I've gotten into Facebook and started an Arizona Irish Music "group" at http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1531867225&ref=profile#/group.php?gid=79948143854&ref=mf

I've been active with the Lis Doon Varan seisiun, we hold it every Wed at Lis Doon Varna. We put together a couple of groups to gigs on St Patrick's Day. Lately I've been working on learning to play guitar and taking classes at the Irish Cultural Center.

I've made a major change to the Lyric section of the website.
http://www.azirishmusic.com/song_list.htm

Now you can get youtube versions of the songs listed. What makes this useful is that in most cases, I have the songs done using the most famous version.

For example when possible I chose the author, "Caledonia" is done by Dougie Maclean, Galway Girl by Steve Earle, "Band Playes Walzing Matilda" by Eric Bogle. etc.

Many examples were obvious: "Ride On" by Christy Moore, "Whiskey in the Jar" by Luke Kelly,"Dirty Old Town" by the Dubliners to give a few examples. In other cases I gave version that like a lot like Maura O'Connor doing "Down the Sally Gardens".Sinead O'Connor doing "Se Do Bheatha 'Bhaile", Celtic Woman dong etc. Not every version is as well known; but I hope this will show performers the versions we set as standards.

There was a brief period this summer when my Special Events page was empty. Now there are 20 listings including some that are at multiple locations. http://www.azirishmusic.com/special_events_highlights.htm

I've revised the Parades and Festivals page to include Feisiana (dance competitions), along with separate categories for St. Patrick's Day, Scottish Games, Renaissance Faires, and new area for Irish community events like the Festival and other events.

Once I get the details, I'll add the Irish Halloween Party on Oct. 31, the Winter Solstice (Dec. 21), and Emerald Ball in March.

Irish American Cultural Institute presents Sean Tyrrell, Irish singer, musician, and composer.

DATE: Fri, Oct 10, 2008
TIME: 7:30 PM
PLACE: Sacks Tierney, P.A. (Law Firm) 4250 N. Drinkwater Blvd, 4th Floor, Scottsdale, AZ

Tickets for the presentation at the door at $8.00

Seán Tyrrell
Cry of the Dreamer - The Amazing Story of Irish Hero John Boyle O'Reilly

Dan Cassidy
How the Irish Invented Slang - The Secret Language of the Crossroads

John Boyle O'Reilly: 1844 - 1890. Visionary, poet, heart of a rebel, blood of a true-born Irishman. Persecuted, condemned and banished from Ireland to the Penal Colonies of Australia for his political beliefs and activities. The first to escape there on an American whaling ship. Musician and poet Seán Tyrrell's "Cry of the Dreamer - The Amazing Story of Irish Hero John Boyle O'Reilly" brings this forgotten nineteenth century visionary-poet to life in this stunning theatrical presentation. It is a tale woven in song, part spoken-word, part history lesson.

"If you're lucky, you come across a talent like Seán's once or twice in a lifetime. When he sings, I feel alive."
- Brenda Fricker

"'Cry of the Dreamer' is a feast of traditional Irish music. The genuine article."
- Billboard

A native of the slower moving West of Ireland, Sean took his time before committing himself to record. It was time well spent, exposing himself to the experiences of different cultures, musical genres, and literary heritage. Sean was surrounded by music all his life, coming from a family immersed in the musical traditions of his native Galway. During the sixties he performed in the city's premier folk club - the Folk Castle, honing his vocal and instrumental skills, while rubbing the shoulders with a host of celebrated artists who performed there.

Sean emigrated to New York in 1968 and slotted into the folk club scene in Greenwich Village. The early seventies took him west to San Francisco and a diet of Irish music sessions. It was here Sean's reputation as an exceptional singer of songs, took root. Traversing New Hampshire in the mid seventies, he co-founded 'Apples in Winter', a band which was short lived but well recognised.

