May Irish Music & 2014 Bealtaine Dance...

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www.IMDAwww.IMDAwww.IMDAwww.IMDA----MN.orgMN.orgMN.orgMN.org

Irish Music & Dance Association

32th Year, Issue No. 5

May

2014

Bealtaine

The mission of the Irish Music and Dance Association is to support and promote Irish music, dance, and other

cultural traditions to insure their continuation.

World-Class Irish Musicians Heat Up Summer at Minnesota Irish Music Weekend June 13-15

Summer music in the Twin Cities just got hotter as internationally renowned Irish musicians converge for the Seventh

Annual Minnesota Irish Music Weekend (MIM) June 13-15, 2014, at the Center for Irish Music, 836 Prior Avenue N. in Saint Paul. With fiddles, flutes and guitars in tow, featured artists include acclaimed fiddle player Oisín Mac Diarmada, called “one of the most gifted and creative traditional fiddlers playing today,” and award-winning flutist Catherine McEvoy, named 2009 Female Musician of the Year by Live Ireland. They are two of five visiting artists from Ireland who

will bring their music mastery to the three-day festival. The event will include a Saturday evening public concert featuring all five visiting artists, lectures on Irish music history, and weekend workshops in flute, fiddle, tin whistle, song, piano and guitar for children, teens and adults.

In addition to Mac Diarmada and McEvoy, the weekend will feature one of Ireland’s foremost fiddlers, John McEvoy, whose recording with his sister Catherine McEvoy The Kilmore Fancy, has been voted a Top 4 Release by Irish Echo magazine. Multi-instrumentalist John Blake will share his virtuosity in guitar, flute and piano. Blake, Mac Diarmada and the McEvoys will be joined by Rita Gallagher, an acclaimed sean-nós singer who is a three-time winner of the Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann All-Ireland title for female singing in English.

“I’m very excited to be bringing this incredible group of traditional Irish musicians to the Twin Cities this year”, says Norah Rendell, executive director of The Center for Irish Music. “This year’s combination of artists is a perfect mix of instruments and personalities and will make for an unforgettable weekend of traditional music and Irish culture.”

The Minnesota Irish Weekend offers distinctive music programming, including classes for young beginners, teenagers and adults. The teen program is a rare opportunity for youth ages 12-19 to study with renowned Irish artists right here in Saint Paul. The beginner’s program is especially designed for those just getting started in Irish music. Taught by the Center for Irish Music’s expert teaching staff, the hands-on workshops include traditional songs in Irish and English, crafts, and opportunities to experiment with several Irish instruments.

Both teen and adult programs are designed for intermediate to advanced-level students and include workshops in instruments such as fiddle, flute, tin whistle, piano, guitar, song, and Irish music accompaniment. All Irish instruments are welcome. Teen and adult program participants all have the opportunity to learn in a small class environment from the visiting master artists.

In addition to hands-on music workshops, MIM offers lectures, demonstrations and interviews for non-musicians. Featuring visiting artists and Minnesota’s own world-class traditional Irish musician, Dáithí Sproule, a member of the Irish super-group Altan, these sessions on the history of Irish music offer rare opportunities to hear the stories behind the notes. Other activities include social community meals and sessions throughout the weekend.

Additional information at www.centerforirishmusic.org.

This activity is funded, in part, by the Minnesota State Arts Board through the arts and cultural heritage fund as

appropriated by the Minnesota State Legislature with money from the Legacy Amendment vote of the people of

Minnesota on November 4, 2008.

Inside this issue:

Tune of the Month 3

Traditional Singer 5

Irish Dance Costumres 6

Northwoods Songs 14

Cu Ceoil 16

Smidirini 19

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Tune of the Month by Amy Shaw

This month’s column is a study in just how differently a tune can be interpreted by players of different instruments. Accordion player Colm Gannon’s recent solo recording reminded me of this hornpipe that has haunted me ever since I took Paul McGrattan’s flute class during the 2005 Catskills Irish Arts Week. I decided to transcribe both Colm’s beautiful setting in A and Paul’s equally beautiful, but more flute-friendly setting in D. A spealadóir is a mower or a scytheman. There is another tune called An Spealadóir that is a version of the Cuckoo’s Nest, but that is quite different from the tune we’re considering here. This one seems rarer. Colm got his version from his father, melodeon player John Gannon. I can’t recall now what Paul’s source was. Of course, both renditions included many ornaments and variations not shown here. Colm was raised in Dorchester, Massachusetts, but relocated to Ireland in 1998. The title of his CD, Return to Droim, is autobiographical in that it refers to Colm’s making a home in Droim in Connemara, from which his father immigrated in 1959. (Thanks to Brian Miller for drawing my attention to this recording.) Colm and his wife recently opened a traditional music shop in Spiddal, so it would seem they are in Co. Galway to stay. Paul McGrattan (born 1967) has recorded two solo albums, two albums with the band Beginish, and a duo recording with fiddler Paul O’Shaughnessy – all well worth seeking out. Usual disclaimers: Any transcription errors are my own. The notation

here is not meant to be a substitute for listening. It is simply an aid to

learning the tune.

The IMDA Board is:

President: Lisa Conway

Vice President: Jan Casey

Treasurer: Mark Malone

Secretary: Juli Acton

Board Members: John Concannon Paul McCluskey Joan Portel Kathie Luby Editor: John Burns IMDA Board Meetings are open to the membership. The Board meets regularly on the First Tuesday of each month at 6:30 pm at the Dubliner Pub in St. Paul. Members are encour-aged to verify the time and location shortly before, as meeting times and locations can change.

