Newsletter - Comhaltas Rochester Irish Music Association

Comhaltas Ceóltoiri Éireann
Tom Finucane Branch
Rochester, New York
Lúil
agus
Lúnasa
2015
Newsletter
July/Auguste 2015
Antoin Mac Gabhann
An organization
dedicated to the
advancement of
traditional Irish music,
language, dance and
culture
HOUSE CONCERT
at the First Baptist Church of Fairport
In This Issue:
House
Concert
1-3
CCE gets
Citizen Prize
3
Grand Cru
session #2
3
Fleadh
Winners
4
Remembering
Frank &
George
5-6
Local Events
7
IACI Events
8
Officers,
Membership
9
Local
Sessions
10
Thursday, July 30th at 7:30 PM
First Baptist Church of Fairport
92 S Main St, Fairport, NY 14450
Tickets $10 (also asking for a small donation to
the church for sharing their space)
Branch website: www.irishrochester.com
Facebook: rochester irish musicians association
Comhaltas Rochester
July/August 2015 Page 2
We’re very lucky that Irish fiddle
master Antoin MacGabhann (aka
Tony Smith) will be making a solo
appearance in Rochester during his
trip in July.
There are good fiddle-players,
there are great fiddle-players, and
there are fiddle masters. Antoin
Mac Gabhann is a fiddle master by
anybody's definition.
The great traditional music
announcer of the last century,
Seamus MacMathuna, described
him very well:
“The essential thing about Tony's
music is that it is pure music for the
love of it…. His commitment is to
Irish traditional music, played with
feeling and integrity, letting the tune
be heard complete with grace
notes and traditional artistry. His
style is more personal than
belonging to any particular region
and his playing with its distinctive
warmth of tone and steady tempo
is easily and immediately
recognised.
“It is scarcely necessary to add that
Antoin, in his years in the
competitive arena during the early
70's took every honour going,
including the All-Ireland Senior
Fiddle title, the Fiddler of Dooney
title and the Oireachtas Fiddle
Trophy...”
Aside from being an enormously
important fiddle player, Antoin is almost
better known these days as a teacher. A
very active member in his musical
community, he has taught many of the
more well known fiddlers who have gone
on to play great music, such as Paul
O'Shaughnessy (formerly of Altan and
Beginish), Tom Morrow (of Dervish),
Felim (RIP) and MacDara O'Raghallaigh
(Micheal O'Raghallaigh's brothers), and
dozens of others.
For more information
http://comhaltas.ie/music/treoir/detail/antoin_mac_gabhann_the_master_musician_of_mullahoran
Comhaltas Rochester
July/August 2015 Page 3
Videos of Antoin MacGabhann:
http://comhaltas.ie/music/detail/comhaltaslive_425_
8_frank_kelly_antoin_mac_gabhann/
ComhaltasLive #425-8: Frank Kelly & Antóin
Mac Gabhann: All-Ireland Champions from the
1970s, Frank Kelly (Donegal) and Antóin Mac
Gabhann (Cavan) together play three reels - “Tom
Ward’s Downfall”, “Reel of Mullinavat” and “Queen
of May” as a session at Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann
2013 in Derry.
Antoin Mac Gabhann and Frank Kelly
at the Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann in
Sligo, 2014 (from Treoir, Uimhir 3, 2014)
See also, Antoin plays Paddy Ryan’s Dream
and “Mama’s Pet” at Mullahoran Concert in
Cavan. 2007
http://comhaltas.ie/music/detail/comhaltaslive_202_
1_anton_mac_gabhann/
COMHALTAS – The Living Tradition – award from Europe
“It was a gala occasion at Brú Ború, in the shadow of the ancient Rock of
Cashel, when Comhaltas was presented with the prestigious European Citizen’s
Prize. There was another milestone in the eventful journey of Comhaltas from small
beginnings in 1951 to its world status today.” (Treoir, Uimhhir 1 2015)
The European Citizen’s Prize
Since 2008 the European Parliament awards the European Citizen’s Prize every year to
projects and initiatives that facilitate cross-border cooperation or promote mutual
understanding within the EU. The prize is also intended to acknowledge the work of those
who through their day-to-day activities promote European values.
