Untitled Document

Diane Byrnes
Echoes of Erin, WEDO 810AM
November 2004

Hello Friends,

Since last I wrote in September, some dramatic events have transpired locally and nationally. Many people and businesses in several communities were devastated by the rains from hurricane Ivan and eventual floods that hit the larger Pittsburgh area on Friday, September 17th.

One Irish business that closed it doors forever was the Blarney Stone Restaurant in Etna after succumbing to seven feet of water raging through its rooms. Opened in 1974 by brothers, Tom and Denis O’Donoghue from Listowel, County Kerry; the Blarney Stone was host to a multitude of Irish entertainment and other events. Many an Irish dignitary and local politician graced the place enjoying a meal, lifting a jar, and participating in the ‘craic’. In its’ ‘heyday’ it was a wonderful meeting place where many young lads and lasses eventually married as a result of meeting there. Banquets, wakes and weddings, along with dances, concerts, plays, and lectures took place throughout the years. It was an excellent restaurant and recipient of many culinary awards. The Blarney Stone also had space for the ‘Tara Gift Shop’ which was quite charming and offered a unique selection of merchandise. It is a sad time indeed that music will never play the Blarney Stage again.

Paddy’s Pour House in Carnegie was another Irish business that suffered loss as a result of ‘Ivan the Terrible’. The Pour House was closed for a month as clean up and restoration took place. Although good fortune was with Patrick and Vickie Schipani, owners of the Pour House, as their damage was minimal compared to many. The entire basement and two inches on the street level floor was flooded with all inventory in the basement being lost. They are up and running now sponsoring weekly local Irish entertainment.

Samhain, the Celtic New Year took place October 24th at Mullaney’s Castle (Harp & Fiddle), in The Strip The Pub was converted into a castle and local Irish groups performed throughout the day including The Rivermen, The Cogan Brothers, Cornbeef & Curry, Terry Griffith and The Wild Geese. Several people came dressed in costume for the costume contest, the music was excellent and a great time was had by all. Samhain was a benefit for Echoes of Erin, Irish radio programming.

Nationally the Presidential election took place with George W. Bush winning a second term. Let us hope that he works for all of the people, keeping in mind that almost 50% of the voters did not vote for him.

MUSIC
Thanksgiving is quickly approaching; and soon it will be time to begin or finish up gift shopping for all those special people in your life. Music makes for a lovely gift! So let me give you a description of some of the new music I have received over the past two months.

• The Black Family has recorded another winner! “Our Time Together” on Dara Records, is in memory of their Mammy ‘Patty Black’. Mary, Martin and Frances live in Dublin. Shay and Michael live in California, so it is not always easy for the siblings to get together and record. Their Mammy and Da instilled in all of them the beautiful gift of music and song, which is reflected on this recording; even Patty Black is singing, “A Bird in a Gilded Cage” which is an old tearjerker first published in 1900. The Black Family has some of the best harmonies you will ever hear, and the crystal clear voices of Mary and Frances is matched by none. You can find this album on the official Mary Black website at http://www.mary-black.net/

• John Breen from County Wicklow has just released his Debut album entitled “John Breen”. His voice, a gravely, deep, sexy sound; very similar to Ronnie Drew, grabbed my attention right away. His arrangements are excellent and cover titles such as ‘Raglan Road’, ‘Easy & Slow’, ‘Black is The Colour’ along with nine other traditional songs and one, self penned ‘You Will Go’. For sure John Breen has a really good sound that should be in your music library. He was signed to Atlanta Music Group’s ‘Alternative-Urban Records January 2004. Website www.AtlantaMusicGroup.com

• The Clumsy Lovers performed at the Pittsburgh Irish Festival where I met Andrea Lewis; she plays fiddle and sings. Andrea sent me their newest recording ‘After the Flood’ (how appropriate after Ivan?). The Clumsy Lovers’ music is a blend of Celtic, Bluegrass and Rock with this recording having several originals that keep your toes tapping. Clumsy Lovers are a talented, lively band with good audience interaction. Check out their website at www.clumsylovers.com

