MAUI CELTIC NEWS ARCHIVE
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2007
2ND HALF DECEMBER - JANUARY - Hamish was in Vancouver, BC, Canada for the Holiday Season with Jennifer. They saw some great Celtic concerts, including BC band The Tillers Folly, who play 'high-energy acoustic roots music' with a lot of Celtic content, and are particularly interesting for Bruce Coughlan's historic Pacific Northwest songs. They saw Vancouver Celtic band Blackthorn at the Irish Society's Christmas Party, and a fun school concert by local group The Wheat in the Barley. The talented young folk of the North Shore Celtic Ensemble put on an amazing show at the Dylan Thomas Circle/Welsh Society of Vancouver's Christmas Party at the Red Dragon Lounge at the Cambrian Hall.
The North Shore Celtic Ensemble at the Welsh Society's Christmas Party at the Red Dragon Lounge, Cambrian Hall, Vancouver.
Hamish and Jennifer accompanied her mother Jean Fahrni to the British Consulate Christmas Party, which was a fine affair with interesting people. They also guested on the Celtic radio show In The Claddagh Ring on Vancouver Co-op Radio CFRO 102.7fm hosted by Michael Viens of Blackthorn. A surprise was a White Christmas, Hamish's first since he was a young lad !
Hamish met a Celtic artist Rudi Diesvelt, a fine jeweller and leatherworker, Celtic renaissance man, and great guy ! Hamish now sells some of Rudi's work - see Maui Celtic at various locations on our Contact Us page. Rudy crafts one-off custom items of museum quality.
Then a visit with friend renowned Celtic artist Aidan Meehan, Irish author of many books on the construction of Celtic knotwork, and inspiration to Hamish for many years. Aidan is a master of the traditional Celtic style, using ancient techniques to produce works that have to be seen to be believed - originals and prints.
Hamish Burgess & Aidan Meehan with 'Monkey Puzzle' and 'Gaulish Ogmius'
The Maui Celtic Crew went to a great 'New years Eve Eve' show at The Blarney Stone by high energy Vancouver Celtic rock band The Town Pants who had the packed house rockin' ! Hamish caught a New Year's Eve show by talented duo Tim Readman & Shona Le Mott�e and decided to invite them to play in Maui !
A great holiday was topped off in traditional style at a Hogmanay (New Year) Party at the Scottish Cultural Centre in Vancouver, with Hamish in full kilt outfit with Jennifer, family and friends for a fun night. Many of the folks there had visited or lived on Maui !!
SATURDAY DECEMBER 9th, Hamish's Celtic music show on 'Sunday Solstice' on Mana'o Radio 91.5 FM, featured great Celtic Holiday music and an interview with Irish singing legend Liam Clancy. A new interview recorded when Hamish visited Liam at his studio in Ring, Co.Waterford in Ireland in September. Find out more about Liam at www.liamclancy.com
SATURDAY DECEMBER 8th -- despite a week of horrendous weather, total devastation in the Kula area, and a very late change of venue, Maui Celtic was proud to present, A CELTIC CHRISTMAS WITH MICHAEL BLACK, the great Irish singer of the famous Black Family (Mary, Frances, Shay, Michael and Martin), live in concert at THE HALEAKALA WALDORF SCHOOL, Kula, Upcountry Maui. 
It was a legendary fun evening of traditional Irish songs and stories, with some great audience participation ! Michael was joined on percussion by the brilliant Peter Della Croce, local Maui drummer. Pipe Major John Grant led Trinette and David of the The Isle of Maui Pipeband, as a trio on Scottish Smallpipes to open the show in great style ! Mahalo to Jemma Haskins and the Haleakla Waldorf School for hosting us at short notice, due to diastrous weather conditions knocking out the power and water at the sheduled venue, St.John's Church Hall. Check out Michael Black's music at www.black-brothers.com
SATURDAY DECEMBER 8th - thanks for supporting The Isle of Maui Pipeband when they played at the Wailuku Green Christmas Fair on Main Street, Wailuku Town. The band had a booth selling new band logo T-shirts and caps, and Celtic food items including ‘bangers on a bun', which the crowd went mad for ! All proceeds help the non-profit band with uniforms and training.
FRIDAY DECEMBER 7th -- Maui Celtic and Mulligan's were proud to present, AN IRISH CHRISTMAS WITH MICHAEL BLACK, the great Irish singer live in concert at 'Mulligan's on the Blue' in Wailea. Despite horrible weather it was a full house for an intimate dinner show with Michael, amazingly, as the day before there was no electricity or water here ! Michael flew into Maui with torrential rain and strong winds two days before.
His second tour at Mulligan's, this show had a Solstice/Christmas theme to it, and Michael sang some great traditional Irish songs, with some rare unusual ones, and told some wicked stories ! He was joined on percussion by the brilliant Peter Della Croce, local Maui drummer. With plenty audience participation, it was another legendary night of Celtic music at Mulligan's ! Piper Hamish Burgess and drummer Peter Della Croce from The Isle of Maui Pipeband opened the show and revved the crowd up. Check out Michael Black's music at www.black-brothers.com, along with his brothers Shay and Martin.
