"MAUI CELTIC BLOG" & MAUI CELTIC NEWS ARCHIVE
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2013
Sunday May 12th - Hamish had a Mothers Day Special on the Maui Celtic Show on 'Sunday Solstice' on Mana'o Radio 91.5 FM, Wailuku, Maui. He celebrated Mothers and Grandmothers with 2 hours of Celtic music from all over the Celtic world ! He dedicated the show to his Mum in Cornwall, Sheila Burgess, and his Grandma, Cecilia Strachan, who he misses every day (and is responsible for his passion for all things Celtic - thanks Gran !).
Sheila Burgess, and her mum Cecilia Strachan
He had a wee tribute to a special Irish lady Phillis Deegan, who passed away during the week in Vancouver, BC. She was a singer of traditional Irish songs, and a feature of the Murphy family parties that Hamish always attends at Christmas time in Vancouver.
The show is live online at www.manaoradio.com. Local time will be 8-10 am (Hawaii), which for the winter will now be 10am-12pm US/Canada West coast, 11-1pm Mountain time, 12-2pm Central time, 1-3pm Eastern Standard Time, Canadian Maritimes 2-4pm, and 6-8pm in Ireland and the UK, Europe 7-9pm. Chat live with Hamish during the show on Facebook - be a friend at Hamish Douglas Burgess, or be a fan of The Maui Celtic Show - Mana'o Radio.
Saturday May 11th - the Isle of Maui Pipe Band played at the annual Seabury Hall Craft Fair, for the 5th consecutive year. They opened the event at 9:00a with fanfare at the main entrance, and after marching through the vendor area performed a 30 minute set. For more information contact Pipe Major Allison Jackson by email at jacksonmaui@gmail.com, or call (808) 572-6513.
Saturday, May 11th - over on Oahu, The Caledonian Society of Hawaii held a Scottish Movie night, with "Tunes of Glory" screening at Manoa Public Library (2716 Woodlawn Drive, Honolulu). 'Tunes of Glory' is a 1960 movie about a military pipe band, set in Scotland starring Alec Guinness, John Mills, Susannah York, and Gordon Jackson. A "dark psychological drama" centering on events in a Scottish Highland regimental barracks in the period following World War II.
Saturday, May 11th - The Saint Andrew Society of Hawaii held their yearly Celtic Pub Crawl, starting at 4:30 pm in Murphy's Back Room for drinks & pupus, then, accompanied by bagpipes, there was a wee parade of kilted, and otherwise festively-dressed folks, down to JJ Dolan's on Bethel Street for drinks & pizza. The Partybus picked the gang up at JJ's at 7:00pm & drove around while folks had a few wee drams before hitting the dance floor to boogie in Waikiki. The final stop was O'Toole's on Nu'uanu Street at 10pm. The criac was mighty in Honolulu that night !
Celtic Pub Crawl with the Saint Andrews Society of Hawaii at JJ Dolan's in Honolulu
Photo courtesy of The Siant Andrews Society of Hawaii
During the evening a special moment was when an award was presented by Kelly Griffith to veteran Marine and local priest, Father Rubie. He received an award for being one of the 'Chosin Few' who fought at the Chosin Reservoir, during the Korean War, for 17 days, outnumbered by about 67,000 to 30,000, and sustaining 10,000 casualties.
Kelly Griffith presenting Father Rubie a 'Chosin Few' award
Photo courtesy of The Siant Andrews Society of Hawaii
Sunday May 5th - Hamish had a Cinco de Mayo Special on the Maui Celtic Show on 'Sunday Solstice' on Mana'o Radio 91.5 FM, Wailuku, Maui. He played 2 hours of new and old Celtic music, with a Mexican/Spanish theme, with tracks from artists in Mexico, Galicia, Asturias, Ireland, Scotland, England, USA, Canada and Venezuela !
Sunday May 5th - over on Oahu, The Friends of St.Patrick held their annual Golden Pratie Golf Tournament at 11:30am at the Navy Marine Golf Course. The 19th Hole pasta dinner followed at O'Toole's Celtic Room, with all members welcome. More details from Bill Comerford at bill@ejlounge.com, or call 808-223-3997.
Saturday May 4th - our own Hamish Burgess officially piped open The Celtic Art of Hamish Burgess exhibition at Hawaiian Village Coffee in the Kahana Gateway Center (4405 Honoapiilani Hwy, #207) in West Maui. The art will be on display for the first time on Maui, for the whole month of May - opening hours 6am-6pm.
Hamish opening 'The Celtic Art of Hamish Burgess' at Hawaiian Village Coffee, Kahana
See Hamish's Celtic art original paintings, giclees, and prints - all available for purchase. He lives around the corner, so if you want a chat with him about his art, please call 808-264-5190, and he'll pop round to the coffee shop to see you. Preview the artwork on our Gallery page.
There will be an artist's reception Saturday May 18th from 6-8pm with a Celtic Music Session.
Mahalo to David Maran, owner of Hawaiian Village Coffee, for supporting local artists.
Saturday May 4th - on Oahu there was a Celtic-Infused Music Concert by Michael Tanenbaum & Stephen Fox with Special Guests at the Atherton Theatre, 738 Kaheka St. (Makaloa St), Honolulu, at 7.30pm. Michael Tanenbaum and Stephen Fox shared an evening of Celtic-infused soundscapes, with guest appearances by saxophonist Randy Wheeler, Stephen Inglis (guitar) and Robert Wehrman (piano).
Tanenbaum and Fox have collaborated for over a decade, sharing a cinematic breadth and delicate acoustic instrumental sensitivity in their personal compositions. Together, Tanenbaum plays guitar and Fox plays the enigmatic santur/cymbalom, the ancestor of the piano. Both have years of experience as composers, including music for film, dance, and theater, and the combination of instruments generates a synergy that listeners say is like stepping outside time as the tunes evolve.
Tanenbaum is a Celtic inspired instrumental guitarist based in Honolulu, Hawaii. Originally from Canada, he found a new sound in the islands and incorporated his northern Celtic music roots in a fusion of what he now calls locally, "Celtic Slack Key".
Fox kept his santur, cymbalom, or hammered dulcimer (depending on the culture), as a side interest, primarily playing keyboard as a backup and session player in rock, but also becoming an accomplished collaborator in World Music. He has an extensive list of feature and documentary scores to his credit.
More info at www.hawaiipublicradio.org
Wednesday May 1st - for the first time on Maui, The Celtic Art of Hamish Burgess was on display (and will be for the whole month of May - opening hours 6am-6pm) at Hawaiian Village Coffee in the Kahana Gateway Center (4405 Honoapiilani Hwy, #207) in West Maui.
Hamish Burgess with his Celtic art at Hawaiian Village Coffee, Kahana
See our Hamish's Celtic art original paintings, giclees, and prints - all available for purchase. He lives around the corner, so if you want a chat with him about his art, please call 808-264-5190, and he'll pop round to the coffee shop to see you. Preview the artwork on our Gallery page.
There will be an artist's reception Saturday May 18th from 6-8pm with a Celtic Music Session.
Mahalo to David Maran, owner of Hawaiian Village Coffee, for supporting local artists.
Tuesday April 30th - BELTAINE GREETINGS TO ALL !
The great wheel of the year turns again on the evening of April 30th, with ancient Celtic festival of Beltaine, dedicated to the Sun God Bel, ‘the bright and shining one’. He was prayed to at times of sickness, for the healing power of the sun. In various Celtic cultures the god of fertility, healing, music, hunting and even death, he was associated with therapy, prophecy and healing springs.
'BEL' © Hamish Burgess 2013
More details on the artwork above on our Gallery page
Original Celtic and folk art by Hamish Burgess, a piece for the cover of The Celtic Connection newspaper in Vancouver BC and Seattle, the May ‘13 issue.
This seasonal feast marks the end of the dark half of the year, and is about honouring life, and the coming of Summer. The Sun God is released from the captivity of Winter, and returns to visit the Earth Goddess, with a time of joyous celebrating.
The ancient festival has become May Day in modern times, with it’s fertility dance around the Maypole.
