United Irish and UD Present Celtic Workshops   

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 11, 2007…Dayton, OH – The United Irish of Dayton, in partnership with the University of Dayton’s Continuing Education Department, announces the second annual Dayton Irish Arts Institute from Tuesday, July 24, through Thursday, July 26, prior to the sixth annual Dayton Celtic Festival.  UD will host the workshops on its campus.  The festival takes place at RiverScape MetroPark, 111 E. Monument Ave. in Downtown Dayton from Friday, July 27, through Sunday, July 29. 

The purpose of the workshops is to provide Daytonians with high quality Irish cultural instruction in an effort to increase and strengthen Irish traditions in the Miami Valley.  The breadth of instruction includes courses in music, arts and crafts, language and dance.  The workshops will be comprised of both group and individual sessions, with instruction being primarily in the evening.  Individual instruction will occur in the afternoon, and group music sessions will follow at the end of the evening.  Registration fees are $20 per day for the arts classes and group music lessons and $50 per class for the private music lessons. 

For more information on any of the workshops, please contact Kevin Graham at 937-864-2641, (e-mail KevinGraham@woh.rr.com) or visit the United Irish of Dayton website at www.unitedirishofdayton.org.
 
Music lessons include Irish Fiddle, Irish Harp, Bodhran, Guitar Accompaniment, Bouzouki Accompaniment, Irish Flute, Tin Whistle, How to Learn by Ear, and Traditional Songs for American Singers.  Classes in the arts include Irish Gaelic Language, Genealogy, Jewelry Making, Scrap Booking, a Travel Seminar, Irish Ceili Dancing, and Hurling.

Singer, fiddler and songwriter Laura Cortese, who is one of the headliner musicians at the festival, will conduct the Irish Fiddle workshop.  The Harp playing workshop will be taught by master harpist Candyce Dunham.  For those who have wondered how to play the Bodhran, the Irish drum, a workshop will teach the traditional backbeat of all Irish music.  Students are encouraged to bring their Bodhran.  John McBride, an experienced bodhran instructor, and member of the band Roger Drawdy and the Firestarters, will conduct the bodhran classes.  These workshops will be offered all three days.

The Guitar Accompaniment workshop (July 24 only) focuses on backing Irish traditional tunes, with special emphasis on learning to tap into the rhythm of a tune.  Students will learn when to change chords, and participants should already be able play with a steady rhythm and change chords without interruption.  Instructor is Matt Heaton, who along with his wife Shannon, will be another major headliner at the festival. 

Like the guitar workshop, the Bouzouki Accompaniment workshop (July 25) will emphasize backing Irish tunes in a traditional style.  The workshop will cover accompaniment approaches and discuss the brief history of the Bouzouki in Irish music.  Matt Heaton is the instructor. 

The Irish Flute Workshop (July 24) is for flute players with wood or metal flutes who are interested in playing Irish music.  Those less experienced with Irish music are welcome, but emphasis will be on traditional style and learning by ear.  All participants should be able to play D and G Major scales with a steady tone.  Students will work to develop stronger ear skills (with emphasis on singing as a way of expanding ear and repertoire) and explore psychological pitfalls of learning and playing in public sessions.  Shannon Heaton is the instructor.    

Like the flute workshop, in the Tin Whistle workshop (July 25) music will be taught by ear.  The workshop will cover rhythm, ornamentation, and social aspects of participating in sessions.  Shannon Heaton is the instructor. 

“How to Learn by Ear” (July 26) is for players both new to traditional music and for more seasoned players and teachers who wish to develop stronger ear skills and who wish to work on playing Irish music by ear (without using sheet music). By singing and playing instruments, students will work on learning tunes aurally, with special emphasis on Irish traditional music. Flutes, fiddles, whistles, banjos, pipes, accordions are all welcome; harps, guitars, keyboards are also welcome, though the instructors will work strictly on melodic playing.  Additionally, they will explore a few of the common psychological pitfalls of learning in public settings.  Matt Heaton is the instructor. 

The workshop “Traditional songs for American singers” (July 26) will explore the exciting world of possibilities for American singers who want to sing traditional songs in an “Irish style”, while still approaching the music with American diction.  Topics will include a survey of song sources; techniques for adapting Irish, Scottish, and English vocabulary, and accessing emotional connections inherent in traditional songs.  Participants will leave with techniques to aid in accessing traditional music deeply and honestly, from within authentic personal and cultural experiences.  Shannon Heaton is the instructor. 
 
Private music lessons can also be scheduled during the day.  Lessons will be 45 minutes in length and tailored to the needs of each individual student.  Instructors for these lessons are Laura Cortese (Fiddle), Matt Heaton (Guitar/Bouzouki) and Shannon Heaton (Flute/Tin Whistle).  To register for private lessons, please contact Kevin Graham directly at KevinGraham@woh.rr.com.
 
