"MAUI CELTIC BLOG" & MAUI CELTIC NEWS ARCHIVE
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2012
Sunday May 13th - HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY to all Mum's and Grandma's !
Hamish had a Mother's Day Special on The Maui Celtic Show on Mana'o Radio 91.5 FM, Wailuku, Maui. He played 2 hours of new and old Celtic music, featuring songs for and about mothers and grandma's. He dedicated the show to 2 Scottish ladies in his life, his mother Sheila Burgess, and his grandma Cecilia Strachan, a huge influence on his passion for all things Scottish and Celtic. He was joined by show regular Joel Agnew.
The show is live online at www.manaoradio.com. Local time will be 8-10 am (Hawaii), which for the summer will now be 11am-1pm US/Canada West coast, 12-2pm Mountain time, 1-3pm Central time, 2-4pm Eastern Standard Time, Canadian Maritimes 3-5pm, and 7-9pm in Ireland and the UK, Spain 8-10pm. 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 12th - The Saint Andrew Society of Hawaii held their annual fun Celtic Pub Crawl in Honolulu. They started at 4:30 pm in Murphy's Bar & Grill side room for some drinks & pupus, then took a wee walk with bagpipers up to JJ Dolan's on Bethel Street for some more drinks & pupus. Then the limousines picked folks up there & drive them around the town while partaking in a few wee drams & fellowship before they hit the dance floor to boogie ! Kilt-wear was order of the night for the 32 pub crawlers ! For more details on this yearly event contact The Saint Andrew Society of Hawaii - (808) 381-7216 or email - saintandrewsociety@hawaii.rr.com
Sunday May 6th - Hamish was back with new Celtic Music on The Maui Celtic Show on 'Sunday Solstice' on Mana'o Radio 91.5 FM, Wailuku, Maui. The show was also a Cinco de Mayo Special, featuring Spanish Celtic music from Galicia and Asturias in northern Spain, and Venezuela. Not to mention tracks from Ireland, Scotland, Canada, America and even Sweden and Germany, and even Celtic music from Outer Space ! He was joined by show regular Joel Agnew.
Sunday May 6th - Maui Celtic's own Hamish was interviewed on video by Steve Behrens of Celtic Music Promotions company 67 Music, who was visiting Maui with his lovely wife Cat. He interviewed Hamish about his Celtic art, Maui Celtic, his work as host and producer of the Maui Celtic Radio Show, bagpiping in Hawaii, the Hawaii Tartan, and Princess Ka'iulani. Check out Portland's 67 Music at www.67music.net.
Wednesday May 2nd - local traditional Celtic music group Upcountry Celtic performed a free concert at 6:30pm at Makawao Public Library. Folks heard lively foot-tapping Celtic music for all ages, with Elaine Olson on harp, concertina and banjo, Mary Lee on fiddle, Bruce Butler on penny whistle and singing, Katie Romanchuk on guitar and harp, and Barclay Hill on mandolin. The concert began with harp music, followed by Celtic tunes and songs on a variety of instruments. A fun evening of music ! For more information please call the library at 573-8785.
Check out Upcountry Celtic on YouTube.
Maui's own traditional group Upcountry Celtic
Monday April 30th - BELTAINE GREETINGS TO ALL !
BELTANE is a May Day eve festival, dedicated to Bel (also called
Beli and Belinus), the sun god, marking the beginning of Summer. Beltane means 'the
fires of Bel'. In ancient times, Druids would kindle the Beltane fire, and two seperate
bonfires were made, with people and animals being driven between them, to cleanse
them of diseases and bad luck form the dark part of the year, winter. Household
hearths were re-lit from the Beltane fire, having been extinguished for the occasion.
The festival tradition has continued to this day in Britain and Ireland, in the
form of May Day celebrations.
“BELTAINE” © Hamish Burgess 2011
More details on the artwork above on our Gallery page.
Sunday April 29th - Hamish celebrated the 250th edition of The Maui Celtic Show on 'Sunday Solstice' on Mana'o Radio 91.5 FM, Wailuku, Maui. The show was also a Beltiane Special, featuring Celtic music of that ancient celebration, signalling the start of summer in those olden days. He was joined for the big 250th show by regular Joel Agnew, who read a great poem about the show composed that morning ! Maui Celtic's other half Jennifer Fahrni called in, as did show underwriter George Millar of The Irish Rovers. Hamish covered music from the Celtic nations of Ireland, Scotland, the Isle of Man, Wales, Cornwall, Brittany, Galicia, and Asturias, as well as from Canada, America, Australia, Sweden and even Poland and Russia ! The craic was mighty in the studio that morning !
Saturday April 29th - over on Oahu The Friends of St.Patrick held an Irish Movie Night at the Celtic Room, O'Toole's Pub, Downtown Honolulu. This month was The Commitments (1991) a comedy/drama with music. The travails of Jimmy Rabbitte to form the "World's Hardest Working Band," The Commitments, and bring soul music to the people of Dublin, Ireland. Starring Robert Arkins, Michael Aherne and Angeline Ball.
More details from Bill Comerford at 808-223-3997 or email bill@ejlounge.com.
Sunday April 22nd - Hamish had unusual Celtic music on The Maui Celtic Show on 'Sunday Solstice' on Mana'o Radio 91.5 FM, Wailuku, Maui. He presented an ANZAC Day Special, featuring Celtic music from and about Australia and New Zealand. Anzac Day is a national day of remembrance in Australia and New Zealand, commemorated by both countries on 25th April every year, and honours the members of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) who fought at Gallipoli during World War I. These days it commemorates all those who died serving their countries in any wars.
Saturday April 21st - over on Oahu The Friends of St.Patrick held an Irish Music meeting at the Celtic Room, O'Toole's Pub. Flute player Clark Ratliffe from local traditional band Celtic Waves explored the subject with various instruments and Irish songs. More details from Bill Comerford at 808-223-3997 or email bill@ejlounge.com.
Sunday April 15th - Hamish had a Titanic 100th Anniversary Special on The Maui Celtic Show on 'Sunday Solstice' on Mana'o Radio 91.5 FM, Wailuku, Maui. The show featured 2 hours of new Celtic music from around the world, as well a a set of songs and tunes about the famous RMS Titanic, the mighty ship that sank 100 years ago this day, originally built in Belfast, Ireland. The tracks concerning the ship were from Jimmy Crowley, Gaelic Storm, Moving Hearts, Tommy Makem, and The Irish Rovers, with a wee interview from George Millar about his composition 'The Titanic'. As he shares the same birthday as the event, and is from the same part of Ireland, the whole show was a birthday celebration for George, one of the show's underwriters (Anne & George Millar and The Irish Rovers).
'THE IRISH ROVERS - THE TITANIC' © Hamish Burgess 2012
More details on the artwork above on our Gallery page.
Sunday April 8th - Hamish was back with 2 hours of Celtic music on The Maui Celtic Show on 'Sunday Solstice' on Mana'o Radio 91.5 FM, Wailuku, Maui. He had a special tribute to a legend of Irish music - Barney McKenna, great tenor banjo player and founding member of The Dubliners, who went to the grand Ceilidh on the other side this week (see below) - lots of Dubliners tracks featuring 'Banjo Barney'. Thanks for the brilliant music, and much aloha to his family and friends. Aloha 'Oe Barney.
He had reports and music from last weekend's 31st Annual Hawaiian Scottish Festival & Highland Games in Honolulu (see below), and the show was an Easter Special, with traditions and Celtic music of the season. Happy Easter to all !
Celtic Tree of Life by Hamish Burgess
Easter takes its name from Eostre, or Ostara, the Great Mother Goddess of the Saxon people of Northern Europe. The 'Goddess of Dawn' was the Anglo-Saxon goddess of spring, fertility and the rising sun. The female hormone estrogen comes from her name. Her feast day was held on the full moon following the vernal equinox, the same time that the Christian festival of Easter is now held. Her sacred animal was a hare, represented now by Easter Bunnies. One legend associated with Eostre was that she found an injured bird on the ground at the end of winter, and to save it's life transformed it into a hare - but the transformation was not complete and the hare retained the ability to lay eggs, which she would decorate and leave as gifts to the goddess. The ancient Celts decorated eggs, and rolled them down hills in imitation of the movement of the sun. The Christian Church remodelled this custom and the cycle of death and re-birth of Spring, to symbolise the death and resurrection of Christ at Easter.
Friday April 6th - was National Tartan Day in North America. 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".
Thursday April 5th - A sad day for Ireland and the traditional music world. A legend of Irish music, Barney McKenna, great tenor banjo player and founding member of The Dubliners, went to the grand Ceilidh on the other side. Thanks for the brilliant music, and much aloha to his family and friends. Aloha 'Oe Barney.
(right) "Banjo Barney" McKenna of the Dubliners
Bernard Noël McKenna was an Irish musician who played the tenor banjo, mandolin, and melodeon. He was born in Donnycarney, Co.Dublin, a member of The Dubliners from 1962 and the only remaining member of the original line-up. He is credited with spreading the popularity of the banjo in Celtic music. (photo right courtesy Wikipedia)
Sunday April 1st - Joel was back with 2 hours of Celtic music on The Maui Celtic Show on 'Sunday Solstice' on Mana'o Radio 91.5 FM, Wailuku, Maui. He read some of his own fine poetry on Celtic subjects, and played some great Celtic music, while Hamish was away for the weekend on Oahu at the Hawaiian Scottish Festival & Highland Games at Kapiolani Park in Waikiki (see below).