Sunday April 28th - Hamish hosted a Beltaine Special on the Maui Celtic Show on 'Sunday Solstice' on Mana'o Radio 91.5 FM, Wailuku, Maui. He played 2 hours of new and old Celtic music, with songs pertaining to the ancient Celtic fire festival of Beltane, with tales and traditions of the time of year. There first hour saw more than a few tracks for ANZAC Day, with tunes from and about Australia and New Zealand. Radio presenter Joel Agnew stopped by the studio for a chat.
Sunday April 28th - over on Oahu, The Friends of St.Patrick held their Irish Movie Night featuring "Boondock Saints" 1 and 2 at the Celtic Room at O'Toole's. More details from Bill Comerford at bill@ejlounge.com, or call 808-223-3997.
Friday April 26th - local band Upcountry Celtic were playing in front of the Maui Crafts Guild in Paia, from 6:30 to 8 pm. Latest details at Upcountry Celtic on Facebook.
Sunday April 21st - Hamish was playing 2 hours of new and old Celtic music on the Maui Celtic Show on 'Sunday Solstice' on Mana'o Radio 91.5 FM, Wailuku, Maui. He had a moving tribute to the victims of the Boston Marathon bombings, and also to Cape Breton songbird Rita MacNeil who passed on this week. He reported from the recent Hawaiian Scottish Festival and Highland Games (see below) held in Waikiki, and played tracks by Sottish singer Colin Grant-Adams. There were a few English folk tracks for St.George's Day, and one for Scotsman John Muir, founder of the Sierra Club, on his 175th birthday anniversary. There was also a give-away contest for a great Irish CD and songbook by Philip M. Price ! Radio presenter Joel Agnew stopped by the studio for a chat.
Saturday April 20th - the Isle of Maui Pipe Band performed in celebration of National Library Week inside the Kahului Library from 1:00-2:00pm. For more information contact Pipe Major Allison Jackson by email at jacksonmaui@gmail.com, or call (808) 572-6513.
Saturday April 20th - local band Upcountry Celtic played at the Banyan Tree Birthday Party, at the Banyan Tree Park in Lahaina, West Maui, from 3-4pm. Latest details at Upcountry Celtic on Facebook.
Saturday April 20th - over on Oahu, The Friends of St.Patrick held an Irish Music Meeting in the Celtic Room at O'Toole's Pub, Downtown Honolulu. Clark Ratliffe from Celtic Waves was there, and there was an impromptu session ! More details from Bill Comerford at bill@ejlounge.com, or call 808-223-3997.
Friday April 19th - award-winning Canadian female folk duo Dala played at the McCoy Studio Theater at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center in Kahului at 7:30pm. There was a preshow dinner by Michael O'Dwyer himself from Fabiani's in the courtyard. www.mauiarts.org
The concert featured beautiful music, with fantastic vocal harmonies from Amanda Walther and Sheila Carabine of Dala, Juno nominees and winners of the 2010 Canadian Folk Music Award for Vocal Group of the Year. A highlight for Hamish, who interviewed the ladies after the show, was their superb version of the Irish classic ballad "Red is the Rose". Amanda’s ethereal soprano voice blends seamlessly with Sheila’s velvety alto, creating the lush harmonies that have become their trademark. Darlings of the Canadian music scene, the singer/songwriters have released five albums and toured extensively across North America. More info at www.dalagirls.com
Sunday April 14th - Hamish was back on Maui hosting the 300th Special Edition of the Maui Celtic Show on 'Sunday Solstice' on Mana'o Radio 91.5 FM, Wailuku, Maui. He played 2 hours of his favourite new and old Celtic music, and had a wee Wolfstone DVD give-away contest ! Also several tracks were dedicated to his friend (and show underwriter) George Millar of The Irish Rovers, on his birthday. He also previwed a couple of tracks from Canadian folk duo Dala, playing at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center on Friday. On a sadder note the show opened with a few tracks in memory of Hamish's furry room-mate Lucy the Bassett Hound, who sadly passed away this week - much Aloha to Jason & Alison.
Friday April 12th - over on Oahu, The Hawaiian Scottish Association presented their 4th Annual GRAND SCOTCH TOUR from 6-8:30pm at The Willows Restaurant, 901 Hausten St, Honolulu. The event included the tasting of 35 Scotch whiskies, a buffet of delicious food, and door prizes. Whiskies were available to order at deeply-discounted rates from Tamura's. Etched souvenir glasses were available to the first 200 attendees.
Friday April 12th - also on Oahu, there was a House Concert featuring Michael Tanenbaum, Stephen Fox, and Melissa Cox & Mythica, at the Tanenbaum Residence (5204 Makalena St. Honolulu, HI 96821) at 7:15pm. Folks enjoyed an intimate concert of guitar and Celtic music, with locals Michael and Stephen, and Melissa Cox & Mythica all the way from Delaware. It was a fun evening of folk, rock, Celtic, and World music. Not to mention a jam later and a sing-a-long or two. It was free to come, however donations to the musicians were greatly appreciated.
Sunday April 7th - Daniel was hosting the Maui Celtic Show on 'Sunday Solstice' on Mana'o Radio 91.5 FM, Wailuku, Maui. He played 2 hours of new and old Celtic music, while Hamish was away in Honolulu at the Hawaiian Scottish Festival and Highland Games (see below).
Hamish & Jennifer at the Maui Celtic booth - 32nd Hawaiian Scottish Festival, Waikiki
Sat-Sun April 6th-7th - the Scottish event of the year in the Hawaiian Islands took place on Oahu. The Hawaiian Scottish Association presented their 32nd Annual Hawaiian Scottish Festival & Highland Games at Kapiolani Park, Waikiki, a beautiful location under the shadow of Diamond Head. There were Pipe Bands, traditional Celtic music from local bands and visitors Colin Grant-Adams and also Mythica, and Highland Dance competitions, and of course Highland Games.
The Color Guard, Celtic Pipes & Drums of Hawaii and guests on Parade at the 32nd
Hawaiian Scottish Festival in Kapiolani Park, Waikiki, with Diamond Head beyond
The Celtic Pipes & Drums of Hawaii on Parade at the Hawaiian Scottish Festival
Maui Celtic had a huge booth of fine Scottish imports, classic Maui Celtic logo wear (with the cool Celtic knot Island Map shirts), plaid items - Hawaii Tartan sashes, shawls, and head wraps (do-rags). We represented Sportkilt again this year, with the biggest selection of tartan to be seen in Hawaii for a year, quite appropriate on Tartan Day !
Harley, Hamish & Jennifer with the Hawaii Tartan at the Maui Celtic booth
Next door there was the usual great selection of Celtic CDs from Rampant Lion Celtic Traders. Nearby was the Clan tent, where you could find out more about your family history, and visit the The Saint Andrew Society of Hawaii, The Caledonian Society of Hawaii, and the The Friends of St.Patrick booths. There were also spinning and tartan weaving demonstrations for the ladies of the Hawaii Handweavers Hui.
There were of course the usual tasty food booths - tasty local fare, and fish & chips from Kelly O'Neil's Pub, and the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society of Hawaii booth with tea and great scones, and even haggis ! A children’s tent had entertainment specifically geared for the younger set, including a bouncy castle, and mini-golf games.
Walt Herring with fabulous scones at the RSCDS booth
The focus at noon was on the march of the Parade of the Color Guard, Pipe Bands and the Scottish Clans, which marched across the field in front of Diamond Head, then along the tree-lined lane to the bandstand for the Opening Ceremonies with MC Ian Laing, who previously ran the Games for 15 years, before current Chieftain Dan Peddie. Guards, bands and spectators stood to attention for the National and State Anthems of the USA, Hawaii, and Scotland.
Opening Ceremonies of the 32nd Hawaiian Scottish Festival, Waikiki
Highland Dancers with The Celtic Pipes & Drums of Hawaii
Visiting Highland Dancers from around the world danced to pipe and drum music from local long-established Oahu pipeband The Celtic Pipes and Drums of Hawaii to end the ceremonies.
On the main stage there was a fine display of traditional Hawaiian Hula dancing, then traditional Scottish dancing from the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society of Hawaii, then Celtic music from local traditional bands, visiting regulars Celtic rock group Mythica, and traditional Scottish singer Colin Grant-Adams.