SATURDAY DECEMBER 1st -- thanks for visiting the Maui Celtic booth at the Haleakala Waldorf School Holiday Faire in Kula, Upcountry Maui. It was a sunny day unlike the year before, and The Isle of Maui Pipeband played a great set at noon, and had a fund-raising booth of new band logo clothing, and Celtic gift baskets........thanks for supporting the band.
SATURDAY NOVEMBER 25th, Hamish's Celtic music show on 'Sunday Solstice' on Mana'o Radio 91.5 FM, featured great Celtic music and an interview with Irish singing legend Danny Doyle. In an impressive concert career spanning four decades, Dublin born Danny has been bringing the ballads, history and stories of Ireland to audiences around the world. What an interesting man with a great run of hits in Ireland - including 'Step it Out Mary', 'Irish Soldier Laddie', 'Whiskey on a Sunday', and his most famous hit 'The Rare Ould Times'. For more on Danny visit www.dannydoyle.org
SATURDAY NOVEMBER 18th, Hamish's Celtic music show on 'Sunday Solstice' on Mana'o Radio 91.5 FM, featured great Celtic music and a chat with Shannon Heaton, from Boston, playing her and husband Matt's music from their CD "Blue Skies Above" and their new Christmas CD. Check them out at www.mattandshannonheaton.com
SATURDAY NOVEMBER 17th -- thanks for visiting the Maui Celtic booth at the 20th Annual Kula School Harvest Festival. Hamish had fun chatting with everyone, as did Scottish historian John Crowe who was there to hook you up with your family and clan history and artwork.
Wednesday October 31st -- the Celtic headquarters for Halloween on the West side was Mulligans at the Wharf with a rare appearance from wayward Maui Legend, Welshman Trevor Jones followed later by Silky Ringo. Good food, and great music at Mulligans in the Wharf Cinema Center, opposite the Banyan Tree in Lahaina.
Sunday October 28th, Hamish was back on the Celtic music show 8-10 am (Hawaii Time) on 'Sunday Solstice' on Mana'o Radio 91.5 FM, Wailuku, Maui. This week's show featured great Celtic music with a theme of the ancient festival of Samhain, or Halloween, as it is known these days, and look at traditions of that ancient celebration.
September 10th - October 25th Hamish and Jennifer of Maui Celtic were back in the old Celtic lands for a trip to get new goodies for the winter season, and to recruit great Celtic musicians to come and perform in Hawaii.
They were in London first for a cool wedding (congrats Neil and Claire), and also saw the Lord of the Rings theatre musical ! Really good !! Stopped in Dorset to visit world famous Celtic artist Courtney Davis at his new shop in Bridport, the "Gallery of Secrets".
In Cornwall UK they saw a great Celtic concert by all-female Scottish band the Poozies. Then to Devon for the North Devon Folk Festival with Heidi Talbot Trio, Flook, and Kathryn Tickell Band (Northumbrian piper) ........BRILLIANT !
Over to Ireland and they met John and Anna from Maui, and went into Dublin the first night to a big concert with the Celtic band Altan, playing with the RTE Symphony Orchestra at the swanky National Concert Hall ......great show......Altan play Maui on Feb 23rd '08.
They went to Co.Meath to the 5000 year old Newgrange megalithic monument......amazing. The entrance stone has an ancient carving of a triple spiral, and the interior of the tomb is lit for 15 minutes at the Winter Solstice by a sliver of sunlight along the passage to the burial room. A picturesque drive through the Wicklow mountains brought them to The Pipers Stones, then to Glendalough, with the ancient monastery of St.Kevin. The old churches with their round towers lie in a beautiful wooded valley.
In Dungarvan, Co. Waterford they were hanging out with Liam Clancy and Kevin Evans, and went to an brilliant session at The Local pub, run by bodhran player and piper Donnchadh Gough from the band Danu. Around the corner was another pub with a quartet of talented young lads who also sang. Hamish recorded an interview with Liam Clancy at his studios in Ring, in an Irish speaking area, known as a Gaeltacht.
On to West Kerry, staying on the north of the beautiful Dingle Penninsula at a great B&B in Ballydavid, run by chef Jimmy Bruic, and caught a great concert by Pauline Scanlon, Jon Sanders and Eoin Duignan in an old church.
Back in Dublin, sampled a fine Guinness in the Gravity Bar on top of the Guinness Storehouse, and Hamish and Jennifer of Maui Celtic started a new batch of Guinness to be distibuted worldwide, and officially recorded in their records. They started the brew of about 176,000 pints of Guinness, which we are told have all been thoroughly enjoyed at this point!
They also checked out the ancient Celtic treasures in the National Museum, and met Martin Black of the Black Family at a pub session.