He returned to Ireland in the late seventies, where he continued to compose, but seldom played in public. In 1978 he accepted employment with the University of Galway, based in the heart of the Burren in County Clare. It's hard to avoid music in this part of Ireland and soon Sean was lured back into the music scene. His ability was recognised and appreciated, even amidst a host of legendary musicians. With a growing reputation, he was invited to 'guest' on several recordings, including two albums with the ex-Moving Hearts uileann piper, Davy Spillane. Swapping the Burren for the sheltered Bell Harbour, close to the border of his native county, Sean divided his time juggling the demands of mussel farming and a re-energised approach to his music.

He became fascinated by the forward thinking poem 'The Midnight Court' (all 1,206 lines of it), written during the 17th Century, by Brian Merriman. He became almost obsessed by the play and a desire to set the work to music. This feat was achieved with much Êsuccess when the Druid Theatre Galway staged Sean Tyrrell's 'traditional music opera' featuring Sean with a host of talented contemporaries. In the following years the musical has toured extensively around Ireland with the possibility of future international showings.

On the heels of the success of his recordings with Davy Spillane, Sean embarked on his first solo project, "Cry of A Dreamer", recorded on his own label Longwalk Music. The album was released in April, 1994 and was greeted with great critical acclaim, voted Best Folk Album of the Year by both Folk Roots and Hotpress. In 1996 the album was picked up by Hannibal/Rykodisc and was selected for a Spotlight Review by Billboard Magazine calling Sean "the genuine article!" Sean began touring extensively in Ireland, England, the Continent and the USA. He performed at major festivals and concert halls, including the 1996 Irish Folk Festival Tour of Germany, Switzerland and Austria, as a featured solo performer.

In 1999 he released his much anticipated second solo effort, "The Orchard". Again the album was met with critical acclaim, as Sean was voted Best Overall Folk Act and the album was voted Best Folk Album by the readers of Irish Music Magazine. "The Orchard" was also voted the number 2 Roots/Trad Album by Hot Press Critics Poll. This album was followed by extensive touring as larger audiences became exposed to his infectious songs and music.

Sean has contributed music and songs to such projects as, "A Necklace of Wrens" a documentary on the life and Poetry of Michael Hartnett, whose poem "Billy Mulvihill" Sean set to music on "The Orchard. Sean also collaborated with 8 other international artists on a compilation album "Songs of Peace" to commemorate the life and work of Francis Ledwidge who died in the First World War. The album and live concert were conducted in Flanders amid the memories and tragedy that resulted from that atrocity. A recent German film documentary on Sean's native Galway included his performance of a Michael Hartnett poem "Belladonna in the Bar".

Sean has toured Ireland, England, the Continent, America and Australia in the past with: Kevin Glackin and Ronan Brown; Davy Spillane; Three for the Ditch (Sean, Frankie Lane, and comedian Jack Lynch); Paddy Keenan; poet Mary O'Malley.

Sean has expanded his touring profile as he now regularly tours both as a solo act and with a supporting band of various sizes. He is currently embarking on an international tour of America, Ireland, Wales and England with the legendary Tommy Peoples. Tommy and Sean have been neighbours and musical sparring partners for years and are now excited to bring their unique stylings on both traditional and contemporary Irish music to an international audience.

Summer is fairly slow when it comes to concerts, but things really pick up in Sept and Oct. With names like Old Blind Dogs, Derick Warfield, Hayes and Cahill, Keenan and Walsh, Cherish the Ladies, Jim Malcom and the Muses coming to Arizona.

This year’s Arizona Irish Festival will be held on Oct 4th and run until 9:00 PM. The Sharlot Hall Folk Festival is held on Sat and Sun, Oct 4th and 5th.