Scottish singer Colin Grant-Adams, and MC Ian Laing at the opening ceremonies
Hula dancing on the bandstand at the Hawaiian Scottish Festival
Running all weekend was the yearly Highland Dancing Competition, featuring Highland dancers of all ages, from Scotland, Canada, Australia and the US Mainland. Dancers from The Margaret Rose School of Dance traveled from Helensborough, Scotland for the event for the 7th year running. Accredited bagpipe player Mark Elliot from Alberta, Canada played the music - the Highland Fling, Sword Dances, strathspeys and reels.
A Bonnie Scottish Highland Dancer
Running all weekend, with Diamond Head as the stunning backdrop, was the men's and women's Highland Games heavy athletics competition, with braw-looking kilted strong lads and lassies - featuring tossing the caber, throwing the light and heavy hammers, putting the stone, and throwing the weight for height.
Heavy Athletic Games Winners Day 1: (l-r) Aaron Thorpe, Richard LaVallee,
Robert MacGregor, Glenn MacCallan Spigelmyer, John a.k.a. Jack Karbensm,
Robert Tuglow, Tim Thorpe, kneeling Victoria West & Nalani Kaun
above photo courtesy of The Hawaiian Scottish Association
On the slower Sunday, with an easier set-up of the Maui Celtic booth, our own Hamish joined the Oahu pipeband The Celtic Pipes and Drums of Hawaii for the Parade and Opening Ceremonies, playing with the Honolulu band for the visiting Highland Dancers.
Hamish with the Celtic Pipes & Drums of Hawaii at the Hawaiian Scottish Festival
Beards were in fine traditional fashion at the Hawaiian Scottish Festival
Piper Dan Sinclair and Fencing Instructor Milton Ragsdale
Still running on Sunday were the men's and women's Highland Games heavy athletics competition, with braw-looking kilted strong lads and lassies - featuring tossing the caber, throwing the light and heavy hammers, putting the stone, and throwing the weight for height. Sunday saw the Mens Open events, and the fun traditional 'Housewife Games' including throwing a Frying Pan and Rolling Pin for distance.
Heavy athletics lads Tossing the Caber near Diamond Head
Kurtis Kaun caber tossing, and David Hart hammer throwing
Some of the braw lads competing in the Heavy Athletic Games Mens Open on Day 2:
(l-r) Stan Dickey, Kamuela Wassman, David Hart, Jonathan Low, Matthew Galloway,
Kurtis Kaun, sorry last 2 unknown (please email us)
Above 3 photos courtesy of The Hawaiian Scottish Association - mahalo.
Mahalo to the Maui Celtic Honolulu crew of Skye, Ming and Harley for all their help, and our gracious hosts Nancy & Kelly. You all rock !
Team Maui Celtic at our booth at the Hawaiian Scottish Festival 2013
Mahalo to Oahu folks for visiting Hamish & Jennifer, and supporting your only local Celtic business, at the Maui Celtic booth at the The Hawaiian Scottish Association's 32nd Annual Hawaiian Scottish Festival & Highland Games at Kapiolani Park, Waikiki - April 6/7th 2013. More info on the annual event from The Hawaiian Scottish Association - Chieftain Dan Peddie at 808-626-3559 and at www.scotshawaii.org.
Saturday April 6th – BAMP Project presented Irish/Celtic punk rock band Dropkick Murphys live at The Republik (1349 Kapiolani Blvd, Honolulu, HI 96814).
The seven member band is made up of Al Barr (lead vocals), Tim Brennan (guitars, accordion, whistle, vocals), Ken Casey (lead vocals, bass guitar), Jeff DaRosa (banjo, bouzouki, mandolin, harmonica, vocals), Matt Kelly (drums, vocals), James Lynch (guitar, vocals), and Scruffy Wallace (bagpipes, tin whistles).
The Dropkick Murphys released their highly anticipated eighth studio album Signed and Sealed in Blood on January 8th with a huge European tour in Ireland, UK, Denmark, Norway and Germany before making their way to Hawaii. Their 2011 critically acclaimed album Going Out In Style debuted at No. 6 on The Billboard 200, making it the rockers' highest charting release to date.
The Boston natives are perhaps best known for 'I’m Shipping Up to Boston' from their 2005 album The Warrior's Code used heavily in the Oscar-winning 2006 movie “The Departed”.
More on Dropkick Murphys music at their website www.dropkickmurphys.com
Saturday April 6th - was National Tartan Day in North America, very fitting this year as it fell on the Saturday of the Hawaiian Scottish Festival & Highland Games in Waikiki (see above).
Hamish Burgess of Maui Celtic with Doug Herring, Hawaii Tartan designer,
on Tartan Day at the Hawaiian Scottish Festival in Waikiki
Tartan is commonly known as 'plaid' in America.
We hope you all joined us in wearing an item of tartan material that day to remember our heritage. The contribution of the immigrant Scots upon North America is considerable and throughout Canada
and America Scots and their descendants have taken the anniversary of the Declaration of Arbroath (1320) as their national date to celebrate their Scottish roots.
The full story of the Hawaii Tartan, created by Douglas Herring on Oahu in September 1997, can be read on our Hawaii Tartan page. As well as the previously available made-to-measure Scottish wool Kilts, it is now available in a lightweight blend in Sashes, Shawls, Fly Plaids, Head Wraps, and Sport Kilts - you can find these items in our "Online Store", and at the Maui Celtic booth at the Scottish Games (see above).
Friday April 5th - on Oahu The Hawaiian Scottish Association presented their Taste of Scotland Ceilidh at the Willow's Restaurant, on Hausten Street in Honolulu. An early start at 5pm gave members of the Scottish community and visitors to the Games plenty of good time to socialize.
The Celtic Pipes & Drums of Hawaii at the Taste of Scotland Ceilidh
There was Scottish themed food, and the wine, beer and whisky was flowing ! There was bagpiping from the Celtic Pipes & Drums of Hawaii, and traditional Scottish singing from Colin Grant-Adams, with some classic songs and the odd original.
Colin Grant-Adams at the Taste of Scotland Ceilidh
The young ladies visiting Hawaii, Highland Dancers from all over the world, put on an impromptu show, with piping from Mark Elliot and also the Celtic Pipes & Drums of Hawaii - the Highland Fling, Sword Dances, strathspeys and reels. More info on this yearly event at www.scotshawaii.org.
Highland Dancers at the Taste of Scotland Ceilidh
Thursday April 4th - over on Oahu, The Caledonian Society of Hawaii presented their yearly sunset Tribute to Princess Victoria Kawekiu Lunalilo Kalaninuiahilapalapa Ka'iulani Cleghorn at 6pm at Mauna ‘Ala, the Royal Mausoleum of Hawaii, in Nuuanu Valley (2261 Nu‘unau Avenue), Honolulu. Princess Ka'iulani (October 16, 1875 – March 6, 1899) was half Hawaiian (her mother being Princess, Miriam Likelike) and half Scottish (her father was entrepreneur, Archibald Cleghorn, last Royal Governor of O'ahu). She was heir to the throne of the Kingdom of Hawaii at the time of the illegal overthrow of the monarchy.
Pipers Jake Kaio and Hamish Burgess at the Tribute to Princess Ka'iulani
The Princess' two sides were represented by Hawaiian piper Jake Kaio and Scottish piper Hamish Burgess. They played separately and a few tunes together. Jake played for the Highland Dancers from The Margaret Rose School of Dance, who traveled from Helensborough, Scotland.
Highland Dancers of The Margaret Rose School of Dance with Jake Kaio
Caledonian Society Chieftain Bruce McEwan hosted the evening, wearing the Hawaii Tartan as did our own Hamish & Jennifer and several other folks. Mary Braffet spoke about the Princess, and Lillian Cunningham read Robert Louis Stevenson's famous poem that he wrote in the princess' own book, with Bruce McEwan reading the Hawaiian translation.
Members of the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society of Hawaii danced 'The Pikake Lei', written by Bruce McEwan, in honour of Princess Ka'iulani.
Finally Jacob Kaio piped the group down into the crypt where the Hawaiian-Scottish crown princess and her family lie at rest, for the presentation of a lei by her tomb. Well wishers were allowed to pay their respects to the Princess and the Hawaiian Royal Family down in the crypt itself, with Maui Scots represented by Hamish Douglas Burgess of Maui Celtic.
Pipers Hamish Burgess and Jake Kaio with the Margaret Rose Highland Dancers
More details on this annual memorial from The Caledonian Society of Hawaii - Susan MacKinnon at 591-9398, or email susanmack1@mac.com.