In addition to the music lessons, The Irish Arts Institute includes other classes, such as Irish language workshops.  Irish, one of three Gaelic languages, is experiencing a renaissance both in the U.S. and in Ireland.  Ron Crow, a leading regional language instructor who has taught Irish language for over 20 years and authored two Irish language textbooks, will conduct these workshops.  Crow is also a charter member of the North American Association of Celtic Language Teachers and co-founder of the Gaelic League of Central Ohio.

Other arts classes include a genealogy workshop for those interested in tracing their ethnic roots; a jewelry making course covering the basics of making beaded jewelry with an Irish or Celtic flair, a scrap booking workshop to help people with photos from trips to Ireland in create an Irish themed scrap book, and a travel seminar to help those planning a trip to Ireland obtain all necessary information for a successful experience.   

Irish Ceili Dancing workshops will introduce students to the footwork and movements of Irish Ceili dancing, cousin to American square dancing.  These are interactive classes, and singles and doubles are welcome. Students should wear comfortable thin leather soled shoes and loose light clothing.  Instructors are various dancers from the Celtic Academy of Irish Dance and the McGovern Ceili Dancers. 

Also, a Hurling workshop (July 25 and 26 only) will discuss this ancient Celtic sport played primarily in Ireland.  Note: Sticks will be provided and the size for each class will be limited to the first 15 paid registrants.

In addition, there will be a celebration of Irish culture with a session at the conclusion of classes on Thursday evening from 8:30 to 11:00 PM on the UD Campus.  Featured hoists will be Laura Cortese and Matt and Shannon Heaton.  It is open to the public and all are welcome to attend regardless of whether they attended the Institute.

Several Celtic Bands to Headline at 2007 Dayton Celtic Festival

             FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE           

June 11, 2007…Dayton, OH - The sixth annual Dayton Celtic Festival takes place at RiverScape MetroPark, 111 E. Monument Ave. in Downtown Dayton from Friday, July 27, through Sunday, July 29.  The event will feature Irish bands Gaelic Storm, The Jimmy Kelly Band, The Fuchsia Band, Laura Cortese, Matt and Shannon Heaton, Bruno’s Boys, Changeling, Dulahan, and other regional and local Celtic musical groups and dancers.  Admission is FREE.  The Dayton Celtic Festival is presented by the United Irish of Dayton, Inc. and Five Rivers MetroParks.  Festival hours are 5-11 p.m. Friday, 12 Noon – 11 p.m. Saturday, and 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. Sunday.

Gaelic Storm’s dynamic stage show features rousing, upbeat vocals, wild energetic dance tunes, haunting ballads and infectious madcap humor.  In 1997, Gaelic Storm made an appearance in the blockbuster film “Titanic”.  After the film’s release, the band was met by huge crowds on their first tour.  They still pride themselves, however, on remaining as accessible as ever.  Perhaps the best indication of Gaelic Storm's newfound international success came when Michael Flatley told Gaelic Storm vocalist and songwriter Patrick Murphy in Murphy's hometown of Cork City, Ireland “You've probably introduced Irish music to five minutes of fame with that little film clip."

The Jimmy Kelly Band hails from an extensive line of Irish musicians.  Denis and Jimmy Kelly’s grandfathers both landed in America as teenagers, with concertina and accordion in hand.  It did not take long for them to make their mark as renowned contributors to the Irish music scene in New York.  The Kelly Brothers get together often, performing at concerts and festivals throughout the country.  They surround themselves with exceptionally talented musicians, while combining original songs with familiar Irish music with their own twist.

The Fuchsia Band first performed on Holy Thursday night, Easter 2004 at the Lobby Bar in Cork City Ireland, where they celebrated (with an OK from the Bishop) the world’s first last dessert, handing out hot cross buns to everyone.  From that point on, the group has brought Irish traditional music, story, song and dance to all their tours.  They all came from different musical backgrounds but formed a complementary mix of fluid sound. 

Singer, fiddler and songwriter Laura Cortese lights up the stage with a radiating smile, dazzling musicianship and uninhibited delight and delivering a unique blend of passion and humor.  Cortese “chops a mean fiddle” behind her fold pop vocals.  On her latest release, “Even the Lost Creek”, she couples urban music with universal themes of the old world.  Cortese is Berklee-trained, and perhaps that contributes to the concision and balance of her fiddling.

Matt and Shannon Heaton pair original songs with traditional Irish flute and guitar numbers, which is a natural blend of material for this Boston-based husband-and-wife pair.  They have retained traditional music chops while becoming involved in the rich Boston acoustic music scene.  Matt and Shannon’s shows feature stunning musicianship, an easy rapport with audiences, and a selection of music you won’t hear anywhere else.

Bruno’s Boys lean back into the past and offer a musical feast of the songs of their forefathers.  With influences including The Clancy Brothers & Tommy Makem, the Dubliners, the Irish Rovers and many of the “come-all-ye” singers of the Irish Ballad Boom, brothers Paul and Derek put their own signature sound to Irish music often generations old.  Bruno’s Boys feature vocals that could charm the hinges off the gates of hell, accordion, guitar, bodhran, harmonica and mandolin, all combining majestically and often with great humor, in the telling of the timeless songs and stories.

