Friday, July 1, 2011

We've moved

The Cavan Fiddle Blog has combined with my personal blog. Please join me in my new digs!

Thursday, January 20, 2011

2011, here we go!

We have an exciting year planned! Here's what's coming up in the Cavan Fiddle Studio...

Details for all of these events can be found on the Beggarmen Events Calendar

January
22- The Beggarmen will be performing at one of our favorite local venues, Uptown Bill's.
23- open Irish session at the Center hosted by Tara
29- we will rock out at Jameson's Irish Pub in Downers Grove, IL

February
11- Tara and Keith are performing Lincolnshire Posy by Percy Grainger with the University of Northern Iowa Symphonic Band under the direction of Dr. S. Daniel Galyen
27- open Irish session at the Center

March
5- a performance sponsored by the Waukee Arts Council
12- Post-Parade Bash at the Col Ballroom
12- Ceili in Moline, IL (busy day!!!)
15- performing for Family night at the Coralville Public Library
17- celebrating St. Paddy's Day the right way at Celtic Knot Pub in Evanston, IL
27- open Irish session at the Center

Somehow or another, I am also squeezing a trip to Ireland (County Cavan, as a matter of fact) with my mother into the already packed March schedule.

Please join us in supporting local music and promoting Irish culture!

Saturday, November 6, 2010

Ceili!

Irish Ceili with live music by The Beggarmen at the Senior Center on Saturday, November 6 from 7 to 10 pm.

Come to the Center and enjoy the fall Ceili dance featuring live music by the Iowa City based Irish band The Beggarmen and dancing by the Ghrá na Gaeilge Irish Dancers. Caller Gerry Bade of the Quad Cities Ceili Club will lead dancers through the steps of the various ceili dances.

‘Ceili’ is an Irish Gaelic word used to describe a social gathering featuring music and dancing as well as story telling, poetry reading, and other activities. All experience levels from newcomers to experienced dancers and all ages are welcome and encouraged to attend.

Thursday, October 21, 2010

Irish session this Sunday, October 24th!

Join us this Sunday at the Senior Center for an Irish session.

The Dutchers will not be in attendance this coming Sunday but the room is reserved and the session will still be taking place (if you show up!)

The sessions are the fourth Sunday of each month from 2 to 4 pm. 24 South Linn Street in Iowa City. All are welcome!

Thursday, September 23, 2010

Irish session this Sunday, September 26!

Join us this Sunday at the Senior Center for an Irish session.

The sessions are the fourth Sunday of each month from 2 to 4 pm. 24 South Linn Street in Iowa City. All are welcome!

Friday, September 17, 2010

Fiddlers Showcase

I'm very honored to be in such good company tomorrow night. Here are the details from Marc Janssen:

Fiddlers Showcase, a preview of the Fiddlers Picnic

Confirmed performers will be Al Murphy, Guy Drollinger, Deb Hunemuller, Dave Hicks, Norbert Sarsfield, David Mehaffey, and Tara Dutcher. Keith Reins and I (Marc Janssen) will be on hand to provide some guitar backing.

Each player will have roughly 15 minutes to discuss their fiddling background, key influences, and play a few tunes. The time should allow each player to play 3-4 tunes to showcase that player's style and influences.

Saturday, September 18 at 7 pm
Uptown Bill's
NEW LOCATION: 730 South Dubuque Street in Iowa City

Saturday, September 11, 2010

Hootenanny 2010

Once a year, we have a hootenanny potluck where all my students, friends, and fellow musicians come together to play music, dance, share food, watch the kids scramble around on the rocks near the pond, and generally have a great time.

Several of my students attended and played in a traditional session. I was really proud of all of them.

Fiddling

Fiddling

Fiddling

I didn't get a picture of the food this year, nor did I get to eat very much of it due to all my flitting about. This is a real pity because these folks can cook.

The kids had a great time running around together and playing.

Pavilion

Play

Friends

I think even the ducks enjoyed the music, don't you? Isn't the one on the left there tapping his little webbed foot?

Friendly fowl

I took a terribly shaky and low quality video of some excellent and high quality music and dancing. It's a lot of work putting the hootenanny together but these twenty four seconds will show you what made it all worthwhile.