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Irelands premier cultural movement since 1951 with 400 branches around the world
Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann Newsletter §
Promoting the music, song, dance, and language of Ireland
November 1998 -- Volume XV
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§ Chairperson's Message § A Chairde, The Annual General Meeting of the Curry Seery Branch and election of officers was held on November 1, 1998 at the Irish American Community Center with 20 members attending. A very enjoyable session and dancing and a potluck supper followed the election. A total of 14 musicians provided the music. What a special event that was when most of the musicians stayed on and played late into the evening! The slate of officers for 1999 is the same as 1998 with one exception; the new auditor is Pam Lang. Welcome aboard Pam! I really expected that by now a new chairperson would be in my place, but thanks to our members' support, I also am in again for another year. Just remember you put me here so I am asking for your help in making this a successful year. I would like to thank the officers who so willingly stayed on for another year. "Go N-Eiri An Bothat Libh". I would like to take this opportunity to wish all our members a Holy and Happy Christmas and Best Wishes for the New Year. Slan Joan Kennedy Chairperson Remember to teach your children your heritage; otherwise, someone else may teach them theirs. |
Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann News PAGE 2
TRADITIONAL IRISH GROUPS NEEDED
In addition to doing her Celtic show on Friday mornings 8 to 10am, Julie Cyr, the Celtic Music Director of WHUS Radio in Storrs, CT. is in the process of starting up a new record label.
Ruby Road Records will focus on Celtic and French Canadian music. The albums will be distributed internationally and promoted heavily through an extensive media campaign and international touring.
Julie is currently seeking Traditional Irish groups or musicians both here and abroad to sign. She will also be in Ireland in January to meet with prospective artists in Ireland.
If anyone is interested, please contact Julie by E-mail jmc94001@uconnvm.uconn.edu
or by phone at 860-487-7504
or write her at:
Julie Cyr, Owner
Ruby Road Records
P.O. Box 221
Ashford, CT 06278
NORTH AMERICAN CONVENTION SLATED FOR APRIL 1999
The 1999 North American Convention has been scheduled for April 9-11, 1999. This upcoming convention is sponsored by the Martin Mulvihill Branch and will be held in Parsippany, New Jersey. There will be music, song, dance, language, and art workshops. The Saturday Banquet and several ceilis round out the weekend's festivities.
All members should have received information and registration forms in the mail months ago. Registration was opened to the general public as of November 1, 1998 so if you have not registered, you should do so ASAP. For details on the convention call (201) 646-9557.
You can also get a registration form or more information at their Web Site at http://home.earthlink.net/~caledonia/cce99/
REGIONAL MEETING IN ROCHESTER, NY
The Regional Meeting was held in Rochester, NY on November 7, 1998. Unfortunately, we did not have any members from our branch attending this meeting.
PADDY CLANCY OF THE CLANCY BROTHERS DEAD AT 76
On November 11, 1998 Paddy Clancy of the famed Clancy Brothers died. Paddy was 76 years old. In Ireland, Paddy Clancy's passing was marked with tributes in the papers and on the radio and TV news.
The Clancy Brothers divided up a few years ago with Paddy, Bobby and Bobby's son Finbarr going in one direction - Liam, Robbie O'Connell and Liam's son Donal in another. Paddy had taken up farming in his native County Waterford, and was a very popular figure locally, singing for free in the local pub the same songs he used to perform on stage.
Although it is debated in some circles as to "how traditional" the Clancy Brothers are, there is no mistaking the positive impact that their legacy has made on Irish music. Paddy Clancy has left music and spirit behind for others to enjoy.
Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann News PAGE 3
Northeast Region Hall of Fame
The Northeast Region of Comhaltas held it's first Hall of Fame Induction on February 21, 1998 in Albany, NY.
Long-time Comhaltas member Edmond (Eddie) Burke and the late Paul Curry
were honored at the Northeast Region of Comhaltas' Hall of Fame. A program
of music and wonderful memories followed the presentation.
Edmond
(Eddie) Burke was born in Galway into a musical family. Both of his
parents played music, great musicians surrounded him on all sides, and
music was played at all times, day and night.
Eddie first played with the "Western Star Ceili Band" and later with the "Corrib Ceili Band", a regular member for many years before coming to the US in January, 1954. Arriving in the States, he met Johnnie Keane who had a great group of players. They played on local radio every Sunday, and also made TV
appearances. Eddie joined the "Chris Tabb Band" from Springfield, MA, playing as a featured musician on a record they made, and stayed with the band until Chris passed away in 1970. Eddie also played with the "Round Tower Ceili Band" from Hartford area until they disbanded.
