I have read novels detailing the wonderful musical culture of County Clare Ireland. It’s like being there but not really. You see you really need to hear it in person and also feel the atmosphere. This video is very engaging. Blackie O’Connell is a tour master!
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Rickie O’ Neill-Don’t You Just Love Drums?
Rickie O’ Neill from Claremorris, County Mayo Ireland talks to us using his sticks(Interview via Facebook chat):
What are your projects for this year in terms of musical collaboration or individual performances?
Well, I will be recording an album with a guy in Galway. I have some gigs with Silver Circus. I must do a concert with the renowned singers Dolores, Sean and Matt Keane. I will hopefully shoot another drumming video with director/producer/good friend Curtis Morris. I will play a fund raising concert with some great friends in December. I have to keep practicing hard in order to get better. I think I have a musical coming up in April 2011 and I have a project to see through in Dublin but that is still pending.
In a band, how is a drummer different from the rest?
Oh wow that’s a tough one. Well, every member of a band serves the band in their own unique way, and each member has responsibilities. A bass player is the backbone of the band, the guitarists provide the melodies and the drummer keeps the time for the whole band, so the rest of the players can sit on top off that groove and do what they do best. I wouldn’t say the drummer is any different from the other band members as each member carries equal importance. There is one thing different about drummers however…….we sweat more:-)
Any song(s) you like to play on drums?
Well when I started playing I loved to play along to Red Hot Chili Pepper songs as Chad Smith is a grooves master and there is so much you can learn from the way he grooves! As time went on I started improvising a lot more when is hugely beneficial to every drummer as it will eventually bring out your own style of drumming.
What do you love about Dublin?
I am not from Dublin myself, I live in the west of Ireland but I can say that Dublin is a great city. There are great people in Dublin. The social/night life is fantastic, there are some beautiful music venues. Also, there is a lot of history and culture in Dublin which everyone loves and respects!GO TO DUBLIN,IT IS A GREAT PLACE:-)YOU WILL NOT REGRET IT!
Macedonia Celtica
Marko Dzambasovic is a 24-year old bagpiper from Serbia. His music is a combination of Celtic, Balkan ethnic music and a bit of domestic rock. You should check him out.
Cool Photo from LiveIreland
Hi guys, check this out. It says: Klara Mc LI Logo happeny Bridge
Visit and sign up on liveireland where you can listen to streaming music, watch videos and make friends .
Anam/Spirit Radio Debut and Other Celtic Festivals
Those who are excited to get a full length audio treatment of Jenne Lennon’s Anam/Spirit will catch it here: http://www.musictogousa.com/ The song is taken from Celtic Dreams under Quickstar Productions. Here’s an invitation from Jenne:
Hello Everyone. My new single “Anam/Spirit” is making its radio debut this Saturday, Sept. 11th on The Songwriter’s Network Live 365 radio from 6PM to 11PM Eastern time. This marks a sad day for America, but a song about forgiveness and the in-conquerable human spirit seems fitting. Thank you all for the support.
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If you are in West Dundee Illinois then you will catch The Fox Valley Irish Fest. Very interesting array of performances from bands to Irish dancing.
http://www.foxvalleyirishfest.com/
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I love blue grass music and the Niall Toner band delivers the genre with a force of a firestorm. The music will leave you breathless and you will spend the night tapping your toes long after the music is done. This is such a treat for those who like the fusion of Celtic and American music. Better check them out: http://www.nialltonerband.com/
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If you are in Rome then you should not miss the Harp Festival in Rome:
Celtic Music Fan 