Events This Fall - 2008
--- Old Blind Dogs -- Sept 5 Prescott - Sept 6 Tucson - Sept 7 Flagstaff
--- Derek Warfield - Tue Sept 16/ Wed Sept 17 At Rosie Mc Caffrey’s
---- Natalie Mac Masters With Phoenix Symphony Sept 19 And 20
---- Hayes And Cahill At Flagstaff Fri Sept 26 / Tucson On Sat Sept 27
--- Arizona Irish Festival - Sat Oct 4
--- Sharlot Folk Festival In Prescott Sat Oct 4 And Sun Oct 5
--- Great Big Seas At Rialto On Tue. Oct 7
--- Paddy Keenan With John Walsh In Arizona (Oct 8 To Oct 12)
--- Tom Teven at ICC Oct 19
--- Natalie MacMasters In Tucson On Thur Oct 23 And Wickenburg On Sun Oct 26
--- Ken O’Malley - Sun Oct 26 At ICC
--- Cherish The Ladies - Thur Oct 30 At Scottsdale Center For The Arts
--- Jim Malcolm In Prescott Sat Nov 1
--- The Muses - Sat Nov 8 At ICC

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--- OLD BLIND DOGS -- SEPT 5 PRESCOTT - SEPT 6 TUCSON - SEPT 7 FLAGSTAFF
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Fri., Sept. 5, 7:00 PM - Trinity Presbyterian Church, Prescott, AZ
Trinity Presbyterian Church, 630 Park Ave, Prescott, AZ
928-771-1218, mcnabbprescott@aol.com

Sat., Sept 6, 8:00 PM Rialto Theater
Rialto Theater, 318 E. Congress, Tucson, AZ
1-800 595-4849 www.inconcerttucson.com/pages/calendar.html#oldblinddogs

Sun., Sept 7, at 7:00pm. Doors open at 6pm.
The Orpheum Theater, 15 W. Aspen St. Flagstaff
Contact: Kari Barton, 928-600-1365 or Kari@LivingTraditionsPresentations.com

The Old Blind Dogs have this magical way of blending traditional Scottish tunes and songs with different rhythms and harmonies to create an out-of-this-world sound that can only be described as riveting. This band plays something that everyone will enjoy to the maximum. They shouldn’t be missed!!

Hailed as "one of the most popular contemporary Scottish folk groups," Old Blind Dogs play traditional songs fueled by dynamic percussion and bluesy harmonica. The band has performed at Celtic, World and Folk festivals to international acclaim.

The Scotsman writes, "They play with a compelling energy and intoxicating rhythm… when players and audience Old Blind Dogs from Scotland. This is Scotland's hottest traditional band and gives a great show. "One of the original cutting edge outfits in Scotland continuing new roots revival!"

"The skill, talent and verve with which they played, belied their laddishness and the crowd responded with thunderous applause. Folk is the new rock and roll." Shoots and Roots Festival, April 1999 (Evening News).

The Scotsman writes, "They play with a compelling energy and intoxicating rhythm… when players and audience seem to share a wild ecstasy of emotion"
www.oldblinddogs.co.uk/

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--- DEREK WARFIELD OF THE WOLFTONES - TUE SEPT 16/ WED SEPT 17 AT ROSIE MC CAFFREY’S
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Tue Spet 16 / Wed, Sept 17 8:30 PM
Rosie McCaffrey’s
909 E. Camelback Phoenix AZ 85251
602-241-1916 www.rosiemccaffreys.com

Derek Warfield is a singer, songwriter, noted historian and a charismatic founding member of the legendary Wolfe Tones. For 42 years he has been the voice behind the stirring introductions and author of many famous ballads that have endeared him to countless thousands of fans all over the world.

Considered a legendary figure on the Irish music scene, Derek continues to tour the world, taking with him the story of Ireland, which he has championed for over 40 years.

Accompanied by an excellent five piece group, Derek Warfield's shows are as energetic now as ever, his passion for the Irish ballad stronger than ever. In December 2004, Derek released his 8th solo album, a tribute to the greatest football club and supporters in the world, Glasgow Celtic.

