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Showing posts with label News. Show all posts
Showing posts with label News. Show all posts
2027 Tartan Day Parade Date Announced
Julian Erskine, Former Executive Producer of Riverdance, Dies
DaHuzyBru, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
Julian Erskine, former Executive Producer of Riverdance, died on September 18, 2026, surrounded by his family. He joined the Riverdance family in 1994 and was a critical part of the show’s journey around the world.
Marc Gunn Launches Kickstarter For 2027 Celtic PodFest and Nerdy Arts Market
The Irish & Celtic Music Podcast has started a Kickstarter campaign to fund the 2027 Celtic PodFest and Nerdy Arts Market. The goal is to raise $3,700 for the event, which will take place at the The Lost Druid Brewery in Avondale Estates, Georgia.
The festival is a one-day celebration of Celtic music,
podcasts, and nerd culture. It will feature live music, a Nerdy Arts Market,
and breweries. Money raised from the Kickstarter will help ensure that every
musician is fairly paid ($300 per musician). It will also fund the printing of
a festival zine for attendees and the recording and editing of a live album on
the day. The money will also help fund
promotional items and other small things that go into the event.
Kickstarter rewards include:
- $1: A heartfelt thank-you and campaign updates
- $5: The digital festival zine
- $15: Everything above, plus your name printed in the zine
- $20: A postcard signed by all the bands, mailed after the festival
- $22: The festival album pin
- $25: The festival CD
- $40: The "Reel Celtic Music" shirt
- $60: The physical CD + Album Pin + Zine
$100 All-Access: everything above, plus a printed copy of
the poster used to promote the event and a printed copy of the zine mailed to
you
$250: All of the above, plus your name on the event banner
as a generous donor and a listing on CelticMusic.org
$800 Corporate Sponsor: an All-Access pass plus your
business (or self) featured as an official festival sponsor on CelticMusic.org
Celtic Podfest is run by Marc Gunn, who hosts Irish &
Celtic Music Podcast and is a musician himself. Gunn has earned the nickname “Celtfather”
for his efforts in celebrating Celtic music and culture.
Related Articles:
-Uilleann Piper Paddy Keenan Dies at 76: https://kiltedowl.blogspot.com/2026/09/uilleann-piper-paddy-keenan-dies-at-76.html
-Manic Street Preachers To Release Live Album: https://kiltedowl.blogspot.com/2026/09/manic-street-preachers-to-release-live.html
-Damian McGinty Announces 10th Anniversary Edition of "This Christmas Time": https://kiltedowl.blogspot.com/2026/08/damian-mcginty-this-christmas-time-anniversary-edition-announced.html
Ashley's Birthday Fundraiser: BC/EFA
I am turning 34 on September 16, 2026. My birthday is next
week! This year for my birthday, I have a Facebook fundraiser going to raise
money for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS (BC/EFA). My goal is to raise $340
for my 34th birthday. For every dollar I raise, I am picking up a
piece of trash at a local park. So far, I have raised $36 and have picked up 36
pieces of trash.
BC/EFA is an organization that raises money to help fight AIDS.
They are involved with other organizations, partnering with them and writing
grants for their efforts. According to their website, “…since 1988
Broadway Cares has raised more than $300 million for essential services for
people with AIDS.”
I chose this organization because it is one that means a lot
to me. When I was in 8th grade, I performed in my middle school’s production
of “Anything Goes.” I was a sailor and performed with a broken toe. Each year,
my local high school puts on a BC/EFA gala to raise money for the organization.
I got to perform in the gala that year, which was such an honor.
I have loved Broadway for years. I got to see “Mamma Mia”
when I was younger and connected with the music and the story. Since then, I
have seen a variety of musicals, and seeing so many theatre people unite around
BC/EFA is incredible.
This organization means a lot to me also because of its mission
to fight AIDS. Queen is one of my favorite bands, and Freddie Mercury is my
favorite singer. Sadly, Mercury died of complications from AIDS in November of
1991. I want to help support organizations that are fighting this awful disease
so no one else has to die.
