Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam. Slán agus beannacht leat.
Jack Joyce, 1924-2009.
Monday, November 23, 2009
Gobble
Happy Thanksgiving week! This being the time of year for reflection and, um, giving thanks, I have quite a few things that I'm grateful for, here at the arse end of 2009. But we won't get into those just now. It's only Monday after all. We still have to work today.
But as you're planning your week, here's a suggestion for your holiday kick off on Wednesday. Head to Kansas City's most legendariest Irish Bar, Kelly's Westport Inn for the annual Thanksgiving Gobble Off.
It's exactly what it sounds like. Competitors try to sound like turkeys...the real kind, not the ones that sometimes find their way to Kelly's on weekend nights...for a panel of judges, in pursuit of the coveted Turkey trophy. You can even enter, this being an open tournament. For reasons that I'd rather not speculate on, women completely dominate the event but if you're a tom rather than a hen, try your luck anyway. Kelly's is at the corner of Westport and Penn, right where Clareman Randal Kelly put it back in 1947. The contest starts Wednesday evening somewhere around 6:00, 7:00, something like that.
But as you're planning your week, here's a suggestion for your holiday kick off on Wednesday. Head to Kansas City's most legendariest Irish Bar, Kelly's Westport Inn for the annual Thanksgiving Gobble Off.
It's exactly what it sounds like. Competitors try to sound like turkeys...the real kind, not the ones that sometimes find their way to Kelly's on weekend nights...for a panel of judges, in pursuit of the coveted Turkey trophy. You can even enter, this being an open tournament. For reasons that I'd rather not speculate on, women completely dominate the event but if you're a tom rather than a hen, try your luck anyway. Kelly's is at the corner of Westport and Penn, right where Clareman Randal Kelly put it back in 1947. The contest starts Wednesday evening somewhere around 6:00, 7:00, something like that.
Friday, November 20, 2009
Sunday Dinner
Don't forget, call today if you haven't already and make your reservation for Raglan Road's special gastropub dinner this Sunday evening. I showed you the menu earlier, but really, here's all you have to know this weekend before Thanksgiving: there's no turkey, thank God.
See you there.
See you there.
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Hum Bug
I'm not one of those people who rush things. Ask Mrs. Bloggy.
So it's anathema to me to see Christmas begin the day after Halloween. Isn't a solid month of ho ho hoing and jingle belling enough? It is for me, brother. Having said that, I know I'm swimming against the cultural tide on this one. After all, if it's "the most wonderful time of the year" who wouldn't want to start it as soon as possible, right? Whatever.
If you're ready for the holidays, if you insist on hanging the mistletoe before the turkey's been stuffed, if your twinkly lights were strung on the porch before the jack-o-lantern candle had burned out, then at least have the common sense to start your early Yuling at a great, locally (and Irish) owned business. Browne's Irish Market, long time friends and vendors at the Kansas City Irish Fest are hosting a holiday open house this weekend.
So it's anathema to me to see Christmas begin the day after Halloween. Isn't a solid month of ho ho hoing and jingle belling enough? It is for me, brother. Having said that, I know I'm swimming against the cultural tide on this one. After all, if it's "the most wonderful time of the year" who wouldn't want to start it as soon as possible, right? Whatever.
If you're ready for the holidays, if you insist on hanging the mistletoe before the turkey's been stuffed, if your twinkly lights were strung on the porch before the jack-o-lantern candle had burned out, then at least have the common sense to start your early Yuling at a great, locally (and Irish) owned business. Browne's Irish Market, long time friends and vendors at the Kansas City Irish Fest are hosting a holiday open house this weekend.
- Friday 5:00–9:00 pm with Irish Music by KCIF alums Kelly
- Saturday 9:00 am–5:00 pm with Fiddler Annie Stark
- Sunday Noon–5:00 pm, featuring a traditional Irish Music Session
- Lots of stuff on sale, raffles for Browne's gift cards and merchandise, snacks and beverages offered.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Happy Birthday Boulevard!
Even if you can't make it to Ponak's today, be sure to twist the top on a Pale Ale and drink a toast to a great Kansas City institution. Happy 20th, Boulevard! Just think, next year you'll be old enough to drink!