Sat-Sun March 31st-April 1st - the Scottish event of the year in the Hawaiian Islands took place on Oahu. The Hawaiian Scottish Association presented their 31st Annual Hawaiian Scottish Festival & Highland Games at Kapiolani Park, Waikiki, a beautiful location under the shadow of Diamond Head. The park was originally landscaped by Scotsman Archibald Scott Cleghorn, father of Hawaii's Crown Princess Victoria Ka'iulani Cleghorn. There was a Pipe Band, traditional music, dancing and Highland Games.
Celtic Pipes & Drums of Hawaii and guests on Parade at 31st Hawaiian Scottish Festival
Kapiolani Park, Waikiki, and Diamond Head beyond
Maui Celtic had a huge booth of fine Scottish imports, classic Maui Celtic logo wear (with brand new 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.
Hamish & Jennifer at the Maui Celtic booth - Hawaiian Scottish Festival 2012
Thanks for visiting us at the Maui Celtic booth, and supporting your only local Celtic business.
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.
Tartan weaving on a hand loom by the Hawaii Handweavers Hui
There were of course the usual tasty food booths - tea and great scones and fish & chips. A children’s tent had entertainment specifically geared for the younger set, including a bouncy castle, Nessie Bean Bag Toss, and golf-related games.
The Saturday was in full Celtic musical swing after the Celtic Blessing by 9.30am with traditional Irish dancing and singing from The Celtic Keiki, followed by the headliners visiting Celtic rock group Mythica from Delaware (for a clip of them the day before on KGMBs Hawaii News Now click here).
The Joan S.Lindsey Hula Studio took the main stage, followed by the US Marine Corps Forces Pacific Band.
Meanwhile on the stage in the vendor tent, folks heard local fiddler Lisa Gomes, joined by (ex-Maui and now Oahu) drummer Peter Della Croce. Both Lisa and Peter are drummers in the Celtic Pipes & Drums of Hawaii, with Lisa sometimes accompanying them on the fiddle. Peter is a great drum instructor.
(right) Peter Della Croce and Lisa Gomes
They were followed by the new Oahu band Celtic Hearts, with some long-time local Celtic musicians.
The focus at noon was on the march of the Parade of the Color Guard, Pipe Bands and the Scottish Clans, leading into the Opening Ceremonies with MC Ian Laing, who previously ran the Games for 15 years, before current Chieftain Dan Peddie.
Celtic Pipes & Drums of Hawaii and Flags at the opening parade
Visitors Okemos High School band from Michigan took the main stage, followed by local long-established Oahu pipeband The Celtic Pipes and Drums of Hawaii, with the dancers of Irish Dance Hawaii. There was a fine display of traditional Scottish dancing from the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society of Hawaii, then Celtic music from local traditional band Celtic Waves.
Royal Scottish Country Dance Society of Hawaii
Meanwhile the vendor tent heard the sounds and dancing of The Celtic Keiki, and more Irish dancing from Irish Dance Hawaii, then a nice set from guitarist Michael Tanenbaum. Closing the day in front of the mainstage was a display of sword-fighting from the Society for Creative Anachronism and the Musketeer Fencers, and finally visiting Celtic rock group Mythica at the bandstand (see the Ceilidh post below).
Running all weekend 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. Sunday saw the Masters events, for the over 50s, and the fun traditional 'Housewife Games' including throwing a Frying Pan and Rolling Pin for distance.
Heavy athletics lads hammer throwing near Diamond Head
Sunday started with a Celtic Mass with Father Rubie on the bandstand mainstage, then the Celtic Keiki, Scottish country dancing from the RSCDS of Hawaii, and hula from the Halau Ka Pa Hula 'O Ka Lei Hulu Hiwa, and more dance from Irish Dance Hawaii.
The noon Parade featured the The Celtic Pipes and Drums of Hawaii, with guest pipers Hamish Burgess from Maui, and Ed from the L.A.Scots in California, and led into the day's Welcome Ceremony. The local pipe band took the mainstage with a great set, followed by visitors Mythica, and more sword-fighting displays from the local martial groups. Next were local institution The Royal Hawaiian Band, playing some classics, and even "The Hawaiian Scotsman", followed by traditional music group Celtic Waves.
Celtic Waves on the main stage
Celtic Hearts on the vendor tent stage
The small stage saw the return of Lisa Gomes, Celtic Hearts, and The Celtic Keiki, a dance lesson from the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society of Hawaii, then Irish Dance Hawaii, then Mythica.
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 5th year running. The Hawaiian Scottish Association flew in an accredited FUSTA judge Karen Shelton-Johnson (Washington State), to judge the competition - and accredited bagpipe player Mark Elliot from Alberta, Canada to play the music - the Highland Fling, Sword Dances, strathspeys and reels.
Piper Mark Elliot and Highland Dancing Competition
Mahalo to Dan & Mary Peddie and all at the HSA for staging the Festival, and to Jason and Alison, and Ming, Skye, Harley and Pam for all their help on the Maui Celtic booth. A brilliant weekend of Scottish culture and fun !
More info on the annual event from The Hawaiian Scottish Association - from Chieftain Dan Peddie at 808-626-3559 and at www.scotshawaii.org.
Friday March 30th - 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. There was a sampling bar with wine, several whiskys and unusual beers, with a fine array of real ales and porters, and Scottish themed food.
Local fiddler Lisa Gomes got the party going, and also played as a duo with drummer Peter Della Croce. They then joined their band-mates in Oahu's pipeband The Celtic Pipes and Drums of Hawaii, and played a great set of tunes, with a highlight being a rousing version of 'Local Hero'.
The Celtic Pipes and Drums of Hawaii at the Taste of Scotland Ceilidh
Headliners were visiting Celtic rock and fusion group Mythica from Delaware, originally from Denver, Colorado. They play Irish, Scottish, French, folk rock, and World fusion music, blending genres from around the world. Erin Flynn plays the fiddle, Melissa Cox sings lead, but also plays guitar and mandolin, Matt Smith plays the bass, and John Lindsay plays the drums.
Mythica at the Taste of Scotland Ceilidh at The Willows
At dusk some visiting young Highland dancers from the Margaret Rose School of Dance in Scotland put on a fine display, with dance tunes on the pipes from expert bagpipe player Mark Elliot from Alberta, Canada.
Highland Dancers at the Taste of Scotland Ceilidh
More info on this yearly event at www.scotshawaii.org.
Thursday March 29th - on Oahu The Caledonian Society of Hawaii presented their yearly sunset Tribute to Princess Victoria Kawekiu Lunalilo Kalaninuiahilapalapa Ka'iulani Cleghorn 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.
Highland Dancers at the Princess Ka'iulani Memorial
There was fine weather for the sunset memorial, with the whole tribute held outdoors in the serene grounds of the Royal Mausoleum. Caledonian Society Chieftain Bruce McEwan hosted the evening and spoke about the Princess, wearing the Hawaii Tartan as were our Maui visitors Hamish & Jennifer and several other folks. Nanci Munroe read Robert Louis Stevenson's famous poem that he wrote in the princess' own book, and Lynn Bruce also read a poem about the Princess.
Jacob Kaio piping and hula dancing from Aysha Limatoc
Hawaiian piper Jacob Kaio provided the haunting music, and young local hula dancer Aysha Limatoc performed a special dance written for the Princess. A fine perfomance of the hula, and wearing a dress befitting of the Princess herself !
Maui Celtic's own Jennifer Fahrni of The Ka'iulani Project was invited to update the crowd on her play about Princess Ka'iulani, and spoke about the rise in awareness of her story. "Ka'iulani - The Island Rose" by writers Jennifer Fahrni and Carol Harvie-Yamaguchi, is still looking for funding - please email your interest to Jennifer at jjfahrni@shaw.ca.
Jennifer Fahrni of the Princess Ka'iulani Project speaking at the Royal Mausoleum
Visiting young Highland dancers from the Margaret Rose School of Dance (see above) in Scotland put on a fine display, with dance tunes on the pipes from Jacob Kaio.
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 and Jennifer MacKay Fahrni of Maui Celtic.
More details on this annual memorial from The Caledonian Society of Hawaii - Susan MacKinnon at 591-9398, or email susanmack1@mac.com.
Thursday, March 29th - over on Oahu, Celtic rock group Mythica were in full swing on their Hawaii tour, playing at Anna O'Brien's Irish Pub up near the University. Visiting for the second time from Delaware, originally from Colorado, the group fronted by singer/songwriter Melissa Cox, plays Irish, Scottish, French, folk rock, and World fusion blending genres from around the world. Voted Best Celtic Fusion band of 2007 by Celtic MP3 Music Magazine. Melissa Cox not only sings lead, but also plays guitar and mandolin. Erin Flynn plays the fiddle and whistles, Matt Smith plays the bass, and John Lindsay plays the drums, cajon and djembe. More details from Bill Comerford at 808-223-3997 or email bill@ejlounge.com.
Sunday, March 25th - over on Oahu The Friends of St.Patrick held their usual Monthly Movie Night - An Irish Themed Movie on the last Sunday of the month, at the Celtic Room, O'Toole's Pub, downtown Honolulu. This time the film was The Departed. An Irish Mob crime drama - two men from opposite sides of the law are undercover within the Massachusetts State Police and the Irish mafia, but violence and bloodshed boil when discoveries are made, and the moles are dispatched to find out their enemy's identities. More details from Bill Comerford at 808-223-3997 or email bill@ejlounge.com.