If you would like to support the fundraiser, you may do so here. Times are tough, so if you are unable to
donate directly, please share the fundraiser link or this blog post to help
spread the word. Thank you for all of the support so far.
Related Articles:
-Book Review: "The Grump I Got Stuck With" by Leslie North: https://kiltedowl.blogspot.com/2026/09/book-review-grump-i-got-stuck-with-leslie-north.html
-Movie Review: "Granny O'Grimm's Sleeping Beauty": https://kiltedowl.blogspot.com/2026/09/movie-review-granny-ogrimms-sleeping-beauty.html
Celtic Connections: The Irish Of 9/11
Deirdre 13:21, 25 January 2007 (UTC), CC BY-SA 3.0 <http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/>, via Wikimedia Commons
September 11, 2026, marks the 25th anniversary of
the terrorist attacks at the World Trade Center in New York, New York, and
other areas. The attack killed 2,977 people. It is estimated that one-sixth of
these deaths were Irish people or people of Irish descent.
Ireland says at least 12 Irish natives were killed in New
York, Washington D.C., and Pennsylvania during the September 11 attacks. Even more
people with Irish connections, including Irish last names, were killed.
A website called “IrishTribute.com,” which no longer exists,
was created to pay tribute to the lives lost who had Irish connections. In
2003, a 9/11 memorial was created in Donadea Forest Park, Co Kildare, to honor Sean
Tallon, an Irish American firefighter who served during the 9/11 attacks.
There is a 9/11 memorial located at Bishop’s Place on the
Mall in Waterford. It is adjacent to the iconic Waterford Crystal factory, and it
was erected in September 2018 to mark the 17th anniversary of the
attacks.
O’Hara’s Bar and Restaurant, an Irish pub located on Cedar
Street in New York City, became a hub for first responders during the aftermath
of the attacks. The pub closed after the attacks, but it reopened after eight
months. The pub remains a busy spot today, especially with people visiting the
9/11 Memorial and Museum. The pub continues to hold records of what happened during
the attacks, from memorabilia to a scrapbook with information.
Below are a few of the Irish people who died on 9/11:
-Kieran Gorman: Co Sligo
-Joanne Mary Cregan: Dublin
-Ruth Magdaline McCourt and her daughter Juliana Valentina
McCourt: Cork
-Patrick Joseph Currivan: Dublin
-Martin John Coughlan: Cappawhite, County Tipperary
- Jeremy Carrington: Downpatrick, County Down
On this 25th anniversary, and always, let us
remember every one of those people who lost their lives during a terrible day in
history. May we never forget all of those who served as first responders,
bravely helping those in their greatest time of need.
Related Articles:
-Celtic Connections: Morgan Log House: https://kiltedowl.blogspot.com/2026/01/celtic-connections-morgan-log-house.html
-Celtic Connections: Empire State Building: https://kiltedowl.blogspot.com/2025/06/celtic-connections-empire-state-building.html
-Celtic Connections: Graeme Park: https://kiltedowl.blogspot.com/2024/12/celtic-connections-graeme-park.html
Uilleann Piper Paddy Keenan Dies at 76
Mobilus In Mobili, CC BY-SA 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
Irish uilleann piper Paddy Keenan died on September 9, 2026, at the age of 76. He is considered to be one of the most celebrated traditional Irish musicians of all time. The legacy of his contributions to traditional Irish music are being remembered by musicians and fans around the world.
Keenan was born in Trim, Co. Meath, Ireland. He comes from a
line of uilleann pipers, being the third generation to pick up the instrument
at the age of 10. When he was 14, he played his first major concert at the Gaiety
Theatre in Dublin, Ireland. He began performing with his family with a band
called the Pavees.