Friday, November 13, 2009
Come On, You Boys In Green
It's Ireland v. France in a World Cup qualifier tomorrow, and there's diplomatic trouble brewing...
No Rest For The Beery
Last night, while you were sleeping* the dedicated members of the Kansas City Irish Fest entertainment committee were meeting in a top-secret location** to continue hammering out the 2010 KCIF music schedule. I'm not even sure you people deserve the great things we're going to be putting on stage. You might want to step up your game a little for these next 294 days.
Will I tell you who's coming? Yes, I will***. And it's not just the bands that are going to rock your world. No, no, my friend. We've got other big things brewing that will change the way you enjoy Irish Fest. And it pains me to tease you like this, it really does****. But I'm sure you understand that these have to be handled delicately. Just know, we're working for you. Kisses.
*Assuming you were in bed at 6:00 PM.
**The Gaf
***No, I won't.
****No, it doesn't.
Will I tell you who's coming? Yes, I will***. And it's not just the bands that are going to rock your world. No, no, my friend. We've got other big things brewing that will change the way you enjoy Irish Fest. And it pains me to tease you like this, it really does****. But I'm sure you understand that these have to be handled delicately. Just know, we're working for you. Kisses.
*Assuming you were in bed at 6:00 PM.
**The Gaf
***No, I won't.
****No, it doesn't.
Music Masters
If you're musically inclined, there no better place to be this weekend than the Irish Cultural Center in Union Station for the Irish Music Masters Workshop. This workshop, made possible by a grant from the Kansas City Irish Fest, presents the following schedule:
This is a unique opportunity to come learn the basics, or work on the next level of Irish bodhran, tinwhistle/flute and fiddle, or learn and practice Irish singing, at an all-day workshop at the Irish Center . Ending with performances by the instructors.
10 bodhrans will be available for free use that day for the first 10 participants signed up for each bodhran session. Bodhrans will be available for purchase. Basic tinwhistles are available for $5 at the Irish Center that day. Sorry, bring your own fiddle and voice!
Will take walk-ins, but registration is greatly appreciated.
Schedule
9:30 – 10 am Registration
10 am Welcome, introductions, general intro to Irish music
10:30 – 1 First Session (w/ 10 min. break)
1 – 1:45 pm Lunch
- Bodhran Beginners
- Tinwhistle/flute Intermediate (have some experience)
- Fiddle Beginners
- Singing All levels
1:45 – 4:15 pm Second Session (w/ 10 min. break)
4:15 pm Snack, set up for performances
- Bodhran Intermediate (have some experience)
- Tinwhistle/flute Beginners
- Fiddle Intermediate (have some experience)
- Singing All levels
4:30 pm Instructor Performances
Fees
$25 just morning session incl. lunch; $25 just afternoon session incl. snack and performances.
All-Day: $45 full day (morning session, lunch, afternoon session, snack, concert).
$5 discount for 2009 or 2010 IMCC members (may purchase membership at the door).
Online registration: http://www.irishmuseum.org/540/
Or call 816-474-3848, or email info@irishmuseum.org. May pay at the door.
Walk-ins welcome, but registrations appreciated.
InstructorsConnie Dover has performed and recorded Irish and Celtic music as the lead singer with bands and as a solo artist on both sides of the Atlantic , has been featured on NPR’s Weekend Edition, A Prairie Home Companion and the Thistle and Shamrock, and has received numerous awards for her original music, singing and western poetry.
Turlach Boylan was All-Ireland Champion flute and whistle player, established The Kansas City School of Irish Music, has taught Irish tinwhistle and flute to hundreds, performs with bands in the area and has recorded several CDs.
Doug Goodhart is a master musician and teacher of drums, fiddle, guitar and more, of many cultures. He has been director of Center For World Music, on faculty of Zoukfest, eclectic world music camp hosted by The University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, and is president of the Missouri Valley Folklife Society.
Christa Kelly Scott has taught violin/fiddle, voice, piano, guitar, and mandolin for more than 30 years, and specializes in Irish/Celtic style. She also performs and owns Harmony Hill Music. She has published two books on Original Celtic Style music for “C” instruments & voice.
To Oz
Remember when I was telling you about the Dr. Oz show filming a segment at Eddie Delahunt's Cafe &? Well, you can see that piece and all its local flavor this very night at 7:00 on Channel 38, The Spot.
