Irish Music with Gaelic Storm, Highland Way and more Irish Groups Interview with Modern Family Star Ed O'Neill by James McDonough Film Review: '71 Starring Jack O'Connell Greening of the World for St. Patrick's Day Irish Calendar, Pubs and more...
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Volume XXIII Issue 2 GAELIC STORM Annual Irish Music Special Irish American profiles Actor Ed O’Neill… see page 3 film critic speaks out movie takes place in Belfast–brutal, fast paced– no happy ending here…see page 16 gaelic storm’s best hits album makes Billboard World Music at #1 for weeks…see page 7 HIGHLAND WAY ’71 celtic music festival check out the latest and the greatest in Irish music…see page 5 THE YOUNG DUBLINERS GREENING WORLD OF THE global greening set again for St. Patrick’s Day…see page 2
Transcript
Volume XXIII Issue 2
GAELIC STORMAnnual Irish Music Special
Irish American profilesActor Ed O’Neill…see page 3
film criticspeaks outmovie takes place in Belfast–brutal, fast paced–no happy ending here…see
page 16
gaelicstorm’sbest hits albummakes Billboard World Music at #1 for weeks…see page 7
HIGHLAND WAY ’71
celticmusic festival
check out the latest and the greatest in Irish
music…see page 5
THEYOUNG
DUBLINERS
GREENING WORLDOFTHE
globalgreeningset again for St. Patrick’s Day…see
page 2
Irish Arts & Entertainment Annual IRISH MUSIC Special Page 2
GLOBAL GREENINGof the World To Honor St. Patrick’s Day
continued from cover pageCelebrating St. Patrick’s Day with great fanfare and crowds is an American invention. the first well organized and attended St. Patrick’s Day parade in New York was on March 17, 1762 in New York. Dublin’s first large scale St. Patrick’s Day parade in 1995.
Although a bit late to the party, we must tip our green hats to the Irish Tourist board for organizing and promoting the Greening of the World for the patron saint of Ireland’s great secular festivity day!
The idea started in 2013 and will continue in 2015 on a scale as grand as ever!
Cover Photos:Center, the Fountain at Fairplex in 2012; The ancient ruins of the Temple of Hercules in Amman, Jordan; The Chicago River
“World goes green for Paddy’s Day” pictured on this page: The Opera House in Sydney, Australia; Forsyth Park Fountain in Savannah, Georgia; Mother Nature even contributed this very rare flipped over iceberg with a green hue, taken off Iceland a few years ago!
Irish Arts & Entertainment Annual IRISH MUSIC Special Page 3
First of two parts
Ed O’Neill is one of the best known and gifted actors on television today. For two generations, the Irish American actor from Ohio has been almost everyone’s favorite television patriarch. From the befuddled and always challenged Al Bundy on Married With Children to the sanguine witty observer on Modern Family, O’Neill comes across as a character that you would love to meet!
Such was my good fortune well over ten years ago when I did happen to meet Ed O’Neill at O’Brien’s Irish Pub in Santa Monica (23rd. & Wilshire). It was just after the incredible 11 year run of Married With Children had come to a close. It was a pleasant encounter, we shared
Irish American Profile… Actor Ed O’Neill
continued page 6
N
EWPORT BEACH, C
A
CURES WHAT ALES YOU
IRISH PUB
Muldoon’s Shamrockin’ March
1st, 2nd & 3rd place prizes. ladies & gents can enter.
$25 gift cards for all contestants Bagpipes. Dancing. Brunch & Lunch.
Live Music by Craic In The Stone. all ages Welcome. admission is Free.
Sexiest Kilt Contest 3.8.2015
and 12 more Brilliant bands appearing throughout the month
Copyright 2015. All rights reserved. Printed in the U.S.A. Subscriptions are delivered via Armadillo Distributing, UPS
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Address editorial correspondence; Attention Editor. Letters to the Editor are not necessarily the
opinion of the Editor or Publisher of the Irish Arts & Entertainment.
Address business inquiries; Attention Publisher.
2015 42nd Annual
San Diego Scottish Highland Games & Gathering of the Clans
June 27th & 28th, 2015 • 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM • Both Days
www.sdhighlandgames.org760-726-3691 or 619-884-3157
Fax: 760-726-3591 • [email protected] Terrace Park • 1200 Vale Terrace Drive, Vista CA 92084
Entertainment Featuring:
Wicked Tinkers
Highland Way
Stand Easy
Browne Sisters & George Cavanaugh
Vendors of Everything Scottish:From Foods to Arts & Crafts
Massed Bagpipe Bands
Scottish Athletics
Highland Dancing Competition
Drum Major
Bag Piping and Drumming Competitions
Sheepdog TrialsScottish Country Dancing
Kids’ Athletics
Kid’s Area
Child ID Program
Opening Ceremonies at Noon each day.
Closing Ceremonies with Massed Pipe Bands
at 4:45 PM each day.
Get Your Tickets EarlyPre sale Ticket Prices:
Adults: $13 per daySenior & Military: $8 per day
Youth 6-16: $5 per day
Irish Arts & Entertainment Annual IRISH MUSIC Special Page 5
116 Santa Monica Blvd., Santa Monica, CAPub ph. (310) 451-1402
Join Us for Our Annual Celebration!
Pre-St. Patrick’s Day Fun Features Food, Beer and EntertainmentJoin the fun at the inaugural Celtic Faire at Fairplex and celebrate the cultures of all Celtic Nations with food, fun, entertainment, shopping and game—be ye Irish, Scottish, Welsh (or something completely dif-ferent!), visit the Celtic Faire at Fairplex
March 7 and 8 for an authentic experience that will tempt the taste buds and get ye toes a tappin’. Step into the past and enjoy the many rich Celtic traditions.
Celtic Faire Comes to Fairplex
Fairplex’s park-like campus transforms to a Celtic village, complete with shopping, country games and pubs. Enjoy:
Hours for Celtic Faire are noon to 11 p.m. on Saturday and noon to 6 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is $10, ages 6-12 $5, ages 5 and younger are free.
There is something fun for everyone, whether you’re young, old or somewhere in between. Visit the web site, celticfaireatfairplex.com for a complete schedule of events and entertainment
For more information and to purchase tickets online visit celticfaireatfairplex.com or call 909 623-3111.
Irish Arts & Entertainment Annual IRISH MUSIC Special Page 6
a meal and a couple drinks and bonded over our shared Irish American and Ohio upbringing. Time flies so now maybe 12 plus years later, we caught up at his home for an interview. A mutual friend had given me his cell and I had called about the interview a week or so before. O’Neill had been really nice on the phone, remembered me and the Irish Arts & Entertainment and immediately consented to meet me a week or so later.
Ed O’Neill is an affable and intelligent guy, who is very proud of his Irish roots and Irish American upbringing. O’Neill is also a very happy married man who is extremely delighted with and proud of his wife and two young daughters. He is also obviously very fit and healthy looking for his age (67).
We started off just chatting and the first topics that came up were O’Neill’s Irish american upbringing and his early life. We jumped somehow to Ed O’Neill the writer, on to O’Neill’s first exposure to acting In High School. A brief flirtation that he dropped till his mid twenties. His recalled that his first impression of acting and actors was that both were overly dramatic and that was not his nature or style. That early impression turns out to have become a big influence on O’Neill’s acting career as he invariably comes across as low keyed and very down to earth.
O’Neill’s film and television credits are impressive and that was to be our opening but since we were two Irish Americans chatting we got of
continued page 29
Irish Arts & Entertainment Annual IRISH MUSIC Special Page 7
GAELIC STORM…from Santa Monica to the World!Way back when, before the Titanic smacked into the iceberg and helped catapult the steerage band to a larger audience, Gaelic Storm was working hard at making magic Irish Music.