Second Grand Cru Chocolate Session – June 27, 2015
Comhaltas Rochester
July/August 2015 Page 4
Mid-Atlantic Fleadh Competition
At the Fleadh Cheoil 2015, Parsippany, NJ
Congratulations to local musicians
Jayne Pomplas, age 15-18
First Place, fiddle
Bram Pomplas, age under 12
Third place, fiddle
First place, bodhran
Second place, fiddle, slow airs
Bram playing fiddle
John M. Ryan, age 18 and over
Second place button accordion
First place, Melodeon
First place, Lilting
Jayne with her trophy
John Michael Ryan
Bram celebrates with friends
Jayne’s debut album: Traditional Irish Music
on fiddle:
http://tradconnect.com/m/blogpost?id=63911
99%3ABlogPost%3A185364
Available via cdbaby:
http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/jaynepomplas
JMR
Comhaltas Rochester
July/August 2015 Page 5
Two Comhaltas Hall of Fame Musicians
Remembered by Ted McGraw
Frank Murphy:
George Walker:
Frank came from Westport, Co. Mayo and
started with music on the harmonica when he
was only about 7 so he could go ‘out on the
Wren’ with a group to the neighboring
farmers houses. At about 12 years, he
started playing the fiddle, and a short time
later took up the accordion. The accordion
was loud enough not to be drowned out in
the noisy house parties. He eventually joined
a local band and started playing for dances in
the local halls.
George came from Rooskagh Hill,
Newcastle West, Co. Limerick in 1949
when he was 22 years old. He started
playing fiddle at age 15 with lessons from
Paddy Ahern and after a couple of years
put up a platform at the crossroads
where he and his brother Johnny played
for country dances. When he came here
he started playing for dances in the
basement of the French Church (Our
Lady of Victory) on Pleasant St. These
dances were organized by the Rochester
Harps Club of the Gaelic Athletic
Association. When Jim Finucane came
here in 1956, he joined George’s band.
The Harps bought their own clubhouse in
1959, so that became the center for Irish
music and dances until the mid 1970’s
when the club burned down. Not long
after the club opened, George took up
the sax, and he also played banjo and
bodhran. George, with Jim on accordion,
and John Parks on drums (Ray
Lawrence eventually replaced John on
drums) were THE Irish band in upstate
NY for those 2.5 decades. Besides the
Club, they played for parties, weddings,
and for the banquets and dances after all
the football and hurling matches in
Rochester and Syracuse.
He came to relatives in Rochester in 1949
and started playing at ‘Kelly’s Irish Village’ on
State St., a place where Jack O’Keefe,
Paddy Ryan and Elma Hassett played. By
the time I met Frank in the mid-’50’s, the Irish
Village was gone and he was playing at the
AOH Club on Alexander St. every Sat. with
Neville O’Connor, a banjo player from
Tipperary. For big events, they added Al
Dungen, a piano player. A couple of us from
Fisher College were invited to Frank’s house
on Fri. nights to learn tunes and play with
Frank. I called these private sessions
‘informal lessons’ and they were invaluable to
me, a rank beginner. Every 3 weeks, Frank’s
friends held an invitation only house party. It
moved around between about 5 houses.
These parties were absolutely fantastic and
my first experience with the real Irish folk
culture!
Frank joined us in the Blackthorn Ceilidh
Band in the early ’80’s. We played for
concerts, dances, parties in all kinds of
venues across upstate NY. Frank also used
to come to our early jam sessions in the
1970’s at the Friendship Tavern on Lake Ave.
Frank was a wonderful musician; there was
so much life & lift to his music, and he was
always ready to share a tune.
There was a rumor, never confirmed by
George, that he knew every tune in
O’Neill’s book when he came out here!
NOTE: a special event to commemorate
George, Frank and Liam Magee on a
Saturday in late July or August is
anticipated. Watch your email for
details.
Comhaltas Rochester
July/August 2015 Page 6
George Walker
George Walker & Marty O’Keefe at
McGraw’s Irish Pub
George Walker
Stephanie, Lynn and George
Blackthorn Ceilidh Band with Frank
Frank Murphy at the Hall of
Fame induction in Albany, NY.