Contact Information Write to: Irish Music and Dance Association

236 Norfolk Ave NW Elk River, MN 55330

Call: 612-990-3122 E-mail: [email protected]

Newsletter Submissions We welcome our readers to submit articles of interest, news, and notices of events to be published in the newsletter. The deadline is the 20th of the preceding month. Send to: [email protected]

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The Gaelic Corner By Will Kenny

Liquid snow! Yes, we're now getting our precipitation in the form of rain, and rain is something we all associate with Ireland. When the "rainy season" arrives, it might be called an fliuchlach, "the wetness", from fliuch for "wet." Given that rain is a universal and frequent experience in Ireland, it is a bit odd that different regions use different words for "rain". I tend to use báisteach, as I favor the western dialect. Báisteach is also used in An Rinn (Ring) in Waterford, but in most of Munster (Cork, Kerry, Dingle) you'll hear fearthainn, which is also used widely in Donegal. (Mayo is a transitional area where both words might be heard). While you might think it odd that such a basic word would vary across these regions, vocabulary differences are common among the dialects. As a good Minnesotan, think of it as the difference between "pop" and "soda", or between a "casserole" and the proper term, "hot dish." Sticking with báisteach for simplicity, that word can be both the noun for "rain" and the verbal form "raining", but it cannot be used as a typical conjugated verb in the form of, "it rains", "it rained yesterday" and so on . We say either, Tá se ag báisteach, "It is raining", or Tá sé ag cur

báistí, "It is putting rain." In fact, sometimes people will just say, "It is putting" (Tá sé ag cur) and the "rain" part of it will be understood. If we're only getting a kind of drizzle, we might call that a brádán báistí. This phrase is another reminder that those accents (known as "fadas", literally "longs) are very important in Irish. After all, you could leave the first accent out and write bradán báisti, which would mean "a salmon of rain". On the other end of the scale, there are several options for "pelting rain." You might say it's ag greadadh báistí, greadadh being the word used when you give someone a "thrashing." You might also say ag clagarnach báistí, clagarnach being a word used to express "noisy clatter". When you get that kind of rain, you hear clagarnach ar

an díon, the "pelting of the rain on the roof."

As you might expect, there are the usual words for "shower" (cith) vs. "downpour" (bailc, for one). "It never rains but it pours" comes out as, Nuair a thagann cith

tagann bailc, "When a shower comes, a downpour comes."

By the way, when we say, Tá báisteach air, which literally means, "There's rain on it," it doesn't mean that anything is wet. It means that there is an appearance of rain on the day or the weather, that it looks like rain is coming.

And if you don't like it when "it's raining cats and dogs," things could be worse. In Irish, the corresponding expression is, Tá sé ag caitheamh sceana gréasaí, "It is throwing shoemaker's knives"! Compared to that, getting bonked by the occasional falling cat doesn't seem so bad. Workshops! We had a great one on April 5 at St. Thomas, with thanks to wonderful instruction by Wes, Mary, Maeve, and Tom. We appreciate the support of Jim Rogers and the Center for Irish studies. Our summer weekend workshop is scheduled for July

19-20, running Saturday morning through early Sunday afternoon. The event is held at St. John's University in Collegeville, a little over an hour's drive up 94. All levels will be taught in a lovely setting, this is always a good time for all participants. Visit www.gaelminn.org to keep an eye on our workshops and other activities. Better yet, while you are there, sign up for The GaelMinn Gazette, our free e-newsletter that brings study tips (in English) and local and regional announcements of Irish language activities to your inbox on the 25th of every month. Rud a choigilt faoi choinne na coise tinne

"To save something for the sick leg", that is, "To save something for a rainy day" --Will

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Norman Kennedy Traditional Singers Club Concert

Saturday, May 10, 7:30pm The Celtic Junction 836 Prior Avenue North, St. Paul, MN $10 at the door With songs from Traditional Singers Club resident singers and a song or two from the floor. We are so excited to welcome back, for his third Traditional Singers Club performance, Norman Kennedy! Norman is one of Scotland’s finest traditional singers with a unique repertoire of folk songs and ballads in both Scots and Gaelic. Born and brought up in Aberdeen, he was a neighbor of the great ballad singer Jeanie Robertson and during the evolving folk scene of the 1960′s he picked up many songs from her and from other singers such as the bothy ballad singer Jimmy McBeath and the traveller and street singer Davie Stewart.

Norman shares what is enduring about traditional songs - their authenticity to life, the humorous turns of every-day events, the beauty of old melodies. As Norman explains it: "These songs are my roots; they're older and more important than I am." This unpretentiousness makes Norman's music as wonderful to the audience as it is important to him. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ More information: http://www.thecelticjunction.com/home/norman-kennedy-in-concert-may-10/

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The Center for Irish Music presents A Fundraising Concert to Support the CIM Travel Fund

Saturday, May 31 at 7:00 pm At the Celtic Junction*, 836 Prior Ave. N., St. Paul

The concert features CIM's Advanced Youth Ensemble and other talented young traditional musicians who traveled to the Midwest Fleadh Cheoil.

Admission is by donation, suggested donation of $10 (or $25 per family). All proceeds go to the CIM's Travel Fund, a fund that subsidizes travel-related expenses for CIM students who perform and compete regionally, nationally, and internationally. Thank you in advance for your generosity!

*The venue for the concert has been generously donated by The Celtic Junction.