Eddie and his wife Mary (nee Downs) joined the Jim Seery Branch of Comhaltas in 1974 at its inception; both have been very active in Comhaltas for many years. At present, Eddie is a member of "Mountain Laurel Ceili Band" in CT. Many Albany Comhaltas members remember well that Eddie was one of the very first musicians to come to the Albany area to visit the Sean O'Riada Comhaltas branch, to give their musicians a chance to experience a traditional Irish session, with a real fiddler who played for the enjoyment of it. Eddie's wife, Mary, and their friend, Paul Curry, came to help with set dancing. Whether a sessiun in Eddie's basement or having a cup of tea around the dining table with family and friends, Eddie and Mary have always been true pillars of traditional Irish music.
Paul
Curry, the namesake for the Paul Curry/Jim Seery Branch of Comhaltas
was remembered by friends, family, and fellow musicians at the Hall of
Fame. Paul's favorite tune was played by Eddie Burke and Cindy Smith.
Paul's family attended the induction and shared memories of Paul and his
love for Irish music and dance.
Comhaltas recognized two great ambassadors of Irish traditions when they gave Eddie Burke and Paul Curry the ovations that they richly deserve as the first Hall of Fame inductees for our branch. Congratulations!
§
The next Hall of Fame will be held in Albany, NY in February of 1999. Our branch is proud to announce that Mike Meehan was selected as our nominee for the upcoming Hall of Fame. Mike Meehan served as the Chairman of our branch for many years (1982-1993) and he currently holds the position of the Northeast Regional Treasurer.
"ECHOES OF ERIN" Annual Concert Tour
The annual concert tour "Echoes of Erin" made its Connecticut
stop at the Gaelic American Club in Fairfield on Wednesday, 
October
7. Even thought this was not the best of dates, we succeeded in attracting
a fine number of attendees. The concert was lively and went over very
well with the audience.
Thanks to the good folks at the G.A.C. for their help in promoting this cultural event, also thanks to the Co-chair Sharon McGovern for all her help with this concert.
A special word of thanks to the Irish language classes at the Irish American Community Center, who canceled their classes for the evening so the students could attend the concert.
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Our Get Well Wishes Maise O'Keefe Agnes Droney Harry Toland Ginny McCauley
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Sympathy, Prayers, and Best Wishes
Stephen Moreley on the death of his sister Kristen Sean Scollan on the death of his wife, Peggy Eileen McMahon and Maureen Staunton on the death of their father, John Leahy -- One of the founding members of our branch. Kathleen Saunders on the death of her brother, Michael in County Clare. Our prayers to the Provincial Chairman, Hugh Smith. Bob Byrne of Waterbury |
Welcome New Members!
Cead Mile Failte
Bill Mayer, Gregg Burnett, William Hare, Sharon Higgins, John McNamara, Peter Delaney, Gene Taylor, Jane O'Connor, Karin Metzker, Eileen & John Scott, Frank and Veronica Kendrick, Eugene and Christina Cronin, Virginia McCauley
OUR BRANCH SECRETARY CONTINUES THE MEMBERSHIP DRIVE!
"Dues are due"!! Yes, as of November 1, 1998 Comhaltas New Year begins and it is time to send dues in to Andrea Hogan.
For the first time in ages, the dues were increased. Do not let that worry you though -- they are still a bargain! Dues are now only $17 for first member of a family, $8 for each extra member, and $4 for each junior member (under 18). There is still a $35 maximum for an entire family membership
Remember the tip from Home Security expert, Mike Hogan, when he says, "Get your dues payment out of your house and over to CCE as quickly as possible to keep your Treoir Magazine coming without interruption!"
So to start or renew your membership and keep your Treoir Magazine coming, send checks to:
Andrea Hogan, Secretary
Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann
145 Old Post Road
Northford, CT 06472, USA
pg 5 C o m h a l t a s C a l e n d a r o f E v e n t s
Saturday November 21
Natalie McMaster, Dancer/Fiddler, will be at Somerville
Theater, Boston MA. (617) 876-4275.
Sunday November 22
An open sessiun will be held at 4PM at the New Britain
AOH Club, 39 South Street, New Britain, CT. It is about a block off of
S. Main Street in a white brick bldg. with a AOH sign in front. Sessiun
is downstairs.
Sunday November 29
A Ceili will be held at the Irish American Community
Center in New Haven. Call (203) 281-3563 for more information.
Tuesday December 1
An open CCE sessiun will be at the Irish American Community
Center in New Haven from 5-9PM.