• Janet Holmes, born and raised in Belfast, has performed since age 14. Her vocals are strong and clear; unique in a fashion where you take notice of her and LISTEN. Although Janet Holmes has recorded with other groups, this is the first album under her name, entitled ‘Janet Holmes – The Road to the West’ on Market Square Records. Guests include trad fiddle virtuoso Martin Hayes, ex-Joe Cocker guitar hero Henry McCullough, solo guitar star Colin Reid, and Texan prog-rock maestro Barry Bynum. Her band includes pianist Brian Connor (Eleanor McEvoy / Van Morrison), drummer Liam Bradley (Ronan Keating / Van Morrison), and Irish dobro ace Colin ‘Hillbilly’ Henry. Other musicians on this recording include Conor Shields, James Davis, Ali Mackenzie and herself, Janet Holmes.

Her voice is beautiful, and the songs have great lyrics; even one authored by Lyle Lovett ‘If I Had A Boat’. Check out her website at www.janetholmes.com

• Kennedy’s Kitchen plays heart-thumping Irish music, traditional, pub, original songs, stories, and jokes. The group is comprised of Nolan Ladewski age 15, on Tin Whistle and Low D whistle; Sally Joyce age 17, on Fiddle and various whistles; Bob Harke, a older gentlemen with a silver gray coif, on Guitar, bodhran, and vocals; Chris O’Brien on Fiddle, banjo and vocals; Joel Cooper on Bass, guitar and vocals; Rob Weber on Bass and low vocals; and the band leader joHn Kennedy on Vocals, guitar, tin whistle, bouzouki, bodhran and banjo.

Kennedy’s Kitchen is out of South Bend, Indiana and has two CD’s to their credit – ‘Kennedy’s Kitchen’ and ‘Music in the Glen’. Both recordings include Traditional Irish Dance Music, Original Songs and Irish Pub Songs. Instrumentally they sound great and the vocals are good as well. This group will be performing in Pittsburgh at a private party in July 2005, maybe we’ll see them in a venue open to the public. I think they would give us an excellent show! Check out their website at www.kennedyskitchen.com

• Tony Kenny just released his first recording in three years entitled ‘The Prayer’ with the title track ‘The Prayer’ which is a duet with his daughter Victoria. Some other tracks include ‘Daughter Of Mine’, ‘Dance With Me Father’, ‘Isle of Hope’ plus several more. Tony Kenny became known and loved by his American audience at Jury’s Cabaret in Dublin and over the years, has traveled the U.S. with his Christmas Concert.

This recording ‘The Prayer’ is available through CeeVee Music, online at www.CMIENTERTAINMENT.COM

• Eleanor McEvoy – What a Woman! What a Songwriter! What a Singer! Originally from Dublin and a classically trained musician on piano and violin.

Three albums I have received include ‘Early Hours’, ‘Portrait of a Songwriter’, and ‘Special Edition’. Many of you may remember Eleanor McEvoy from the 1992 recording ‘A Woman’s Heart’ and self penned title track ‘Only A Woman’s Heart’; however over these past 12 years she has evolved in continuing her writing and singing. In ‘Early Hours’ she combines influences of jazz, pop, contemporary in the nine new songs, another song is co-written with her brother Kieran; then covers of Chuck Berry’s ‘Memphis Tennessee’ and Bert Jansch’s ‘Where Did My Life Go’. The final song is a haunting piece ‘Anach Cuain’.

