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1 www.imda www.imda www.imda www.imda-mn.org mn.org mn.org mn.org Irish Music & Dance Association 28th Year, Issue No. 12 December 2010 Nollaig Dedicated Irish Dancer Achieves TCRG Dedicated Irish Dancer Achieves TCRG Dedicated Irish Dancer Achieves TCRG Dedicated Irish Dancer Achieves TCRG Elizabeth (aka Betsy and Liz) Hines has been a dancer since the age of three. She discovered Irish dance at Irish Fair Minnesota as a grade schooler and danced with Scoil na dTri for more than 10 years, reaching Preliminary Championship level. Liz was inspired by Brenda Buckley, a founder and longtime director of Scoil na dTri Irish Dance Academy. While she loves dancing and competing, Liz is also passionate about teaching and dreamed of becoming a certified Irish dance teacher by passing the TCRG evaluation administered by An Coimisiún le Rincí Gaelacha, the international governing body of Irish dance. Success in passing this exam requires an extensive knowledge of all 30 ceili dances, traditional and non- traditional sets as well as each of the tunes. Liz recently received word that she has accomplished that dream – she’s received her TCRG certification. Liz had great support from the community in preparing for this very challenging exam. Fauna Gille of Corda Mór Irish Dance generously provided Liz with a place to teach and train after Brenda passed away. And IMDA helped Liz by awarding her an IMDA Educational Grant to help with the expenses of sitting for the exam. Liz tells us “I just don't know where to begin with my thanks to so many for their support, and encouragement. I want to express my extreme gratitude towards IMDA and to all of you for your generosity and gratefulness for the scholarship program. You have helped me achieve my ultimate dancing goal of getting to be a teacher! I can't wait for the moment that pupils under my instruction succeed and achieve their dancing dreams.” Liz is an outstanding example of the very reason that IMDA established the Educational Grant Program. Liz will be contributing to our community for years to come. Congratulations Liz! The mission of the Irish Music and Dance Association is to support, coordinate, encourage and promote high quality activities and programs in Irish music, dance, and other cultural traditions within the community and to insure the continuation of those traditions. Inside this issue: Tune of the Month 2 Gaelic Corner 3 Smidirini 5 December Calendar 6-7 An Leabhragán 8 The Ceili Calendar 10 IMDA ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING Please join us Sunday, Dec. 5th at 4pm for our Annual Membership Meeting. This is a great chance to see the inner workings of the board, ask questions or put in your 2-cents. We always enjoy and look forward to seeing (and hearing from) our members. This year we will be meeting at Merlin's Rest (3601 E. Lake St. in Minneapolis). We will have members up for re-election as well as other topics for discussion. Also, the IMDA is always looking for additional board members. If you are interested in helping serve the Irish music and dance community, please let us know! It is a great opportunity to meet new people and make a difference! Please call Lisa Conway at 612.990.3122 with any questions. We look forward to seeing you there!

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Irish Music & Dance Association

28th Year, Issue No. 12

December 2010 Nollaig

Dedicated Irish Dancer Achieves TCRGDedicated Irish Dancer Achieves TCRGDedicated Irish Dancer Achieves TCRGDedicated Irish Dancer Achieves TCRG

Elizabeth (aka Betsy and Liz) Hines has been a dancer since the age of three. She discovered Irish dance at Irish Fair Minnesota as a grade schooler and danced with Scoil na dTri for more than 10 years, reaching Preliminary Championship level. Liz was inspired by Brenda Buckley, a founder and longtime director of Scoil na dTri Irish Dance Academy.

While she loves dancing and competing, Liz is also passionate about teaching and dreamed of becoming a certified Irish dance teacher by passing the TCRG evaluation administered by An

Coimisiún le Rincí Gaelacha, the international governing body of Irish dance. Success in passing this exam requires an extensive knowledge of all 30 ceili dances, traditional and non-traditional sets as well as each of the tunes. Liz recently received word that she has accomplished that dream – she’s received her TCRG certification.

Liz had great support from the community in preparing for this very challenging exam. Fauna Gille of Corda Mór Irish Dance generously provided Liz with a place to teach and train after Brenda passed away.

And IMDA helped Liz by awarding her an IMDA Educational Grant to help with the expenses of sitting for the exam.