Also Celtic rock group Mythica (see above) started their Oahu tour when they played a benefit at the Unity Church of Hawaii.
Sunday March 24th - Hamish was back, although a wee bit late, on The Maui Celtic Show on 'Sunday Solstice' on Mana'o Radio 91.5 FM, Wailuku, Maui. Joel Agnew valiantly came in at no notice to start the show, as Hamish was delayed, having trouble with his Celtic Chariot in West Maui. Joel played some great Celtic music, until Hamish & Jennifer Fahrni arrived with some reports of St.Patrick's Day in Honolulu and Maui, after the national saint's day of Ireland the weekend before.
right - Hawaii Irishman Ian Wilson
The show was dedicated to grand Hawaii Irishman Ian Wilson who passed away Friday morning on Oahu, far too young - a sad loss to the Hawaii Irish community. Hamish played some of his favourite tunes. See the tribute below. Aloha 'Oe, Ian. ..........
Saturday, March 24th - over on Oahu Melissa Cox, singer of Celtic rock group Mythica, was playing solo at Kelly O'Neill's/O'Toole's. More details from Bill Comerford at 808-223-3997 or email bill@ejlounge.com.
Friday March 23rd - over on Oahu, The Hawaiian Scottish Association presented their Grand Scotch Tour III, an evening of Whisky Tasting at the Willows Restaurant, in Honolulu. Folks enjoyed delicious cuisine prepared by Executive Chef Jay Matsukawa, and a selection of 20 acclaimed Scotch whiskys, including Aberfeldy, Ardbeg, Balvenie, Caol lla, Chivas, Dewars, Famous Grouse, Glenfiddich, Highland Park, Laphoraig, Maccallan, Signatory, Singleton and many more!
Grand Scotch Tour III - Whisky Tasting at the Willows
Photo courtesy of Nancy Smiley
Always a good time with informative whisky experts. This is the main findraiser for the year for the HSA, who put on the Hawaiian Scottish Festival and Highland Games (see our Events page, Oahu section). More info from Dan Peddie at 808-626-3559 and at www.scotshawaii.org.
Friday March 23rd - a sad loss to the Hawaii Irish community - Ian Wilson passed away this morning on Oahu, losing his battle with health problems. He was a grand Hawaii Irishman, and friend and supporter of Maui Celtic, and will be missed. Ian was a devout Catholic, born December 29th 1956 and raised in Wahiawa, and lived recent years in Kaimuki. He was a Paramedic for the City and County of Honolulu, and was a past President of The Friends of St.Patrick and the The Saint Andrew Society of Hawaii. An avid historian, and Civil war re-enactor, he donated his library of Celtic books to the Friends of St.Patrick now in the Celtic Room of O'Tooles Pub, and enjoyed a wee dram of Jamesons. Ian, you passed away way too young, and will be missed - God bless you. May you walk in the fine company of your ancestors, and share a dram of Jamesons with them ! Be at peace now......Aloha 'Oe mo chara.
Ian Wilson and Hamish Burgess, Dressed to the Kilt - Oahu 2008
This Sunday the Maui Celtic Radio Show will be dedicated to Ian Wilson.
Sunday March 18th - Joel Agnew was playing 2 hours of Celtic music on The Maui Celtic Show on Mana'o Radio 91.5 FM, Wailuku, Maui. He played some great new and old Celtic music on part 2 of a St.Patrick's Special, to celebrate the national saint's day of Ireland (the day before), with some ripping Irish songs and music. Hamish & Jennifer called in from Honolulu where they had been running a Maui Celtic booth at the Honolulu St. Patrick's Day Block Party (see below).
Saturday March 17th - HAPPY ST.PATRICK'S DAY TO ALL OUR IRISH FRIENDS ! St.Patrick is the patron saint of Ireland, and Irish around the world celebrate their culture today - the Hawaiian Irish too (see below) !
'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 issue.
The art shows St.Patrick in later life wearing clerical robes, with his famous bell in one hand, and his treasured staff or crozier and a shamrock in the other. He is depicted with a clerical tonsure, or shaved head, possibly referred to by his opponents the druids, who prophesied his converting the pagan folk of Ireland: “Across the sea will come Adze-head, crazed in the head, his cloak with hole for the head, his stick bent in the head. He will chant impieties from a table in the front of his house; all his people will answer: "so be it, so be it.""
Behind him is the Paschal fire he lit to challenge the High King of Ireland, and the cross represents an invisible circle of divine protection, that he invoked with a chant which is now called “St.Patrick’s Breastplate”. It changed his own party into deer to escape the pagan warriors, and became known as “The Deer’s Cry”.
In the air around him are the ‘serpents’ of Ireland, in tradition likely referring to paganism, and two dragon-like creatures he is said to have cast down, the Caoránach, and the Oilliphéist.
More details on our Gallery page.
Saturday March 17th - MAUI CELTIC WAS OVER ON OAHU FOR ST.PATRICK'S DAY !
Hamish Burgess & Jennifer Fahrni started the day early as radio guests on The Perry & Price Saturday Morning Show on KSSK 92.3fm Oahu, at the Jade Dynasty Seafood Restaurant in the Ala Moana Center. They met Dan & Mary Peddie of the The Hawaiian Scottish Association at the live radio show breakfast buffet, to talk on their behalf about the upcoming Scottish events. It was a busy show with musical and talk guests, and Sweetie Pacarro out and about interviewing the diners. Appropriate for the Irish day was a surprise intro for our duo - the title track of the new Irish Rovers album 'Drunken Sailor', which had the packed room clapping and singing along.
Jennifer & Hamish on The Perry & Price Saturday Morning Show, KSSK Honolulu
Michael Perry & Larry Price were keen to know what a Scottish fellow with the name Hamish was doing today on Oahu with a company called Maui Celtic, talking about upcoming Scottish events on an Irish St.Patrick's Day !! So Jennifer & Hamish filled them in on the Maui Celtic booth at today's downtown blockparty, and their Irish Rovers' connections - Jennifer on the management team (www.theirishroversmusic.com), and Hamish as their resident Celtic artist for album covers (www.mauiceltic.com/gallery). Then they got to the job in hand, promoting the upcoming HSA fundraiser the Grand Scotch Tasting (March 23rd), and the Hawaiian Scottish Festival (March31st/April 1st).
At noon The Friends of St.Patrick held their 45th annual Saint Patrick's Day Parade through Waikiki. Green clad folks gathered for the Parade which ran on Kalakaua Ave fronting Fort Derussy and ended at Kapiolani Park by the bandstand. Led by the Celtic Pipes and Drums of Hawaii, the Parade this year featured Noel Trainor as Irishman of the year.
The Friends of St.Patrick 45th annual Waikiki St.Patrick's Day Parade
Photo courtesy of Nancy Smiley - The Friends of St.Patrick
The Post Parade Party started straight after at Kelley O'Neils Pub in Waikiki, with live Irish Music from Celtic Waves followed by Irish Kevin from Key West Florida. The menu of course had Corned Beef and Cabbage, and also Chowder, Beef Stew and 'Bangers and Mash' !
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
Maui Celtic was there with a booth at the blockparty, open 12 noon until 9pm, with Irish jewelry and other Celtic goodies, the popular green Maui Celtic and Hawaii Celtic T-shirts, Hawaii Tartan (plaid) clothing, and All Ireland plaid noggin wraps (do-rags) too !! New shamrock green St.Patrick's Day limited edition Maui Celtic T-shirts (with the Island chain as Celtic knots) were a hot item of the day, as well as some crazy hats ! Mahalo to Honolulu folks for supporting your local Celtic business.
Maui Celtic booth at the Honolulu St.Patrick's Day Blockparty - the 2012 crew rocked !
Jim, Jemma, Hamish, Jennifer, Ming and Skye (and Harley m.i.a.)
The party started around noon right there on the Irish corner, there was traditional Irish music live in O'Toole's Pub (www.irishpubhawaii.com) - starting at one with the Kaimana Ceili Band, followed by Kieran Murphy the Irish troubador from NY, who played a killer set for several hours. Kieran's singing was amplified outside the pub and across the block party for thousands to hear ! The night was topped off with Honolulu’s own Celtic rockers Doolin Rakes.
In the closed-off parking lot there was great food - tasty fresh oysters, corned beef and cabbage, fish & chips, salmon and spuds - and of course plenty of Guinness and Jamesons Irish whisky at the outdoor booths, not to mention in Murphy's and O'Tooles Pubs ! Local fiddler Lisa Gomes played a marathon session near the Maui Celtic booth, and our own Hamish Burgess played the bagpipes in the lot, Murphy's Bar, O'Tooles Pub and in the streets ! He even played the pipes live on KUMU 94.7 FM radio, and was interviewed by host Greg Endo, then later on had an on-air chat with host Bruddah Bryan about Maui Celtic.
Hamish after piping by the Jameson booth, with the lovely Jameson ladies
The party was really going after 5:30pm as the streets were closed on Nuuanu, Merchant and Marin Lanes, with live music from the Doolin Rakes and Piranha Brothers on stages in the streets. The Celtic Pipes and Drums of Hawaii arrived downtown after sunset, playing at J.J.Dolan's Pub and at the Maui Celtic booth. There were thousands of folks wearing the green, and some wild looking leprechaun costumes ! Honolulu's biggest party wound down around 10pm.