We don’t use magic lightly, the fun, the connection, the outright joy of hearing these guys play has lingered in the collective memory of their fans and admirers in Santa Monica and LA for nearly 20 years. They played mostly at O’Brien’s Pub (Murphy tended bar there for awhile) and many other Irish pubs and fairs around Southern California for a couple years as they honed their craft and on stage presence. We were lucky to have them and I think they would agree that the band was lucky to have such adoring crowds at the start who recognized that they were special.
After 10 albums, and nearly 3,000 live shows, Gaelic Storm — the chart-topping, multi-national Celtic band — has been dishing up a hearty serving of . The greatest-hits album spans the bulk of the band’s career from 2004-2014, mixing crowd favorites and concert staples with three previously unreleased recordings. The CD was on the Billboard World Music as #1 for several weeks. This was the fifth time that a Gaelic Storm album made the top Ten on Billboard. Gaelic Storm has straddled the line between tradition and innovation for nearly two decades. Led by founding members Patrick Murphy and Steve Twigger, the group infuses traditional Celtic music with modern influences, updating the genre for a new generation of fans raised on rock, country and folk.
“We have earned every single one of our fans, one at a time,” Murphy says. “There’s no sponsorship. No corporation is pulling strings. Every fan is made by us playing a show and shaking hands and learning names. We’ve become friends with so many of them. When someone at a show tells me they’ve never seen Gaelic Storm before, I say, ‘Welcome to the family.’”
pays tribute to the group’s diverse journey. The album features sea shanties and drinking songs, traditional tunes and originals, instrumental workouts and vocal showcases. “Whiskey in the Jar,” another brand new recording, even harks back to Gaelic Storm’s early days as a pub band in Santa Monica, California, long before the group played the Telluride Festival, the Rock Boat cruise, or high-profile theaters in countries like France and Spain. Together, these 15 songs celebrate the sunny side of life, urging listeners to raise their pint glass and stomp their feet.
“When you go eat pub food in Ireland,” explains Steve Twigger, “you can order the ‘Full Irish,” which is a combination of mushrooms, beans, bacon, sausage, black pudding, white pudding… It’s the works, basically. That idea seemed to represent everything about this album. This is the works. Everything we do is represented.”
Regularly playing more than 120 shows a year, Gaelic Storm has built a loyal following as diverse as the band’s own music. Fans of traditional Irish music have championed the group for years, but so have fans of harder-edged Celtic rock. On tour, Gaelic Storm is just as likely to play a large rock club as a plush theater. The band makes regular appearances on cruises, too, joining artists like the Barenaked Ladies and Michael Franti.
“Our audience spans the whole spectrum,” Twigger says. “We’ll play a rock venue one night, then a performing arts center that might’ve hosted a ballet performance the night before. We’ve got hardcore fans who love our energy, Jimmy Buffet fans who love our message, folk fans who love our stories. Everyone can appreciate it, and that’s been the secret to our longevity.”
“Looking back over our past albums is like flipping through a photo album,” adds percussionist Ryan Lacey, who joined the band in 2003. “Each record was made during a different time and a completely different phase of our lives. What hasn’t changed is the message. We want everybody to have a good time, to enjoy themselves. It’s the sort of message that everyone can get behind.”
Although takes a look backward, Gaelic Storm is still moving ahead at full speed. There’s another studio album in the works, as well as plenty of tour dates on the books. Hungry for more rule-breaking Celtic music? will satisfy your appetite… even if it’s just an appetizer for what’s to come.
Through the course of nine albums, the core of Celtic-rock group Gaelic Storm—frontman Patrick Murphy and guitarist-vocalist Steve Twigger—have lived, written and recorded in the United States, far from the overseas environs of Patrick’s native Ireland and Steve’s birthplace of England. So when it came time to find inspiration for Gaelic Storm’s new album, the group’s chief songwriters decided a trip back across the pond was in order.
The result is the dazzling #1 Billboard World Album Chicken Boxer, a heavyweight record that comes out swinging with a mix of empowering anthems and traditional ballads, and the fifth to be released on the band’s own label, Lost Again Records.
[Full IrIsh] #1for several weeks.
—Billboard World Music
(contunued on page 9)
[Full IrIsh]
“When you go
eat pub food
in Ireland,”
explains Steve
Twigger, “you can
order the ‘Full
Irish,” which is
a combination
of mushrooms,
beans, bacon,
sausage, black
pudding, white
pudding… It’s the
works, basically.
That idea seemed
to represent
everything about
this album. This
is the works.
Everything we do
is represented.”
[Full IrIsh][Full IrIsh]
Irish Arts & Entertainment Annual IRISH MUSIC Special Page 8
Four st. Patrick’s Day Facts to impress your non-Irish friends
Here are some interesting facts for you to bandy about while you consume the obligatory corned beef and cabbage, and tip the required pint of Guinness.
Fact 1: St. Patrick was not Irish.St. Patrick is the patron Saint Ireland, which is somewhat ironic because he was not himself Irish. There is some controversy on where he actually was born: Some say somewhere in England, Wales, or Cornwall. But he was born and raised as a Roman, and he was the son of a Roman Decurion in 385 CE (Common Era), although the day of his birth is unknown. This leads us to fact number 2.
Fact 2: We are celebrating the day he died.We are not celebrating his birthday, but rather the day he left for his heavenly reward. He passed away on March 17, 461 CE. And when you consider that most early Christian Saints did not live to the ripe old age of 74 and he lead a really tough life, this alone is worth lifting a toast or two.
Fact 3: Pirates!At the age of 14, young Maewyn Succat was captured by Irish raiders (“pirates” just sounds cooler) and not just kidnapped, but taken by the famous Niall of the Nine Hostages, later to become King Niall. Poor Maewyn, he’s English, he’s Roman, and he’s well-to-do, and now he’s been dragged to Ireland.
Fact 4: St. Patrick was a slave.Maewyn was sold into slavery and put to work tending sheep. For six years, he was cold and alone, with the exception of those sheep, and miserable. During this time, he learned to speak Irish, and he started praying to God and became a devout Christian. And God answered back! God told him to run away, head to the coast, and to catch a boat back to his home. Many adventures ensued. And a miracle or two.
If you want some truly legendary stories at your next event,contact him at [email protected], or 818-762-9075.
True Thomas is a professional storyteller, public speaker, cre-ative coach, published author, and ULC minister (and a profes-sional Santa!)He was the Ard Ollav (High Bard) of the Queen Medb Encampment for 14 years, and has been one of the featured storytellers at Celtic events throughout California for many years.
How Not to Be a Plastic Paddyby True Thomas the Storyteller
The term “Plastic Paddy” is sometimes used for:• Folkswhoonlycelebrate
their Irish heritage one day a year.
• Peoplewhoareactuallyna-tive born Irish who forget their nationality in Eng-land.
• SomeonewhobuyslandinIreland and is now ancient with Irish culture.
• Someonewhocan’tfindIreland on a map, and has no knowledge of modern Ireland or its actual history (good and bad).
Irish Arts & Entertainment Annual IRISH MUSIC Special Page 9
“Twigger and I returned to Ireland, driving around the entire coastline in search of Irish music,” says Patrick. “Going back was great and we got some good stories and ideas for songs.”
“That was a really important trip to us,” agrees Steve, who produced the album with help from Patrick and drummer Ryan Lacey. Steve says the journey back to their musical home informs the new album. “The idea of home is all over Chicken Boxer. Whether home is where you were born or where you make your living, that theme runs throughout the album.”
Rounded out by drummer Ryan, piper Pete Purvis and fiddle player Jessie Burns, Gaelic Storm has earned a reputation as one of the world-music scene’s preeminent Celtic bands. With catalog sales of more than 1 million, the group has now had three albums debut at #1 on the Billboard World Albums Chart, 2008’s What’s the Rumpus?, 2010’s Cabbage, which remained parked in the top slot for three consecutive weeks, and 2012’s Chicken Boxer.