Wednesday April 3rd - the Legends of the Celtic Harp (see below) played at The Lodge at Koele, Lanai. For more info email University of Hawaii, Manoa College: tslaught@hawaii.edu
Three of the premier Celtic harpers in the world took folks deep into the myths, magic and fabled history of the mesmerizing instrument: Patrick Ball, award-winning Celtic harp player and captivating spoken word artist, Lisa Lynne a multi-instrumentalist, Celtic harp composer and performer, and Aryeh Frankfurter, a renowned Celtic harper and world traveling multi-instrumentalist.
Sunday March 31st - Hamish was hosting the Easter Special Maui Celtic Show on 'Sunday Solstice' on Mana'o Radio 91.5 FM, Wailuku, Maui. He' played 2 hours of new and old Celtic music, with legends and the origins of Easter, named after the Anglo-Saxon goddess Ostara. He also played some songs and interview recorded during the week with singer Al Barr of the Dropkick Murphys, who are playing in Honolulu on April 6th (see Events page - Oahu section).
Satrurday March 30th - over on Oahu, the Legends of the Celtic Harp (see below) played at the Orvis Auditorium, Honololu. For more info email University of Hawaii, Manoa College: tslaught@hawaii.edu
Thursday March 28th - the Legends of the Celtic Harp (see below) played at Hana School, and also gave a Community Performance in Hana, East Maui, HI. For more info call 808-242-2787 or email: macc@mauiarts.org
Wednesday March 27th - Legends of the Celtic Harp played at the McCoy Studio Theater at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center in Kahului at 7:30pm.
Three of the premier Celtic harpers in the world took folks deep into the myths, magic and fabled history of the mesmerizing instrument: Patrick Ball, award-winning Celtic harp player and captivating spoken word artist, Lisa Lynne a multi-instrumentalist, Celtic harp composer and performer, and Aryeh Frankfurter, a renowned Celtic harper and world traveling multi-instrumentalist.
Legends of the Celtic Harp at the MACC, Hana and Lanai
There was a preshow dinner by Michael O'Dwyer himself from Mulligan's on the Blue in the courtyard, and many of Maui's own Celtic players were out to see the show. The first half featured beautiful music and fantastic short stories and legends from Ireland, told my master story-teller Patrick Ball, who also played the brass-strung harp. Lisa Lynne played lovely harp and bouzouki music, and Aryeh Franfurter played more fabulous harp, bouzouki and the Swedish Nyckleharpa, an ancient keyed fiddle. The second half was an epic Irsh harp story, featuring some original compositions by Lisa Lynne, with the two gents also playing their instruments. A night of amazing music and stories - Legends of the Celtic Harp indeed !
www.mauiarts.org
Sunday March 24th - Hamish was back hosting the Maui Celtic Show on 'Sunday Solstice' on Mana'o Radio 91.5 FM, Wailuku, Maui. He played 2 hours of new and old Celtic music, with tales of his month away touring the Mid-west and Eastern States with The Irish Rovers, and featuring some music he picked up on his travels from Celtic bands in the local areas. The fisrt half also featured special guest callers Patrick Ball and Lisa Lynne, who were heading to Hawaii for concerts the next week with Aryeh Frankfurter, for their "Legends of the Celtic Harp" show (see above). They talked about the harpers' careers, and the concert series of music and storytelling.
In the second half he featured interview and songs from Irish singer/songwriter Robbie O'Connell, with whom he and Jennifer spent a nice quiet St.Patrick's Day lunchtime.
March 17th - HAPPY ST.PATRICK'S DAY TO ALL OUR IRISH FRIENDS ! St.Patrick is the patron saint of Ireland , and Irish folks all around the world celebrate their culture on March 17th.
'ST.PATRICK' © Hamish Burgess 2012. Original Celtic and folk art by Hamish Burgess, a piece for the cover of The Celtic Connection newspaper in Vancouver BC and Seattle, the March 2012 issue.
More details on the artwork above on our Gallery page.
St. Patrick was born around 387-390 AD with the Celtic name Maewyn Succat, in a village called Bannavem Taburniæ in Western Britain, either Wales or Scotland, under Roman rule. He adopted the title Patricius, or Patrick, upon becoming a priest.
At the age of 16 he was kidnapped by Irish pirates, and brought to pagan Ireland. Sold as a slave to a landowner in Antrim, he tended sheep on Slemish Mountain for six years. During this time he learnt to speak Irish and was exposed to druidism, as his master was a druid high priest, but found solace in his Christian faith. In a dream a voice told him to escape, and he traveled south for 200 miles and found a ship leaving for Gaul.
He trained as a cleric in France, in monasteries at Tours and Lerins, and was ordained a priest by St. Germain, bishop of Auxerre, then sent to teach Christianity to the Irish. He was to assist Palladius, already there on a mission, but he died and Patrick was ordained bishop himself in 432.
According to the ‘Annals of Ulster’ he landed in Ireland at Strangford Lough, and his first convert under Dichiu gave him land at Saul, and a building for a church. He spent time on his mission at the Ulster capital of Emain Macha and Ard Macha (Armagh), at the court of King Daire.
He died at Saul, Downpatrick Ireland, on the 17th of March 460 or some say 492. All dates are the subject of some debate.
Sunday March 17th - Daniel was hosting the ST.PATRICK'S DAY SPECIAL Maui Celtic Show on 'Sunday Solstice' on Mana'o Radio 91.5 FM, Wailuku, Maui. He was playing 2 hours of new and old Celtic music, focusing on Irish music for the famous saint's day, while Hamish was away touring the Eastern States with The Irish Rovers.
Sunday March 17th - ST.PATRICK'S DAY ON MAUI !!
SOUTH MAUI had the biggest bash starting at noon with the annual St. Paddy's Day Party at Mulligan's on the Blue in Wailea, with house band The Celtic Tigers, visiting Irish band The Chancers (noon-3pm), from Portland, Oregon, and much more ! Call 874-1131 for more details, or visit www.mulligansontheblue.com.
WEST MAUI festivities were happening at Fleetwood's on Front St. in Lahaina. Out of the mists returned Maui's own Celtic Hart playing at Fleetwood's specialy for St. Patrick's Day from 5-8pm. Plus lots of wild piping throughout the night from the Mad Bagpiper Roger McKinley.
UPCOUNTRY MAUI saw the Irish band The Chancers (see above), playing at Casanova's in Makawao - 8-11pm.
NORTH SHORE normally has local Maui group Upcountry Celtic playing somewhere.
CENTRAL MAUI - the Maui Pops Orchestra presented St. Paddy's Pops at the Castle Theater at the MACC, with special guests Silvina Samuel, Ellen Peterson & Lorne Direnfeld, and the Maui Academy of Performing Arts Dancers. This year's Spring Concert payed tribute to St. Patrick's Day! Folks put on their green and heard their favorite Irish and Celtic music with the Maui Pops Orchestra. Maui cellist Silvina Samuel played the beautiful "Adagio on Celtic Melodies" by Bruch. Dancers from the Maui Academy of Performing Arts performed their version of River Dance, "Lord of the Dance," under the direction of Kathleen Schulz along with guest dancers Ellen Peterson and Lorne Direnfeld. Lunch was catered by Mulligan's on the Blue and served in Yokouchi Pavilion Courtyard.
Sunday March 17th - ST.PATRICK'S DAY ON OAHU !!
The Friends of St.Patrick held their 46th Annual St.Patrick's Day Parade in Waikiki. The Parade stepped off at noon at Fort DeRussy and marched down Kalakaua Ave in Waikiki to Kapiolani Park by the bandstand. The parade this year featured James McCarthy as the Friends of Saint Patrick Irishman of the year. If you are interested in marching or participating in the yearly parade, please contact Bill Comerford at 223-3997 or Chuck Wall at 220-2584.
The Post Parade Party was at Kelley O'Neils Pub (311 Lewers St) in Waikiki. Immediately following the parade the Friends headed to Kelley O’Neil’s to celebrate Erin’s favorite saint with live Irish music at 1pm featuring Celtic Waves. Irish items appropriate for the day were available as well as a menu of Corned Beef and Cabbage, Chowder, Beef Stew, “Bangers and Mash”, and Corned Beef Sandwiches. Also, there was a fine selection of Irish Brews including Guinness, Harp, Smithwick’s, and Killians and a great selection of finer Irish whiskeys. More details from Bill Comerford at bill@ejlounge.com, or call 808-223-3997.
