THE CELTIC CONNECTION • MAY 1996
Page 5
Pogue Fans Still Kicking Up
By ALICIA MARTIN
VANCOUVER —There they were, faces glued towards the skating gods before them, chins raised on a 45 degree angle towards the multi-screens, beers in hand and fists clenched in anticipation.
A local Canucks game at General Motors Place? No — An evening with The Pogues at the Commodore Ballroom, which unfortunately (or not), coincided with a playoff game.
Hockey mania aside, April 23 belonged to the larger-than-life, multi-talented Pogues. This was my second Pogues concert and
their second gig here without their infamous lead Shane Mc-Gowan. Instead, Spider Tracy took the vocals spotlight and did a fine job of belting out those too-many-whiskey-and-cigarettes, bluesy tunes.
Although the show started and ended with a bang, I was left flat somewhere around the middle but watching the eclectic groups of dancers flinging themselves into their movements and each other was worth the price of admission alone.
The suit-clad group of seven (with Spider looking particularly Their dancing fans, some in like a drunken David Byrne) leather, some in Birkenstocks and
must have played at least twice that number of instruments, including a didgeridoo, banjo, accordion and a Ravi Shankar type instrument. The latter which was a highlight with its synchronized use of the mirror ball — the effect was a bit like a time warp.
some in Versace were a treat to watch.
As for the opening act, Hamell on Trial and his "aggressive acoustics," he didn't have to scream his point home so loudly. Oh well, count me among the aging punks — the kids seemed to like it.
Volunteers Needed
By CATHOLINE BUTLER
VANCOUVER -- After many years absence, The Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann (the cream of Irish singers and dancers and musicians from Ireland) will be pet-forming on October 2,0 at Sir Charles Tupper Secondary School.
There are 18 to 20 of these performers who need home billeting as well as picks up and drop off to concerts and airport.
These musicians and dancers are from all over Ireland and have won the highest awards for their talents. They are sent all over the world as goodwill ambassadors for Ireland and are representa-
tives of their particular talents.
It's a wonderful way to meet first hand these visitors and who knows...you may have a friend for life and also someone to visit on your next trip to Ireland.
Attempts will be made where possible to pair "counties with counties" but if this is not possible, we ask your support and understanding in helping us to find welcome homes for these visitors.
Ann Carr is the billeting coordinator and she can be reached at (604)228-9527 or you can call me at The Celtic Connection at (604)434-3747.
A Sensational Musical Collaboration
Going Classical
VANCOUVER — If you were one of the lucky ones to be in the audience last May when Vancouver's own Spirit of the West (SOTW) teamed up with The Vancouver Symphony Orchestra (VSO) to present a concert called "An Open Heart Symphony,' you will remember what an inspirational experience that was.
Now, as a result of that collaboration, an encore is planned at the Orpheum Theatre on May 22.11 will also be a CD release party for the album recorded at the concert last year.
There are a few additions planned this year, including an appearance by SWOT's orchestral arranger George Blondheim as guest conductor and pianist.
There is a growing trend among popular artists to produce unplugged music and many have integrated a symphonic component into their live and recorded performances. Blondheim said, "Synthetic sound was big in the Eighties. What listeners and musicians want now is that human or unplugged element to be introduced again. A symphony is the ultimate acoustic experience. It's real people making all that sound."
The Open Heart Symphony project was first conceived over three years ago and was initially intended to be a symphonic version of SOTW's greatest hits but it was felt that the greatest hits route was a bit tired so the idea evolved to write fresh new songs with an orchestra in mind.
Lead singer and songwriter John Mann, along with co-writer Geoffrey Kelly, who plays guitars and flute, created 11 new compositions for last year's event. Now, those unable to attend last year and this year will have an opportunity to listen to the results on the new CD called Open Heart Symphony, which is being released under the Warner Music label. — Maura McCay
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Spirit of the West is back!
For one night only... musical magic in the making.
Clyde Mitchell, Conductor • George Blondheim, Orchestral Arrangements
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MEDIA SPONSORS
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TOUR SPONSOR
Tickets available at ALL
Wfai >^ outlets or Charge-by-Phone 280-3311 For tickets and information call the Symphony |J fl Groups call 684-9100