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A BRIEF HISTORY OF IRISH DANCING COSTUMES

By Mattie Ernst

Early Dancing Costumes

The 1890s is about as far back as we have much of any documentation of traditional Irish dancing costumes. At this time, there was not necessarily a specific style of clothing that constituted a dancing costume for either males or females. There is some evidence to support what is called the 'Colleen Bawn' style of dress (for women), which included a full skirt, hooded cloak, and sometimes an apron. This, however, was not a universal style and many dancers may have simply worn something formal like their 'Sunday best'.

Passing into the 20th century, styles started to solidify, but photographic evidence can sometimes be confusing to the researcher because the dance costumes were similar to the normal dress of the time. Girls were wearing long (below the knee) straight dresses that were not full in the skirt. This is about the same as the period fashion of the time. However, they were generally worn with a large shawl or sash pinned over the right shoulder with a Tara brooch, and often included a headband or small tiara-type crown. They were also embroidered, though not as heavily as they are today. Many girls also just wore their 'Sunday best', which would have been similar in style, though without the embroidery.

Dancing Costumes and the Gaelic Revival

Around the time of WWI, Ireland had a bit of a Gaelic revival. Women were wearing longer dresses with shawls, and the men were wearing kilts. The design of costumes was focused less on allowing for the movement and style of dancing, and aimed instead on exhibiting culture; being "Irish". They had these 'Irish costumes', which celebrated their culture (much like a Japanese girl may own a kimono, even though that is not the normal dress of the day) and they were used for more than just dance. Although womens' skirts became somewhat fuller over time, this was the basic prototype for both mens' and womens' costumes until about 1990.

Small Changes in the Mid 20th Century

Although the basic style of dress stayed the same for several decades, there were small changes being made. In the mid 20th century, we see some dance schools also dressing girls in kilts as a class costume. It became somewhat popular, but did not stick around. Over time, shawls shrunk in size and move to being square and pinned at both shoulders. We also see a small phase in Dublin (1950s-'60s) where dresses with finely pleated skirts were very popular.

Embroidery was used very sparingly until about the 1950s. Even at this time, it was not as prolific as it is today, but went from being just a little on the shawl, to around the hem of the dress as well (this is when fuller skirts become preferred). Embroidery was still relatively modest until the 1980s, whereupon it increased tenfold. Around 1990, embroidery began to be replaced by appliqué.

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Solo dresses and the Homogenization of Costume Fashions

There are a couple events that had a significant effect on the progression of Irish dancing costumes. Due to the increased contact between dancers around the world, the start of worldwide dancing championships ('Worlds') in the 1960s produced not only a homogeneity of dancing styles, but a universal consensus on what standard dancing costumes for both males and females should look like. In the 1990s, the emergence of Riverdance gave new ideas for Irish dance costumes. Men and boys everywhere saw these pants-clad dancers as an excuse to abandon the kilt and men mostly still wear pants for dancing to this day. However, the simple womens' costumes did not catch on with the general dancing populous. There was a small movement who moved to a much simpler dress, but most kept their highly decorated costumes.

Solo dresses as a separate entity from school dresses came about in the 1960s. Non-school-related costumes kept judges from discriminating and purposely placing or not placing dancers from a specific school. In the last 20 years or so, solo dresses have become more and more ornate, decorated, and flashy. Designs have become less Celtic, and colors much brighter, even neon. We also see the addition and extreme increase of diamantes, rhinestones, and sequins. Much like any pageant-type activity, dancers use their costumes to be noticed by the judges. This costume evolution is pushed forward mostly by dancers and parents, not by dancing organizers.

Modern Costumes and Making Patterns

What we today think of as the "traditional Irish dancing costume" with the couple stiff embroidered skirt panels and the soft embroidered back is the solo dress of the 1990s. This dress has a soft triangular cape, pinned at the left shoulder and waist, but eventually a stiffer, kite- or necktie-shaped one begins to take it’s place.

The new millennium brings with it the '3-panel dress' with its shorter skirt and stiff front and back panels, which create those sharp creased sides. There is little variety in the shape & structure between dresses, so most of the variation comes from the colors used and the designs & placement of the appliqué. At this time, we also see the cape move from the necktie shape to smaller varieties; often an abstract piece that ties in with the designs & patterns on the dress.

In the last 5-10 years, dresses have evolved to feature a dropped waist. The dresses are not much shorter than their 3-panel parents, but the skirt itself is much shorter due to the lengthening of the bodice. We also see much more variety in the style of skirt; ruffles, stiff pleats, soft pleats, even tutu-like skirts. Unlike the costumes of the past, there is considerably more variety in the shape and structure of the dress, although the general outline is fairly consistent. We can’t know where the future of costume fashion will go, but we can guarantee that it will continue to be pushed onward by the many dancers who so love this art!

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If you're interested in learning more, I'd recommend John P. Cullinane's "Irish Dancing Costumes: Their Origins and Evolution Illustrated with 100 Years of Photographs 1892-1992". It's a great resource, and has some fantastic pictures!

Mattie Ernst is a 2013 IMDA Educational Grant recipient. Her grant is funding her development of a pattern for an Irish dance

costume with the home seamstress in mind.

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Brighten your Garden – and Lend a Hand to IMDA!

It’s Spring! Time to think about planting flowers and making your yard as colorful as an Irish dancer’s costume.

This year, Green Valley Greenhouse is partnering with IMDA for a Spring fundraiser.

Be sure to bring the special invitation and shop May 9 – 12 at one of the Green Valley Garden Centers

at most Minnesota Cub Foods locations. If you do, Green Valley will donate 15% of your purchase of live goods (annuals,

perennials, shrubs, vegetables and herbs) to IMDA.

