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Titanicdance will have you on the edge of your seat: My Interview with Raymond Sweeney

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  I wrote an entry about this Irish song and dance phenomena Titanicdance a few days ago. Now, Producer, Creative Director and Lead Dancer Raymond Sweeney, took time to answer this interview. I am currentlyqvzrbp44upehnzbms7a4

listening to the soundtrack while transcribing our online conversation. You have to see this show. This is the best thing that happened to the stage since Riverdance and Celtic Tiger. Please don’t forget to visit their Indiegogo campaign and hopefull take part as one of the show’s backers. This is music and dance arrange in a way that will captivate both young and old fans of Celtic music.

1. Hi Raymond, you are from Donegal which is known as a place that gave birth to global artists.What’s the story behind Titanicdance?
It was in 2012 on the 100th year anniversary of the tragic events of the Titanic that I came up with the idea to do the show. Creating my own production was something I always dreamed of doing so I got a team together and started choreographing the show with Louise Hayden & James Keegan in a little prefab in my dad’s work yard. It took many long hours of hard work, determination and a lot of patience but it was all worth it as the end result exceeded our expectations.
2. You joined Michael Flatley’s Lord of the Dance at 16. What were the challenges of being in a big and famous troupe at a young age?
Being from a small village in Donegal and heading into the unknown was exciting but scary at such a young age. It was a huge challenge trying to meet the standard required for such a large production and as well as the dancing there was a lot to learn about performing on stage. The other thing I found challenging was being away from home at such a young age and getting used to my new independence. It was a great experience. 
3. I think Titanicdance will strike a universal chord as the story (Titanic) itself is still a phenomenal success brought about by books and of course Hollywood.
This is so true and is the reason why we think we have something special.
4. What’s the training ritual of your dancers before a big event?
Well it takes many weeks/months preparing for a big show as first and foremost fitness is very important as well as learning routines etc.. The choreography of Titanicdance is of a very high standard and therefore plenty of training is required to get it perfect for show time.  
5. How do you handle the responsibilities of leading 30 top Irish dancers?
I’m fortunate enough to have the experience of being a cast member and touring in a big dance production for over 15 years and therefore I know how to find the right balance to treat cast members in a firm but fair way in order to get the best results. I have a lot of friends that I have work along side and toured with previously and that are now in my cast, now being Creative Director and having to direct them and call the shots isn’t always easy but I do it in a manor that they still so me respect. 
6. How is it like working with producer David McLaughlin? You must be great pals right now.ykusbiflr8xnphaiihly
David and the whole team have been great. Everyone really believes in this production and works endlessly to make sure it will become a huge success. I have a great relationship with David and it is growing stronger and stronger..!!
7. What do you hope to achieve this Titanicdance?
I hope to achieve everything possible with Titanicdance. It’s always been my dream to have a touring show and I am so honored to be in the position I’m in at the moment and I will continue to strive to meet my goals because I believe this show can be a huge success. 
8. Your message to the readers?
 
Titanicdance has it all. Live Irish Music, Song and Dance and a story line that will have you on the edge of your seat and possibly in tears. Audiences across the globe deserve to see this production and I will do my best to make that happen. You will not be disappointed. 

—

Kind Regards,

Raymond Sweeney
Watch out for my review of the Titanicdance music soon! Big thanks to my friend Anita Daly of Daly Communications for arranging this interview.

The Gothard Sisters – Compass

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Compass

Compass: Dreamy and energetic tunes from the magical sisters of Celtic music.

Sounds like: Mozart, Secret Garden, Anuna, Altan and Riverdance.

Track listing:

1. Compass 
2. Water is Wide
3. The Landing
4. Solid Ground
5. Guinevere
6. Call and the Answer
7. Fairy Dance Jig
8. The Whistling Gypsy Rover
9. A Song for Lark
10. Feast of the Elven King
11. Danny Boy
12. Flying Sails

The great thing about doing Celtic music podcasts is the opportunity to reach more ears and to spread the beauty that;s Celtic music. Also, the idea of relaxing and still want to play Celtic tunes to get that inspiration moving. This is what happened yesterday. I got the time to listen to the album of the Gothard Sisters called Compass. It’s their new album. What is different about this one is the energy they put so much in their recording performance.

