THE CELTIC CONNECTION
THE CELTIC CONNECTION • OCTOBER 1995
Volume 5, Number 8 #741 -916 West Broadway, Vancouver, B.C. V5Z 1K7 Tel: (604) 434-3747 • Fax:(604) 434-3749 Maura McCay - Publisher/Designer Cathollne Butler - Advertising Manager Alicia Martin - Editor Jack Wallace - Consulting Editor Delrdre Keohane - Celtic Artist Ron Johnstone Celtic Artist Ann-Marie Flnnerty - Input Distribution: Art Marshall • Kevin Boggan • Mike Paul • Rory O'Sulllvan
Published 10 times per year. Unsolicited submissions welcome but will not be returned. Please retain a copy for your files. Contents copyright 1395. The Celtic Connection. The opinions expressed here are not necessarily those of the publisher but rather a reflection of voices in the community. Please address all correspondence the publisher of 77m Celtic Connection. All correspondence must include a name, address and telephone number.
Canada Post Canadian Publications Agreement 477842
** **n$" sftottgrt peyond, the grave. This Is the world of light and speech, and I shall take t*a««. *o tell yoa that yoa are very <uir, nw«»ve
Moore School of Irish Dancing
Est. 1963 by Violet Moore
Member of North American, Western Canada, British Columbia and Canadian-Irish Dance Foundation Accredited adjucator and examinations for Ireland, U.S., Canada, England, Australia and New Zealand Further information for classes of instruction
Contact: Violet Moore 7943 - 17th Avenue, Burnaby, B.C. V3N 1M4
(604) 522-0445
COMERFORD SCHOOL OF IRISH DANCING
Beginner and Adult Ceili Dancing Classes Begin in September
For more information
Call Erin Hickey (604) 984-8866 or (604) 988-7442
ff$a Rogue Folk Club 1 WkMr^m ""' °f Celtic music in \ ancoiirci L T2fi«ig at The vv.I.S.E. Hall (1882 Adanac St.)
i-nday OCTOBER 6th (8:30) A Burnin' Hunka Celtic Funk! Vancouver's hottest Celtic band MAD PUDDING Saturday OCTOBER 28th (8-30) Legendary Irish performer and founder of Planxty returns for an evening of Irish and Balkan music ANDY IRVINE'S EAST WIND TRIO
Saturday OCTOBER 14th (830) Celtodelic Rock V Reel with California's Celtic Spinal Tap' TEMPEST
Friday NOVEMBER 3rd (8-30) Two Manchester Ramblers: a superb guitarist / songwriter & a crazy poet CLIVE GREGSON & LES BARKER
Thursday OCTOBER 19th (8:00) Remarkable Irish accordion virtuoso and her hot band. Vancouver debut' Sharon SHANNON
Sunday OCTOBER 22nd (8:00) New & Trad. English folk songs from a great songwriter & a superb trio PETE MORTON & ARTISAN Wednesday NOVEMBER 8th Brilliant Scots songwriter / fiddler DOUGIE MacLEAN
Saturday NOVEMBER 11th Robin Huw Bowen
Tickets at Black Swan, Highlife, Rufus' Guitars ^ For info. & reservations, call 736-3022
LETTER FROM THE PUBLISHER
Another Year, Another Victory
By MAURA McCAY
As I was working on this issue, I could not help but reflect back four years ago, at this same time, when we were working in a frenzied state to produce our inaugural issue of The Celtic Connection.
Our first issue was published in October 1991 and anyone involved on that production will remember the sheer madness of days and nights slipping away and time taking on a whole new meaning.
Our tiny office down on Hastings Street was stifling hot, cramped and frequently the scene of feverish activity late into the night. We were like lambs to slaughter, having no idea what we had undertaken however curiosity, audacity and love of adventure propelled us down a path which had the potential to lead us anywhere.
As I look back, I realize what a miracle it was that we survived some of the torrential storms. We had some wonderful people working on our team — all talented in their own areas of expertise. Without their faith and contribution, we could not have made it.
Everyone who has worked to
Eut this paper together from the eginning have each contributed something of their own personal identity.
The journey hasn't all been hardship either. There have also been many victories celebrated and the path has led me to meet
some wonderful people, many in distant places that I could only dream about before.
It has also taken me on wonderful adventures attending conferences and making contacts in Dublin and Strabane and Derry City, and across the water to Scotland and the sacred island of Iona.
Working on The Celtic Connection each month has also opened my eyes to so much more and it has been a journey which has required faith and trust in the Higher Forces. It has also required faith that the work we are doing has some significance, that we are serving a necessary function within the community and that the support we so very much require and depend upon will be forthcoming when needed.
One of the main rewards of this project however, has not been financial gain and despite outward appearances, we operate
on a complete shoestring budget with almost everyone involved volunteering their time and effort.
On October 28, we celebrate four years with a fundraising event for The Celtic Connection. What more fitting occasion than the Celtic New Year, a time to draw closer to the warmth of the fire and seek support and assistance in the coming year from those who have gone before us. It is the time when the door between the two worlds opens and the crossing is most narrow.
Come out and celebrate with us and come dressed as your favourite mythological or historical figure and win a prize for best costume. For more details regarding the event turn to page 4.
Your support for The Celtic Connection is valued and absolutely essential. Please subscribe if you haven't already.
Your response to the questionnaire on page 16 of this issue will also help us to assess the needs of the larger community and assist us to determine our next move. Please fill it out and return it to us as soon as possible.
As for the future, who knows? We cannot predict the outcome but only proceed as we have, doing the best we can with the resources available, in the faith that what we need will be provided, v—*
Until next issue, V\\Xlv\A •
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Fiddler Looking for Musical Partners
Condolences
To Don Consodine of Vancouver on the recent death of his mother in Ireland.
Condolences
Dear Editor:
Greetings! I am an Irish fiddler, newly arrived in Vancouver as part of the latest shipment of immigrants from Ontario and I'm looking to connect with others who play tunes, or are interested in learning to play fiddle.
I actually hail from Northern California and, in fact, haven't a drop of Celtic blood in my body (I'm a Russian/Yugoslav Jew), but I have immersed myself in Celtic music for the past 16 years.
I took up the fiddle in my teenage years and at age 20 went to live in Scotland and Ireland, where I sat in pubs every night, madly attempting to play along in sessions. Since then, I have travelled around North America and Europe, always in search of the ultimate session.
I settled in Ottawa in 1989, where I formed various ensembles, and played a wide variety of gigs (from daycare benefits to lavish conferences). I also started teaching fiddle; my students range in ages from 6-60 years old, and in ability from absolute beginners to concert violinists wanting to learn jigs and reels.
Now, as I settle into my new home, I'm hoping to find people who are interested in jamming, gigging or learning to play. If you're interested, please call me at (604) 327-7043.
Cheers!
Jessica Winter, Vancouver (See page 6 for more letters)
In Remembrance
October 19 — Liam McCay, in memory of a loss which time will never heal. Until we meet again in Tir na N'Og.
Deepest condolences to Sue Gregg of London, England, on the death of her only daughter "Ziggy" Heather Gregg (35), on September 26, in Vancouver. A true artist, she will be greatly missed by all her friends.
Congratulations
To Kristina Nielsen and Daniel Jean of Fanny Bay, B.C., who were married on September 9. May you enjoy many nappy and prosperous years together.