It’s easy – and it’s convenient.

Thanks so much!

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A 20th Anniversary Irish Stew of Dances

A magical night of Irish dance, music and story-telling will take place at Minnehaha Academy in Hognander Chapel on Sunday May 4th Minneapolis.

Eileen Dahill has been teaching Irish dancing for 20 years in St. Paul, and has recently expanded to Minneapolis. She gets her ‘Irishness’ from her Belfast mother, and has danced herself since she was 10 years old. Now she teams up with author Bill Watkins to produce Dance Around the Stars, the final act in a 4-piece celebration of Ireland and Irish dance which already includes the acclaimed Dance Around the World, Dance Around the Moon and Dance

Around the Sun.

This year is the 20th anniversary show, so they are making it a spectacular with all of the best bits of the other shows included. There will be 40 St. Paul Irish Dancers in total performing.

Bill was born in Birmingham in England into a Welsh / Irish family. In his teens he moved to ‘Sister Scotland,’ where he found “a country that’s like Ireland but without the rules.” He has worked as a musician, maritime radio operator, theatre lighting director and film lighting gaffer. He now entertains and writes in Minnesota.

The show celebrates Irish dance. Bill weaves the tales. He takes some from his book, A Celtic

Childhood, and some from his experiences, and gives a sense of Ireland as seen through his eyes. The choreography is created by St Paul Irish Dance teacher, who provide a gateway to Irish culture through dance. Eileen calls it an “Irish stew of dances from the last 20 years”.

So how did Eileen get into Irish dance? She said “It was a natural extension of Irish music and

song that was in our extended family, the Creigh-tons from Belfast. My uncle Pat was in the Brian Boru bagpipe band, my Uncle John sang ‘When Irish Eyes are Smiling’. I was just downstairs and have saved a few of the albums. It was hard to get Irish Music. It had to be brought back from Ireland or purchased at a wee shop in the Sheraton Hotel called the Dublin Walk.

“My cousins were Irish dancing and I saw them perform. I was captured right then and there in Northfield, Minnesota as they danced to a Brian Boru piper.”

The show will run from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm. Following a reception line, there will be refresh-ments. For further details contact Eileen at [email protected].

Bill will make an introduction and then the magic will unfold.

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IMDA Community Calendar May 2014 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1 Festival of Nations Rivercentre, St. Paul 6:30pm Pub Quiz 8pm Pub Quiz Keegan’s Pub, Mpls

2 Festival of Nations Rivercentre, St. Paul 7:30pm Lehto & Wright Charlie’s Irish Pub, Stillwater 8pm Celtic Session Merlins Rest, Mpls

3 Festival of Nations Rivercentre, St. Paul 3pm First Saturday Ceili Dubliner Pub, St. Paul 7:30pm Lehto & Wright Charlie’s Irish Pub, Stillwater 8pm Forty Shades of Green Underground Music Café Falcon Heights,

4 Festival of Nations Rivercentre, St. Paul Noon: Traditional Session Kieran’s Pub, Mpls 2pm Dance Around the Stars: St. Paul Irish Dancers Minnehaha Academy, Mpls 4pm Learners Irish Session 6pm Advanced Irish Music Session Keegan’s Pub, Mpls 7:30pm Pub Quiz Merlins Rest, Mpls

5 6 5:30pm Irish Hour Merlins Pub 7:30pm Pub Quiz Keegan’s Pub, Mpls 9pm Irish Brigade Dubliner Pub, St. Paul St. Dominic’s Trio Nye’s, Mpls

7 7pm Traditional Irish Session Rueb ‘n’ Stein, Northfield 7:30pm Pub Quiz Merlins Rest, Mpls 7:30pm Irish Social Dance Dubliner Pub, St. Paul

8 7:30pm Curtis & Loretta Ginko Coffeehouse, St. Paul

6:30pm Pub Quiz 8pm Pub Quiz Keegan’s Pub, Mpls

9 3:30pm Mike Wallace McCormick’s Pub, Wayzata 7:30pm Hounds of Finn Charlie’s Irish Pub, Stillwater 8pm Celtic Session Merlins Rest, Mpls 9:30pm Irish Brigade Keiran’s, Mpls

10 3:30pm Mike Wallace McCormick’s Pub, Wayzata 7:30pm Hounds of Finn Charlie’s Irish Pub, Stillwater 9:30pm Wild Colonial Bhoys Morrissey’s Irish Pub, Mpls 9:30pm Irish Brigade Keiran’s, Mpls

11 Noon: Traditional Session Kieran’s Pub, Mpls 4pm Learners Irish Session 6pm Advanced Irish Music Session Keegan’s Pub, Mpls 7:30pm Pub Quiz Merlins Rest, Mpls

12 7:30pm 2nd Monday Sea Shanty Sing Dubliner Pub, St. Paul 7:30pm Lehto & Wright Sacred Heart Music Ctr, Duluth

13 5:30pm Irish Hour Merlins Pub 7:30pm Pub Quiz Keegan’s Pub, Mpls 7:30pm Irish Set Dancing Dubliner Pub, St. Paul St. Dominic’s Trio Nye’s, Mpls

14 7pm Traditional Irish Session Rueb ‘n’ Stein, Northfield 7:30pm Pub Quiz Merlins Rest, Mpls 7:30pm Irish Social Dance Dubliner Pub, St. Paul 9pm Wild Colonial Bhoys Amsterdam Bar, St. Paul