Meanwhile downtown.....the annual Honolulu St. Patrick's Day Block Party was getting going - the biggest Hawaii Irish bash and the last place on the planet (this side of the dateline) to celebrate St.Patrick's Day ! Every year Murphy's Bar and Grill sponsors a FREE all afternoon/evening block party in downtown Honolulu's Irish Corner at Nuuanu Avenue and Merchant Street - www.gomurphys.com. Always a blast the block party started around 5:30pm when the Streets were closed on Nuuanu, Merchant and Marin Lanes. Live music included the Doolin Rakes and Piranha Brothers on the streets. Libations were by Guinness, Harp, Killlian’s, Coors Light, Bud Light, Stella Artois, Pabst Blue Ribbon, Coors Light, Jamesons and Barefoot Wines. Live Music, great food, clothing and fun pervaded the streets. There was a full day of Irish Music at O’Toole’s “the Party within the Party”, starting at 1pm with the Kaimana Ceili Band, followed at 4pm by Kieran Murphy and topped off with Honolulu’s own Doolin Rakes. The Street party should run until 11pm.
All week visiting troubador Kieran Murphy from New York, was playing at all the Irish music pubs, with traditional songs and his own originals.
O’Toole’s Irish Pub, Kelley O’Neil’s and the Irish Rose Saloon had Irish music throughout the week of St Patrick’s featuring:
Visiting artists; Kieran Murphy, and Jayder Kalk & the Church of Cash.
Local artists; Kaimana Ceili, Celtic Waves, Whiskey Starship, Doolin Rakes, and Hooligan's Harp. Full calendar at http://www.irishpubhawaii.com/
Saturday March 16th - local band Upcountry Celtic played at Makawao Public Library at 3pm. It was a free show for all ages. Folks celebrated St.Patrick's Day early with lively Celtic music and dancing ! Latest details at Upcountry Celtic on Facebook. For more information please call the library at 573-8785.
Saturday March 16th - the Irish band The Chancers (see below), played at Mulligan's on the Blue in Wailea. Call Mulligans at 808-874-1131 for more details, or visit www.mulligansontheblue.com.
Friday March 15th - the Irish band The Chancers (see below), played at Fleetwood's on Front St. in the rooftop bar of Mick Fleetwood's (of Fleetwood Mac fame) restaurant in Lahaina, West Maui - 6.30-9.30pm. Call Fleetwoods at 808-669-MICK(6425) located at 744 Front Street, Lahaina, 96761.
March 14th-17th - the Isle of Maui Pipe Band unfortunately cancelled the 10th consecutive Maui Bagpipe Workshop with one of the world's best bagpipers Jack Lee. For more information visit Isle of Maui Pipe Band, or email Pipe Major Allison Jackson at jacksonmaui@gmail.com, or call (808) 572-6513.
March 14th-17th - saw the return to Maui for the Irish band The Chancers, who are based out of Portland, Oregon. The Chancers originally formed in 2001 after a Guinness-fueled quest to drive across Oregon on a St. Patrick’s weekend, the band has continued to grow and mature, building on their childhood experiences of listening to and playing music in their native Ireland. www.myspace.com/thechancerspdx. They played on :
Thursday March 14th at Mulligan's on the Blue in Wailea - 6-9pm.
Friday March 15th at Fleetwood's on Front St. in Lahaina, West Maui - 6.30-9.30pm.
Saturday March 16th at Mulligan's on the Blue in Wailea - 6.30-9.30pm.
Sunday March 17th at the St.Patrick's Day Party at Mulligan's on the Blue in Wailea - 12-3pm. Also St.Patrick's Day at Casanova's in Makawao, Upcountry Maui - 8-11pm.
The Chancers on Maui - March 14th-17th
Thursday March 14th - saw the return to Maui's Irish pub for The Chancers (see above), who played at Mulligan's on the Blue in Wailea. Call Mulligans at 808-874-1131 for more details, or visit www.mulligansontheblue.com.
February 20th - March 19th - our Maui Celtic duo Hamish & Jennifer were on the mainland on 'The Drunken Sailor' Tour with legendary Irish (and now Canadian) folk band The Irish Rovers.
Saturday March 9th - on Oahu, The Friends of St.Patrick annual Emerald Ball Dinner Event was held at the Manoa Grand Ballroom (Japanese Cultural Center, 2454 South Beretania St., Honolulu), starting at 5pm. Tickets $75. The premier Irish dinner event of the year, with Silent Auction, Irish Person of the Year which this year is James McCarthy. Irish Entertainment was from The Celtic Pipes & Drums of Hawaii, local band Celtic Waves, visiting troubador Kieran Murphy from New York, Irish Dance Hawaii, and more ! More details from Bill Comerford at bill@ejlounge.com, or call 808-223-3997.
Sunday March 3rd - Daniel was hosting The Maui Celtic Show on 'Sunday Solstice' on Mana'o Radio 91.5 FM, Wailuku, Maui. He played 2 hours of new and old Celtic music, while Hamish was away touring the Eastern States with The Irish Rovers.
Sunday March 3rd - local band Upcountry Celtic played at the Whale and Ocean Arts Festival in Lahaina. 3-4pm. Also the local Haiku Hillbillys played from 10am-12pm. The festival was a two-day event, 9-5pm Sat 2nd & Sun 3rd, at the Banyan Tree Park - lots going on both days, with Hawaiian music and arts & crafts. Latest details at Upcountry Celtic on Facebook.
Saturday March 2nd - the Isle of Maui Pipe Band played at the Whale and Ocean Arts Festival in Lahaina. A full one hour show from 10:00-11:00am, just after Wilmont Kahaiali'i made the opening blessing. The festival was a two-day event, 9-5pm Sat 2nd & Sun 3rd, at the Banyan Tree Park - lots going on both days, with Hawaiian music and arts & crafts.
Sunday February 24th - Daniel was hosting The Maui Celtic Show on 'Sunday Solstice' on Mana'o Radio 91.5 FM, Wailuku, Maui. He played 2 hours of new and old Celtic music, and also had a Welsh theme to celebrate St.David's Day (March 1st), the patron saint of Wales. Hamish called in from Clearwater, Florida, where he was away touring the Eastern States with The Irish Rovers.
Saturday February 23rd - The Caledonian Society of Hawaii held a Scottish Breakfast Demonstration at 5:30 PM at Calvary Episcopal Church (45-435 Aumoku St.) in Kaneohe at 5:30pm. Although the event was in the evening, it was a tribute to the Scottish breakfast ! Cookbook writer Janet Warren says, “Breakfast is a splendid affair in Scotland, the meal in which traditional recipes and local produce really come into their own.” After several of their skilled cooks demonstrated selected breakfast recipes, folks sampled the results in an evening breakfast meal. More info from Lillian Cunningham at 538-7707 or email lillianc@hawaii.edu.
Sunday February 17th - Hamish had a special tribute on The Maui Celtic Show on 'Sunday Solstice' on Mana'o Radio 91.5 FM, Wailuku, Maui. The show was dedicated to Cornish sea-shanty singer Trevor Grills, of the Port Isaac's Fisherman’s Friends, who passed away as a result of severe head injuries inflicted during an accident on Saturday 9th February, and road manager Paul McMullen who died in the same accident. Condolences and much Aloha to their families and the singing group. Hamish and guest Daniel Vicars, a tall-ship sailor himself, played 2 hours of new and old Celtic music, with a theme of sea-shanties and the ocean, with classic sea-songs by The Irish Rovers, The Clancy Brothers & Tommy Makem and others, and of course Port Isaac's Fisherman’s Friends, interspersed with interview clips by the group's frontman Jon Cleave, recorded last summer in Port Isaac, Cornwall.
Port Isaac's Fisherman's Friends on the Platt in Port Isaac, Cornwall
Saturday Feb 16th - the Isle of Maui Pipe Band marched in the Whale Day Parade in Kihei at 9:00am. The parade ran along South Kihei Road, from Alanui Ke Ali'i to Kalama Park. They were dressed in a "Save the Seas" theme ! A wonderful event for the keiki, with live music and local crafters, and festivities running all day until 6:00pm. For more information contact Pipe Major Allison Jackson by email at jacksonmaui@gmail.com, or call (808) 572-6513.