Liz tells us “I just don't know where to begin with my thanks to so many for their support, and encouragement. I want to express my extreme gratitude towards IMDA and to all of you for your generosity and gratefulness for the scholarship program. You have helped me achieve my ultimate dancing goal of getting to be a teacher! I can't wait for the moment that pupils under my instruction succeed and achieve their dancing dreams.”

Liz is an outstanding example of the very reason that IMDA established the Educational Grant Program. Liz will be contributing to our community for years to come.

Congratulations Liz!

The mission of the Irish Music and Dance Association is to support, coordinate, encourage and promote high quality activities and programs

in Irish music, dance, and other cultural traditions within the community and to insure the continuation of those traditions.

Inside this issue:

Tune of the Month 2

Gaelic Corner 3

Smidirini 5

December Calendar 6-7

An Leabhragán 8

The Ceili Calendar 10

IMDA ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING Please join us Sunday, Dec. 5th at 4pm for our Annual Membership Meeting. This is a great chance to see the inner workings of the board, ask questions or put in your 2-cents. We always enjoy and look forward to seeing (and hearing from) our members. This year we will be meeting at Merlin's Rest (3601 E. Lake St. in Minneapolis). We will have members up for re-election as well as other topics for discussion. Also, the IMDA is always looking for additional board members. If you are interested in helping serve the Irish music and dance community, please let us know! It is a great opportunity to meet new people and make a difference!

Please call Lisa Conway at 612.990.3122 with any questions. We look forward to seeing you there!

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The IMDA Board is:

President: Lisa Conway

Treasurer: Mark Malone

Secretary: Jan Casey

Board Members: Suin Lowry Ruth McGlynn Anne Alcocer Patrick Cole Editor: John Burns

IMDA Board Meetings are open to the membership. The Board meets regularly on the First Tuesday of each month at 6 pm at Perkins in HarMar. Members are encouraged to verify the time and location shortly before, as meeting times and locations can change.

Contact Information Write to:

Irish Music and Dance Association 236 Norfolk Ave NW Elk River, MN 55330

Call: 612-990-3122

E-mail: [email protected]

This month’s tune comes from one of the giants of traditional Irish music, Peter Horan, who died on October 17, 2010. Born in Killavil, Co. Sligo, in 1926, he was a gifted and influential flute player, as well as a versatile fiddler. His flute playing was heavily influenced by the rich fiddle tradition that surrounded him in South Sligo. In fact, his distinctive style was due in part to the many aspects of fiddle technique that he adapted to the flute. Peter teamed up with fiddler Fred Finn in 1959 when Ciarán Mac Mathúna recorded them for his radio program, The Job of Journeywork. That was the beginning of a legendary duo that was to last nearly 30 years, until Fred’s untimely death in 1986. They recorded for television and radio many times, released an LP in 1988, and toured the U.S. with the Coleman Ceili Band in 1972. They also played together in The Rising Sun Ceili Band, the Coleman Country Trio, and the Martin Wynne Ceili Group. In more recent years, Peter released two CDs on the Cló Iar-Chonnachta label with fiddler Gerry Harrington (Fortune Favours the Merry in 2004

and The Merry Love to

Play in 2007). The Irish-language television station TG4 awarded Peter the Hall of Fame award as part of its traditional music awards in 2002.

Usual disclaimers: Any transcription errors are my own. The notation here is not meant to be a substitute for listening. It is simply an aid to learning the tune.

�une of �he on�h by Amy Shaw

Newsletter Submissions We welcome our readers to submit articles of interest, news, and notices of events to be published in the newsletter. The deadline is the 20th o f the preceding month. Send to: [email protected]

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Céad is an Irish word that most of our readers will have seen before. At one Irish festival or another, or perhaps at a store or a home, you may have seen "Céad