The group’s ability to deftly incorporate a rock sensibility into their sound affords them rare crossover appeal. In recent years, they’ve performed on the same bill with acts ranging from Zac Brown Band and the Goo Goo Dolls to Emmylou Harris and Lyle Lovett, at events as varied as the Telluride Bluegrass Festival and Milwaukee’s Summerfest.
“At the end of those shows, I was like, ‘Lads, that was unbelievable!’” Patrick says. “We fit in very well with those other artists and we’re definitely moving more into the mainstream. Our music is Celtic and Irish, yes, but on this album, we see just how far we can take it.”
That sense of musical adventure is well represented in Chicken Boxer’s lead-off track, the live-every-moment rocker “One More Day Above the Roses.” Hammered out by Steve and Ryan during a particularly rewarding jam session at The Zone studio in Austin, Texas, where the band records, the song is a defiant boot-stomper, with Patrick announcing: I’m done with you begrudgers; You pushers and you shovers; The scurrying, the worrying; I’m gonna have some fun.
The lyrics are a tribute of sorts to legendary Irish folksinger Paddy Reilly, who gave the group some invaluable advice when Gaelic Storm was
adapting to the instant fame brought on by their cameo in the 1997 blockbuster “Titanic.”
“We were encountering a lot of resentment from other bands, and Paddy leaned over and said to us, ‘F--- the begrudgers!’” Steve recalls with a laugh. “Those were very important words for us back then and I wanted to get that message into the song: Don’t let people drag you down. Just celebrate the fact that you get up in the morning.”
In the springy “Rag and Bone,” it’s a fond memory from his youth that Steve chose to celebrate, that of the good-natured junk pickers who’d roam the streets outside his family’s home. “The rag-and-bone men went about picking up scrap. You’d hear him and his donkey cart coming from a long way away,” he says. “We’d get excited when we heard him coming, because he’d give out candy to the kids. This was before everybody was afraid of
taking candy from strangers. It was a happier time and I wanted to preserve that.”
Indeed, much of Gaelic Storm’s material hearkens back to an older age. While songs like the tropical “My Lucky Day,” the stark “Whichever Way the Wind Blows” and the Dylan-like road ballad “I Can’t Find My Way Home” would fit comfortably on contemporary radio, the band also has a knack for writing songs that sound as if they’ve been sung in Irish pubs for generations. Tracks like “Marching Free,” “Dead Bird Hill” and “Stone by Stone” all lend an air of the traditional to Chicken Boxer. But it’s the epic “The Bear and the Butcher
Boy” that sets the bar.
One of the last songs to be recorded for the album, “The Bear and the Butcher Boy” could easily have been a story resurrected from long ago. Instead, it was painstakingly composed over time by Steve. “I really wanted to write an old-fashioned story-song,” he says. “I researched folk songs and the Alan Lomax field recordings and I think they seeped into my head. It all came out in ‘The Bear and the Butcher Boy.’”
The song may have even set the stage for the followup to Chicken Boxer. “It felt like the first song of our next album,” Steve continues. “We made another breakthrough in the band’s sound and it got me very excited to record again. Maybe the next one will really have a traditional feel.”
But any such plans will have to wait. Now,
a reinvigorated Gaelic Storm is focused on bringing the music of Chicken Boxer to their fans around the world—and explaining the album’s unconventional title. (Just ask Patrick what it means!)
“This is our ninth album and every one seems to be better than the last,” Patrick says. “I think this record will take us to another level. It’s another step in the journey.”
A journey that, for the endlessly touring Gaelic Storm, is furthered every time they step onstage.
www.gaelicstorm.com
Gaelic Storm continued
Irish Arts & Entertainment Annual IRISH MUSIC Special Page 10
Irish Born Daniel O’Leary America’s Foremost Walking Proponent and ChampionBy Paddy Gallagher
Daniel O’Leary was born in the village of Clonakilty, County Cork in 1840. The courageous young Irish boy made his way to America arriving penniless and alone around 1854. In his long life, O’Leary left an indelible footprint in the annuls of walking for sport and good health that has never been bested. To newspapers of the time he was known as the “Plucky Pedestrian” because of his confidence and persistence. O’Leary was also well noted for his characteristic good humour and remarkable health and stamina as well as for his record-breaking walking feats,
In the 1870s people had more time for leisure as the work week started to shorten to as little as 50 hours in some cases. Organized events and athletic competitions were becoming increasingly popular; the sport of “Pedestrianism” was born. One of the most famous competitions in this odd sport was held in Chicago in 1875. According to a recent article in Mental Floss magazine. “It was just after midnight on Monday, November 15, 1875, and the Interstate Exposition Building in Chicago was buzzing. Spectators were swarming into the auditorium, hundreds of people craning their necks to get a glimpse of the two legends on the track.
One of the men wore a black velvet suit with black boots, a silk sash draped across his chest. The other looked the part of a professional athlete in white tights and a stripped tank top.
They stretched their legs and approached the line. As the crowd roared, the starter counted: ‘One, Two’!”. The SIX DAY Walking Race was on the way to the Record Books.
O’Leary’s opponent and the favorite to win was a native American dandy from a wealthy New York family named Edward Payson Weston. Both men had achieved some fame as champion walkers both for endurance and distance, but Weston was better know. The rules were simple, the first man to walk 500 miles would be the winner. In no case would the contest go for longer than six days because such events were against the law on Sundays.
In Chicago, Dan O’Leary’s new home, another O’Leary had been blamed for the Great Chicago Fire only three years before. Anti Irish, anti-immigrannt sentiments were still a factor in the mindset of much of the citizenry of America, especially in Chicago at the time. This salient fact rallied the Irish born and first generation Irish and many other immigrant groups who liked to root for the underdog in general to the O’Leary camp!
From the first day, O’Leary led the race and by the time the six days were over, the Irishman had bested the Yankee American. O’Leary actually kept walking till midnight on Saturday
and walked a total of 503 miles to Weston’s 451. The crowd cheered wildly tossing hats into the air and chanted his name. The Mayor of Chicago and O’Leary’s wife greeted him with flowers at the Finish Line. Daniel O’Leary became a national hero. He continued as one of the leading “Pedestrianism” titans for a few more years, even traveling to Europe to “Race Walk”. He drew adoring crowds even in London while on tour. After the craze died out as more interesting sports such as baseball became popular, O’Leary was in demand for personal appearances and short speeches.
In his old age, he wintered in Southern California and he was still walking almost every day. He always advised people to walk vigorously; “Don’t go out for a stroll”. He believed you needed to get your lungs and heart going. Daniel O’Leary was 91 years old when he died at the Glendale Sanatorium in Los Angeles on May 29, 1933.
More online: www.kingofthepeds.com/Daniel_O_Leary_by_P.S._Marshall.pdf
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Irish Arts & Entertainment Annual IRISH MUSIC Special Page 11
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q rImbolc CelebrationIn Los Angeles 2015By Kate Barlow
Starting from the end of Yule (Winter Solstice), the days begin to length-en, and by early February, new life makes an appearance in response to the increasing light. The ritual of Imbolc is celebrated in gratitude for the start of this new growing season, and to energize new growth of all kinds in the lives of practitioners engaged in the celebration. There was a gathering this year and such a ritual took place at the Green Man Store in North Hollywood. The Green Man Store is a community hub provid-ing a welcoming meeting place for those engaged in alternative spiritual practices. The Store regularly hosts rituals led by a number of local groups. This year the Green Man Grove, a new in-house group, per-formed its first ritual, fittingly, for Imbolc.