15 6:30pm Pub Quiz 8pm Pub Quiz Keegan’s Pub, Mpls

16 3:30pm Mike Wallace McCormick’s Pub, Wayzata 8pm Celtic Session Merlins Rest, Mpls 8pm Martin Hayes & Dennis Cahill The Celtic Junction, St. Paul 9:30pm Irish Brigade Dubliner Pub, St. Paul

17 3:30pm Mike Wallace McCormick’s Pub, Wayzata 7:30pm Jennifer Licko: Scots Gaelic songs & pipes Marion Ross Performing Arts Ctr, Albert Lea 9:30pm Irish Brigade Dubliner Pub, St. Paul

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Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

25 Noon: Traditional Session Kieran’s Pub, Mpls 4pm Learners Irish Session 6pm Advanced Irish Music Session Keegan’s Pub, Mpls 7:30pm Pub Quiz Merlins Rest, Mpls

26 7:pm 4th Monday Shanty/Pub Sing Merlins Rest, Mpls

27 5:30pm Irish Hour Merlins Pub 7:30pm Irish Set Dancing/Twin Cities Ceili Bank Dubliner Pub, St. Paul 7:30pm Pub Quiz Keegan’s Pub, Mpls St. Dominic’s Trio Nye’s, Mpls

28 7pm Traditional Irish Session Rueb ‘n’ Stein, Northfield 7:30pm Pub Quiz Merlins Rest, Mpls 7:30pm Irish Social Dance 9pm Irish Bridage Dubliner Pub, St. Paul 7:30pm Pub Quiz Kieran’s Pub, Mpls


30 12:10 pm Two Tap Trio Rice Park/Ordway, St. Paul 3:30pm Mike Wallace McCormick’s Pub, Wayzata 8pm Celtic Session Merlins Rest, Mpls

31 12:10 pm Two Tap Trio Rice Park/Ordway, St. Paul

18 Noon: Traditional Session Kieran’s Pub, Mpls 2pm Third Sunday Pub Sing 7:30pm Pub Quiz Merlins Rest, Mpls 4pm Learners Irish Session 6pm Advanced Irish Music Session Keegan’s Pub, Mpls

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20 5:30pm Irish Hour Merlins Pub 7:30pm Pub Quiz Keegan’s Pub, Mpls St. Dominic’s Trio Nye’s, Mpls 9pm Todd Menton Dubliner Pub, St. Paul

21 7pm Traditional Irish Session Rueb ‘n’ Stein, Northfield 7:30pm Pub Quiz Merlins Rest, Mpls 7:30pm Irish Social Dance Dubliner Pub, St. Paul


23 3:30pm Mike Wallace McCormick’s Pub, Wayzata 8pm Celtic Session Merlins Rest, Mpls

24 3:30pm Mike Wallace McCormick’s Pub, Wayzata 9pm Todd Menton Dubliner Pub, St. Paul 9:30pm Wild Colonial Bhoys Pub 112, Stillwater

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Dance Camp RegistrationDance Camp RegistrationDance Camp RegistrationDance Camp Registration Summer 2014Summer 2014Summer 2014Summer 2014

DEADLINE IS JUNE 17TH, 2014

Session Descriptions

Beginner AM

July 28 - August 1, 8:30am - 12:00pm This session is offered to current Beginner 5 and under, Beginner 6-7, and brand new dancers with no previous experience. This week of camp is held at Concordia University. We will learn the basics of Irish Dance and depending on age, the four beginner jig steps and four beginner reel steps! This week also includes lots of drills to practice technique, arts and crafts, learning about the history of Irish dance, watching Irish dance videos, playing games, and so much more! The cost of the camp includes the cost of snacks and crafts for the dancers along with a Rince na Chroi dance camp t-shirt. We will not have lunch.

**Specific meeting locations will be sent out with the orientation email two weeks before camp starts.

Advanced Beginner PM

July 28 - August 1, 1:00pm - 5:00pm This session is offered to current Beginner 8+ and Advanced Beginner I, II, III and IV dancers. We will meet every day on the Concordia University Campus. We will review and perfect the four beginner jig and reel steps. We will also work on hard shoe and learn some intermediate jig and reel steps. This week also includes lots of drills to perfect technique, arts and crafts, learning about the history of Irish dance, watching Irish dance videos, playing games, and so much more! The cost of the camp includes the cost of snacks and crafts for the dancers along with a Rince na Chroi dance camp t-shirt. We will not have lunch. **Specific meeting locations will be sent out with the orientation email two weeks before camp starts.

Intermediate/Advanced PM

July 14-18, 12:00pm - 5:00pm This session is offered to all current Intermediate green, purple and red dancers as well as Advanced 1 and 2 dancers. We will meet every day on the Concordia University Campus. This week will work on drills, perfecting technique, learning new and chal-lenging material, reviewing and learning small show material, and perfecting choreography for our Irish Fair performances. We will work on team dancing skills and hone in on specific dancer’s needs as well. This week will also be filled with games, videos, and crafts! The cost of the camp includes the cost of snacks and crafts for the dancers, along with a Rince na Chroi dance camp t-shirt. We will not have lunch. If kids are staying for classes in the evening, they can stay with the camp staff from 5 - 5:30p.m. **Specific meeting locations will be sent out with the orientation email two weeks before camp starts.

Camp Fees

Beginner Week: $195.00 Advanced Beginner Week: $225.00 Intermediate/Advanced Week: $250.00

Discounts

Early Sign-up: Sign up before January 31, 2014 and receive $25 off camp tuition. Sign up before March 31st, 2014 and receive $15 off camp tuition! Sibling Discount: If 2 or more children sign-up you will receive $30 off total tuition.