Míle Fáilte!" ("100,000 Welcomes!") Céad is the word for "hundred" in Irish. As always, the accent or "fada" is important. Céad

is "one hundred," while cead, without the mark over the e, simply means "permission." It is pretty common to see the "permission" version in "welcome" signs at various events, which doesn't make any sense if you can read Irish, so be careful with that fada. Céad, then, is the literal number: céad carr would be "100 cars." (Like most numbers, it is followed by a singular, literally "100 car," in Irish, even though we translate it with a plural in English.) By extension, céad can refer to a "hundredweight," a hundred pounds of something like flour. And it is also the word for "century," a period of 100 years. On the other hand, in certain usages it refers to a "long hundred," actually 120 of something. Some items tend to be counted in scores, or twenties, such as plants, when we are talking about seedlings to be planted in a garden or on a farm. So céad cabáiste generally means "120 cabbages," rather than just 100 of them. Céad éisc, similarly, refers to "120 fish," although the old Dineen dictionary suggests that in Kerry it could refer to 128 fish! At any rate, we can usually distinguish the two "hundreds" by a little grammar, as they are followed by different forms of the noun. Céad éisc is "120 fish" while céad iasc is "100 fish." Céad is also be used to denote one hundred threads in the warp of a fabric. In this use, leithead mór ar

bheagán céadta literally refers to "a great breadth on a few hundreds." The point is that the fabric is rather loosely woven. But exactly the same expression can be used to refer to "false pride," an exaggerated

appreciation for oneself that is perhaps not commensurate with one's achievements. Just to make things more interesting for learners, there is another céad that looks the same but behaves differently (I'm afraid you end up saying things like that about words after you study Irish for a while). An chéad

iasc would not be "100 fish," but rather "the first fish." And an chéad iasc eile would be "the next fish."

As you might expect, sometimes céad is used to simply indicate "a lot." Tá céad rud le

déanamh agam, we could say, "I have many things to do." Oh, and speaking of 100, you have just read my one hundredth

column for the Irish Music and Dance Association newsletter. For the 29th year in a row, Gaeltacht Minnesota students, instructors, family, friends, and supporters will gather at the end of the year enjoy good company, good food, and a few tunes. Our annual Christmas dinner is scheduled for Monday evening, December 13th, at Kieran's "old pub," the original location. We cherish this celebration of our little Irish-speaking community, and we truly appreciate the family and friends who support us in our efforts to learn the language, so we are especially pleased when they can join us. And don't worry: we don't chatter in Irish all night! We will have full details about the menu, prices, timing and location (reservations and prepayment required) on our web site at www.gaelminn.org. While you are there, sign up for The GaelMinn Gazette, our free monthly e-newsletter with tips for learning Irish and news of our activities. Go maire tú céad!

May you live to be a hundred! Will

�he �aelic �orner By Will Kenny

Yulefest!!! Join The Eddies, Barra, Patsy O'Brien, and the HiBs for an evening of music, drink and giving.

This evening of music is being presented on Friday, December 3rd, at the Hat Trick Lounge in downtown St. Paul, on Fifth Street in between Robert and Jackson, starting at 7:30.

The cover charge is $10, all of which will go to the Minnesota Food Shelf. The Hat Trick is a funky spot with a fine music room, drinks and basic bar food. Come early for the best seats.

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KATIE McMAHON’s Celtic Christmas Show

Don’t miss Katie on December 11th @ the O’Shaughnessy Auditorium Tickets: 651-690-6700 or from TicketMaster.com

Katie will return to the O’Shaughnessy for the 9th year with her annual Celtic Christmas Show. This year’s show will feature music from her new Christmas Angels CD. When Christ was born the angels came down to celebrate with ordinary people on earth. At no other time has there been such a beautiful mingling of the earthly and the heavenly. Listen to the music of the angels performed by Katie, her harmonizing vocalists, rhythmic percussion, festive strings and the lively Corda Mór Irish Dancers. Katie was the lead singer in the Riverdance show. Originally from Dublin, Katie now lives in America and tours with her own band and the acclaimed group Secret Garden. She has released four other CDs: After the Morning, Shine, Celtic Christmas & St. Patrick’s Day.

www.katiemcmahon.com [email protected] 612-850-1359

�riends of �ain� �a�rick

The Friends of Saint Patrick is a local organization dedicated to building a positive relationship between Minnesota and Northern Ireland. The group began in 2007, when Dr. Tim Campbell, Director of the Saint Patrick Centre in Downpatrick, Northern Ireland, visited Irish Fair Minnesota. He presented seminars in the Fair’s cultural area on the life of Saint Patrick and spoke about Patrick’s mission of promoting community service and cultural under-standing. Dr. Campbell’s talks sparked interest in some Minnesotans to be-come involved in the good work of the Saint Patrick Centre. In 2008, the Friends of Saint Patrick in Minnesota was officially incorporated, becoming the first international chapter of the Northern Irish organization.