Back in Cornwall for a cold water surf, and more great music with Scottish Gaelic rock band Runrig in Plymouth Devon, and then the Lowender Peran Celtic music festival in Perranporth. A pan celtic festival featuring bands and dancers from all the Celltic Nations, with the fantastic concerts from Scots Gaelic band Dochas, Welsh band Mabon, and four Scottish sisters Giveway. To finish the trip in great style there was a Christy Moore concert in Bristol - FANTASTIC !!.
Sundays from September 16th - October 21st, Tony was back on the Celtic music show 'Sunday Solstice' on Mana'o Radio 91.5 FM, Wailuku, Maui. A big Mahalo to Tony for hosting the show for those weeks while Hamish was away.
Wednesday August 29th the Maui Film Festival at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center screened two showings of the Irish movie ONCE, written and directed by John Carney, starring Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova.
The film is a tale of two struggling musicians in Dublin who meet, collaborate, and fall in love, and has been charming audiences since its premiere at Sundance, where it ran away with the World Cinema Audience Award. The stars really are musicians, not actors. Singer/songwriter Glen Hansard is a founding member of the popular Irish band the Frames. Marketa Irglova is the young Czech pianist with whom he recorded the 2006 album Swell Season.
Celtic music in the CandleLight Cafe between the movie showings was by Hamish Burgess and Peter Della Croce, who played bagpipes and drums in the courtyard reception, wearing period clothing and Hawaii kilts !
Tuesday August 28th there was a memorable night at the Four Seasons Resort Lana'i, with the SCOTS EXPERIENCE at The Lodge at Koele, organised by manager Mike Yacoub.
Hamish Burgess of Maui Celtic played bagpipes at the open air cocktail reception, followed by The Scotch Experience, where executive sous chef Thomas Bellec paired food and whiskey brilliantly at his five-course tasting menu of Ahi Tuna Tartar (with Lagavulin, 16 years), Hot Smoked Salmon Creamy Leek Fondue (Talisker, 10 years), Shrimp Fritter and Lobster Bisque (Caol Isla, 12 years), Roasted Venison Loin (Dalwhinnie, 15 years), Chocolate Johnnie Tart (Frozen Johnnie Walker Gold Label, 18 years). The evening was hosted by Jo McGarry, of St. Andrews, Scotland, one of the foremost experts on food and spirits in Hawai'i, and a founding member of the Hawai'i Celtic band "Irish Hearts". Joined by band co-founder fiddler Lisa Gomes, the duo interspersed Jo's storytelling with songs and music specific to the Scottish regions of the particular whiskies. The evening concluded with a special single-barrel scotch tasting. A fabulous night of music, food and whiskey !
Saturday August 25th -- the St.Andrew's Society of Hawaii based on Oahu, presented the 4th Annual DRESSED TO THE KILT at the Hawaii Prince in Waikiki. A great night featured Scotch tasting, a formal Dinner in Highland attire, and the Scottish Sailor Play - Part 111 - The Final Voyage. www.saintandrewsocietyofhawaii.com
Sunday, August 12th, Hamish's 'Maui Celtic Show' on Mana'o Radio 91.5 FM, Wailuku, Maui, featured great Celtic music and a chat with Bud Clark, Philospophy professor at the MCC, just returned from a year in Glasgow, Scotland. Bud brought us new music and tales of his times at Glasgow traditional music sessions, at the University there, and working in a kilt shop !!
Sunday, August 5th, Hamish's 'Maui Celtic Show' on 'Sunday Solstice' on Mana'o Radio 91.5 FM, Wailuku, Maui, featured the music and songs of Tommy Makem who passed away on Wednesday August 1st in Dover, New Hampshire. A great loss to Ireland and the traditional music world, he will be missed by many. Hamish and all the Maui fans of Irish music send our deepest sympathy to the Makem family, especially sons Shane, Conor, and Rory who visited and played in Hawaii back in January.
Tommy Makem was born and raised in Keady, County Armagh, Ireland in 1932. His mother, Sarah Makem, was herself a legendary folk singer and an ethnomusicologist. The songs he learned from his mother would provide the foundation for his musical career. Makem came to America in the 1950s as an actor, and grew to international fame performing with the The Clancy Brothers. Armed with his baritone voice, banjo, tinwhistle, poetry, and stagecraft, he spread Irish culture around the world with his songs and stories.
He left The Clancy Brothers in 1969 to pursue a solo career but later joined old friend Liam Clancy to perform as Makem and Clancy until 1988. Liam said Tommy had a "knack of making an audience laugh and cry, holding them in the palm of his hand."
Tommy was still performing until recently, even while battling cancer, and he visited Belfast last month to receive an honorary doctorate at the University of Ulster, and returned to his native Armagh.
Irish President Mary McAleese paid tribute on Thursday to the musician's enduring legacy.
"In life, Tommy brought happiness and joy to hundreds of thousands of fans the world over," she said. "Always the consummate musician, he was also a superb ambassador for the country, and one of whom we will always be proud."
