Central Missouri Celtic Arts

Ahh, it's that dancing leprechaun time of year again. Looking past the green cheese, there's a fair bit to celebrate this year...

In March 2001 CMCAA started to take shape and our first logo was born, which is the true mark of being bona fide, so I think that makes this organization eight years old this month.

In January, CMCAA received a $1500 grant from the Milwaukee Irish Fest Foundation in support of our cultural programs, specifically our Summer Arts Program. We are currently taking residency applications.. so I hope to have some news soon about summer.

The Catholic Church in Ireland is observing St. Patrick's Day on Saturday, as the 17th falls during Holy Week. It's a reminder that the day was firstly a Church holiday long before it came to represent Irish identity in all it's many forms. Wikipedia -- all about St. Patrick's Day

Many's the keg of green beer to be found in Columbia on Monday, but if you want to raise your glass to the sound of traditional Irish music and raise your voice in a song or two, then Grill One-5, 15 S. Sixth St. is the place to be from 5 - 8 p.m. on the 17th. "Luck Penny" -- Tim Langen, Tom Schultz, Hein Leonhard and friends -- will play traditional dance tunes and songs of Ireland. Grill One-5 has Guinness and Bass on tap and will have a special Irish-themed menu for the day. Happy hour specials on all Irish bevvies -- beer, whiskey, coffee, tea, etc.
Dancers are welcome to step a few figures, if you can make room.

In between tunes, we'll afterglow about how great the Andy and Gerry concert was. (will have been?)

The abbreviated list of events is at the left. Read on for lots of details and links to more info. Hope to see you Saturday night for a much-anticipated concert!

-Kate

Céilí dance this Friday, March 14

Fun evening of dancing and music tonight!

Feeling green? come dance with us!
In Ireland, Scotland and eastern Canada, a céilí (kay-lee) is the traditional social dance -- an evening of music, dancing, songs and socializing. Before nightclubs and television, there were ceilis in most town and village halls on weekend evenings, and at rural crossroads in fair weather. It's a tradition that is still strong and has spread around the world to where ever Celtic music is heard.

Never done any Irish dancing? No problem. We have a beginners' lesson at 7 p.m., dancing starts at 7:30. All dances are taught and called.

Live music, refreshments, fun. All ages welcome.

CMCAA monthly ceili dance (second Fridays)
First Christian Church
101 N. Tenth St., Columbia, Missouri 65201
(Park and enter through the back door, facing Ash)
$5 admission for adults, free for ages 14 & under

7 p.m. beginners' lesson
7:30 p.m. dancing starts
First Christian Church, 101 N Tenth St.
Columbia, Missouri 65201
$5 adults, kids 14 & under attend free.
Refreshments provided

Stewart and O'Beirne Concert, Saturday, March 15

Advance tickets are available online (credit card) from BrownPaperTickets.com, or in person at the ceili on Friday, or at Cafe Berlin on Providence (check or cash).

We expect this show to be quite full, so please plan to arrive a little early.

We'll have coffee and lemonade at the break; you're invited to bring cookies, fruit or other goodies to share, if convenient.

A few volunteers are needed before the show to help with the door, CD sales and refreshments. Please e-mail Kate if you would like to help out.

Andy M Stewart and Gerry O'Beirne

Saturday March 15, 7 p.m.
Unity Center of Columbia, 1600 W. Broadway, Columbia MO 65203 map
Tix: $14/$12/$8 advance, +$2 at the door.

It will be great to welcome Andy and Gerry back to Columbia, and a landmark of sorts -- they were the first "big" Celtic concert for CMCAA in November of 2001. Wow -- 6 1/2 years and 37 concerts ago!

"Known for his wicked wit and sterling live performances, Andy M. Stewart is among the finest singers in the Scots/Irish traditional genre, with a voice that conveys more emotion in one line than most singers do in a lifetime." (Beacon Herald)

Even if Andy's name is not familiar, his songs probably are. His original songs have been recorded and performed by so many different singers (from the Dubliners to practically every Renaissance Faire wannabe) that they have become standards of the Celtic repertoire and are often mistakenly credited as traditional songs. Robert Burns is the only Scot whose songs are more pervasive. He made his name as the singer for Scottish supergroup Silly Wizard from 1979 to 88. He's toured with Gerry for the past 14 years and has 23 albums to his credit, not counting a multitude of compilations that include his songs.

Gerry O'Beirne, who also has a successful solo career, has performed twice on his own in Columbia and has developed quite a following. Fans will be happy to know he finally has a BRAND NEW ALBUM! It's a beautiful all-instrumental CD called The Bog Bodies and Other Stories: Music for Guitar -- all original compositions that showcases his dexterity and versatility on 6 and 12 strings, National Steel guitar, and a handful of other stringed things.

Listen to these MP3 sound samples:

Gerry: The Bog Bodies, track 3: Crows of Homer

Andy and Gerry:
Donegal Rain: Mary and the Hielan' Sodger
Man in the Moon: The Errant Apprentice

Read more about this concert and get the PDF flyer
(Please share and/or post a flyer or two!)