He became a founding member of The Bothy Band in 1975, and he
made significant contributions to the band’s revolutionary Irish sound. Keenan
was awarded the TG4 Gradam Ceoil Ceoltóir na Bliana / Musician of the Year
award in 2002 and received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Irish Music
Association.
Related Articles:
-Manic Street Preachers To Release Live Album: https://kiltedowl.blogspot.com/2026/09/manic-street-preachers-to-release-live.html
-Damian McGinty Announces 10th Anniversary Edition of "This Christmas Time": https://kiltedowl.blogspot.com/2026/08/damian-mcginty-this-christmas-time-anniversary-edition-announced.html
-Sephira Announce Upcoming Album, 2027 Release Date: https://kiltedowl.blogspot.com/2026/08/sephira-announce-upcoming-album-2027.html
Manic Street Preachers To Release Live Album
Celtic Fyre Dance Show Seeks Irish Dance Auditions
Dancers are required to be of Open Championship level, and
those who are a World Qualifier or equivalent are preferred. It is preferred
that dancers have previous show experience or a background in performing arts. Applicants
must be 18 years or older.
To apply, submit a video showcasing your Irish dancing to bgwauditions@seaworld.com
with the subject line “Irish Dancer 2027”. Your video should include a hornpipe
or jig in hard shoes, a reel or slip jig in soft shoes, and a short a cappella
piece and/or a treble reel. If applicable, include a clip of your professional
Irish dance experience, ensuring that you are clearly visible.
Your resume should include name, address, phone number, email
address, nationality, height, schools attended (including Irish dance schools),
a summary of your Irish dance competition achievements, and a list of your show
experience. Your application should also include a full-length photo and a headshot.
The deadline for international visa candidates to apply is
September 18, 2026, and the deadline for candidates from the United States to apply
is September 20, 2026.
Related Articles:
-Ally the Piper Seeks Information, Pictures of Glasgow Bus Ad: https://kiltedowl.blogspot.com/2026/08/ally-piper-seeks-bus-ad-info-pictures.html
-Barleyjuice to Stop Touring After 2027: https://kiltedowl.blogspot.com/2026/08/barleyjuice-to-stop-touring-after-2027.html
-Petition Circulates To Oppose UK's Amendment NC107 Representation of the People Bill: https://kiltedowl.blogspot.com/2026/08/petition-circulates-to-oppose-uks.html
Ally the Piper Seeks Information, Pictures of Glasgow Bus Ad
Ally the Piper, a bagpiper based in the United States, is
seeking pictures of and information about a bus advertisement in Glasgow,
Scotland. The advertisement features a picture of herself and Rocky Roeger, the
owner of USA Kilts. Ally and Roeger do not have an ad running in Scotland right
now.
Roeger was made aware of the advertisement when a couple who were traveling in Scotland saw the ad on the side of the bus. They saw the bus at the Central Station bus depot in Glasgow. Anyone who sees the advertisement is asked to send a photo and information to Ally. They want to know what the photo looks like and what it is advertising for.
Ally’s email: piperallymusic@gmail.com
Related Articles:
-Barleyjuice to Stop Touring After 2027: https://kiltedowl.blogspot.com/2026/08/barleyjuice-to-stop-touring-after-2027.html
-Petition Circulates To Oppose UK's Amendment NC107 Representation of the People Bill: https://kiltedowl.blogspot.com/2026/08/petition-circulates-to-oppose-uks.html
-The Shamrocks Release "At Least You Were Mine": https://kiltedowl.blogspot.com/2026/08/shamrocks-at-least-you-were-mine.html
Barleyjuice to Stop Touring After 2027
Philadelphia-based Celtic rock band Barleyjuice announced on Facebook that 2027 will be their last year of touring. They intend to do shows locally in the Philadelphia area, but the various aspects of full touring no longer appeal to the band.
