Comhaltas Ceóltoiri Éireann

Tom Finucane Branch

Rochester, New York

Lúil

agus

Lúnasa 2014

In This Issue:

Marty O’Keefe Celebration

2

Runa Concert 3, 7

FullSet Concert

4, 7

Jayne’s CD Debut

5

Invitation to play

6

Events 7

Branch Officers & Membership

8

Local Sessions

9

Newsletter

July/August 2014

An organization dedicated to the advancement of

traditional Irish music, language, dance and

culture

Celebrate the summer with Marty

Get ready for August!

August 2: CD party & session August 2: Runa Concert

August 14: FullSet Concert

Current website: www.irishrochester.weebly.com

Comhaltas Rochester July/August 2014 Page 2

2011

2012

CELEBRATE MARTY O’KEEFE

Jo Carroll and Marty’s family invite

you to a re-release of

Marty O’Keefe’s original CD.

There will be CDs for sale

beginning at 5 pm on August 2 at

Carroll’s (1768 E Main St,

Rochester, NY 14609).

The festivities will include a seisu’n

led by Mary Lester, Brian Clancy, Mike Ryan and Jerry Flanagan.

2013

Comhaltas Rochester July/August 2014 Page 3

.

about RUNA www.runamusic.com

RUNA draws on the diverse musical backgrounds of its band members and offers a contemporary and

refreshing approach to traditional and more recently composed Celtic material. Through their repertoire

of both highly energetic and graceful, acoustic melodies, along with their fusion of music from Ireland,

Scotland, Canada, and the United States, this vocal and instrumental ensemble gives its arrangements of

traditional songs and tunes a fresh sound.

Members of RUNA have played with Solas, Riverdance, Slide, Clannad, Fiddlers’ Bid, Moya Brennan,

Eileen Ivers, Hazel O’Conner, Full Frontal Folk, Keith & Kristyn Getty, Barcó, Téada, and the Guy

Mendilow Band.

RUNA consists of vocalist and step-dancer, Shannon Lambert-Ryan of Philadelphia, Dublin-born

guitarist, Fionán de Barra, Cheryl Prashker of Canada on percussion, Dave Curley on mandolin, vocals,

bodhrán, and step-dancing, and Maggie Estes of Kentucky on the fiddle. The band often performs with

world-renowned, guest musicians, including Ross Holmes (Mumford & Sons, Cadillac Sky, Chessboxer)

on fiddle, Matt Mancuso (Cathie Ryan Band) on fiddle, and Isaac Alderson (The Yanks, Comas) on the

uilleann pipes, flutes, and whistles. RUNA was recently recognized on an international level in the Irish

Music Awards for 2013. RUNA recently released their third album, Somewhere Along the Road – hailed

by Irish Philadelphia as “an inspired group that has found its voice, and its place, in the world of Irish

music”.

Runa Concert: Saturday, August 2nd at 8pm

Lovin' Cup 300 Park Point Drive, Rochester, NY 14623 585-292-9940

Comhaltas Rochester July/August 2014 Page 4

All accomplished young musicians in their own right, FullSet create a stunning and unique sound that is full of energy and innovation , whilst all the time remaining true to their traditional roots.

In recent years this young group has received much critical acclaim.

Irish Music Magazine compared them to Danú & Altan. In 2012, FullSet were honored to receive “Best New Group Award” from the well respected Irish American News as well as “Best New comer” in Bill Margeson’s Live Ireland Awards.

Michael Harrison, on fiddle, used original and colorful techniques.

Martino Vacca is an exceptional uilleann piper. Talented musician, Janine Redmond , on button accordion maintains a rich traditional style that is becoming ever so rare in traditional music today . Eamonn Moloney on bodhrán and Andy Meaney on guitar, blend the music together with a sensitive yet driving accompaniment section. The emotive singing style of Teresa Horgan completes the ensemble and is guaranteed to captivate audiences of every generation. www.fullsetmusic.com

FullSet Concert: Saturday, August 14th at 8pm

Lovin' Cup 300 Park Point Drive, Rochester, NY 14623 585-292-9940

Comhaltas Rochester July/August 2014 Page 5

Jayne Pomplas & Alan Murray

Debut Album

Here is your opportunity to support Jayne Pomplas in her new venture: a debut CD with an expected release in September. Many of you have witnessed the evolution and maturation of Jayne’s fiddle playing from her early days at the Learners’ Sessions at Johnny’s as well as her concerts at McGraws and also her performances at the Springwater Fiddlers Fair. She has also won several awards for her fiddle playing both in the US and in Ireland.