The ritual was designed as an inclusive all-tradition event. Celebrants of many backgrounds attended, and the ritual was centered by an Italian traditional (Strega) High Priestess. Individuals representing the differ-ing alternative traditions were given the opportunity to speak about what they valued in their beliefs, light a candle in honor of their tradition, and be supported by the other celebrants.
Irish Arts & Entertainment Annual IRISH MUSIC Special Page 12
Irish Arts & Entertainment Annual IRISH MUSIC Special Page 13
Irish Music and St. Patrick’s Celebrations begin on Sunday,March 15 with The Whooligans and Irish Dancers!!On Paddy’s Day: Patty’s Pig (Please call pub for schedules)
Open Monday to sunday from 11 am to 2 amFood Served until 10 pm
Menu includes full Irish BreakfastFish and Chips • Bangers and Mash
MUSIC: Every Thursday, Friday & Saturday(sometimes on sunday)
130 East 17th Street • Costa Mesa, CA 92627 • 949-646-8855 • www.harpinn.com
Irish Music line up starts st.Patrick’s Weekend Friday, March 13 9:00pm
The American Wake
saturday, March 14 9:00pmGalway Hooker Band
sunday, March 15Trooper Thorn
From 4:00pm to 8:00pm
Paddy’s DayNoon to 6:00pmTrooper Thorn
6:00pmSWAGGER, Irish Band
www.harpinn.com
Happy St. Patrick’s Day from All of Us!
Irish Arts & Entertainment Annual IRISH MUSIC Special Page 14
Better to be quarrelling than to be lonesome!
t
You never miss the water till the well has run dry.
t
The Irish ignore anything they can’t drink or punch.
t
Don’t talk about a rope in the house of someone whose father was hung.
t
Praise the ripe field not the green corn.
t
A hair on the head is worth two on the brush.
t
Irish Arts & Entertainment Annual IRISH MUSIC Special Page 15
&TuesdayMarch 17th
St. Patrick’s DayCanoga Park Community March
Celebration
Gather at The Madrid Theatre, 21622 Sherman Way (just east ofOwensmouth) at 1:00 pm. The March starts at 1:30 pm.Everyone who attends gets to be part of our Annual Sidewalk March. JoinSt. Patrick, bag pipers, stilt walkers, and friends as we march through Old Town Canoga Park and once again celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in the great Canoga Park Way!
After the March, the Celebration continues at the end stage located at 21825 Sherman Way. Enjoy LIVE IRISH MUSIC with Jerry McLean, a Free Raffle, True Thomas the Irish Storyteller and other festivities!
website: www.CanogaParkCal.com
For more information, contact Mary…(818) 346-7480 or e-mail: [email protected]
Sponsored by: Canoga Park Improvement Association, The Canoga Park Neighborhood Council,Los Angeles City Councilman Bob Blumenfield, Green Thumb Nursery, Follow Your Heart,
Irish Arts & Entertainment Annual IRISH MUSIC Special Page 16
Having kids may be the best and worst thing that can ever happen to you. Brother Zone is about the transition as a family moves past the toddler period and realizes that they have, in fact, become a family.
This book started life as Mary F McDonough's daily writing journal about her sons. Mary says:
"I don't think that anyone could have given me a better gift as a writer. I watched and listened as they became experts in communicating exactly what they felt and wanted. Sometimes, though, I had to hold my breath in horrified fascination."
If you have a sibling, or are interested in food, life, fighting, girls, school, books, aliens, war, burping, cats, farting, drawings, being human, growing up, weapons, baths, sex, mythology,
linguistics, body parts, and love, Brother Zone is the book for you. If those things terrify you, Brother Zone is cheaper and more fun than psychoanalysis.
The book itself is a family effort. The cover art and drawings are by Brendan and Tristan, the two boys, and the book design is by their dad, Martyn.
You can read more about Brother Zone and other Gadfly Editions titles, including After Dark—possibly the only photo poem about bats—on Gadfly Editions website or Facebook page. Brother Zone is currently available in hard cover from Amazon and other online retailers, with a paperback coming soon.
www.gadflyeditions.comwww.maryfmcdonough.com
Brother Zone
A Film by Yann DemangeStarring Jack O’Connell’71 takes place over a single night in the life of a young British soldier (Jack O’Connell) accidentally abandoned by his unit follow-ing a riot on the streets of Belfast in 1971. Unable to tell friend from foe, and increas-ingly wary of his own comrades, he must survive the night alone and find his way to safety through a disorientating, alien and deadly landscape.
This “War Movie” is brutal, fast paced (99 minutes flew by),depressing and treacherous . There is no happy ending. ‘71 is a film that delivers the message that war is hell and wars fought for hate and religion are more hellish than any.
‘71is well worth seeing as it brings home the painful experiences of the recent past and the “troubles” better than any film or documentary that we know of. The enemy lines are Catholic Belfast so it is an emotional ride for anyone who knows or better yet understands anything about recent Irish history. To sum it all up in a quote from the film, “It was a confusing mission”.
About the film and directorAfter completing the critically acclaimed and multi award winning Chan-nel 4 series ‘Top Boy’, director Yann Demange was ready to embark on his debut feature film. Despite developing and reading numerous scripts he had
‘71
(continued next page)
Irish Arts & Entertainment Annual IRISH MUSIC Special Page 17
not found his next project. One screenplay he did not anticipate connecting with was a thriller set in Northern Ireland during the early years of the Troubles. However, after reading the script, he was gripped by the story of ’71, it struck a chord and the main character resonated with Demange.
The project was conceived a few years earlier as an original idea by producer Angus Lamont of Crab Apple Films. “I had a friend at school who joined the army at 15,” he said. “He’d already been to Cyprus and Northern Ireland while we were still doing our exams, he was so young to be in those situations. I’d also been researching The Trou-bles, and had come across a piece from the perspective of a Loyalist gang member. He talked about seeing a teenage British soldier crouched in a doorway, terrified, confused and crying in the middle of a sectarian riot. This young soldier, like most of the public on mainland UK, had no concept whatsoever of what was happening in Northern Ire-land. I thought there was a story in his experience in that environment.”
It was this human experience that also attracted Demange. He immediately con-nected with the powerful narrative of the young man, which seemed universal and relevant in the modern world. This was a timeless story which would continue to appeal and captivate.
“What I love about Greg’s script,” says O’Connell, “is there are no answers, no attempt to shift the blame. I’m half-Irish myself, and could see that these events were realities to people. I wanted to normalise Gary as much as possible, make him someone who existed in that time.”
Filmed in the UK over nine weeks, seven of which were night shoots, ’71’s production was as arduous as it was invigorating. “It was a tough shoot, man,” laughs O’Connell, “but we knew it was going to be brutal. I was on set only a little less than Yann, so a good relationship between us was key, I trusted him totally.” Together, Demange and O’Connell cut back dialogue on set to craft a sparser characterisation. “It’s a very ex-pressive performance,” says Demange, “Jack’s pretty alpha, he’s got real fight in him, so he found it quite taxing holding back. It’s an exhausting part to play - you can’t hide behind the lines. I think he’s brave and committed and incredible to watch.” The chal-lenge, for O’Connell, wasn’t just the physical endurance – it was getting under the skin of the era. “To me, ’71 is truly a period film,” he says. “I couldn’t modernise Gary in any way. I hope I was immersed enough to kill any of my own contemporary manner-isms and do the character justice.”
Although the production benefitted from Northern Ireland Screen’s backing from the outset, filming took place on location in England. “The Belfast of 1971 doesn’t exist in Belfast today,” Lamont explains. “To make it look as authentic as possible it had to be fake.”