Will Toto get away? Will the flying monkeys carry Eddie off to the witch's castle? Tune in tonight to the Oz show to find out.
Will Toto get away? Will the flying monkeys carry Eddie off to the witch's castle? Tune in tonight to the Oz show to find out.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Calling All Foodies
Raglan Road, our Irish Fest after-party home, has great food. Really great food, created by Chef Kevin Dundon, who's like the biggest thing in Irish cooking since the 'tater. Kevin cooked for U2, yo. Who'd you ever cook for?
But Kevin lives and does most of his hands-on cooking in Ireland, so the chance to dine on Kevin's food cooked by Kevin himself is a rare treat. Sunday night, November 22nd, a lucky few will enjoy that rare treat when Raglan Road presents a European Gastropub Dinner. Chef Dundon is coming to town to prepare a three course dinner for you, each course paired with a specially chosen beer to compliment your choices. The cost is only $30 per person, and that includes those beers.
Because Kevin is a close personal friend Because Kevin and I go way back Because I've met Kevin once, I happen to have the menu options for all three courses right here. Check this out:
Here's the deal though: reservations are required and space is limited. Call the pub at 816-994-9700 or e-mail the lovely Aileen Ferguson at aferguson@raglanroadirishpub.com to claim your spot. Were I you, I'd book your spot now. Were you me, you'd already have your reservation and you'd also probably be a little taller.
November 22nd, 7:00 PM. Raglan Road is at 14th and Grand in the Power and Light District.
But Kevin lives and does most of his hands-on cooking in Ireland, so the chance to dine on Kevin's food cooked by Kevin himself is a rare treat. Sunday night, November 22nd, a lucky few will enjoy that rare treat when Raglan Road presents a European Gastropub Dinner. Chef Dundon is coming to town to prepare a three course dinner for you, each course paired with a specially chosen beer to compliment your choices. The cost is only $30 per person, and that includes those beers.
Soup course: Ham hock and parsley terrine or butternut squash and cinnamon soup.
Main course: Guinness braised oxtails with mash potatoes, carrots and green beans, or breast and confit of duck with a lentil and spring onion bulb stew.
Dessert course: Baked pear and almond tart or plum and vanilla madeira.
Here's the deal though: reservations are required and space is limited. Call the pub at 816-994-9700 or e-mail the lovely Aileen Ferguson at aferguson@raglanroadirishpub.com to claim your spot. Were I you, I'd book your spot now. Were you me, you'd already have your reservation and you'd also probably be a little taller.
11 11
Thank you and a very happy Veteran's Day to all the men and women who've worn the uniform of the armed forces, from all of us at the Kansas City Irish Fest.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Ole Ole Ole
Imagine Kansas City hosting Ireland in a World Cup Match.
It could happen and you can help. Step one: get the USA named as World Cup host country for either 2018 or 2022. Step two: get our town named a World Cup Host City. And here's where you come in. Go to www.gousabid.com/kc. Sign the online petition. And done. Took me about 30 seconds and I type with two fingers.
Bring the world's biggest sporting event to Cowtown...and maybe the boys in green, too.
It could happen and you can help. Step one: get the USA named as World Cup host country for either 2018 or 2022. Step two: get our town named a World Cup Host City. And here's where you come in. Go to www.gousabid.com/kc. Sign the online petition. And done. Took me about 30 seconds and I type with two fingers.
Bring the world's biggest sporting event to Cowtown...and maybe the boys in green, too.
Monday, November 09, 2009
Good News For All Of Us
We at the K.C. Irish Fest are proud of our efforts to go greener with our ever expanding recycling efforts. Now, a company born out of our wonderful beer sponsor The Boulevard Brewing Company, is making it easier for all of us to continue our Earth saving ways all year round.RippleGlass is setting up bright purple glass recycling stations all over town to accept your used glass of all colors. Most of mine seems to be brown and will be going to the drop off site right around the corner from Bloggy Estate, at 51st and Main. To find your nearest location and find out how else you can get involved in this important effort, click here.
Well, That's Over With
The State Street Stage is an ice skating rink again and the Mayor's Christmas Tree is standing in the middle of the Irish Fest grounds. Sigh.