This “kickstarter” campaign is to raise money so that she can pay for studio time and production of the CD. All you need to do is click on this link and pledge any amount over one dollar. It is easy to pledge your support for Jayne’s project. Just use your Amazon.com account (or, set up an account) and you can pay with a credit card. Time is critical for the success of this CD so, don’t hesitate; pledge now to support her exciting project.

Here is the link: http://kck.st/1jLzIc6

Tony DeMarco is producing the album, as well as joining me for a track. He has been a wonderful friend and mentor to me over the years, and it has been so great to have his help with this project. Tony has been performing and teaching Irish fiddle music for more than 30 years, and is now one of the leading exponents of the New York/Sligo fiddle style.

Cillian Vallely will also be a featured guest on the album. In recent years, he has played and recorded with Lunasa, Bruce Springsteen, Natalie Merchant, Mary Chapin-Carpenter, Tim O’Brien, and Riverdance in addition to recording as a guest on over 50 albums.

Isaac Alderson will be joining me as well. He has toured, recorded and performed with the Yanks, Celtic Crossroads, Comas and the Bronx Boys. Isaac is also an all-Ireland champion on three instruments: uileann pipes, flute and whistle.

Here is what Jayne has to say about the new CD:

Alan Murray is accompanying me on the album with guitar and bouzouki. Alan is renowned for his backing in the New York area, and has toured and performed with artists such as Niall and Cillian Vallely, The Battlefield Band, the Bronx Boys and Karen Casey. He was also featured on Grainne Murphy's debut album.

Comhaltas Rochester July/August 2014 Page 6

Do you want to play some music?

You are invited to join the Comhaltas branch musicians for the following event. Performance date: Sunday, August 17, 2014: If you would like to play, we* need to know by August 3. Location: Genesee Country Village, Fiddlers’ Fair Two performances: At the church: play Irish tunes: 1:30-2:00 pm At the barn (exhibition hall): play Irish ceili dance music: 3:00-3:30 pm What you get: admission tag plus one guest tag. It would be appropriate if women wore

longish skirts/dresses to fit in with the 19th Century flavor of the Village.

Rehearsal: August 3 at Jean Smith’s house, noon-1:30 pm * please contact Jean Smith to sign up to play: jeanjesserersmith@rochester.rr.com We are welcome to set up and play anywhere in the village at any other time during the day . This is the reason for women wearing the long style skirt . It is a visual thing.

Photos of Jayne from facebook =>

Comhaltas Rochester July/August 2014 Page 7

July and August Events

Check the Calendar at: irishrochester.weebly.com

CCE BRANCH MEETING AT JOHNNY'S

When: Sun, July 27, 6pm – 7pm

Where: JOHNNY'S IRISH PUB 1342 CULVER ROAD ROCHESTER NY

Runa Sarurday, August 2nd at 8pm Lovin' Cup

Full Set Thursday, August 14th at 8pm Lovin' Cup

Socks in the Frying Pan Thursday, September 1th at 8pm Lovin' Cup

All three performances are $20 admission ($15 for paid Comhaltas members.

Email Marta for ticket information: marta.driscoll@gmail.com

To the Rochester Irish Musicians Association, Thank you so much for your generous donation to this evening’s

performance! (Cillian and Niall Valley concert at ERHS, June 25) We are proud to provide these experiences for our students and events to the community, and it is made possible by your donation.

- Mark Gowman

Tullamore Celtic Band July Performances Fri. July 11, 8:00 - 10:00 p.m.

