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Dervish Mention in article about Irish music
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Frederick Post, Dervish Mention in article about Irish music >>
Irish music: It's not just for March anymore
Elizabeth Cromwell
Your Library
This week's guest columnist is Susan Cardella, of the Emmitsburg Branch Library.
YES, IRISH MUSIC, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS CELTIC MUSIC, may be enjoyed all year around. CD'a are great; however, if you are seeking a live performance. March is your lucky time of year. For it is at that time that many venues choose ta book a variety of Irish bands and musicians in an attempt to celebrate the ubiquitous St. Patrick's Day, which was originally a Christian festival. Now it is too often celebrated by wearing gaudy shades of green and drinking excessive amounts of beer, which has been dyed a similarly unnatural shade of green.
What is Celtic music? Think "Riverdance" or "Danny Boy" — that's what most folks picture. But it's oh so much more. Celtic music can encompass many sorts of sounds: in essence it's traditional, but with each new day talented and innovative musicians put their own spin on it — resulting in sub-genres such as Celtic rock and Celtic fusion. But no matter how tweaked it becomes, there are still undercurrents of the traditional sounds — sounds that range from moving ballads and bawdy drinking songs, to jigs and reels — sounds that won't let your body stay still.
Celtic music is typically associated with Ireland and Scotland, but also includes Wales, Brittany, Galicia (in Spain) and Nova Scotia, not to mention the United States. When the Irish and Scottish migratal to the United States, they brought their music along with them. It exists in various forms and areas, including the southern Appalachians, where they settled. (New York and Boston, to name a few, also have vibrant traditional music scenes.)
Those of us who love this musical genre may certainly count our blessings. Celtic music abounds today, and we have many local musicians and venues from which to choose. It is a pleasure to announce that Frederick County Public Libraries will host a Celtic Celebration in March. The featured artists are Maggie Sansone (liammered dulcimer) and Sue Richards (Celtic harp); Andy Garte will accompany them on bass. The Celtic trio will be playing mostly instrumentals, such as jigs and reels, and will include some sing-alongs.
Sansone is known throughout the United States as a performer, producer and a teacher of the hammered dulcimer. She has recorded nine albums, and is the founder and president of Maggie's Music, a record label.
Richards was called, according to the Maggie's Music website, "one of America's brightest stars" by Dirty Linen, a folk music magazine. She is a four-time National Scottish harp champion. In addition, her second recording, "Morning Aire," won tbe coveted Wammie award for Album of the Year.
The concert will be hold in the Hospitality Room in Knott Arena at Mount St. Mary's University on Thursday, March 8, at 7 p.m. Knott Arena is just off US. 15, about 20 miles north of Frederick. Best of all, the concert is sponsored by Frederick County Public Libraries and is free and open to the public. This is a grand opportunity to celebrate your Celtic heritage or to 0ve a listen to some mighty musicians.
By the way, you can listen to samples of their music on tbe website: www.maggiesmusic.com.
To enhance your Celtic experience you may want'to check out the library's collection of books and music. A personal favorite of mine is "In Search of Ancient Ireland," by Carmel McCaffrey and Leo Eaton. You might also try giving the Chieftains a listen. We also have a bounty of travel books if you're planning a trip to Western Europe or Nova Scotia.
With all that said. Im going to conclude tbis by mentioning some of my very favorite musicians: John Doyle — in my book no one can top this County Sligo singer and innovative guitarist; and Liz Cai roll — a powerhouse fiddler. Check out tbe album she and Doyle made together, "In Play." In addition, I'd like to mention Martin Hayes (fiddler extraordinaire) with Deimis Cahill on guitar; Lunasa; Dervish; and from Scotland, the Peatbog Faeries and Shooglenifty.
We hope to see you at our Celtic Cole- eaomwelkifredco-nid.net.) bration. For more infonnation call 301-600-6329 (Emmitsburg) or 301-271-7721 (Thurmont).
Elizabeth Cromwell is public relations manager far Frederick County Public Libraries and can be reached at ecromwell@fredco-md.net.
02/25/07
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