The local Oahu pipeband had a busy day with eight gigs around Honolulu !
The Celtic Pipes and Drums of Hawaii at the downtown Honolulu blockparty
Across the street from the blockparty, the Aloha Tower Marketplace had The Celtic Keiki dancers and musicians with the “Magical Music of Ireland” in the Center Atrium for an evening filled with singing and dancing with a traditional Irish sing-along and Ceili dance, not to mention The Rowdy Redhead Contest ! There was also traditional Irish music from local band Celtic Waves at the Gordon Biersch Brewpub.
Over in Waikiki The
Irish Rose Saloon hosted singers Irish Kevin from Key West Florida, and Jason Owens, and the band Elephant until late.
Meanwhile at Anna O'Brien's near the University, there was more music with Whiskey Starship, Nathan Emmans, Jason Owens and Irish Kevin from Key West.
The criac was indeed mighty in Honolulu ! Thanks to our Maui Celtic duo's hosts Pete & Jemma Della Croce for their hospitality.
ST.PATRICK'S DAY ON MAUI !!
SOUTH MAUI had the biggest bash with the annual St. Paddy's Day Party at Mulligan's on the Blue in Wailea. Maui's best Irish party !! The day started early at 7am with a St.Patrick's Day Golf Tournament to benefit local charities. The live music started at 12 noon and the craic went on until late ! Kicking it all off was Mad Bagpiper Roger McKinley and Celtic Hart, followed by house band The Celtic Tigers, then at sunset The Isle of Maui Pipe Band with special guest champion piper Jack Lee. This was the only chance this year on Maui to see the world famous bagpiper perform !
Jack Lee and the Isle of Maui Pipe Band at Mulligan's on St.Patrick's Day
Photo courtesy of Patty Kyle Hood and Isle of Maui Pipe Band
Another great set followed from The Celtic Tigers, and The Free Radical Projekt rocked on until the wee hours.
CENTRAL MAUI saw new local band Celtic Hart playing at the Kahului Ale House from 5-8pm. Featuring Mad Bagpiper Roger McKinley on pipes, Mark John on fiddle and Evan on guitar.
NORTH SHORE had local Maui group Upcountry Celtic playing at the Paia Bay Cafe from 6pm-8pm. They had a great outdoor covered space for music, and folks could catch traditional Celtic music with musicians Bruce Butler, Barclay Hill, Elaine Olson, Julie Potter-Dunlop, Katie Romanchuk, and Mary Smith. For more details call Donnie McGean at Paia Bay Cafe on 808-283-8457.
Friday March 16th - over on Oahu St.Patrick's Week was in full swing with the return of wandering Irish minstrel Kieran Murphy, back from New York to play traditional Irish music (and some of his originals) in Honolulu pubs. The hard-working young singer is a feature here in Hawaii at this time of year, taking a break from the chilly north-east to entertain our local Irish crowd.
Kieran Murphy is a singer and songwriter whose music ranges from traditional folk to contemporary originals and even electronica ! He is New York born, but with a heritage deeply rooted in the culture of New England and the mysticism of his Irish ancestors. Check out his award winning website at www.kieranmurphymusic.com.
right - Kieran Murphy at O'Tooles Pub, Honolulu
Kieran Murphy was playing in O'Toole's Pub downtown Honolulu, followed by Irish Kevin from Key West Florida.
Meanwhile Jason Owens played at Kelley O'Neils (311 Lewers St) in Waikiki - 5-8pm. More details from Bill Comerford at 808-223-3997 or email bill@ejlounge.com.
March 15th-18th - the Isle of Maui Pipe Band presented its 9th consecutive Maui Bagpipe Workshop with one of the world's best bagpipers Jack Lee. The four-day workshop was held at the beautiful Makawao Union Church, just outside Pa'ia on Maui's north shore - all genres of bagpiping light music were explored with a touch of piobaireachd as well. On the Saturday night the student pipers performed with Jack Lee and Isle of Maui Pipe Band on St. Patrick's Day at Mulligan's on the Blue restaurant and pub in Wailea (see photo above).
For more information contact Pipe Major Allison Jackson at jacksonmaui@gmail.com
Maui Bagpipe Workshop with Jack Lee - Makawao Union Church
Photo courtesy of Pipe Major Allison Jackson and Isle of Maui Pipe Band
THE INSTRUCTOR, PIPE SERGEANT JACK LEE - Jack Lee is among the world’s elite pipers, as a soloist and leader of one of the world’s finest bands. Jack has won top prizes at Oban, Inverness, London, Glenfiddich and other major events, as well as six World Pipe Band Championships as Pipe Sergeant of the Simon Fraser University Pipe Band. He has also directed the Robert Malcolm Memorial band to wins in the World Juvenile Championships, with solo students winning Gold and Silver medals in Scotland. Jack’s enthusiasm and teaching skills are unsurpassed and all pipers can benefit from his teaching. His latest venture is Lee and Sons Bagpipes - bagpipe reed and bag making with his sons Andrew and Colin - www.leeandsonsbagpipes.com
March 12th-15th - on Oahu visiting musicians were there for St.Patrick's week.
Monday 12th Kieran Murphy the Irish troubador from NY (see above) played at Kelley O'Neils on Lewers St in Waikiki, and Tuesday 13th at O'Toole's Pub (Nuuanu) downtown, while Jason Owens played at Kelley O'Neils. Wednesday 14th saw the Finals of the Guinness Toast Contest being held at O'Toole's Pub downtown Honolulu - folks heard the finalists compete for a trip for two to Las Vegas. That was followed by Kieran Murphy from NY, and Irish Kevin from Key West Florida. Meanwhile Celtic Waves then Doolin Rakes played at Kelley O'Neils in Waikiki ! Thursday 15th Irish Kevin from Key West Florida played at Kelley O'Neills in Waikiki. More details from Bill Comerford at 808-223-3997 or email bill@ejlounge.com
Sunday March 11th - our own Hamish was a radio guest with Sonia Fabrigas on Oahu's K108 1080am 'The Celtic Arts' radio program , co-sponsored by Maui Celtic.
The show was a Celtic special broadcast from the Chinese Cultural Plaza on a weekly Sunday show 10-11am on Peace of the Rainbow Radio. Other guests were Clark Ratliffe from Celtic Waves, and Dr. Darrow Hand of Whiskey Starship and The Contra Dancers of Hawaii.
They chatted about the Celtic Nations, the similarities between the Scots and the Irish, and their traditional music and dance. They discussed Celtic art and it's history, and meaning of the symbols, curves, spirals, and knotwork. They also covered St.Patrick and his story, the 'wearing of the green', and the shamrock, and Maui Celtic's upcoming visit to Honolulu for the St. Patrick's Day Block Party.
Sunday March 11th - Hamish had a big morning on The Maui Celtic Show on 'Sunday Solstice' with a St.Patrick's Special, on Mana'o Radio 91.5 FM, Wailuku, Maui. Sunday, March 11th also marked 10 years on the air for Mana'o Radio, so it was party time in the studio, with guests Joel Agnew and Jennifer Fahrni !
They were playing some great new and old Celtic music on the St.Patrick's Special, to celebrate the national saint's day of Ireland on March 17th. There was some words from legendary Irish singers, and some ripping Irish songs and music. Local Maui Irishman Mike O'Dwyer, owner of Mulligans on the Blue, stopped by to tell us his music line up at Maui's biggest Irish party on St.Patrick's Day (see above).
Joel Agnew, Mike O'Dwyer, and host Hamish Burgess on the Maui Celtic Show
Sunday March 11th - over on Oahu Kieran Murphy the Irish troubador from NY was playing at Kelley O'Neils (311 Lewers St) in Waikiki. More details above or from Bill Comerford at 808-223-3997 or email bill@ejlounge.com.
Saturday March 10th - also over on Oahu The Friends of St.Patrick held their annual Emerald Ball in the Manoa Grand Ballroom, at the Japanese Cultual Center in Honolulu. Cocktail hour then entertainment from Pipe Major Dan Quinn from CPDH, Celtic Flute by Clark Ratcliffe, and Kieran Murphy the Irish troubador from NY ! Irish Dance and song by Caleigh and Delia Fabro of the Celtic Keiki. Presentation of 'Irish Person of the Year' was to newly appointed Honorary Irish Consul, Noel Trainor. An Irish menu for the evening featured Corned Beef and Cabbage, Roast Pork Loin and Baked Salmon. The Silent Auction and raffle benefitted the Scholarship Fund.
Also the Kaimana Ceili Band played at Kelley O'Neils in Waikiki - 5-8pm. More details from Bill Comerford at 808-223-3997 or email bill@ejlounge.com.
Saturday March 10th – Baroque/Celtic band Ensemble Galilei with a concert entitled First Person: Seeing America with Neal Conan and Lily Knight will play the University of Hawaii Hilo Performing Arts Center (200 W. Kawili Street, Hilo) at 7:30pm. More on the band at www.egmusic.com
Friday & Saturday March 9-10th - over on the Big Island of Hawai'i - a rare treat for the Islands when early music/Celtic band Ensemble Galilei came for a visit. Their concert entitled First Person: Seeing America with Neal Conan and Lily Knight played the Kahilu Theatre in Kamuela on the 9th, and the University of Hawaii Hilo Performing Arts Center in Hilo on the 10th. March 7th and 8th they were doing Outreach Programs for local schools.