‘71 continued
Blackburn and Liverpool were cast as an uncanny double to Belfast’s terraces (it’s all in the red bricks), while Sheffield’s Park Hill Estate served as a brutalist doppelganger to the notorious Divis Estate. “Fundamen-tally, ’71 is a thriller,” notes Gutch “but Yann wanted to create a sense of credible action, and for that we needed credible locations. Throughout, ex-military were posted on set to advise cast and crew”, “from the way to hold a specific rifle to the squaddie lingo,” says O’Connell, who found himself drawing on his previous work-experience in the army. “At one point I was determined to join it after my football career messed up,” he said.
It was Blackburn where the film’s alarming and explo-sive riot was staged, the turning point of the film. “It was extremely intense,” says Demange. “We filmed over five days, rehearsed the whole sequence, and then ran it in real time, over and over again. Making sure the energy levels stayed up. The supporting actors were unbeliev-able and they really helped to make that scene come alive. One of the older gents got so into it that he was collecting the rocks -all rubber – and pocketing them to throw at the army.”
Film ScoreThe film score too is hauntingly stark.The music was composed by David Holmes a Belfast born DJ & pro-ducer . No trumpets or fanfares here, it was bleak and Holmes captures the period perfectly with with a mostly guitars.
…a film that delivers the
message that war is hell and
wars fought for hate and religion
are more hellish than any
The Irish Arts & Entertainment is looking for an Editor
Irish Arts & Entertainment Annual IRISH MUSIC Special Page 18
The Wylde Rovers: From left to right are, Jim Daehnert, Bud Gawthrop, Andrew Scott, Austin Cameron, Scott Luken, and Ed Lee.
If you believe in fish tales, you would accept the story of these fellows that they were stranded here on the beach in the O.C. due to flotation malfunctions on board their previous employment situations. You might also believe, as they allege, that they have been sea-going musicians, in their free time in the forecastle, skilled in Irish, Scottish, American and international Sea Shanties, ballads and love songs, acquired through their long exposure to Irish and British shipmates at sea.
However, a more rational explanation might be found in this: For over a dozen years Andrew Scott has been playing bagpipes in the Orange County beach area, perform-ing at weddings, funerals and quite often on St. Patrick’s day, centered in Huntington, Newport, Costa Mesa and Irvine. Over the years he has developed a deep appreciation for Irish music, Irish people and hospitality. He has frequently offered to join an Irish band, without success, so finally in desperation, he formed his own band of Irish musi-cophiles, none of whom are Irish, but all having an appreciation for the scope of Irish music.
However, how does a Scot, nonetheless a Scott,!!!, (check your history books,) form an Irish band without incurring the charge of being an imposter, a tourist? Well, through the Southern California method of re-inventing. The group started with the idea of being a group of non-Irish sailors who learned their Irish music from Irish shipmates. Now, stranded in Orange County, they have no marketable skills other than singing the
Sea Shanties, ballads and love songs they learned at sea.
Surely someone would believe this fish-tale?
The group grew to full size with the addition of three Cameron Clan lads, Austin, Bud, and Scott, who brought their professional guitar and mandolin talents and mu-sic industry experience to provide the direction needed to launch an Irish band without any Irishmen on board. They are now named the “Wyld Rovers” and have an exciting, uplifting and joyful group of songs to lift the spirits.
So, just before St. Patrick’s day, March 15, 2015 you will hear genuine Irish tunes on the bagpipes, and Irish, Scottish, and American Nautical music, ballads and love songs at Old World in Huntington Beach, just after the Huntington Beach Irish Dachshund Sweepstakes.
THE WYLDE ROVERS
Playing everything from High Energy Festivals to Performing Arts Theaters, from Scotland to Nova Scotia, Ireland to California, Highland Way are uncompromising professionals. These seasoned musicians bring that same polished energy to stages around the world. With their huge repertoire they know how to tailor their performance to the audience.
A native Scot with his Glasgow accent as proof, Brian Caldwell (lead vocals / rhythm guitar / bodhran) is well known for his wonderful ability to charm any crowd while his energetic and driving rhythm guitar blends flawlessly with the rest of the band. Immersed in Celtic music while growing up in Glasgow, Scotland and having specialized in sound engineering at the prestigious Strathclyde University, Brian hit the road.
IRISH MUSIC MAKERS2015
HIGHLAND WAY
Irish Arts & Entertainment Annual IRISH MUSIC Special Page 19
For fifteen years,Wakes, Weddings, Whatever! has been the rallying cry of The Whooligans, a high spirited and fun loving staple on the Southern California Irish mu-sic scene.
Established in 1999, at the legendary Limerick’s Pub on Naples Island in Long Beach.
Their music is a wild mix of Irish and American pub favorites, high energy drinking songs, rousing sing-a-longs, grand romantic ballads, and comical and romantic original tunes, sure to get toes tapping, feet flying and elbows bending.
Lead by actor and entertainer Ed Bell on Vocals and Tenor Banjo, this self described “Drinking group with an Irish Music problem” is composed of Matt Brislawn on fiddle and mandolin and vocals, Matt Clatterbuck on guitar and vocals, Mark Clatter-buck on bass, and Dana Hass on Drums and vocals..
Ed Bell, the Big Man in the center of the fray, is familiar to many as Bob Rooney, the character he played for many years on Fox Televisions’ “Married with Children”. And to the younger set as Barney the Security Guard on Nickelodeon’s “The Amanda Show”. Ed has also appeared in such major motion pictures as “Herbie, Fully Loaded”, “Water for Elephants”, the Harrison Ford feature “Air Force One”, and has just finished filming on the new Coen Brothers film, “Hail Ceasar!” due out next year.
Says Bell, “The Whooligans started at a session in a Long Beach pub, and the fact that they didn’t have a license for music…set us up as outlaws from the start.” From those beginnings, things blossomed into a full year of Friday Night’s at Nadine’s Irish Mist in Sunset Beach, California, an event that continues on the Last Sunday of each Month.
Saint Patrick’s Day 2016 heralds the release of their forth crowd pleasing album, The Whooligans - 15 Years and Counting!, which will be available at The Whooligans performances and online at their website: www.thewhooligans.com
So whether you catch them at one of their Festival or Concert Dates, or any of the great
IRISH MUSIC MAKERS2015
Now residing in San Diego County, he has successfully lead Highland Way to some of the most prestigious venues in the world, including the largest indoor theater in the USA, the 3000 seat Rabobank Arena in Bakersfield, the Redlands Bowl 5000 seat amphitheater, the Ford amphitheater in Hollywood, and the California Center for the Arts in Escondido CA. Highland Way can also be found playing numerous Celtic Festivals around the Country including Longs Peak Scottish & Irish Festival CO, Scottish Fest in Costa Mesa CA, Arizona Highland Festival in Phoenix AZ, and the Pacific Northwest Scottish Highland Games in Enumclaw WA.
Joining Brian are Paul Graham Castellanos on fiddle, mandolin, guitar, banjo. Sharon Whyte on accordion and keyboards. Bob Sale on percussion and drums. Glen Fisher on bass. Master of guitars and Johnny Cash fame, Jim Soldi.
Highlighting Celtic music from Scotland and Ireland, with originals and the occasional popular cover, High-land Way create the ultimate show. Highland Way are already booked as one of the headliners at the upcom-ing Scottish Fest, a world famous Highland Games and Music Festival in Costa Mesa which is always held over the Memorial Day Weekend at the Orange County Fair-grounds and Event Center.
www.highlandway.com
THE WHOOLIGANS
continued page 21
Irish Arts & Entertainment Annual IRISH MUSIC Special Page 20
IRISH MUSIC MAKERS2015
#1 SPORTIVE TRICKSSportive Tricks - Celtic Music with a Kick
A concert at Muldoon’s Irish Pub in Newport Beach convinced us that this is one of best groups playing around Southern California today! The band is energetic, fun and comprised of gifted musicians,Check out their full bios online:http://www.sportivetricks.com/tricks-bios
Sportive Tricks got their start playing the Renaissance Faire in 2009. Their music hints at these beginnings.
