The Lull before the Madness
of Mid-March Storms In
By ERIN MULLAN
Ceol binn a bhaint as an saol! My mantra of late, which I recommend for repeated muttering during wind/rain/snow storms, is "spring is coming, spring is coming, spring is coming." Spring means St. Paddy's, so rest up in February, because the madness that is mid-March looms.
Concert listings:
Irish-Canadian singer-songwriter Stephen Fearing is back in town on February 8
The Fraser Valley's fiddling fab four The Sabir Sisters play at Celtic Traditions on February 24
March sees the return of the CelticFest Vancouver featuring an intense fives days of Celtic music, mayhem and one heck of a parade. Here's a few highlights but check www.celticfestvancouver.com For the full schedule
On March 14 there's a great night of tunes to be had at the Yale with Ashley MacIsaac, Spirit of the West member Geoffrey Kelly, Tom Landa, Daniel Lapp, host Tim Readman and many more
March 15 sees Richards on Richards invaded by local Scots wildmen The Real McKenzies
March 16 and 17 Spirit of the West play the Commodore Ballroom
Also on Paddy's night Cape Breton fiddler Ashley MacIsaac is joined by The Sabir Sisters, some of Vancouver's best pipers and the De Danaan Irish Dancers at Richards on Richards for what is billed as The BIG St. Pat's Night Out!
On March 18 myself and Salt Spring fiddler Jaime RT are hosting a Great Big Session at Tom Lee Music Hall from 2 to 5 PM as part of Celtfest with free admission for anyone with an instrument. Come and join us for a few tunes!
Get out your dancing shoes - Shooglenifty are confirmed for a Vancouver date on March 31
Jez Lowe & The Bad Pennies are here April 11 on their way home from a tour of Australia with a full band featuring fiddle and Northumbrian pipes
Jaime RT & Andy Hillhouse launch their latest CD Spark, probably on April 7
The Rogue Folk Club celebrates its 20th Birthday Party on May 12 with pioneering B.C. string band Pied Pumpkin
Hot young fiddle combo from Norway and Finland Frigg returns on May 12 after a triumphant debut last summer
Summer possibilities include Ellika & Solo (Swedish fiddle and African kora) and maybe the return of Four Men & A Dog.
Local motion:
The next Scottish ceilidh dance is February 23 at the Scottish Cultural Centre. No partner required, all dances walked and called, no previous experience needed but must be willing to have fun
For information on the ceilidhs or Scottish country dance groups and classes around the Lower Mainland call (604) 536-9481or visit www.rscdsvancouver.org
The next Irish cιilν is March 17 at the Victoria Drive Community Hall with music by the Vancouver Cιilν Band. Details: (604) 709-4140
For information on the Irish Set Dancing and Social Group call (604) 984-8261 or (604) 731-9513
Members of Blackthorn play Friday nights at Mahony & Sons Public House/Teach Tabhairne at UBC
The Wolf and Hound has traditional sessions on Monday and Wednesday nights
Irish Heather has an Irish traditional session on Thursday nights
Recording news:
Dan· fiddle ace Oisin McAuley has released a solo album called Far From the Hills of Donegal
Renowned tenor banjo player Ιamonn Coyne teams up with guitarist Kris Drever on Honk Toot Suite
The new disc from Shooglenifty, Troots, should be released in North America in time for their North American dates next month
Two hot new CDs recommended by the Rogue Folk's Steve Edge: North Cregg's Roseland Barndance and Bellowhead's Burlesque, which has local distribution by FDI.
Questions, comments or complaints? Write me c/o The Celtic Connection, #741 - 916 West Broadway, Vancouver V5Z 1K7, or e-mail: maura@telus.net. [Erin Mullan hosts the Celtic music radio show In the Claddagh Ring, Friday evenings from 6:30 to 8 PM on CFRO 102.7.]
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