Friday December 4
Pendragon will be performing with two Irish Dancers
at the Irish American Home in Glastonbury, CT. For more information, call
(860) 552-5500.
Saturday December 12
Christy O'Leary, the former piper of Boys of the Lough,
will perform at the Museum of Our National Heritage at 8PM. Call (781)
862-7837.
Saturday December 12
A Ceili will be held at the Stamford A.O.H.
Friday December 18
Clancy Tradition will feature two Clancey Brothers
and two children at 9PM in the Town Crier in Pauling, NY (Rt. 62 &
Rt22). Call (914) 855-1300.
Saturday December 19
Piper, whistle player, and fiddler Christy O'Leary
will be performing with Claire Mann on flute and Frank Kilkelly on guitar
on the Prairie Home Companion live at the Town Hall Theater in New York
City. Tickets/details at (315) 858-1434.
Saturday December 26
St. Stephen's Night annual "Hunting the Wren Ceili"
with the Mummers will be held at IACC, Venice Place, East Haven. 8PM to
Midnight. For more information call (203) 393-0377.
Week + January 13-24
Riverdance is coming to the Oakdale Theater in Wallingford.
For details call (203) 265-1501.
Friday January 22
University of Hartford will present Lunasa at 7:30PM
in the Wilde Auditorium. Call (800) 274-8587 or (860) 768-4228 for ticket
info.
Saturday January 30
Pendragon will be performing at the Stone Soup Coffeehouse
in Providence, RI. For more information call 401-781-0061.
Saturday February 6
Atwater-Donnelly will perform at the CT Audubon Center
at 1361 Main Street, Glastonbury, CT (860) 633-8402.
Friday March 12
University of Hartford presents Dervish in concert
at 7:30PM at the Mallard Auditorium. (800) 274-8587 or (860) 768-4228
for ticket info.
Weekend April 9-11
The 1999 North American Convention will be held in
Parsippany, New Jersey. See News article for details.
Sunday May 2
University of Hartford will present the Battlefield
Band at 7:30PM in the Wilde Auditorium. Call (800) 274-8587 or (860) 768-4228
for ticket info.
Please contact the editor with any upcoming events for publication in the newsletter. Remember to confirm concert dates and times listed in this publication prior to the event. Information for this calendar is gathered from many different sources and, although the goal is to make sure it is accurate, some concerts and events can be changed or canceled after publication of this newsletter.
Pg 6 C l a s s e s , S e s s u i n s, a n d L e s s o n s
Notice: These events may change from time to time. Please verify the event before attending. Any additions/ changes/ deletions can be submitted to the editor (see last page) for inclusion in future editions of this newsletter.
| Notice for the Internet Edition: Most phone numbers and other personal information have not been posted here. If you are interested in an event and don't know how to reach the contact person, send an email to me, the webmaster, Jim Smith with your address/phone number and I will pass it on to the contact person. (Privacy Issues: This webmaster will not use your contact information in any other manner other than as a contact for the requested event.) |
Music Lessons Monday 7:30 P.M.
An informal Irish music session is held each Monday evening beginning
at 7:30 PM at the Gaelic American Club in Fairfield, CT.
Highland Bagpipe & Drumming Monday 7:00 P.M.
Highland Bagpipe and pipe drumming lessons are offered from 7-9PM
at the John Boyle O’Reilly Club, Springfield, MA. Contact Ed Casey
for details.
Step Dance Lessons Monday
Step dancing lessons are offered for Adults (beginners through advanced)
at the Sons of Erin in Westfield, MA. For details, contact Maureen McDermott
Ziskowski.
Open Music Sessiun Monday 8:30 P.M.
Sessiuns at Anna Liffey Pub in New Haven - 3:30 on Sunday and 8:30
on Monday. A good crowd, Guinness on tap - NO TV. Anna Liffey is located
in downtown New Haven about three blocks from the Green located on Whitney
Street. Look hard - it only has a small sign and a door leading to the
pub in the basement.
Open Music Sessiun Tuesday 8:00 P.M.
Every Tuesday there is an open sessiun held at the John Boyle O’Reilly
Club at 33 Progress Ave, Springfield, MA. All levels of musicians are
welcome!! Call (413) 788-8603 for directions.
Ceili & Set Dance Tuesday 7:30 P.M.
Lessons are held at the John Boyle O'Reilly Club, Springfield, MA. For
information call Con or Philomena Murphy.
Ceili & Set Dance Tuesday 7:30 P.M.
Lessons are held at the Danbury AOH Club. All levels of dancers are
welcome. Instruction provided by Brian Reynolds.
Irish Language Lessons Tuesday 6:30 P.M.