Today they bill themselves as a Folk Band with a heavy Irish influence, Sportive Tricks takes great delight in giving traditional music a rousing twist. They also play many original tunes, both serious & silly.
Tricks’ music leans towards bands like Great Big Sea and Gaelic Storm with influences ranging from The Chieftains to Flogging Molly. Inspired by the rich traditions of Irish, Scottish, & English folk, Cape Breton music, and sea shanties; Sportive Tricks combines traditional instruments with new arrangements, high energy, and a dash of humor for a foot tapping, hand clapping good time.
Sportive Tricks plays year round at pubs and concerts as often as they can.
Sportive Tricks are working on their third CD which should be out soon.
3RD Annual St. Patrick’s Day CelebrationsOur Marquee Guinness Tent Doubles Our Size!!
Irish Music includes the
Dublin Rogues Direct from Ireland
Our main day of celebration will be Saturday 14th Open at 11am. Entertainment in the afternoon will be provided by the legendary Dublin Rogues flying in especially for the occasion. Joining them we will have pipes and drums, interactive characters and other surprises! In the evening Quel Bordel will continue the party till 1AM hours. Tuesday 17th is the same line-up however Celtic rockers the Brick Top Blaggers will be the evening headline act.
The Shamrock Irish Pub & Eatery, 39252 Winchester Road #145, Murrieta CA 92563
Irish Arts & Entertainment Annual IRISH MUSIC Special Page 21
IRISH MUSIC MAKERS2015
pubs and venues they play, it will be a night you won’t soon forget.
So, join in the fun and let the boys show you a good time... And remember as the Big Man says, “The best way to enjoy a Wooligans show is to, Dance like nobody’s watchin’, Sing like nobody’s listenin’, and Drink like somebody else is payin!”
Fifteen years of Wakes, Wed-dings, Whatever! But…Whoo’s Counting?!
For more information and in-terviews Contact: Ed Bell (562) [email protected]
539 East Bixby Road #69Long Beach, CA. 908078(562) 997-9490
the whooligans continued
Easter Candy Now In Stock
TheWhooligansWakes, Weddings, Whatever!
GREENING FOR PADDY’S DAY
Sphinx and pyramids in Giza, near Cairo, Egypt.
Irish Arts & Entertainment Annual IRISH MUSIC Special Page 22
OnGoing Celtic Calendar
TErMs AND CONDITIONs: We provide the information and verify it when it is submitted to us. We still recommend that our readers call first to make sure the event or function is being held as sched-uled. Cancellations and changes do happen on occasion. We update these listings on a quarterly basis.
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Traditional Irish SessionAuld Dubliner Irish Pub71 S. Pine Ave. • Long Beach562-437-8300www.aulddubliner.com
7:00pmGenuine Open IrishSession - Musicians invited.O’Brien’s Irish Pub2226 Wilshire • Santa Monica310-829-5303www.obriensla.com
Starts at 9:00pmTEAM TRIVIA. Pub Quiz with great prizes. O’Brien’s Irish Pub2226 Wilshire • Santa Monica310-829-5303www.obriensla.com
Geeks Who Drink Pub QuizAuld Dubliner Irish Pub71 S. Pine Ave. • Long Beach562-437-8300www.aulddubliner.com
Starts at 8:00pmThe Shamrock’s Karaoke Party Night The Shamrock Irish Pub & Eat.39252 Winchester Rd. Ste. 145Murrieta, CA951-696-5252
An Claidheamh Soluis / The Celtic Arts CenterMonday Night Workshops & Seisiún Free introductory workshops in...Irish Language and Ceili Dance. Open to all levels.our Famous CeltiC seisiun Open to all levels! 9–11pm. Come down and enjoy Southern California’s longest running traditional Celtic music jam session. It’s a grand time for all! FREE admission!The Mayflower Club • 11110 Victory Boulevard • North Hollywoodwww.celticartscenter.com
COMEDy NIGhT WITh ThE ACES COMEDy Club& GuESTS.The Shamrock Irish Pub & Eat.39252 Winchester Rd. Ste. 145Murrieta, CA • 951-696-5252www.theshamrockirishpuband eatery.com
6:30 to 10:00pmThE ShAM-JAM MIC NIGhT Interested musicians or singers are invited to sing and play. If you want a chance to entertain on the stage at THE SHAMROCK, please drop by.The Shamrock Irish Pub and Eatery • 39252 Winchester Rd.Murrieta, CA • 951-696-5252www.theshamrockirishpuband eatery.com
8:00 to 11:30pmyE OlDE KING’S hEAD Pub QuIZ. Sports Schedule on King’s Head FaceBook page!King’s Head Pub & Restaurant116 Santa Monica Blvd. • Santa Monica, CA310-451-1402www.yeoldekingshead.com
live entertainment. Band & schedules online or call. Open daily 11:00am - 11:00pm.Olde Ship British Pub1120 West 17th St. • Santa Ana714-550-6700 www.theoldeship.com
live entertainment. Band & schedules online or call. Open daily 11:00am - 11:00pm.Olde Ship British Pub1120 West 17th St. • Santa Ana714-550-6700 www.theoldeship.com
ACTION TRIVIA. Get ready to enjoy food and drink while you compete in a live team trivia contest. It’s free to play and prizes are awarded! For more info, go to: www.tboylestavern.com
ACTION TRIVIA. Get ready to enjoy food and drink while you compete in a live team trivia contest. It’s free to play and prizes are awarded! For more info, go to: www.tboylestavern.com
Second Sunday 2:00pm to 4:00pm
ST. CORNElIuS’ INfORMAl IRISh GAThERING under the auspices of Father Michael Gleeson and Coordinator Sister Alicia. Drop by and have fun, talk about the ould country, enjoy a bit of singing, a bit of dancing and good old Irish FUN!St. Cornelius Catholic Church • 5500 E. Wardlow Rd. • Long Beach
1st Tuesday of the Month 9:30am
fRIENDS Of IRElAND bREAKfAST. This great bunch of people, all with a love of Ireland and all things Irish meet for breakfast on the first Tuesday of every month. All of our readers and everyone with an appreciation of Ireland and all things Irish are invited to attend.Contacts and Info: [email protected] or Pete at 714-200-7365
Every SecondWednesday
LA Police Emerald Societywww.emerald society.net
Every WednesdayPUB Quiz with GEEKS WHO DRINKThe Harp Inn130 E 17th St. #ACosta Mesa, CAwww.harpinn.com
5:00pmKEN O’MAllEySOlO ShOWAuld Dubliner Irish Pub71 S. Pine Ave. • Long Beach562-437-8300www.aulddubliner.com
Click here to go to: www.pubguide.com
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17th of Every MonthJoin us at the pub all day long the 17th of
every month for St. Practice Day! Practice makes perfect! We will have all types of SPECIALS each month to help celebrate.