With The Young School of Irish Dance: Moonlight Strolls Concert at Sonnenberg Gardens & Mansion State Historic Park Refreshments, Libations Available 151 Charlotte St. Canandaigua, NY 14424 Information at (585) 394-4922

Mon. July 28, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. Concert in the Village Park Gazebo, Village of Phelps, NY, 14532 Information at Village of Phelps Park & Recreation Commission (315) 719-2163

********************************************************************************************* For more information please contact dick@tullamorecelticband.com For music, free samples, CDs contact www.cdbaby.com/artist/tullamorecelticband

Comhaltas Rochester July/August 2014 Page 8

Irish music on the radio with Ted & John

McGraw:

Ol' Fiddler Show WRUR 88.5 FM Sundays 12:00-1pm

Irish Party House WRUR 88.5 FM Sundays 1pm-2pm

Branch Officers - 2014 Cathoirleach (Chair) Jean Smith Leas-Cathoirleach (Vice Chair) John Ryan Runai (Secretary) Bill Hallahan Cisteoir (Treasurer) Lynn Pilaroscia Michoir (Auditor) Shawn Casey Youth Officers Amy Coppola, Marta Driscoll

Programs Music Events Cathy McGrath Ted McGraw John Ryan Ceili Dancing Arlene Miller Membership Bill Hallahan Singers’ Session Becky Farrell Ferrigno Music Learner’s Session Mark Ballard Website Dan McGrath Newsletter Bill Hallahan Music Instrument Library Mark Gowman Concerts & Festivals Dave Halligan John Ryan

Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann MEMBERSHIP AND DUES

INFORMATION 2014

Dues: First Adult $25.00 Second Adult $ 8.00 Family $40.00 Junior $ 4.00 Please make your check payable to: CCE Mail to: Comhaltas

6658 North Avon Road Honeoye Falls, NY 14472

If you have ideas or articles or announcements or photos that you would like to be included in this newsletter, please send them to

Bill Hallahan at whallah3@naz.edu.

Look for us on Facebook:

Rochester Irish Musician’s Association

There will be regular Comhaltas Branch Meetings on the last Sunday of every month at Johnny’s at 4:30 – 5:00 pm for members to contribute ideas and learn how to support upcoming activities.

You can join or renew your Comhaltas membership any time of the year and your membership will commence on the date of

renewal and last for a full year from that date.

Comhaltas Rochester July/August 2014 Page 9

Comhaltas-Sponsored Music Sessions, Dancing, Singing 1

st Sundays of every month: The American Hotel

4:00 pm 7304 E. Main Street, Lima, NY

2rd

Friday of every month: 7:00 pm CCE music session Now at McGinnity’s beginning April 11, 2014 Last Sunday of every month: 3:00 pm Music Learning Session Johnny's Irish Pub 4:30-5:00 Comhaltas branch meetings 1342 Culver Road, Rochester, NY 5:00 pm Regular session Set Dancing Every Wednesday: McGinnity's Bar & Restaurant 7:30 pm 534 West Ridge Road

No experience, no partner necessary. Instructors: Arlene Miller (585) 663-4438 and Matt Ruf and James Coughlin, Sr.

OTHER TRADITIONAL IRISH & CELTIC MUSIC SESSIONS Every Monday: T.R. Noonan’s, 7804 Pittsford-Palmyra Road (Route 31) 6:00 pm waltz session 7:00-9:00 pm: jigs, reels, etc. same tune set each week (mostly) Ben’s website for the Monday session: https://sites.google.com/site/rocnyslowsession/ Every Tuesday: Charlotte Tavern

7:00 pm (study session) 2 River Road & Lake Ave. Every Sunday:

7:00 pm. Leader: John Ryan. Seisiun Dé Domhnaigh at 2:00-7:00 pm

Sheridan's Pub 1551 Mt. Hope Avenue, Rochester. Every Saturday: Barry’s Old School Irish, Webster.

2:00-5:30 pm. Leader: John Ryan

Every other Monday: Kelly's in Geneseo, 8 pm.

Leader: Jim Kimball & Geneseo String Band

First Wednesdays: Scottish Sessions at Sheridan’s beginning at 7:00 pm

Carroll's Bar and Restaurant:

1768 East Main St., Rochester: frequently & Wren Day

July 13-19, 2014 Catskills Irish Arts Week www.catskillsirishartsweek.com August 2, 2014 Runa www.runamusic.com/wordpress/ August 14, 2014 Full Set www.fullsetmusic.com/ September 4, 2014 Socks in the Frying Pan www.socksinthefryingpan.com/ September 13, 2014 Sixth Annual Springwater Fiddlers Fair & Crafts Show

October 19, 2014 12th Annual Irish Cultural Day

Music, Dance, Singing & Genealogy Workshops