‘Special Edition’ is a re-issue of Eleanor’s first album with an additional four tracks. “Portrait of a Songwriter’ is a compilation of seven tracks from some of Eleanor’s previous recordings – ‘Yola’, ‘Snapshots’, What’s Following Me?’.
Her Website is www.eleanormcevoy.net

• Pauline Scanlon has been the featured vocalist with the Sharon Shannon Band for the past two years. As a singer, songwriter, she has entranced audiences world wide with her distinctly delicate intensity. ‘Red Colour Sun’ is Pauline Scanlon’s debut album ranging from purely traditional to contemporary songs by Willie Nelson, Peggy Seeger and Don McLean. Original songs have been co-written with Lunasa guitarist Donogh Hennessey. Website: www.compassrecords.com

• Sharon Shannon & Friends has just released ‘Libertango’ a blend of traditional Irish music with contemporary freshness and ethnic influences of reggae rhythms, rock, and the twang of American country and bluegrass. Sinead O’Connor guests on two traditional songs; Kirsty MacColl performs the title track ’Libertango’ and a bit of ‘Hip Hop’ is performed by Marvel and Lady K. This is an absolutely brilliant recording; Sharon Shannon has outdone herself. Website: www.compassrecords.com

• Cold Blow these Winter Winds, A Celtic Celebration of Christmas just released by Green Linnet. This recording was recorded live at Queen’s Hall, Edinburgh, Scotland and features: Rory Campbell (Old Blind Dogs, Deaf Sheppherd); Eliza Carthy; Rory McLeod, Mary MacMaster (the Poozies, Sileas); Corrina Hewat, Aaron Jones, Andy Lang, Tim Mathew, Dave Milligan, Dean Owens, and Karine Polwart (Malinky).

Christmas Carols include ‘Lullay Lullay’ and ‘Christ Child’s Lullaby’. Shane McGowan’s ‘Fairytale of New York’ is also recorded on the album.
Website: www.greenlinnet.com

Another website to check on musicians and their music is www.cdbaby.com Here you will find all of Seamus Kennedy’s music and some of our locals, specifically Ballad Singer, Terry Griffith.

Some really good Irish entertainment is coming to Mullaney’s Harp & Fiddle over the next few weeks.
• Thursday, November 11 through Saturday, November 13 is Seamus Kennedy
• Wednesday, November 17, a Concert with Brother, the Celtic band from Australia
• Friday, November 19 and Saturday, November 20, Celtic Clan from Boston and the resident band at The Black Rose. This group performed at the Harp & Fiddle on a regular basis several years ago. They are still eclectic and keep the house rockin’.

Robert Morris University is developing some Irish programs through 2005. On Friday, November 19th, RMU presents a lecture entitled ‘An Outsider Explores the Poetry of Yeats’ presented by Dr. Syed Tanvir Wasti, RMU’s first international visiting scholar. The program begins at 6:00PM begins with a Reception with hors d’oeuvres and traditional music with Hooley. The Lecture begins at 7:00PM with discussion to follow at 8:00PM. This program takes place at the Pittsburgh Regional History Center in The Strip District. For information contact Terry Kwiakowski by email at Kwiatkowski@rmu.edu.

INTERVIEWS
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 14th - Andrew Paul, Artistic Director of The Pittsburgh Irish & Classical Theatre will be a guest on Echoes of Erin talking about the new production, James Joyce’s ‘The Dead’ which will be performed December 2 through 18, 2004 at the Stephen Foster Memorial in Oakland. Call PICT at 412-561-6000.

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 21st – George Balderose, Director of the Balmoral School of Piping will have a pre-recorded interview with me about a program / concert he will perform on November 26th. I do not have the particulars at this time.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 5TH - I will conduct an interview with Joseph Black of Belfast. Joe Black was lifted at the Philadelphia Airport in July as he and his family was enroute to Pittsburgh for a family wedding. Officials charged him with filling out his immigration form wrong; therefore he had to spend 35 days in jail and eventually was deported back to Ireland. His treatment, totally unfair, was a result of the U. S. Patriot Act.

Until next time, have a Happy Thanksgiving and may you be blessed with all that you need.

Slan and Pray for Peace in the World.