On the bright side, Irish Fest opens in less than 300 days!
How we cling to our desperate hopes and small victories over the coming winter.
On the bright side, Irish Fest opens in less than 300 days!
How we cling to our desperate hopes and small victories over the coming winter.
Alumni News
Fiachna O Braonain and Liam O Maonlai of Hothouse Flowers, a legendary band you saw here at the Kansas City Irish Fest talk on Ireland:A.M. about, among other things, the "amazing show" they put on for you good people in K.C. last September.
And KCIF amums Beoga have been nominated for a Grammy for their release The Incident. They're nominated in the category of "Best Contemporary World Music Album. Well done!
Thanks to Barb and Ronan for the tips.
And KCIF amums Beoga have been nominated for a Grammy for their release The Incident. They're nominated in the category of "Best Contemporary World Music Album. Well done!
Thanks to Barb and Ronan for the tips.
Friday, November 06, 2009
Irish Beer Night. Is This Heaven?
This Saturday, November 7, the Irish Museum and Cultural Center in the lower level of Union Station hosts Irish Beer Night, which gives me happy little shivers just typing the words.
"Taste Ireland’s best beers
Celebrate the 250th anniversary of Guinness
Practice the Perfect Pour
Learn About Guinness History and Brewing
Enjoy an Irish Dinner and Music
Irish Beer Night at the Irish Center. Music by Eddie Delahunt and friends with Irish dinner by O’Dowd’s Little Dublin and Guinness, Harp and Smithwicks Irish beers."
It all starts at 6:00 pm. The cost is $45 for IMCC members and $50 for nonmembers. Memberships will be available for purchase at the door. Get more information at www.irishmuseum.com.
"Taste Ireland’s best beers
Celebrate the 250th anniversary of Guinness
Practice the Perfect Pour
Learn About Guinness History and Brewing
Enjoy an Irish Dinner and Music
Irish Beer Night at the Irish Center. Music by Eddie Delahunt and friends with Irish dinner by O’Dowd’s Little Dublin and Guinness, Harp and Smithwicks Irish beers."
It all starts at 6:00 pm. The cost is $45 for IMCC members and $50 for nonmembers. Memberships will be available for purchase at the door. Get more information at www.irishmuseum.com.
Embarassment Of Riches
Don't you love Fridays like this? You have more chances to hear great Irish music than you can shake a stick at, if shaking sticks at music happens to your idea of a good time.
The Harp and Shamrock Club host their big annual event this evening, and it's a festival in itself. Bob Reeder with Kathy Murphy, Flannigan's Right Hook, Rob Gavin, The Ararat Pipes & Drums and Ellis Island make for a night of Irish tunes, songs and frivolity that you could not possibly want to miss. And you help the worthiest of causes, the hearing aid fund at Childrens' Mercy Hospital. Details? Right here.
Miles From Dublin makes the KC debut at O'Malley's in Weston. Made up of ex-Wild Clover Band members, this promises to be a powerhouse trad quartet that I'm sure we'll be hearing a lot from.
Eddie Delahunt and his band will be holding down the fort over at the Westsider as usual. The fun there starts around 6:00.
The only thing that would make a day like this would be the ability to split yourself into thirds, planaria-like, so you could go to all three. How cool would that be?
The Harp and Shamrock Club host their big annual event this evening, and it's a festival in itself. Bob Reeder with Kathy Murphy, Flannigan's Right Hook, Rob Gavin, The Ararat Pipes & Drums and Ellis Island make for a night of Irish tunes, songs and frivolity that you could not possibly want to miss. And you help the worthiest of causes, the hearing aid fund at Childrens' Mercy Hospital. Details? Right here.
Miles From Dublin makes the KC debut at O'Malley's in Weston. Made up of ex-Wild Clover Band members, this promises to be a powerhouse trad quartet that I'm sure we'll be hearing a lot from.
Eddie Delahunt and his band will be holding down the fort over at the Westsider as usual. The fun there starts around 6:00.
The only thing that would make a day like this would be the ability to split yourself into thirds, planaria-like, so you could go to all three. How cool would that be?
Message From Máirtín
A long time member of the Irish Fest family, Máirtín de Cógáin has all kinds of exciting news for you, especially if you live in or are heading to California:
A Chairde gael!