The Harp Inn • 130 E 17th St #A • Costa Mesa, CA
Irish Arts & Entertainment Annual IRISH MUSIC Special Page 23
MARfriday, March 59:30pmthe humble hooligansThe Harp InnAn authentic Irish Pub130 E. 17th St.Costa Mesa, CA949 646-8855www.harpinn.com
Saturday, March 710:00pmthe CaliFornia CeltsCeltic rock FolkAuld Dubliner Irish Pub71 South Pine Avenue Long Beach, CA 90802 562 437-8300www.aulddubliner.com
CeltiC Faire at Fair-plex Saturday & SundayMarch 7 and 8 Saturday Noon to 11:00pmSunday Noon to 6:00pmJoin the fun at the inaugural Celtic Faire at Fairplex and celebrate the cultures of all Celtic Nations with food, fun, en-tertainment, shopping and games.Cultural Village will feature sheep-herding demonstrations, a master storyteller of Celtic myths and legends; nearby is shopping, gene-alogy and history, exciting jousting demonstrations and beer & food garden; the Dublin Stage features live performances including The Young Dubliners on Saturday!Also playing on Saturday: The Ne’er Duwels with Ken O’MalleyTwo shows: 3:30 PM and 5:30 PMFood includes: traditional corned beef & cabbage; steak and Guin-ness pie; fish & chips; Irish cream parfaits; and smashed baked potato with toppingsParking $10 at Gate 17 on Fairplex Dr.Admission: $10 ages 13+; ages 6-12, $5; Free for ages 5 and younger FAIRPLEXPomona, CAwww.fairplex.comwww.youngdubliners.com
Sunday, March 82:00pmmls soCCer - orlando v new York CitY4:00pm ~Shamrock’s Got Talent - hosted by HunterEvery Sunday Is SHAMILY DAY~The Shamrock Irish Pub & Eat-ery39252 Winchester Rd, Suite 134(Corner of Winchester & Murrieta Hot
Springs Rd.)
Murrieta, CA 92592951 696-5252www.theshamrockirishpuban-deatery.com
Sunday, March 83:00pmrattle the knee... is based in Los Angeles and brings the tra-ditional music of Ireland to this far western shore. It’s members have performed at the LA Music Cen-ter, Ford Amphitheater, Grand Ol’ Opry and at pubs and stages even in Japan.Patrick D’Arcy hails from Dublin Ireland but has spent most of his musical life as a very influential uilleann piper of Southern Cali-fornia. He joined with Kira Ott, Jimmy Murphy and Bruce Carver
Click here to go to: www.pubguide.com
and Rattle the Knee was complete.Tickets: $18. Coffee Gallery Backstage2029 N Lake Ave, Altadena, CA 91001Reservations and info: 626-798-6236 www.coffeegallery.com
Incredible Irish Music Line Up for St. Patrick’s weekend at The Harp Inn Irish Pubfriday, March 139:00pmthe ameriCan wakeSaturday, March 149:00pmgalwaY hooker bandSunday, March 15trooper thornFrom 4:00pm to 8:00pmPaddy’s Daynoon to 6:00pmtrooper thorn6:00pmswagger, irish bandThe Harp InnAn authentic Irish Pub130 E. 17th St.Costa Mesa, CA949 646-8855www.harpinn.com
Irish Arts & Entertainment Annual IRISH MUSIC Special Page 24
Sunday, March 15Call or drop by for show timesthe whooligans and irish danCersEd Bell and a talented group of Irish Traditional musicians.This band is the most fun of ANY Irish Pub & Rebel Tunes purveyors in SoCal (or probably anywhere)! The Red LeprechaunLA Area’s ONLYIrish American Gastro Pub,a great Pub with incredible food and an artfully selectedcraft beer selection!4000 E. Aneheim St.Long Beach, CA562 343-5560www.redleprechaun.com
Tuesday, March 176:30pmA speciAl st. pAtrick’s DAy Dinner AnD showkris Colt & the blaCk rose bandin ConCert!“One of the best Irish Groups around today; they form a cohesive unit that produces a really able, lively and melodious sound.”www.kriscolt.com Marina City ClubMarina del ReyCall Kris to reserve a table:818 590-1133No Cover
Irish TheaterOpens March 28Previews 3/26 & 3/27“Corktown ‘57” A powerful family drama set in the Philadelphia Irish community of “Corktown,” a seething hotbed of pro-Irish Republican activity. Emo-tions run high and battle lines are drawn when family and political loyalties collide.Written by John FazakerleyStarring Jonah Beres, Josh Clark, Andrew Connolly, Eve Danzeisen, Belen Greene, Kevin P. Kearns, John Ruby, Nick Tate, Rebecca Tilney
performances:March 28 – May 3Thursday at 8 p.m.: March 26 ONLY (preview)Fridays at 8 p.m.:March 27 (preview); April 3, 10, 17, 24; May 1Saturdays at 8 p.m.: March 28 (opening); April 4, 11, 18, 25; May 2Sundays at 2 p.m.:March 29; April 5, 12, 19, 26;May 3
TICKET PRICES:•FridaysandSundays:$25•Saturdays:$30•Previews:$15Odyssey Theatre2055 S. Sepulveda Blvd.Los Angeles CA 90025Tickets & Info: 323 960-5770www.plays411.com/corktown
Irish Arts & Entertainment Annual IRISH MUSIC Special Page 25
Contributed by Paddy Gallagher with help from Peter Callahan
We recently caught up with an old friend, South Orange County Realtor Nick Jordan; who as our faithful readers know, is the energetic founder of Wells of Life, a 501(c)(3) charity dedicated to drilling 1,000 wells to bring clean water to 1 million residents of rural Uganda. Nick was with his delightful bride Michelle; and they told us of their plans to visit Nick’s “home” County Wexford, this year. Before they leave, they will be hosting a World Water Day sponsored “Walk For Water” fundraiser on Sunday, March 22nd, at Santa Margarita Catholic High School from 12:00 until 3 PM. The school is located at 22062 Antonio Pkwy, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688.
Nick asked all of us to stop by with comfortable walking shoes, and with the pledge card filled with the contact information of friends and neighbors that will sponsor us to carry a water can around the school’s oval training track. “We are committed to bringing the life-saving clean water to children who desperately need our help.” Nick said. “This will be an opportunity for families to engage with a cause that has a cure. Come enjoy an afternoon of good will, good music, good friends, and save a life.”
There is a strong Irish connection. Besides Nick Jordan, board members are Paddy McCullagh from County Tyrone, and Pete Callahan, whose folks come from County Cork, will be in attendance along with a number of other board members and volunteers with Irish roots.
“This isn’t officially an Irish organization” Michelle Jordan told us. However we’ve been blessed with the support of M. Finbar Hill, the honorary consul general of Ireland. And last year, world renowned Irish Tenor Anthony Kearns joined in support as our national spokesperson.” In addition to saving lives by placing wells in these communities, the organization is blessed to honor several worthy individuals who have served in some capacity, including Catholic priests for their many years of service. We recently dedicated a water well in honor of the oldest living priest in the diocese, Msgr. Anthony McGowan, soon to turn 100 years of age.” Bishop Kevin Vann was on hand to make the presentation to this kind and saintly gentleman to commemorate his 74 years of serving others in the name of Christ. The organization has likewise honored two of our Diocese of Orange Bishops and four of our priests to date, with plans to honor many more members of the clergy and religious through the various Knights of Columbus parish councils.
As Nick pointed out, “There is no greater gift, nothing more pleasing to yourself and in God’s eyes. That is helping your brothers and sisters in their time of need with something so basic as clean water.” Many wells have been dedicated to parents and favorite teachers and sports coaches, alive or deceased. And within six months of funding , pictures of the stone dedication plaques and smiling villagers are sent to the donors.
The Irish Arts & Entertainment is happy to print the Wells of Life announcement below. We invite all of our readers to support the great work of Wells of Life. Please take some time along with our publisher, to make a few phone calls, send out a few emails, and contact your neighbors in order to fill out a pledge card to sponsor your efforts for this wonderful cause. More information, and formal pledge sheets can be up obtained by clicking on the organization’s website:
www.Wellsoflife.org
Or call Pete Callahan at714 264-5594.
Hope to see a lot of our readers there!
World WATER DAY
$6a month
gives waterto onefor life.
Irish Arts & Entertainment Annual IRISH MUSIC Special Page 26
Cleary Irish Dance will offer OPEN HOUSE Saturday, March 7 th from 2pm to 5pm at The Vault Studio, 57 Palmetto Drive, Pasadena and Sunday, March 8 th from 1pm to 4pm at The Mag Studio, 173 W. Magnolia Blvd., Unit 103, Burbank. Come meet the teachers and learn the Jig in time for St. Patrick’s Day. All ages welcome. For a list of March performances and more info on classes, visit www.cleary-irishdance.com.