The Friends of Saint Patrick is involved in community service at home and abroad. Locally, the chapter participates in Irish events, such as the IMDA Saint Patrick’s Day Celebration and Irish Fair Minnesota. Members also help with community service projects at local food shelves and the Little Sisters of the Poor. The Minnesota chapter is closely linked to the Saint Patrick Center in Downpatrick. Every summer, we send three young adults to Northern Ireland to participate in the Young Ambassador Program. The Young Ambassadors spend two weeks learning about the country’s history, cultural traditions, and peace and reconciliation efforts. The Minne-sota chapter also sponsors educational programs at the Saint Patrick Centre, which foster friendship and cultural un-derstanding among youth in Northern Ireland. The Friends of Saint Patrick is hosting a holiday gathering on December 21, 2010 at the Macalester Alumni House (1644 Summit Avenue, Saint Paul) from 6:30 to 9:30. We welcome the Irish community to come and learn about our organization. Please contact Beth Engelking ([email protected]) for more information.

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Smidirini* By Copper Shannon

(*Irish for ‘Bits and Pieces’)

Comhghairdeas léi (Congratulations) and Best Wishes! Norah Rendell has been named Executive Director of the Center for Irish Music, adding to her responsibilities as Education Director. Norah will be working closely with

Chad McAnally and Cormac O’Se, who will continue their roles as Artistic and Event Directors for the Center.

Fáilte ar ais (Welcome home) to Maria Flynn Conway and Michael Gibbons of Irish Fair Minnesota, who recently returned from traveling and working in Ireland. Maria and Michael helped insure a successful Irish tour for the Wild Colonial Bhoys, and made time for some learning and sharing with other Irish festival organizers from the US and Ireland for the first International Conference of Festival Organizers in Ireland. A hearty welcome home to the Bhoys and their fans, who had a grand time altogether!

And fáilte ar ais to Norah Rendell, whose band The Outside Track was featured at Celtic Colours International

Festival in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia. You can catch a glimpse of Norah’s smiling face (and a fun introduction to the Festival) in the Rick Mercer Report at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dC7FLN4Dtig

Speaking of traveling – The Belfast Cowboys are heading for Ireland in 2011. The plan is to head for Cork March 19 thru 27. They say that you should come, too.

What’s in a name? Laura MacKenzie is looking for a new name for her group Laura and the Lads. Seems the current name sounds too much like a pub band.

Is that music I hear – or a huge sigh of relief? Amy Shaw and John McCormick are delighted at the recent decision by the St. Paul Parks Department to maintain the green space near Como Park, rather than building a

parking ramp on the site. Amy and John were active with their neighbors to influence the decision.

Home wreathed in music – looking for a new family. Laura MacKenzie’s beautiful older home at 701 Hyacinth Ave E in St. Paul is on the market. With wonderful details like hardwood floors, woodwork and leaded glass, and set on a beautiful double lot, this is a very special home indeed. Check out the details at www.DavidEmily.com.

Comhghairdeas léi (Congratulations) and Best Wishes to Irish Fair Executive Director Sarah VanSickle and her

family on the birth of a son, Lucas Terry VanSickle, on Nov. 28.

If you’re off to see a movie at the Riverview Theatre in Minneapolis or the Woodbury, you’ll soon be treated to music

from our own Center for Irish Music during the breaks between the shows.

Pack your bags for fun and Irish music – on a cruise to Alaska. Máirtín de Cógáin will be part of the Sessions at

Sea cruise from Seattle beginning May 22, 2011, along with the Makem and Spain Brothers, Seamus Kennedy and many more. Contact Casey Travel at (888) 564-7474 or email [email protected] for all the details.

Ní Bheidh Mo Leithéad Aris Ann (There’ll never be the likes of him again).

The Irish music community has lost a great friend with the death of Chuck Ward, longtime Enter-tainment Chair and current President of Milwaukee Irish Fest. Chuck passed away on Nov. 5. Chuck’s dedication to Irish music and his devotion to the musicians were hallmarks of his amazing life; his good humor and positive outlook made both his living and his dying an inspiration to all who knew him.