Mahalo Tommy for the great songs and music. www.makem.com
ALOHA NUI LOA, TOMMY MAKEM, THE BARD OF ARMAGH.
Saturday August 4th -- thanks for supporting the ISLE OF MAUI PIPEBAND who played at the 5TH ANNUAL MAUI SUGAR PLANTATION FESTIVAL. A celebration of Hawaii's sugar plantation history and multi-ethnic cultureat the Alexander & Baldwin Sugar Museum in Puunene. The band had an information booth there.
July and August saw some visiting young Irish musicians on Maui. Robbie Leahy from Dublin and Diarmuid Mangan from Cork City entertained us 4 nights a week at the local pubs, Diarmuid on guitar and singing, and Robbie on whistle, flute, guitar, bodhran and uillean pipes ! The talented lads played Mondays at "The Dog and Duck" in Kihei, Tuesdays at 'Mulligan's at the Wharf' in Lahaina, Wednesdays at 'Mulligan's on the Blue' in Wailea, a great time with Diarmuid calling some Irish ceilidh dancing ! Fridays Robbie sat in with Kevin and David of 'An Ril' at Mulligan's Lahaina. We were sorry to see them go !
Saturday July 14th -- The Isle of Maui Pipeband marched in the 16th Central Maui Annual Relay For Life, at the War Memorial Football Stadium, Kahului. The pipeband led the survivors
around the track to start the “Dusk to Dawn Patrol: for cancer Survivors”. The American Cancer Society Relay For Life all night relay walk started at sunset and ran until dawn. The Society represents the hope that all of those lost to cancer will never be forgotten; that those who face cancer will be supported, and that one day cancer will be defeated. The band was proud to support this event.
Saturday, July 7th -- The Isle of Maui Pipeband marched in the 4th July Makawao Rodeo Parade. 
The theme of this year's parade was "What you love about Maui", so the boys and girls dressed in more casual attire than normal, ranging from kilts with Aloha shirts, to ancient Celtic and Hawaiian tattooed warriors !! Well received by the crowd, the band stopped and played 'Amazing Grace' facing the Hawaii Hearth shop in honor of the late Gary Moore, who liked the pipeband.
The band received best musical entry trophy. Mahalo for cheering for Maui's non-profit pipeband.
Sunday, June 3rd -- Hamish's 'Maui Celtic Show' 8-10 am (Hawaii Time) on 'Sunday Solstice' on Mana'o Radio 91.5 FM, Wailuku, Maui, featured special guests live on the 'phone from Scotland ! Maui resident and MCC philosophy professor Bud Clark, during his stay at Glasgow University, hosted members of the Scottish bands 'Brolum' and 'Back of the Moon'. Namely pianist/flute player/singer Hamish Napier, piper/whistle player Ali Hutton, and Bodhr�n player Martin O'Neill. All of the boys took turns on air to talk about their fantastic music.
Friday, May 11th -- Hamish of Maui Celtic was proud to present......at the McCoy Studio Theater, Maui Arts and Cultural Center......The World's Top Scottish Fiddler and brilliant Cellist......
ALASDAIR FRASER and NATALIE HAAS - FIRE & GRACE.
An amazing evening of dazzling teamwork and driving, dancing rhythms from a Master Scottish fiddler and amazing Julliard cellist. Alasdair Fraser, long regarded as one of Scotland's premier musical ambassadors, presented the rich Scottish fiddle tradition with unsurpassed eloquence, passion and energy. In collaboration with vibrant young cellist Natalie Haas, the two virtuosos explored the dynamic soul of Scottish dance music together with lyrical, sensitive airs.
This legendary Maui Celtic evening started in the McCoy Courtyard with local trio Kilts on the Beach, featuring fiddlers Lisa Gomes and Audrey Knuth from Oahu, and drummer Peter Della Croce from Maui. Sporting kilts and Maui Celtic T-shirts they played a lively acoustic set of traditional Scottish and Irish tunes. What a great start to an evening of Celtic music ! Lisa is well known on Oahu and played with popular local band the Irish Hearts, and dances with Jig This School of Irish Dance. A huge Mahalo to the ladies for flying over.
The Isle of Maui Pipe Band performed a rousing set next on the Great Highland Pipes (for footage By Frank Pulaski click Isle of Maui Pipeband at the MACC and scroll to 5th row right). Wearing the Hawaii Tartan kilts, our local non-profit pipeband played until showtime, while folks enjoyed so much Celtic food and drink that Kevin and the boys from Mulligan's at the Wharf actually ran out !!
The concert started inside the McCoy Studio Theater with Maui Celtic's own Hamish Burgess introducing the show and joining the The Isle of Maui Pipe Band for a quick march 4/4 set.
Then came the main act, hot off the plane, Alasdair Fraser and Natalie Haas.
The duo transported listeners across the centuries, and a broad musical spectrum, ranging from haunting laments in the Gaelic tradition to classically styled airs, raucous dance tunes, and improvisations based on traditional themes. Their vast repertoire spans several centuries of Scottish music and includes their own compositions. Alasdair weaved through his performances a warm and witty narrative, of stories and lore surrounding Scotland's musical heritage.