Registration Online at http://rincenachroi.herokuapp.com/

Questions?

Maria Belde: [email protected] or (651) 246-6104 Siobhan Tidmarsh: [email protected] or (651) 272-7269

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Irish Festival Preview – Save these dates! Oshkosh Irish Fest, Oshkosh, WI – June 12 -15 (a bit later this year). The Oshkosh festival is held at the Leach Amphitheater in Riverside Park, downtown Oshkosh. Featured are the Atlantic Wave, Gaelic Storm, Gothard Sisters, Kennedy’s Kitchen,

Scythian, Whiskey of the Damned, sean nos dance with Brian Cunningham and more. Details at www.oshkoshirishfest.com. (Oshkosh is 280 miles from St. Paul – about a 5 hour drive.)

Dakota Irish Fair, Sioux Falls, SD – July 26. Four Pints Shy and the Two Tap Trio, plus bagpipes, demonstrations, workshops and activities for the kids. Details and updates at http://www.dakotairish.org/#!dakota-irish-fair Midsummer Faire and Celtic Celebration at the Farm on St. Mathias, Brainerd – July 26. A Celtic event featuring live entertainment, family activities, merchandise vendors and food.

Dublin Irish Festival, Dublin, OH – Aug. 1 - 3. Cara, FullSet, Black 47, the StepCrew, Red

Hot Chilli Pipers, Solas, Scythian, Munnelly & Conneely, Skerryvore, Tempest, and the Old

Bay Ceili Band are just a taste of the bands that will help you experience a world of music! Details at www.dublinirishfestival.org.

Iowa Irish Festival, Waterloo, IA – Aug. 1 - 3. Gaelic Storm, The Elders, Screaming

Orphans, Scythian, Switchback, Trinity Irish Dancers, Dublin City Ramblers, Derek Warfield & the Young Dubliners, Tallymoore and our own The Langer’s Ball are some of the groups that you can enjoy in a lovely, relaxed park setting just a few hours from the Twin Cities! Get the whole story at www.iowairishfest.com.

Milwaukee Irish Fest, Milwaukee, WI - Aug. 14 - 17. The granddaddy of them all – featuring 100 acts on 16 stages. The Festival Showcase this year is Scotland, including Dougie MacLean, the Red Hot Chilli

Pipers, Manran, Alasdair Fraser and Tony McManus and more. Be sure to check out the website at www.irishfest.com to plan your weekend. Irish Fest, Rochester, MN – Labor Day Weekend. The Rochester Fest will return! Keep up with the planning at www.irishfestmn.org.

Michigan Irish Music Festival, Muskegon, MI – Sept. 12 -14. Gaelic Storm and Seamus

Kennedy for a start. Muskegon is just across Lake Michigan from Door County. Leave your car and take the ferry for a great weekend of music! Details and updates are posted at www.michiganirish.org. Janesville Irish Fest, Janesville, WI – Oct. 2 - 5. This is the second year for this community wide festival with entertainment and activities of all kinds with an Irish theme. Gaelic Storm, Ian Gould, Reilly!, the

Dregs of Bower City, plus comedy, trivia, film, ballroom dance and more! Janesville is about 300 miles east of the Twin Cities, south of Madison. Details and updates are posted at janesvilleirishfest.com/.

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Northwoods Songs: Irish Songs from Lumberjacks and Great Lakes Sailors By Brian Miller

Northwoods Songs features a new song each month pulled from my research into old songs collected in the pine woods

region that stretches from New Brunswick west through northern Minnesota. In the 1800s, a vibrant culture of singing

and song-making developed in lumber camp bunkhouses and on Great Lakes ships. The repertoire and

singing style were greatly influenced by Irish folk repertoire and Irish singing styles. Many singers in the region had

Irish background themselves.

Each installment of Northwoods Songs is also published online at www.evergreentrad.com/northwoods-songs. As of

December 2013, I will also videotape myself singing the song of the month. My hope is that others will learn some of

these songs and make them their own as I have. Links to song videos will be posted along with the online version.

-Brian Miller

DRUMMOND’S LAND As I roved out one morning all for to take the air,

I being a clever young man with a fusee in my hand, I might have shot a score or more had I but known my fate,

For my name is McCallum from the falls, and you know my fortune’s great.

As I roved out one evening down by the watchman’s dam, The Belleville coach came rolling in all loaded to the ground,

[I put my spyglass to my eye, I viewed it all around]

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And in one of the front seats sat a lady of renown.

I boldly stepped up to her for to help her from the coach, I took her by the lily-white hand as we stood on the beach.

I showed her all my father’s ships that were bound for Cheshire fair, Saying, “Only for you, lady, I am sure I would be there.”

I says, “My pretty fair maid, will you come to yonder inn, And there we’ll have a bottle of wine our joys for to begin.

For I have lost a diamond more precious far than gold. And you are the one that found it, fair lady, I am told.”

“For the keeping of young men’s company, kind sir, I’m not exposed,

Nor yet am I a lady, although I wear fine clothes, I am but a farmer’s daughter that dwells near [Hamiltonsbawn];

And for further information, I dwell on Drummond’s land.”

Oh, it’s “Kind and honored lady, won’t you take the coach with me, And we’ll go down to Drummond’s land your father for to see. Five thousand pound in ready gold to your father I’ll bestow,

And I’ll crown you queen of Drummond’s land this night before we go.”

“I am sorry for you, young man. Your suit must be denied, For I’m already promised to be a young man’s bride,

For I’m already promised these seven long years and more. He is but a linen weaver, the lad whom I adore.”

