The Tannahill Weavers are one of Scotland’s premier traditional bands. Their diverse repertoire spans the centuries with fire-driven instrumentals, topical songs, and original ballads and lullabies. Their music demonstrates to old and young alike the rich and varied musical heritage of the Celtic people. These versatile musicians have received worldwide accolades consistently over the years for their exuberant performances and outstanding recording efforts that seemingly can’t get better…yet continue to do just that.
Tue 27 Jul 2010
Tannahill Weavers
Posted by ShaneS under 2010 -2011 Concert Season, 2010 10 09 - Tanahill Weavers, Bands
No Comments
Tue 27 Jul 2010
Lunasa
Posted by ShaneS under 2010 -2011 Concert Season, 2011 03 12 - Lunasa, Bands
No Comments
Named for an ancient Celtic harvest festival in honor of the Irish god Lugh, patron of the arts, Lúnasa is indeed a gathering of some of the top musical talents in Ireland. Its members have helped formed the backbone of some of the greatest Irish groups of the decade – Bassist Trevor Hutchinson was a key member of The Waterboys, and later he, with guitarist Donogh Hennessy, would form the dynamic rhythm section of The Sharon Shannon Band. Fiddler Sean Smyth is an All-Ireland champion who has played with Donal Lunny’s Coolfin; Kevin Crawford, considered to be among the finest flutists in Ireland played with the acclaimed traditional group Moving Cloud; and, piper Cillian Vallely (of the same talented musical family as brother Niall Vallely of Nomos). They were rightly called an “Irish music dream team” in the magazine Folk Roots.
Tue 27 Jul 2010
Vishten
Posted by ShaneS under 2010 -2011 Concert Season, 2011 02 05 - Vishten, Bands
No Comments
“acadian and celtic roots, new spirit, foot percussion that is almost rock drives this acadian band from two sister islands, prince edward island and the magdelen islands. These young francophone musicians have impregnated their traditional repertoire of all the richness of their heritage that distinguishes the character of the east coast on this continent.”
-alain brunet, la presse, montréal
Tue 27 Jul 2010
Searson
Posted by ShaneS under 2010 -2011 Concert Season, 2010 08 07 - Searson, Bands
No Comments
With talent that remains full of fierce energy, Searson continues to astound their audiences with unguarded sincerity in their vocals, raw fiddling and ferocious stepdancing. Searson has been taking North America and Europe by storm, performing an average of 150 shows a year. Growing up in the Ottawa Valley, Ontario, Canada, Erin, Heather and Colleen Searson began performing for audiences at a young age. Each sister was filled with an appreciation of music at an early age and from this, developed a contemporary style of high energy, roots, celtic, country and pop, a sound they are known and loved for. The multi-talented sisters play a variety of instruments and are all expert step dancers. Erin plays a boogie style of piano, organ, and mandolin. Colleen is on fiddle and joins Erin in the lead vocals with Heather on bass. Rounding out the live show they are joined by Mary Gellner, a talented and passionate musician on drums and percussion. From private events, to clubs, theatres and festivals, touring originally began in Ontario and has now grown to include North America and Europe.
Searson has recorded five albums in their illustrious career. A Different kind of Light (2008), Searson Live (2005), Follow (2004), House Party (2002), and finally their newest addition Ignite (fall 2009). Ignite encompasses Searson’s love of all music. All original, these tracks contain flavours from the Ottawa Valley, Country and Blues stylings, something Searson wanted to showcase in an instrumental album. Ignite was recorded at French Kiss Studios in the Ottawa Valley and produced by Jordon Zadorozny (Blinker the Star, Melissa Auf Der Maur). Recording Ignite gave the band a chance to bring in many different sounds including the banjo and the dobro. Recording Ignite gave Searson a chance to be creative and have fun with their music. A Different Kind of Light compliments the instrumental album with twelve tracks of original vocals written by these three sisters. After completing the Searson Live album, “We wanted to showcase the band’s adventurous spirit for live music,” said Colleen. “The resulting album is something we are all proud of.”
Tue 27 Jul 2010
FSOSP – Charity Disc Golf Irish Open
Posted by ShaneS under Community
No Comments
Saturday, August 7, the Friendly Sons of Saint Patrick will host the inaugural Charity Disc Golf Irish Open.
Grandview Disc Golf Course
33rd & Easton Blvd, Des Moines, IA
9am – 4pm
What is Disc Golf, you ask? Disc Golf is a game that was invented in the late 60′s, following the invention of the Wham-O Frisbee. At first, the pioneers of the sport threw the Frisbee at wooden poles in parks. The sport progressed over the years, and changes took place in in equipment and rules. Instead of using a big, light Frisbee, new smaller, heavier discs began to cruise in the range of 500 to 800 feet. The targets also changed. The tone poles were replaced by metal baskets, and the PDGA (Professional Disc Golf Association) was formed.
Registration for this event is $15 until July 15. After that date, the cost is $20. Your registration fee gets you a special edition, souvenir disc from Innova. The disc, reserved for charity events only, would retail for about $25, and will have the Friendly Sons crest on it. You can use whatever disc you like for this event.
All proceeds raised will be going to the Maureen J. McLaughlin Memorial Fund. This scholarship fund was set up for the children of Brian Smith and Maureen McLaughlin. Maureen unexpectedly passed away this spring. Brian is an active member of the Friendly Sons and past President of the Celtic Music Association (CMA).
For information, please contact:
The Friendly Sons of Saint Patrick at 515.277.SONS (7667)