Thanks to Tony Novak-Clifford for photographing the show for Maui Celtic. The photo to the right and below are courtesy of Tony. You can check out his brilliant work at Tony Novak-Clifford Photography (http://www.tonynovak-clifford.com).
Alasdair's fiddle was the sweetest sounding instrument long to be heard on Maui, and Natalie amazed us with eveything from classical style cello to heavy rhythms and even slap-bass ! As Alasdair said "they released the cello from its orchestral shackles, and unleashing its rhythmic power; it's very exciting."
After a standing ovation for the first encore, a highlight of the evening was Alasdair teaching the whole audience how to Scottish step dance !
Then he had the auditorium humming like a massive bagpipe, with all the folks imitating the drone of the pipes while he played the classic lament "Lochaber No More" - a moving experience. Another standing 'Hana Hou' ovation coaxed the duo out for a second encore, with a wild finale of jigs and reels.
To see footage of the concert please click Alasdair Fraser and Natalie Haas at the Maui Arts and Cultural Center filmed by Frank Pulaski for great local internet TV station MauiToday.tv
A truly brilliant evening of world class music on Maui !! No wonder that their album "Fire & Grace" was awarded the Best Album of the Year in the Scots Traditional Music Awards 2004 - get it at ......
Alasdair's website: www.alasdairfraser.com Natalie's website: www.nataliehaas.com
Thanks to sponsors of Celtic music on Maui - Jemma Haskins, Mulligan's on the Blue, Hana Tropicals and Island Biker for their help.
Saturday, April 21st -- Hamish Burgess was invited to play pipes at the Lahaina Banyan Tree 134th Birthday Party. LahainaTown's famous landmark was planted April 24, 1873. There was great music in the cool shade of the huge tree, including the brilliant Hawaiian singer/guitarist Wilmont Kahaiali'i, and a craft fair of local artists displaying nature artworks.
April 19th -- Scottish singer, storyteller and weaver Norman Kennedy was visiting Maui on vacation.
Sunday, April 8th -- Mulligan's on the Blue & Maui Celtic presented a 4 band musical evening to Celebrate Irish Freedom at the THE EASTER SUNDAY RISING !! at Mulligan's in Wailea. Featuring SWITCHBACK from Chicago, one of America's most exciting Irish roots duos, and Maui's own THE CELTIC TIGERS, THE MAUI CELTIC PIPES AND DRUMS, and THE HAIKU HILLBILLYS.
THE EASTER RISING (�ir� Amach na C�sca' in Irish), an Irish rebellion during Easter Week, 1916, was an attempt by militant Irish republicans to win independence from Britain. It was the most significant uprising in Ireland since the rebellion of 1798. These events led to a whole genre of Irish music now known as Rebel Songs, which celebrate the Irish people's struggle for independence.
Opening the night were The Haiku Hillbillys, with a unique mix of traditional bluegrass, folk, reggae and the original acoustic songs of Randall Rospond. These upcountry Mauians left their audience relaxed, a tad sweaty from dancing and with that oh so comfortable blissed out expression on their faces.
Featuring Rand Coon on banjo, guitar, harmonica and vocals, John Pollock on violin, mandolin and vocals, Geoff Coolidge on bass, Klaus Simmer on keyboards, Jimmy Coulter on drums and vocals, Tom Conway on lead guitar and Randall J. Rospond, singer, songwriter and guitarist.
At sunset The Maui Celtic Pipes and Drums, the island's non-profit pipeband, played traditional Irish and Scottish music, including some Rebel Tunes, on the Great Highland Bagpipes accompanied by bass and snare drums, while proudly wearing kilts of the new Hawaii Tartan.
Then there was live traditional Irish music and songs by Maui's The Celtic Tigers with Kevin O'Kennedy on the whistle, and Murray Thorne on guitar. Joined on the evening by Willie Wainwright on fiddle and Chris Thomas on drums. Red hot Irish music from Mulligan's regular Celtic band !!
Finally headliners, Chicago duo SWITCHBACK, showed us why they are called one of America's most exciting roots duos for more than a decade. Both excellent musicians, Brian FitzGerald on guitar, mandolin, vocals and Martin McCormack on bass, guitar, vocals - the likeable Midwest boys played traditional Celtic and original Americana. From sentimental ballads to blistering rockers, the duo delivered a powerful sound rivaling that of larger ensembles.
Switchback from Chicago
Incidentally, the resemblance between Marty of Switchback and our own Hamish of Maui Celtic is truly uncanny - long lost brothers !!
APRIL 6th WAS TARTAN DAY !!! ..........It is a nationally recognized day to honor Scottish Heritage in America, where the contribution of immigrant Scots is massive. Tartan is often known in the US as 'plaid'. Senate Resolution 155, was passed unanimously on March 20th 1998, designating April 6th of each year as "National Tartan Day."