Go dtuga Dia suaimhneas síoraí dá anam (May God give eternal peace to his soul).

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IMDA Community Calendar December 2010 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1 7pm Ceili Dance Class Conway Recreation Center 7:30pm Ceili Dance Tom Dahill Dubliner Pub 7:30 Pub Quiz Kip’s Pub 7:30pm Pub Quiz Merlins Rest

2 6pm Pocahontas County 10pm Reverse Cowboy Dubliner Pub 6:30pm Pub Quiz 8pm Pub Quiz Keegan’s Pub 7pm Set Dance Class The Ivy Building Wild Colonial Bhoys O’Donovan’s Pub

3 7:30pm Yulefest: Eddies, Barra, Patsy OBrien, HiB’s Hat Trick Lounge, St. Paul 8pm Mairtin De Cogain Project CD Release The Celtic Junction Tom Dahill Dubliner Pub Wild Colonial Bhoys O’Donovan’s Pub Kilt Night/Trad Irish Session Merlins Rest

4 7pm 1st Saturday Ceili Tapestry Folk Center 9:30pm Hounds of Finn Kieran’s Pub Wild Colonial Bhoys O’Donovan’s Pub Tom Dahill Dubliner Pub

5 Noon: Traditional Session Kieran’s Pub 4pm Annual IMDA Membership Meeting Merlins Rest 4pm Learners Irish Session Keegan’s Pub 6pm Advanced Irish Music Session Keegan’s Pub 7:30pm Pub Quiz Merlins Rest 7:30pm Leahy Family Christmas Cedar Cultural Center

6 6pm Shanty Sing Dubliner Pub

7 7pm 1st Tuesday Night Ceili Classes Merlins Rest 7pm Pub Quiz Keegan’s Pub Dukes of Nazareth Dubliner Pub

8 7pm Ceili Dance Class Conway Recreation Center 7:30pm Ceili Dance 9:30 pm Tom Dahill Dubliner Pub 7:30pm Pub Quiz Merlins Rest 7:30 Pub Quiz Kip’s Pub

9 6pm Pocahontas County 10pm Reverse Cowboy Dubliner Pub 6:30pm Pub Quiz 8pm Pub Quiz Keegan’s Pub 7pm Set Dance Class The Ivy Building 7pm Lehto & Wright Cork’s Pub

Locklin Road Nectar Wine Bar, Osseo

10 9:30pm Tim Malloy’s Kieran’s Pub A Little of the Ready Dubliner Pub Kilt Night/Trad Irish Session Merlins Rest

11 11am Locklin Road Coborn’s, Ramsey Katie McMahon Christmas O’Shaughnessy Auditorium 9:30pm Tim Malloy’s Kieran’s Pub Erin Rogue Keegan’s Pub Hounds of Finn O’Donovan’s Pub Locklin Road Claddagh Irish Pub Music Dubliner Pub

12 Noon: Traditional Session Kieran’s Pub 4pm Learners Irish Session Keegan’s Pub 6pm Advanced Irish Music Session Keegan’s Pub 7:30pm Pub Quiz Merlins Rest

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14 7pm Pub Quiz Keegan’s Pub 9:30 pm The Langers Ball Dubliner Pub

15 7pm Ceili Dance Class Conway Recreation Center 7:30pm Ceili Dance 9:30 pm: Music Dubliner Pub 7:30pm Pub Quiz Merlins Rest 7:30 Pub Quiz Kip’s Pub 7:30 Pub Quiz Kieran's Pub

16 6:30pm Pub Quiz 8pm Pub Quiz Keegan’s Pub 7:00pm Set Dance Class The Ivy Building

17 A Little of the Ready O’Donovan’s Pub The Langers Ball Paddy Ryan’s Pub, Hudson Kilt Night/Trad Irish Session Merlins Rest Wild Colonial Bhoys Jake O’Connor’s Pub Music Dubliner Pub

18 10am Locklin Road Coborn’s, Delano A Little of the Ready O’Donovan’s Pub The Langers Ball Claddagh Irish Pub Wild Colonial Bhoys Jake O’Connor’s Pub Music Dubliner Pub

