Irish Dance

áthas on Tour All Over Milwaukee

/ mrbaxteria2008 / 8 Comments

Hello American readers in the Midwest. The band Athas is making rounds around Milwaukee this month. You should not miss the amazing talents of each member. I stumbled upon them last March 2010. I am excited to hear that they are spreading the joy of Celtic music around the United States and the world. Thanks to harpist Scott Hoye for posting the updates of the band.

This is an aside but I am amazed to learn that guitarist Jeff Ksiazek played jazz on saxophone  for two decades before switching to guitar! Amazing.

Heather Lewin-Tiarks: fiddle, viola
Amy Richter: bodhran, percussion
Jeff Ksiazek: guitar, bouzouki

I like it when a video highlights the the most important aspect of music: musicians playing their instruments.

Find them in facebook: https://www.facebook.com/athasmusic

http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/athas

http://www.athasmusic.com/

Biography
áthas lights the dance floor on fire with a combination of traditional and newly composed Irish dance tunes. Fierce fiddle, driving bodhrán, and funky guitar riffs come together to lift listeners’ feet, drinks, and spirits.

Although approaching the tradition from various musical backgrounds, the band found each other and their voice as an ensemble while playing in Irish sessions around Milwaukee throughout 2005. Spending their time between tunes laughing and joking inspired them to make music together and their name, which is the Irish word for joy and happiness.

The band’s blend of exciting music and fun-loving attitudes quickly earned the admiration of Milwaukee’s Irish set and ceili dance communities, as well as audiences throughout their hometown stomping grounds. áthas has become a favorite act at Irish music’s premier event, Milwaukee Irish Fest, gathering praise for the excitement of their stage shows and the energy they display playing in the dance tent.

áthas is a band firmly rooted in the traditions of Irish music, constantly seeking inspiration from the past masters and passing on their knowledge by teaching throughout Milwaukee. The band remains receptive to new influences, and continues to impress audiences with their new compositions as well as their
passion, energy, and love for making music.

Influences:

Comas, David Munnelly Band, Teada, Different Drums of Ireland, Dervish, Planxty, John Whelan, Leo McCann, Seamus Begley

Celtic Dance Centre : Teaching Tradition at a Very Young Age

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It is said that the future lies in children. This is exactly what the Celtic Dance Centre does. They accept student as early as age three. Based in Toronto and Ottawa, Ontario, this company is composed of Directors: Michael Patrick Farrell and Patricia Farrell.  Pictures courtesy of the official facebook site.

Resident companies:
Brogue
Celtic Dance Company of Canada
Greenfire Celtic Dance Theatre
Greenfire Academy

Jean Butler and Colin Dunne in the World of Irish Dancing

/ mrbaxteria2008 / 5 Comments

It is hard to grasp the intensity of the impact made by these two artists in the world of Irish dance.  They made Irish dancing such an irresistible art that young people are getting into it hoping to be the next Jean Butler or Colin Dunne.

Celticmusicfan  salutes these two artists for setting the trail on fire, making Irish dancing a sought after form of art for generations to come.

***

I could not put into words my reaction upon seeing Irish dancing for the first time. Without any background or reference, I was left with nothing to compare it to. I know tap dancing originated from this. I also know that it is like ballet only with minimal hand movements. There is something regal about this form of dancing…somehow ominous and even victorious in nature. This is how faeries should move like. After seeing this, I know I will never be captivated by any for of dance the way it has captivated my mind and soul. I never cared for Michael Jackson dance steps or Madonna’s choreography. Somehow they look pale in comparison to this.

A good reference about Irish dance: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Irish_dance and  http://www.irishcentral.com/ent/irish_dance/