APRIL 2nd - Celtic punk rock band from Boston The Dropkick Murphys played at Pipeline in Honolulu to a packed house. Jennifer and Hamish of maui Celtic were there checking them out, and bumped into Kevin O'Kennedy from Maui, fine whistle player and singer of the Celtic Tigers.
SATURDAY MARCH 31st & APRIL 1st -- 'The Hawaiian Scottish Association's' 26th annual HAWAIIAN SCOTTISH FESTIVAL & HIGHLAND GAMES were held at Kapiolani Park, Waikiki. This year was blessed with great weather, unlike the year before's torrential rain.
Maui Celtic was in the trade tent all weekend with a huge display of fine Celtic imports, the popular Maui Celtic clothing line, and Celtic temporary tattoos ! The Isle of Maui Pipeband sported those, some on their faces, to startling effect ! Also there were friends Rampant Lion Celtic Traders, the best Celtic music CD retailers to be seen at festivals all over the US. Nearby was the Clan tent, where you could find out more about your family history, and several food vendors offering traditional Scottish fare and more (yes, even haggis!).
The first day saw music from the Marine Corps Band, an Air Force Band, and the 91 member Conestoga High School Marching Band all the way from Pennsylvania.
During the weekend there was music on two stages from The Royal Hawaiian Band, ripping Celtic music from Switchback, visiting from Chicago, and hot local trio Kilts on the 
Beach, featuring fiddlers Lisa Gomes and Audrey Knuth from Oahu, and drummer Peter Della Croce from Maui. There was dancing from The Royal Scottish Country Dance Society of Hawaii and Irish step-dancing from Jig This! - School of Irish Dance. The Society for Creative Anachronism gave displays of swordplay, and traditional Highland Games took place throughout the weekend.
Bagpipe music came as always from Oahu's own The Celtic Pipes and Drums of Hawaii, and fine solo piping from Hawaiian Jacob Kiao, with visitors The Lobo Del Mar Pipe & Drum Band from Big Island, Hawai’i, and seen this year on their first visit from Maui to the Games, The Maui Celtic Pipes and Drums !!
Friday, March 30th - There was a pre-games Ceilidh at The Willows Restaurant in Honolulu, a good time for residents, members of the Scottish community, and visitors to the Games to socialise. With great Celtic music by Switchback of Chicago, joined by the young dancers of the Celtic Keiki. There was impromptu bagpiping in the courtyard, not forgetting the sampling bar with several whiskys and a myriad of unusual beers, with a fine array of real ales and porters. More info on this yearly event at www.scotshawaii.org
SATURDAY MARCH 17th -- St.Patrick's Day at 'Mulligan's on the Blue', the home of Irish music on Maui, in Wailea. The biggest party of the year started at noon with local Maui Welshman Trevor Jones doing a great sing-along set, followed by local Celtic session musicians newly called Upcountry Celtic. Then a fun Irish sing-along with Larry Sarner, the Wild Rover, and visiting band The Coopers did a fine traditional performance. Local pipe band The Maui Celtic Pipes and Drums were joined by special guests, World Champion Bagpiper Jack Lee, World's Best Pipe Band Drummer Reid Maxwell, and Champion Highland dancers sisters Michelle and Renee Nadeau put on an amazing show. The Crunch Pups rocked, and The Celtic Tigers finished a wild night ! There were contests for Best Leprechaun, Best Hat, And Best Item of Green Clothing !!
Maui Celtic had a booth of great Celtic Imports and T-shirts.
SATURDAY MARCH 17th -- St.Patrick's Day at 'Mulligan's at the Wharf', this year's West Side party at the home of Irish music on West Maui, in the Wharf Cinema Center, opposite the Banyan Tree in Lahaina. The fun started at noon - closing, with traditional Irish music from An Ril, followed by members of the Maui Celtic Pipes and Drums, The Celtic Tigers, and The Coopers with special guests McCormac & Richard Tauber.
FRIDAY MARCH 16th -- World Champion Bagpiper JACK LEE, returned for his yearly recital at MAKAWAO UNION CHURCH. The event was a fundraiser for Maui Celtic Pipes & Drums, a local non-profit 501-c-3 organization. Pre-concert entertainment came from the local pipers on Scottish smallpipes and there were Celtic refreshments with shortbread and awesome trifles.
It was A GREAT SHOW !! Opening was by the "Maui Celtic Pipes and Drums", followed by a performance by Jack, and newly featured at this year's concert were World's Best Pipe Band Drummer, Reid Maxwell, Drum Sergeant of the
Simon Fraser University Pipe Band, Vancouver, BC and winner of 2004 World Drum Corps Championships, and Highland dancing by Champion dancers sisters Michelle and Renee Nadeau from Canada (Michelle was winner of the Canadian Scottish Highland Dance Championship and placed 2nd in the World Championships in 2002,'03,'04.
MAUI CELTIC was proud to promote this event, and was be there with a booth of our usual fine Celtic wares and T-shirts.