Diane

To obtain copies of any past "Echoes" articles, please request by sending email to Diane with the date or topic.

Diane Byrnes
Echoes of Erin, WEDO 810AM
November 2004

Hello Friends,

Since last I wrote in September, some dramatic events have transpired locally and nationally. Many people and businesses in several communities were devastated by the rains from hurricane Ivan and eventual floods that hit the larger Pittsburgh area on Friday, September 17th.

One Irish business that closed it doors forever was the Blarney Stone Restaurant in Etna after succumbing to seven feet of water raging through its rooms. Opened in 1974 by brothers, Tom and Denis O’Donoghue from Listowel, County Kerry; the Blarney Stone was host to a multitude of Irish entertainment and other events. Many an Irish dignitary and local politician graced the place enjoying a meal, lifting a jar, and participating in the ‘craic’. In its’ ‘heyday’ it was a wonderful meeting place where many young lads and lasses eventually married as a result of meeting there. Banquets, wakes and weddings, along with dances, concerts, plays, and lectures took place throughout the years. It was an excellent restaurant and recipient of many culinary awards. The Blarney Stone also had space for the ‘Tara Gift Shop’ which was quite charming and offered a unique selection of merchandise. It is a sad time indeed that music will never play the Blarney Stage again.

Paddy’s Pour House in Carnegie was another Irish business that suffered loss as a result of ‘Ivan the Terrible’. The Pour House was closed for a month as clean up and restoration took place. Although good fortune was with Patrick and Vickie Schipani, owners of the Pour House, as their damage was minimal compared to many. The entire basement and two inches on the street level floor was flooded with all inventory in the basement being lost. They are up and running now sponsoring weekly local Irish entertainment.

Samhain, the Celtic New Year took place October 24th at Mullaney’s Castle (Harp & Fiddle), in The Strip The Pub was converted into a castle and local Irish groups performed throughout the day including The Rivermen, The Cogan Brothers, Cornbeef & Curry, Terry Griffith and The Wild Geese. Several people came dressed in costume for the costume contest, the music was excellent and a great time was had by all. Samhain was a benefit for Echoes of Erin, Irish radio programming.

Nationally the Presidential election took place with George W. Bush winning a second term. Let us hope that he works for all of the people, keeping in mind that almost 50% of the voters did not vote for him.

MUSIC
Thanksgiving is quickly approaching; and soon it will be time to begin or finish up gift shopping for all those special people in your life. Music makes for a lovely gift! So let me give you a description of some of the new music I have received over the past two months.

• The Black Family has recorded another winner! “Our Time Together” on Dara Records, is in memory of their Mammy ‘Patty Black’. Mary, Martin and Frances live in Dublin. Shay and Michael live in California, so it is not always easy for the siblings to get together and record. Their Mammy and Da instilled in all of them the beautiful gift of music and song, which is reflected on this recording; even Patty Black is singing, “A Bird in a Gilded Cage” which is an old tearjerker first published in 1900. The Black Family has some of the best harmonies you will ever hear, and the crystal clear voices of Mary and Frances is matched by none. You can find this album on the official Mary Black website at http://www.mary-black.net/

• John Breen from County Wicklow has just released his Debut album entitled “John Breen”. His voice, a gravely, deep, sexy sound; very similar to Ronnie Drew, grabbed my attention right away. His arrangements are excellent and cover titles such as ‘Raglan Road’, ‘Easy & Slow’, ‘Black is The Colour’ along with nine other traditional songs and one, self penned ‘You Will Go’. For sure John Breen has a really good sound that should be in your music library. He was signed to Atlanta Music Group’s ‘Alternative-Urban Records January 2004. Website www.AtlantaMusicGroup.com

• The Clumsy Lovers performed at the Pittsburgh Irish Festival where I met Andrea Lewis; she plays fiddle and sings. Andrea sent me their newest recording ‘After the Flood’ (how appropriate after Ivan?). The Clumsy Lovers’ music is a blend of Celtic, Bluegrass and Rock with this recording having several originals that keep your toes tapping. Clumsy Lovers are a talented, lively band with good audience interaction. Check out their website at www.clumsylovers.com