How are ye all doing out there?
Sorry for the lack of news from Fuchsialand or what is going on in Máirtín's world. We are mad busy at rakes of things. We will send out a mighty mail for Christmas, but to tied you over here are a few dates Máirtín is doing with Jimmy Crowley west along the road, promoting the new album.
Captain Mackey's Goatskin and Stringband is the name we have and the album is entitled:
"Soldiers' Songs: The Irish Abroad ans Soldiering"
Check it out and buy a copy for yourself if you don't have one already at www.CDBaby.com/cmgas
CA TOUR NOV 2009
Nov 3rd San Diego, CA
La Jolla High School Auditorium
Irish Club of La Jolla High School
750 Nautilus St., La Jolla, CA 92037
From 7 to 9pm.
Fundraiser for PeacePlayers International- http://www.peaceplayersintl.org/
Nov 5th Fairfax, CA
The Sleeping Lady,
23 Broadway
Fairfax, CA 94930
415.485.1182
info@sleepingladyfairfax.com
Nov 6th Bryson-Hesperia, Bradley, CA
Hesperia Hall Foundation
51602 Bryson-Hesperia Road
Bradley, CA 93426
http://www.hesperiahall.org
Nov 7th San José, CA
625 Hadley Ave San Jose 95126
Phone: 408-298-3255 for details or email
$15 entry. Concert starts at 8pm
Nov 8th Santa Cruz, CA
House Concert in Ben Lomond California at 7pm.
Reservations, Directions and Price: contact Ariel at fiddlegirl_sc@hotmail.com or ( 831 ) 336-9810.
Nov 10th Alameda, CA
Julie's Coffee & Tea Garden,
1223 Park Street
Alameda, CA 94501
(510) 865-2385
Questions : juliestea@sbcglobal.net
Website: www.juliestea.com
Nov 11th Davis, CA
The Owl House
516 E. 8th Street
Davis, California 95616
Contact email andreastranso@gmail.com
Doors open at 7pm
Nov 14th San Francisco, CA
House Concert, 7pm
Vincy Keenhans
2443 28th Ave.
San Francisco, CA 94116
Nov 16th Pheonix, AZ
Jim & Ann Daugherty's House,
Start time:7.30pm
Bring your own libation.
Suggested donation: $15 (12.50 for FPIA and Academy members)
RSVP to Mary at 512-917-0279 or
Mary@fourpeaksirisharts.org
Nov 17th Tucson, AZ
For reservations/information/directions contact Melissa Tatum at melissaltatum@yahoo.com or 520.275.3811 Reservations required. Suggested donation $15
Nov 18th Flagstaff, AZ
It's at 7:30pm. Venue is the Zane Grey Ballroom at the Hotel Weatherford. 23 N. Leroux St. Flagstaff, AZ. 86001 Information: 928-600-1365
www.livingtraditionspresentations.com
Máirtín and Jimmy are going on a Cruise this winter!!
Join Captain Mackey's on the 19th Annual Irish Festival Cruise this January! We sail the tranquil Caribbean for a week long tropical hooley on January 23rd. Sailing along with us are Johnny McEvoy, The Black Family, The Elders, Tommy Sands, Ennis, The Karan Casey Band and many more! Join in the revelries of nightly concerts, hootenannies, na seisiún and more, all while calling on lush ports of call. Rates are from $1099.00. Details http://www.irishtours.com/ or call 1-800-441-HARP. See you on board! Remember...a salty sea is better than a salty driveway!
There are only 2 carbon copies left of my solo album on CDBaby.com/mairtindecogain !! Get 'um while I got 'um!
‘Tis great to hear from ye always,
Le meas
Máirtín de Cógáín
Thursday, November 05, 2009
Policy Statement
It is the measured and carefully considered opinion of the board of directors of the Kansas City Irish Fest that we hate the New York Yankees. Thank you.