Sunday, March 11th -- Hamish's 'Maui Celtic Show' 8-10 am (Hawaii Time) on 'Sunday Solstice' on Mana'o Radio 91.5 FM, Wailuku, Maui, featured special guests The Coopers live in the studio ! Jason is a Maui resident now and the others hail from New York State. They were there to talk about their traditional Irish music and upcoming Mulligan's St.Patrick's Day appearance.
Friday March 9th -- Hamish Burgess played the Highland Bagpipes at the Maui Preparatory Academy in Napili, as part of their multi-cultural day. He also spoke about Scotland, and ties to Hawaii, in the 'Scotland' classroom.
Saturday, Feb 17th -- Maui Celtic and Mulligan's on the Blue were proud to present, "One month to St.Patrick's Day", AN EVENING WITH MICHAEL BLACK, Irish singer of the famous Black Family (Mary, Frances, Shay, Michael and Martin), live in concert Mulligan's Wailea. It was a great evening with a dinner and show. Michael played traditional Irish songs, with some rare unusual ones, accompanied by guitar and banjo, not to mention some hilarious stories. The atmosphere was electric, with a full house and a great audience who joined in on the choruses !
A surprise finale was when guest audience member, Irish music legend Liam Clancy joined Michael on stage for a few songs, and even dragged Hamish from Maui Celtic and friend John Grant up for a chorus of "Wild Mountain Thyme" !! A legendary night at Mulligan's ! The craic was mighty !!
Friday, Feb 16th -- Maui Celtic was proud to present Irish singer MICHAEL BLACK of the famous Black Family, live in concert at St.John's Church Hall in Kula, Upcountry Maui. Promoter Hamish of Maui Celtic and Michael were worried at the beginning, as only a few people arrived - until they found out a local newspaper had printed a later start time ! After waiting for late-comers, it was a great evening of traditional Irish songs, accompanied by guitar and banjo, from one of Ireland's best-loved family. Michael created a great intimate atmosphere for the audience, who joined in well on the choruses ! He has an amazing voice and an ability to captivate his crowd with his songs and stories. Maui Celtic had a booth of logo wear and their fine Celtic imports.
Sunday, February 11th, Hamish's 'Maui Celtic Show' on 'Sunday Solstice' on Mana'o Radio 91.5 FM, Wailuku, Maui, featured a live in-studio interview with legendary Irish folk singer Liam Clancy, who was on the island on vacation, after the Irish Music Cruise around Hawaii (see below). This great interview prompted calls for weeks - one fellow saying "the best radio I have heard ever".
Liam came to America in the 1950s as an actor, and grew to international fame performing with the The Clancy Brothers and Tommy Makem. Armed with his guitar and beautiful voice, and masterful stagecraft, he spread Irish culture around the world with his songs and stories. He left The Clancy Brothers to pursue a solo career but joined old friend Tommy Makem to perform as Makem and Clancy until 1988. Since then Liam has performed solo and still plays to packed concert halls, and has a compilation album in the Irish charts. Bob Dylan described Liam as the 'best ballad singer in the world'. Check him out at www.liamclancy.com
JANUARY 25th -- ROBERT BURNS NIGHT ON MAUI, celebrated Scotland's most famous poet (1759-1796). His 200 year old verse has become part of Scottish heritage celebrated this date all over the world. He died at 37, and is the most widely translated poet in the world.
There were 2 events on Maui. Kihei Robert Burn's Celebration at the V.F.W. Hall, used to be at Kihei Surfside. This late afternoon event had pupus, music, Burns' poetry of course, a performance from the "Maui Celtic Pipes and Drums", Scottish Country dancing, and 'piping in the haggis'...........
Burn's Night at "Mulligan's on the Blue", was presented by MAUI CELTIC at Maui's Irish Pub, in Wailea. After the 3 course dinner, the night got going with the boys of the "Maui Celtic Pipes and Drums" and Scottish MC John Crowe in full dress uniform, and all the Burns Night traditional ceremonies took place, including 'The Selkirk Grace', the piping in and the Address 'To A Haggis', many toasts with much fine Scotch whisky, and Robert Burns' poetry. The pipe band played, followed by the 'Celtic Tigers' playing traditional Irish and Scottish music, and at the break more piping and of course, "Auld Lang Syne"...
Wednesday 24th January -- AN EVENING WITH THE CLANCY'S, at CHARLEY'S in Paia, was a triple act concert featuring Evans and Doherty, Aoife Clancy and Robbie O'Connell, and a very special guest apperance from the legendary LIAM CLANCY. Great Irish music came to Maui with the IRISH MUSIC CRUISE artists - a special concert promoted by Hamish of Maui Celtic on 
behalf of Debbie Casey of Irish Music Cruises (www.irishmusiccruises.com), who brought the artists to Hawaii, this special one-off event, a highlight of Celtic music on Maui, is still talked about !