Early music/Celtic group Ensemble Galilei came to Hawaii
More performance and band details below on their Maui visit review....
Monday March 5th - HAPPY ST.PIRAN'S DAY TO ALL OUR CORNISH FRIENDS ! St Piran is the patron saint of Cornwall, and tin miners, and Cornish around the world celebrate their culture on March 5th, St.Piran's Day. The Cornish flag, St.Piran's Cross, is said to have
come from the patron saint showing Cornish tin
over black rock, represented by the white cross on a black field.
Sunday March 4th - Hamish had a St.Piran's Day Special on The Maui Celtic Show on 'Sunday Solstice' on Mana'o Radio 91.5 FM, Wailuku, Maui. He was celebrating the national day of Cornwall, St.Piran's Day (March 5th) with some ripping Cornish music, playing some great new and old Celtic songs and tunes from that ancient region of Britain.
Saturday March 3rd - over on Oahu The Caledonian Society of Hawaii held The Movie and the History: Princess Ka'iulani at St.Clements Parish Hall in Honolulu. Dr. Paul Field, retired Windward Community College professor of Hawaiian History, was their authority on the historical events in the life of the princess and in Hawai'i. More details from Susan MacKinnon at 591-9398, or email susanmack1@mac.com.
Saturday March 3rd - a rare treat for the Islands when Baroque/Celtic band Ensemble Galilei came for a visit to Oahu. Their concert entitled First Person: Seeing America with Neal Conan and Lily Knight played the Leeward Community College Theatre in Pearl City. On March 5th and 6th they were also doing Outreach Programs for local schools. More performance and band details below....
Friday March 2nd - early music/Celtic band Ensemble Galilei started their Hawaii tour on Maui. Their concert entitled First Person: Seeing America with Neal Conan and Lily Knight played in the Castle Theatre at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center. On March 1st they were doing an Outreach Program for local schools.
Neal Conan and Lily Knight and Celtic group Ensemble Galilei at the MACC
Ensemble Galilei, with NPR’s Neal Conan and actor Lily Knight presented a fabulous audio-visual evening with photographs from The Metropolitan Museum of Art.
The musicians of Ensemble Galilei were truly brilliant, playing everything from early music the traditional music of Scotland and Ireland, and new compositions. Featuring Hanneke Cassel and Ginger Hildebrand on fiddles, Kathleen Keane on whistles and flute, Sue Richards on the harp, Jackie Moran on bodhran and banjo, and Carolyn Surrick on viola da gamba. All the musicans played solo, as well as with the group. A highlight was a ripping Celtic set from duo Jackie and Hanneke.
Celtic group Ensemble Galilei at the MACC
NPR’s Neal Conan and actress Lily Knight masterfully brought people, events and places to life, with the words of Jim Harrison, Dexter Filkins, Frederick Douglass, award winning poet Lucille Clifton, James Agee, and others. Combined with historical photographs by Walker Evans, Edward Curtis, Edward Stieglitz, Paul Strand, WeeGee and Thomas Eakins this evening was a feast for the senses ! They covered events that shaped a nation – The Civil War, the Great Depression, slavery and emancipation - and places from the sidewalks of New York to the majesty of Yosemite. Great photographers captured it all – hardship, war and despair, and the gritty determination of extraordinary people in a magnificent land. Amazing portraits of Native Americans, and the faces of rural Americans as they struggled to survive the times, and enjoyed others. "This is what these extraordinary photographers saw – First Person: Seeing America".
From 1990, Ensemble Galilei has redefined the boundaries of chamber music, mixed it with Celtic music, and developed innovative projects that explore combinations of images, words, and music. More on the band at www.egmusic.com
Thursday March 1st - HAPPY ST.DAVID'S DAY TO ALL OUR WELSH FRIENDS ! St.David is the patron saint of Wales , and Welsh folks all around the world celebrate their culture on March 1st, St.David's Day.
Sunday February 26th - Hamish had a Welsh music radio show St.David's Day Special, with 2 hours of Celtic music on The Maui Celtic Show on 'Sunday Solstice' on Mana'o Radio 91.5 FM, Wailuku, Maui. He played some great new and old Celtic music, and to celebrate the national day of Wales on March 1st, he had a St.David's Day theme with traditions and some ripping Welsh music.
He also had the musicians of Ensemble Gallilei calling in for interviews before their tour of the Hawaiian Islands (see above). Founders Sue Richards (harp) and Carolyn Surrick (viola de gamba) talked about the group and their upcoming show First Person: Seeing America with Neal Conan and Lily Knight, and introduced tunes from the group. Jackie Moran spoke about his role as bodhran and banjo player with the band, and also his work with the brilliant Celtic group Comas.
Sunday February 26th - over on Oahu, The Friends of St.Patrick held their usual Monthly Movie Night - An Irish Themed Movie on the last Sunday of the month, at the Celtic Room, O'Toole's Pub - this time the film was Leap Year. More details from Bill Comerford at 808-223-3997 or email bill@ejlounge.com.
Sunday February 19th - Hamish had a surprise guest visiting Maui - top Irish fiddler Oisín Mac Diarmada stopped by The Maui Celtic Show on 'Sunday Solstice' on Mana'o Radio 91.5 FM, Wailuku, Maui. He brought in a World Exclusive for Hamish, with the first radio airing of his new duet album, hot off the presses, aired in Maui before even at home in Ireland - "Le Chéile/Together" by S�amus Begley & Ois�n Mac Diarmada - and a fine album it is too ! Traditional tunes and some beautiful songs - now available at www.ceolproductions.bigcartel.com. He also played some brilliant Irish trad music from the ten year career of Oisin's band T�ada, and some by Oisin's musical friends.
Hamish and Oisín Mac Diarmada on The Maui Celtic Show at Mana'o Radio
Not to mention some Irish Music Cruises artists, with music and a few words from some of the artists on board the recent trip to the Caribbean.
He also had a few birthday songs for his brother Dudley listening in Newquay, Cornwall - Hamish's older brother has been an inspiration to him for many years - a great Celtic tattooist in Cornwall UK, well known for his Celtic art and portraits. Folks come from all over the world to get his work at DNA Tattoo Studio www.dnatattoo.co.uk.
Saturday February 18th - over on Oahu The Friends of St.Patrick held The Hooley - an Irish Matchmaking Party at the Celtic Room at O'Toole's Pub. The Road to Lisdoonvarna ? Followed by the Guinness Toast contest, with a free glass full of the black stuff while you gave your Toast. More details from Bill Comerford at 808-223-3997 or email bill@ejlounge.com.
Sunday February 12th - Hamish was back from his Caribbean adventures with 2 hours of Celtic music on The Maui Celtic Show on 'Sunday Solstice' on Mana'o Radio 91.5 FM, Wailuku, Maui. He played some great new and old Celtic music, and reported on the Irish Music Cruise to the Caribbean, with music and a few words from the host of great artists on board. He also had a few Valentines Day songs and traditions, with a special set for his own Valentine Jennifer Fahrni.
24th January - 8th February - Our Maui Celtic duo Hamish and Jennifer headed to the south-east and were in Florida and the Caribbean. Our travelers were first in Plantation near Fort Lauderdale for some fine Irish hospitality with old friends Willie, Cari and Aisling Lacey, before heading out on the Irish Music Cruise (see below).
They saw an excellent exhibition at the Museum of Art, called 'Offering of the Angels: Old Master Paintings and Tapestries from the Uffizi Gallery' featuring some fabulous tapestries and paintings by some of the greatest artists of the Renaissance and Baroque periods, all religious works, some 400 or even 500 years old.
A fun time was spent next day with Willie and Cari in the Everglades, where they took an air-boat out into the vast swamp, the powerful air-propellor driven boat racing along mangrove and reed-lined canals, and skimming straight over the lily pads, as there are no props or rudder under the boat.
Airboat in the Everglades, Florida
They stopped in several spots to see alligators in their natural environment, very well camoflagued among the reeds and lillies, as well as local birds the Turkey Vulture and the colourful Purple Gallinule. Their local boat captain and guide had been coming out to the Everglades since he was a boy, was entertaining and knowledgeable, and had a horrific story about being stuck out here at night in a broken-down boat with his uncle, and being covered all over with mosquitos until he had to jump overboard into the black night-time alligator infested waters to get rid of them !
Alligator in the Everglades, Florida
After the ride they checked out some alligators rescued from urban zones, who now are kept in a reserve, as they are deemed 'problem' beasts that wander into human areas. Alligator wrestler Ashley put on a good show handling some huge animals for the tourists.
The Irish music craic started Saturday night at a great local Irish pub The Field in Dania, one of the most authentic pub atmosphere's anywhere in America, with good traditional music from Ade Peever and Friends.
Ade Peever and Friends at The Field in Dania, Florida
Hamish recorded a wee interview for the Maui Celtic Radio Show with singer/guitarist Ade Peever(from Crewe, UK) about his music - solo and with house band Celtic Bridge. A bunch of the next week's Irish Music Cruisers headed there for the evening to kick the week off in Celtic style. The criac was mighty at the Field, as it is the other 2 nights of Irish music a week.
Thanks to old pals Willie, Cari and Aisling Lacey for their hospitality and great company - not to mention a few Jamesons !