Comhaltas Rochester
July/August 2015 Page 7
Music club activities
Button Box Club, 10:00 am – 12:00 – recess until August, 2015
Pittsford Recreation Center, 35 Lincoln Avenue, Pittsford, NY
July 11 Flute and Whistle Club, 10:00 am – 11:00
Sets for Sessions Practice: 11 am- 12
Pittsford Recreation Center, 35 Lincoln Avenue, Pittsford, NY
July 18 Fiddle Club, 10:00 am – 12:00
Pittsford Recreation Center, 35 Lincoln Avenue, Pittsford, NY
August 1 Button Box Club, 10:00 am – 12:00 (probably at Scott’s house)
(watch your email for details and confirmation)
Pittsford Recreation Center, 35 Lincoln Avenue, Pittsford, NY
August 8 Flute and Whistle Club, 10:00 am – 12:00
Pittsford Recreation Center, 35 Lincoln Avenue, Pittsford, NY
August 15 Fiddle Club, 10:00 am – 12:00
Pittsford Recreation Center, 35 Lincoln Avenue, Pittsford, NY
Tullamore Celtic Band
Traditional Acoustic Songs and Tunes
Terry O'Toole, Vocals, Guitar, Concertina, Whistle
Dick Bolt, Vocals, Fiddle, Guitar
Brian Coughlin, Vocals, Flute, Whistles, Tuba
Moonlight Strolls Concert with Drumcliffe School of Irish Dance
Friday July 10, 8 -10 pm Sonnenberg Gardens and Mansion
State Historic Park, 151 Charlotte Street, Canandaigua, NY 14424
Snacks, Soft Drinks, Wine, Beer Available; Bring a Lawn Chair
For more information please contact [email protected]
For our music, free samples, CDs and digital sales contact
www.cdbaby.com/artist/tullamorecelticband
Photos from Sunday session at Sheridan’s by Shawn Casey
Comhaltas Rochester
July/August 2015 Page 8
Irish American Cultural Institute, Rochester, NY
IACI 2015-2016 Film Feis
October 4
Barry Lyndon
November 1 Pavee Lackeen,
The Traveller Girl
January 3
December Bride
February 7 Secret of Kells
March 6
The Boxer
April 3
Veronica Guerin
McGinnity’s, Sundays, 4-7 pm
Except February 7th, (Superbowl)
film show time is 2-5 pm.
Sunday session at Sheridan’s
Photo: Shawn Casey
Space is available for paid advertisements and classifieds.
For information, please contact Jean Smith: [email protected]
PILAROSCIA AGENCY
General Insurance
Property, Casualty, Personal, Commercial
Phone: 585-381-2605
2509 Browncroft Blvd., Rochester, NY 14625
Comhaltas Rochester
Branch Officers - 2015
Cathoirleach (Chair)
Jean Smith
Leas-Cathoirleach (Vice Chair)
John Ryan
Runai (Secretary)
Bill Hallahan
Cisteoir (Treasurer)
Lynn Pilaroscia
Michoir (Auditor)
Shawn Casey
Youth Officers
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
Marta Driscoll
Newsletter
Bill Hallahan
Music Instrument Library
Mark Gowman
Concerts & Festivals
Dave Halligan
John Ryan
July/August 2015 Page 9
Look for us on Facebook:
Rochester Irish Musician’s Association
Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann
MEMBERSHIP AND DUES for 2015
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
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.
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
Join Comhaltas and support Irish music.and culture.
Check your membership card for expiration date.
If you have ideas or articles or announcements or photos to include in this
newsletter, please send them to Bill Hallahan at [email protected].
Comhaltas Rochester
July/August 2015 Page 10
Comhaltas-Sponsored Music Sessions, Dancing, Singing
1 st Sundays of every month:
4:00 pm
The American Hotel
7304 E. Main Street, Lima, NY
2rd Friday of every month:
8:00 pm CCE music session
Now at Jo’s Place, 1768 E Main St.
Last Sunday of every month:
3:00 pm Music Learning Session
Johnny's Irish Pub
4:00 pm Singer Session with Jean & Becky
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. James Coughlin, caller.
OTHER TRADITIONAL IRISH & CELTIC MUSIC SESSIONS
Every Monday:
Colie’s Café, Nazareth College campus
Leader: Jane Sturmer
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:
7:00 pm (study session) Charlotte Tavern, 2 River Road & Lake Ave.
Every Saturday:
Barry’s Old School Irish, Webster.
2:00-5:30 pm.
Leader: John Ryan
Every Sunday:
2:007:00 pm. Leader: Bill Henrie.
Sheridan's Pub 1551 Mt. Hope Avenue, Rochester.
Every other Monday:
First Wednesdays:
Kelly's in Geneseo, 8 pm.
Leader: Jim Kimball & Geneseo String Band
7:00 pm
Scottish Sessions at Sheridan’s
Thursdays
Begins at 7:30 pm. Duffy’s Irish Pub,
100 West Main Street, Avon, NY (RR station at the tracks).
Leaders: Bill Henrie & Adrienne Maher