The text of this version of “Drummond’s Land” (aka “David’s Flowery Vale”) was sent by Andy Ross of Charlevoix, Michigan to collector Franz Rickaby in August 1922. Rickaby had met with Ross and transcribed his singing in 1921 and hoped to make it back to Charlevoix to get Ross’s melody for Drummond’s Land at a later date. Unfortunately, Rickaby’s failing health caused him to leave the Upper Midwest for good in 1923 and Ross’s melody was never obtained. I have paired Ross’s text with a melody used for another version of “Drummond’s Land” that appears in Sam Henry’s wonderful Songs of the People. The song is set in the area around Hamiltonsbawn, Co. Antrim—not far from Belfast. The area was once a center of the linen trade. There were a few ambiguous words and a missing line in the Andy Ross version so I supplemented the text with help from the Sam Henry book and a nice recording of Derry singer Eddie Butcher which you can hear at the Irish Traditional Music Archive website here: http://www.itma.ie/digitallibrary/sound/davids_flowery_vale_eddie_butcher Visit my blog version of this article at: www.evergreentrad.com/northwoods-songs

You can read Northwoods Songs online at

www.evergreentrad.com/northwoods-songs

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Commonly known as "The Purple Album" due to the predominant color on the sleeve, the eponymously titled "Andy Irvine Paul Brady" from 1978 stands as a pivotal recording in the contemporary Irish canon, marrying as it does a repetoire of songs dating from the 1700s and beyond with a contemporary approach to instrumentation and arrangement.

Although both Andy and Paul were well established in Ireland at that time, their artistic impact was yet to be felt globally. Both had served time in one or other incarnation of the seminal band Planxty, and this album serves as a natural progression, representing both artists' strongest characteristics;

Paul's robust and articulate guitar playing, both in accompaniment and tune playing, is evident from the get-go, with the opening cascading melody lines of The Plains of Kildare - the famous ballad (of which there are countless versions) recounting the exploits of the racehorse Stewball (or Skewball) and his victory over the "Monaghan grey mare". A driving, rolling rhythm quickly establishes itself, while the complex textures created by the guitar and Andy's bouzouki are unmistakable and set the tone as the album unfolds.

The album also includes Paul's definitive reworking of the old press gang ballad "Arthur McBride". Paul's ingenious re-invention of the melody has all but eclipsed the original, and his vocal ornamentation, borrowing heavily from the traditional "Sean-Nos" style of singing, is used to great effect in this contemporary rendition of the song.

The two sets of tunes that appear on the album are notable for their instrumentation: heavy on stringed instruments, with guitar and bouzouki and/or mando-cello dominating, with a guest appearance by Kevin Burke on fiddle and Donal Lunny on Bodhran, and on the second set, the addition of harmonica makes for some light, bouncy toe-tapping

Andy's songs, although almost always sad (he has sometimes been referred to as the man who put the "angst" in "Planxty") are always beautifully rendered and exquisitely detailed. The complex time signatures he adopts - clearly a nod to his deep interest in eastern European folk music - lend an ethereal, airy quality that permeates the entire album.

For it's emotional range, flawless arrangements and a delivery that sounds almost effortless in the hands of these two masters, this album is an absolute must for any serious fan of Irish folk music.

Cu Ceoil

" " Music to the Irish is a living delight, a mysterious key to a host of undiscovered emotions hoarded in the

secrets of the soul." Mairtin Byrnes

County Cork-born singer and guitarist Patsy O’Brien is not only a distinguished solo performer, but he has

toured extensively with Eileen Ivers, Paddy Keenan, Cathie Ryan, Teada and other notable ensembles,

including our own HiBs. A sought after session musician, he has appeared on numerous CDs on both sides of

the Atlantic. In addition to being a featured artist on NPR’s All Songs Considered, his “Sacco and Vanzettti

(Rise and Unite)” won Best Songwriting Award from the CT Folk Alliance in 2003.

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An LeabhragánAn LeabhragánAn LeabhragánAn Leabhragán (The Bookcase)

The Invisible Threshold by Catherine Phil MacCarthy

Dedalus Press Dublin/ Syracuse University Press New York

Catherine Phil MacCarthy was in Saint Paul last month to accept the O'Shaughnessy Award for Irish Poetry, given and hosted by University of St Thomas' Center for Irish Studies. Several events were open to the public, including discussion and readings co-sponsored by the Friends of the St. Paul Public Library, and once again I marveled at the unique literary climate in Minnesota which brings fine writers here to the middle of the country on a regular basis. The

Invisible Threshold is the poet's fourth book of poetry; on the basis of the excitement generated by her local appearances, I purchased a copy and read the slim volume in one sitting. We read poetry to find ourselves in others' thoughts and feelings, among other reasons, and the very best poets conjure life experience in a few deft strokes, leaving waste and verbiage behind. Catherine Phil MacCarthy's poems are in that rare category of very best poets. The "threshold" of the title speaks often of the edges of things, the transition points, the sometimes seemingly ordinary moments which propel one into a new state of being: birth, death, awareness of time passed and passing, foreknowledge of what is to come. Her poems have a spare and graceful elegance. Like all great poems, they can seem deceptively simple, then they grow deeper and richer upon a second or third reading. The award is well-deserved; her poetry is a delight to hear aloud, and reverberates in the heart when read silently. Ms. MacCarthy loves the contrast of sudden light illuminating the darkness, the startling incandescence blooming through murky depths. Here is one of my favorites:

Sotto Voce

How clever the beech hedge--- still wearing a winter coat, leaves

crisp as onion skins, long into April. It stands grappling with the breeze,

torn leaves scudding across cut grass-- amid plum and cherry blossom,

the white magnolia, formal as china-- as if it had outlived its season.