29th January - 5th February - Hamish and Jennifer were cruising in the tropics with the Irish Music Cruise to the Caribbean, presented by Debbie Casey (www.irishmusiccruises.com) 1-888-56IRISH. They joined a host of talented singers and musicians - The Wolfe Tones, Archie Fisher, The Makem & Spain Brothers, Máirtín de Cógáin, Tom Sweeney, Seamus Kennedy, Jez Lowe and Andy May, Hanneke Cassel, Kevin Evans & Brian Doherty, and Ciaran Sheehan.
Sunday lunchtime all the folks in several different hotels, and musicians from Ireland, Scotland and England, descended on Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, where we boarded Holland America's MS Nieuw Amsterdam, our floating home for the next 7 days.
MS Nieuw Amsterdam - Irish Music Cruise to the Caribbean
After setting sail, and a sunset view dinner, the Sunday night started the concert series in fine style, introduced by one of the MCs for the week Seamus Kennedy.
First up was Tom Sweeney, from Omagh in the north of Ireland. Tom is a great ballad singer, and sang some Irish classics including a beautiful version of 'Carrickfergus', as well as his own 'Anthem for the Children', which he was invited to sing at the Whitehouse for President Clinton on the occasion of the signing of the Good Friday Agreement.
Tom Sweeney and Archie Fisher on The Irish Music Cruise 2012
Next up was a legend in the folk music world, Scottish singer songwriter Archie Fisher. Also a brilliant open-tuning guitar player, his fine melodies accompanied his original songs, with the great witty stories behind them told in-between - a true master of his craft. Archie is also a broadcasting icon - he had a 27 year-running radio programme Traveling Folk on BBC Radio Alba. Check out his latest album 'Windward Away'.
Closing the night's concerts was the powerhouse Irish duo, well-known in the Canadian Maritimes, Kevin Evans & Brian Doherty, with their usual mix of humour and good music. The lads are a popular Canadian Maritime duo of Irishmen, now in their 26th year performing together. They started a memorable set by inviting guests the Makem & Spain Brothers, Seamus Kennedy, and Máirtín de Cógáin, to the stage for a rousing version of 'The Auld Triangle', the name of their pub in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Then it was a raucous set of traditional and original songs, with the approproate sea-shanties thrown in, as we headed into the Caribbean.
Kevin Evans and Brian Doherty, and guests
Then for some it was on to the Piano bar for a late night session of songs, sea-shanties and much more, with Andy May on the piano and Hanneke Cassel on fiddle for some tunes. A very late one indeed, going on until past 4am, with Seamus Kennedy the life and soul, and ending up 'three sheets to the wind'........
Monday we anchored off Half Moon Cay in the Bahamas, a private island owned by Holland America. Original inhabitants of the region were the Arawaks, then Caribs - they gave us the words "Caribbean', 'hammock', and 'buccaneer' - derived from the name of their open fire cooking grills called 'boucans'.
Half Moon Cay, Bahamas
Hamish & Jennifer went ashore to lounge on the white sand beach, and swim in the crystal clear waters, and found Archie Fisher and his lovely lady doing the same. There were other watersports, and horseback riding, not to mention beach bars and cafes, and even a chance to get in the water with stingrays !
Our duo had a BBQ lunch then headed back to the beach, but stopped to look at a hobie catamaran for rent. The Bahamian operator was maybe a wee bit surprised when they took off easily at a fair rate, after asking Jennifer if she knew what she was doing ! Jennifer is an experienced sailor so they went for a few spins round the bay, picking up a fair speed a few times. Hamish loved his first time sailing a hobie cat, especially surfing the cat ahead of some small waves out in the blue waters !
Right - 'Captain Jennifer' in Half Moon Cay, Bahamas
Back on the ship, and for our Maui Celtic duo, time for a wee nap before the evening's festivities. That started late afternoon with the welcome cocktail party for the Irish Music Cruise gang - a chance to catch up with old pals in the 'Crow's Nest' bar, high up above the ship's bow. Then after our sunset dinner with a backdrop of dramatically coloured sunlit clouds, it was time for the concerts.
A brilliant opener was a set from
singer storyteller Máirtín de Cógáin from Cork. This man has an amazing stage presence for his age, and is already a master of his craft. Great songs from his native Cork area were accompanied by his expert bodhran playing. There were amusing introductions to all his songs, and hilarious tales as features themselves, including the great "Tea Man" story, on Máirtín's latest album 'From Cork With Love'.
Máirtín de Cógáin, and Seamus Kennedy, cowboy style
Next up was Belfast singer Seamus Kennedy with a set of traditional Irish songs, broken up with crazy jokes and amusing song intros. He was joined for a great set of tunes by fiddler Hanneke Cassel, and our bodhran playing Máirtín, with Seamus picking Celtic style on the guitar. He then donned a cowboy hat and neckerchief for a set of Western songs from his latest album 'Sidekicks and Sagebrush', and then a fine set of sea shanties.
Hanneke Cassel, Seamus Kennedy and Máirtín de Cógáin
The closing concert was by a legendary Irish folk group The Wolfe Tones, who are in their 49th year of performing ! With an impressive visual backdrop of historical and scenic slides of Ireland projected onto a big screen, the trio of Brian Warfield, Noel Nagel and Tommy Byrne, covered lots of their well known songs, many of them written by frontman and founder Brian. From patriotic ballads to rousing rebel songs, their chart topping "Helicopter Song" to newly written numbers, and the sing-along "Celtic Symphony", the veteran singers put on an interesting show.
The Wolfe Tones - Brian Warfield, Noel Nagel and Tommy Byrne
It didn't end there though, as the craic continued in the Piano bar into the wee hours, with the customary after-hours session where anything goes......
Tuesday was a day at sea, heading south through the Caribbean between islands of Cuba and Haiti. The craic started with the Pub Quiz with teams of Irish Music Cruisers and musicians answering two sets of difficlut questions from quizmaster Seamus Kennedy.
Next was a talk by Maui Celtic's own Hamish Burgess on Celtic Mythology of the turning seasons, based on his series of 4 seasonal prints of Samhain, Imbolc, Beltaine and Lughnasadh, which can be seen on our Gallery page. Very appropriate timing, as the same evening was the start of Imbolc, the sacred day of the Irish mother goddess Brigid, subject of Hamish's latest art piece. He covered the traditions and mythology of the seasons, and some Celtic art history.
Hamish Burgess with his 'Brigid' art - Andy May and his Northumbrian Smallpipes
Then came an informative workshop with piper Andy May on the Northumbrian Smallpipes, with expert playing on the complicated pipes he made himself, and an amazing chanter he developed with more notes and octaves available than usual, allowing him to keep up with the range of a fiddle ! Andy also played the Irish Uilleann pipes, and was joined by our own Hamish with a tune on the Scottish Smallpipes, and a wee look at the Great Highland Bagpipe.
The gang congregated upstairs for the afternoon's Celtic music, with a Session in the Crow's Nest.
Session on the Irish Music Cruise
All the musicians took turns with songs and tunes, unusual ones they don't often perform during concerts, and a few guests including Mike Casey and Mike Allfrey had a few songs. Maui Celtic'c own Hamish played a few tunes on the smallpipes.
It was the first formal dinner night on the ship, with everyone dressed to the nines, including our Maui Celtic couple Hamish and Jennifer, himself sporting his Douglas family tartan kilt, and herself a lovely peacock dress. Also in formal kilt attire was the dapper Seamus Kennedy from Belfast. That night they were the only men in kilts on the ship, but later in the week the ship was surprising alive with kilts eveywhere, with a large group of Scots from Toronto on a yearly reunion. After seeing so many kilts, and having to ask about the occasion, Hamish found out that one gentleman was a radio show host, who knew Archie Fisher quite well ! A small Celtic world indeed, for folks to run into eachother uears later on a ship in the Caribbean !
Hamish & Jennifer, and Seamus Kennedy
The night's first concert was by Geordie master songwriter, singer Jez Lowe, a musical ambassador for his native North East England. He featured many of his own brilliant compositions, with the stories behind them. Jez Lowe has more than a dozen albums and countless live performances around the world over the last twenty years. Many famous Celtic singers and groups have covered his songs, including Liam Clancy, The Dubliners, The Tannahill Weavers, Cherish The Ladies, The McCalmans, The Black Brothers, Fairport Convention, and literally hundreds of others.
He was accompanied by multi-talented musician Andy May on the Northumbrian Smallpipes, piano and whistle. Andy is a member of Jez's regular band The Bad Pennies, as well as a great solo recording artist and member of another band Baltic Crossing. They were also joined for some numbers onstage by expert bodhran player Máirtín de Cógáin.
Andy May, Jez Lowe and Máirtín de Cógáin
Next to take the stage was Dubliner Ciaran Sheehan with some beautiful Irish classics. He was accompanied by Andy May on piano, and joined by Hanneke Cassel on fiddle and Rory Makem for some songs made famous by his father, the great Tommy Makem. He was then accompanied by Kevin Evans on guitar for some songs, before tenor Ciaran showed folks his real vocation with some Broadway songs, from his years of experience there in his role as the Phantom of the Opera. The crowd gave him a standing ovation.