Saturday February 16th - over on Oahu, The Friends of St.Patrick held an Irish Humour Meeting in the Celtic Room at O'Toole's Pub, Downtown Honolulu at 3.30pm. More details from Bill Comerford at bill@ejlounge.com, or call 808-223-3997.
Wednesday Feb 13th - the Isle of Maui Pipe Band played at the Hula Bar and Grill in Whaler's Village, Kaanapali, West Maui. A public show for a birthday party, which began around 6pm - a fun sunset session on the grass by the beach. For more information contact Pipe Major Allison Jackson by email at jacksonmaui@gmail.com, or call (808) 572-6513.
Sunday February 10th - Hamish hosted a Valentines Special on The Maui Celtic Show on 'Sunday Solstice' on Mana'o Radio 91.5 FM, Wailuku, Maui. He played 2 hours of new and old Celtic music, all with a theme of love - some beautiful ballads, and some pretty wild uptempo love songs ! He related the origins of Valetines Day, and the legend of St.Valentine. Hamish dedicated the show to his Valentine, Jennifer Fahrni, listening up in Vancouver, BC.
There was also a big musical GIVE-AWAY to be won - a copy of Philip M. Price's CD and accompnying songbook "In Dublin Town Where I Was Born" - congratulations to winner Bobby in Alberta, Canada !
Sunday February 3rd - Hamish was back with an IMBOLC special on The Maui Celtic Show on 'Sunday Solstice' on Mana'o Radio 91.5 FM, Wailuku, Maui. He talked about the traditions of the ancient Celtic spring festival (see below) of Imbolc, or Imbolg, sacred day of the Celtic goddess Brigid, and played tracks about her name. The day coincides with Groundhog Day in the Americas, originating with European settlers: a symbol of Brigid is the Serpent, who at this time of year was said to come out of it's hole, like the badger, to see if the warming weather will affect her winter sleep. A fine frosty day forbode more winter ahead, but a cloudy day meant the quick end of winter.
'BRIGID' © Hamish Burgess 2012
More details on the artwork (right) on our Gallery page.
He also reported on the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards just held in Scotland, and played some tracks by Lifetime Achievement Award winners Dougie MacLean and Aly Bain, and Musician of the Year Kathryn Tickell.
Saturday February 2nd - visiting Celtic duo Magical Strings played a concert at historic St. John’s Church, Keokea, Kula, Maui in the late afternoon.
They also ran a Harp & Dulcimer Workshop from 1-3 pm, presented by Philip & Pam Boulding for all who are interested in this magical and timeless instrument – “From Irish jigs to Hawaiian Slack-Key !” was a mix of hands-on and demonstration, and all were invited to attend whether you had a harp or not! All attendees received hand-outs of music notation and resource information about the harp to further their experience.
During the concert, folks could travel with Magical Strings, Pam & Philip Boulding, to experience the Magic of Ireland in music and verse. With Celtic harps, hammered dulcimers, concertina, accordion and whistles, the duo shared their new compositions and stories inspired by their journeys to Ireland and beyond.
Maui Celtic's own Hamish Burgess had a great time playing music with the duo on the beach at sunset at Napili Bay.....harp, dulcimer, concertinas and smallpipes drew quite a crowd !
Pam & Philip Boulding of Magical Strings in Napili
Philip and Pam Boulding founded Magical Strings in 1978, beginning their tradition of family Celtic Yuletide concerts with their five children. They have performed throughout the United States, Canada, Ireland and Japan, toured and recorded with Dan Fogelberg, appeared on Garrison Keillor’s “A Prairie Home Companion,” and recorded 18 albums on four labels. Over 30 years ago, Philip became inspired by the music of Keola Beamer, and proceeded to develop a style of slack-key music for the Celtic harp, which later developed into a collaboration with Keola on their recording “Islands Calling.” Philip and Pam also design and build Celtic harps, run the School of Magical Strings, and host the Magic Hill Summer Harp Camp and Summer Fairy School on their beautiful 5-acre home in the Northwest overlooking the Puget Sound. For more details, please visit www.magicalstrings.com, call (253) 857-3716, or email info@magicalstrings.com.
Saturday Feb 2nd 2013 - over on Kauai, the West Kauai Rotary Club held their annual Robert Burns Supper, at the Waimea Plantation Cottages, in Waimea, West Kauai at 5pm. The Robert Burns Dinner is one of the most anticipated events of the West Kauai calendar. A celebration of the life and times of Robert Burns, with bagpipes and kilts galore, and even some highland dancing.
Kauai Robert Burns Supper, at the Waimea Plantation Cottages
Photo courtesy of West Kauai Rotary Club
It started with Pupus, and no host cocktails, and Celtic music by Alii Strings. Then there was a procession by the Celtic Pipes & Drums of Hawaii, with a special guest apperance by Champion Bagpiper Jori Chisholm, followed by a buffet dinner prepared by The Grove Cafe. For more info, please call the Waimea Plantation Cottages at 808-338-1625, Dave Walker at 808-652-0616, or call the Rotary Club at (808) 639-2061 or visit www.rotarywestkauai.org
Kauai Robert Burns Supper 2013
Friday Feb 1st - over on Kauai, the West Kauai Rotary Club presented a free Bagpipe Concert, featuring the Celtic Pipes & Drums of Hawaii, at Hofgaard Park, in Waimea, West Kauai at sunset. More details please call (808) 639-2061 or visit www.rotarywestkauai.org
Friday Feb 1st - IMBOLC GREETINGS TO ONE AND ALL !
Imbolc - the coming of Spring - the great wheel of the year turns again on February 1st, with the ancient sacred day of the Celtic goddess Brigid - Mother Goddess of Ireland - also called Brigit, Bride, Brighid, and Brigantia. The root of her name means 'bright' or 'exalted', and possibly 'firebrand'. Tradition has it that she walks the earth Imbolc eve, and Bride with her white wand (top left) is said to “breathe life into the mouth of dead Winter, and bring him to open his eyes to the tears and smiles, the sighs and laughter of Spring” (Carmina Gadelica Vol.1).
“IMBOLC” © Hamish Burgess 2011
More details on the artwork above on our Gallery page.
Brigid is goddess of the home and hearth (centre), and associated with sacred flames, representing the return of the sun and warmth, coming with the lengthening days. Her 3 fires are the hearth, the forge and inspiration.
Imbolc, also spelled Imbolg (translated as 'in the belly'), and Oimelc ('ewes milk') is a time of the renewal of life, with lactating ewes (bottom left) ready for their young. The milk is a sign of life, shown here as white interlacing knotwork and flows into the earth. In folklore, people pour a small amount of milk on the ground this morning, to thank the Mother for feeding them for the last year.
A symbol of Brigid (and that of healing, still seen on the physician's staff of today) is the Serpent, who at this time of year was said to come out of it's hole, like the badger, to see if the warming weather will affect her winter sleep. A fine frosty day forbode more winter ahead, but a cloudy day meant the quick end of winter. This tradition continued in the Americas, with European settlers seeing this habit from a new animal, and is now Groundhog Day.
Sunday January 27th - there was another chance to celebrate Robert Burn's Night two days after the Scottish poet's 254th birthday, at ‘Mulligans on the Blue’ in Wailea, presented by Mulligans and sponsored by Maui Celtic.
It started at 6pm with folks sitting down for dinner, just in time for MC Cameron Keys to announce Piper Allison Jackson who ceremoniously piped in the Haggis, in procession with the honorable Whisky Bearer Bud Clark, and then the Traditional Haggis Bearer, chef Michael O'Dwyer.
The "Address to the Haggis" was read by Scotsman Prakash MacKay, long-time Maui resident from Glasgow, reciting the famous poem then piercing the haggis with a dagger.
Next followed the whiskey toasts, including the Loyalty Toast to "Scotland, Ireland and Hawaii", and Burns poetry, good craic, then the music......and what a session of music it was !
The night's Celtic music came in great style from legendary Irish singer Derek Warfield and the Young Wolfe Tones (see below for details on the band). Derek, now in his 50th year of performing, belted out traditional Irish songs, including his trademark patriotic 'rebel' songs, and a few Scottish songs in honour of Burns Night. Ripping instrumentals came from The Young Wolfe Tones, led by Damaris Woods on banjo, with Derek on the bodhran.