If you like the songs and ballads of Ireland performed at their very very best, then you owe it to yourself to see the living legend that is Derek Warfield 'live' on stage

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---- NATALIE MAC MASTERS WITH PHOENIX SYMPHONY SEPT 19 AND 20
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Phoenix Symphony
225 E Adams Street
Phoenix, AZ

Fri: Sept 19, 8:00 PM
Sat, Sept 20: 2:30 PM
Sat: Sept 20: 8:00 PM

(602) 999-1157 or groupsales@phoenixsymphony.org
http://phoenixsymphony.org/buytickets/calendar/view.aspx?id=3041

“Michael Christie, Conductor
Natalie MacMaster, Fiddle www.derekwarfield.com/

“With a talent that remains both raw and wondrously refined, Celtic fiddler Natalie MacMaster continues to delight crowds around the globe with her feverish fiddling and rhythmic intensity. Performing with an “irresistible, keening passion,” (Los Angeles Times), Natalie joins The Phoenix Symphony for the Target World Music Festival and to kick off the Pops Season with this spectacular, high-energy concert. http://phoenixsymphony.org/buytickets/calendar/view.aspx?id=3041

This concert is part of the Target World Music Festival.”

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---- HAYES AND CAHILL AT FLAGSTAFF FRI SEPT 26 / TUCSON ON SAT SEPT 27
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Friday, Sept 26, 2008

Cline Library Assembly Hall
Northern Arizona Univ.
Flagstaff, AZ
928- 523-5661 www.nau.edu/library/hallcal/index/html

---------------------------------------------

Saturday, September 27, 2008 - 8:00 PM

Berger Center
1200 W. Speedway
Tucson, AZ 85745
520-981-1475 -- web at www.inconcerttucson.com/pages/calendar.html#concerts

One of the finest duos touring today, Martin and Dennis perform what can best be described as "a conversation between the two of them and the music," intense to humorous, touching on jazz and classical, creating a cross-cultural musical experience. Martin is from from County Clare, and Dennis from Chicago with Irish parents. The duo played to three full and enthusiastic Tucson audiences from 1996 to 1999. Previously,Martin won the All-Ireland Fiddle Championship 6 times and in 1999, he was namedFolk Instrumentalist of the year by BBC Radio. Since that time, they have performed many times on A Prairie Home Companion and toured worldwide. The duo collaborated with Sinead O'Connor in a special stage performance of the book If I Could Read the Sky. They recently completed the score for an award-winning documentary by Dierdre Lynch,Photos to Send, based on photographs of the people of County Clare in 1953. The L.A. Times says of the show: "A climactic display of creativity from a pair of gifted, cross-cultural artists." The Syndey (Australia) Morning Herald calls Martin "the Yehudi Menhuin of the Irish Fiddle."

Irish fiddle virtuoso Martin Hayes and American guitarist Dennis Cahill possess a rare musical kinship, ranking them among the most memorable partnerships of our era. Together they have garnered international renown for taking traditional music to the very edge of the genre. Listeners are held spellbound with the ever-intensifying, fiery performances. The duo is opening the doors of traditional Irish music and releasing its pure, distilled beauty, incorporating sensibilities from the worlds of classical, blues, and jazz. www.martinhayes.com/

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--- ARIZONA IRISH FESTIVAL - SAT OCT 4
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10:00 AM to 9:00 PM
1106 N. Central Ave.
Phoenix, AZ

Two stages of music. jFeatures acoustic band from California Molly’s Revenge

Molly’s Revenge

In their first appearance at the Arizona Irish Festival, Molly's Revenge is a dynamic, acoustic Celtic band known for its unique and infectious on-stage enthusiasm born of the timeless tradition of the all-night music session. The classic combination of bagpipes, whistle, fiddle, and song -- set against a backdrop of guitar, bouzouki, and mandola accompaniment -- guarantees an enjoyable experience for all fans of Irish music. They will be featured in two sets on the Festival’s Harp Stage.

From their home base in California, Molly's Revenge has performed at many of the top folk festivals and performing arts events throughout the USA, and at prestigious events in Australia and China. Their arrangements of traditional Celtic jigs and reels bring these dance tunes up to date with a driving, hard-edged accent that always leaves audiences shouting for more.

