In what has become an annual tradition and also in the spirit of not throwing the baby out with the bathwater (by which I mean green beer, does a more apt analogy exist?), I give you a poem that has had a lifelong influence on me: Patrick’s Rune, origin anonymous, translated by James Clarence Mangan.… Read More Patrick’s Rune
Our second very special guest on Saturday for our St. Patrick’s Day show at the Sanctuary Pub in Iowa City is no stranger to the traditional Irish music scene in eastern Iowa and was really the engine that kept The Beggarmen running all those many years in his multiple capacities of drummer, singer, sound technician,… Read More …and Friends, Part Two
Keith and I are looking forward to playing for you at The Sanctuary for our St. Patrick’s Day show and we are very lucky to be joined by two of our very favorite musicians. Today I will be crowing about Frank Claudy and how happy we are that he will be with us. Check back… Read More …and Friends, Part One
Introducing Waelyn, my featured musician for March and April! Waelyn is a wonder. She has never met a melody that she doesn’t retain, can hear and demonstrate melodic similarities in vastly different pieces of music, and her impeccable rhythm extends to her comic timing, much to my continued delight. Perhaps it is no coincidence given… Read More Congratulations to Waelyn!
We have secured for you a cozy, delicious and television-free way to enjoy Irish music on St. Patrick’s Day. Music, food, drinks, and friends. Nothing could be better. Please join us!
I’m so pleased to be a part of another Burns Night at the Trumpet Blossom on Friday, January 26 at 8 pm. We gather to celebrate the life of Robert Burns, Scotland’s national poet, who was born 259 years and one day before our event and designated as “The Greatest Scot” by STV in 2009. As… Read More Burns Night January 26 at the Trumpet Blossom in Iowa City
As you can see, this news is almost a month old but I just heard about it yesterday. Many thanks to Karen Impola, Charity Nebbe and everyone at Iowa Public Radio for your wonderful advocacy of local music and of folk music in general. Karen has positioned Iowa artists in the first half of her… Read More Our song is in Best of 2017 by IPR!
Introducing Beth, my featured musician for January and February! Teaching Beth is a delight for so many reasons. Let me count the ways: well-rounded multipotentialite lifelong learners like Beth are the most inspiring and interesting people with whom to spend time. I strive every day to count myself in this group. Here she lists her… Read More Congratulations to Beth!
Tom Stoeffler and I loved playing for the Champagne Academy of Irish Dance‘s Christmas Céili 2017. Awesome job, dancers! Thanks for including us.
As a proud returning member of the Champagne Ceili Band, I warmly invite you to join us on Saturday, December 16 at 2 pm at the Johnson County Fairgrounds. Christmas Ceili 2017: Christmas in Killlarney will be an afternoon of dance, music, fun, food and community. From the Facebook event page: Watch your favorite Irish… Read More December 16 Christmas Ceili
Tara McGovern 