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19 10:30am Locklin Road Coborn’s, Albertville Noon: Traditional Session Kieran’s Pub 4pm Learners Irish Session Keegan’s Pub 6pm Advanced Irish Music Session Keegan’s Pub 7:30pm Pub Quiz Merlins Rest

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21 7pm Pub Quiz Keegan’s Pub

22 7pm Ceili Dance Class Conway Recreation Center 7:30pm Ceili Dance 9:30 pm: Music Dubliner Pub 7:30pm Pub Quiz Merlins Rest 7:30 Pub Quiz Kip’s Pub

23 6:30pm Pub Quiz 8pm Pub Quiz Keegan’s Pub 7:00pm Set Dance Class The Ivy Building

24 9:30pm Reverse Cowboy Kieran’s Pub Kilt Night/Trad Irish Session Merlins Rest Music Dubliner Pub

25 9:30pm Reverse Cowboy Kieran’s Pub Music Dubliner Pub

26 Noon: Traditional Session Kieran’s Pub 4pm Learners Irish Session Keegan’s Pub 6pm Advanced Irish Music Session Keegan’s Pub 7:30pm Pub Quiz Merlins Rest

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28 7pm Pub Quiz Keegan’s Pub

29 7pm Ceili Dance Class Conway Recreation Center 7:30pm Ceili Dance 9:30 pm: Music Dubliner Pub 7:30pm Pub Quiz Merlins Rest 7:30 Pub Quiz Kip’s Pub

30 6:30pm Pub Quiz 8pm Pub Quiz Keegan’s Pub 7:00pm Set Dance Class The Ivy Building

31 9:30pm Sweet Colleens Kieran’s Pub Kilt Night/Trad Irish Session Merlins Rest Live Music Dubliner Pub

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�n �eabhragán (The Bookcase)

And One Fine Morning: Memories of My Father by Nick Hayes (Nodin Press, 2010)

There was a time, not so long ago, when Irish Catholic priests strode as giants among men, and when fathers, cut down in mid-life prime, were heroes to their young sons. This affectionate and insightful biography and tribute to Minneapolis architect, artist, and family man Mark Hayes by his son Nick spins a tale of the mid-50s which resonates with warmth and loss a half-century later. The author shows not only the life of a son of Ireland achieving the postwar American dream, but encapsulates the history of Irish emigration to the Canadian and American prairies and beyond. And One Fine Morning

illuminates how a man defines himself as a professional, a family man, an American. Although the memoir begins in 1947 in Minneapolis, the sense of time is fluid: everything which made Mark Hayes and his family who they are, and all that son Nick becomes, are vividly and evocatively chronicled in this heartfelt tribute. At once truthful (sometimes painfully so) and loving, we see a complex portrait of a man balancing his artistic dreams and ambitions against the societal obligations of family and community. Nick Hayes draws Northside Minneapolis (and later, the southwest suburbs) with great vividness and energy. Community players spring to life: priests like Father John Dunphy

of Ascension Parish ruled their flock with a muscular fist within a velvet glove. Irish-Americans were held to a high standard in their churches, on the football fields (the section on sports at "D", as DeLaSalle High School is called by alums, is full of rough-and-tumble glory), in their work and service to their community. The Irish had finally made it in America. No longer marginalized caricatures, they belonged in a country which was soon to elect the first Irish Catholic president, John F. Kennedy. Much was expected and much delivered by the sons and daughters of prairie immigrants. We follow Mark Hayes from a farm background, excellent high school education at "D", a World War II naval career, and a brief but stellar career as the architect of postmodern buildings (some of the most soaring passages are about modern architecture and Mark Hayes' collaboration with famed Finnish architect Elial Saarinen). Nick's father died at the age of 47, a life of promise cut short by a combination of congenital heart disease, Camel cigarettes, martinis and a hard-striving personality. His son inherited his father's eye for detail, wry humor, and the gift of telling a great tale. This memoir would make a great Christmas gift for anyone interested in local history, Irish-Americans, and good storytelling: in short, for anyone. Sherry Ladig, frequent reviewer for this column, is an Irish trad

musician and former reviewer for the Hungry Mind Bookstore's

newsletter, Fodder.