More Music on Friday
Tomorrow night is a big one around here, Irish music wise. Those saintly Bob Reeder fans at the Harp And Shamrock club, they who raise all that money to help the hearing impaired kids at Children's Mercy Hospital, are throwing their annual Celtic Music Benefit at the Ararat Shrine Temple, 51st St. at I-435.A who's who of local and regional Irish music is on the roster, including Ellis Island, Flannigan's Right Hook, The Ararat Pipe & Drum Band, Rob Gavin and of course himself, Bob Reeder. Tickets are $15 at the door, ages 12 and under free and seniors over 65 pay just $10. There'll be live and silent auctions, shopping, raffles, food and drink. And of course the proceeds go to the CMH Hearing Aid Fund, which is of course The Harp and Shamrock Club's raison d'être for bein', as the Scots say.
For more information, call 1-888-213-6949 or visit www.harpandshamrockclub.org.
Wednesday, November 04, 2009
Out With The Old
Do you remember a group we had here at the KC Irish Fest a couple times called The Wild Clover Band? They came down the road from the wilds of Nebraska to play great traditional Irish music for us. Loved that band. Great players, lots of energy and good people.
Well, they're gone. No more Wild Clover, except the kind in your back yard. I suspect without proof that Yoko Ono had something to do with this, but that doesn't matter now. What matters is that from the ashes of Wild Clover rises a phoenix. And Phoenix is where? Right, Arizona. And Arizona is? Exactly, miles from Dublin. Which is actually what has risen from the ashes. Miles From Dublin. With me? No? Here, I'll let former Wild Cloverer Aaron Svoboda explain:
Well, they're gone. No more Wild Clover, except the kind in your back yard. I suspect without proof that Yoko Ono had something to do with this, but that doesn't matter now. What matters is that from the ashes of Wild Clover rises a phoenix. And Phoenix is where? Right, Arizona. And Arizona is? Exactly, miles from Dublin. Which is actually what has risen from the ashes. Miles From Dublin. With me? No? Here, I'll let former Wild Cloverer Aaron Svoboda explain:
The new Irish band out of Nebraska is named Miles From Dublin! We are four former members of The Wild Clover Band and we are embarking on a new musical journey! There will be a bit of the old and a lot of new music for you to enjoy, so if you liked us then you will really like us now! We are all very excited with the new tunes, songs, and sound and we can't wait to share it with you!Miles From Dublin makes their Kansas City area debut this weekend when they play O'Malley's Pub up in Weston Friday and Saturday nights. Aaron asked me to extend a special invitation to KCIF people to join them. So get up there and see some talented musicians and genuinely nice people.
Monday, November 02, 2009
Vistors' Choice Awards
I woke up in the middle of the night last night with pretty severe pain in my gut, that has kept me home and mostly in bed all day. I told Mrs. Bloggy that it felt like someone had punched me in the stomach ten minutes ago ( a charge she denies), after the initial pain has subsided but a lingering ache and tenderness continues.
And now I know why.
We got beat in the 2009 Visitors' Choice Awards as Kansas City's Best Festival. And beat by the Renaissance Festival. Yes, the Renaissance Festival.
I'm not bitter. Much. We offer hearty "huzzahs" of congratulations to the Ren Festers. But we will be making changes to the Kansas City Irish Fest in light of this humiliating defeat. Women's staff t-shirts in 2010 will be modified to show lots of pushed-up cleavage. Male staffers will be in tights and codpieces. Everybody will wear those big floppy velvet hats. Everybody will speak in the worst faux Irish accents they can muster, including the members of our staff who are actually Irish born. Expect a lot of "sure an' begorras" and "top o' the mornings". Whatever it takes to get back on top, begorra.
Congratulations to all the winners, found here.
And now I know why.
We got beat in the 2009 Visitors' Choice Awards as Kansas City's Best Festival. And beat by the Renaissance Festival. Yes, the Renaissance Festival.
I'm not bitter. Much. We offer hearty "huzzahs" of congratulations to the Ren Festers. But we will be making changes to the Kansas City Irish Fest in light of this humiliating defeat. Women's staff t-shirts in 2010 will be modified to show lots of pushed-up cleavage. Male staffers will be in tights and codpieces. Everybody will wear those big floppy velvet hats. Everybody will speak in the worst faux Irish accents they can muster, including the members of our staff who are actually Irish born. Expect a lot of "sure an' begorras" and "top o' the mornings". Whatever it takes to get back on top, begorra.
Congratulations to all the winners, found here.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