Petition Circulates To Oppose UK's Amendment NC107 Representation of the People Bill
_(cropped).jpg)
Darren J. Prior, CC BY 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
Marcas Mac an Tuairneir has created a petition to give BSL, Cornish, Irish, Scots, Gaelic & Welsh UK-wide official language protections. These languages currently have some protections, but they are not yet on a wide scale.
Amendment NC107 Representation of the People Bill, which is
the bill being debated and discussed, would make it illegal for political
literature to be issued in a language other than English and Welsh. SNP
publications in Scots or Gaelic would be deemed illegal, as would any Irish
language publications by SDLP, Sinn Féin or Áontú.
Currently, the Irish language has recognition and protections
under Northern Ireland’s Identity and Language Act of 2022, which was the first
official legal recognition of the language. The Justice (Language) Act 1737, which
banned the use of any language other than English in court proceedings, was
repealed.
Expanded protections would expand language rights across the
UK, upgrade the status of languages from om a regional language to a legally recognized
national minority language, and replace a patchwork of local rules with a
single UK wide protection for speakers irrespective of where they lived. For
instance, an Irish person living in Liverpool could apply for their marriage
license in the Irish language.
There are concerns that Amendment NC107 to the
Representation of the People Bill will criminalize election leaflets in
Cornish, Irish, Gaelic, Scots and BSL. This would impact bilingual
constituencies, including Na h-Eileanan an Iar, Irish-speaking areas of NI, and
BSL users across the nation. There is a possibility that it would outlaw party
names written in these languages.
Devolved governments have put protection on these languages,
but there are concerns that issues would arise in general elections
Opponents of the bill say that multilingualism within a
country is normal. English is not the only indigenous language in the UK. While
it may be the current viewpoint that English is the natural language, the
marginalization of other languages is a forced process.
Currently, there is a petition being circulated that British
citizens or UK residents can sign. (Petition link: https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/777127#main-content
.) If the petition gets 10,000 signatures, the government will respond to it.
Parliament will debate the petition if it gets 100,000 signatures. The petition
closes on February 12, 2027. People can also contact their MP and encourage
them to oppose the bill and encourage them to support UK-wide recognition of
minority national languages.
Related Articles:
-The Shamrocks Release "At Least You Were Mine": https://kiltedowl.blogspot.com/2026/08/shamrocks-at-least-you-were-mine.html
-Tara Mór To Host First Fully Irish Festival in New York City: https://kiltedowl.blogspot.com/2026/08/mor-fest-nyc-first-irish-fest.html
-Fans and Loved Ones Honor Glen Hansard in A Variety of Ways: https://kiltedowl.blogspot.com/2026/07/fans-loved-ones-honor-glen-hansard-after-death.html
The Shamrocks Release "At Least You Were Mine"
On August 7, 2026, the Irish band The Shamrocks released their latest single, “At Least You Were Mine.” The song was written by Jamie Johnston, inspired by his wife and daughter. The track was produced and mixed by Cormac Crummey. It is available now across streaming platforms.
Tara Mór To Host First Fully Irish Festival in New York City
Mór Fest 2026
Mór Fest 2026, which is Manhattan’s first fully Irish festival, is set to take place from August 19 to 23, 2026. It is being hosted by Tara Mór, an Irish pub located a block from Madison Square Garden.
Fans and Loved Ones Honor Glen Hansard in A Variety of Ways
Bernhard Holub, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
In the wake of the death of Irish singer Glen Hansard, there have been a variety of ways that people have come together to honor him.
Glen Hansard Dies at 56
.jpg)
Andy Witchger, CC BY 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
In the early morning hours of July 29, 2026, Irish singer
and musician Glen Hansard died due to injuries from a single-vehicle road
accident. He was 56 years old. It is requested that Hansard’s family, friends,
and colleagues have privacy as they navigate this difficult time. ATC management
confirmed this news, thanking emergency services for their response to the
accident.
The accident happened in Dublin, Ireland, near Strawberry
Beds as Hansard was driving his motorcycle. Gardaí were called to the crash on
the R109 near Rugged Lane. They confirmed that Hansard was treated at the scene
and was confirmed dead shortly after. They are requesting that witnesses who
have any information, including dash cam videos or other footage, contact them.