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�eegan’s �ub �os�s �our�h �nnual ‘ omen’s �hris�mas’ "an. 2

On Sunday, Jan. 2, 2011, Christmas celebrations will be over for most of the Twin Cities. But not at Keegan’s Pub, Minneapolis. On that day, Keegan’s will host one last holiday bash exclusively for women to celebrate the Irish tradition of “Women’s Christmas.” The fourth annual Women’s Christmas at Keegan’s will take place noon to 4 p.m. on Jan. 2. Prize drawings for women and special food offerings will be featured, and local Celtic band Locklin Road will perform from 1 to 4 p.m. Keegan’s Pub started the celebration in 2007 after learning from Locklin Road that Women’s Christmas is a popular event in Ireland—particularly in Cork. On Women’s Christmas—celebrated on the feast of the Epiphany, the traditional end of Christmas season (aka the twelfth day of Christmas)—the custom is for Irish women to take the day off, and for men to take on the household duties. Women fill the pubs, and go out and celebrate with their girlfriends. Gifts are given to women. “We heard of the tradition and loved the idea, thinking it would be the perfect thing to do at Keegan’s,” said Terry Keegan, publican. “The event is designed to give women a day off, to be together and have fun after the frantic holiday season.” In keeping with the tradition of Women’s Christmas (also known as Little Christmas or Little Women’s Christmas), women are encouraged to bring small gifts to the pub Jan. 2 to exchange with their friends. Keegan’s will also have prize drawings. “Our first three Women’s Christmas events were wildly successful,” said Keegan. “The pub gets packed, filled with groups of women having the time of their lives. It’s a memorable day at the pub.” Keegan’s brunch menu will be offered until 2 pm with the dinner menu thereafter. Following the Women’s Christmas event on Jan. 2, a traditional Irish Session will begin at 6 p.m. For more information, contact Keegan’s Pub, (612) 252-0880 or go to www.keeganspub.com. For more information about Locklin Road, go to www.locklinroad.com.

Young Ambassador Program Young Ambassador Program Young Ambassador Program Young Ambassador Program 2011201120112011 The 2011 Young Ambassador Program application process has now begun! This program promotes a positive relationship between Minnesota and Northern Ireland by sending young adults to County Down, where they spend two weeks learning about the history of the area, cultural traditions, and the peace and reconciliation efforts. Participants work on cultural projects and meet with local leaders to gain insight about how cultural

traditions and reconciliation efforts influence various aspects of community life. Past cultural projects include work in journalism, schools, music, language, and civil engineering. In addition to working on cultural projects, Young Ambassadors have fun traveling around Northern Ireland to visit popular sites, such as Giant's Causeway and Carrickfergus Castle. The Young Ambassador Program is sponsored by the Minnesota Friends of Saint Patrick chapter, Friends chapters from around the United States and Canada, and the Saint Patrick Centre in Downpatrick, Northern Ireland. This summer, the fourth Young Ambassador cohort will travel overseas to be part of this exciting program. Eight to twelve participants from around the country will be selected, including up to three from Minnesota. The Young Ambassador Program is open to applicants age 20-25. Airfare, accommodations, and transportation in Northern Ireland are provided by the sponsors. Participants are responsible for their own food, beverage, and souvenir costs. Interested in being a Young Ambassador? To apply, go to http://www.youngambassadorprogram.com. Applications must be submitted by January 31, 2011. If you have any questions please contact Beth Engelking at [email protected] or Ryan Barland at [email protected]

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Irish Music & Dance Association

�eili �orner By Bhloscaidh O’Keane First Saturday Afternoon Céilí - Dubliner Pub, 2162 University Avenue in Saint Paul, from 2:00 to 5:00. The suggested donation is

$2.00 per person. The dances are taught and called by Paul McCluskey. Third Saturday Night Céilí - The Celtic Junction, 836 Prior Ave., No, St. Paul. Dances taught and called by Mike Whelan with Irish dance music by the Twin Cities Ceili Band. Admission $5 per person, $20 maximum per family.