Joining the band for their AIF performance is award-winning vocalist and accordionist Moira Smiley, known nationally for her groundbreaking work with contemporary vocal group VOCO. Moira has proven her traditional skills by winning the Western USA Division of the All-Ireland Singing Championship. Hear their infectious music by clicking

Harp Stage, guests will enjoy the likes of world renowned Celtic dance academies featuring Tir Conaill School, Celtic Dance Academy, McTeggart Dance School, The Bracken School along with seasoned Irish musicians such as Oceans Apart, Molly’s Revenge, and The Academy Fiddlers! Pub Stage boasts the rowdy and raucous stylings of the Center’s own Pat McCrossan, The Knockabouts, The Biffos, Keltic Cowboys, rounding out the day’s festivities with two sets “after dark” with The Brazen Heads! That’s right! This year’s Festival will open at 10am and close at 9pm. The evening hours are a first for the Festival and what better way to celebrate than with beer, spirits and music flowing late into the evening!

festival.azirish.org

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--- SHARLOT FOLK FESTIVAL IN PRESCOTT SAT OCT 4 AND SUN OCT 5
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The 30th Annual Folk Music Festival
Saturday and Sunday
October 4 and 5, 2008
10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
415 W. Gurley Prescott AZ 86301
928-445-3122 520-776-9053
www.sharlot.org/events/folkmusicfestival

Enjoy the best of Arizona acoustic music, including fiddle, banjo, guitar, harmonica, mandolin, dulcimer and singers, songwriters and storytellers. Six venues on the beautiful Museum grounds present concerts, workshops and dancing. Visitors can join in the Sunday morning gospel sing, learn to play the harmonica or delve into the art of songwriting.Come discover the songs of territorial Arizonans — the cowboys, miners, braceros and railroad men who enriched their arduous lives with music. Your old favorites will be here, as well as some new faces and voices.

Admission is by donation.

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--- GREAT BIG SEAS AT RIALTO ON TUE. OCT 7
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Tue, Oct 7
Rialto Theater
Address: 318 E Congress St Tucson AZ 85701
520-740-0126

Great Big Sea is a bastard. Forged from the loins of Figgy Duff and Ryan’s Fancy, GBS found its feet on the unforgiving streets of St. John’s, and stood their ground when others faltered. When asked about their unlikely success, founding member Bob Hallett is typically candid: “We weren’t the best musicians in town,” he says, “we just wanted it more. We were driven by a bloody-minded need to succeed and we were rewarded for our bleeding.”

The band dragged themselves out of the city’s infamous bars to release their Warner debut Up in the spring of 1995. Relentless touring and a raucous live show quickly propelled the record to platinum. Their next effort Play enjoyed even bigger success and the band moved its show into hockey stadiums across the nation.

The US labels took notice and GBS was subsequently signed to Sire by Seymour Stein (Madonna/Talking Heads), who unleashed the band on an unsuspecting American public. Accolades and a solid cult following ensued. “We are showmen and we live and die by our trade,” offers electrified lead singer Alan Doyle. “I am drawn to the light and I was born to burn”.

Born and raised in ‘the far east of the western world’, the lads have traversed the globe, all the while wearing their hometown on their sleeves. “Our music is of Newfoundland,” explains McCann. “It would be impossible to do what we do if we were from anywhere else. Our songs come from the sea and the cliffs and the rocks and all the other natural beauties our country provides. Without her we simply couldn’t exist.”

For this, their ninth album, the band made the surprise choice to work with indie gadfly Hawksley Workman.

“We wanted to push ourselves, to be surprised by our own music,” said Hallett, “and Hawksley was the right pilot for the flight…or the fight, depending on the circumstances.”

A remarkable 15 years in, the band should by this time be content to slow down and rest on their laurels. Instead, Fortune’s Favour sees them boldly embracing new sounds and new ideas, fearlessly pushing the boundaries of their own art and music. In their lifelong quest to marry the traditional music of Newfoundland with their own pop explorations, Fortune’s Favour is a new benchmark.

“We embraced the law of the road when we started this, and we apply the same rules to our music,” explains Doyle. “If you are not going forwards, you are going backwards. And we hate retracing our steps.”