Changeling presents the fire and stark beauty of the Celtic traditions with (in the words of one fan) "the power of ten in a package of two."  They travel from concert halls to dance halls, delighting fans and winning friends with their tunes, songs and stories.

Dulahan (pronounced Doolahon) is a Dayton based Celtic band that features strong vocal harmonies and a variety of well-crafted original Celtic tunes.  Dulahan’s original compositions reflect a respect for the genre, paying appropriate homage to the legendary vocal groups of Celtic music.  Dulahan has performed at the Dayton Celtic Festival for the last four years and is currently in the studio completing their third CD, scheduled for release this summer.

Singer/Songwriter Roger Drawdy has put together a brilliant ensemble of players with his band, The Firestarters.  The Firestarters play Irish music with an eye toward American rock.  Formed in 2000, Roger Drawdy and The Firestarters have performed in numerous venues across the United States.  They provide blend of traditional, modern and original Irish music. 

Father, Son and Friends is a traditional Scottish, Irish and American folk band that has been performing since 1980.  The purposes of the group are to introduce the public to traditional Celtic music and educate them on the history of Scotland and Ireland and the contributions the Celtic race has made in the building of America.  They include the audience in their presentations by creating a fun and enjoyable atmosphere.

Homeland has been rockin’ the stage with their “new rock/Old Celtic style originals and tricked out traditionals since 1999.  Their music can be heard on college and public radio stations around the U.S. and Europe.  They have played on stages anywhere from your neighborhood pub and national festivals to Ireland and Scotland.  They have shared the stage with the front runners in their genre such as Black 47, Gaelic Storm, The Prodigals, and Flogging Molly.   

Fannigan's Isle is one of the few American acts to be carrying on the tradition brought to America's shores by the Clancy Brothers, the Irish Rovers, and the man they credit as their 'founding inspiration, Tommy Makem.  Based in Dayton, Rick Fannin and Tom Scheidt, collectively known as Fannigan's Isle, have been entertaining audiences throughout the Midwest with their masterful command of the Bar Irish tradition for the last fifteen years. 

Fin Tan is a 5-piece band from Dayton, bringing a traditional style to classic Irish songs as well as pieces by modern Celtic artists like Loreena McKennitt, Stan Rogers, Dougie McLean and Altan.  Playing a broad mixture of Irish jigs and reels, the band also adds their own brand of five part vocal harmony to many classic Irish tunes.  The band formed in 2002 and has released two albums since that time: Fishdance and Black and Tan. 

In addition to the bands, various Celtic dancers will perform at the festival.  The dance acts include the Celtic Academy of Irish Dance, whose mission is to promote a greater understanding of the Irish culture and dance, and the McGovern Ceili Dancers, who are members of Cumann Rince Naisiunta, the National Dance Association of Ireland.  The St. Andrews Scottish Highland Dancers will also be performing traditional highland dances.  Also, various vendors will provide authentic Celtic food and merchandise such as Celtic souvenirs and the finest products imported from Ireland, Scotland, and Great Britain. 

Other activities include cultural workshops on Celtic Art (held at UD before the festival July 24-26 and in the cultural tent during the festival), Clan Desdin (Highland Scots re-enactment camp with demonstrations), artisans demonstrating their craft, workshops on genealogy with the St. Andrews Society, a "Session" music workshop on-stage, and Gaelic Mass on Sunday.

Also, the second Cornhole Tournament will be held on Saturday, July 28, with the Family Fun/Youth Tournament at 2:00 pm and the Open Tournament at 6:00 pm.  In the event of inclement weather, the tournament will be held on Sunday, July 29: Family Fun/Youth tournament will be at 11:00 with registration starting at 10:00, and the Open tournament will start at 2:00 with registration at 1:00.  In the event that both times/dates are rained out, the fees will be reimbursed to those who have registered.  Registration forms can be downloaded from the United Irish website www.unitedirishofdayton.org.

Another returning activity is the 5K Run/Walk at the Corridor Bikeway at RiverScape, Saturday, July 28, sponsored by Kettering Sports Medicine.  It is open to runners and walkers of all ages.  Online registration closes July 25, and T-Shirt Guarantee date is July 14.  The event starts and finishes on the Great Miami River Recreation Trail near RiverScape, and the course is primarily on the recreation trail (bikeway).  Refreshments will be available at the finish.  There will be awards for the top three in each age group and the overall Male and Female runners.

In addition, the “Rainbow's End Children's Area” includes games, crafts and a session on building a fairy house to teach children about their Celtic heritage.  Another kids activity is the annual children’s parade, which begins at 12:00 Noon on Saturday at the far west end of the festival (the west end of United Irish stage blacktop area) at the statue of children holding hands.  Also, next to our children’s area, the festival will have a new feature, the Family Fun Zone sponsored by Dayton’s CW (Channel 26), which offers various family activities.