Irish Dance Classes:

Irish Ceili Dance Classes - First Tuesday night

Merlins Rest - 3601 East Lake Street in Minneapolis. We'll teach the dances as we go, and basic steps as needed. 7 to 9 PM, every first Tuesday. Paul McCluskey will teach and call the dances. Come dancing! Céilí Dancing - Wednesday Nights

Dubliner Irish Pub - 2162 University Avenue in Saint Paul. Learn Irish dancing in a genuine Irish pub with a wooden floor that has known a whole lot of dancing feet. Steps and dances are taught by Súin Lowary. Basic beginning steps are taught beginning at 7:30 (please note the time change), with advanced lessons and dancing continuing until 9:30 PM. Year-round; no children, and must be of legal drinking age to remain past 9:00 PM. Free.

Conway Recreation Center - 2090 Conway Street in Saint Paul. This class is held in a park and recreation gym, and is taught by fine dancers/instructors who will provide plenty of special attention for your particular level of experience. The class runs from 7:00 to 8:30 PM. Year-round and open to all ages. Free.

Set Dancing - Thursday Nights

The Ivy Building - 2637 - 27th Avenue South in Minneapolis, right along the Midtown Greenway. Set dances are taught and led by Tim McAndrew, usually with live music. Dancing from 7-10pm, year-round. $7 per person.

The Center for Irish Music

The Center has incorporated as an independent non- .profit Come check us out at

The Celtic JunctionThe Celtic JunctionThe Celtic JunctionThe Celtic Junction ,836 Prior Avenue St Paul MN

Please check the website for information on

our full range of instruction in traditional Irish music, language , culture and fun.

For class schedule and other information call or email 651-815-0083 [email protected]

Or visit our website

www.centerforirishmusic.org

Dedicated to Handing Down the Tradition

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Irish Music & Dance Association

Just tear out the above form and send it with a check made out to “IMDA” to: The IMDA Membership Coordinator c/o Jan Casey 400 Macalester St. St. Paul, MN 55105

Name: Today’s Date:

Address:

Membership Type:

New? Gift? Renewal? Corporate? Family?

Interests:

(Mark all that apply)

Music

Dance Theatre Gaelic Volunteer

Where did you hear about the IMDA Newsletter?

IMDA Membership Want to know what’s going on in the local Irish scene? Interested in music, dance, theatre and culture? Be the first on your

block to subscribe to the IMDA Newsletter. It’s a mere $20 for an annual individual membership and $25 for a family membership. Sign up yourself or sign up a friend, but whatever you do, support your local artists!

Phone Number:

E-mail:

We will send your monthly newsletter electronically via e-mail unless you would prefer to have it mailed. _____ Prefer US Mail.

Twin Cities Dance Groups Come Together to Support Their Home! Have you always enjoyed the ethnic dance scenes in your annual holiday Nutcracker? Want to see more? On

December 5th, come on out to the Oddfellows Hall, home to some of the Twin Cities’ finest ethnic dance groups! The Wild Goose Chase Cloggers are proud to join forces with the Knocknagow Irish Dancers, Mooncoin Irish Dancers, Northstar Nordic Dancers, St. Paul Irish Dancers and the Toejam Band to present Dancin’ on the Oak Floor: An

Oddfellow’s Holiday Show, a family-friendly show where you can get your holiday ethnic dance fix!

While the cloggers put up a holiday show nearly annually, this is the first time the production will benefit their practice hall, with all proceeds going to the Oak Floor Association to benefit the Oddfellows Hall. A beloved practice and dance space to many Twin Cities ethnic and social dancers, the cloggers and fellow presenting groups look forward to the show as a chance to share their joy of dance while contributing to the place they hold dear. Over the years, the Oddfellows Hall has housed a plethora of talented ethnic dance groups, and the performers of Dancin’

on the Oak Floor look forward to keeping it that way for many years to come.

Look to Dancin’ on the Oak Floor to revamp holiday reveling; not only will it add Irish dance, traditional foot-tappin’ Appalachian music, contra dancing, Nordic dancing and flat-foot clogging to a holiday entertainment roster, it also generates charitable giving for a wonderful cause. See you there!

Dancin’ on the Oak Floor: An Oddfellows Holiday Benefit Show runs December 5th at 2:00pm and 5:00pm at the Oddfellows Hall, 2380 Hampden Ave, St. Paul, MN, 55114.

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Irish Music & Dance Association

Postmaster: Time/Dated Material

236 Norfolk Ave NW Elk River, MN 55330