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--- PADDY KEENAN WITH JOHN WALSH IN ARIZONA (OCT 8 TO OCT 12)
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Wed. Oct 8th. 8:00 pm
Fiddler's Dream
17th St. & Cactus Wren
Phoenix, AZ
602-997-9795 www.fiddlersdream.org

Thur, Oct 9th, 8 pm
Temple of Music and Arts
Cabaret Theater
330 S. Scott Avenue
Tucson, AZ
www.inconcerttucson.com

Fri. Oct 10, 7:30 PM
Future Studios
30 Hozoni Dr
Sedona, AZ
(928) 282-9139 www.futurestudios.org

Sat., Oct.11 - 7 PM
Blue Rose Theater
115 McCormick
Prescott, AZ
(928)771-1218

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www.paddykeenan.com

Paddy Keenan was born in Trim, Co. Meath, to John Keenan, Sr. of Westmeath and the former Mary Bravender of Co. Cavan. The Keenans were a Travelling family steeped in traditional music; both Paddy's father and grandfather were uilleann pipers. Paddy himself took up the pipes at the age of ten, playing his first major concert at the Gaiety Theatre, Dublin, when he was 14. He later played with the rest of his family in a group called The Pavees.

At 17, having fallen in love with the blues, Paddy left Ireland for England and Europe, where he played blues and rock. Returning to Ireland after a few years, he began playing around Dublin with singer/keyboardist Triona Ni Dhomhnaill and singer/guitarist Micheal O Dhomhnaill. Fiddler Paddy Glackin then joined the three, and they asked flute player Matt Mollov to play with them shortly thereafter. Next accordion player Tony MacMahon joined the group, and then guitarist Donal Lunny was asked to listen to the six. Liking what he heard, he joined as well, and the loosely-knit band began calling itself "Seachtar," the Irish word for "seven."

Seachtar's first major concert was in Dublin. They played a few more gigs around the country, but circumstances soon forced Tony MacMahon to drop out. When the rest of the band decided to turn professional Paddy Glackin left as well; he was replaced by Donegal fiddler Tommy Peoples who was later replaced by fiddler Kevin Burke). All the group needed now was a name.

Micheal O' Dhomhnaill had recently returned from Scotland, where he happened across a photograph taken in the 1890s of a group of tattered musicians. "The Bothy Band," it was titled, in reference to the migrant Irish laborers who worked in England and Scotland and were housed in stone huts known as "bothies." Micheal suggested that the band take this name, and the others agreed. Thus was born one of the most influential bands of the 1970s, The Bothy Band.

The Bothy Band forever changed the face of Irish traditional music, merging a driving rhythm section with traditional Irish tunes in ways that had never been heard before. Those fortunate enough to have seen the band live have never forgotten the impression they made -- one reviewer likened the experience to "being in a jet when it suddenly whipped into full throttle along the runway." Paddy was one of the band's founding members, and his virtuosity on the pipes combined with the ferocity of his playing made him, in the opinion of many, its driving force. Bothy Band-mate Donal Lunny once described Paddy as "the Jimi Hendrix of the pipes"; more recently, due to his genius for improvisation and counter-melody, he has been compared to jazz great John Coltrane.

----------------------------------------------------
TOM TEVEN AT ICC ON SUN OCT 19
----------------------------------------------------

Irish Cultural Center
1106 N. Central Ave.
Phoenix, AZ 85004
602-258-0109 www.azirish.org

The concert starts at 7:00 pm and admission is $10.00

n Sunday, October 19, 2008, The Irish Cultural Center will be presenting Singing Phenomenon, Tom Teven

Following an extended tour of the Northwest, Thomas B. Teven of Celtic Pride is returning to Arizona

Currently, Tom is touring the Northwest promoting his newest recording, comprised of classic country and rock. The new CD is a solo endeavor, and has been very well received by audiences.

Tom performed for many years at the original Dubliner Pub in North Phoenix, still located at 40 th Street and Thunderbird. The club was packed on most nights, and many of the original crowd of regulars still remain friends today. It was, in short, an amazing era.

Ready to enjoy a warm Southwestern winter, Tom says he is looking forward to returning and to seeing old friends ... and to meeting new ones. "I have a special bond with that area. It will be great to be back," he said.