• Janet Holmes, born and raised in Belfast, has performed since age 14. Her vocals are strong and clear; unique in a fashion where you take notice of her and LISTEN. Although Janet Holmes has recorded with other groups, this is the first album under her name, entitled ‘Janet Holmes – The Road to the West’ on Market Square Records. Guests include trad fiddle virtuoso Martin Hayes, ex-Joe Cocker guitar hero Henry McCullough, solo guitar star Colin Reid, and Texan prog-rock maestro Barry Bynum. Her band includes pianist Brian Connor (Eleanor McEvoy / Van Morrison), drummer Liam Bradley (Ronan Keating / Van Morrison), and Irish dobro ace Colin ‘Hillbilly’ Henry. Other musicians on this recording include Conor Shields, James Davis, Ali Mackenzie and herself, Janet Holmes.

Her voice is beautiful, and the songs have great lyrics; even one authored by Lyle Lovett ‘If I Had A Boat’. Check out her website at www.janetholmes.com

• Kennedy’s Kitchen plays heart-thumping Irish music, traditional, pub, original songs, stories, and jokes. The group is comprised of Nolan Ladewski age 15, on Tin Whistle and Low D whistle; Sally Joyce age 17, on Fiddle and various whistles; Bob Harke, a older gentlemen with a silver gray coif, on Guitar, bodhran, and vocals; Chris O’Brien on Fiddle, banjo and vocals; Joel Cooper on Bass, guitar and vocals; Rob Weber on Bass and low vocals; and the band leader joHn Kennedy on Vocals, guitar, tin whistle, bouzouki, bodhran and banjo.

Kennedy’s Kitchen is out of South Bend, Indiana and has two CD’s to their credit – ‘Kennedy’s Kitchen’ and ‘Music in the Glen’. Both recordings include Traditional Irish Dance Music, Original Songs and Irish Pub Songs. Instrumentally they sound great and the vocals are good as well. This group will be performing in Pittsburgh at a private party in July 2005, maybe we’ll see them in a venue open to the public. I think they would give us an excellent show! Check out their website at www.kennedyskitchen.com

• Tony Kenny just released his first recording in three years entitled ‘The Prayer’ with the title track ‘The Prayer’ which is a duet with his daughter Victoria. Some other tracks include ‘Daughter Of Mine’, ‘Dance With Me Father’, ‘Isle of Hope’ plus several more. Tony Kenny became known and loved by his American audience at Jury’s Cabaret in Dublin and over the years, has traveled the U.S. with his Christmas Concert.

This recording ‘The Prayer’ is available through CeeVee Music, online at www.CMIENTERTAINMENT.COM

• Eleanor McEvoy – What a Woman! What a Songwriter! What a Singer! Originally from Dublin and a classically trained musician on piano and violin.

Three albums I have received include ‘Early Hours’, ‘Portrait of a Songwriter’, and ‘Special Edition’. Many of you may remember Eleanor McEvoy from the 1992 recording ‘A Woman’s Heart’ and self penned title track ‘Only A Woman’s Heart’; however over these past 12 years she has evolved in continuing her writing and singing. In ‘Early Hours’ she combines influences of jazz, pop, contemporary in the nine new songs, another song is co-written with her brother Kieran; then covers of Chuck Berry’s ‘Memphis Tennessee’ and Bert Jansch’s ‘Where Did My Life Go’. The final song is a haunting piece ‘Anach Cuain’.