Derek Warfield, and Damaris Woods of the Young Wolfe Tones at Mulligans
www.derekwarfield.com . www.theyoungwolfetones.com
More info call Mulligans at 874-1131, or visit www.mulligansontheblue.com.
Sunday January 27th - over on Oahu, The Friends of St.Patrick held their Monthly Irish Movie Night at 6pm in the Celtic Room at O'Toole's Pub, Downtown Honolulu, this time featuring the film Hunger. With an Irish Themed Movie on the last Sunday of every month, folks joined them for a no cost movie on the big screen in the Celtic Room, bringing their own snacks, with drinks available from the bar.
Hunger follows life in the Maze Prison, Northern Ireland with an interpretation of the highly emotive events surrounding the 1981 IRA Hunger Strike, led by Bobby Sands. With an epic eye for detail, the film provides a timely exploration of what happens when body and mind are pushed to the uttermost limit.
More details from Bill Comerford at bill@ejlounge.com, or call 808-223-3997.
Sunday January 27th - Hamish had a Robert Burns/Australia Day/Imbolc Special on the Maui Celtic Show on 'Sunday Solstice' on Mana'o Radio 91.5 FM, Wailuku, Maui. He played 2 hours of new and old Celtic music, starting with more Robert Burns songs, with another Maui Burns Night that evening. Then he covered Australia Day, with music about the 'land down under', and the story of Ned Kelly, the infamous outlaw, whose bones had just been returned to his family for a private burial. Finally was Imbolc, the coming of Spring, an ancient Celtic festival when the great wheel of the year turns again on February 1st, the sacred day of the Celtic goddess Brigid.
Saturday January 26th 2013 - over on Oahu, The Caledonian Society of Hawaii held their annual Robert Burns dinner "Celebrating Burns, Local Style", at the Oahu Country Club (150 Country Club Road, off Pali Hwy). 5.30pm No host cocktails. 6.15pm Call to Dinner. Highland or evening attire.
This year they combined the traditional Scottish favorites with a local-style Hawaii flair. Traditional haggis was served with Hawaii’s lomi lomi salmon and taro lavosh as a starter. A surprisingly aromatic cock-a-leekie soup will include long rice. The three choices this year were beef tenderloin with a guava glaze, local fresh fish with a scotch sauce, or a chunky mushroom potpie with Okinawan sweet potatoes. Dessert will be a surprise soufflé also with a local flair.
The program also contained a local twist with “Address to A Haggis” featuring Caledonian members Stuart Donachie in Scots, and Hardy Spoehr translating into Pidgin ! The Robert Burns Dinner is one of the most anticipated events of the Caledonian Society calendar. More members come out for this event than for any other during the year, and more guests than at any other time.
The Caledonian Society is a non-profit organization and as such do not charge more than the costs
for any event. Early Bird Special was $75 for paid CS members; $85 for your guests; OR buy a table of eight (8) and fill it how you’d like (member or non-member) for $600.
More details please call Susan at 591-9398 or email susanmack1@mac.com.
Friday January 25th - ROBERT BURNS NIGHT ON MAUI. On Maui folks joined Scots worldwide by celebrating the famous Scottish poet's 254th birthday !
Maui Celtic's 9th annual Robert Burns Night was held this year at Fleetwood's on Front St. in the dining room of Mick Fleetwood's (of Fleetwood Mac fame) restaurant in Lahaina, West Maui. Maui Celtic's own Hamish Burgess and Roger McKinley were playing bagpipes and MC'd the evening. The evening started at 7.30pm with folks sitting down for dinner, just in time for the ceremonious piping in the Haggis by Roger McKinley, in procession with the honorable Whisky Bearer Bud Clark, and the Traditional Haggis Bearer, GM Eric Waddell.
Roger McKinley piping in the Haggis, with GM Eric Waddell and Bud Clark, at Fleetwoods
Whisky buffs waited eagerly for their Burns Night special - a flight of 6 high quality scotch drams for the toasts. First came the "Address to the Haggis", well read by Scotsman Prakash MacKay, long-time Maui resident from Glasgow, who recited the famous poem then dramaticallly stabbed the beast with a sgian dubh ! There followed all the whiskey toasts, including the Loyalty Toast to "Scotland, and Hawaii !", and the 'Toast to the Lassies' by the men, and the 'Reply to the Lads' by the ladies. Lots of Burns poetry, and good craic, served up to a full house enjoying the regular dinner menu, or the Burns Night special of Haggis, neeps & tatties, or epic salmon and special Scottish desert.
Prakash MacKay with the "Address to the Haggis" at Fleetwoods Burns Night
Hamish Burgess piping with Bud Clark on bodhran
There was more Burns poetry, piping from Maui Celtic's own Hamish Burgess and Bud Clark on the bodhran (traditional drum), then special guests the Asher family. A fine pipe tune set from David & Innes Asher, with 11 year-old Innes fresh from a junior pipeband 3rd place at the World Pipeband Championships in Glasgow last summer ! The lads were joined by Marianne & Iona for a family rendition of an old Scots Gaelic air, followed by Innes piping for his wee sister Iona for a great display of Highland dancing.
The Asher family piping and Highland dancing at Robert Burns Night
More Celtic music came from Roger McKinley and Bud Clark on low whistles, with some great sets of tunes, before the evening ended with a sing-along of the Burns classic "Auld Lang Syne", and a ripping Highland bagpipe set from Hamish & Roger, a fitting end to Maui Celtic's 9th annual Robert Burns Night, and the first for Fleetwoods on Front St. !
Roger McKinley and Bud Clark on low whistles
Thanks to Roger McKinley for organizing the first Burns event at Fleetwoods, and the chefs for the fine-looking haggis ! More on Fleetwoods at 808-669-MICK(6425) or online at Fleetwood's on Front St., located at 744 Front Street, Lahaina, 96761.
Friday January 25th - there was also a Burns Night Dinner at the Moana Bakery & Cafe in Paia (71 Baldwin Ave, Paia, 96779) from 5pm onwards. At Moana you could celebrate the life of the famous Scottish Poet and pioneer of the Romantic Movement, Robert Burns, with Scotch, lamb, and vegetarian haggis. Moana Cafe had a special menu......
First Course: Hedgerow salad (dandelion, nasturtiums, chervil, mustard, other greens) with thyme dressing. Second Course: Vegetarian- Cabbage stuffed with veggie haggis, roasted neeps (turnips) and herbs, tatties (mashed potatoes), OR- Roasted lamb leg stuffed with mushrooms, with veggie haggis, with neeps and tatties. Pudding: Whiskey tablet and Vanilla Tablet.
The above
menu can be served with your choice of whisky of course.......raise your glasses, fair lads and lasses, but remember:
”But pleasures are like poppies spread,
You seize the flow’r, its bloom is shed;
Or like the snow falls in the river,
A moment white—then melts for ever;”
For more info please visit www.moanacafe.com or call (808) 579-9999.
Friday January 25th - legendary Irish singer Derek Warfield and the Young Wolfe Tones played an all-ages Dinner & Show at Mulligans on the Blue in Wailea. There was a traditional Irish dinner & then the show, with the event sponsored by Jameson Irish Whiskey and Killian's Irish Red Ale. There's no better venue to see this legend than in the atmosphere of a Real Irish Pub. Folks enjoyed a great mix of traditional Irish tunes and storytelling !
Derek Warfield & The Young Wolfe Tones at Mulligans
Nominated in 2009 as Ireland's Best Traditional Irish Folk Group, touring over 400 concerts in 2010 and 2011, throughout 10 different countries, Derek Warfield and The Young Wolfe Tones are known throughout the world for their quality musical presentation of Irish Patriotic Songs & Traditional Irish Music with top class fiery introductions from their lead singer, song writer and storyteller, Derek Warfield. He enjoyed success for some 40 years with the Wolfe Tones, before heading on the road with his current band - he is now joined on stage by some of the finest Irish musicians and singers from a younger generation.