Rory Makem, Ciaran Sheehan and Hanneke Cassel
The Makem & Spain Brothers ended the night onstage with a blistering set of rousing Irish songs, sea shanties, and some new material. Irish music's wall of sound - Conor and Rory Makem, and Mickey and Liam Spain - powerhouse 4 man vocal harmonies, backed by guitars, mandolin, and banjo, with witty banter in-between. They were joined by their cousin Tom Sweeney on songs and whistle, Hanneke Cassel on fiddle and Máirtín de Cógáin on the bodhran, for some great final numbers.
The Makem & Spain Brothers and friends
Then off to the Piano bar into the wee hours.......
Wednesday morning the ship anchored off Grand Cayman, alongside 3 other cruise ships ! This was old territory for Hamish, as he worked here two different times as a scuba-diving instructor, 20 and then 18 years ago. Leaving the crazy traffic in the island's capital Georgetown, much busier than in Hamish's days there, he & Jennifer rented a car, and along with Archie Fisher and his lovely partner Stephanie, went off to explore the island.
Georgetown, Grand Cayman, BWI
They checked out Hamish's old apartment at South Sound, a beautiful location on water next to the island's best surf spot, where he and the few surfers here at that time enjoyed uncrowded waves in crystal clear water. Along the south coast lagoon until the road cut north across the centre of the island, with the bright green Cayman Iguanas running across the road, until they reached the north coast and a few miles on to Rum Point.
right - the sign at Rum Point, Grand Cayman
Even with a concrete jetty built since the old days, the corner of the lagoon is still a quiet haven away from the masses of the cruise ships. Palms and other shady trees hang out over the clear blue waters, and our gang spotted a Southern Stingray looking for food in the shallows. Off in the distance far out in North Sound they could see boats clustered around Stingray City Sandbar, there to take tourists to feed and pet the wild stingrays. Hamish used to work out there as a guide and stingray handler, and at that time there were about 60 of them, some very friendly.
After a lunch at Rum Point, including the local delicacy Conch fritters, it was a race back to Georgetown airport to drop the rental car off, and get a ride back to the dock. Our gang cut it a bit fine, getting back for the last ship's tender with only minutes to spare ! Not as close a shave as singer Brian Doherty's son and mother-in-law, who missed the tender, and had to be ferried out to the ship after it had got underway.
That night's concerts started with another great set of songs from Scotsman Archie Fisher. Hamish had interviewed him during the day about his music, for airplay on his Celtic music program, the Maui Celtic Radio Show. He was explaining his song choices to suit the evening, being followed by a couple of uptempo acts. Archie's stories between his brilliant songs make for a fine evening of Scottish culture.
Scottish singing legend Archie Fisher
Next up was Tom Sweeney with another great set of Irish songs, and a few fun stories too. After a solo set, he invited the ever-popular fiddler Hanneke Cassel and Kevin Evans and Brian Doherty up for a few songs. Then Evans & Doherty stayed on stage for the final act of the night - the duo of Irishmen now living in the Canadian Maritimes. They also had Hanneke play a few tunes with them on the fiddle.
Tom Sweeney and friends - Kevin Evans, Hanneke Cassel, and Brian Doherty
Then it was off to the Piano bar for some tunes. Tonight's late session was all instrumental music with Hanneke Cassel on the fiddle, Andy May on the Northumbrian smallpipes, our own Hamish Burgess on the Scottish smallpipes, and Máirtín de Cógáin on the bodhran. The session got fast and a bit wild at times, with Hanneke and Andy leading the tunes !
Hanneke, Andy, Hamish and Mairtin late night tune session
Thursday saw the ship docked in Mahogany Bay, Roatan, in the Bay Islands of Honduras, with torrential rain as soon a sfolks got off the ship......
The fun stepped up a notch with a Ceilidh Dance session led by fiddler Hanneke, and featuring Andy May on the piano, with Máirtín de Cógáin as caller for the dances. A good criac with plenty of dancers up, some experienced, and some novices being taught the moves by Máirtín, obviously and old hand at hooleys ! After the dancing, the music continued late with an impromptu session from a brand new trio - Hanneke on fiddle, Andy on the piano, and Máirtín on the bodhran - and a wild combination of tunes it was too !
Saturday was a full day at sea, heading north-east across the Gulf of Mexico towards Florida. A highlight of the day was a Songwriting Workshop featuring Jez Lowe and Archie Fisher, both great songwriters - with parts of songs all through the 2 hour session, they explained their techniques and styles of compositions, with brilliant stories from Scotland and England, and their travels in Ireland. Even some of the other singers came to learn from these masters of the craft, who finished off with a full song each.
MORE COMING SOON .........
Back on Maui... .................................................. Philip Boulding harp workshop in Kula
Sunday February 5th - Celtic duo Magical Strings played at St. John's Episcopal Church in Keokea, Kula, up on the mountainside of Haleakala.
The crowd in the historic church heard the fine Celtic harp and hammered dulcimer of Philip and Pam Boulding, at times augmented by violin, cello, pennywhistle, percussion and various instruments from around the world. Folks were captivated by a combination of traditional Celtic arrangements, and original compositions, not to mention Philip's slack-key harp ! There was also a harp workshop that same day - Philip held an interesting session "From Ireland to Hawaiian Slack Key!", where you could learn slack key guitar styles and techniques transposed to the Celtic harp, centered around Philip's composition "Warm Island" which he recorded with Keola Beamer on Magical Strings' CD "Islands Calling". More details on the day's events from Elaine at 808-878-6958. More info on the musicians at www.magicalstrings.com.
Sunday February 5th - Joel was sitting in for Hamish with 2 hours of great Celtic music on The Maui Celtic Show on 'Sunday Solstice' on Mana'o Radio 91.5 FM, Wailuku, Maui. He was playing some great new and old Celtic music, while Hamish was away piping on the Irish Music Cruise to the Caribbean.
Saturday Feb 4th - onver on Kauai they held their yearly Robert Burns Night on Kauai.
The Burns Supper was run by West Kauai Rotary Club, at Waimea Plantation Cottages (9400 Kaumualii Highway, Waimea, HI 96796). For more info call 808-639-2061.
This is West Kauai Rotary's most important fundraiser for its Youth Vocational Scholarships and other West Kauai youth programs.
Saturday February 4th - the Isle of Maui Pipe Band played in Makena for the Run for the Whales Marathon, bright and early beginning at 7:45am. Contact the band for details through www.isleofmauipipeband.com
Wednesday February 1st - IMBOLC GREETINGS TO ALL !
Imbolc - the coming of Spring – a time to honour the feminine aspect of the divine. 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 and daughter of The Morrigan and the Daghda. She was also called Brigit, Bride, Brighid, Brig, and Brigantia.
'BRIGID' © Hamish Burgess 2012
'BRIGID' © 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 February Imbolc/St.Brigit's Day issue.
The root of her name means 'bright' or 'exalted', and possibly 'firebrand'. Tradition has it that she walks the earth Imbolc eve, and the portrait shows Bride with her white wand and open mouth 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).
More details and traditions of the day on our Gallery page.
Sunday January 29th - the Maui Scottish community celebrated Robert Burn's Night a few days after the Scottish poet's 253rd birthday (on 25th Jan) at ‘Mulligans on the Blue’ in Wailea. The evening starts with folks sitting down for dinner, just in time for Piper Roger McKinley to ceremoniously pipe in the Haggis, in procession with Cameron Keys, the honorable Whisky Bearer, and the Traditional Haggis Bearer. The "Address to the Haggis" was by master of cermonies Prakash MacKay, long-time Maui resident from Glasgow, reciting the famous poem then dramaticallly stabbing the beast with a sgian dubh ! There followed all the whiskey toasts, including the Loyalty Toast to "Scotland, Ireland and Hawaii", and the 'Toast to the Lassies' by the men, and the 'Reply to the Lads' by the ladies. Lots Burns poetry, and good craic, served up to an appreciative full house. What a fun night ! Then the music......
Robert Burn's Night on Maui at Mulligans
The Chancers were the musical entertainment for the evening - they are an Irish band based out of Portland, Oregon. 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.
Sunday January 29th - Joel was sitting in for Hamish with 2 hours of Celtic music on The Maui Celtic Show on 'Sunday Solstice' on Mana'o Radio 91.5 FM, Wailuku, Maui. He played some great songs and music, with the poetry of Robert Burns set to fine Celtic music, as the Scottish National Poet would have his 253rd birthday on 25th January this year (see below).
Sunday January 29th - over on Oahu there were Scottish Movies at the Movie Museum - "I Know Where I'm Going" (1945).
Starring Wendy Hiller and Roger Livesey, and features Pamela Brown, Finlay Currie and Petula Clark as a child. Young middle-class Englishwoman Joan Webster is determined to have the finer things in life, and to that end she plans to marry Sir Robert Bellinger, a wealthy, middle-aged industrialist whom she does not love. En route to the Island of Killoran (mythical), where her future husband resides, Joan is stranded on the nearby Scottish island of Mull. Inclement weather keeps her grounded for a week, during which time she falls in love with young naval officer Torquil McNeil. Ignoring the dictates of her heart (not to mention common sense), Joan stubbornly insists upon heading out to sea towards her marriage of convenience, but the exigencies of Mother Nature finally convince her that her future resides on Mull.
Sunday January 29th - still on Oahu, The Friends of St.Patrick held their Monthly Movie Night with Waiting for Dublin at 6pm at the Celtic Room behind O'Tooles (Dontown Honolulu). An Irish Themed Movie every month on the last Sunday of every month - a no cost movie on the big screen in the Celtic Room.