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--- NATALIE MACMASTERS IN TUCSON ON THUR OCT 23 AND WICKENBURG ON SUN OCT 26
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Thur Oct 23, 2008 - 8:00 PM
Centennial Hall
University of Arizona
1020 East University Blvd
Tucson, AZ
520-621-3364
www.uapresents.org

Sun Oct 26, 2008 - 7:30 PM
Del E. Webb Center for the
Performing Arts
1090 S Vulture Mine Rd
Wickenburg, AZ
928-684-6624
www.delewebbcenter.org

The Los Angeles Times describes Natalie MacMaster as “...a ball of fire, performing jigs and reels with unstoppable, foot-tapping energy and ballads with irresistible, keening passion!” Constantly receiving awards and accolades including two Juno Awards and a Grammy Nomination, Natalie MacMaster plays some of the finest fiddle music ever to come out of Canada. She blends jazz, Latin, Celtic, bluegrass, and country music in a masterful style. Her impressive sound and technique led her to be a featured instrumentalist with such artists as Carlos Santana, the Chieftans, Paul Simon, Luciano Pavarotti, Alison Krauss, and Bela Fleck. With a stage presence as commanding as her music, Natalie and her band of musicians will dazzle and enthrall audiences with their whirlwind music and step dance.

www.nataliemacmaster.com/

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--- KEN O’MALLEY - SUN OCT 26 AT ICC
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Irish Cultural Center
1106 N. Central Ave
Phoenix, AZ
602-258-0109 www.azirish.org

7:00 PM

Dublin born singer-songwriter Ken O’Malley will be the featured performer on Sunday, October 26 at the Center. In this captivating solo show, O’Malley will transport his audience to his beloved Ireland with his rich, resonant voice and engaging stage presence accompanied by his remarkable talent on guitar and mandolin. The University of St. Thomas at Houston pronounces that Ken O'Malley is "widely regarded as the finest Irish folk singer/songwriter in the United States today" and the Irish News calls this consummate entertainer "without question, . . .the single most enduring, influential and proficient of all Irish musicians in Southern California . . ." The event promises to be a magical evening of music with songs in both English and Irish Gaelic, suitable for all ages. Not just a singer, about whom Dave Soyars of the Irish Herald writes "his powerful and emotive voice shines through on everything he does", O’Malley is also a cultural ambassador and educator who infuses every performance with a genuine passion and love for his native land and its people. As longtime fan Mark Dresser says "the songs Ken sings touch all of us, Irish or not, to the very core of the human heart". Admission to the event is $10. Showtime is 7:00 PM.

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--- CHERISH THE LADIES - THUR OCT 30 AT SCOTTSDALE CENTER FOR THE ARTS
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Oct 30th - Thur evening at 7:300 P.M.

Scottsdale Center for the Arts
Theater 4301, Galleria Corporate Centre, Scottsdale
(480) 994-ARTS (2787)
www.scottsdaleperformingarts.org

Joanie Madden, flute, whistles & harmony vocals
Kathleen Burke, lead vocals
Mary Coogan, guitar, banjo & mandolin
Mirella Murray, accordian
Roisin Dillon, fiddle
Kathleen Boyle - Piano

/www.cherishtheladies.com
Named after a traditional Irish jig, Cherish the Ladies initially won recognition as the first and only all-women, Irish-American traditional Celtic band. In a relatively short time, the group's members soon established themselves as musicians and performers without peer. With their unique blend of virtuosi instrumental talents, beautiful vocals, captivating arrangements and stunning step dancing, this powerhouse group combines all the facets of Irish traditional culture and puts them forth in an immensely humorous and entertaining package. Cherish the Ladies has been chosen "Best Musical Group of the Year" by the BBC and has recorded a dozen highly acclaimed albums, including the Grammy-nominated Celtic Album, a collaboration with the Boston Pops Symphony.