Now is the time to try Irish Dance for FREE!
Sign up by OCTOBER 15 and get a FREE Quarter-page Adin the December IRISH ARTS!!
Call: 951-216-1493
Copy this to your browser or CLICK HERE in Digital Edition
Irish Arts & Entertainment Annual IRISH MUSIC Special Page 27
You might not be able to get your favorite Cadbury Easter Candy this year because of the Hershey companies monopoly on the brand name in the US.
Even though, the sales of imported Cadbury products is very low when compared to overall Hershey sales, the giant chocolate company decided last year to stop the imports through legal action.Consumers are outraged and they have started a boycott against Hershey. The court case is over, Hershey won. There will be an appeal and we are hoping that public opinion will sway Hershey. Also a boycott will hurt their stock prices even further, so far they are down $3.00 per share.
Here is the website needed to sign the petition against the ban on importing Irish and British candy. MoveOn.org/Brits and Irish United against Hershey, Please sign this worldwide petition and pass along to all your friends via facebook etc.
Contact Hershey directly is also an effective way to be heard.Mail: Mr. John Bilbrey, CEO The Hershey Company 100 Crystal A Drive P.O. Box 810 Hershey, PA 17033
In addition, the Hershey Concern Line may be used by calling 1-800-362-8321 and by accessing the website www.HersheysConcern.com.
-Please let Hershey know that you and your family will be boycotting ALL Hershey products until they allow the import of Cadbury products from Ireland and England.
Boycott Against Hershey Over Imports Gaining Momentum
The Time Chair DiaryBy Laura Crockett
One of the most mesmerizing of modern subjects is the idea that we could, possibly, zoom back into the past, or visit the future. Even if one doesn’t believe such a thing as time travel being remotely feasible, we are fascinated by it.
I confess. I am not only fascinated, I am a true believer. I buy the Everett and De Witt theory of “many worlds”, sometimes referred to as parallel universes. However it is called, time travel is something I would do in a nano second.
Not knowing any physicist who has invented such a machine, I do the next best thing. I make stuff up so that I can “time travel” in my mind. I also find it a wonderful literary device for teaching history to those who want to learn through a feel of the past. I mean, what was it like to be involved in the great, and not so great, moments of humanity’s life story?
My primary mission in life is to follow Rudyard Kipling’s advice on teaching history as if it were a story, because then it won’t be forgotten. Amen. My first novel, Mary Stumpf at the Battle of Princeton, not only gives the reader a feel for a major American event, it gives an accounting of what life was like in 1776 New Jersey, when troops came marching through, not just once, but several times during the months of December and January 1776-1777. How would you like it if soldiers galloped their horses across your barnyard? How would you feel if you watched as a man you talked to moments before, died in front of you? Not pleasant for a 12 year old girl to witness. But witness such events children did. And still do.
My newest foray into history and children is the Time Chair Diary. The time chair is, you guessed it, a time traveling device. This is a series of books written to teach history as Mr. Kipling suggested. In the first book, Big Battles in Trenton, the main character, 11 year-old Ell Evans, desires to time travel because she loves history, but the history books leave her flat. She tells the physicist who invented the time chair that she wants to “feel” history. That is exactly what happens to her when she is taken back to December 1776, when Washington crossed the Delaware to take Trenton.
Have a child or grandchild that likes history, sort-of? Consider this book as a way for them to feel the past, and inspire them to study it more on their own.
Big Battles in Trenton is available as a paperback, ebook and audio book. All available on Amazon, and iTunes (audio book).
Irish Arts & Entertainment Annual IRISH MUSIC Special Page 28
LINK: www.obriensla.com
Irish Arts & Entertainment Annual IRISH MUSIC Special Page 29
O’NEILL continued
track. I started to take notes and Ed remarked, “You’re left handed?”
Yes, I replied except for some sports.
“Me too, I write left handed and eat left handed, everything else right handed, sports - and I shoot pool left handed.”
I replied how I bowled left handed and could shoot pool either way.
“That would come in handy”, replied O’Neill, “I bowl right handed.”
After yet another few minutes of chatting; I have it all recorded on my phone, we got started. The quips, the mutual interruptions are actually quite humorous. Listening to it to do this feature, the conversation reminded me of an old Jonathan Winters routine with all the tangents and self interruptions. Winters too was from Ohio!
Irish Arts and Entertainment (IA&E)Your early years, I know you were brought up Irish Catholic...
O’Neill: Yeah, but not anymore, probably gave it about age 17.*
IA&EThe early years then, forget the Catholic part, your family history. Were you always aware of your Irish heritage?
O’Neill: Yes, my mother was a Quinlan, Her mother was adopted and her name was Ethel Conroy. My mother’s parents died in a car accident and she was raised by an uncle, named Burke, so both sides were Irish. I actually thought her last name was Burke growing up, learned her maiden name later. I had great aunts too, who were from Ireland. I remember asking my Dad about my Great Aunt Clare’s accent, she had a brogue, and he explained that she was from the old country. My youngest daughter is named Clare after her.
Anyhow, when I was a little kid, we would go visit the older relatives. We hated going there. It was dreary and they were not at all friendly to us. They would say things like, “Go find the turtle, we lost a turtle in the house and we’ll give you a cookie if you find it.” There was never a turtle, they just wanted to get rid of us away so they could talk.
One time, were at my great grandmother’s house, she had married a guy named Pat and he had passed away. We were at the wake, I guess. So I heard another of my old aunt’s saying. I knew he was going to die, that something was going to happen when I saw the banshee on the neighbor’s roof.
So I asked my Dad and he laughed and he told me not to worry. “It’s a long way from Ireland for the banshee to come, son” he told me.
We were very Irish and my father was very proud of being Irish. He didn’t flog it!
Irish American actor Ed O’Neill and his Italian-Russian American wife Catherine Rusoff in Hollywood. They have been married since 1986 and have two daughters.
Funny though, he did not want me to marry an Italian. “Do you want your kids to have bug eyes?” he would ask. He liked blue eyes. All seven of us had blue eyes. Of course I didn’t do that, my wife is half Italian and Russian, from Cape Verde (Born in New Jersey).
My brother’s name is Tim and I found out one time from my Mom that he was named for her great grandfather Timothy Quinlan, who was from County Mayo. We are not really sure but he was from Ireland. All of us after that were born here. As for the O’Neill side, I had the DNA test and I found out that we are part of the Niall of the Nine Hostages line of descendants!”**
NEXT ISSUE, The Pittsburg Steelers, Florida, New York and “I stumbled into acting”.
**Ed Note: Niall Noígíallach, Old Irish meaning “having nine hostages”.
Niall of the Nine Hostages, son of Eochaid Mugmedón, was an Irish king, the ancestor of the Uí Néill family that dominated Ireland from the 6th to the 10th century. The rise of the Uí Néill dynasties and their conquests in Ulster and Leinster are not reliably recorded. Niall of the Nine Hostages and the Uí Néill clan were clearly dominant in parts of Medieval Ireland and the genetic imprint is prolific.
Also, we have put together a brief bio and filmography for Part Two in our next issue.
Be ye Irish, Scottish, Welsh, (or something completely different!), visit the Celtic Faire for an authentic experience to tempt the taste buds and get ye toes a tappin’. Step into the past and enjoy rich Celtic traditions.
Fun for everyone: § Shopping, food and pubs § Traditional dancing § Music featuring Irish rock bands and traditional Celtic music § Jousting demonstrations § Sheepherding demonstrations with different breeds of dogs
Experience the culture, food and frivolity of the Celtic Faire at Fairplex
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