The evening started with Liam's neice and nephew, Aoife Clancy and Robbie O'Connell, each with an amazing singing voice, performing fabulous traditional songs. Aoife (pronounced Ee-fa), former lead vocal with Cherish the Ladies, is the daughter of the late Bobby Clancy, one of the famous Clancy Brothers. Robbie is a songwriter and guitarist of exceptional skill, was in the Green Fields of America.
Kevin Evans & Brian Doherty, Irishmen living in Nova Scotia, sported new Maui Celtic T-shirts, and played a lively blend of traditional, original and contemporary songs, adding a liberal sprinkling of stories and humour, and got the noisy crowd going.
Special guest, the legendary Liam Clancy of the famous Clancy Brothers, took the stage and masterfully hushed the rowdy Charlie's crowd with a classic ballad and his concertina. The performance that followed from this veteran of Irish song was nothing short of spell-binding. From sea-shanties to heartwrenching ballads, Liam captivated the audience, with a rousing finale from all the Irish Music Cruise artists. This was a remarkable night in Maui from the King of Irish folk music, who these days normally plays big concert halls. Mahalo to Debbie Casey from all us Maui folks.
JANUARY 22-29th -- the IRISH MUSIC CRUISES CONCERTS AT SEA IN HAWAII.
In January, great Irish musicians arrived in Hawai'i, when legendary singer Liam Clancy was joined by son Donal with his wife Mary Rafferty, nephew Robbie O'Connell, niece and nephew Aoife & Finbarr Clancy, and friends the Makem & Spain Brothers, Evans & Doherty, and Gabriel Donohue. They were there for a 7 day cruise of the Hawaiian Islands with Irish Music Concerts at Sea presented by Debbie Casey (www.irishmusiccruises.com) on the new ship 'Pride of Hawaii', cruising from Honolulu (Oahu) to Hilo (Big Island), Kahului (Maui), Kona (Big Island), and Nawiliwili (Kauai).
Festivities started in Honolulu at a pre-cruise concert at the Aloha Tower, a landmark where visitors to the islands have been arriving and departing on ships for 80 years. The Makem & Spain Brothers put on a memorable show of traditional songs and sea shanties, with their fantastic 5 man harmonies. The following night saw an informal meet-and-greet at Waikiki Irish pub Kelly O'Neills, where you could reconnect with old friends, make new ones, meet the musicians, and join in a session with all of the artists !
The local Hawaii Gang with legendary Irish singer Liam Clancy onboard the ship 'Pride of Hawaii' for the Irish Music Cruise 2007 around the Hawaiian Islands.
The next week's adventure included snorkeling, kayaking or surfing crystal clear warm waters, visiting rainforests, waterfalls and active volcanoes, truly amazing seen at night flowing into the ocean. From 10,000ft high mountains to the beautiful beaches the islands are stunning, and cruising past ancient high sea cliffs, with whales breaching below was a spiritual experience.
The exclusive concerts of the Irish Music Cruise were so much talked about that crew and even the Captain couldn't resist a visit !
From solo sets by talented singers Finbarr and Gabriel, to the great vocal harmonies of the Makem & Spains and Kevin Evans & Brian Doherty, the singing covered the spectrum from traditional folk to originals.
The ladies were well represented by Mary on whistle and accordion, playing jigs and reels with Donal on guitar, and by fabulous songbird Aoife performing with fine songwriter Robbie as a duo. All captivated the audience. Liam Clancy, at the young age of 71, set the stage on fire with boundless energy and passion. With guitar and concertina, he performed heart-wrenching ballads to rousing traditional songs and raucous sea-shanties. A true master of his art.
The fun sessions at night on the aft deck allowed guests to join the performers, and 2 young Irish dancers were a big hit. Any one could lead a song or a tune, and a memorable moment was when Hamish of Maui Celtic played folk songs on the Highland bagpipes, joined in song by Liam Clancy, Robbie O'Connell, and the Makem and Spain Brothers.
One highlight of the week was a shore concert on Maui, "An Evening with the Clancy's" at Charley's Bar in Paia, Willie Nelson's favorite hangout (see above). Another was the Grand Finale on the ship, which saw all the musicians and singers on the same stage - Brilliant ! An amazing week of Irish music !!
January 2008 the Irish Music Cruise will be in the beautiful waters off Baja California, and visiting the Mexican Riviera. Admission to performances are exclusive to those booking through Irish Music Cruises. www.irishmusiccruises.com or call 888-56-IRISH.
January 20th -- great Irish music came to Oahu with a pre-cruise (see above) concert featuring the Makem and Spain Brothers. This concert at the 'Events at the Tower' at Aloha Tower, Honolulu, was presented by the 'Friends of St. Patrick', sponsored by Guinness, and was a fundraiser for the St.Patrick's Day Honolulu Parade.
The sons of Irish music legend Tommy Makem and fellow brothers Spain, put on a memorable show of traditional songs and sea shanties, with their fantastic 5 man harmonies. What a great night in Honolulu ! Hamish of Maui Celtic was very happy to be there with a booth of Irish jewelry and T-shirts, before the cruise.