info: www.clocktowercabaret.com or 303-293-0075

Indigent Row performs on the 14h at 7 PM on the Colorado Irish Festival Clontarf Whiskey Pub Stage. On the 22nd, they play for the gang at the Bootstrap Brewing Company in Niwot from 6-9 PM.

Pogey comes down from Canada to perform on the Colorado Irish Festival Main Stage at 6:30 PM on the 15th and again at 1:30 PM on the 16th.

The Juice O’the Barley is on the Colorado Irish Festival Clontarf Whiskey Pub Stage at 3:15 PM on the 15th.  The band will be releasing their new CD at the Festival that day, so drop on by!

Wild Mountain makes its Colorado Irish Festival return on the Main Stage at 12:30 PM on the 15th.

The fine trad band from Clare, Socks in the Frying Pan, makes its Colorado Irish Festival debut on the Main Stage at 6:30 PM on the 14th and 3:15 PM on the 15th then closes out their weekend on the Clontarf Whiskey Stage at 3:15 on the 16th.

Cassie and Maggie kick off the entertainment at the Colorado Irish Festival at 5:15 on the 14th from the Clontarf Whiskey Stage, move to the Main Stage at 1:30 PM on the 15th and close out their festival weekend at 12:15 PM on the 16th back at the Clontarf Stage

One of Colorado’s favorite bands, The Elders make their annual visit to the Colorado Irish Festival Main Stage at 8:30 PM on the 15h and again at 3:30 PM on the 16th.

You can catch the commoners on the Colorado Irish Festival Main Stage at 11:45 AM and on the Clontarf Whiskey Stage at 5:30 PM on the 16th.

Celtic Chaos plays at the Celtic House Pub in Parker at 6 PM on the 14th

Skean Dubh appears at 12:15 PM on the 15th for the Elizabeth Celtic Festival in Elizabeth. They close out the month on the 20th in the Prairie Sky Park Summer Walk Concert Series

at 6:00 PM in Lonetree.

The Mountain Road Ceili Band is on the patio at The Margarita in Colorado Springs on the 21st at 6:30 PM.

.Potcheen opens the month down south at the Royal Gorge Park in Canon City at 12:00 on the 2nd then heads north to Jack Quinn’s in Colorado Springs for a show at 8 PM on the 7th.  Then they head further north to Rock Springs, WY for an 8 PM show for Rock Springs International Day on the 8th.  They’ll play at Johnny Z’s Casino in Blackhawk at 8 PM on the 14th, 28th and 29th and have an 8 PM gig as part of the Underground Music Showcase in Denver on the 27th.

Chancer’s Hooley is on the Colorado Irish Festival Clontarf Whiskey Stage on the 15th at 6:45 PM and the 16th at 2 PM.

July Celtic Festivals

Payson Scottish Festival July 7-8 at Memorial Park, Payson, UT with An Dragan Ceiltach, Heather Broch Dancers, Pennyland and Friday night céilidh, Highland dancing, Scottish Heavy Athletics, clans, Pipe  band, solo piper and drum solo competitions, fun, food and merchandise

Free!   www.paysonscottishfestival.org

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Colorado Irish Festival, July 14 -16 Clement Park, Littleton, CO with Gaelic Storm, Socks in the Frying Pan, The Elders, Pogey, Chancer’s Hooley, The Bedlam Boys, Angus Mohr, The Stubbie Shillelaghs, Juice O’the Barley, the commoners, Cassie and Maggie, Avourneen, Indigent Row, Wick School of Irish Dance, and Denver Gaels GAA Gaelic Football, Camogie and Hurling, Gaelic games youth camp, Irish dance competition (Feis), Pipe Band and solo Piper competition, Irish Heritage and language, Irish Blessings, Genealogy, The Leadville Irish, Irish Slang, Irish Wolfhounds, Irish Heritage, Sheep herding, Sunday morning Catholic mass, food, fun and merchandise.  No outside food or beverages, coolers, pets, marijuana, bicycles, skate boards or roller skates.

Cost Friday $7/person, Saturday and Sunday ticket prices vary depending on date and whether purchased in advance online at Tickets West or King Soopers; prices higher at the gate.  Kids 10 and under free each day.  See the website for more information. www.coloradoirishfestival.org    

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Elizabeth Celtic Festival, July 15-16 at Casey Jones Park, Elizabeth, CO with

Paddy Houligan’s, Wicked Sheehogues, Big Paddy, Wild Mountain, Skean Dubh

and Irish and Highland dancing, Scottish Heavy Athletics, rugby, clans, living history,

Celtic Nations and Tartans, Animals of the British Isles, British cars, Solo Piper competition, Clans, Sheepdog challenge, homebrew competition, Bonny Knees competition, Whisky tasting, state haggis tossing contest, fun, food and merchandise

Cost: 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. No pets please.

www.elizabethcelticfestival.com

Socks in the Frying Pan, an award winning trio from County Clare on the West coast of Ireland, will perform at The Colorado Irish Festival at Clement Park in Littleton on Friday, July 14th at 6:30 p.m. (main stage); Saturday, July 15th at 4:30 p.m. (main stage); and Sunday, July 16th at 3:45 p.m. (Clontarf stage) .