A Credit-free course offered at the Elms College, Chicopee, MA taught
by Tom Moriarty. Call Continuing Education at Elms College (413) 598-8520
for more information.
Step Dance Lessons Tuesday & Wednesday
Step dancing lessons are offered for advanced groups and intermediate
at the John Boyle O'Reilly Club in Springfield, MA. For details, contact
Maureen McDermott Ziskowski.
Irish Language Classes Tuesday & Wednesday 7:30 P.M.
Irish Language Classes are held each Wednesday at 7:30 PM at I.A.C.C.
in New Haven. Call David Manning for details.
Pg 7 M o r e C l a s s e s , S e s s u i n s, a n d L e s s o n s
Set Dance Wednesday 7:30 P.M.
Dance lessons lead by John Droney are available at the Irish Home
Society, Glastonbury, CT. Call John for details.
Ceili & Set Dance Thursday 8:00 P.M.
Ceili and Set Dance Lessons are held on Thursday Evenings at the Gaelic
American Club in Fairfield at 8 PM. Call Joan Kennedy for further information.
Open Sessiun Thursday 8:00 P.M.
The New Haven Irish American Community Center welcomes musicians Thursday
evenings. Newly elected IACC President, John Cullinan cordially invites
all musicians to come to IACC club every Thursday night from 8PM for informal
sessions. This is a great opportunity to meet fellow musicians and hone
your skills and enjoy the newly renovated clubhouse with friends.
Irish Language Lessons Thursday 7:00 P.M.
Irish Language Lessons are offered at the Gaelic American Club in
Fairfield on Thursday at 7 PM. Call Jim Fahey for details.
Irish Singing Group Thursday 7:15 P.M.
"The Curlews" is a singing group formed for the enjoyment
of singing. Gina Dunlap, director for the group points out that a great
voice is not needed. A love of singing and the commitment to practice
are the only requirements. Do not miss the fun times with this group.
Gatherings are at the IACC in New Haven. For more details call Gina Dunlap.
Step Dance Lessons Thursday
Step dancing lessons are offered for beginners through advanced at Mount
Marie in Holyoke, MA. For details, contact Maureen McDermott Ziskowski.
Ceili & Set Dance Friday 9:15 P.M.
Ceili & Set dancing lessons take place each Friday evening beginning
at 9:15 PM at the I.A.C.C. in New Haven. Contact Pat or Joan Kennedy for
further information.
Open Music Sessiun Friday 8:00 P.M.
There is an open music sessiun every Friday from 8-11PM at the Amici
Coffee House, 53 Elm St, Westfield, MA. Contact Kay Henrickson for directions.
Pipe Band Friday 7:00 P.M.
Bagpipe band meets each Friday at the IACC in New Haven, CT. Practice
chanter starts at 7:00PM. Pipe and drum practice from 8:00P to 9:15P.
For more information contact Pat Mullaney or Fred Saunders.
Open Music Sessiun Sundays 3:30 P.M.
Sessiuns at Anna Liffey Pub in New Haven - 3:30 on Sunday and 8:30 on
Monday. A good crowd, Guinness on tap - NO TV. Anna Liffey is located
in downtown New Haven about three blocks from the Green located on Whitney
Street. Look hard - it only has a small sign and a door leading to the
pub in the basement.
M o r e C l a s s e s , S e s s u i n s, a n d L e s s o n s
Pg 8
Open Music Sessiun Sundays* 7:00 P.M.
*Every first, third, and fifth Sunday there is an open music sessiun
at the Old Amherst Ale House, 460 West St, Route 116 (South of Amherst
Center), Amherst, MA. For Directions call (413) 256-1710.
Open Music Sessiun Sundays* 3:00 P.M.
*The first Sunday of each month there is an open music sessiun at
the Vanilla Bean Cafe at the intersection of Rts 44/169/97 in Pomfret,
CT.
Music Lessons By Appointment
Traditional Irish Music Lessons for many instruments are offered by
eight-time All-Ireland Champion, John Whelan.
| Notice for the Internet Edition: Most phone numbers and other personal information have not been posted here. If you are interested in an event and don't know how to reach the contact person, send an email to me, the webmaster, Jim Smith with your address/phone number and I will pass it on to the contact person. (Privacy Issues: This webmaster will not use your contact information in any other manner other than as a contact for the requested event.) |
SLOW JAM SESSIONS FOR MUSICIANS
Hartford Country Dance (HCD) is sponsoring monthly contra slow jams modeled after a Celtic slow jam. The jams are 5:30 - 7:30 pm 2nd Saturdays at the American Legion Post, 275 Main Street, Old Wethersfield, CT.