An old woman, oblivious of fashion in a garden full of birdsong

whispers, who cares about time? From my roots the sap extends,

buds hold tight as needles. Come May, I'll yield to tender green.

This reviewer wishes to thank the University of St Thomas and Jim Rogers for their ongoing support of living Irish writers. Most Irish books mentioned in this column may be found at UST's bookstore or in the St Paul Public Library.

Sherry Ladig is a Saint Paul-based trad musician and former reviewer for the Hungry Mind Bookstore's newsletter, Fodder. Her columns may be found here monthly, and Sherry welcomes suggestions for new books to review (or write one yourself). She

may be reached at [email protected]. Happy spring reading!

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Ceili Corner By Bhloscaidh O’Keane

First Saturday Afternoon Céilí - Dubliner Pub, 2162 University Avenue in Saint Paul, from 3:00 to 5:00. The suggested donation is $2.00 per person. The dances are taught and called by Paul McCluskey.

Third Saturday Night Céilí - The Celtic Junction, 836 Prior Ave., No, St. Paul.

Irish Dance Classes:

Céilí Dancing - Wednesday Nights

Dubliner Irish Pub - 2162 University Avenue in Saint Paul. Learn Irish dancing in a genuine Irish pub with a wooden floor that has known a whole lot of dancing feet. Steps and dances are taught by Paul McCluskey and Kirsten Koehler. Basic beginning steps are taught beginning at 7:00, with advanced lessons and dancing continuing until 9:30 PM. Year-round; no children, and must be of legal drinking age. Free.

Set Dancing - Tuesday Nights

Dubliner Irish Pub - 2162 University Avenue in Saint Paul. Set Dancing at 7:30 pm on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of every month, music by the Twin Cities Ceili Band. The cost is $5 for the band, beginners welcome, for more information call Geri at the Dubliner (651)646-5551.

Check www.lomamor.org for all up-to-date Irish folk dancing information.

The Center for Irish Music

Come check us out at

The Celtic Junction 836 Prior Avenue, St Paul MN

Please check the website for information on

our full range of instruction in traditional Irish music, language , culture and fun.

For class schedule and other information call or email

651-815-0083 [email protected]

Or visit our website

www.centerforirishmusic.org

Dedicated to Handing Down the Tradition

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Smidirini* By Copper Shannon

(*Irish for ‘Bits and Pieces’)

♣ Maith thú (well done) to all the Minnesota dancers who competed in the Irish Dance World Championships in London.

♣ Comhghairdeas le (Congratulations to) to Irish Fair of Minnesota, named Best Public Event by the Minneapolis-St. Paul

Chapter of the International Special Event Society (ISES).

♣ Slán go fóill (bye for now)! Máirtín de Cogáin and family will be pulling up their Minnesota roots and heading off to

California. We’ll certainly miss them – but Máirtín promises that they will be back this way often. He’ll be keeping his hand in

the planning for Rochester Irish Fair (coming up Labor Day weekend.)

♣ Have you heard the Grand News? Grand Old Day will include the Irish Fair of Minnesota Stage in the USBank parking lot.

Featured bands include the Sweet Colleens, the Tim Malloys and the Wild Colonial Bhoys – who will also be featured at Irish

Fair 2014! See you on June 1st

on the Avenue!

♣ The Twin Cities been a great Irish music community for many years. Irish Fair is planning an exhibit this summer to tell that

story. The committee is looking for artifacts, images and stories! If you have stuff to share, get in touch with Mike Casey at

[email protected] or check out the “50 Years of Irish Music in the Twin Cities” group on Facebook - http://

www.facebook.com/groups/1407397132869841/

Update on IMDA Membership The Irish Music and Dance Association would like to remind members of a change in policy regarding membership. Because of rising costs in printing and postage, the Irish Music and Dance Association asks that members who want to receive their newsletter by U S mail support the IMDA by contributing at least $35 a year. All members have the option of receiving their newsletter by e-mail for faster delivery and color photos! We welcome your financial support of the IMDA at any level and that support helps us continue our work to promote Irish music and dance in the Twin Cities and beyond. You may also become a newsletter-only member without making a financial contribution. Whichever membership option you choose, we appreciate your support and look forward to seeing you at a concert or dance event soon!

Name: Today’’’’s Date:

Address:

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Membership Type (circle one)

Supporting Corporate Newsletter Support Level _______

Interests (circle all that apply)

Music Dance Theatre Gaelic Volunteer

E-mail Address: Phone Number:

Your monthly newsletter is delivered electronically via e-mail. Please advise us at [email protected] if your e-mail address changes .

Supporting members who contribute at least $35 annually may receive their newsletter by U S Mail. ___ Request US Mail

Revised 11/2013

Tear out the above form and send it with a check made out to “IMDA” to: The IMDA Membership Coordinator c/o Jan Casey 400 Macalester St. St. Paul, MN 55105

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Postmaster:

Time/Dated Material

236 Norfolk Ave NW Elk River, MN 55330

Music and dance from around the world are highlights of the Festival of Nations

RiverCentre in St. Paul, May 1 through 4 The Festival includes foods from around the world,

as well as exhibits, demonstrations and a bazaar.

Details are at www.festivalofnations.com.

May Irish Music & 2014 Bealtaine Dance...

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