There are slow tunes especially the traditional ones like Danny Boy but most of the tracks are electrical in their execution. Take for instance the third one called The Landing. That one literally stopped me from my idle listening and sent me to perform my improvised step dancing. I was so amazed how music can do that. Especially when it is performed with so much passion that the music dictates your feelings.

Compass is an exciting album. As the title suggests, it’s all about gravitational attraction as the compass signifies the direction to the magnetic field of the earth . It  tells us what direction to take. The sisters have done well in recording this beautiful album. I hope more ears will hear. It will be a shame if such a gem of a recording would go unnoticed. They can make Lord of the Dance have a run of their money. Check it out. I already featured the title track in my first Celtic Music podcast and I will be featuring more of them. Yes more and more until you remember to get out there and buy Compass.

***

Huzzah!

I am running a

 Win an album “The Calling” by MÉAV

 contest!!!!

So watch out for my announcement. The winner will receive Meav’s autographed album .

Reel Roots in WNKU-FM Interview Featuring John Whelan and Alyth McCormack

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John Whelan (picture courtesy of Reel Roots)

My Cincinnati informer Cole Imperi has brought me this wonderful news and link to an audio. Riverdance has introduced me to the wonderful music of John Whelan and that name stuck with me ever since. Now Reel Roots Folk Music Alliance has brought to the fore these wonderful talents in Celtic music that one should not miss. thanks to the wonderful audio clip I was able to get an impression as to what fans would expect if they happen to attend one of the concerts. I give high five to people like Kristin Kirby for being so passionate about the music she loves to the point of putting this wonderful multimedia event! Here’s the press release:

Reel Roots Featured in WNKU-FM Interview

Cincinnati Public Radio Station Takes a Look at Celtic Music, Reel Roots

CINCINNATI—13 May 2010—Reel Roots’ owner Kristen Kirby was featured in a four-minute interview aired on 89.7 WNKU-FM.

“We were extremely fortunate to be featured,” said Kirby, owner and promoter. “The piece not only spotlighted what Reel Roots is bringing to Cincinnati, but it also took a look at some noted musicians within the genre.”

Artists like John Whelan and Alyth McCormack were featured in the piece.

“While bringing international musicians to Cincinnati is certainly one of our goals, we also want to raise awareness for the genre,” said Kirby.

Reel Roots has been accomplishing this aspect of their mission by posting monthly interviews with noted musicians to the website, offering workshops with artists they bring to the city and more.

Exclusive interviews with Alyth McCormack and John Whelan have already been posted to the website.

To listen to the WNKU interview, please visit: http://www.reelrootsfolkmusic.com/press-2/

To read exclusive interviews published by Reel Roots, please visit: http://www.reelrootsfolkmusic.com/category/artist-spotlight/

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For the latest on concert dates, artist interviews and more, please visit the Reel Roots Folk Music Alliance website at http://www.reelrootsfolkmusic.com.

For more on this story, or to contact Kristen Kirby, please use the contact information and/or contact form available at http://www.reelrootsfolkmusic.com/contact.

Reel Roots is on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/ReelRoots
Reel Roots is on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ReelRoots

Alyth McCormack

Jean Butler and Colin Dunne in the World of Irish Dancing

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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.

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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/

Top Selling in Celtic Music at Amazon.com

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51lnBDhHUUL._SL500_AA240_  If you want to know what’s hip and hot in Celtic world, then you got to check this out!

Amazon Celtic Chart

  My personal favorite Jane Sibbery made it to the top 20 as well as Lunasa,Solas and Riverdance.I think this is exciting because we now have our own little chart up there 😉 You can also listen to song samples so you’ll know what to expect.