The accident in still under investigation. Prime Minister Micheal Martin has
expressed his sadness about the news, and fans are paying tribute to the
musician.
Hansard was a musician who was the frontman for Frames, and
he won an Oscar in 2008 for best original song, “Falling Slowly,” for the movie
“Once.” He is also known for his role in The Commitments. He is also part of
the duo Swell Season. His career spanned three decades. He is married to
Finnish poet Maire Saaritsa, and the couple welcomed their first child in October
2022.
Sources:
Sources:
-Kinnfolk Launches Kickstarter For Christmas Album: https://kiltedowl.blogspot.com/2026/07/kinnfolk-launches-christmas-album-kickstarter.html
-U2 and Martin Garrix Release Collaboration, "Fireflies": https://kiltedowl.blogspot.com/2026/07/u2-martin-garrix-release-fireflies.html
-Irish Actress Brenda Fricker Dies at 81: https://kiltedowl.blogspot.com/2026/07/irish-actress-brenda-fricker-dies-at-81.html
Kinnfolk Launches Kickstarter For Christmas Album
U2 and Martin Garrix Release Collaboration, "Fireflies"
On July 24, 2026, Dutch DJ Martin Garrix and Irish band U2 released “Fireflies,” a collaboration that premiered live during Garrix's headline set at Belgium's Tomorrowland the previous weekend. This performance featured a surprise appearance from U2’s Edge.
Irish Actress Brenda Fricker Dies at 81
_(squared-trim).jpg)
Photo by Alan Light
Irish actress Brenda Fricker died on Thursday, July 16, 2026, at the age of 81. Her death was confirmed by her agent, Phil Belfield. She died in Dublin after a period of illness.
Fricker was born on February 17, 1945, to Bina Murphy, a language teacher, and Desmond Frederick Fricker, a journalist for the Irish Times. Initially, she wanted to be a journalist, working as an assistant to the arts editor at the Irish Times.
Irish America 250 Launches America Éire, Seeks Story Submissions
From now until the end of 2026, Irish America 250 is collecting stories of those with Irish connections for their America Éire site. The project was launched on July 1, 2026, and submissions are due by December 31, 2026.
Ireland Announced for Presidency of the Council of the European Union
From July to December 2026, Ireland is taking over the Presidency of the Council of the European Union as part of their rotating Presidency. This is Ireland’s eighth time holding this Presidency role.
Ireland’s Presidency officially kicked off on July 1, 2026,
and will end on December 31, 2026. During the Presidency, Ireland will
represent the Council in negotiations, help advance various EU laws, and contribute to shaping the EU
agenda as the EP and Council co-legislate.
“We commit to doing a good job for the EU and its citizens,”
the website
for the Presidency says, “and we will work throughout our term to make the
Union more prosperous and more secure, and to uphold our shared fundamental
values.”
The Presidency kicked off with a visit of the College of
Commissioners to Cork to help set priorities for the Presidency. They discussed
their priority values and policy program, which focus on competitiveness,
values, and security.
One of the focuses is “One Europe, One Market” to align with
the goal of making 2026 the year of European competitiveness. The Irish
Presidency will work together with members and others to meet this and other
goals. Another focus of the Presidency is to reinvigorate the Irish language
within Europe.
To mark Ireland’s Presidency, An Post has created a new
stamp. The stamp features the Irish EU Presidency’s official logo, which
consists of the spiral structure of the nebula. This was first identified by
the Earl of Rosse in 1845 in Birr, County Offaly.
Ireland put together a Spotify playlist in honor of the Presidency. It can be found here.
Related Articles:
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-Raymond Coleman and Team To Host Autism Support Fundraiser: https://kiltedowl.blogspot.com/2026/04/raymond-coleman-and-team-to-host-autism.html
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