When describing Cherish the Ladies – the critics say it best…

“It is simply impossible to imagine an audience that wouldn’t enjoy what they do”, the Boston Globe,

“An astonishing array of virtuosity”, the Washington Post, “Expands the annals of Irish music in America…the music is passionate, tender and rambunctious”, The New York Times - and for over two decades, Cherish the Ladies have proven themselves worthy to live up to these accolades and in doing so have become one of the most engaging ensembles in the history of Irish music.

They have grown from a one-time concert concept to an Irish traditional music sensation, literally the most successful and sought-after Irish-American group in Celtic music. Organized by folklorist/musician Mick Moloney and sponsored by the Ethnic Folk Arts Center and the National Endowment for the Arts, they began as a concert series featuring the brightest lights in Irish traditional music.

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--- JIM MALCOLM IN PRESCOTT SAT NOV 1
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Sat, Nov 1, 2008 7:00 P.M.
Blue Rose Theater
115 McCormick
Prescott, AZ 86301
928-771-1218

(EDITOR NOTE: Jim Malcom has Flagstaff and listed for Oct 30 and Tubac for Nov 3. No location has been confirmed at this time) "Malcolm has one of those pure, warm folk voices (two parts Archie Fisher,one part Dick Gaughan) that one never tires of listening to."

-- Dirty Linen

"One of the finest singing voices in Scotland in any style."
-- The Living Tradition

Jim Malcolm was brought up in Perthshire and Angus and was introduced to the traditional music of Scotland at an early age by his mother Helen, who is active in the Traditional Music and Song Association of Scotland. He learned to play guitar while at school and by his early twenties was winning songwriting competitions and playing in folk clubs all over Scotland.

His career began to take off when he hosted the open stage at Edinburgh Folk Festival, and through his own playing there secured a contract with Greentrax for his first solo album, Sconeward. Acclaimed by critics and chosen as one of the year's best by Radio Scotland's folk programmes Travelling Folk and Celtic Connections, the album brought in bookings at folk clubs and festivals in Britain and abroad, and established Jim as one of the leading songwriters in the traditional idiom in Scotland. He was dubbed: "The new male voice of Scotland."

Songs from Sconeward have been recorded and are regularly performed by international acts such as The McCalmans and The Poozies, and Jim was asked to give songwriting and song accompaniment masterclasses at many festivals, including Scotland's foremost festival, Celtic Connections in Glasgow. Next up was Rohallion, a collection of Jim's new songs recorded with gifted pianist and fiddler Dave Watt and percussionist Iain MacFadyen. "An intoxicating display of lyrical and musical genius" was how Rock On Reel described the CD, from which Jim's song Battle of Waterloo, to the pipe tune of the same name, was an instant hit.

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--- THE MUSES - SAT NOV 8 at ICC
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Sat. Nov 8, 7:30 PM
Irish Cultural Center
1106 N. Central Ave.
Phoenix, AZ 85004
602-258-0109 www.aziirh.org

On Friday, November 8 the Center located at will be celebrating the return of The Muses. Admission is $10 and the show starts at 7:30 pm. If you don't know what is worn under a Scotsman's kilt, or what it feels like to have your imagination filled with Irish mist covering green fields... or especially if you do, you'll want to catch The Muses live! Tanya Brody plays the harp, hammered dulcimer, penny whistle, and many more instruments, but it is her angelic voice that will captivate your heart. Matthew Gurnsey plays the concertina, bodhran, bowed psaltery, mandolin and many others while singing along with a contagious sparkle in his eye that is sure to make you smile. Recently joined is Annie Mariner who's voice, recorder and bass add beauty and fullness to the over all sound. The three of them together are an inspiring trip to the Celtic Isles saving you the price of airfare!

Touring across the United States and Canada, The Muses will be performing locally! The Muses have shared the stage with The Glen Garry Bhoys, Alex Beaton, Rathkiltar, Michi Regier, and others. They play Scottish/Irish festivals and games from coast to coast (including some islands) and never miss an opportunity to entertain at an Irish pub when they have a moment to spare. With beautiful voices creating bewitching vocal harmony The Muses are a Celtic experience you'll not want to miss.

To keep up to date, go to www.azirishmusic.com