‘Special Edition’ is a re-issue of Eleanor’s first album with an additional four tracks. “Portrait of a Songwriter’ is a compilation of seven tracks from some of Eleanor’s previous recordings – ‘Yola’, ‘Snapshots’, What’s Following Me?’.
Her Website is www.eleanormcevoy.net

• Pauline Scanlon has been the featured vocalist with the Sharon Shannon Band for the past two years. As a singer, songwriter, she has entranced audiences world wide with her distinctly delicate intensity. ‘Red Colour Sun’ is Pauline Scanlon’s debut album ranging from purely traditional to contemporary songs by Willie Nelson, Peggy Seeger and Don McLean. Original songs have been co-written with Lunasa guitarist Donogh Hennessey. Website: www.compassrecords.com

• Sharon Shannon & Friends has just released ‘Libertango’ a blend of traditional Irish music with contemporary freshness and ethnic influences of reggae rhythms, rock, and the twang of American country and bluegrass. Sinead O’Connor guests on two traditional songs; Kirsty MacColl performs the title track ’Libertango’ and a bit of ‘Hip Hop’ is performed by Marvel and Lady K. This is an absolutely brilliant recording; Sharon Shannon has outdone herself. Website: www.compassrecords.com

• Cold Blow these Winter Winds, A Celtic Celebration of Christmas just released by Green Linnet. This recording was recorded live at Queen’s Hall, Edinburgh, Scotland and features: Rory Campbell (Old Blind Dogs, Deaf Sheppherd); Eliza Carthy; Rory McLeod, Mary MacMaster (the Poozies, Sileas); Corrina Hewat, Aaron Jones, Andy Lang, Tim Mathew, Dave Milligan, Dean Owens, and Karine Polwart (Malinky).

Christmas Carols include ‘Lullay Lullay’ and ‘Christ Child’s Lullaby’. Shane McGowan’s ‘Fairytale of New York’ is also recorded on the album.
Website: www.greenlinnet.com

Another website to check on musicians and their music is www.cdbaby.com Here you will find all of Seamus Kennedy’s music and some of our locals, specifically Ballad Singer, Terry Griffith.

Some really good Irish entertainment is coming to Mullaney’s Harp & Fiddle over the next few weeks.
• Thursday, November 11 through Saturday, November 13 is Seamus Kennedy
• Wednesday, November 17, a Concert with Brother, the Celtic band from Australia
• Friday, November 19 and Saturday, November 20, Celtic Clan from Boston and the resident band at The Black Rose. This group performed at the Harp & Fiddle on a regular basis several years ago. They are still eclectic and keep the house rockin’.

Robert Morris University is developing some Irish programs through 2005. On Friday, November 19th, RMU presents a lecture entitled ‘An Outsider Explores the Poetry of Yeats’ presented by Dr. Syed Tanvir Wasti, RMU’s first international visiting scholar. The program begins at 6:00PM begins with a Reception with hors d’oeuvres and traditional music with Hooley. The Lecture begins at 7:00PM with discussion to follow at 8:00PM. This program takes place at the Pittsburgh Regional History Center in The Strip District. For information contact Terry Kwiakowski by email at Kwiatkowski@rmu.edu.

INTERVIEWS
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 14th - Andrew Paul, Artistic Director of The Pittsburgh Irish & Classical Theatre will be a guest on Echoes of Erin talking about the new production, James Joyce’s ‘The Dead’ which will be performed December 2 through 18, 2004 at the Stephen Foster Memorial in Oakland. Call PICT at 412-561-6000.

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 21st – George Balderose, Director of the Balmoral School of Piping will have a pre-recorded interview with me about a program / concert he will perform on November 26th. I do not have the particulars at this time.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 5TH - I will conduct an interview with Joseph Black of Belfast. Joe Black was lifted at the Philadelphia Airport in July as he and his family was enroute to Pittsburgh for a family wedding. Officials charged him with filling out his immigration form wrong; therefore he had to spend 35 days in jail and eventually was deported back to Ireland. His treatment, totally unfair, was a result of the U. S. Patriot Act.

Until next time, have a Happy Thanksgiving and may you be blessed with all that you need.

Slan and Pray for Peace in the World.

Diane