Formed in 2009, Socks in the Frying Pan has become a highly sought after group in Irish music. The group comprises Aodán Coyne on guitar, Shane Hayes on accordion, and Fiachra Hayes on fiddle and banjo. Their youthful blend of Irish traditional melodies with dynamic 3 part vocal harmonies, virtuosic musical ability and onstage wit has captured and captivated audiences around the world and has earned them much critical acclaim.  They were named “New Band of the Year” in 2014 by the Irish Music Association.  Their 2015 sophomore release The Return of the Giant Sock Monsters from Outer Space continued the rave reviews generated with their 2013 debut, with the Irish American News saying, “This is a great album by three extremely talented young artists.  It has been a while since we have enjoyed a new group as much as this.”

The group has been embraced in the United States, praised for their modern traditional style and energetic approach to music.  Boston Irish Reporter said, “It’s not hard to discern why they’ve become so popular among audiences, in the U.S. and elsewhere: tip-top musical ability by all three – Coyne on guitar, Shane on accordion, and Fiachra on fiddle and banjo – and polished, sweet-voiced singing to match, plus a stage presence that rides on showmanship, humor, and, above all, an ability to connect with audiences.”

Other bands performing various days and times (check website) at the festival are:The Elders, The Young Dubliners, Gaelic Storm, Cassie & Maggie, Pogey and various Colorado performers.  Look for Irish dancers, pipers, cultural exhibits, and Gaelic sports demonstrations. More details at www.coloradoirishfestival.com

Eileen Ivers  returns to Colorado with her “Universal Roots” project July 13 at Soiled dove Underground

Direct link: https://www.ticketfly.com/purchase/event/1487536?utm_medium=bks

(photo captions 1: Another encore moment for Eileen Ivers and her band, Photo caption2: Folks lucky enough to have seen the energetic Eileen Ivers performance at the CUIS fest some years ago remember how she jumped off the stage and created a conga line around the festival grounds!)

Eileen Ivers has wowed Colorado for years – from showcasing her fiddle playing on center stage in Riverdance, performing with the Colorado Symphony, and headlining festivals from Denver to Vail.

On July 13 you will be able to enjoy the excitement of Ivers and her band in the intimate comforts of the Soiled Dove Underground in Denver.  Ivers will introduce her current touring project, “Universal Roots”, a five-member ensemble featuring Matt Mancuso (lead vocals, guitar, trumpet, fiddle), Buddy Connolly (button accordion, whistles, piano, vocals), Lindsey Horner (upright and electric bass, baritone sax, vocals), and Dave Barckow (lead vocals, percussion, guitar).  Together with Eileen on fiddle, mandolin, banjo, bodhran, and live looping, the group will connect the roots of Celtic and American Roots Music from Bluegrass music to Country music, and French-Canadian music to Cajun music, through a staggering diversity of instruments and vocals.

Ivers is not only a world class performer, she is a boundless entertainer. The Irish Times said, “She electrifies the crowd with a dazzling show of virtuoso playing …then she focuses her attention outwards to the audience, who shout and cheer and answer her calls in a deafening chorus.”

Her musical accomplishments to date are staggering.  Grammy awarded, Emmy nominated, London Symphony Orchestra, Boston Pops, guest starred with over 50 orchestras, original Musical Star of Riverdance, Nine Time All-Ireland Fiddle Champion, All-Ireland Banjo Champion, Sting, The Chieftains, Patti Smith, Al Di Meola, founding member of Cherish the Ladies, movie soundtracks including Gangs of New York and Back to Titanic, performed for Presidents and Royalty worldwide…this is a brief list of accomplishments, headliners, tours, and affiliations. Fiddler Eileen Ivers has established herself as the pre-eminent exponent of the Irish fiddle in the world today and a pioneer and educator in her musical field.

The Washington Post states, “She suggests the future of the Celtic fiddle.”  Billboard Magazine calls Eileen “a sensation”, the Irish Times raves “a virtuoso”, and her hometown New York Times recognizes Ivers as “the Jimi Hendrix of the violin”.  Ivers’ recording credits include over 80 contemporary and traditional albums and numerous movie scores. Even though she has won over 30 All-Ireland Championship medals (one of the most in the history of the competition), Eileen is hailed as one of the great innovators in the Celtic, Roots and World music genres.  She has influenced scores of young players in these traditions.

Her latest recording is 2016 release, “Beyond the Bog Road” on eOne Records.  Irish Music Magazine called it “a triumph …a musical Magnus-Opus”, and the album reached number one on the Alt-Country Roots Music Chart.  The CD and its extensively researched sixteen-page liner notes, written by Eileen, focuses on the influences of the Celtic tradition on Roots music (bluegrass, French-Canadian, Cajun, Appalachian, Americana) and how the music journeyed on to become a fundamental ingredient of the American Country music tradition.  Pre-production is underway for Eileen’s next recording project, which will be released at the end of this year.

Your Celtic Connection is over the moon to present Eileen on July 13 so please join us for what will sure be an evening of entertainment to remember:  “Ivers has charisma and technique to burn …it’s all about tradition and renewal.” – Boston Globe

Eileen Ivers Universal Roots, Thursday July 13  7:30PM Show  (6:30 pm Doors)

Soiled Dove Underground  7401 E. 1st Ave Denver (under the Tavern at Lowry-Free parking)

Reserved seats $24 and  $29 All Ages Show (under 21 with Parent or Legal Guardian))

Direct link: https://www.ticketfly.com/purchase/event/1487536?utm_medium=bks

or www.SoiledDove.com  or call 303-830-9214.  Call the Celtic Connection/Celtic Events with any show questions 303-777-0502