The jams provide a good opportunity for new and experienced musicians to learn, play, and enjoy a mixture of Irish, English, New England, and Quebecois tunes -- reels, jigs, and waltzes.
Players of all instruments are welcome. The jams will be appropriate for "advanced beginners" and "intermediate" skill levels; tunes will not be played dead slow, but probably not up to full dance speed either. Participants can use sheet music or play by ear. An "around the circle" system will be used to ensure that everyone gets a chance to select tunes and set speed.
For more information, please contact Rob at rlindau@ibm.net or see the Hartford Country Dance page at http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/4159/ .
NEW MAGAZINE FOR GAELIC SPEAKERS
There is a new magazine out for Gaelic speakers and learners called Cuisle. Cuisle is a monthly magazine for Irish speakers and learners everywhere, linking Gaeltacht communities with urban-based speakers in a way that has not happened before.
A four-page insert called An Fhuinneog (the window) gives learners a new window of opportunity, with simplified text, glossaries in English, competitions and helpful tips about how to improve your Irish. Gaelscoil parents will also enjoy An Tuismitheoir (the parent), a special section dedicated to those rearing their children in Gaelic.
If you want information about this, contact
Mary Ellen Ní Chualáin, Cuisle, Foilseacháin an Phobail Teo, An tEastát
Tionsclaíochta, Casla, Co na Gaillimhe, IRELAND.
or via E-mail: cuisle@tinet.ie . Their homepage can be viewed at http://homepage.tinet.ie/~cuisle1/cuisle.htm
Irish Airs
Irish Radio Programs
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§ § § § § § § Celtic Airs Tues 6 A.M - 9 A.M. § § § § § § § Echoes Of Ireland Tues. 6 P.M. - 8
P.M. § § § § § § § In the Celtic Realm Wed 6 PM - 9 PM § § § § § § § Music Of Ireland Thurs. 6 P.M. - 8
P.M. § § § § § § § Celtic Voyage Fri 8 A.M - 10 A.M. § § § § § § § Profiles in Folk (folk/Celtic) Fri
10PM - 12 AM § § § § § § § Music of Erin Sat 10 A.M. - 11 A.M. § § § § § § § Irish Hours Sat 11 A.M. - 1 P.M. § § (continued) § §
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§ § § § § § § Thistle & Shamrock Sat 8 P.M. § § § § § § § Celtic Music Sun 8AM - 11AM § § § § § § § The Sounds of Ireland Sun 9A.M. -
11 A.M. § § § § § § § Healy's Irish Program Sun 10 A.M.
- 12 P.M. § § § § § § § Ceol Na Gael Sun 12 P.M. - 4 P.M. § § § § § § § Music of British Isles Sun 12:30PM
- 4:30PM § § § § § § § Heritage Sun 4:00P.M.- 6 P.M.
§ § § § § § § The Irish Music Hour Sun 8PM - 9PM § § § § § § § |
SOME IRISH WEBPAGES
| COMHALTAS IN IRELAND: | http://cce.irish-music.net/ |
| COMHALTAS IN NORTH AMERICA: | http://www.intac.com/~margie/CCE/ |
| CURRY-SEERY BRANCH: | http://www.blarneystone.com/comhaltas |
| IRISH RESOURCES: | http://celtic.stanford.edu/IrishNet/ |
| THE IRISH TIMES NEWSPAPER: | http://www.irish-times.com |
| CEILI AND SET DANCE EVENTS IN IRELAND: | http://www.ceili.ie/ |
| IRISH MUSIC MAGAZINE: | http://mag.irish-music.net/ |
| CEOLAS (Everything about Irish Music!): |
http://www.ceolas.org/ceolas.html |
W E A R Y O U R C O L O R S ! ! ! !
Wear your CCE Curry-Seery Branch logo on these polo shirts in your choice
of colors and in sizes to fit everyone. At only $23.00 these make a nice
gift idea for Christmas. Joan Kennedy is in charge of sales and, due to
the holidays, has generously offered to sell larger quantities at two
for $46.00 or three for $69.00! To order, complete the following information
and mail it with your check made out to "CCE" to:
Joan Kennedy, 41 Peck Lane, Bethany, CT 06524
POLO SHIRT OFFER
Size: [ ] small [ ] medium [ ] large [ ] x-large
Color: [ ] white [ ] blue [ ] green
[ ] maroon [ ] yellow [ ] black
Name: ________________________________________
Address:_______________________________________
City:______________________ST:______Zip:_________
Phone: ( ______ )______________________
Note: For multiple orders, please specify size and color for each shirt.