Waiting for Dublin. On New Year's Eve 1944, American pilot Mike Clarke inadvertently bets Al Capone's nephew $10,000.00 that he can shoot down five enemy aircraft. Later, forced to land near a remote village in Ireland after running out of fuel, Mike learns that he is cut off from the rest of the world with no way to rejoin the war and shoot down his fifth plane, which is the only way he can win the bet and save his own life. With nowhere to go, he eventually befriends the colorful villagers and meets a fiery red-head named Maggie who shows this pilot that combat can take place on the ground just as well as in the air. It doesn't take long for Mike and Maggie to grow close as she helps him figure out how to win his bet while winning her heart in the process.
Saturday January 28th - legendary Irish ballad and rebel song singer Derek Warfield and the Young Wolfe Tones played at the Irish Rose Saloon in Waikiki. Immediately following the concert, the entertainment continued with the local Irish stylings of the Doolin Rakes, who carried on the torch til 1:30 am. Events sponsored by Jameson Irish Whiskey and Killians Irish Red Ale. More details from Bill Comerford at bill@ejlounge.com, or call 808-223-3997.
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.
Derek Warfield & The Young Wolfe Tones in Honolulu 2011
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
Saturday January 28th, 2012 - The Caledonian Society of Hawaii held their annual gala Robert Burns Night - "We'll take a cup o' kindness yet". 5.30-8:30pm at the Oahu Country Club (150 Country Club Road, Honolulu).
Folks celebrated the life & work of Scotland's poet laureate, Robert Burns, in the lush setting of the Oahu Country Club in Nu'uanu Valley in the newly remodeled dining room. Master of Ceremonies this year was KITV's Keoki Kerr. Cocktails were served to start the evening, followed by the traditional "Address To The Haggis". Toasting this year was done with a unique new whiskey, special to the Caledonian Society!
Please contact Susan MacKinnon for details at 591-9398, or email susanmack1@mac.com.
Friday January 27th - legendary Irish ballad and rebel song singer Derek Warfield and the Young Wolfe Tones played in the McCoy Studio Theater at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center. Show started at 7pm with Irish Band The Chancers and 8pm the headliners.
The night opened with The Chancers, who are based out of Portland, Oregon by way of Ireland. 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.
Derek Warfield and the Young Wolfe Tones were next (see above for their biography), rocking the full house with patriotic Irish ballads and rollicking rebel songs, not to mention some brilliant instrumentals.
www.derekwarfield.com www.theyoungwolfetones.com
Wednesday January 25th - legendary Irish ballad and rebel song singer Derek Warfield and the Young Wolfe Tones played at Anna O'Brien's (2440 S. Beretania, Honolulu) - an all-ages show, and under 18 can get in free ! Ticket proceeds from this show went towards the the The Friends of St.Patrick's annual Honolulu St. Patrick's Day Parade. Immediately following the concert, the entertainment continued with the local Irish stylings of the Doolin Rakes, who carried on the torch til the wee hours. All sponsored by Jameson Irish Whiskey and Killians Irish Red Ale. More details from Bill Comerford at bill@ejlounge.com, or call 808-223-3997
Wednesday January 25th - happy Robert Burns Night to all our Scottish friends at home and abroad ! Folks all around the world celebrated the king of Scots poetry tonight.
Robert Burns (25 January 1759 – 21 July 1796) is Scotland's national poet, and his 200 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.
Sunday January 22nd - Hamish was back with 2 hours of Celtic music on The Maui Celtic Show on 'Sunday Solstice' on Mana'o Radio 91.5 FM, Wailuku, Maui. He played some great Celtic music, set to the poetry of Scottish National Poet Robert Burns, as his 253rd birthday is on 25th January this year. He also had a live in-studio interview with George Millar of The Irish Rovers with a WORLD EXCLUSIVE of tracks from the upcoming "Drunken Sailor" album, due out in March. George talked about his emigration as a young lad to Canada, the start of The Irish Rovers, and his songwriting process, and introduced 11 tracks from the upcoming naughty nautical themed album. Soon available at www.theirishroversmusic.com
George Millar and Hamish Burgess in Mana'o Radio Studios, Wailuku, Maui
Joel Agnew came in and shared a poem about the Maui Celtic Radio Show, and show underwriters, George & Anne Millar and The Irish Rovers, one of his 365 poems he is writing this year !
Saturday January 21st - over on Oahu, The Friends of St.Patrick held their Ceade Mille Failte - 100,000 Welcomes where they honored New Members from 2011 and invited prospective members for 2012 to attend.
Monday January 16th - the Isle of Maui Pipe Band pipers marched in the Martin Luther King Jr Day Parade beginning at Hope Chapel near Iao in Wailuku, at the early hour of 8:30am ! Contact the band for details through www.isleofmauipipeband.com
Sunday January 15th - Hamish was back on air with The Maui Celtic Show on 'Sunday Solstice' on Mana'o Radio 91.5 FM, Wailuku, Maui. He played some great new Celtic music, and had a phone interview with Derek Warfield and the Young Wolfe Tones, live from Co.Kildare in Ireland. They chatted about the band's upcoming Hawaii concerts this month, and Derek's singing and songwriting career, with some fine songs and tunes in-between. Another guest was Mike O'Dwyer from Mulligan's, who (with sponsor Maui Celtic) is bringing the band to the MACC, as well as Irish Band The Chancers, opening for Derek, and playing this years Mulligan's Robert Burn's night. They played some fun tracks from The Chancers. Show regular Joel Agnew came in and shared a poem mentioning Hamish, one of his 365 poems he is writing this year !
Derek Warfield and Hamish Burgess
Friday January 13th - the Scottish documentary "You've Been Trumped" premiered at the Doris Duke Theatre at the Honolulu Academy of Arts. At the pre-screening reception, special guest speaker was Anthony Aalto, journalist, writer and Chair of The Capitol Watch (the Sierra Club’s lobbying arm), as well as local eminent domain lawyer Robert Thomas.
Director: Anthony Baxter. UK, 2011. 95mins. The film is a gripping investigation into how one of Donald Trump's billion dollar resort developments has impacted the residents (and eco-system) of a close-knit Scottish community on the rugged northeast coast of Scotland. It's a fantastic and important film, but has yet to find US distribution, so it's really exciting that the director is allowing the theatre to screen it in Hawaii! More details at www.honoluluacademy.org. More on the film at www.youvebeentrumped.com
Sunday 8th January - Hamish was back with 2 hours of Celtic music on The Maui Celtic Show on 'Sunday Solstice' on Mana'o Radio 91.5 FM, Wailuku, Maui. He played some great new Celtic music to kick off the New Year, with some tunes from artists at Cornwall's Lowender Peran Celtic Music and Dance Festival, and Scotland's Dougie MacLean’s Perthshire Amber Festival. There was also a competition to win a promotional Wolfstone DVD, courtesy of Wolfstone and Dave Hogg, their manager.
Scottish Celtic rock band Wolfstone
Sunday January 8th - over on Oahu there were Scottish Movies at the Movie Museum - "I Know Where I'm Going" (1945). Starring Wendy Hiller and Roger Livesey, and features Pamela Brown, Finlay Currie and Petula Clark as a child.
Young middle-class Englishwoman Joan Webster is determined to have the finer things in life, and to that end she plans to marry Sir Robert Bellinger, a wealthy, middle-aged industrialist whom she does not love. En route to the Island of Killoran (mythical), where her future husband resides, Joan is stranded on the nearby Scottish island of Mull. Inclement weather keeps her grounded for a week, during which time she falls in love with young naval officer Torquil McNeil. Ignoring the dictates of her heart (not to mention common sense), Joan stubbornly insists upon heading out to sea towards her marriage of convenience, but the exigencies of Mother Nature finally convince her that her future resides on Mull.
Sunday 1st January 2012 - Hamish was up early on New Year's Day to broadcast 2 hours of Celtic music on The Maui Celtic Show on 'Sunday Solstice' on Mana'o Radio 91.5 FM, Wailuku, Maui. Of course on New Year's morning, there was a seasonal theme of New Year music, called Hogmanay in Scotland (see below) - the biggest party of the year. He played some great songs and tunes for the time of year, and had some words on the traditions of the season. He also had a competition to win a promotional Wolfstone DVD, courtesy of Wolfstone and Dave Hogg, their manager.
Joel Agnew and Hamish Burgess at Mana'o Radio
Show regular Joel Agnew came in to wish everyone a Happy New Year !
Sunday January 1st 2012 - over on Oahu, The Friends of St.Patrick held their Monthly Movie Night - An Irish Themed Movie on the last Sunday of every month - this month The Boys and Girl from County Clare, a great comedy featuring traditional Irish music :
The All-Ireland Traditional Music Competition attracts the best musicians from all over the country -- and a few from beyond the shores of the Emerald Isle as well. As John Joe and his band prepare to capture the band trophy with their County Clare jigs and reels, Irishman Jimmy bends his Liverpudlians away from jazz toward the time-honored strains of Celtic music. As the musicians make their way towards the competition, trouble rears its head for both sets of challengers: the Liverpool Shamrock Ceilidh Band and the defending champions from Clare and at the heart of this adversity lie the vengeful interventions of two estranged brothers, Jimmy and John Joe.
More details - Bill Comerford at bill@ejlounge.com, or call 808-223-3997.