Damaris Woods plays the tenor Banjo, hails from Co. Meath, and is one of the finest musicians and teachers in Ireland. Talented Singer-guitarist Alan Murray hails from Glasgow in Scotland and his love for the Glasgow Celtic Football team means that he is no stranger to Irish Traditional Music and Irish Patriotic Songs. The lineup is completed by the appearance of the youngest member of the band Dan Lowery who hails from Co. Dallas in Texas ! Dan is a multi- talented Flute and Tin-Whistle Player, guitarist/ singer and vocalist who hails from a family rich in musical tradition, song and sport and Dan's family hail from Co. Cork.
www.derekwarfield.com
www.theyoungwolfetones.com
January 23rd & 24th 2013 - over on Oahu, Derek Warfield and the Young Wolfe Tones played in Honolulu.
Wed Jan 23rd they played at Anna O'Brien's (2440 S. Beretania) at 7:30pm. James McCarthy was the opening act, with Hooligan's Harp following. Proceeds from this show will go toward Honolulu’s 46th Annual St. Patrick's Day parade.
Thurs Jan 24th they played at The Irish Rose Saloon (479 Ena Rd) in Waikiki at 8pm. Following the Young Wolfe Tones was local Irish band The Doolin Rakes, who carried the torch til 1:30 am. The event was sponsored by Jameson Irish Whiskey and Killian's Irish Red Ale.
More details from Bill Comerford at bill@ejlounge.com, or call 808-223-3997.
Derek Warfield & The Young Wolfe Tones in Honolulu 2011
www.derekwarfield.com
www.theyoungwolfetones.com
Monday Jan 21st - the Isle of Maui Pipe Band played in the Martin Luther King Jr Parade in Wailuku. Beginning at 9am they marched from High St down to Market St in Wailuku. For more information contact Pipe Major Allison Jackson by email at jacksonmaui@gmail.com, or call (808) 572-6513.
Sunday January 20th - Hamish had a Robert Burns Special on The Maui Celtic Show on 'Sunday Solstice' on Mana'o Radio 91.5 FM, Wailuku, Maui. With the upcoming Burns Night celebrations around the world on Jan 25th, he played the Scottish poet's words set to Celtic music from all over the Celtic Nations. Many different artists' songs were played, and Hamish featured the songs by Ed Miller and Eddi Reader, and the two Scots singers and Burns affictionados' thoughts on the famous poet and his work.
Robert Burns (25 January 1759 – 21 July 1796) is Scotland's national poet, and his 240 year old verse has become
part of Scottish heritage celebrated all over the world on January 25th. He is the best known of the poets who have written in the Scots language, and is the most widely translated poet in the world, even more than William Shakespeare. He was
born in Ayrshire, Scotland in 1759, into a poor farming family. At age 27 he
published his first volume of poems, which was a huge success, and his humour
and wit became legendary. He moved to Edinburgh, and received critical acclaim.
He wrote about everyday things, philosophy, and about his loves, which contributed
to his popularity. 2 years later, he married and moved to a farm in Dumfries,
working as an exciseman while still continuing to write poetry and songs.
He died at 37, in 1796.
He also had a US exclusive with a great unreleased track 'Aboard the Nova Scotia' from Neil Mitchell, a Scots singer/songwriter from Dundee now living in Melbourne Australia, in advance of his forthcoming album. More on Neil at www.neilmitchellmusic.com.
Saturday Jan 19th - The Friends of St.Patrick held their Cead Mille Failte (100,000 Welcomes) Meeting 3:30pm in the Celtic Room at O'Toole's Pub, Downtown Honolulu. The first meeting of the year for all members, new and old, to dicuss the coming year's events. More details from Bill Comerford at bill@ejlounge.com, or call 808-223-3997.
Monday January 14th - over on Oahu, The Friends of St.Patrick held A Glenlivet Whisky Tasting in the Celtic Room O'Toole's Pub, Downtown Honolulu, at 6:30pm. For the Scotch Drinkers in our midst, the event was presided over by Rick Edwards, Master of Whiskey from Glenlivet (Pernod Ricard). More info call 808-521-4712, or email whiskey@irishpubhawaii.com.
Sunday January 13th - Hamish was hosting The Maui Celtic Show on 'Sunday Solstice' on Mana'o Radio 91.5 FM, Wailuku, Maui. He played 2 hours of new Celtic music, from all over the Celtic Nations. He had a US exclusive with a great unreleased track 'The St.Kilda Mailboat' from Neil Mitchell, a Scots singer/songwriter from Dundee now living in Melbourne Australia, in advance of his forthcoming album. More on Neil at www.neilmitchellmusic.com.
Hamish played a wee segment on Julie Fowlis, nominated for a song Oscar for her music on the cartoon film 'Brave' about a Scottish princess. He played a song in English from the film, one in Scots Gaelic from her latest CD 'Uam', and a piping instrumental from her other band Dochas. More on Julie at www.juliefowlis.com.
There were also musical GIVE-AWAYS to be won, download cards for Tim Readman's new music, with lovely guest Jennifer Fahrni taking the calls.
Sunday January 6th - Hamish was back hosting The Maui Celtic Show on 'Sunday Solstice' on Mana'o Radio 91.5 FM, Wailuku, Maui. He had a special guest live in the studio, George Millar founder of the legendary Irish Rovers, and also the lovely Jennifer Fahrni. They had a great chat with George, playing his band's music, and solos from band members Sean O'Driscoll and Wilcil McDowell. They talked about some of George's musical influences, such as legendary Scottish folk duo Robin Hall & Jimmie MacGregor, and The Clancy Brothers & Tommy Makem, and played their music, as well as Liam Clancy's son Donal's new music. They played some of George's favourite singers, and Hamish threw a few surprises in there too. The craic was mighty in the Mana'o Radio studios that morning !
"Must say, the most enjoyable radio show I've been part of!" - George Millar.
Check out the band at www.irishroversmusic.com.
Hamish, Jennifer & George Millar of The Irish Rovers at Mana'o Radio
Tuesday January 1st - HAPPY HOGMANAY TO ALL OUR SCOTTISH FRIENDS ! ..... AND HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ONE AND ALL !!
Hogmanay is the name for New Year's Eve in Scotland, and is one of the biggest parties in the world. Originally it was a gathering at standing stones to drink to departed spirits, but became a large celebration around village or town market crosses, known as 'Nollaig Beag' (Little Christmas). In the 1500s, the Church tried tried to ban it, which made it move from the community into the home. Many Hogmanay traditions have gone, but one that continues to this day is First Footing. After midnight, the first person to cross your doorway should be a dark haired man carrying handsel, or gifts of food, whiskey, and a piece of coal (to signify the warmth of the hearth for the coming year). An old custom, carried on today as a New Year's Kiss, was for a male to kiss any female they met in the street. The famous anthem of midnight on New Year, the song 'Auld Lang Syne' (roughly 'old times past'), was written by legendary Scottish poet Robert Burns in 1788.
Mike Riedel, Roger McKinley and Hamish Burgess piping on Hogmanay
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New Year's Eve, at Fleetwoods on Front St., Lahaina, Maui
photo by Kevin J. Olson © 2012
Hogmanay was well represented in West Maui with bagpipes at Fleetwood's on Front St., on the rooftop bar of Mick Fleetwood's (of Fleetwood Mac fame) restaurant. At sunset there was the nightly traditional Hawaiian blessing, oli (chant), and pu'u (conch-shell) blowing, then Maui Celtic's own Hamish Burgess with Roger McKinley and visiting piper Mike Riedel opened the evening with slow airs, then uptempo tunes on the Great Highland Bagpipes. A great set, with solos and all three pipes blasting out some tunes together.
The lads played again at 10pm to celebrate the West Coast New Year, jumping onstage with Eric Gilliom and his band to play 'Auld Lang Syne', with Eric leading the countdown and sing-along, and drumming legend himself, Mick Fleetwood keeping the beat for the pipers ! For a wee video of the end of that by Kevin J. Olson, please click here.
Pipers Mike Riedel, Roger McKinley and Hamish Burgess after 'Auld Lang Syne' with Mick Fleetwood and Eric Gilliom - New Year's Eve, on the roof at Fleetwoods on Front St.
photo by Jennifer Fahrni © 2012
The boys were at it again with the New Year anthem on the pipes at midnight Maui-time, lined up in front of the stage with Mick Fleetwood's Island Rumours band, for the countdown then 'Auld Lang Syne', and balloons and New Year craziness, West Maui Fleetwood's style. The craic was mighty in Lahaina town for the start of 2013 !